Buhari Gives Marching Order To New NNPC Board Members To Focus On Profitability, Others

January 7, 2022

“The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited is mandated to focus on profitability and continuous value creation beyond the simple fulfilment of legal and regulatory requirements.”

This is the charge by President Muhammadu Buhari to the new Board members of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, when he inaugurated them today, January 7, at the Presidential villa, Abuja.

The President reminded the Board members that they came on board as a result of the reforms put forward by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, which seeks to reposition the Nigerian petroleum industry to a commercially viable and competitive industry in line with global business dynamics and best practices.

“I expect the NNPC Limited to be mindful of our commitments to our net carbon zero aspirations and to ensure total alignment with the global energy transition realities,” he said.

”NNPC Limited is expected to operate at par with its industry peers across the world, while acting as Enabler Company that will foster the development of other sectors of our Economy.

”The inauguration of this Board is a major step in the ongoing transition to a more viable petroleum industry that will attract investment to support our economic growth and generate employment to millions of our people.

President Buhari, who emphasized the need for the Board members to ensure strict compliance with Corporate Governance principles that place premium on doing business with the highest ethical standards, integrity, and transparency, emphasized the need to

focus on profitability and to operate at par with its industry peers across the world.

President Buhari stressed that there should be full alignment and synergy between NNPC Limited, the Upstream Regulatory Commission and the Midstream & Downstream Regulatory Authority in compliance with the provisions of the law in all respects to deliver the onerous reforms envisaged for the energy industry.

”NNPC Limited is expected to operate at par with its industry peers elsewhere in the world, while acting as Enabler Company that will foster the development of other sectors of our Economy.”

The President thanked the leadership and members of the National Assembly for their seamless support in the journey towards a viable, accountable and transparent energy industry, adding that he would count on the professional insights and ethical conduct of the Board members to ensure the delivery of his administration’s promises to Nigerians.

This was even as the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, said that under the present administration a lot has been achieved in the petroleum industry, including the signing of the PIA, the registration of NNPC Limited as a CAMA company and the inauguration of the Board of the NNPC Limited.

”Mr. President this is history in the making because this is the first time any President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is inaugurating an independent board of an independent NNPC Limited. This, however, puts a lot of responsibility on the shoulders of those inaugurated and those of us in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.”

Inaugurated Board members are

Senator Margery Chuba Okadigbo as Chairman:, Mele Kolo Kyari as Chief Executive Officer; Umar I. Ajiya as Chief Financial Officer.

Others are Dr Tajudeen Umar (North East), Mrs. Lami O. Ahmed (North Central), Mallam Mohammed Lawal (North West), Engr. Henry Obih (South East), Barrister Constance Harry Marshal (South South), Chief Pius Akinyelure (South West), Dr Nasir Sani Gwarzo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources and Aliyu Ahmed, Permanent Secretary, Minister, Finance, Budget and National Planning.

Bauchi Charges Ex Reps Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, Others, With Culpable Homicide

Editorial staff

January 7, 2022

Bauchi State Government has charged former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and 28 others to court, slamming them with culpable homicide, in respect of the violence that occurred during the 21st memorial anniversary of Sayawa nation leader and crusader, Peter Gonto, in Bogoro and Tafawa Balewa local government areas.

The government filed an 1-count charge against them bordering on conspiracy, disturbing public peace, mischief by fire and culpable homicide at the State High Court.

“….that you conspired amongst yourselves and others at large to commit the offence of culpable homicide during the 21 year memorial anniversary and book launch of late Baba Peter Gonto at Bogoro town and that you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 96 punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code Law of Bauchi State.”

Reports had said that about three persons died in the incident while property were burnt.

Yakubu Dogara, who represents Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa Balewa federal constituency in the House of Representatives, had allegedly written to the director-general of Department of State Security (DSS) and the inspector general of police, warning of an impending security threat if the anniversary was allowed to hold.

