Niger Military Junta To ECOWAS, Others: We’ll Fight To Defend Ourselves Against Invansion

August 21, 2023

Niger Republic’s self-declared Head of State, Abdourahmane Tiani, has warned that though he doesn’t want war, but that if their is foreign invasion, his men will fight to defend the country.
He emphasized that Niger Republic don’t want a war but would defend itself against any foreign intervention, if compelled to fight.
The junta leader was reacting to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) which rejected the junta’s 3-year transition plan and still make military invasion as part of the option on the table.
The ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah, had announced the decision of the inter-governmental body of West African countries in an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
In a late-night address on Saturday, the coup leader said that the country would return to civilian rule within three years and did not give details of the plan.
“Our ambition is not to confiscate power. Transition period will not exceed three years.
“Meanwhile, political parties are urged to submit their vision for the transition within 30 days,” Tiani had said.
The junta leader spoke after meeting with an ECOWAS delegation, led by Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar.
Reacting to Tiani’s proposal, Musah said ECOWAS would no longer accept prolonged transition periods in the region.
“ECOWAS is not accepting any prolonged transition again in the region. They just have to get ready to hand over in the shortest possible time.
“The earlier they give power back to civilians and concentrate on their primary responsibility, that is, defending the territorial integrity of Niger, the better for them.”
Musah added that the “military aspect is very much on.”

Falana Campaigns For Release Of Ex EFCC Boss, Bawa

Editorial staff

August 20, 2023

A Lagos based Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has begun campaing for the release of the former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, who has, by today, August 20, spent 67 days in the detention of the Department of State Services (DSS) without any charges and trial.

He said, in a statement today, August 20, that the remand order of Bawa has since expired.

According to him, Bawa’s detention is against the provisions of Section 493 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 or section 35 of the Constitution of Nigeria to authorise the detention of a criminal suspect for 67 days without trial.

Under the Act, the cumulative lifespan of a remand order is 56 days.

He said: “Sometime last month, I had cause to demand the immediate release of Mr Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa, the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, from the custody of the State Security Service.

“In the alternative, I requested the Federal Government to charge the two detained suspects before a court of competent jurisdiction, if there was evidence that they had committed criminal offences.”

Presidency Reshuffles Federal Cabinet Ahead Of Inauguration Tomorrow

Editorial staff

August 20, 2023

The Presidency has made some changes in the Ministerial positions and nomenclature ahead of their swearing-in tomorrow, August 21.

A statement today, August 20, from the Presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale said that some ministers awaiting inauguration have been redeployed.

They are as follows:

The redeployment of Engineer Abubakar Momoh from the Federal Ministry of Youth to the Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Development.

“The Federal Ministry of Youth is to be re-assigned to a Minister-Designate soon.

“The Ministers-Designate allocated to the Federal Ministries of Transportation, Interior, and Marine & Blue Economy have been reshuffled as follows:

“(A) H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola is redeployed as the Honourable Minister of Marine & Blue Economy

“(B) Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo is redeployed as the Honourable Minister of Interior

“(C) Hon. Sa’idu Alkali is redeployed as the Honourable Minister of Transportation.”

The statement said that both Ministers of State in the Oil & Gas sector are now domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources with the following designations:

“(i) Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri is the Hon. Minister of State (Oil), Petroleum Resources

“(ii) Hon. Ekperipe Ekpo is the Hon. Minister of State (Gas), Petroleum Resources.

“The President approves the renaming of the Federal Ministry of Environment and Ecological Management as the Federal Ministry of Environment.

“All aforementioned changes take immediate effect by these directives of the President.”

Niger State Gov, Bago, Appoints 131 Women Into Political Positions

Greenbarge Reporters

August 20, 2023

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago has approved the appointment of 131 women into various political positions in the State.

In a statement today, August 20, the spokesman to the governor, Bologi Ibrahim, said that 41 of the appointees would serve as coordinators while the remaining 90 would serve as Senior Special Assistants (SSAs).
According to Governor Bago, the appointments were in fulfilment of his campaign promise to allow women the chance to contribute to the building of the state.
The Governor therefore, enjoined the appointees to be dedicated to duty and contribute their quota to the success of his administration, going forward.

Agency For Science, Engineering Boss Storms Czech Embassy Over Failed Delta2 Project

