Presidency Was Preparing Befitting Welcome Back For Barkindo When He Died – Minister

July 6, 2022

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva has hinted that the Presidency had planned to organize a welcome back gig for the retiring Secretary General of the Organization of Petroleum Countries (OPEC), Mohammed Sanusi Barkindo when he died last night, July 5.

The minister, who spoke to news men today, July 6, shortly after the meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at the Presidential villa, described his death as “quite sad.”

“Mr. President received him in audience and directed that we give him a very benefiting welcome home. We were really trying to roll out the drums for him according to Mr. President’s directive, and unfortunately, this sad event happened last night.”

He said that Barkindo was a dear friend who really served this country, both in Nigeria and internationally meritoriously.

“Barkindo has contributed a lot. He was GMD of NNPC, as you know, and he helped to stabilize the oil industry. He is a very, very towering figure in the oil industry. And from there, he proceeded to become Secretary General and represented Nigeria very effectively, and served meritoriously for the full two terms, and was coming home, of course, and was here to be received.”

The minister said that he and the deceased were at the Nigerian oil and gas conference yesterday where he made a very brilliant speech as was characteristic of him.

“To hear that by this morning, he was already gone, it’s very sad news for all of us.

“My heart goes to his family and to all of us and to Nigerians for this very great loss.

Meanwhile, President has expressed deep sadness over the death of Barkindo, describing him as remarkable gentleman and enormous national asset, who from his youthful days worked meritoriously in the service of the nation in various national and international capacities, and never stopped being a beacon of light to the country he loved until his last breath.

In a statement today by his Media Adviser, Femi Adesina, the President said that Barkindo’s undeniable brilliance and legacies as a dedicated public servant will remain a reference point in the oil and gas industry, international development and the environment sector.

He recalled that his profound decency and mien greatly endeared him to Nigerians and other nationals who came in direct contact with him as a young Principal Administrative Officer with the Nigeria Mining Corporation; Special Assistant to the Minister of Mines, Power and Steel as well as Minister of Petroleum Resources; and later in his 24 years of service in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation; Nigerian Delegate to OPEC Ministerial Conferences; Nigeria’s Governor for OPEC; and leader of Nigeria’s technical delegations to the climate change negotiations since inception in 1991 that produced the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol to the UNFCCC.

The President hailed Barkindo’s leadership at OPEC, including during very turbulent times in 2016 and 2020, noting that the Declaration of Cooperation birthed under his watch helped strengthen and consolidate OPEC/non-OPEC cooperation and dialogue.

While conveying his deepest condolences to Barkindo family, colleagues at OPEC, as well as the government and people of Adamawa State, President Buhari also prayed God almighty to grant repose to the soul of the departed and comfort to all who mourn.

There’s Still Much To Be Done For Nigeria, Buhari Reminds New Ministers

Editorial staff

July 6, 2022

“There is still so much to be done for our country in the areas of infrastructure development, energy, access to finance, access to justice, technology and innovation, trade, agriculture, education and security. The list is inexhaustible.”

These were the words of President Muhammadu Buhari when he swore-in seven new ministers and assigned them portfolios today, July 6, at the Presidential villa, Abuja.

The President charged them to serve the nation diligently, maintain unalloyed loyalty to the country and office of the President.

He said that the new redeployment of the new and old ministers is aimed at reinvigorating certain sectors where the government desires to accomplish improved results.

The President said that as his administration is now on the home-stretch of its second term, more work still needs to be done in diverse areas of the economy and national life.

President Buhari urged the newest members of his cabinet to consult and collaborate with older cabinet colleagues and focus on driving key programmes already initiated by this administration.

He warned all members of the cabinet against corrupt practices, reiterating that public officers must be above board and those caught in corrupt practices would face the full wrath of the law.

“The appointment of these new Ministers is in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which prescribes that the Federal Executive Council shall be made up of members from every state of the Federation.

“I therefore urge you to consider your emergence out of millions of equally qualified Nigerians within the purview of selection from your State, as a call to duty which imposes the obligation to serve the nation diligently and presents to you the unique opportunity to work hard in service to the Government and the country.