Among the charges obtained by the news media today, January 7, the state government alleged that the defendants conspired among themselves to cause bodily harm to people in the area in order to frustrate the progress of the memorial anniversary.

Some of the charges read: “That you Rt. Hon Yakubu Dogara — on or about the 29th, 30 and/or 31st day of December 2021 agreed to do or cause to be done an illegal act to wit: you conspired amongst yourselves and others at large to incite the youths of Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro towns to disturb public peace by burning people’s houses, blocking access roads, physically attacking invited guests and other participants attending the 21 year memorial anniversary and book launch of late Baba Peter Gonto at Bogoro town and destroy and burn all facilities provided for the occasion, thereby committed offence contrary to Section 96 and punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code Law of Bauchi State.

“On or about the 29th, 30th and/or 31st day of December 2021 agreed to do or cause to be done an illegal act to wit: you conspired amongst yourselves and others at large to commit the offence mischief by fire by burning people’s houses in Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro To during the 21″year memorial anniversary and book launch of late Baba Peter Gonto at Bogoro town and to destroy and burn all facilities provided for the occasion, thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 96 and punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code Law of Bauchi State.

“On or about the 29th,30th and/or 31st day of December 2021 agreed to do or cause to be done an illegal act to wit: you conspired amongst yourselves and others at large to commit the offence of culpable homicide during the 21 year memorial anniversary and book launch of late Baba Peter Gonto at Bogoro town and that you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 96 punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code Law of Bauchi State.”

Kogi Accountant General Loses Mother, Hajara

Greenbarge Reporters

January 6, 2022

Mrs. Hajara Momoh Akata, 78 years old Mother of the Kogi State Accountant General, Alhaji Jubril Momoh is dead. She died today, January 6 at Nagazi quarters in Adavi local government area of the state after a brief illness.
The son, Jubril Momoh, who announced the death, said: “it is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing unto glory of our Mother, Aunt, Sister and grandmother, Hajiya Hajara Momoh Akata, mother of kogi state Accountant General. She passed on today after a brief illness at her residence in Nagazi.
“May Almighty Allah comfort her family during this trying Time and May Her gentle soul rest in peace, Aamen.”
In a condolence message, the Governor of the State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello described the death of Madam Hajara as a sad development.
In a letter of condolence signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Muhammed Onogwu, the governor said that the death of the mother of the accountant general was a sorrowful experience which cut deep into the heart.
The Governor said that although mama lived a very fulfilled life, it would still be painful, knowing that one could no longer share her physical company, counselling and prayers but only just memories, adding that death was surely an inevitable destiny of every human.
He attested that Hajiya Momoh dedicated her life as a woman of virtue, a prayerful mother and dedicated wife whose interest was solely to raising her children to become useful and responsible contributors to the society.
Governor Bello said that it was obvious that Hajiya succeeded in her earthly assignment, seeing the quality of children she had raised and also that Mama lived a life that touched other’s positively
While praying to God to grant the repose of Hajiya Momoh eternal rest, he also asked God to give those grieving over her passing the fortitude to bear the loss.

Progress Of Dry Season Wheat Farming In Gombe Excites NALDA

Editorial staff

January 6, 2022

The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), has expressed satisfaction with the level of progress made so far in Dry Season Wheat Farming in Gombe State.

The head of NALDA Inspection team, Alhaji Umar Yuguda, who spoke today, January 6, during an assessment visit to the100 hectares dry season farming site in Papa area of Nafada Local Government Area, said that Gombe State was selected among the nine pilot states to kick-start the programme because of the enormous agricultural potentials of the state and the commitment of the state government under Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya towards revamping the Agricultural Sector.

“We are in Gombe to assess the level of progress made so far in wheat production, the programme which was inaugurated by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya about a month ago on Dogon Ruwa.

“We are very much satisfied with the level of progress made so far. The state government and of course the farmers are doing a great job.”

