NATIONAL leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP said yesterday that it would support President Muham-madu Buhari if he fails to achieve the set deadline to end insurgency in the North East which has remained a major security challenge confronting the country, rather than criticize the All Progressives Congress, APC led government.
Speaking yesterday in Abuja when he received a youth group under the aegis of Northern Youth Network at the party national secretariat, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh said: “APC had promised that they were going to end insurgency in two weeks, they later said it will be over in two months and after that they now gave December 31 deadline to end Boko Haram.
Click the link below to read more
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/12/boko-haram-well-not-criticize-buhari-if-he-fails-to-meet-deadline-pdp/
SALUTARY IMPACT
SALUTARY IMPACT (HOSPITALITY AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT)CALL +33605867728
Saturday, 12 December 2015
Friday, 11 December 2015
A Student Of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Lost Her Life During Abortion
20 year old Wunmi Agbeluyi pictured above, a National Diploma (ND) Science Laboratory Technology student of the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, died from complications of a failed abortion after her herbalist boyfriend gave her a concoction to terminate her pregnancy.
According to Vanguard, Wunmi met with the herbalist while he was an apprentice to her own father who was also a herbalist before he died.
The deceased and the suspect started an affair after her father died. She got pregnant for him and after they both agreed they were not ready to become parents, he prepared a concoction and gave to her, hoping to terminate the pregnancy. Few days after drinking the concoction, Wunmi developed severe abdominal pains. The pain became very severe, forcing him to take her to a private hospital.
The doctor they met at the hospital helped them remove the pregnancy. This however did not stop the pain she felt. When her condition worsened, the boyfriend took her to the state general hospital Akure where she died. The Ondo state police command have since arrested boyfriend and the doctor who carried out the abortion procedure.
When interviewed, Funke, the elder sister to the deceased said she was not aware that her younger sister was pregnant and had even tried doing an abortion
“it was a friend called Omololu who informed me that my sister has been admitted in the State specialist hospital and was critically ill. I rushed to the hospital to meet my sister in pain complaining of stomach ache. She insisted that the doctors should not give her injection or drips as prescribed. While we were in the hospital Wunmi refused to disclose why she was given the concoction. It was after the burial that people came to me and narrated what really happened to my sister I informed the family members and we reported the matter to the Olujare of Ijare who asked us to lodge a formal complaint with the Police. I was informed that someone gave her concoction to abort the pregnancy but when she complained of abdominal pain, she was rushed to the hospital. I was later informed that the doctor in the private hospital billed them N25,000 and an initial deposit of N20,000 was paid. It was the doctor that helped them to flush out the remnants of the pregnancy. But when the pains persisted I learnt she was rushed to the specialist hospital where she later died. We will pursue the matter to a logical conclusion and those behind the death of our last born should be made to face the music”, she said.
Meanwhile the deceased has since been buried.
LIB
According to Vanguard, Wunmi met with the herbalist while he was an apprentice to her own father who was also a herbalist before he died.
The deceased and the suspect started an affair after her father died. She got pregnant for him and after they both agreed they were not ready to become parents, he prepared a concoction and gave to her, hoping to terminate the pregnancy. Few days after drinking the concoction, Wunmi developed severe abdominal pains. The pain became very severe, forcing him to take her to a private hospital.
The doctor they met at the hospital helped them remove the pregnancy. This however did not stop the pain she felt. When her condition worsened, the boyfriend took her to the state general hospital Akure where she died. The Ondo state police command have since arrested boyfriend and the doctor who carried out the abortion procedure.
When interviewed, Funke, the elder sister to the deceased said she was not aware that her younger sister was pregnant and had even tried doing an abortion
“it was a friend called Omololu who informed me that my sister has been admitted in the State specialist hospital and was critically ill. I rushed to the hospital to meet my sister in pain complaining of stomach ache. She insisted that the doctors should not give her injection or drips as prescribed. While we were in the hospital Wunmi refused to disclose why she was given the concoction. It was after the burial that people came to me and narrated what really happened to my sister I informed the family members and we reported the matter to the Olujare of Ijare who asked us to lodge a formal complaint with the Police. I was informed that someone gave her concoction to abort the pregnancy but when she complained of abdominal pain, she was rushed to the hospital. I was later informed that the doctor in the private hospital billed them N25,000 and an initial deposit of N20,000 was paid. It was the doctor that helped them to flush out the remnants of the pregnancy. But when the pains persisted I learnt she was rushed to the specialist hospital where she later died. We will pursue the matter to a logical conclusion and those behind the death of our last born should be made to face the music”, she said.
Meanwhile the deceased has since been buried.
LIB
See What Appeal Court Did To Sen. Akpabio
Information reaching is that The Court of Appeal has upheld the election of the Senate minority leader, Senator Godswill Akapbio, representing the Northwest Senatorial district of Akwa Ibom state of the Peoples Democratic party.
A three-man panel of judges struck out the appeal of Mathew Okorie, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), challenging the judgment of the election petition tribunal upholding Akpabio’s election.
nigerianbulletin
A three-man panel of judges struck out the appeal of Mathew Okorie, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), challenging the judgment of the election petition tribunal upholding Akpabio’s election.
nigerianbulletin
ALLEGED $2bn arms deal PROBE: EFCC to summon Okonjo-Iweala
Oshiomhole alleges ex-minister aided looting of stolen funds
I secured ex-President Jonathan’s approval — Okonjo-Iweala
Okonjo-Iweala should tender apology to Nigerians — SERAP
Indications emerged last night that the Federal Government would extend its dragnet towards apprehending and prosecuting more individuals and groups which allegedly helped themselves with huge funds meant for the acquisition of arms for the armed forces, leaving the soldiers to fight with bare hands.
Meanwhile, the war of words between Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala continued, yesterday, as the governor alleged that the former minister facilitated looting of funds by officials of the past admiistration.
Already, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission probing how funds meant for arms were diverted and stolen by top politicians, have stumbled on fresh evidence that senior officials of the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria were actively involved in the transfer of funds to the suspects.
The operatives are upset that rather than help to protect the fortunes of the country, the said officials aided and abetted politicians to bolt away with the nation’s scarce resources.
The agency also discovered that most of the records which the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, used in collecting the huge sums of public funds from the relevant government agencies and paying the sludge funds to the politicians, were not kept in the office of the embattled NSA.
It was learnt last night that EFCC operatives were set to summon the former Minister of Finance & Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okojo-Iweala and some top officials of the CBN to shed more light on what they know about the arms budget said to have been diverted by bigwigs of one of the political parties.
Also to be invited based on evidence of disbursement from the apex bank, are some serving and retired top officials of the CBN who helped in the disbursement of the arms cash to the beneficiaries.
Vanguard learnt that the decision to summon the former minister and the apex bank officials followed the discovery that the bank played an active part in wiring various sums of money to persons and institutions at home and abroad without paying attention to due process.
It was the gamut of transaction documents from the CBN that has assisted them to trace and arrest the high profile politicians and their cronies, who benefitted from the public funds meant for arms.
A source said: “It is clear from our discovery that some money taken from the Abacha loot was used to secure some arms and fight insurgency but it is also clear that a larger part of the money was diverted and nobody raised an eyebrow.
“We want these people to come and give us further clarifications on why they released the money and who got what and why.”
It was gathered that documents at the CBN have established that the $15 million cash which the office of the NSA ferried for the purchase of arms and was seized by the South African Government was part of the Abacha loot. The country is yet to refund the cash to Nigeria.
It was also learnt that part of the Abacha loot was used to secure the services of mercenaries and guerrillas from some countries to assist in re-taking 22 Nigerian territories in the North-East from Boko Haram.
The government at the time had engaged some of the foreign fighters to train troops in anti-terrorism warfare, intelligence gathering and counter terrorism which enabled them recover the lost territories from the insurgents. In spite of that, it never admitted using any of them for any of its operations.
Already, eight of the suspects have been charged with stealing, money laundering and breach of the Public Procurement Act, while none of them is yet to be released even on bail.
Okonjo-Iweala helped Jonathan loot stolen funds, Oshiomhole insists
However, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State yesterday continued his verbal assault on former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, as the governor alleged that the ex-minister only helped the past administration to loot funds.
Oshiomhole who was the guest speaker at a dialogue session that was co-organised by the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, and the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, in Abuja yesterday to commemorate the International Human Rights Day, urged President Muhammadu Buhari not to spare the former Minister who he branded “Ali Baba”.
The Edo State governor spoke on a topic entitled “Towards Advancing the Right to Social Security Protection in Nigeria”.
Speaking to journalists at the end of his presentation, Oshiomhole, maintained that Okonjo-Iweala has serious questions to answer with regards to what happened to looted funds that were recovered from former military dictator, General Sani Abacha.
He said it was not enough for the former minister to “sit there in Washington”, and say that she “transferred part of the money recovered from Abacha to Dasuki for security purpose”.
“All I am just saying is that we are in a constitutional democracy. We are not under an informal arrangement. When you listen to all the narratives, all the disclosures and defence, you will realise that the Federal Government needs to prosecute everybody, not to exempt anyone.
“For example I have read in the newspapers and online, the former Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy saying that she transferred part of the money recovered from Abacha to Dasuki for security purposes.
“Now, the first question the media should ask is, even under conditions of war, money must be appropriated. The National Assembly, I recall very well, when Aminu Tambuwal was Speaker of the House of Representatives, they reconvened on Sunday in order to attend to an urgent matter submitted by the President. So, the Constitution is very clear.
“Money was looted and foreign countries helped us recover that money and a minister assisted in ensuring that that money is re-looted again. And she is there in Washington and you are here languishing. I am saying that she also must be brought to justice”, the Edo governor said.
