Fellow Nigerians, I’m back this week to continue where I stopped last week. If you missed the first part, let me summarise quickly. The piece was largely historical as I took the readers on a tour de force of how we arrived at President Muhammadu Buhari, a stone repeatedly rejected but has now become the cornerstone. I concluded that the second coming of President Buhari was a miracle and that the high expectations would naturally place a heavy burden on him.
Without doubt, life has not been rosy for our dear President and Nigerians in the last one year. What Nigerians expected from Buhari was nothing short of a magical revolution that would transform Nigeria, without military power this time around. The joy that heralded his coming was surreal and uncommon. For once, since June 12, 1993, when Chief Moshood Abiola won the most monumental election since our Independence, Nigerians united in celebrating President Buhari’s superlative victory. Everywhere I went, Nigerians were proud that Buhari had won and world leaders saluted our incredible achievement. In Dubai, where I travelled to shortly after the election, taxi drivers congratulated me once they confirmed that I was from Nigeria. The story was virtually the same in London, a city with probably the second largest concentration of Nigerians outside our dear beloved country. Indeed, we never had it so good.
So what seems to have gone wrong and how did we somehow wasted the momentum that was galloping us to prosperity, given where we have now found ourselves? Nigerians expected our President to have spent the transition period to assemble and get his team ready. His economic team was supposed to have been identified and put on notice and standby. We now know that the outgoing Government did not co-operate as fully as it should have done and the President did not have hand over notes on time, according to some impeccable sources.
Once the newly elected representatives of the people got inaugurated, one expected that everything would be smooth sailing, as APC had the majority in both chambers of the National Assembly. However, the election of principal officers of the National Assembly which was meant to be a simple and straight-forward affair since the ruling party had a simple majority already in its kitty turned out to be anything but that. No one anticipated the raging inferno that would erupt from contending ambitions and conflicting egos. The Eighth National Assembly has never known peace since inception and the rest would be history by the time the gladiators finish tearing themselves to pieces in the market place.
The selection, screening and confirmation of Buhari’s cabinet took place at snail-speed. Nigerians mumbled and grumbled like the Biblical Jeremiah about the time it was taking for the President to pick his men and women. It did not seem the President understood that his people are probably the most impatient human beings on earth. Perhaps, he would have jazzed up the tempo and tenor of his administration by announcing his cabinet long before he eventually did.
The steam started cooling down like melting dew and before long the mumbling turned to moaning and grunting. Those of us perceived to be part of the Buhari Movement have not been spared by those who would never see anything good in our President. We’ve been treated scornfully and attacked as those who brought this scourge on Nigeria. All explanations and entreaties have fallen on deaf ears.
The situation was further compounded by the war against corruption which has been waged with religious fervour by the Buhari government. The horrendous stories of stealing in high places are stranger than fiction. All well-meaning Nigerians have been scandalised by the gory tales of brigandage and high larceny that we have been subjected to. Most Nigerians are happy and pray that maybe Buhari would be able to win a war that was apparently responsible for the abrupt termination of his military rule in 1985, during his first coming. Many big personalities have been arrested, detained and prosecuted, though only one case has been concluded and most are yet to be brought to judgment and conviction.
The Judiciary that should be the last bastion of justice and the ultimate hope of the common man has been on trial and ostensibly nailed to the cross. There have been allegations of bribery and bias. Such an important institution has been weakened miserably and how it would wriggle out and cleanse its self-deprecatory mess remains to be seen. The Buhari government does not seem impressed even though it would need a willing and ready partner in the judiciary in its volatile crusade against corruption.
Security remains a huge challenge. Though our irrepressible military appear to be pushing forward in its efforts towards the obliteration of the terror group, Boko Haram, there are still some skirmishes here and there. Kidnapping is back big time. Just days ago, my young cousin, John Fatoye, a fresh graduate was abducted as he boarded a fake taxi and found himself journeying through places that he would never be able to identify since he was blindfolded. He survived by the whiskers as God miraculously touched the hearts of the bandits who dumped him somewhere on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. This has become rampant.