“At the valedictory session for six former Ministers that departed to pursue other political careers, I promised that their replacement shall be a matter of priority so that the business of governance would not experience delays or setbacks.

“This administration has been in the saddle since 2015 and is now on the home-stretch of its second term, as the nation prepares for the 2023 general elections. All through, it has vigorously pursued the three main electoral objectives namely: Securing the nation; Diversifying & growing the economy as well as fighting corruption.

“You are all coming on-board at this time with new energy, ideas, experiences and vigour, to join the existing team so that the implementation of policies, programs and projects associated with these electoral objectives would be escalated and accelerated.

President Buhari urged the newly appointed ministers to be conscious that time is of the essence as they assume office.

“As I assign you portfolios, therefore, I expect you to carefully study your sectors, take wise counsel, reach out to key stakeholders, consult and collaborate with older cabinet colleagues and focus on driving key programs already initiated by this administration. Above all, be loyal to your President and your country.”

He emphasized the need for the old and new members of his Cabinet to work with common objectives of leaving indelible legacies for Nigerians and ending strongly with verifiable accomplishments, the President warned: “you must resist bad counsel, resist temptation and be circumspect in your utterances and conduct. You must totally eschew corruption and be above board because if caught there will be no sacred cows.”

The newly appointed ministers and their portfolios are:

Ikechukwu Ikoh, Minister of State, Science and Technology

Umana Umana, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs

Udi Odum , Minister of State, Environment

Ademola Adegoroye, Minister of State, Transport

Umar Ibrahim El-Yakub, Minister of State, Works and Housing

Goodluck Opiah, Minister of State, Education

Nkama Ekumankama, Minister of State, Health.

The following ministers were re-assigned:

Senator Adeleke Mamora, Minister of Science and Technology (formerly Minister of State, Health)

Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, Minister of Transportation (formerly Minister of State, Works and Housing)

Sharon Ikeazor, Minister of State, Niger Delta (formerly Minister of State, Environment)

Senator Gbemisola Saraki, Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development (formerly Minister of State, Transportation).

Escaped Boko Haram Detainees From Kuje Prison Roam Around, Begging For Foods

Greenbarge Reporters

July 6, 2022

File photo: Boko Haram members in operation

Members of the Boko Haram and other hardened criminals who escaped from the Kuje Correctional Centers (Prison) after bomb attacks last night, July 5 are now roaming about, especially in Chibiri, a suburb of Kuje town, Abuja, on the way to Gwagwalada.

Our correspondent who went round Kuje today, July 6, said that there were reports of the escaped detainees being sighted, walking aimlessly around half naked, with small bag hanging from their shoulders.

An old woman narrated how she went to her farm this morning, ignorance of what was happening.

She said that while on her farm near Chibiri river, she saw about 15 well-built men wearing only nickers with no shoes, no shirt and no trousers approaching her.

“The men asked me to show them the way out of the bush. They also asked me to give them water to drink, but I told them that I’m a stranger in the village.

“Few minutes after they left me and headed north, my husband called my line and told me what was happening in the town, asking me to start coming back home immediately.

“On my way home, I came across six other men, some of them limping, with the same mode of dressing. They too asked me to show them the way out of the bush.”

There was another suspected escapee who, dressed half naked, appeared in a provision store at Chibiri, wanting to buy some snacks but was rearrested by prison officer in mufty. The suspected escapee was found to be in possession of huge amount of money. Investigation by Greenarge Reporters online newspaper indicates that most of the escapees headed towards Gwagwalada, through bush path.

It was gathered that before daybreak today, some of them slept on top of trees.

Kuje In Tension: Boko Haram, Robbery, Other Detainees Escape From Attacked Prison

Greenbarge Reporters

July 6, 2022

Residents of Kuje, headquarter of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja now live in fear following bomb attacks on the medium prison (Correction Centre) in the town by suspected Boko Haram insurgents and bandits last night, July 5.

Report reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper said that many inmates of the prison, including Boko Haram members and their Commander, hardened armed robbers and other detainees escaped into the houses around the Correctional Centre.