Okonjo-Iweala should apologise to Nigerians—SERAP
Meanwhile, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked former Minister of Finance Ngozi Okonjo Iweala to “apologise to Nigerians for claiming recently that recovered Abacha loot was transparently spent while she knew that $322m (about N63billion) recovered Abacha funds were inappropriately released to finance the fight against Boko Haram.”
SERAP’s statement yesterday followed Mrs Okonjo-Iweala’s statement that she released about $322m to the former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki for military operations.
In a statement by SERAP executive director Adetokunbo Mumuni the organisation said: “The truth about the spending of Abacha loot is now coming out, and it is clear that Mrs Okonjo-Iweala was wrong to accuse SERAP of bias while she knew that we are simply seeking truth, justice and accountability on the spending of recovered Abacha loot.”
“Mrs Okonjo-Iweala’s approach of ‘no answers, no apology’ on how Abacha loot was spent is doing her reputation more harm than good. We hope that she will take cue from the World Bank (her former employer) when it defined ‘accountability and probity’ as knowing what task has been set, accepting to do it, and going about it with a sense of probity. Probity implying the willingness to self-disclose such information to which a specific stakeholder group has a right as well as tolerance of the scrutiny of such a stakeholder group on information to which they have a right,” the organisation said.
It will be recalled that the former Minister of Finance, had on Wednesday, disclosed that she transferred $322m (N64.148bn) from the looted funds recovered from Abacha to the Office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, to aid military operations in the North-East.
I secured ex-President’s approval — Okonjo-Iweala
A source said: “It is clear from our discovery that some money taken from the Abacha loot was used to secure some arms and fight insurgency but it is also clear that a larger part of the money was diverted and nobody raised an eyebrow.
“We want these people to come and give us further clarifications on why they released the money and who got what and why.”
It was gathered that documents at the CBN have established that the $15 million cash which the office of the NSA ferried for the purchase of arms and was seized by the South African Government was part of the Abacha loot. The country is yet to refund the cash to Nigeria.
It was also learnt that part of the Abacha loot was used to secure the services of mercenaries and guerrillas from some countries to assist in re-taking 22 Nigerian territories in the North-East from Boko Haram.
The government at the time had engaged some of the foreign fighters to train troops in anti-terrorism warfare, intelligence gathering and counter terrorism which enabled them recover the lost territories from the insurgents. In spite of that, it never admitted using any of them for any of its operations.
Already, eight of the suspects have been charged with stealing, money laundering and breach of the Public Procurement Act, while none of them is yet to be released even on bail.
Click the link below to read more
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/12/alleged-2bn-arms-deal-probe-efcc-to-summon-okonjo-iweala/
I secured ex-President Jonathan’s approval — Okonjo-Iweala
Okonjo-Iweala should tender apology to Nigerians — SERAP
Indications emerged last night that the Federal Government would extend its dragnet towards apprehending and prosecuting more individuals and groups which allegedly helped themselves with huge funds meant for the acquisition of arms for the armed forces, leaving the soldiers to fight with bare hands.
Meanwhile, the war of words between Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala continued, yesterday, as the governor alleged that the former minister facilitated looting of funds by officials of the past admiistration.
Already, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission probing how funds meant for arms were diverted and stolen by top politicians, have stumbled on fresh evidence that senior officials of the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria were actively involved in the transfer of funds to the suspects.
The operatives are upset that rather than help to protect the fortunes of the country, the said officials aided and abetted politicians to bolt away with the nation’s scarce resources.
The agency also discovered that most of the records which the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, used in collecting the huge sums of public funds from the relevant government agencies and paying the sludge funds to the politicians, were not kept in the office of the embattled NSA.
It was learnt last night that EFCC operatives were set to summon the former Minister of Finance & Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okojo-Iweala and some top officials of the CBN to shed more light on what they know about the arms budget said to have been diverted by bigwigs of one of the political parties.
Also to be invited based on evidence of disbursement from the apex bank, are some serving and retired top officials of the CBN who helped in the disbursement of the arms cash to the beneficiaries.
Vanguard learnt that the decision to summon the former minister and the apex bank officials followed the discovery that the bank played an active part in wiring various sums of money to persons and institutions at home and abroad without paying attention to due process.
It was the gamut of transaction documents from the CBN that has assisted them to trace and arrest the high profile politicians and their cronies, who benefitted from the public funds meant for arms.
A source said: “It is clear from our discovery that some money taken from the Abacha loot was used to secure some arms and fight insurgency but it is also clear that a larger part of the money was diverted and nobody raised an eyebrow.
“We want these people to come and give us further clarifications on why they released the money and who got what and why.”
It was gathered that documents at the CBN have established that the $15 million cash which the office of the NSA ferried for the purchase of arms and was seized by the South African Government was part of the Abacha loot. The country is yet to refund the cash to Nigeria.
It was also learnt that part of the Abacha loot was used to secure the services of mercenaries and guerrillas from some countries to assist in re-taking 22 Nigerian territories in the North-East from Boko Haram.
The government at the time had engaged some of the foreign fighters to train troops in anti-terrorism warfare, intelligence gathering and counter terrorism which enabled them recover the lost territories from the insurgents. In spite of that, it never admitted using any of them for any of its operations.
Already, eight of the suspects have been charged with stealing, money laundering and breach of the Public Procurement Act, while none of them is yet to be released even on bail.
Okonjo-Iweala helped Jonathan loot stolen funds, Oshiomhole insists
However, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State yesterday continued his verbal assault on former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, as the governor alleged that the ex-minister only helped the past administration to loot funds.
Oshiomhole who was the guest speaker at a dialogue session that was co-organised by the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, and the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, in Abuja yesterday to commemorate the International Human Rights Day, urged President Muhammadu Buhari not to spare the former Minister who he branded “Ali Baba”.
The Edo State governor spoke on a topic entitled “Towards Advancing the Right to Social Security Protection in Nigeria”.
Speaking to journalists at the end of his presentation, Oshiomhole, maintained that Okonjo-Iweala has serious questions to answer with regards to what happened to looted funds that were recovered from former military dictator, General Sani Abacha.
He said it was not enough for the former minister to “sit there in Washington”, and say that she “transferred part of the money recovered from Abacha to Dasuki for security purpose”.
“All I am just saying is that we are in a constitutional democracy. We are not under an informal arrangement. When you listen to all the narratives, all the disclosures and defence, you will realise that the Federal Government needs to prosecute everybody, not to exempt anyone.
“For example I have read in the newspapers and online, the former Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy saying that she transferred part of the money recovered from Abacha to Dasuki for security purposes.
“Now, the first question the media should ask is, even under conditions of war, money must be appropriated. The National Assembly, I recall very well, when Aminu Tambuwal was Speaker of the House of Representatives, they reconvened on Sunday in order to attend to an urgent matter submitted by the President. So, the Constitution is very clear.
“Money was looted and foreign countries helped us recover that money and a minister assisted in ensuring that that money is re-looted again. And she is there in Washington and you are here languishing. I am saying that she also must be brought to justice”, the Edo governor said.
Okonjo-Iweala should apologise to Nigerians—SERAP
Meanwhile, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked former Minister of Finance Ngozi Okonjo Iweala to “apologise to Nigerians for claiming recently that recovered Abacha loot was transparently spent while she knew that $322m (about N63billion) recovered Abacha funds were inappropriately released to finance the fight against Boko Haram.”
SERAP’s statement yesterday followed Mrs Okonjo-Iweala’s statement that she released about $322m to the former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki for military operations.
In a statement by SERAP executive director Adetokunbo Mumuni the organisation said: “The truth about the spending of Abacha loot is now coming out, and it is clear that Mrs Okonjo-Iweala was wrong to accuse SERAP of bias while she knew that we are simply seeking truth, justice and accountability on the spending of recovered Abacha loot.”
“Mrs Okonjo-Iweala’s approach of ‘no answers, no apology’ on how Abacha loot was spent is doing her reputation more harm than good. We hope that she will take cue from the World Bank (her former employer) when it defined ‘accountability and probity’ as knowing what task has been set, accepting to do it, and going about it with a sense of probity. Probity implying the willingness to self-disclose such information to which a specific stakeholder group has a right as well as tolerance of the scrutiny of such a stakeholder group on information to which they have a right,” the organisation said.
It will be recalled that the former Minister of Finance, had on Wednesday, disclosed that she transferred $322m (N64.148bn) from the looted funds recovered from Abacha to the Office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, to aid military operations in the North-East.
I secured ex-President’s approval — Okonjo-Iweala
A source said: “It is clear from our discovery that some money taken from the Abacha loot was used to secure some arms and fight insurgency but it is also clear that a larger part of the money was diverted and nobody raised an eyebrow.
“We want these people to come and give us further clarifications on why they released the money and who got what and why.”
It was gathered that documents at the CBN have established that the $15 million cash which the office of the NSA ferried for the purchase of arms and was seized by the South African Government was part of the Abacha loot. The country is yet to refund the cash to Nigeria.
It was also learnt that part of the Abacha loot was used to secure the services of mercenaries and guerrillas from some countries to assist in re-taking 22 Nigerian territories in the North-East from Boko Haram.
The government at the time had engaged some of the foreign fighters to train troops in anti-terrorism warfare, intelligence gathering and counter terrorism which enabled them recover the lost territories from the insurgents. In spite of that, it never admitted using any of them for any of its operations.
Already, eight of the suspects have been charged with stealing, money laundering and breach of the Public Procurement Act, while none of them is yet to be released even on bail.