Greenbarge Reporters

August 20, 2023

The Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Dr. Bashir Gwandu has stormed the embassy of Czech Republic in Abuja, Nigeria to find out from its Ambassador, Zdeněk Krejčí why Delta2 Project, which was supposed to benefit Nigeria’s technology companies and entrepreneurs and the country’s economic development failed.
Dr. Gwandu told the Ambassador in his office in Abuja yesterday, August 18, that he was on a fact-finding visit on the reason for the failure of the project.
The Delta 2 project was supposed to be a bilateral collaboration between the governments of Nigeria (represented by NASENI) and the Czech Republic (represented by Technology Agency of Czech Republic, TA CR) that would ensure take-off of projects that would foster growth and expansion of infrastructure, manufacturing and innovation in Nigeria, leading to Made-in-Nigeria technologies and products.
Dr. Gwandu said that the new administration at NASENI is ready to work with the Czech government to drive Nigeria’s industrialization agenda and attract new investments in the country that would ensure domestication of technologies through partnerships.
According to him, the mandate of NASENI is to make sure that Nigeria produces most of the goods and services it currently imports of which Nigeria has the capability to produce locally, thus developing the country’s economy and creating jobs for millions of Nigerians.
“I want us to work on government-to-government level on new initiatives we embark on. We want a relationship that is beneficial to our country.
“We have a lot of companies we are reaching out. We want to work with Czech government and companies. We want them to come here and start producing and domesticating technologies. We want to industrialize Nigeria.
“We want Czech companies to come and invest here in Nigeria and have partnership with us.”
Gwandu said that NASENI is working on new initiatives that would accelerate Nigeria’s industrialization and would partner companies from Czech Republic and other countries ready to set up factories and industrial base in Nigeria.
Responding, Czech Ambassador, who did not answer the NASENI boss question, commended him and his team for making out time to visit him at the embassy to enquire on why Delta2 Project did not take off. He said that his country is ready to work with NASENI on scientific cooperations.
“We await your new initiatives. In our country we have a grant agency and a technology agency responsible for scientific cooperations and also the academy of sciences which will be beneficial to you.
“We have about two or three companies that are ready to work with you and three universities working with tropical agriculture. I think they deserve your cooperation.”
He said that they are ready to work with NASENI to make the new initiatives fruitful.

2023 Women World Cup: Spain Emerges Champion

Greenbarge Reporters

August 20, 2023

Spain has defeated European champions, England Lionesses 1-0 to emerge the world champion at the FIFA Women World Cup competition.
The final match was played today, August 20, at Accor Stadium Sydney in Australia.
A left-footed strike from full-back Olga Carmona wearing the captain’s armband in the 29th minute was part of a dominant first half for Spain that proved to be just enough to beat England.
With the victory after a thrilling encounter, the La Roja won its first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup title as Spain survived nearly 15 minutes of stoppage time to secure the maiden World Cup trophy.
Spain’s win marked the first time a new World Cup champion was crowned since 2011.
Source: Prompt News.

Federal Govt Impressed With $3 Billion NNPCL/Afreximbank’s Deal To Rescue Naira

Greenbarge Reporters

August 20, 2023

The Federal Government has expressed satisfaction with the fact that $3 billion in crude-for-cash funding secured from the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited is gradually giving a breather to the foreign exchange market.
The NNPC Limited and Afreximbank recently signed the commitment letter and Term sheet for the facility which is expected to support the federal government in its ongoing fiscal and monetary policy reforms to stabilise the forex market.
Sources said that the presidency is happy that the deal has been able to crash the dollar and allow the Naira to gain some value.
The nation has battled foreign exchange liquidity leading to the steep fall of the Naira since the unification of the foreign exchange windows by the Central Bank of Nigeria in June. The crash in the value affected the economy, triggering price hikes in the country and impacting access to imported raw materials by real industry operators. The effect is exemplified in the July inflation which peaked at 24.08 per cent.
The source said that the Presidency is hopeful that the deal will help the government breathe fresh air into the sluggard economy, make inflation recede and crash the dollar which has risen to an unprecedented N950 to the $ in the parallel market.
The $3 billion loan according to the oil giant is expected to support immediate disbursement that will enable the NNPC Ltd to support the Federal Government in its ongoing fiscal and monetary policy reforms aimed at stabilising the exchange rate market.
The Presidency source added: “the quick and proactive steps taken by the NNPC Limited show that this government has the capacity to turn around Nigeria’s economy positively in a short time. What the government needs right now is for forthright thinking appointees of the president to come up with novel ideas like this to better the economy.
“Nigerians are impatience with government and as such Tinubu’s government doesn’t need laybacks or people with nothing to offer in the saddles of key leadership positions in government. People are impatience for the government to perform, and as such there are no rooms for trial-and-error ministers and heads of agencies,” the source further stated.
The deal came about 17 months after the NNPCL secured a $5bn funding commitment from the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) to finance major investments in Nigeria’s upstream sector.
The loan secured by the NNPCL is the fourth transaction involving the oil company and AFREXIM Bank over the last three years. It goes further to consolidate the mutual relationship between the two entities.
Both Nigeria and NNPCL are shareholders in Afreximbank, with the sole purpose of enhancing investments and growing prosperity in Africa. The agreement for the loan which was sealed on Wednesday in Cairo, saw the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Mele Kyari signing for the National Oil Company while George Elimbi, Executive Vice President Afreximbank signed for the bank.

