NUPENG urges Pipeline vandals to desist from the act as it affects the economy badly

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, has asked the Federal Government to quickly establish the proposed Pipelines Protection Agency, PPA, which will help with modern technology in order to reduce the incessant attacks of pipelines.

In a statement by the president of NUPENG, Igwe Achese, the attack on Chevron Valve Platform by suspected militants should be completely condemned. He urged pipeline vandals to quit the destruction of oil installations and pipelines in the country.

The statement read:

“We call on those responsible to embrace peace. We equally implore the Federal Government to intensify effort at setting up the proposed Pipelines Protection Agency as said by the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbanjo, that will be equipped with modern technology to stem the tide of vandalism. 

“We urge the militants to stop the dastardly act as it affects the ecosystem through the destruction of aquaculture, farmlands, water, and river pollution arising from the spillage. 

Militants should desist from the act as it draws the economy back and affects the climate and lives of the citizens of the host community. 

“We want to use this medium to call on those responsible to embrace peace and not embark on further threats or damage to pipelines. We equally implore the Federal government to intensify effort at setting up the proposed pipelines protection Agency as said by the Vice-President, Yemi Osinbanjo that will be equipped with modern day technology to stem the tide of vandalism.. 

"Security agencies must redouble their efforts 24/7 with equipment installed with night visions to put a stop to such surprise attacks on oil installations and pipelines.”

vanguard newspepr

Angry Residents Use Juju To Chase Away PHCN Officials

A hilarious scene unfolded this morning in Guaraka, Tafa LGA Niger State. Local residents in the area, were vexed that they’ve been paying electricity bills for months on end, but have never really enjoyed the benefits of what they’re paying for.

A group of angry women took to the streets to protest their frustrations by tying up the electricity poles in the neighborhood with diabolical charms aimed at scaring away the electricity task force from disconnect power in the area.

source nairaland

for Nigeria To Divide Now, It Is Better For All Of Us To Jump Into Sea

president Mohammed buhari have vowed to sustained the unity of nigeria, he stated this in his hometown katsina yesterday. he said that the country lost morethan two million people during the civil war, and that those asking for independence are kids born yesterday that lack the knowledge of the sacrifice made to sustain this country.
Buhari, who spoke at the palace of Emir of Katsina also urged Nigerians to be patient with his government as, according to him, the current hardship being experienced, may not be unconnected with efforts at laying a solid foundation for sustainable nation building.

Buhari was in Katsina to attend the state’s economic and investment forum which he will officially declare open this morning.

In a veiled reference to the current separatist agitation for Biafra being promoted by a group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Buhari warned it would be better for the entire country to commit mass suicide than to allow such campaign succeed.

He referred to the promoters of the agitation as “kids” who were not born during the civil war.  According to Buhari, “today, Nigeria is a strong and united sovereign entity because some people laid down their lives for the country.

At least two million people died during the civil war but, today, some people who were not born during the civil war are agitating for the division of the country. We will not let that happen.

"For Nigeria to divide now, it is better for all of us to jump into the sea and get drowned"

Speaking on the economy, Buhari regretted the fall of crude oil price in the international market and further noted that, at the inception of his administration on May 29, 2015, the price per barrel of oil crashed to as low as $30, contrary to what was obtainable during the 16 years of the immediate past Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government.

“We will not betray the trust Nigerians reposed in us and we will ensure officials of government also act in the national interest,” the President said. 

husband abandoned wife for another woman and serious fight broke out

according the story on youtube, the man is married with 7yrs old son in owerri. left them and came to lagos to look for a better life but fall in love with another woman in lagos. his new found love made him to forget his family in owerri. his wife waited and decided to trace him down to Lagos. she came with the help of her sister. so fight broke out when they finally locate the man and discovered that he is staying with another woman. watch the video.

Two supporters in serious condition after mass brawl at Alagoas State Championship final

There were chaotic scenes in Brazil on Sunday night as a mass stadium brawl ensued after Brazilian club CRB were crowned Campeonato Alagoano champions after beating rivals CSA 3-0 on aggregate in the state final.

The fans began fighting and attacking each other with some even brandishing weapons after they were taunted by rival fans over the match result. 