Click the link below to read more
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/12/alleged-2bn-arms-deal-probe-efcc-to-summon-okonjo-iweala/
Thursday, 10 December 2015
NTA Ace Broadcaster Cyril Stober retires
As culled from dailypost, information has it that Veteran journalist and media personality, Cyril Stober, of the Nigeria Television Authority, NTA Prime Time News at 9, has retired.
In his industrious service which traversed over 3 decades, the Niger state born screen legend bagged several awards such as Best Presenter of the year. He interacted with and interviewed virtually all sitting and past Nigerian Presidents/Heads of State, as well as their foreign counterparts in Africa, Europe, US and others.
The broadcaster, who anchored the Plateau Gubernatorial debate, has effortlessly graced the Nigeria’s premier TV station, informing generations with authentic eloquence.
In his industrious service which traversed over 3 decades, the Niger state born screen legend bagged several awards such as Best Presenter of the year. He interacted with and interviewed virtually all sitting and past Nigerian Presidents/Heads of State, as well as their foreign counterparts in Africa, Europe, US and others.
The broadcaster, who anchored the Plateau Gubernatorial debate, has effortlessly graced the Nigeria’s premier TV station, informing generations with authentic eloquence.
How Okonjo-Iweala diverted N61.4bn Abacha loot to NSA —Report
My role in disbursement of the fund— Okonjo-Iweala
LAGOS — The immediate past Minister of Finance, and Co-ordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, was said to have illegally approved the transfer of at least N61.4 billion ($300 million and £5.5 million) from funds recovered from late dictator, Sani Abacha, to the Office of the National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, few weeks to the 2015 presidential election, it was gathered, yesterday
According to a letter signed by Okonjo-Iweala, which was obtained by online medium, Premium Times, the former Finance minister signed off the transfer of the funds but requested then President Goodluck Jonathan to directly demand accountability from the then National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki.
In her immediate reaction, however, Okonjo-Iweala explained that only a part of the fund recovered from late Abacha was spent on arms and not the entire fund.
Dasuki, alongside the former governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa, and founder of DAAR Communications, owners of Africa Independent Television and Raypower radio network, Raymond Dokpesi, are being investigated for their roles in the disbursement of $2.1 billion and N643 billion meant for the procurement of arms to fight the raging insurgency in Nigeria’s north east region.
Okonjo-Iweala’s letter dated January 20, 2015, which was addressed to Jonathan, revealed that the money was transferred following a January 12, 2015 request by the Office of the NSA under Dasuki for funds for the procurement of arms and ammunition as well as intelligence equipment.
The letter read:“Please find a request by the National Security Adviser (NSA) for the transfer of $300 million and £5.5 million of the recovered Abacha funds to an ONSA (Office of the National Security Adviser) operations account.
“The NSA has explained that this is to enable the purchase of ammunition, security, and other intelligence equipment for the security agencies in order to enable them fully confront the ongoing Boko Haram threat.
Atawodi, Bafarawa, Dasuki and Dokpesi
“His request is sequel to the meeting you chaired with the committee on the use of recovered funds where the decision was made that recovered Abacha funds would be split 50-50 between urgent security needs to confront Boko Haram and development need (including a portion for the Future Generations window of the Sovereign Wealth Fund).”
She added that the letter was to seek Mr Jonathan’s approval for the funds to be disbursed to the ONSA.
The former minister further explained that the money being transferred formed part of the Federal Government Independent Revenue.
My role in disbursement of the fund —Okonjo-Iweala
In her response yesterday, Okonjo-Iweala said attempt to link her name to any misuse of these funds for any purpose other than security as far as she understood it is totally false and cannot stand.
In a statement signed by her Media Adviser, Paul C Nwabuikwu, she explained her role in the disbursement of the fund.
According to her, “throughout 2014, there were public complaints by the military hierarchy to President Goodluck Jonathan about the inadequacy of funds to fight the anti-terror war in the North East, resulting in Boko Haram making gains and even taking territories. A lot of the criticism was directed at the Federal Ministry of Finance under Dr Okonjo-Iweala which was accused of not doing enough to find funds for the operations.
“In fact, the ministry, on several occasions, had to call press conferences to provide details of budgetary spending on the military, to show, against the background of limited resources and other urgent national priorities, that it was doing its best on funding security.
“It was about this time that some new Abacha funds of about $322 million were returned with another $700 million still expected to be returned. (This is not to be confused with the Abacha funds returned in 2005-2006 under the Obasanjo government whose use for developmental purposes was monitored by the World Bank as earlier explained by Dr Okonjo-Iweala).
“Former President Jonathan set up a committee comprising the former Minister of Justice, former NSA and the former Minister of Finance to determine how best to use both the returned and expected funds for development.
“The NSA made a case for using the returned funds for urgent security operations since, he noted, there cannot be any development without peace and security. Based on this, a decision was taken to deploy about $322 million for the military operations, while the expected $700 million would be applied for development programmes as originally conceived.
“Following the discussions and based on the urgency of the NSA’s memo, Dr Okonjo-Iweala requested the President to approve the transfer of the requested amount to the NSA’s Office for the specified purposes.
“But, as captured in the memo, she insisted on three conditions: a. only a part, not the entire Abacha funds would be spent on the arms; the rest would be invested in developmental projects as originally conceived b. the money was to be treated as borrowed funds which would be paid back as soon as possible c. the NSA’s office was to account for the spending to the President who was the Commander in Chief, given the fact that the Minister of Finance is not part of the security architecture and does not participate in the Security Council.”
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/12/how-okonjo-iweala-diverted-n61-4bn-abacha-loot-to-nsa-report/
LAGOS — The immediate past Minister of Finance, and Co-ordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, was said to have illegally approved the transfer of at least N61.4 billion ($300 million and £5.5 million) from funds recovered from late dictator, Sani Abacha, to the Office of the National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, few weeks to the 2015 presidential election, it was gathered, yesterday
According to a letter signed by Okonjo-Iweala, which was obtained by online medium, Premium Times, the former Finance minister signed off the transfer of the funds but requested then President Goodluck Jonathan to directly demand accountability from the then National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki.
In her immediate reaction, however, Okonjo-Iweala explained that only a part of the fund recovered from late Abacha was spent on arms and not the entire fund.
Dasuki, alongside the former governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa, and founder of DAAR Communications, owners of Africa Independent Television and Raypower radio network, Raymond Dokpesi, are being investigated for their roles in the disbursement of $2.1 billion and N643 billion meant for the procurement of arms to fight the raging insurgency in Nigeria’s north east region.
Okonjo-Iweala’s letter dated January 20, 2015, which was addressed to Jonathan, revealed that the money was transferred following a January 12, 2015 request by the Office of the NSA under Dasuki for funds for the procurement of arms and ammunition as well as intelligence equipment.
The letter read:“Please find a request by the National Security Adviser (NSA) for the transfer of $300 million and £5.5 million of the recovered Abacha funds to an ONSA (Office of the National Security Adviser) operations account.
“The NSA has explained that this is to enable the purchase of ammunition, security, and other intelligence equipment for the security agencies in order to enable them fully confront the ongoing Boko Haram threat.
Atawodi, Bafarawa, Dasuki and Dokpesi
“His request is sequel to the meeting you chaired with the committee on the use of recovered funds where the decision was made that recovered Abacha funds would be split 50-50 between urgent security needs to confront Boko Haram and development need (including a portion for the Future Generations window of the Sovereign Wealth Fund).”
She added that the letter was to seek Mr Jonathan’s approval for the funds to be disbursed to the ONSA.
The former minister further explained that the money being transferred formed part of the Federal Government Independent Revenue.
My role in disbursement of the fund —Okonjo-Iweala
In her response yesterday, Okonjo-Iweala said attempt to link her name to any misuse of these funds for any purpose other than security as far as she understood it is totally false and cannot stand.
In a statement signed by her Media Adviser, Paul C Nwabuikwu, she explained her role in the disbursement of the fund.
According to her, “throughout 2014, there were public complaints by the military hierarchy to President Goodluck Jonathan about the inadequacy of funds to fight the anti-terror war in the North East, resulting in Boko Haram making gains and even taking territories. A lot of the criticism was directed at the Federal Ministry of Finance under Dr Okonjo-Iweala which was accused of not doing enough to find funds for the operations.
“In fact, the ministry, on several occasions, had to call press conferences to provide details of budgetary spending on the military, to show, against the background of limited resources and other urgent national priorities, that it was doing its best on funding security.
“It was about this time that some new Abacha funds of about $322 million were returned with another $700 million still expected to be returned. (This is not to be confused with the Abacha funds returned in 2005-2006 under the Obasanjo government whose use for developmental purposes was monitored by the World Bank as earlier explained by Dr Okonjo-Iweala).
“Former President Jonathan set up a committee comprising the former Minister of Justice, former NSA and the former Minister of Finance to determine how best to use both the returned and expected funds for development.
“The NSA made a case for using the returned funds for urgent security operations since, he noted, there cannot be any development without peace and security. Based on this, a decision was taken to deploy about $322 million for the military operations, while the expected $700 million would be applied for development programmes as originally conceived.
“Following the discussions and based on the urgency of the NSA’s memo, Dr Okonjo-Iweala requested the President to approve the transfer of the requested amount to the NSA’s Office for the specified purposes.
“But, as captured in the memo, she insisted on three conditions: a. only a part, not the entire Abacha funds would be spent on the arms; the rest would be invested in developmental projects as originally conceived b. the money was to be treated as borrowed funds which would be paid back as soon as possible c. the NSA’s office was to account for the spending to the President who was the Commander in Chief, given the fact that the Minister of Finance is not part of the security architecture and does not participate in the Security Council.”