According to the prison officials, about 150 terrorists escaped even as a resident nearer to the Centre confirmed that his compound was filled up by escaping prisoners before the daybreak today, July 6.

“When the bombing and shootings were going on, terrorists were ordering their members and other criminals to escape. The prison door is still opened and people are escaping,” an official of the prison narrated.

Another officer said that no enforcement of security personnel arrive at the scene two hours after the attack, adding: “nobody came for assistance. The Centre has been completely taken over and terrorists have escaped.

“All the major, biggest terrorists, including the Commanders as well as armed robbers and kidnappers have escaped.”

Our correspondent, who visited Kuje early this morning, July 6, reports that police helicopter has been hovering around the town, especially the prison area for possible detection of the escaping inmates.

The town is currently under heavy security surveillance.

The Bible Says You Are Liar And False prophet, By Uzoma Ahamefule

Editorial staff

July 5, 2022

The way and manner many Africans worship their pastors/priests instead of God makes one to think that they do not read their bible, and even if they do, they do not understand what they read.

It is alarmingly worrisome. When the German philosopher Karl Marx wrote in 1843, “Religion is the opium of the People,” perhaps he had Africans unconsciously in his mind. It is a very unfortunate and a sad situation that looks hopeless, no thanks to slave trade and lack of qualitative leadership in Africa that have turned the people “hewers of wood and drawers of water.”

In today’s Africa, many religious leaders callously exploit their congregations as they use the sorry state of the societies impoverished by corrupt, visionless and selfish politicians as a tool to influence the minds of their gullible followers to see them as Lord, thereby cunningly milking people that deserve mercy and help without conscience.

While many are highly qualified fraudsters in white garments, many are pure business people on pulpits who use every single opportunity and possible means to manipulate the minds of the needy and the underprivileged in the name of miracles and prosperity just to sustain their unimaginable, expensive and unlike-Christ lifestyles. Many of the acclaimed men of God have private jets, exotic cars and many edifices etc. when many members of their congregations are living in abject poverty and are dying from curable diseases.

All you false prophets that prophesize doom and evil, and see the high level of your members’ ignorance and poverty as manipulative tools to preach more on prosperity than salvation because of selfish interests, this very article is for you with some bible quotations on your iniquities.

Deuteronomy 18:22: “If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously, so do not be alarmed”.

If you claim to be a man of God and made a prophecy in the Lord’s name that did not come to fulfilment, the above bible verse says that you spoke when “the Lord has not spoken”. And that simply means that your prophecy did not come from God and that you lied. You are a false prophet. Repent from your iniquity.

In further attestation to the above statement that you lied, the book of Mark 13:31 affirms you as a false prophet when it says, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.” The host of heaven, “Ancient of Days” and “I Am That I Am” is the creator of heaven and earth, and He has never said a word that did not come to pass. The bible says that the words of the Lord never come back to Him empty or unfulfilled, they all bear fruits. “So My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it,” Isaiah 55:11. As one who claims to be a servant of God, if you have ever prophesized anything in the name of God and it did not come to pass, you are a manipulator and a liar. You are a false prophet. “For there will be no more false visions or flattering divinations within the house of Israel,” Ezekiel 12:24. This bible verse knows that people like you exist.

While so many of you preachers are beyond redemption from your sinful acts of manipulation, many of you have been overwhelmed by the juicy money you make from your congregations that included poor innocent widows/widowers through forceful offerings. Therefore, I say unto you today: “verily verily,” stop telling the members of your church to bring out their offerings during service and raise them up for blessings – because offering is something that should be between the giver and his/her God.

It is not biblical. It is rather one of the coded and unchristian ways people like you have adapted to influence or indirectly force people to give money or more during offering time. It is a crooked way of obtaining money from the congregation because your acts are stimuli that make some of them feel ashamed and perhaps give more than they would have ordinarily.

Because of this your action as a priest/pastor, some people have stopped coming to Church or they come only on a day they have money especially in notes to give as offering. That is not what the house of God is meant for. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest,” Mathew 11:28. The house of God is the perfect place of love, trust, truth and comfort. It is a place for spiritual food and to worship God and not money.

