Killing Of Soldier Guarding My Otuoke Home Traumatized Me- Goodluck Jonathan

January 31, 2020

Former Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, is still in shock over the attack on his residence at Otuoke, Bayelsa State.
In a statement yesterday, January 30 by his former media aide, Dr. Ikechukwu Eze, the former president emphasized that he was traumatised with the killing of a soldier guarding his residence during the attack.
Dr. Jonathan, who spoke during a visit on him by executive members of the National Association of Nigerian Students, who paid him a solidarity visit over the December 24, 2019 attack by yet-to-be-identified gunmen: said, “The fact that a soldier lost his life in that attack traumatises me. That young man wouldn’t have died, the way he did if he was not protecting me.
“Whenever people come to me, just as you people have come, to talk about that attack, I feel worried about the general society. Whenever I consider that people could do that to a former President who has reasonable security guarding him, my mind reaches out to the rest of Nigerians who do not have that level of protection.
“I am worried that so many people are becoming victims of sporadic shootings, kidnappings and so on. I believe that the country will get over the kind of insecurity it currently faces.”
Jonathan advised the students to be serious with their studies, adding that it is only when people are educated that the country would be able to manage governance and developmental issues better.
“For you young people, I urge you to believe in yourselves and believe in your country. Surely we will get to our destination.
Speaking earlier, the NANS President, Danielson Akpan, commended the ex-President for his legacies in the education sector, adding that many students that enrolled in the 12 new federal universities that were established during Jonathan’s tenure had successfully graduated.
He commended Jonathan for conceding defeat and handing over to his successor, the President, Muhammadu Buhari.
“The student that enrolled when you created those universities are now graduates. Some are gainfully employed; some are already employers of labour while some that have left the shores of our country are doing excellently well abroad.
“Your Excellency, Nigerians believe in you and what you stand for; that elections should be freely conducted as you did in 2015. That particular call you placed to your successor on March 31, 2015 is a notable achievement for which history will continue to hold you very dearly till eternity.”
Source: The Punch

Current Cost Of Performing Muslim Hajj Too High, I Will Reduce It – New Hajj Commission Boss

Greenbarge Reporters

January 31, 2020

The new Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Barrister Zikrullahi Hassan has disagreed with the current high cost of hajj performance by Muslims in the country, promising to bring it down in no distant future.
Hassan, who has just been confirmed by the Senate of the Federal Republic, also promised to reduce the number of days the pilgrims stay in Saudi Arabia.
He emphasized that the current Hajj fares is “unaffordable” and needed to be reviewed downward, especially in the interest of the masses who wish to perform holy pilgrimage.
To assist more willing Nigerians in performing the annual ritual, he said a savings scheme would be put in place to make the payment of the fares easier for intending pilgrims, pointing out that this “will be the answer to the unaffordable Hajj fares.”
According to him, this is achievable since the same thing is happening in Malaysia and Indonesia, maintaining that “Nigeria cannot only do it, but do so immediately.”
“I will sustain the achievements of the outgoing chairman, but also look at the areas that require improvement. Present Act in abeyance will be enforced to the letter.
“One of the key demands that will be looked into is to ensure that Hajj fares are reduced to affordable rates, because as it is today, not many Nigerians can afford it,” he stressed.
Besides looking at the ways of making the fares affordable, the chairman promised to ensure that the number of days being spent in Saudi Arabia by Nigerians during pilgrimage are reduced, saying they used to stay too long in the holy land as against the distance between the two countries.
Hassan explained that Hajj has become a profession because it affects millions of people across the world, adding that Nigeria, being the 5th country with the largest number of pilgrims in the world, would also have an international training institute on Hajj matters, under his leadership.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Adamu Bulkachuwa (APC Bauchi North) had promised that the committee would be carrying out thorough oversight of NAHCON with a view to assisting the Commission in effective discharge of its duties.
President Muhammadu Buhari had last December appointed and forwarded the name of Hassan, from Osun State to the Senate for confirmation as the new chairman along with 18 others as members of NAHCON.

Presidency Not Happy With Media Slant Of Buhari’s Comments On Security Challenges

Editorial staff

January 30, 2020

The presidency has expressed disasatisfaction with traditional and social media for what it called “a mischievous slant being given to the comments of President Muhammadu Buhari on the security challenges in some parts of the country.