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/12/how-okonjo-iweala-diverted-n61-4bn-abacha-loot-to-nsa-report/
Arsenal Advanced To Round 16 With Emphatic Victory Over Olympiakos
Olivier Giroud scored his first hat-trick for Arsenal to ensure the Gunners qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League by beating Olympiakos.
Needing to win by two clear goals, the Gunners produced a performance of nerve and nous to finish second in Group F.
Giroud headed the opener in the first half, then stroked home the second after good work by Joel Campbell.
The French striker put Arsenal's qualification beyond doubt with his third from the penalty spot.
Arsenal have never failed to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League since the start of the new format in 2003-04, and their experience on the biggest stage shone through on a memorable night in Athens.
They weathered the early enthusiasm from the physical home side, who were backed by typically partisan support, and slowly seized the initiative with a composed performance.
Mathieu Flamini had already hit the bar before Giroud opened the scoring with a near-post header from Aaron Ramsey's cross, which went in off the goalkeeper Roberto.
The second was the best goal of the night as Giroud won a flick-on on the halfway line and timed his run into the box to perfection before stroking home.
The third was slightly more fortuitous as Omar Elabdellaoui was penalised for handling Nacho Monreal's shot and Giroud stepped up to convert with ease.
http://m.bbc.com/sport/football/35042158
Needing to win by two clear goals, the Gunners produced a performance of nerve and nous to finish second in Group F.
Giroud headed the opener in the first half, then stroked home the second after good work by Joel Campbell.
The French striker put Arsenal's qualification beyond doubt with his third from the penalty spot.
Arsenal have never failed to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League since the start of the new format in 2003-04, and their experience on the biggest stage shone through on a memorable night in Athens.
They weathered the early enthusiasm from the physical home side, who were backed by typically partisan support, and slowly seized the initiative with a composed performance.
Mathieu Flamini had already hit the bar before Giroud opened the scoring with a near-post header from Aaron Ramsey's cross, which went in off the goalkeeper Roberto.
The second was the best goal of the night as Giroud won a flick-on on the halfway line and timed his run into the box to perfection before stroking home.
The third was slightly more fortuitous as Omar Elabdellaoui was penalised for handling Nacho Monreal's shot and Giroud stepped up to convert with ease.
http://m.bbc.com/sport/football/35042158
Wednesday, 9 December 2015
Remove oil subsidy now, World Bank tells Buhari
Against the backdrop of the current fuel crisis across the country showing no sign of abating, the World Bank, yesterday, told President Muhammadu Buhari that the time to remove petroleum subsidy is now.
While the Buhari administration has given hints of its intention to remove fuel subsidy, many Nigerians, including the organised labour, have rejected the plan. But in what appears to be a prelude to the eventual removal of fuel subsidy, President Buhari made no provision for kerosene subsidy in the Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF, and Fiscal Strategy Paper, FSP, which he presented to the National Assembly, yesterday.budget
At Monday’s Federal Executive Council meeting, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udoma, while unveiling the Medium Term Expenditure Framework and the government’s N6 trillion budget proposal for 2016, said the government was seriously weighing the options between removing or retaining fuel subsidy next year.
Speaking at the launch of the new edition of Nigeria Economic Report, the World Bank’s Lead Economist, John Litwack, said the best time to remove fuel subsidy is now when global crude oil price is at its lowest level, noting that the Bank foresaw continuous decline in global crude oil price.
Despite last Friday’s attempt by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, during its 168th conference to maintain its production quota so as to stabilize the crude oil market, the price of the commodity slumped further to $37.89 per barrel on Monday from $38.09 on Friday.
Mr Litwack said now is the best time for the government to scrap the subsidy, as doing so would not push retail pump price beyond an average of N100 per litre, or generate the kind of pressure that would negatively impact on the people beyond what they are currently facing.
According to Litwack: “The fuel subsidy appears to have vast modest benefits for the majority of citizens, but the costs are quite high. There is a strong tendency for the cost of fuel subsidy to increase over time as increasing domestic demand for petrol outpaces growth in oil output or revenues.
“The $35 billion cost of fuel subsidy during 2010 – 2014 was one of the reasons Nigeria was unable to accumulate a fiscal reserve in the Excess Crude Account that could have protected the country from the recent oil price shock.”
He explained that fuel subsidy obligations were expected to reach 18 per cent of all government oil revenues in 2015, pointing out that if the current regulated price regime of N87 per litre was maintained, subsidy was projected to increase to more than 30 per cent by 2018.
2016 Budget: Buhari scraps kerosene subsidy
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari may have tacitly scrapped kerosene subsidy in the country as he made no allocation for it in the Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF, and Fiscal Strategy Paper, FSP, which he presented to the National Assembly, yesterday.
The document indicated that the present federal administration is to borrow N1.835.88 trillion to fund the 2016 budget which stands at N6.04 trillion just as it disclosed that a total sum of N350.33 billion misappropriated funds will be recovered in 2016 .
A breakdown showed that while N1, 200.00 trillion would be borrowed domestically, foreign borrowing stands at N635.88 bn.
On the misappropriated funds, the president explained in the Medium Term Expenditure Framework that N137.90 billion will be recovered from strategic alliance contracts, while N162.43 billion will be recovered from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC just as N50 billion will be recovered from other misappropriated funds.
But contrary to expectations that he would remove fuel subsidy following series of complaints arising from its handling, the President did not only retain it but allocates the sum of N63.29 bn for it in the 2016 fiscal year.
While the Buhari administration has given hints of its intention to remove fuel subsidy, many Nigerians, including the organised labour, have rejected the plan. But in what appears to be a prelude to the eventual removal of fuel subsidy, President Buhari made no provision for kerosene subsidy in the Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF, and Fiscal Strategy Paper, FSP, which he presented to the National Assembly, yesterday.budget
At Monday’s Federal Executive Council meeting, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udoma, while unveiling the Medium Term Expenditure Framework and the government’s N6 trillion budget proposal for 2016, said the government was seriously weighing the options between removing or retaining fuel subsidy next year.
Speaking at the launch of the new edition of Nigeria Economic Report, the World Bank’s Lead Economist, John Litwack, said the best time to remove fuel subsidy is now when global crude oil price is at its lowest level, noting that the Bank foresaw continuous decline in global crude oil price.
Despite last Friday’s attempt by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, during its 168th conference to maintain its production quota so as to stabilize the crude oil market, the price of the commodity slumped further to $37.89 per barrel on Monday from $38.09 on Friday.
Mr Litwack said now is the best time for the government to scrap the subsidy, as doing so would not push retail pump price beyond an average of N100 per litre, or generate the kind of pressure that would negatively impact on the people beyond what they are currently facing.
According to Litwack: “The fuel subsidy appears to have vast modest benefits for the majority of citizens, but the costs are quite high. There is a strong tendency for the cost of fuel subsidy to increase over time as increasing domestic demand for petrol outpaces growth in oil output or revenues.
“The $35 billion cost of fuel subsidy during 2010 – 2014 was one of the reasons Nigeria was unable to accumulate a fiscal reserve in the Excess Crude Account that could have protected the country from the recent oil price shock.”
He explained that fuel subsidy obligations were expected to reach 18 per cent of all government oil revenues in 2015, pointing out that if the current regulated price regime of N87 per litre was maintained, subsidy was projected to increase to more than 30 per cent by 2018.
2016 Budget: Buhari scraps kerosene subsidy
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari may have tacitly scrapped kerosene subsidy in the country as he made no allocation for it in the Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF, and Fiscal Strategy Paper, FSP, which he presented to the National Assembly, yesterday.
The document indicated that the present federal administration is to borrow N1.835.88 trillion to fund the 2016 budget which stands at N6.04 trillion just as it disclosed that a total sum of N350.33 billion misappropriated funds will be recovered in 2016 .
A breakdown showed that while N1, 200.00 trillion would be borrowed domestically, foreign borrowing stands at N635.88 bn.
On the misappropriated funds, the president explained in the Medium Term Expenditure Framework that N137.90 billion will be recovered from strategic alliance contracts, while N162.43 billion will be recovered from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC just as N50 billion will be recovered from other misappropriated funds.
But contrary to expectations that he would remove fuel subsidy following series of complaints arising from its handling, the President did not only retain it but allocates the sum of N63.29 bn for it in the 2016 fiscal year.
Manchester United Exits Champions League
Manchester United were eliminated from the Champions League in dramatic fashion by a late loss at Wolfsburg.
The Red Devils made an ideal start when Anthony Martial caressed Juan Mata's pinpoint pass into the bottom corner.
Wolfsburg replied within three minutes through Naldo's sharp volley and led when Vieirinha finished a flowing move.
United thought they were through after Josuha Guilavogui's own goal, only to be condemned to the Europa League through Naldo's late header.
Madchester's night of Euro madness
Louis van Gaal's side knew they would qualify for the last 16 by beating Wolfsburg, or if they matched PSV Eindhoven's result against CSKA Moscow.
Twice inside the final 15 minutes, United thought they were progressing at the expense of the Dutch side, who needed to better United's result to advance.
CSKA led 1-0 in Eindhoven as United also trailed, before both PSV and United were briefly level in their respective games.
But late winners for Wolfsburg and PSV, who won 2-1, knocked out Van Gaal's team.
BBC
The Red Devils made an ideal start when Anthony Martial caressed Juan Mata's pinpoint pass into the bottom corner.
Wolfsburg replied within three minutes through Naldo's sharp volley and led when Vieirinha finished a flowing move.
United thought they were through after Josuha Guilavogui's own goal, only to be condemned to the Europa League through Naldo's late header.
Madchester's night of Euro madness
Louis van Gaal's side knew they would qualify for the last 16 by beating Wolfsburg, or if they matched PSV Eindhoven's result against CSKA Moscow.