He assured the state government and the farmers of NALDA’s continued support and interventions into the agricultural value chain to stimulate the economy and create wealth for the the state and the nation at large. In his response, the Commissioner of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Muhammad Magaji Gettado said that Gombe State Government, in Collaboration with NALDA, supported more than 200 farmers with all the needed inputs for the success of the programme in Papa alone.

He said that the state government will continue to collaborate with NALDA and any development partner that can help in unlocking the potentials and improve the well-being of the people.

NALDA had, in collaboration with Gombe State Government, embarked on dry season wheat cultivation on 200 hectares of land in Papa and Dogon Ruwa areas of Nafada and Kaltungo Local Governments respectively.

The programme is aimed at creating jobs, filling deficit in the demand of wheat and boosting the economy as encapsulated in President Muhammadu Buhari’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA).

2023: Ex SGF, Anyim Pius Encourages Fellow Igbos To Join Him In Race For Presidency

Editorial staff

January 6, 2022

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief Anyim Pius Anyim

Former Nigeria’s Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Anyim Pius Anyim has called on fellow Igbo leaders to join in the contest for the Presidency of Nigeria in the 2023 election.

“Let me also at this point state clearly that I am aware that I am not the only aspirant from the South East seeking to run for the office of president. I encourage my brothers who so desire to please step out in their respective parties and after the primaries, the nation shall choose among us according to their good judgement, after all it is God who gives power.

“I therefore encourage you to give any other of our brothers and sisters opportunities as you have given me today.”

Anyim Pius, also a former Senate President, addressed South East leaders on his wide consultations across the country regarding his ambition, saying: “from all my consultations, I can reassure this assembly that our basis for hope remains sound.

“Our optimism about Nigeria is a shared one because what we desire for Nigeria is exactly what the leaders of other sections want.

“We all want a more united Nigeria. We all want a safe country. We all want a fair country that gives every citizen a fair shot at every available opportunity.

“The net result of my consultations is that I have found common ground with fellow compatriots on the need for a better Nigeria for ourselves and our children.”

Senator Anyim said that after he had consulted leaders across the country, he thought it wise to brief the people of the zone on the progress made so far.

“I am convinced with due modesty, that I am willing and available, ready and equipped, by experience and exposure, temperament and humility, capacity and competence to serve Nigeria at this point in time as her President.

“From my consultations so far, I am glad to report that the responses have been overwhelmingly encouraging and inspiring.

“Above all, I am also happy to report that the mood of the nation favours the rotation of the Presidency to Southern Nigeria. It is also to my knowledge that the South East stakeholders have repeatedly made the case for zoning the Presidency to the South East, for equity and fairness.

“Nevertheless, you may recall that when I declared my interest to contest for the presidency, I was emphatic that I will contest whether the presidency is zoned to the South or not. This is because If the presidency is zoned to South East, it will satisfy the just demand of equity and fairness. If it is not zoned to the South East, it will remain a burden on the conscience of the nation.

“Let me therefore at this point, join all well meaning Nigerians to appeal to all the political parties to take the fair, just and equitable decision to zone their presidential slots to the South particularly the South East.”

In a resolution signed by Senator T.A Orji and Chief Duru Ihe-oma (SAN), the Chairman and Secretary respectively,

leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-East zone, endorsed the aspiration of Anyim Pius Anyim, to contest the position of the President of Nigeria in 2022.

The PDP leaders, including Zonal and State Executives of the Party as well as select political leaders and elders from across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States, met at Best Western Hotel,Enugu, at the instance of Anyim.

They appealed to the PDP to zone the presidential ticket to the South East zone, in the interest of equity, justice and harmonious national cohesion.

“The people of the South East geo political zone have earned the right to occupy the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2023 on account of their eminent qualifications and overwhelming contributions to the development of all parts of the federation through the years.”

The leaders commended Senator Anyim for making himself available to contest the office of the president of the country.