In a statement today January 30, special adviser to the president on media and publicity, Fami Adesina recalled that on Monday, while hosting Eminent and Respected Citizens of Niger State at State House, Abuja, the President had said:”I was taken aback by what is happening in the North West and other parts of the country. During our campaigns, we knew about the Boko Haram. What is coming now is surprising. It is not ethnicity or religion, rather it is one evil plan against the country.
“We have to be harder on them. One of the responsibilities of government is to provide security. If we don’t secure the country, we will not be able to manage the economy properly.”
Femi Adesina regretted that the reportage of the President’s statement was slanted to mean that President Buhari said he was unaware of the security challenges in some parts of the country.
“Far from it, except to the mischievous mind. The President is fully aware and fully in charge of all that is going on.”
The spokesman stressed that the statement by the President was clear enough, “and these are the salient points:
·In 2015, we knew there was Boko Haram insurgency, particularly in the North-east, and we mentioned it in our campaigns. There are clear economic and cultural factors behind the clashes that sadly rocked many of our communities, be they the Fulani-Tiv or Fulani-Berom conflict, the Tiv versus Jukun and so on. By now, these conflicts are fairly under control.
· By 2019, banditry had surfaced in the North-West. It was surprising, as the area is almost homogeneous, made up of Hausa-Fulanis. The combatants are largely Muslim. This is what the President said he was surprised about.
· The point he made was that what is happening in the country is not about ethnicity or religion, it is plainly an evil plan against the nation.”
He said that it is disingenuous that the earlier and latter parts of the statement were downplayed, and the middle part misinterpreted to mean that President Buhari was unaware or surprised by the security situation in the country.
“The traditional media, and commentators on social media, are encouraged to keep fidelity to the truth, and not concoct narratives to suit some sinister motives.
“It is all about our country, and deliberately misrepresenting the President hurts not just the country, but the mischief makers themselves, ultimately.”

I Will Excel, New Kogi Commissioner For Works And Housing, Ohere, Promises

Editorial staff

January 30, 2020

Engineer Abubakar S. Ohere whose position has been elevated from Special Adviser to Commissioner by Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello of Kogi State has promised to excel.

In a statement today January 30, appreciating the governor’s spirit of trust in him, Engr Ohere said that he considered himself very lucky to be serving such character in the person of Governor Yahaya Bello.
The Commissioner said that it was a rare opportunity given to him to serve in the last administration as a Special Adviser which has now been elevated “to Commissioner in the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.”
He said that the position has provided him an avenue to prove his potentials and exposed him to service delivery to the people at the grassroots.
“Whatever glory that comes with that office, I wholly return to my amiable Boss for not only being a source of inspiration and motivation but for providing the enabling environment for me to thrive in my assigned duty.
“Again, I wish to thank my destiny moulder for the love and trust reposed in me to have chosen me to serve in the capacity as Commissioner for Works and Housing. With the renewed commitment and charge offered me by His Excellency, I have no iota of doubt that with his usual tremendous working relationship, I will excel.”

Facebook Owner, Zucherberg’s Fortune Crashes, His Share Drops 5.7 Percent

Editorial staff

January 30, 2020

Facebook owner Mark Zuckerberg’s fortune has slid $4 billion as shares of his Facebook Inc. dropped 5.7 percent, a day after the social-media giant posted its slowest-ever quarterly sales growth.

The decline left the chief executive officer with an $81 billion fortune as of 10:07 a.m in New York, with the shares trading at $210.41 apiece. Zuckerberg, 35, remains the world’s fifth-richest person, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. The ranking officially updates after the close of each trading day in the U.S.

Despite the drop, Zuckerberg’s net worth is still up this year. His fortune had climbed $6.6 billion through Wednesday.

Shares of Menlo Park, California-based Facebook had dropped as much as 8.3 percent today, January 30 before paring the decline.

Court Frees Ex Justice Minister, Adoke, On N50 Million Bail

Editorial staff

January 30, 2020

An Abuja High Court has granted former Attorney General of the Federation and minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke bail in the sum of N50 million and one surety.
The court, today, January 30, said that the surety must be a Nigerian citizen with landed property within the jurisdiction of the court.
The surety must also appear with the defendant throughout the period of trial.
Bello Adoke was asked to deposit his international passport with the Registrar of the court.
Justice Othman Musa, who gave the ruling also granted bail to the second defendant, Aliyu Abubakar in the sum of N50m with two sureties who must have landed properties within the jurisdiction of the court.
Abubakar is also to deposit his international passport with the Registrar of the court.
The sitting Judge stressed that any breach of the bail conditions during Abubakar’s trial will lead to immediate revocation.
The sureties are also expected to attend the trial with the defendant.
Similarly, the third defendant, Rasky Gbinigie has been granted bail in the sum of N10m with one surety.
Mr Gbinigie was asked to sign an undertaking not to interfere with the trial or further investigation by the EFCC.
According to the court’s ruling on Thursday, MR Gbinigie’s surety must produce his/her three years tax clearance certificate.

Source: CHANNELS TV

Presidency Classifies Senator Abaribe As Foolish, For Asking Buhari To Resign

Editorial staff

January 30, 2020

The presidency has termed Senator Abaribe as being foolish for asking President Muhammadu Buhari to resign, saying: “President Buhari to resign on what basis?