Twice inside the final 15 minutes, United thought they were progressing at the expense of the Dutch side, who needed to better United's result to advance.
CSKA led 1-0 in Eindhoven as United also trailed, before both PSV and United were briefly level in their respective games.
But late winners for Wolfsburg and PSV, who won 2-1, knocked out Van Gaal's team.
BBC
Tuesday, 8 December 2015
Nobody Can Stop My People From Speaking Their Mind Says PMB
President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, distanced himself from the proposed Social Media Bill currently being debated in the Senate seeking to restrict Nigerians from “criticizing” political and public office holders.
Muhammadu Buhari and Bukola Saraki at 55th Independence Day ceremony at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.
Muhammadu Buhari and Bukola Saraki
This is just as the United Nations is considering the petition filed by rights group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), against the bill
The President speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, stated that the principle of the bill was inconsistent with democratic ideals of free speech enshrined in the constitution of the land.
He added that he had sworn to protect and uphold the dictates of the constitution and would not in anyway go against it.
President Buhari, however, stated that he was “not averse to lawful regulation, so long as that is done within the ambit of the constitution” which he swore to uphold, noting that free speech was central to democratic societies anywhere in the world.
“The President won’t assent to any legislation that may be inconsistent with the constitution of Nigeria,” he said.
He further explained that without free speech, elected representatives won’t be able to gauge public feelings and moods about governance issues.
“As a key component of democratic principles are so emotionally attached to free speech that they would defend it with all their might,” he said.
Shehu explained that President Buhari was fully aware of the public reservations about the proposed legislation but assured that there was no cause for alarm “because the Senate is a democratic Senate.
The bill, however, has passed second reading in the Senate.
UN hears petition on the bill
Meanwhile, the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Mr. David Kaye is considering the urgent appeal against the bill
In a statement, yesterday, by SERAP executive director, Adetokunbo Mumuni, the organisation said: “SERAP can confirm that the Office of the Special Rapporteur is now considering our petition. We have received communication from Marcelo Daher at the Office of the Special Rapporteur to this effect. The Special Rapporteur has also requested a copy of the bill, which SERAP has promptly sent to Marcelo Daher.
“SERAP appreciates the prompt attention to this matter by the Office of the Special Rapporteur. We urge the UN to pursue this matter to a satisfactory conclusion by ensuring that the Nigerian Senate is not allowed to strangulate media freedom and social media in the country,” the group said.
According to the group, “the only option for the Senate now is to withdraw this obnoxious bill without further delay and end this international embarrassment. SERAP will be prepared to withdraw the petition at the UN if the Senate can follow this honourable path.”
SERAP, last week, sent an urgent appeal to Mr. David Kaye requesting him to “use your good offices and position to urgently request the National Assembly of Nigeria, specifically the Senate, to withdraw a bill which if passed into law would undermine the internationally recognized right to freedom of expression and press freedom on the internet in the country.”
The urgent appeal
Mr Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, was copied in the urgent appeal.
In the urgent appeal, the organisation expressed serious concerns “that the National Assembly of Nigeria will any moment from now pass a bill to jail for two years and fine anybody or group of persons who send any alleged false text message or post false message on the social media against another person.
“SERAP is concerned that rather than increasing universal and inclusive access to the Internet for all Nigerians, the National Assembly of Nigeria is working to undermine access of citizens to the Internet. Yet, freedom of expression entails the ability to both speak and receive information, including through the social media and other generated content services such as YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and chat applications.
“By initiating this bill, the National Assembly is impermissibly restricting the ability of the citizens to use these tools to communicate, connect, and seek independent sources of information.
“SERAP also contends that the bill will restrain access to Internet and social media, curtail the freedom of the press, and online content in illegitimate, disproportionate, or otherwise unlawful and abusive ways. The real targets of the bill are social media and human rights defenders that might be critical of government policies or report on corruption involving high ranking government officials.
“International law provides that any restriction to rights online must be provided in law, pursuant to a legitimate aim, and limited to only what is necessary and proportionate. SERAP believes that the bill falls far short of international requirements of legitimacy, necessity and proportionality.
“The bill will also have chilling effect on freedom of expression in the country, as it will create an atmosphere of fear among bloggers and online activists who may not post critical commentary on Facebook or other social media platforms for fear of being sent to jail.”
Vanguard
Muhammadu Buhari and Bukola Saraki at 55th Independence Day ceremony at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.
Muhammadu Buhari and Bukola Saraki
This is just as the United Nations is considering the petition filed by rights group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), against the bill
The President speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, stated that the principle of the bill was inconsistent with democratic ideals of free speech enshrined in the constitution of the land.
He added that he had sworn to protect and uphold the dictates of the constitution and would not in anyway go against it.
President Buhari, however, stated that he was “not averse to lawful regulation, so long as that is done within the ambit of the constitution” which he swore to uphold, noting that free speech was central to democratic societies anywhere in the world.
“The President won’t assent to any legislation that may be inconsistent with the constitution of Nigeria,” he said.
He further explained that without free speech, elected representatives won’t be able to gauge public feelings and moods about governance issues.
“As a key component of democratic principles are so emotionally attached to free speech that they would defend it with all their might,” he said.
Shehu explained that President Buhari was fully aware of the public reservations about the proposed legislation but assured that there was no cause for alarm “because the Senate is a democratic Senate.
The bill, however, has passed second reading in the Senate.
UN hears petition on the bill
Meanwhile, the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Mr. David Kaye is considering the urgent appeal against the bill
In a statement, yesterday, by SERAP executive director, Adetokunbo Mumuni, the organisation said: “SERAP can confirm that the Office of the Special Rapporteur is now considering our petition. We have received communication from Marcelo Daher at the Office of the Special Rapporteur to this effect. The Special Rapporteur has also requested a copy of the bill, which SERAP has promptly sent to Marcelo Daher.
“SERAP appreciates the prompt attention to this matter by the Office of the Special Rapporteur. We urge the UN to pursue this matter to a satisfactory conclusion by ensuring that the Nigerian Senate is not allowed to strangulate media freedom and social media in the country,” the group said.
According to the group, “the only option for the Senate now is to withdraw this obnoxious bill without further delay and end this international embarrassment. SERAP will be prepared to withdraw the petition at the UN if the Senate can follow this honourable path.”
SERAP, last week, sent an urgent appeal to Mr. David Kaye requesting him to “use your good offices and position to urgently request the National Assembly of Nigeria, specifically the Senate, to withdraw a bill which if passed into law would undermine the internationally recognized right to freedom of expression and press freedom on the internet in the country.”
The urgent appeal
Mr Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, was copied in the urgent appeal.
In the urgent appeal, the organisation expressed serious concerns “that the National Assembly of Nigeria will any moment from now pass a bill to jail for two years and fine anybody or group of persons who send any alleged false text message or post false message on the social media against another person.
“SERAP is concerned that rather than increasing universal and inclusive access to the Internet for all Nigerians, the National Assembly of Nigeria is working to undermine access of citizens to the Internet. Yet, freedom of expression entails the ability to both speak and receive information, including through the social media and other generated content services such as YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and chat applications.
“By initiating this bill, the National Assembly is impermissibly restricting the ability of the citizens to use these tools to communicate, connect, and seek independent sources of information.
“SERAP also contends that the bill will restrain access to Internet and social media, curtail the freedom of the press, and online content in illegitimate, disproportionate, or otherwise unlawful and abusive ways. The real targets of the bill are social media and human rights defenders that might be critical of government policies or report on corruption involving high ranking government officials.
“International law provides that any restriction to rights online must be provided in law, pursuant to a legitimate aim, and limited to only what is necessary and proportionate. SERAP believes that the bill falls far short of international requirements of legitimacy, necessity and proportionality.
“The bill will also have chilling effect on freedom of expression in the country, as it will create an atmosphere of fear among bloggers and online activists who may not post critical commentary on Facebook or other social media platforms for fear of being sent to jail.”
Vanguard
Champions League group-by-group guide
Thirteen into seven just won't go.
As the group stage of the Champions League comes to an end this week, 13 sides are in the running for the seven remaining spaces in the knockout rounds.
Thirteen into seven just won't go.
As the group stage of the Champions League comes to an end this week, 13 sides are in the running for the seven remaining spaces in the knockout rounds.
Manchester City are among the nine teams who have ensured their progress before Tuesday and Wednesday's final games, but fellow Premier League sides Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea all have work to Thirteen into seven just won't go.
As the group stage of the Champions League comes to an end this week, 13 sides are in the running for the seven remaining spaces in the knockout rounds.
Manchester City are among the nine teams who have ensured their progress before Tuesday and Wednesday's final games, but fellow Premier League sides Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea all have work to do.
Group A - Real & PSG through
Already qualified: Real Madrid, Paris St-Germain
Out of contention: Shakhtar Donetsk, Malmo
Group B - United need a win
Already qualified: Nobody
Can still qualify: Wolfsburg, Manchester United, PSV Eindhoven
Out of contention: CSKA Moscow
Group C - Smooth sailing for Benfica and Atleti
Already qualified: Benfica, Atletico Madrid
Out of contention: Galatasaray, Astana
Group D - City hope to top the group
Already qualified: Juventus, Manchester City
Out of contention: Borussia Monchengladbach, Sevilla
Group E - Who will join Barca in last 16?
Already qualified: Barcelona
Can still qualify: Roma, Bayer Leverkusen, BATE Borisov
Group F - Like 1989, Gunners need a two-goal win...