 

A man was severely hurt in the melee after he was beaten by about 12 other rival fans and is now in a state of coma as the policemen present fled the stadium after seeing that they couldn't contain the crowd and fans that were fighting.

FG To Privatise Refineries In 12 Months

The federal government may have perfected plans to privatise the nation’s refineries within the next one year, according to revelations by the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu.

According to Kachikwu, the federal government was looking at privatising its refineries within 12 months, disclosing that Agip and Chevron have already indicated interest in purchasing two of the refineries.

The minister, who doubles as the Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), says his team is working with oil majors on improving the state-run refineries in Nigeria.

Kachikwu was quoted by Reuters as saying that the federal government wanted to privatise the refineries within 12 months following the much-needed maintenance work.

“We have gotten commitments from some of the majors. Agip has indicated interest to work with us on Port Harcourt, Chevron on Warri. We are talking to Total on Kaduna,” Kachikwu said.

He added that even if the refineries in question performed to their optimum capacity, their production would still not meet local demand for petrol.

He said the petroleum resources ministry was striving to utilise other sources of refining petrol while also depending on the coming on board of private refineries like the Dangote refinery.

He noted that the non-performance of the refineries was due to a number of factors, including fraud and lack of holistic maintenance. As a result of the long period of non-maintenance, a lot of components were ineffective.

However, the minister had earlier stated that the refineries would not disposed off, but said government would seek investors to co-locate new refineries near the existing ones which presently perform abysmally lower than their installed capacities.

ruling out a possible sale of the nation’s refineries, Kachikwu who was speaking during an official tour of the Okrika Jetty and the Port Harcourt Refining Company Limited, affirmed that “the refineries would not be sold but joint venture partners with established track records of success in refining would be invited to support the running of the refineries in order to ensure efficiency.”

He noted that the phased rehabilitation of all the state owned refineries would be given an accelerated vigour with the aim of reducing petroleum products importation into the country, adding that at full capacity, all the refineries could supply 20 million litres of petrol on a daily basis.

LEADERSHIP recalls that Kachikwu had assured that the corporation will provide all the necessary enablers to make the refineries operate commercially and optimally, while pointing out that though the current challenges militating against the operations of the refineries are huge, they are not insurmountable.

He stated that in view of the nation’s low refining capacity, there was need to establish more refineries in the country, adding that he plans to ensure the building of new refineries near the existing plants.

“I am pushing to build new refineries next to our existing plants in order to boost the nation’s refining capacity for the common good” he stated.

He explained that the new refineries will be developed by private investors and that NNPC’s role will be just to provide them with space close to the existing refineries to enable them share key facilities such as pipelines and storage facilities.

Kachikwu who praised the vision and foresight of past Nigerian leaders for establishing the refineries had then challenged the present generation to sustain the vision, adding that all hands must be on deck to salvage the situation.

 

Oando Bridges Gas Supply To North, Kicks Off LNG Project In Kogi

Oando Gas & Power Limited (OGP)  has commenced development of a mini Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facility through its Transit Gas Nigeria Limited (“TGNL”) subsidiary in Ajaokuta, Kogi State.

The pioneering 20 mmscf/day liquefaction plant is primarily directed towards fulfilling the gas supply requirement for captive power plants, embedded generation, and industrial clusters in the Northern region, as well as stranded customers in the South.

Off-takers, particularly, power plants and industrial customers who currently utilise liquid fuels such as diesel and LPFO, will be able to lower energy costs by up to 40%, while significantly decreasing carbon emissions.

Commenting on the initiative, OGP CEO, Mr. Bolaji Osunsanya said, “The establishment of the Ajaokuta mini LNG project is in firm alignment with our mid-to-long term gas conversion strategy.

This venture further emphasises our push to broaden our asset portfolio and strengthen our market play within the gas sector; and by providing the gas advantage, we will help spur the development of self-sustaining industrial clusters to bolster the country’s socio-economic growth.

LNG is a viable provisional solution and an industry game-changer for the development of gas markets ahead of the actualisation of a far-reaching nationwide gas pipeline network as stipulated by the Nigerian Gas Master Plan.”

With an unlimited supply radius across the country, the Ajaokuta mini-LNG project will provide the solution to the perennial power challenges suffered in certain regions by supplying gas to key foundation off-takers including strategic power plants and commercial concerns.