“On account of the foregoing, we congratulate Senator Anyim Pius Anyim for the patriotism of his decision to offer himself for national service by aspiring to contest in the 2023 Presidential race. We take due cognizance of his precious record of distinguished and unblemished service as President of the Senate and Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

“In these positions, he distinguished himself as a detribalized statesman, consensus builder and true nationalist. We, therefore, unanimously endorse his aspiration with all conviction and enthusiasm and eagerly recommend him to the rest of the nation as a worthy leader who will pilot the affairs of the nation towards greater security, unity and prosperity for all citizens.

“In furtherance of the foregoing, we hereby oblige Senator Anyim his request that we all join him to persuade and reassure every part of the country to do justice to the South East and thereby promote equity and justice as core values of our nation.

“In assuring Senator Anyim of our support for his aspiration, we wish to also extend the same hand of support and solidarity to all qualified and deserving sons and daughters of our zone with similar aspiration and who reach out to us as Senator Anyim has done, the PDP leaders noted.

They expressed profound gratitude to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State for what they described as their outstanding leadership of the PDP in the South East Zone and their clear articulation of the interests of the zone at all platforms and organs of the party.

We Don’t Like To Be Dragged Into Any Form Of Politics, Army Warns Politicians

Editorial staff

January 6, 2022

“It is necessary to restate that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, as a professional institution, remains apolitical and, as such, would not want to be dragged into any form of political bias.

“Accordingly, it is important to advise politicians and others to desist from the use of military uniforms and accoutrements for political events and other engagements henceforth.”

These were contained in a statement today, January 6, by the Acting Director, Defence Information, Air Commodore W. A. P Maigida.

He said that the Defence Headquarters noticed with dismay that some politicians have formed the habit of wearing military uniforms and accoutrements for electioneering campaign posters.

“The campaign posters of some Governors, dressed in military camouflage uniforms, are displayed in noticeable areas in their respective states.

“This is manifestly illegal and an abuse of the privilege of allowing civilians wear military uniforms during military training exercises.

“Please note, anyone found culpable in this regard would be liable to prosecution.”

CBN Deputy Gov, Aisha Ahmad Now Heads Nigerian Commodity Exchange Board

Greenbarge Reporters

January 6, 2022

The Nigerian Commodity Exchange (NCE) has appointed the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mrs. Aisha N. Ahmad as chairman of its Board of Directors.

A statement by the Acting Head, Corporate Communication, Abiodun Sanusi said that Mrs. Ahmad’s appointment came at an extraordinary meeting held on January 4, 2022, in line with the provisions of the Company & Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020.

The statement said that after the said meeting retired former Directors, it re-constituted new Board with Mrs. Aisha N. Ahmad, Dr. Angela Sere-Ejembi and Mr. Phillip Yila Yusuf as new core directors.

It said that additional board appointments would be made in due course, even as it said that the newly constituted Board, along with a Transition Management Team, “headed by Mr. Elenwor Ihua as Acting interim Coordinator, will temporarily oversee the operations of the Exchange, supervise an independent and transparent process to appoint a new Executive Management Team.

“The core shareholders of the NCE thank the outgoing Board and the Executive Management for their patriotic service to the company and wish them all the best in their future endeavors.”

The statement said that this development marked a critical milestone in the journey to transform NCE into a world class commodity Trading Company within the African and global commodity markets.

Fulani To IPOB: We’ll Stop Taking Cows To Your Southeast

Editorial staff

January 5, 2022

Fulani herdsmen, under the canopy of amalgamated union of foodstuff and cattle dealers of Nigeria (AUFCDN) have resolved to stop transporting cows and foodstuffs to the Southeast in compliance with the directive of the members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The IPOB head of directorate, Chika Edoziem had said in a statement on Monday that the ban would take effect from April 22, 2022.

Responding, the AUFCDN President, Muhammad Tahir said that the union is ready to stop all food transport from the north to the southern part of the country.

“We want Nigeria to be one country and one people so that every part of the country would enjoy what the other produces but since this is what they (IPOB) have decided so be it.”

Muhammad Tahir told BBC Pidgin that food is what is being carried to the south, not poison.

“So, how do you take food to someone who says he does not want your food yet the person is killing you? It is not possible.”