If you are one of those deceptive preachers who are too conscious of money instead of people’s salvation, turn back from your old ways or perish. “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction,” 2Peter 2:1.

Uzoma Ahamefule, a concerned patriotic citizen, and an African traditionalist, wrote in from Vienna, Austria.

uzomaah@yahoo.com

+436607369050, WhatsApp messages only

Ebonyi Shuts Down GTBank For Non Payment Of Over N100 Million Tax

Editorial staff

July 5, 2022

Ebonyi State Government has shut the Guarantee Trust Bank (GTB), in Abakaliki, over the bank’s inability to pay what is believed to be over N100 million accumulated tax.

Task force team from the State Board of Internal Revenue Service stormed the bank in the early hours of today, July 5 and ordered its immediate closure until the management complies.

Head of Integrated Revenue in the State Board of Internal Revenue Service, Okoro Celestine said that the State Government decided to seal the bank over its failure to respond to demand notices to pay the accumulated taxes.

According to Okoro Celestine, a court order was sought by the Board before coming to seal the bank, adding that several demand notices had been served to them from January 14th till date but have failed to clear the taxes.

“The reason why we sealed the bank was that they have not been paying their taxes and levies which have accumulated.

“This is not the first time we are coming here; several demand notices have been served to them from January 14th, 2022 till date, and we have a procedure. We don’t just come and seal.

“A court order has been granted for us to come and seal it. First demand notice was given to them; a reminder notice was also given to them but they refused. We don’t have any other option, we are not going to fight them other than to do the needful by getting a court order to seal the Bank.

“We feel that it must be sealed today. We are not going to unseal it until they comply. We did not just start this journey today, it has been from January till date, which is seven months.”

It was gathered that the bank was owing over a hundred million Naira to Ebonyi State Government.

Dangote Cement Launches Promo: Consumers To Win N1 Billion

Editorial staff

July 5, 2022

Dangote Cement Plc, a leading cement brand in Nigeria, has launched a promo that enable its consumers win over N1 billion cash prizes.

The promo, known as Dangote Bag of Goodies Season 3 promo is tagged: “Spell Dangote and become a multi-millionaire.”

According to the company’s spokesman, Timilehin Oyedare, the promo was launched in Lagos yesterday, July 4, in the presence of regulators from the National Lottery Regulatory Commission and Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and is expected to offer life-changing prizes, which will have immense economic values to the loyal consumers.

He said that Dangote Cement Bag of Goodies Promo Season 3, will run from July 5 to October 31,2022, and promises to be a blast as there are over 32.3 million mouth-watering prizes to be won, including television sets, refrigerators, rechargeable fans, 2KVA generators, and millions of airtime gifts of major networks in Nigeria.

According to the spokesman, every single bag of Dangote Cement to be produced daily through the promo period will contain scratch cards for various gifts to be won by consumers.

Timilehin quoted the Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement Plc, Michel Puchercos as saying at the occasion that the Bag of Goodies Promo series is designed to continuously reward loyal Consumers who have stayed faithful and remained the backbone in the cement business.

Michel said that the consumers have contributed in no small measure to make Dangote range of cement products the first choice for construction purposes across the country.

“We are offering life-changing prizes, which have immense economic values as they can be used to kick-start small scale businesses. These prizes are targeted to help many families recover from the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic, which adversely affected their sources of livelihood.”

Giving details about the promo, National Sales Director, Dangote Cement, Funmi Sanni, described the promo as a huge investment aimed at rewarding new and existing consumers, “especially in these trying times of our nationhood with the much needed financial and material palliatives.”

She said the promo is also targeted at stimulating the economy that has been negatively impacted by COVID-19 and global energy crisis to move towards much needed recovery, especially in the construction/real estate industry sector.

“To emerge as one of the lucky winners, all you need to do is to pick out the scratch card inserted in the bag; scratch the panel at the back of the card to reveal what you have won; go to any of the over 200 redemption centers to collect an instant prize. Collect cards, spell D-A-N-G-O-T-E and win a star prize of N1 million instantly. Additionally, if you find an eagle in one of the letters, you will automatically win N5 million.”