OGP provides gas and power solutions to over 170 industrial and commercial customers nationwide ensuring cost-savings across board, powering economic development, and engendering environmental awareness.

The company commissioned its expanding Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) program in 2013, and is currently spearheading several long term projects including a 400km South-West to North-West gas pipeline and a Central Processing Facility (CPF) which will serve as the primary gas gathering and processing hub in the Niger Delta.

Commenting further on the company’s strategic direction, Osunsanya said, “We are focused on aggressively developing Nigeria’s gas infrastructure and the Midstream sector at large as evidenced by the ongoing expansion efforts of our various assets.

We are poised to conclude the 10km Ijora to Marina expansion of our Greater Lagos pipeline to increase our supply capacity and market, while providing a cheaper power solution for industries and commercial enterprises along the axis. In cooperation with the Rivers State Government, we have also begun the 8km build out of the Central Horizon Gas Company pipeline franchise within the Trans-Amadi area which will have a socio-economic multiplier effect via the availability of power generated, job creation, and the growth of businesses.”

Though Nigeria boasts proven natural gas reserves of 187 trillion cubic feet (TCF), the 8th largest in the world and the largest in Africa, the gas industry has failed to realise its true potential due to a number of challenges including the lack of a suitable long-term fiscal and regulatory framework, insufficient infrastructure, sabotage in the Niger Delta, and slow market consolidation.

Analysts have continually touted gas as a means of diversifying Nigerian revenues from the usual reliance on oil.

“Gas must occur as a market-driven development, and Nigeria is not an exception.  With oil, there is a ready global market existing for the product. However in gas, you start with an end market and then you develop the gas infrastructure, including extraction, processing facilities, pipelines and connecting infrastructure,” said Osunsanya.

Oando’s holistic gas integration strategy includes methods of transmission and distribution through virtual pipeline solutions such as LNG and CNG to fulfill market requirements while the gestation period for the implementation of the Nigerian Gas Master Plan elapses.

The multi-billion Naira Ajaokuta LNG facility will commence operations in Q2 2017.

 

Militancy Forces Shell To Evacuate Workers From Bonga Fields

Shell workers at Nigeria’s Bonga oil field in the southern Niger Delta are being evacuated following a militant threat, a senior labour union official said on Monday.

“We are aware of the development and the evacuation is being done in categories of workers and cadres,” Cogent Ojobor, chairman of the Warri branch of the Nupeng oil labour union, said. “My members are yet to be evacuated”, reports Reuters.

He gave no numbers.

Shell said earlier on Monday that oil output was continuing at its oil fields in Nigeria despite local media reports of a militant attack near its Bonga facilities.

“Our operations at Bonga are continuing,” a spokesman for Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) said in a statement. It said it would continue to monitor the security situation in its operating areas and take all possible steps to ensure the safety of staff and contractors.

Last week, militants attacked a Chevron platform in the Delta where tensions have been building up since authorities issued an arrest warrant in January for a former militant leader on corruption charges.

President Muhammadu Buhari has said there would be a crack down on “vandals and saboteurs” in the Delta region, which produces most of the country’s oil.

A group known as the Niger Delta Avengers claimed responsibility for the Chevron attack. The same group has said it carried out an attack on a Shell oil pipeline in February which shut down the 250,000 barrel-a-day Forcados export terminal.

Residents in the Delta have been demanding a greater share of oil revenues. Crude oil sales account for around 70 per cent of national income in Nigeria but there has not been much development in the poor Delta region.

Buhari has extended a multi-million dollar amnesty signed with militants in 2009 but upset them by ending generous pipeline protection contracts.

The militancy is a further challenge for a government faced with an insurgency by the Islamist militant Boko Haram group in the northeast and violent clashes between armed nomadic herdsmen and locals over land use in various parts of the country.

 

Oil Prices To Rise In 2016 As Equilibrium Is Attained By Year-End

Oil markets are looking to the second half of 2016 for demand and supply to balance. A more meaningful adjustment to the demand/supply dynamic is likely to come about after oil consumption peaks during the third and fourth quarters of the year and when Non-Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) production, especially US light tight oil production (shale), records further declines in output, NBK’s update on oil market notes.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the market should reach equilibrium in 3Q16. The agency also estimates that by 4Q16, non-Opec supply will have contracted by around 800,000 barrels per day (b/d). US shale production is expected to account for much of the fall, NBK analysts said.