Already qualified: Bayern Munich
Can still qualify: Olympiakos, Arsenal
Out of contention: Dinamo Zagreb
Group G - Blues need a point
Already qualified: Nobody
Can still qualify: Porto, Chelsea, Dynamo Kiev
Out of contention: Maccabi Tel Aviv
Group H - Key managerial debut for Neville
Already qualified: Zenit St Petersburg
Can still qualify: Gent, Valencia
Out of contention: Lyon
http://m.bbc.com/sport/football/34995276
As the group stage of the Champions League comes to an end this week, 13 sides are in the running for the seven remaining spaces in the knockout rounds.
Thirteen into seven just won't go.
As the group stage of the Champions League comes to an end this week, 13 sides are in the running for the seven remaining spaces in the knockout rounds.
Manchester City are among the nine teams who have ensured their progress before Tuesday and Wednesday's final games, but fellow Premier League sides Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea all have work to Thirteen into seven just won't go.
As the group stage of the Champions League comes to an end this week, 13 sides are in the running for the seven remaining spaces in the knockout rounds.
Manchester City are among the nine teams who have ensured their progress before Tuesday and Wednesday's final games, but fellow Premier League sides Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea all have work to do.
Group A - Real & PSG through
Already qualified: Real Madrid, Paris St-Germain
Out of contention: Shakhtar Donetsk, Malmo
Group B - United need a win
Already qualified: Nobody
Can still qualify: Wolfsburg, Manchester United, PSV Eindhoven
Out of contention: CSKA Moscow
Group C - Smooth sailing for Benfica and Atleti
Already qualified: Benfica, Atletico Madrid
Out of contention: Galatasaray, Astana
Group D - City hope to top the group
Already qualified: Juventus, Manchester City
Out of contention: Borussia Monchengladbach, Sevilla
Group E - Who will join Barca in last 16?
Already qualified: Barcelona
Can still qualify: Roma, Bayer Leverkusen, BATE Borisov
Group F - Like 1989, Gunners need a two-goal win...
Already qualified: Bayern Munich
Can still qualify: Olympiakos, Arsenal
Out of contention: Dinamo Zagreb
Group G - Blues need a point
Already qualified: Nobody
Can still qualify: Porto, Chelsea, Dynamo Kiev
Out of contention: Maccabi Tel Aviv
Group H - Key managerial debut for Neville
Already qualified: Zenit St Petersburg
Can still qualify: Gent, Valencia
Out of contention: Lyon
http://m.bbc.com/sport/football/34995276
Nigeria under Buhari is becoming a shame - Fayose
Aftermath of the Bayelsa election, Gov. Fayose released a statement.
Mr Ayodele Fayose has raised the alarm that Nigeria under President Buhari was fast becoming a shame, describing the failed attempt by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to manipulate the Bayelsa State governorship election as clear invitation to anarchy. The governor, who said it was shameful that the two elections conducted by INEC under Buhari’s kinsman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu were inconclusive, called on all well-meaning Nigerians and the international community to rise up in condemnation of the APC government’s plot to destroy democracy in the country.
Speaking through his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Governor Fayose who said everything under Buhari was becoming inconclusive, added that; “If in three days, INEC could not conduct credible election in Bayelsa State of just eight local governments, one wonders what will happen during the general elections in 2019.
The simple reality is that INEC under this Buhari’s kinsman, Prof Yakubu, who is fast becoming the classical example of incompetence cannot guarantee free and fair elections in this country.” He saluted the courage of the people of Bayelsa State, describing them as “worthy heroes of democracy that stood their ground against agents of darkness that were prepared to short-change them by imposing a governor they do not want on them.”
Governor Fayose also congratulated the Bayelsa State Governor and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Seriake Dickson for having the people of Bayelsa behind him, adding that “the people of Bayelsa have shown that their power is more than that of the Abuja political oppressors.”
He urged the governor and Bayelsa people not to lose their guard, saying; “Now that they have failed in their bid to use one local government to rig themselves to power, they will surely go back to their evil drawing board to plan fresh assaults.
“Therefore, Bayelsa people must henceforth sleep with their two eyes opened because the APC thieves come not only to steal, but to kill and that can be seen in the way and manner they murdered over 20 people just because they wanted power at all cost.”
While warning on the consequences of destruction of the legacy of free, fair and credible electoral process bequeathed on Nigeria by Dr Goodluck Jonathan, Governor Fayose said; “Nigerians, especially we in Ekiti State are already taking a cue from the Kogi and Bayelsa States experience and are getting prepared for future elections.”
LIB
Mr Ayodele Fayose has raised the alarm that Nigeria under President Buhari was fast becoming a shame, describing the failed attempt by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to manipulate the Bayelsa State governorship election as clear invitation to anarchy. The governor, who said it was shameful that the two elections conducted by INEC under Buhari’s kinsman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu were inconclusive, called on all well-meaning Nigerians and the international community to rise up in condemnation of the APC government’s plot to destroy democracy in the country.
Speaking through his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Governor Fayose who said everything under Buhari was becoming inconclusive, added that; “If in three days, INEC could not conduct credible election in Bayelsa State of just eight local governments, one wonders what will happen during the general elections in 2019.
The simple reality is that INEC under this Buhari’s kinsman, Prof Yakubu, who is fast becoming the classical example of incompetence cannot guarantee free and fair elections in this country.” He saluted the courage of the people of Bayelsa State, describing them as “worthy heroes of democracy that stood their ground against agents of darkness that were prepared to short-change them by imposing a governor they do not want on them.”
Governor Fayose also congratulated the Bayelsa State Governor and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Seriake Dickson for having the people of Bayelsa behind him, adding that “the people of Bayelsa have shown that their power is more than that of the Abuja political oppressors.”
He urged the governor and Bayelsa people not to lose their guard, saying; “Now that they have failed in their bid to use one local government to rig themselves to power, they will surely go back to their evil drawing board to plan fresh assaults.
“Therefore, Bayelsa people must henceforth sleep with their two eyes opened because the APC thieves come not only to steal, but to kill and that can be seen in the way and manner they murdered over 20 people just because they wanted power at all cost.”
While warning on the consequences of destruction of the legacy of free, fair and credible electoral process bequeathed on Nigeria by Dr Goodluck Jonathan, Governor Fayose said; “Nigerians, especially we in Ekiti State are already taking a cue from the Kogi and Bayelsa States experience and are getting prepared for future elections.”
LIB
Bayelsa Election Is Incoclusive Says INEC
FOR the second time in two weeks, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has declared an election inconclusive.
The Commission, yesterday, declared the Bayelsa State Governorship election inconclusive, just as did in the Kogi election..
The sore thumb has remained the highly volatile Southern Ijaw Local Council of the state.
Timipre Sylva and Seriake Dickson
Elections could not take place in the area, last Saturday, unlike other parts of the state and the exercise was rescheduled for Sunday. In spite of the deployment of soldiers to the area, attempts to conduct the polls on Sunday met an impregnable wall, forcing the INEC, yesterday, to again, cancel the rescheduled exercise in Southern Ijaw over widespread violence, ballot box snatching and hostage taking of electoral officials.
The state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Baritor Kpagih, who disclosed this in Yenagoa, said a new date for a fresh poll in the area would be announced in due course.
His words: “You will recall that the Commission conducted governorship election on December 5, 2015. The Commission announced that the polls shall be continued in some local governments including Southern Ijaw Local Government Area on December 6, 2015.
“The results of the elections in all the Local Government Areas except Southern Ijaw have been collated.
“Reports of the election conducted on December 6, 2015 in Southern Ijaw LGA reveals that the election was substantially marred by violence, ballot box snatching, hostage taking of electoral officials including reports from political parties, observers — local and foreign — among others.
“This falls short of internationally accepted standards for credible election. Consequently, the Commission has decided in the interest of the integrity of the commission to cancel the election in Southern Ijaw. A new date for the conduct of the election in Southern Ijaw LGA will be announced in due course.”
Before the cancellation of polls in Southern Ijaw, results from seven of the eight local councils of Bayelsa had been announced. Governor Seriake Dickson, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, who polled 105,748 votes, is leading his closest challenger, Chief Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress, APC, who got 72,594 votes with 33,154 votes.
According to the INEC updated register for the 2015 election in the state, there are 120,827 registered voters in Southern Ijaw Local Council.
Results from five councils – Sagbama, Yenagoa, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Brass and Ekeremor, had been announced on Sunday.
Yesterday, results from Nembe and Ogbia were announced. So far, Dickson won in all the councils apart from Brass, which was cornered by Sylva.
How Dickson won Nembe
In Nembe, which has 14 Wards, the PDP polled 10,768 votes while the APC had 6,974. The PDM scored 76 votes.
Nembe is also the home town of Dickson’s Deputy and runing mate, Gboribiogha John-Jonah, a retired Air Force officer.
According to the Returning Officer, Dr Samuel Ebiye of the Federal University Otuoke, the local council has 66,384 registered votes out of which only 18,799 were accredited.
Jonathan delivers Ogbia
In Ogbia Local Council, which has 13 wards and where former President Goodluck Jonathan hails from, the ruling PDP emerged tops with 13,051 votes, beating APC (9,106 votes). The PDM got 86 votes.
Announcing the results, the Returning Officer, Dr. Evans Eze of Federal University, Otuoke, said the area has 69, 253 registered voters, of which 24,532 voters were accredited. The number of rejected ballots was 880 and total votes cast, 23,358.
Police ban public rallies, procession
Before the results of the polls in Southern Ijaw were cancelled, the Bayelsa Police Command banned all forms of processions, rallies or demonstrations in the state.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Training and Development and Bayelsa Election, Hashimu Argungu, in a statement said information at the command’s disposal revealed plans by some disgruntled elements to carry out illegal demonstrations, processions and rallies in the state capital.