“Just because some characters think that President Buhari should resign, then they expect him to quit. That call does not represent the opinion of the country. This is the opinion of an arm chair critic, known for making stray comments.”

In a statement today, January 29 reacting to Senator Abaribe’s call on Buhari to resign, a Presidential spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu said that if a leader like President Buhari needs to resign, there are millions of other Nigerians who need to resign, “including Senator Abaribe who unlocked the door to enable the escape of traitorous and treasonable suspects.

“He signed the bond for the court to release Nnamdi Kanu on bail, from which moment the suspect disappeared into the thin air. Senator Abaribe has failed repeated deadlines to return Kanu to the court for trial, yet he has the effrontery with which to accuse someone of failing to the bidding of the law.

“This is a man who should have replaced the suspects he failed to produce in the correctional facility.

“Abaribe’s party raped the nation and left it collapsing in 2015 and President Buhari is fixing things up all the years he is in office.

“President Buhari is working hard to keep Nigeria and Nigerians out of the harm terrorists have unleashed in the entire Sahel and Sub-Saharan Africa with the support of Nigerians and our foreign friends, he is going to finish off these terrorists. He alone can do it.”

Alleged Sexual Harassment Claim At NIJ Lagos And My Sack – My Story, By Tene John

Editorial staff

January 29, 2020

On December 17, 2019, I was verbally informed by the Dean of Student Affairs of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NJI), Mrs Kalesanwo that I should appear before a panel over a sexual harassment claim by a student of the institute, Miss Anjola Ogunyemi. The said student had alleged that I sexually assaulted her in my office on December 13, 2019, at about 7:20 am. In her claims, she argued that after I tried to kiss her, I pinned her to the wall by holding her neck so tight, dropped to my knees, removed her panties and licked her down. I am placing it on the record that at no point did I sexually harass miss Anjola Ogunyemi.

The primary reason she was in my office on the said date was to sign the attendance register, which had to be re-written because the initial one was messed up. She wasn’t singled out for this. Other students before her had done the same. In the course of signing the attendance, she mentioned that she had got a job that would make attending classes difficult for her. I advised her to change from full-time to part-time to enable her to cope academically. I said I would help make inquiries about that.

While she was in my office, I went to meet Miss Cynthia (The woman at the bookshop) who confirmed that it was possible and all she needed to do was write a letter to Mrs Kalensawo. During her time at my office, two ND students, Oluwaseun Mohammed and Ibukun Akinsanya entered. Mohammed greeted her while Akinsanya came to deliver the 3-In-One coffee I sent him. Before miss Anjola left, she gave me her phone number at that point, I patted her on the back with assuring words, and she even asked if I would be taking the 9:00 am class, in which I jokingly called her ‘olodo’ and answered in the affirmative.

Those familiar with my office know that there is a bookshop right beside it, as well as a lecturers’ office. At 7:20 am, the school is already lively with gardeners, cleaners, workers at the school cafeteria, and students.

On the said date, after she left my office. I chatted her up on Whatsapp and she responded by thanking me (I have released the chat with this message). She attended my 9:00 am class the same day she alleged that I sexually harassed her, and she also signed the class attendance. How could a person who left my office ‘shaking’, as she said on her social media post, reply to the chat I sent her at 8:46 am and sat through my two hours class? Only miss Anjola Ogunyemi could explain the reason she chose to tarnish my image. Some students even called my attention to her reaction when the news about my dismissal reached her. That ‘mission accomplished’ statement from her sounded vindictive, further proof to the fact that only she could explain her actions.

It should also be noted that during the panel sittings, it was pointed out to her that the initial oral statement she gave was totally different from the written statement she submitted 48 hours later.

However, it came as a shock to me that the institute I had served for over a decade decided to terminate my contract despite the outcome of the three-person panel. In the statement of the institute announcing my sack to the world, paragraph four says: “It was difficult for the panel to establish correctly a case of sexual harassment in its report because there were glaring contradictions in the testimonies of the two parties and witnesses.” At this point, it is pertinent to ask the management of NIJ that on what basis was my contract terminated?

In my service to the institute, which spanned over ten years, I had discharged my duties with all sense of responsibility. My office was always opened to students, from the ND level to the PGD level. Students charged their phones, kept their valuables in my office, and at no point was my name ever mentioned in the same line with sexual harassment. Ever since the news broke, I have been called unprintable names on my social media handles and despite numerous pleas, I refused to disable the comment section or pull down the account.

My next line of action would be communicated accordingly.

I thank everyone for their support during what has been a turbulent time for my family and me. I urge you all to remember me in your prayers.