US crude production, which fell by one per cent in 2015, was already down three per cent, or 280,000 b/d, at 8.9 mb/d by 22 April of this year, the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) noted. The increase in production efficiency that has come about despite sizable falls in drilling activity and capital spending by oil firms looks to be finally tapering off.

Rising Iranian output offsets losses in Nigeria to keep Opec production steady in March and OPEC and Russia fail to sign off on a production freeze in Doha.

Overall, Opec production held steady at 32.2 mb/d for the second consecutive month in March, according to OPEC secondary source data. Output declines in Nigeria and Libya due to supply disruptions and in the UAE as a result of maintenance were broadly offset by output gains in Iran and Iraq. Production in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait was unchanged.

Unshackled by sanctions, Iranian production has been increasing at the rate of about 135,000 b/d a month in 2016. Output reached 3.3 mb/d in March, an impressive rise of 405,000 b/d year-to-date. This is still short of the 500,000 b/d that Iranian officials boasted could be brought online immediately post-sanctions. Nevertheless, Iran is only a few months away from reaching its pre-sanctions production capacity level of 3.6 mb/d. Its target of 4.0 mb/d, however, is unlikely to be attained without significant investment in view of the weakened state of the country’s oil infrastructure.

Iran’s refusal to countenance capping production before reaching its target of 4.0 mb/d proved decisive in the Doha negotiations. Attention now shifts to OPEC’s biannual meeting in June, when members will likely resume their discussion of production ceilings.

April saw oil markets shrug off the failed OPEC/Russia output freeze accord and propel prices to their biggest monthly gain since 2009.

According to NBK analysts, April may come to be known as the month in which oil market sentiment turned perceptibly bullish. Shrugging off the failure of OPEC and Russia to agree on a production freeze, oil prices posted their largest monthly gain in seven years in April. By the end of the month, Brent crude, the international benchmark, had surged by almost 22 per cent to close at $48.1 per barrel (bbl)—its highest level since November 2015. Similarly, West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the US crude marker, ended the month 20 percent higher at $45.9/bbl.

Since hitting 13-year lows in mid-January, oil prices have rallied by a remarkable 72 per cent on the back of several bullish signals including the production freeze talks, supply outages among OPEC members, falling US shale production and a depreciating US dollar.

Rather than dwell on the inability of OPEC and Russia to agree on oil output cuts at the 17 April meeting in Doha, markets took their cues from the supply disruptions that have come thick and fast since February. Among the largest oil producers to witness falls in output were Iraq, Nigeria, Ghana and Kuwait.

Buhari ruling Nigeria with medieval mindset, says Prof Utomi

A professor of political economy and management expert, Professor Patrick Utomi, said Nigerians and the government must be alive to their responsibilities if the country was to witness genuine transformation.

The former presidential candidate and founder of Centre for Value in Leadership (CVL), was guest speaker at a Breakfast Meeting organised by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Victory Chapel, Province 21, Magodo, Lagos State. The theme of the programme was: “Christian Leadership in Contemporary World”.

He began his message by charging the audience to initiate the kind of change they were clamouring for. He said it was unfortunate that people would stay at the comfort of their rooms only to complain about everything and do nothing about it. He stated that the man with the biggest authority in an organisation might not be the most effective person in moving the organisation towards its goal.

According to the erudite scholar, Nigeria has over the years, been immersed in poor leadership style, saying it was the cause of the crises the country was currently facing.

He also lamented that another major problem with leadership in Africa was the people’s refusal to be exposed to information.

“Readers are leaders. If we don’t read, we won’t anticipate problems or know how to deal with them upfront.”

He recalled how the Boko Haram insurgency could have been prevented when it was at its infant stage years ago.

“To lead, you must be knowledgeable. People don’t follow somebody who doesn’t know where he is going. Otherwise, you fall into a ditch.”

Utomi urged the government to invest in its human resources – their education and overall well-being in order to yield demographic dividends. He expressed the belief that quality leadership would make the seemingly impossible to be possible.

He recalled that he was shocked and couldn’t forget the day former president Goodluck Jonathan said Nigeria’s economy was doing well because it was the fastest growing private jets market in the world. He said it was unfortunate that Nigerians were accumulating wealth by buying obnoxious things. He said the same people had started auctioning such items.