“This form of conduct will jeopardize the ongoing electoral process. Therefore, the command warns the intending perpetrators to desist from such acts as it will deal decisively with any person or group of persons who wishes to engage in any conduct that will compromise the existing peaceful atmosphere,” he warned.
Argungu urged members of the public to go about their normal businesses, “as the security agencies are poised to guarantee the safety of lives and properties.”
Women protest in Southern Ijaw
However, women drawn mostly from Southern Ijaw Local Council, but cutting across all the councils of the state, yesterday, defied the ban on street processions and demonstrations to protest what they described as the widespread irregularities in the conduct of the rescheduled election in the council and called for cancellation of the exercise.
The protesting women, clad in black, bore placards with the inscription,”Leadership is about building and not destroying!” , ‘’INEC are you still independent?”, “Buhari are you still for everybody and nobody?” “No vote in Southern Ijaw wards!”
They moved towards the INEC collation centre, chanting war songs but were stopped by men of the Joint Task Force code named Operation Pulo Shield, the Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC.
The aggrieved women, led by the State Woman Leader of the PDP, Madam Faith Opuen, alleged that the decision of INEC to collude with the APC to disenfranchise the people of the state was wicked and unconstitutional.
She said though the decision to reschedule the election was normal, the refusal of INEC to put in place necessary machinery to protect lives and materials for the election invalidates any outcome of the election in Southern Ijaw.
PDP Reps accuse JTF of hijacking poll materials for APC
Meanwhile, the PDP caucus in the House of Representatives, yesterday, accused security agents of hijacking electoral materials for the governorship elections in Southern Ijaw in favour of the APC.
It specifically accused the JTF of chasing away its party chieftains and supporters from voting and facilitating rigging to favour the APC.
The PDP caucus, in a statement read by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rep Leo Ogor, flanked by Rep Rima Shawulu said:
“The desperate attempt to kill and bury democracy and the right to choose by the APC-led government of President Muhammadu Buhari is to say the least, not just despicable, but also portends end for the nation.
“As it is already known, the people of Bayelsa braved the odds to go out and vote in spite of threat and boast of the APC that it will use security agents and soldiers to take over the state. Citizens were told that they should not bother to go out and vote because the election result had already been written in favour of the APC.
“The people of the State ignored the threats and handed over victory in the state to the Peoples Democratic Party despite the killings, mayhem, ballot box and result sheet seizing.”
The PDP governorship candidate, Gov. Seriake Dickson won in the following six of the eight local government areas, Yenogoa, Kolokuma, Sagbama, Ekeremor, Ogbia and Nembe.”
The PDP caucus said that the incumbent governor, Dickson, who is seeking for re-election only lost in Brass local government area which was won by the APC candidate despite the fact that election in the area was allegedly characterised by brutalisation of voters and snatching of ballot boxes.
According to the statement, Southern Ijaw was the only local government area that results were yet to be declared, adding, “APC stalwarts and leaders are openly provoking our members, boasting that the Army, Navy, Police and other security agencies are helping to write the results of the local government.
“They are also boasting that they are going to the churn enough votes for the APC to overturn the victory of the PDP in six of the eight local government areas.
“The President and his party should allow democracy take its natural course. We wish to remind the APC that if PDP had gone this desperate, the opposition would not have been in office now and democracy may have collapsed. The conducive democratic environment put in place by the PDP is being scuttled by the use of force to rig the governorship polls in Bayelsa which is clearly being won by the opposition PDP.
“The APC should refrain from such acts capable of creating conflicts and eroding public confidence in democracy. We condemn in strong terms the flagrant use of the JTF to chase away voters, stop people from voting and rigging in favour of the ruling APC.’’
Vanguard
The Commission, yesterday, declared the Bayelsa State Governorship election inconclusive, just as did in the Kogi election..
The sore thumb has remained the highly volatile Southern Ijaw Local Council of the state.
Timipre Sylva and Seriake Dickson
Elections could not take place in the area, last Saturday, unlike other parts of the state and the exercise was rescheduled for Sunday. In spite of the deployment of soldiers to the area, attempts to conduct the polls on Sunday met an impregnable wall, forcing the INEC, yesterday, to again, cancel the rescheduled exercise in Southern Ijaw over widespread violence, ballot box snatching and hostage taking of electoral officials.
The state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Baritor Kpagih, who disclosed this in Yenagoa, said a new date for a fresh poll in the area would be announced in due course.
His words: “You will recall that the Commission conducted governorship election on December 5, 2015. The Commission announced that the polls shall be continued in some local governments including Southern Ijaw Local Government Area on December 6, 2015.
“The results of the elections in all the Local Government Areas except Southern Ijaw have been collated.
“Reports of the election conducted on December 6, 2015 in Southern Ijaw LGA reveals that the election was substantially marred by violence, ballot box snatching, hostage taking of electoral officials including reports from political parties, observers — local and foreign — among others.
“This falls short of internationally accepted standards for credible election. Consequently, the Commission has decided in the interest of the integrity of the commission to cancel the election in Southern Ijaw. A new date for the conduct of the election in Southern Ijaw LGA will be announced in due course.”
Before the cancellation of polls in Southern Ijaw, results from seven of the eight local councils of Bayelsa had been announced. Governor Seriake Dickson, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, who polled 105,748 votes, is leading his closest challenger, Chief Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress, APC, who got 72,594 votes with 33,154 votes.
According to the INEC updated register for the 2015 election in the state, there are 120,827 registered voters in Southern Ijaw Local Council.
Results from five councils – Sagbama, Yenagoa, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Brass and Ekeremor, had been announced on Sunday.
Yesterday, results from Nembe and Ogbia were announced. So far, Dickson won in all the councils apart from Brass, which was cornered by Sylva.
How Dickson won Nembe
In Nembe, which has 14 Wards, the PDP polled 10,768 votes while the APC had 6,974. The PDM scored 76 votes.
Nembe is also the home town of Dickson’s Deputy and runing mate, Gboribiogha John-Jonah, a retired Air Force officer.
According to the Returning Officer, Dr Samuel Ebiye of the Federal University Otuoke, the local council has 66,384 registered votes out of which only 18,799 were accredited.
Jonathan delivers Ogbia
In Ogbia Local Council, which has 13 wards and where former President Goodluck Jonathan hails from, the ruling PDP emerged tops with 13,051 votes, beating APC (9,106 votes). The PDM got 86 votes.
Announcing the results, the Returning Officer, Dr. Evans Eze of Federal University, Otuoke, said the area has 69, 253 registered voters, of which 24,532 voters were accredited. The number of rejected ballots was 880 and total votes cast, 23,358.
Police ban public rallies, procession
Before the results of the polls in Southern Ijaw were cancelled, the Bayelsa Police Command banned all forms of processions, rallies or demonstrations in the state.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Training and Development and Bayelsa Election, Hashimu Argungu, in a statement said information at the command’s disposal revealed plans by some disgruntled elements to carry out illegal demonstrations, processions and rallies in the state capital.
“This form of conduct will jeopardize the ongoing electoral process. Therefore, the command warns the intending perpetrators to desist from such acts as it will deal decisively with any person or group of persons who wishes to engage in any conduct that will compromise the existing peaceful atmosphere,” he warned.
Argungu urged members of the public to go about their normal businesses, “as the security agencies are poised to guarantee the safety of lives and properties.”
Women protest in Southern Ijaw
However, women drawn mostly from Southern Ijaw Local Council, but cutting across all the councils of the state, yesterday, defied the ban on street processions and demonstrations to protest what they described as the widespread irregularities in the conduct of the rescheduled election in the council and called for cancellation of the exercise.
The protesting women, clad in black, bore placards with the inscription,”Leadership is about building and not destroying!” , ‘’INEC are you still independent?”, “Buhari are you still for everybody and nobody?” “No vote in Southern Ijaw wards!”
They moved towards the INEC collation centre, chanting war songs but were stopped by men of the Joint Task Force code named Operation Pulo Shield, the Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC.
The aggrieved women, led by the State Woman Leader of the PDP, Madam Faith Opuen, alleged that the decision of INEC to collude with the APC to disenfranchise the people of the state was wicked and unconstitutional.
She said though the decision to reschedule the election was normal, the refusal of INEC to put in place necessary machinery to protect lives and materials for the election invalidates any outcome of the election in Southern Ijaw.
PDP Reps accuse JTF of hijacking poll materials for APC
Meanwhile, the PDP caucus in the House of Representatives, yesterday, accused security agents of hijacking electoral materials for the governorship elections in Southern Ijaw in favour of the APC.
It specifically accused the JTF of chasing away its party chieftains and supporters from voting and facilitating rigging to favour the APC.
The PDP caucus, in a statement read by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rep Leo Ogor, flanked by Rep Rima Shawulu said:
“The desperate attempt to kill and bury democracy and the right to choose by the APC-led government of President Muhammadu Buhari is to say the least, not just despicable, but also portends end for the nation.
“As it is already known, the people of Bayelsa braved the odds to go out and vote in spite of threat and boast of the APC that it will use security agents and soldiers to take over the state. Citizens were told that they should not bother to go out and vote because the election result had already been written in favour of the APC.
“The people of the State ignored the threats and handed over victory in the state to the Peoples Democratic Party despite the killings, mayhem, ballot box and result sheet seizing.”
The PDP governorship candidate, Gov. Seriake Dickson won in the following six of the eight local government areas, Yenogoa, Kolokuma, Sagbama, Ekeremor, Ogbia and Nembe.”
The PDP caucus said that the incumbent governor, Dickson, who is seeking for re-election only lost in Brass local government area which was won by the APC candidate despite the fact that election in the area was allegedly characterised by brutalisation of voters and snatching of ballot boxes.