Tene John

Dr. Obiora Dazzles Senate Committee As He’s Screened For CBN Top Job

Editorial staff

January 29, 2020

Dr. Kingsley Obiora has dazzled the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions with good knowledge of financial matters at his screening for the position of Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

President Muhammadu Buhari had earlier forwarded the name of Dr. Obiora in a letter to the Senate.

Impressed by the knowledge displayed, the committee advised him to bring his wealth of experience to bear in the task of assisting the Bank achieve its mandate of ensuring monetary and price stability, among others.

The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Uba Sani, who conducted the screening along with other members today, January 29, commended the nomination of Obiora as fitting, even as he expressed confidence that the nominee was well suited for the position, bearing in mind the fact that he had been actively involved in the process of monetary policy formulation at both the national and international levels.

According to him, the Senate, through the Committee, decided to give the screening expeditious consideration, given the sensitivity and critical role the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank plays in the nation’s economic sector and to plug any gap that might be created with the imminent exit of the out-going Deputy Governor, Economic Policy.

In their individual remarks, members of the Senate Committee lauded the competence of the nominee, saying that he possessed the expertise to add great value to the management of monetary policy and indeed the Nigerian economy.

The Committee also commended the quality of the nominee and his patriotic zeal, adding that the nomination underscored the importance of merit in considering Nigerians for appointments.

Responding to the questions posed by the Senate Committee members, Dr. Obiora expressed gratitude to the President for considering him for appointment as Deputy Governor. He also thanked the Senate Committee for its kind words and their commitment to the Nigerian project.

If confirmed as Deputy Governor, Obiora pledged to contribute his quota to enable the Bank achieve on its mandate.

It will be recalled that President Buhari, in a letter to the Senate on January 16, 2020, nominated Dr Kingsley Isitua Obiora as a Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, noting that the nomination was in accordance with the provision of Section 8(1) (2) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (Establishment) Act 2007.

Subject to the confirmation by the Senate, Dr. Obiora will replace Dr. Joseph Okwu Nnanna, who retires from the Bank on February 2, 2020.

Obiora holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Statistics from the University of Benin, as well as a Masters degree in Economics and a doctorate degree in Monetary and International Economics both from the University of Ibadan.

Upon confirmation, he will vacate his current position of Alternate Executive Director in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington DC, United States of America.

National Assembly sources say that recommendation for Obiora’s confirmation may be laid before the Senate’s plenary early next week, if the Committee’s report is concluded by then.

Another N321 Million Abacha Loot To Be Repatriated, To Be Used On Some Roads

Editorial staff

January 29, 2020

The Federal Government of Nigeria has concluded arrangements for the repatriation of another $321 Million Abacha loot through asset sharing tripartite agreement between Nigeria, Island of Jersey and the United States of America.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, who briefed newsmen after a marathon Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting today, January 29 at the presidential Villa, Abuja, said that the fund, when it arrives in Nigeria, will be applied to Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Abuja-Kano road and the 2nd Niger Bridge.

“We have overtime been discussing with other jurisdictions including Island of Jersey and the United States among others for the purpose of the repatriation of looted assets connected to Abacha family, Diezani Alison-Madueke, Kolawole Aluko among others.

It is within this context that we have now come to terms with this jurisdiction – Island of Jersey, United States of America and indeed Nigeria by way of negotiating for the repatriation of a sizable assets.

“As it is, we have concluded on the understanding that the sum of $321 million will be repatriated in due course, inclusive of James Ibori assets as well.

“So, we are hopeful that by next week, we will sign the agreement for the looted assets. The assets that are going to be repatriated is located and in the custody of Island of Jersey. But the United States of America came on board because it has obtained an order for forfeiture against the assets, considering that the medium of exchange used in the looting the assets is the US dollar. Arising from that the three jurisdictions will naturally be factored into the repatriation processes.

“So the amount upon signing the MOU will be remitted from the Inland of Jersey within a number of days agreed upon, Within 28 days, the money will be repatriated from the Island of Jersey to the United States is America and thereafter within 45 days, it is agreed by the parties that the the United States is America will make the necessary arrangement for the eventual repatriation to the Nigerian state.

“This is where we are. The council has looked into the negotiated MOU that is expected to be signed that will now lay foundation for the eventual repatriation of the money. The council has graciously approved the execution of the agreement. The council instructed the attorney general of the federation to be a signatory to that MOU in preparation of the repatriation of the funds.”

Abubakar Malami explained that the $321 million expected to be repatriated is attached to Abacha and is named Abacha loot.

“As it relates to James Ibori, expected amount is €6,863,977.12. But the repatriation of same is being negotiated and processed.

“In respect of Diezani Alison-Madueke, Kolawole Aluko, what is on ground is yacht, known as Galactica Star. “It has been sold the proceeds is yet to be fully agreed upon. So we will disclose the amount when it is finally agreed upon.”

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