Utomi said he could not fathom the paradox of corruption, religiosity and happiness linked to Nigerians.

“Nigerians were said to be the most religious people in the world. Just about the same time, the transparency index found Nigeria to be the most corrupt people in the world, and another study found Nigerians to be the happiest people in the world. I don’t know how many people can resolve this paradox,” he noted.

Professor Utomi told Daily Sun, shortly after the programme, that he had always remained a teacher.

He said: “For the fact that I am active on the board of several companies; that is taking teaching to the boardroom literally. I am on the board of maybe 30 or more companies around the world. I still teach at the Lagos Business School.

“Yes, I am also a politician. I am a member of the ruling party, as they say in Nigeria. I understand what ruling means – a party in power, I guess. As the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo said few weeks ago, himself, I, and a few others, wrote the roadmap and manifestoes of the party.”

On Christian leadership, Utomi said where the world was at the moment was as a result of Christian leadership. According to him, the Western civilisation was made possible through Christian influence, citing the spread of education as a typical example of the role of the church in promoting leadership. Christianity was responsible for modern education and modern education has been a fulcrum of human advancement and science, he maintained.

On the current economic crisis, he said President Muhammadu Buhari was ruling the country as if he was still in the medieval period.

His words: “The problem with Buhari’s administration is his medieval mindset. He excludes rather than includes. So, he does not get the best idea. He is insular. I don’t push him in this conversation but I am sure that if I put my friend, the vice president under pressure, he will admit what I am saying. Because of their medieval mindset, they have created a country that is more divided than they met it. And that is a problem for leadership that is marching towards progress.”

When asked how long Nigerians might wait for the change they voted for, he said: “Everything is based on context. Take a look at the mismanagement of this fuel thing; the whole idea is nonsensical. It doesn’t have to go on like this; you are punishing Nigerian people unnecessarily. The sufferings that Nigerians have endured in the last couple of weeks over this petrol crisis have reduced productivity. If you throw it open to people across the world to bring petrol to Nigeria and sell at any price, you will discover that within a year, the price of petrol will be lower than the government’s fixed price today.

“You (Buhari) set up a committee called Transition Committee. It suggested that you deregulate the whole thing about crude oil, but no, you won’t. Your ideas go back 30 years and they are irrelevant to this world. Open up your mind and listen to people and you can make progress. To lead is to serve.”

The pastor of the province, Peter Egho, said the breakfast meeting was to tackle the enormous challenges confronting Nigerians, including the church members. He said Nigeria needed someone with a solution to the present economic disorder. “Those who have the right orientation and boldness are needed at these difficult times,” he stated.

Assistant Pastor of the province, Bisi Olowoyo, told Daily Sun that the programme was to empower Christians to live a fulfilled life. He added that God had already made certain things available to His children, but noted that they need to take some practical steps for their manifestation.


source sun newspeper

Tompolo writes Buhari, says ‘I supported Jonathan NOT because I hate you' thecable

Government Ekpemupolo, militant leader better known as Tompolo, has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to relax the pressure on him at the moment, saying he did not support former President Goodlcuk Jonathan in the presidential election because he hated his opponent.

Tompolo, who has been declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), said some “anti-Ijaw elements” around the president were misleading him.

Going down memory lane, the former commander of the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND), recalled his relationship with the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

“I do not think it was criminal for me to openly support one of my own, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for the presidency in 2015,” he wrote in an open letter.

“I did so out of conviction not because I hate you or because you are a northerner. After all, most of my personal friends and acquaintances are from the north.

“To cap it all, the memories of my robust relationship with your Katsina brother, the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua are still painfully fresh and reminiscent of brotherliness.”

He advised the president to avoid treading a “dangerous dimension” by seeing Ijaw people as enemies.

Below is the letter:

His Excellency, 
President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, 
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 
Aso Rock Presidential Villa,
Abuja.

Dear Mr President,

‎I once again, deem it pertinent to write Your Excellency since your assumption of office in May 2015. Mr President will recall that at my meeting with you sometimes last year, I gave my commitment and pledge to ensure sustainable peace and development in the oil rich Niger Delta region and Nigeria in general.