According to the statement, Southern Ijaw was the only local government area that results were yet to be declared, adding, “APC stalwarts and leaders are openly provoking our members, boasting that the Army, Navy, Police and other security agencies are helping to write the results of the local government.
“They are also boasting that they are going to the churn enough votes for the APC to overturn the victory of the PDP in six of the eight local government areas.
“The President and his party should allow democracy take its natural course. We wish to remind the APC that if PDP had gone this desperate, the opposition would not have been in office now and democracy may have collapsed. The conducive democratic environment put in place by the PDP is being scuttled by the use of force to rig the governorship polls in Bayelsa which is clearly being won by the opposition PDP.
“The APC should refrain from such acts capable of creating conflicts and eroding public confidence in democracy. We condemn in strong terms the flagrant use of the JTF to chase away voters, stop people from voting and rigging in favour of the ruling APC.’’
Vanguard
Monday, 7 December 2015
Two Inconclusive Election in Two States Within Six Months?What Next For PMB?
Our believe system is utmost priority! I can authoritavely say that Bhuari the Present President of Federal Republic of Nigeria has shot himself in the leg with this shenanigans that just happened in Bayelsa. The onus lies on him as a President to give a clear instruction that election must be free and fair under him because it is the same process that brought him into power. I don't want to know that he doesn't know anything about this whole mess of 8 LG election for almost 4 days. Under your watch as a new President, two states election was declared inconclusive in your two naked eyes? Let me make this statement clear and all your eagle eyes can be reading this.. I as a bonafide responsible citizen of this great nation I am dissapointed in you, INEC, your Party and all your goons..lol.. If you like reduce fuel price to 30Naira by January 2016! It will not shake anything because it shows clearly that you need to put your house in order to avoid further embarrassment to the world community. My words might be so painful but that is the bitter truth. Let me ask you Mr President Sir, what will you tell international community about democracy and conducting election in two states? Please and please Mr PMB kindly do the needful and safe your image in the world. Remember that somebody did election that brought you into government and it was peaceful. I want you to succeed but you need to show us leadership of creativity and not execution of election instead of clear democracy. A word is enough for the wise. Prince Femi Pcfr
Naira drops to 251/dollar, external reserves now $29.7bn
The naira crashed further against the dollar from 247 last Thursday to 251 on Saturday at the parallel market.
This came barely one week after the Central Bank of Nigeria cut foreign exchange supply to Bureau De Change operators.
The central bank had during its weekly forex sale to the BDCs last Wednesday refused to sell forex to operators that failed to render returns on the utilisation of previous forex bought at the official window.
The dollar was selling for between N241 and N243 before Wednesday’s decision. The local currency was still sells for 197 against the dollar at the official market.
Meanwhile, the nation’s foreign currency reserves dropped to $29.7bn on December 3, 2015, data from the CBN’s website showed on Sunday.
This is expected to put more pressure on the CBN’s bid to defend the naira and avoid a devaluation of the local currency.
The gross foreign exchange reserves had dropped to $29.92bn on November 30, the first time they fell below $30bn since July 13.
The reserves have fallen by 20 per cent since the end of June 2014, when Brent crude prices began a more than 60 per cent plunge, hammering the finances of Africa’s largest economy and biggest oil producer.
The naira has been fixed at 197-199 per dollar since early March after the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, restricted banks’ access to foreign exchange
http://www.punchng.com/?p=13535
This came barely one week after the Central Bank of Nigeria cut foreign exchange supply to Bureau De Change operators.
The central bank had during its weekly forex sale to the BDCs last Wednesday refused to sell forex to operators that failed to render returns on the utilisation of previous forex bought at the official window.
The dollar was selling for between N241 and N243 before Wednesday’s decision. The local currency was still sells for 197 against the dollar at the official market.
Meanwhile, the nation’s foreign currency reserves dropped to $29.7bn on December 3, 2015, data from the CBN’s website showed on Sunday.
This is expected to put more pressure on the CBN’s bid to defend the naira and avoid a devaluation of the local currency.
The gross foreign exchange reserves had dropped to $29.92bn on November 30, the first time they fell below $30bn since July 13.
The reserves have fallen by 20 per cent since the end of June 2014, when Brent crude prices began a more than 60 per cent plunge, hammering the finances of Africa’s largest economy and biggest oil producer.
The naira has been fixed at 197-199 per dollar since early March after the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, restricted banks’ access to foreign exchange
http://www.punchng.com/?p=13535
SAMBISA FOREST: Troops destroy 15 terrorist’s camps, rescue women, children
The Nigerian military has commenced air and land strikes deep inside Sambisa forest destroying about 15 heavily fortified camps. In the ensuing onslaught, the military killed scores of terrorists’ and arrested some of them while most of their weapons and equipment were destroyed. Scores of abducted captives including women, girls and children were also rescued Confirming the movement into the forest, Acting Director, Army Public relations, Col. Sani Usman said: “Advancing troops of the Nigerian Army, supported by the Nigerian Air Force were able to clear and destroy Boko Haram terrorist’s camps at Shuari, Adembe, Yerimari Kura, Yerimari Gana, Gonin Kurmi, Kore, Mainya Kore, and Lopere.
“Additionally, the multi-barrel Rocket Launcher Regiment has destroyed the terrorist’s camps at Dure, Dure Kore, Jokwa as well as several other camps.
“The troops recovered foodstuffs, motorcycles, flags, Improvised explosive making devices (IED) materials and military uniforms. Among other discoveries were the terrorist’s tunnels, weapons and equipment.
“The soldiers also recovered 2,000 cows rustled from various persons over time and rescued women and children held captives by the Boko Haram. While the animals have been moved to Kanwuri, the rescued persons have been evacuated and are being given all the necessary support and assistance.
“During the encounter with the terrorists at Yerimari Gana, a number of Boko Haram terrorists were killed and some suspected terrorists were arrested who are being interrogated.
“However, a soldier sustained gunshot wound and fracture on the leg.
“Similarly, while advancing to destroy Nefari terrorist’s camp, troops discovered and cleared three IEDs laid along the route.
“The camp was successfully cleared and troops have continued their advance while a blocking force has been deployed to prevent infiltration and possible escape by the terrorists.”
Vanguard
“Additionally, the multi-barrel Rocket Launcher Regiment has destroyed the terrorist’s camps at Dure, Dure Kore, Jokwa as well as several other camps.
“The troops recovered foodstuffs, motorcycles, flags, Improvised explosive making devices (IED) materials and military uniforms. Among other discoveries were the terrorist’s tunnels, weapons and equipment.
“The soldiers also recovered 2,000 cows rustled from various persons over time and rescued women and children held captives by the Boko Haram. While the animals have been moved to Kanwuri, the rescued persons have been evacuated and are being given all the necessary support and assistance.
“During the encounter with the terrorists at Yerimari Gana, a number of Boko Haram terrorists were killed and some suspected terrorists were arrested who are being interrogated.
“However, a soldier sustained gunshot wound and fracture on the leg.
“Similarly, while advancing to destroy Nefari terrorist’s camp, troops discovered and cleared three IEDs laid along the route.
“The camp was successfully cleared and troops have continued their advance while a blocking force has been deployed to prevent infiltration and possible escape by the terrorists.”
Vanguard
Sunday, 6 December 2015
Truecaller community reports 2m spam calls in Nigeria
Information gotten according to Vanguard is that, Truecaller has announced that its community has reported 2 million spam calls in Nigeria, with a total of 120 000 spam and unwanted calls detected every day across the country.
Truecaller’s data highlights an issue that is becoming an increasing cause for concern in Nigeria as spammers become more adept at harassing and taking advantage of smartphone users in Nigeria.
“Thousands of smartphone users are the victims of spammers in Nigeria every day,” Husain Misherghi, VP of Growth and Partnerships for Truecaller, said, adding that, “You can protect yourself with Truecaller by reporting spam and unwanted numbers, and blocking them forever.
That information is listed in our database and we report it to Truecaller’s community of users, providing a safe and secure communication experience for all Nigerians with easy, hassle-free calls.”
Close to 4 million Nigerians use Truecaller from among the global Truecaller community of over 200 million.
The innovative app enables users to block unwanted and spam calls they have reported to Truecaller, or receive assistance from the app’s database where spam numbers are listed and marked in red. To further protect smartphone users from spam, Truecaller has taken its cutting-edge technology to the next level with Truemessenger, an SMS replacement app that tells users who sent an SMS even if they are not in your contacts.
Truemessenger does for SMS what Truecaller has done for mobile phone calls – identifies incoming SMS, filters and blocks spam SMS, to keep our users’ inboxes safe and clean.
t
Truecaller’s data highlights an issue that is becoming an increasing cause for concern in Nigeria as spammers become more adept at harassing and taking advantage of smartphone users in Nigeria.
“Thousands of smartphone users are the victims of spammers in Nigeria every day,” Husain Misherghi, VP of Growth and Partnerships for Truecaller, said, adding that, “You can protect yourself with Truecaller by reporting spam and unwanted numbers, and blocking them forever.
That information is listed in our database and we report it to Truecaller’s community of users, providing a safe and secure communication experience for all Nigerians with easy, hassle-free calls.”
Close to 4 million Nigerians use Truecaller from among the global Truecaller community of over 200 million.
The innovative app enables users to block unwanted and spam calls they have reported to Truecaller, or receive assistance from the app’s database where spam numbers are listed and marked in red. To further protect smartphone users from spam, Truecaller has taken its cutting-edge technology to the next level with Truemessenger, an SMS replacement app that tells users who sent an SMS even if they are not in your contacts.
Truemessenger does for SMS what Truecaller has done for mobile phone calls – identifies incoming SMS, filters and blocks spam SMS, to keep our users’ inboxes safe and clean.
t
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)