We didn’t hear of the Shiites, New Biafrans, Fulani herdsmen and Niger Delta Avengers this time last year. But these groups have managed to force their ways to the front pages of our newspapers and the forefront of our attention and reckoning because of their agitations and restiveness. The Amnesty Programme that was meticulously put in place by former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua has virtually collapsed. The Avengers have wreaked unprecedented havoc on our crude oil supplies and operations. It is reckoned that we’ve lost our production capacities by about one million barrels per day at a time we are grappling with abysmally low income from oil.
By far the greatest albatross of the Buhari is the comatose economy. Many are wondering what suddenly happened to the robust and rambunctious economy that was celebrated globally less than three years ago. Our economy under the government of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathain was supposed to have overtaken that of South Africa to become the front leader. It has nosedived to an all-time low in just one year. We have studiously ignored the fact that we’ve catapulted ourselves into recession. That oil prices crashed calamitously when President Buhari took over power and the profligacy and impunity of the previous administration became manifest as there was no money to cover up and paper the cracks that had been obvious to the discerning public.
The truth is thus that the times have not been kind to this administration. President Jonathan had devalued the Naira twice in the space of six months in the last days of his administration. The effect of that devaluation is only just being felt in the course of this Buhari administration because, in the euphoria of the elections, everyone forgot about the economy. The parallel foreign exchange market took on a mind of its own and defied all permutations as speculators held sway. Prices of food and other essentials have gone haywire. In the end the Central Bank had to capitulate to those clamouring for devaluation by recently announcing a flexible exchange policy. This will naturally mean further economic woes for the long-suffering masses of our great country but we must have faith and believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
No one is sure if we’ve finally done away with the ubiquitous petrol subsidy or whether there is now deregulation of the petrol pricing regime. Only time will tell. Thank God however that the unbearable queues at petrol stations have disappeared and we pray it is final this time.
Unemployment has become dangerously massive. In fact, we are now rated as the country with the largest army of unemployed youths in the world. And the list of our woes is full and unending.
The regular excuse for the woeful economic quagmire we have found ourselves is that the past governments created this volcanic eruption. While this is a fact, many have argued that the time for buck-passing is far gone because that is the reason Jonathan was sacked by Nigerians.
Where then do we go from here? I shall endeavour to put my humble suggestions forward. I’m aware that some aides might be dissembling to the President and telling him all is well. But Baba, there is fire on the mountain. As one of your foot-soldiers, I remain committed to telling you what the voices on the streets are saying. I will now take the challenges and prospects together, one by one.
The priority of every nation is to build a buoyant economy. Truth is that would be difficult under the current climate. There is too much tension in the land, and the uncertainties can only scare away any investor. For example, foreign airlines are jittery and United Airlines only just announced that it was closing its operations in Nigeria. The almighty British Airways is exploring its options. Even Virgin Atlantic is shedding a few flights on our routes. These are not good signs. We must douse the tension urgently.
The banks are panicky and rocking although we are all afraid to openly say this for fear of precipitating a grand collapse. This probably accounts for all manner of unsavoury charges that are being levied on unsuspecting customers. The Central Bank must intervene and save the already overburdened populate. The manufacturers are angry. They are being ravaged by epileptic power supply and uncertain currency regulations. Every type of power generation must be explored speedily. Ghana has convinced me that this can be fixed quickly as demonstrated by President John Dramani Mahama. This has made most Nigerians living in Ghana very hopeful that Nigeria would break our electricity jinx one day soon. If Mahama can perform such miracle, we too should work harder.
Farmers are being kicked aground as they are overrun either by diseases or murderous herdsmen and their rampaging herds. No one should play politics with lives and livestock. It should not matter that some of the herdsmen are kinsmen of our President. They should be tackled seriously and I’m sure our President would safeguard every Nigerian soul and property. Once the perpetrators know the President is not on their side they will simmer down quickly.
The major bright spot is the war against corruption which the Government is largely seen to be winning. I would like to sound a note of caution though. While it is good to fight corruption, it should be done systematically. Otherwise, what we lose might be bigger than what we gain. I learnt from Chief M.K.O Abiola that there are two ways of shouting Yeee. He said “you can shout YEEE and people will run and you can shout YE-YE-YE and people will dance.