At the meeting which I interpreted to be an ample opportunity and a template for peaceful co existence in the country‎, I made it known to Your Excellency that my support for your government as well as my commitment to a peaceful and secure Niger Delta region is paramount. But I remember also that I gave a humble advice on the need for Mr President to be weary of political cum crisis merchants, particularly those who are members of your own party, the APC. That advice arose out of the fear that most people who are members of your party, especially from the Niger Delta region, who are very known to me, take solace in evolving and concocting crisis to leverage upon.

I left the meeting fulfilled for three reasons. It was not because I had met with a new man in charge but because I ‎had an opportunity to air my views on the way forward. I had also successfully dispelled an unfounded perception that I do not want to see President you succeed having defeated my fellow Ijaw kinsman and close confidant. Thirdly, I did not use the opportunity of that auspicious meeting to arrogate to myself, as having the solutions to all the challenges facing the Niger Delta region.

This is worth emphasizing in the sense that aside me , there are several other dissatisfied, disenchanted, oppressed and agitated younger elements who still habour misdirected sentiments that I led a handful of ex agitators to surrender arms and embrace the Presidential Amnesty Programme in 2009, under late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, without immediately solving the myriad of problems facing our people. Little did such younger elements appreciate the fact that there can only be a process leading to the eventual succor ‎ for our people.

‎Nonetheless, I displayed an uncommon courage to ensure the sustenance of peace and relative security within the limits of my capacity and ability. Most Nigerians, if not all, are aware of the role I played in safeguarding and protecting crude oil and gas facilities during the last administration. I am sure even Mr President is aware of this development. As a patriotic Nigerian, I have never hidden my desire to do what is just in this regard even to the extent, that I have incurred the wrath of illegal bunkers and vandals.

Attempts To Demonize Me‎ And Ethnicise Niger Delta Issues

Mr President Sir, even at the risk of being repetitive, kindly permit me to recall the various efforts I have made to exonerate myself from the perfidious moves by some elements within and outside the Niger Delta region to always implicate me on any flimsy opportunity.

To such persons, calling me, the man behind every bad thing has remained the only avenue and pedestal to get political patronages. Although so many instances abound, the recent spirited move to link me with the nascent Niger Delta Avengers (NDA), a group that has claimed responsibility for the various breaches on oil pipeline installations in the Niger Delta region.

To some around you, the only means of getting Your Excellency’s attention is to wickedly attribute the activities of the said group to me simply because ‎I have a running battle with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC). This is the height of desperation and hypocrisy on the part of such people.

For one, I have chosen to pursue my case with the EFCC to a logical conclusion because I am yet to be convinced that the purported case instituted against me does not have ethnic colouration masterminded by my traducers. Since the case is before a competent court of jurisdiction, I will refrain from making further comments on this.

However, ‎it will be in the interest of this great nation if Mr President takes a painstaking study of certain political actors around him, most especially those from the Niger Delta region. I bear no grudge against any of such, but I am convinced beyond any doubt that they have taken solace in perpetual misdirection and mischief as far as my person is concerned.

I make bold to say that there are several APC elements within and around your government who see anything Ijaw as criminal and anti-Buhari. Unpretentiously too, certain non-Ijaw ethnic merchants cum bigots have expressedly displayed open hatred for Ijaws in the Niger Delta region. Such persons have almost succeeded in warping a governmental mindset against Ijaws, whether in or outside your government. Please Mr President, this is a very dangerous dimension that is avoidable by your government.

Just as your people supported you as of right, throughout the presidential campaigns, ‎I do not think it was criminal for me to openly support one of my own, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for the presidency in 2015. I did so out of conviction not because I hate you or because you are a northerner. Afterall, most of my personal friends and aquaintances are from the north. To cap it all, the memories of my robust relationship with your Katsina brother, the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua are still painfully fresh and reminiscent of brotherliness.

In this regard, it is only appropriate to judge people not by what is reeled out to the corridor of powers by their traducers but by their deeds and activities. I do not think I have done anything to warrant this needless mental onslaught that has been visited on me since Your Excellency’s assumption of power.