Vice President Shettima Discovers His Home; It’s Ibadan

Greenbarge Reporters

August 20, 2023

Vice President Kashim Shettima has described the ancient city of Ibadan as his second home where he learned to turn everything that comes his way into opportunity.
Shettima, who spoke at the wedding reception of Ibukun Okunmadewa and Obafemi Omitiran yesterday, August 19, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, said that he was in Ibadan, not as a guest, but as a member of the bride’s family to receive guests at the wedding.
The bride, Ibukun, is the daughter of Professor Folusho Okunmadewa, whom the Vice President described as ‘my beloved teacher.’
Shettima said: “I’m here to receive you as guests in this ancient city of memories. Ibadan is a home to me, a home that formed me and taught me to turn everything that comes my way into an opportunity.
“This would not have been easy without the patience of my beloved teacher, Prof. Folusho Okunmadewa, whose daughter, Ibukun and her groom, Obafemi, we are here to celebrate as they embark on a beautiful journey of discovering the essence of life.”
The Vice President said that the gathering for the wedding was not that of mere friends but as a closely-knit family, united by the traits of time, education and unbreakable bonds.
“As I look around this room, I’m not only reminded of a city that has woven its culture, values and aspirations deep into my being, but also of how fate has played a part in expanding relationships and families.”
Shettima stated extoled the virtues of the bride’s father, Professor Okunmadewa, describing him as “a beacon of wisdom and guidance for vast generation of scholars.
“I’m privileged to not only draw from this intellectual oasis of the University of Ibadan, but also to identify as a member of the family and as a qualified son of the soil.”
He said that he knew how a father feels on a day that he is giving his daughter’s hand in marriage and prayed for the newly-wedded couple to deepen their love for each other.
“Giving away one’s daughter in marriage is one of the most profound bitter sweet experiences in human existence.
“It is a reminder that life is a journey of luck, a journey of hope and a journey of change. But I have no doubt that you have instilled in Ibukun the moral discipline that she needs to carry on from this day, away from her first family. And I pray that her new life brings forth endless joy.”
Among dignitaries that attended the wedding reception were the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Adebayo Lawal; Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum; former Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, Country Representative of the World Bank in Nigeria, Shubham Chaudhuri and the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale.

Ex President Buhari Saddened By Loss Of Soldiers In Niger State Helicopter Crash

Greenbarge Reporters

August 19, 2023

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his anguish over the death of several soldiers who were killed in an ambush and a subsequent helicopter crash in Niger State.
“I’am saddened by the helicopter accident following the tragic ambush in which we have lost our brave army personnel.”
In a statement today, August 19, by his Senior Special Assistant on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu quoted Buhari as saying that his thoughts were with the bereaved families.
“I hope those injured recover at the earliest.
“My heartfelt condolences to the President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces of the Federation and the families of the deceased.
“With the soldier discipline in our troops, it is a matter of time before they overcome,”
the former President said.

Sweden Grabs 3rd Place By Beating Australia 2-0 At 2023 Women World Cup

Greenbarge Reporters

August 19, 2023

Sweden has emerged in third position at the ongoing Women World Cup competition by defeating the co-hosts, Australia 2-0.
Asllani’s stunning second-half strike sealed victory for Sweden as the victory helped them to win Bronze medal again at FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
She rifled in a shot from the edge of the area to add to Rolfo’s first-half penalty as Sweden won the Bronze medal match for the second World Cup in succession.
Despite the defeat, this represents Australia’s best ever World Cup finish but the Matildas were unable to end on a high.
Rolfo’s penalty gave Peter Gerhardsson’s side the lead after a video assistant referee (VAR) check confirmed that Claire Hunt had clipped Stina Blackstenius in the box after 26 minutes.
And on the hour mark, Blackstenius played a superb square ball to Asllani, who stroked in a first-time shot to double their lead.
However, Australia captured the nations’ imagination as the Matildas’ achievement in finishing fourth cannot be understated in a country where football is not the number one sport.
Their 3-1 semi-final defeat by England was the most watched TV event in Australian history with 11.15 million viewers tuning in.
But they seemed deflated on Saturday and put in a tired performance, with even their talisman Sam Kerr struggling to make an impact on the game-in fact, she had the fewest touches of any player on the pitch in the first half.
Their best chances fell to Hayley Raso and Clare Polkinghorne, but they were both denied by Sweden goalkeeper Zecira Musovic.
Australia, who had only ever reached the quarter-finals once previously, in 2015, were the first hosts to reach the semi-finals since United States in 2003.
Their efforts in this tournament have certainly captured the hearts of the fans in green and gold and the hope will be that that leaves a lasting legacy.
Sweden have plenty of experience of playing in the third-fourth place match, having reached the semi-finals on five occasions but only making the final once – in 2003, when they were beaten by Germany.
And they dominated the game to win bronze for a fourth time.
They were already on top before Rolfo beat the dive of Australia keeper Mackenzie Arnold with a well-placed penalty into the bottom left corner to give them the lead.
And Asllani’s super strike secured victory in a game of a few clear cut chances.
It has been another fine tournament for the Scandinavians who topped their group with maximum points before knocking out defending champions the United States in the last 16.
An impressive victory over Japan followed, but their failure to successfully negotiate a semi-final once against after their dramatic exit at the hands of Spain, will be their lasting memory of this tournament.
Source: Prompt News.

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