We can investigate and prosecute corruption without employing gestapo style operations. The President must insist on respect for the rule of law. One must never fight illegality with illegality. We must avoid anything that would suggest that enemies are being hounded. No crime could be worse than apartheid yet Dr Nelson Mandela chose peace over crisis. I recommend that corruption can be fought without making it appear like grandstanding. The looted funds will be recovered when a thorough but fair investigation has been carried out. No Nigerian should be detained on experimental basis at this time and age. We should always embrace dialogue as means to conflict resolution. Great Britain, USA, and other European countries sometimes even negotiate with terrorists. Those asking for blood today will sing a different song and tune when tomorrow comes.
We must do everything possible to secure the cooperation of every Nigerian no matter our ethnic, religious and political differences. In this regard, I implore President Buhari to hold steadfast to the notion that nothing should be done to humiliate a man who voluntarily gave up power when he could have opted for bloodshed. I will always admire and appreciate the sacrifice of President Goodluck Jonathan. We should remember that he was the first man from South South to govern Nigeria by divine intervention. He paid dearly for fumbling in power and that is enough punishment. Other leaders who wasted our resources since Independence are roaming around freely. If they cannot be subjected to a similar treatment, then Jonathan should be left to his conscience and should be allowed to enjoy his retirement without harassment. No man is perfect and we should not sow permanent seeds of discord that may eventually ruin our nation. That does not mean looted funds must not be substantially retrieved from all public office holders without fear or favour. Many in all the Political Parties and civil service fall into this category. The pursuit of one man as is now being advocated by some can only be an unwarranted provocation and unnecessary distraction.
It is never a sign of weakness to run away from danger and regroup. It is for this reason that I urge that we must not add the Avengers to our political and economic lexicon. I pray it is not too late. President Yar’Adua did the wisest thing when he drew the embittered militants closer. The people of the Niger Delta have every reason to be bitter. Their representative was sacked and not allowed to return to power. Yet the Asari Dokubos, Tompolos and others left quietly without a conflagration and it was indeed a miracle. We must not go and wake up unnecessary trouble. Our pots are full already.
Nevertheless, the Avengers have no right or justification for the atrocities and crimes they are committing. All they are doing is contributing not only to the economic woes of the country and even the world but more importantly they are destroying the communities they claim they are helping through environmental degradation and economic deprivation. The President must help these communities, and turn them away from the romantic notions spawned by these militants, by giving them a sense of belonging once again!
According to an old British Telecom advert: “It is good to talk…” Our problems are solvable if we embrace dialogue no matter how difficult it seems.
SALUTARY IMPACT
SALUTARY IMPACT (HOSPITALITY AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT)CALL +33605867728
Sunday, 29 May 2016
Open Heavens 29 May 2016: Sunday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – The Trial of Faith
Topic: The Trial of Faith [Sunday 29, May 2016]
Memorise: Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: – 1 Peter 4:12
Read: 1 Peter 1:1-7 (KJV)
1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
Bible in One Year: 2 Chronicles 5:2-7:3, Proverbs 31:1-15
MESSAGE:
Faith, by its very nature, must be tried, and the real trial of faith is not that we find it difficult to trust God, but that God’s character has to be cleared in our own minds. Faith in its actual working out has to go through spells of isolation. Never confuse the trial of faith with the ordinary discipline of life. Much that we call the trial of faith is the inevitable result of being alive. Faith in the Bible is faith in God against everything that contradicts Him – ‘I will remain true to God’s character whatever He may do’. “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him” – this is the most sublime utterance of faith.
Trials of faith are difficult to bear; for they cause heaviness or depression of the mind, (Hebrews 10:32). “Why art thou cast down, O my soul! And why art thou disquieted within me?” is often the language of the child of God. But ought he ever to be cast down? Ought he not to be superior to the trials of life, and to soar above them as on eagles’ wings? No; Christianity is not Stoicism, and, if a believer does not feel his troubles, there would cease to be such, and it would not affect their purpose and design. While, he does not yield to a spirit of dejection, or allow it to overcome him, he must feel when in the furnace or trial even as did our Lord Himself. In the presence of others, however, he should endeavour to be cheerful, and the more so if he occupies a public position in the Church, so that he doesn’t discourage those around him. When Joseph’s brethren appeared before him, he felt deep emotions, and could scarcely restrain himself. He left them, therefore, that he might weep in secret before God, and then he returned, relieved of the oppressive load (Genesis 43:30-31).