Finally, I am compelled to say that these ethno-political merchants are merely laying the foundation for an unavoidable crisis. They will be happy to see a ravaged Gbaramatu Kingdom and by extension, Ijawland under the pretext of looking for me. This is a very dangerous template such persons are laying and it is only good for Mr President to deploy the inner mind to stratify this unwholesome gimmick.

Once again, I thank Mr President for having the time to peruse this letter.

Thanks and as usual, accept the assurances of my highest compliments.

SIGNED

HIGH CHIEF GOVERNMENT EKPEMUPOLO (TOMPOLO)
The Ibe-ebidouwei of Iiaw Nation

Senate c’ttee backs FG’s plan to import grazing grasses from Brazil

he Senate Committee on Agriculture at the weekend threw its weight behind federal government’s decision to import grasses for grazing from Brazil.

Chairman of the committee, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, who made the disclosure in Abuja, said the importation of grazing pastures for cattle at designated places across the country would proffer permanent solution to the protracted crisis between farmers and herdsmen.

Adamu dismissed criticism of the move by some professors of agriculture who had opposed the move, saying they had technology to grow grasses if they received government support.

He criticised the inability of the professors to proffer solution to the problem of grazing over the years, saying they lacked any moral right to criticise the government’s move.

According to him, importing grazing grasses and making them available to cattle rearers would stop the movement of cattle from one place to another adding that the move would also put paid to the growing spate of killings by herdsmen.

He also said the government would provide and service pasture to curtail the continuous movement of cattle by herdsmen, noting that in the United States, pastures and water are provided to grow nutritious grasses for cattle’s sustenance.

Adamu said the government must face the reality of the moment by taking some painful decisions in order to end the herdsmen and farmers’ clashes, arguing that “there are no easy fixes” to the problem.

He also blamed the mindless killings by herdsmen on growing indiscipline among the herdsmen, government failure to address key issues causing the crisis and politicisation of the matter.

The Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, had in March this year, disclosed that government had the plan to begin the importation of grasses for cows to reduce the movement of herdsmen across the country.

Ogbeh, had disclosed that Buhari was setting up grazing areas in various states of the federation as a response to the clashes.

Addressing his Idoma people who protested the massacre of Agatu people in Benue State by herdsmen in Abuja, Ogbeh said: “We are producing massive hectares of grasslots for the consumption of cattle; we have received these grasses from Brazil and we are growing them in massive quantities.

“Cattle herdsmen want grasses for their cattle; such grass is what we are growing in large quantities and, within the next three months, some of these will be ready.

Ogbeh also disclosed that the government would initiate a legislation that would control grazing in unauthorised areas.

“We are also sending a bill to the National Assembly to legislate that cattle should no longer roam in our cities and villages.

“We will equally raise the issue at the level of the African Union, to compel member-countries to take steps to prevent their herdsmen from grazing into neighbouring countries. It will be a major international crises if we do not stop it now,’’ Ogbeh said.

Furthermore, Adamu disclosed that Buhari had ordered the injection of 10,000 tonnes of grains into the system to ease the pains caused by rising cost of grains in the country.

He said his committee had discovered that the administration of Buhari met many silos in the country empty adding that his committee was impressed that the federal government had prioritised agriculture.

He said the Senate would provide the necessary legislative support for the presidency to restore the lost glory of agricultural sector in Nigeria.

I didn’t frustrate recovery of N300bn from 13 banks – AGF

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has described as false, the allegation levelled against him by one, George Uboh, over the recovery of some alleged funds stashed away by individuals in different Nigerian banks as well as some Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

The AGF in a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, through the office of the Chief of Staff, Alhaji Abba Kyari, and dated 4th April, 2016 with Reference Number HAGF/SH/2016/Vol.1/20 refuted the allegations.

According to the AGF’ spokesman, Comrade Salihu Othman Isah, the Minister of Justice described as false the claims by Dr. George Uboh that he deliberately frustrated him in his effort to recover the over N300 billion his company, Panic Alert Security Systems (“PASS”) traced to some Nigerian banks.

The minister also stated as untrue the insinuations that he made an unholy alliance with the banking sector mafia not to cooperate with PASS, and/or that he promised Access Bank that he would call Dr. Uboh to soft pedal on the bank, Malami has this to say: “I must state that the above allegations are untrue, incorrect, false, a figment of the imagination of the author and a smear campaign by Dr. Uboh to tarnish my name. I did not make, never made and will never make any alliance with anyone in and outside of the banking industry to frustrate PASS or any firm from recovering any FGN’s funds stashed/trapped in the listed banks or any bank or company in Nigeria or elsewhere.”