Funmi Sanni said that N125 million worth of prizes are expected to be won monthly, among which there will be 25 multi-millionaires. “The good thing about this promo is that a consumer stands the chance of winning the N1 million repeatedly. There is no limit to the number of times you are expected to win. All you should do is continue to buy Dangote Cement.”

Validating the promo, the Head, Lagos Office, Federal Competition, and Consumer Protection Commission, Mrs. Susie Onwuka commended Dangote Cement for giving back to consumers through the Bag of Goodies promo.

“Dangote has always fulfilled its promises to the consumers of its product. Our duty at the agency is to protect the right of the consumers. Dangote Cement has lived up to expectations.”

Peter Obi’s LP Calls Kwankwaso Bluff, Ends Alliance Talk With NNPP

Editorial staff

July 5, 2022

The Labour Party (LP), with Peter Obi as its Presidential candidate, has called the bluff of the Presidential candidate of the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, attributing the collapse of the talks on the alliance between the two parties to Kwakwaso’s insistence that he would be flag bearer of the merger.

The temporary running mate to LP’s Peter Obi in the person of Dr. Doyin Okupe, in a Channels Television programme “Politics Today” today, July 5, confirmed that the merger failed because Rabiu Kwankwaso of the NNPP insisted on being the presidential flag bearer even when a northern Muslim of same extraction (Muhammadu Buhari) is about to complete eight years in office.

He said that during the coalition talks, he had asked the NNPP leadership if it was fair to field Kwankwaso, a northerner, of which the NNPP leadership said there was nothing wrong with that.

Okupe said that LP is now looking at young running mate of northern extraction, adding that the penetration of Obi in the south is very strong while that of the north is like 20 percent, hence, the need to get a vibrant youth from the north as a running mate.

He said that Kwankwaso is wrongly relying on age as though that gives an edge in political leadership, added that Kwankwaso does not match Obi in terms of national appeal.

“That doesn’t answer the question the youths are asking.

“The alliance between LP and NNPP is dead over four weeks.”

Okupe argued that it is NNPP that was trying to leverage on the popularity of Peter Obi

President Buhari’s Advance Convoy Escapes Bandits’ Attack In Katsina, 2 Injured

Greenbarge Reporters

July 5, 2022

A convoy of cars carrying the Advance Team of security guards, protocol and media officers ahead of President Muhammadu Buhari’s trip to Daura for Sallah escaped bandits’ attack today, July 5.

A statement by the senior special assistant to the President on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu said that the suspected bandits opened fire on the convoy near Dutsinma in Katsina State.

“The attackers opened fire on the convoy from ambush positions but were repelled by the military, police and DSS personnel accompanying the convoy.

“Two persons in the convoy are receiving treatment for the minor injuries they suffered. All the other personnel, staff and vehicles made it safely to Daura.”

Unidentified Gunman Shoots 30, Kills 6, Injure Many In American Parade

Editorial staff

July 4, 2022

Unidentified gunman has opened fire on 30 people, killing six of them and injuring many in the July Fourth parade in the Chicago suburb of Highland Park.

Security agents today, July 4, swung into action immediately the incidence occurred, and are searching for the suspect believed to have opened fire from a rooftop.

Highland Park Police Commander, Chris O’Neill advised people to stay indoors until the general area is declared safe.

Lake County Major Crime Task Force spokesman, Christopher Covelli told reporters that the gunman’s rifle was recovered at the scene.

Mayor Nancy Rotering lamented that the community was “terrorized by an act of violence that has shaken it to the core.”

Rotering told a news conference that instead of celebrating freedom, the people are now mourning the tragic loss of life and struggling with the terror.

“Our hearts go out to the families of the victims at this devastating time”, Rotering added.

Illinois Governor, Jay Robert Pritzker condemned the shooting in a statement.

Pritzker said there are no words for a “monster who lies in wait and fires into a crowd of families with children celebrating a holiday”.

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