Muhammad Tahir said that he does not know why IPOB uses food as a propaganda tool when it knows that the south cannot endure for a day without food from the north.

AUFCDN had embarked on nationwide strike in March 2021, complaining that some of their members died from the violence that followed the #EndSARS protests.

At the time, Tahir said they decided to call off the strike after the government promised to pay N4.75 billion which they demanded as compensation, ensure protection of their members and stop all forms of multiple taxation on the highways.

Nigerian Govt Declares Bandits As Terrorists, In Official Gazette

Editorial staff

January 5, 2022

The Nigerian Federal Government has finally proscribed banditry in the country, declaring those who are involved in it as terrorists.

In an Official Gazette released today, January 5 , the government stressed that banditry will be dealt with more ruthlessly henceforth.

The gazette is titled: “Terrorism (Prevention) Proscription Order Notice, 2021” on Page A507 -510. It is dated November 29th, 2021 with No. 212 Vol.108.

The Federal Government said that security reports have confirmed that the bandit groups have been responsible for the killings, abductions, rapes, kidnappings and related acts of criminality in the North-East, North-Central and other parts of the country.

The Government said that the group is also responsible for the growing cases of “banditry, incessant kidnappings for ransom, kidnapping for marriage, mass abductions of school children and other citizens, cattle rustling and enslavement.”

The government said that the group is responsible for imprisonment, severe deprivation of physical liberty, torture, rape, sexual slavery, enforced prostitution, forced pregnancy, other forms of sexual violence, attacks and killings in communities and commuters and wanton destruction of lives and properties in Nigeria, particularly in the North-West and North-Central states in Nigeria.

“The activities of Yan Bindiga and Yan Ta’adda groups and other similar groups constitute acts of terrorism that can lead to a breakdown of public order and safety and is a threat to national security and the corporate existence of Nigeria.”

The government’s Gazette followed the order of the Federal High Court in Abuja which, on November 25, 2021, declared the activities of bandits as acts of terrorism.

Justice Taiwo Taiwo had held that the activities of Yan Bindiga and Yan Ta’adda bandit groups constitute acts of terrorism and illegality.

The Judge also proscribed the activities of the bandits’ groups in any part of Nigeria, “either in groups or as individuals by whatever names they are called.”

Delivering ruling, the court specifically declared the activities of the “Yan Bindiga group” and the “Yan Ta’adda group” and other similar groups in any part of the country, especially in the North-West and the North-Central as “acts of terrorism and illegality.”

The court proscribed the activities of the group as well as other similar groups in any part of Nigeria, “either in groups or as individuals by whatever names they are called.”

The judge also made an order restraining “any person or group of persons from participating in any manner whatsoever, in any form of activities involving or concerning the prosecution of the collective intention or otherwise of the Yan Bindiga group and the Yan Ta’adda group under any other name or platform however called or described”.

Justice Taiwo then directed the Federal Government to publish the proscription order in the official gazette and two national dailies

Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) of the Federation, Mohammed Abubakar, had filed an ex-parte application seeking to proscribe the activities of bandits waging war against Nigerians.

Source: The Star.

Ex Lagos Assembly Deputy Speaker “Resurrects From Death “

Greenbarge Reporters

January 5, 2022

Former first female Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Adetoun Adediran narrowly escaped being buried today, January 5, after being declared dead.
Earlier in the day, the 51-year old former deputy speaker was declared dead by the family, who were preparing for burial amidst wailing.
According to the burial arrangements announced by the family, Hon. Adediran was to be buried by 2 pm at Ebony Vaults on James George Street, off Alagbon Close, Ikoyi.
Information had it that shortly before 2 pm, as undertakers commenced work on her body, they reportedly noticed that she was moving her limbs.
She was said to have been quickly rushed to a hospital, where treatment was commenced on her.
As at the time of filing this report, the condition of Hon. Adediran, who had also served the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in as the State, including as Lagos Central Women Leader, could not be confirmed.

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