He said, “In demonstration of my firm commitment to the recovery efforts of the FGN, I gave PASS a letter titled: TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN dated 17th February, 2016, introducing PASS to the aforesaid banks/financial institutions.

“The aforesaid Letter of Engagement dated 9th February, 2016 and the subsequent Letter of Introduction dated 17th February, 2016 (“HAGF Letters”) were given to PASS on the firm understanding that PASS had already identified and/or traced specific FGN funds stashed/trapped in the aforementioned banks and that PASS would promptly embark on processes that would lead to actual recovery and remittance of the traced funds into the designated accounts of the FGN in line with the proposals submitted, presentations made and the terms contained in its letter of 9th February, 2016.”

On why he had to revoke the letter of engagement given to PASS, Malami said he took the action when he discovered that it was on window-shopping mission upon receipt of the letter by going beyond his brief, embarking on subtle threats to all Nigerian banks, some private individuals and entities solely to shop for data and information to execute the brief contrary to the representations made to the minister.

Malami’s averred that, “In a manner that clearly demonstrated that PASS was merely on a voyage of information and window-shopping, PASS, upon receipt of the letters herein above mentioned, went to town and unilaterally expanded the scope of its brief far beyond the 13 banks covered by his brief and embarked on subtle threats to all Nigerian banks, some private individuals and entities solely to shop for data and information to execute the brief contrary to the representations made to me.”

He added that, “It’s only defence for the ultra vires were the fraudulent, baseless, unsubstantiated and illogical inferences that my letter of introduction dated 17th February, 2016 has endlessly expanded/enlarged the scope of its instructions while in actual sense, the said letter was expressly issued ‘pursuant to a February 9, 2016’s letter of engagement’ earlier given to PASS.

“In support of the claims contained in paragraph 9 above, I was inundated with the excesses of Dr. George Uboh of PASS and later found out that PASS actually wrote several banks (more than 13 banks), private individuals, corporate entities (national and multinationals), government agencies and virtually all FGN’s Ministries soliciting for data, information, official records, remittances (funds and stocks) and records of whereabouts of all forfeited assets not yet disposed by some of the FGN agencies, amongst other things.

“For the record, the entities, agencies and private individuals written by PASS in addition to the 13 banks specifically/actually covered by its mandate include but not limited to the followings:All Ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, ALL Managing Directors of 25 Money Deposit Banks (MDBs) in Nigeria, Managing Director, FSDH Merchant Bank Limited, Managing Director, CitiBank Nigeria Limited, Managing Director, FBN Holdings Plc, Managing Director, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Immediate Past M.D, AMCON, Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Former Chairman, Presidential Amnesty Committee, ALGON and some of its past and serving executives.

PDP South-South govs meet in Delta, set agenda for national conventio

The Bayelsa State Governor, Henry Seriake Dickson, at the weekend joined other governors of the Peoples Democratic Party in the South South geopolitical zone to fine-tune plans for the forthcoming National Convention of the party to be held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Other governors who attended the meeting hosted by the Delta State Government in Asaba included Chief Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom State and Prof. Ben Ayade of Cross River State.

Addressing newsmen on the outcome of the meeting, the host Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, said strategies have already been put in place to ensure a hitch-free national convention, stressing that the PDP family would attend the event as one united body.

Okowa said: “We want to go as a united body to Port Harcourt because we have accepted as a party that the national convention should hold there and it stands like that.

“Some plans have been put in place to ensure a wonderful convention.”

Okowa, who also stressed that the meeting deliberated on issues bordering on the governorship election in Edo State taking place in September this year, said strategies have been mapped out to strengthen the party with a view to regaining power in the state.

The Delta State Governor, who described the meeting as fruitful and the first of its kind in the South South geopolitical zone, pointed out that there is a forum comprising all the governors of the region irrespective of party affiliations, where issues of collective interests are usually discussed.

On the issue of insecurity allegedly perpetrated by Fulani herdsmen, Okowa disclosed that the governors resolved to discuss the matter with the Presidency and take concrete steps to forestal further attacks.

source; today news