“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:” - 1 Peter 4:12
Trials of faith should be endured because they are temporary. Trials are not supposed to be permanent fixtures in life, they are for a season. A day of adversity comes, when darkness intercepts the skies, when the storm sets in on every side, when not a gleam of light shines upon the path you tread; and then, perhaps, you hastily concluded that it will always be so. But no; sorrow endures for the night, but joy comes in the morning. It is only for a while that the trials lasts, and before long there is an opening in the clouds, the sun’s bright beams burst through them again, and you are filled with hope and joy. There are some trials, which are life-long in their effects, and can never be forgotten, like a deep wound in the flesh which, though healed, leaves a scar which must be carried to the grave. But the longest trials, and those which leave the deepest wounds, are only for a season – the season of our earthly life, and in a brighter sphere we shall forget them all, or remember them only as the wounded soldier remembers what he has passed through when he returns victorious from the field of battle. May you receive strength to bear your trials and to overcome all in Jesus’ name.
Prayer Point: Father, please don’t let me fail in the trials of life in Jesus’ name.
Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.
iOpenHeavens is the electronic version of the Hard Copy. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC.
Memorise: Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: – 1 Peter 4:12
Read: 1 Peter 1:1-7 (KJV)
1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
Bible in One Year: 2 Chronicles 5:2-7:3, Proverbs 31:1-15
MESSAGE:
Faith, by its very nature, must be tried, and the real trial of faith is not that we find it difficult to trust God, but that God’s character has to be cleared in our own minds. Faith in its actual working out has to go through spells of isolation. Never confuse the trial of faith with the ordinary discipline of life. Much that we call the trial of faith is the inevitable result of being alive. Faith in the Bible is faith in God against everything that contradicts Him – ‘I will remain true to God’s character whatever He may do’. “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him” – this is the most sublime utterance of faith.
Trials of faith are difficult to bear; for they cause heaviness or depression of the mind, (Hebrews 10:32). “Why art thou cast down, O my soul! And why art thou disquieted within me?” is often the language of the child of God. But ought he ever to be cast down? Ought he not to be superior to the trials of life, and to soar above them as on eagles’ wings? No; Christianity is not Stoicism, and, if a believer does not feel his troubles, there would cease to be such, and it would not affect their purpose and design. While, he does not yield to a spirit of dejection, or allow it to overcome him, he must feel when in the furnace or trial even as did our Lord Himself. In the presence of others, however, he should endeavour to be cheerful, and the more so if he occupies a public position in the Church, so that he doesn’t discourage those around him. When Joseph’s brethren appeared before him, he felt deep emotions, and could scarcely restrain himself. He left them, therefore, that he might weep in secret before God, and then he returned, relieved of the oppressive load (Genesis 43:30-31).
“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:” - 1 Peter 4:12
Trials of faith should be endured because they are temporary. Trials are not supposed to be permanent fixtures in life, they are for a season. A day of adversity comes, when darkness intercepts the skies, when the storm sets in on every side, when not a gleam of light shines upon the path you tread; and then, perhaps, you hastily concluded that it will always be so. But no; sorrow endures for the night, but joy comes in the morning. It is only for a while that the trials lasts, and before long there is an opening in the clouds, the sun’s bright beams burst through them again, and you are filled with hope and joy. There are some trials, which are life-long in their effects, and can never be forgotten, like a deep wound in the flesh which, though healed, leaves a scar which must be carried to the grave. But the longest trials, and those which leave the deepest wounds, are only for a season – the season of our earthly life, and in a brighter sphere we shall forget them all, or remember them only as the wounded soldier remembers what he has passed through when he returns victorious from the field of battle. May you receive strength to bear your trials and to overcome all in Jesus’ name.
Prayer Point: Father, please don’t let me fail in the trials of life in Jesus’ name.
Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.
iOpenHeavens is the electronic version of the Hard Copy. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC.
Friday, 27 May 2016
Open Heavens 27 May 2016: Friday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Vengeance is the Lord’s
Topic: Vengeance is the Lord’s [Friday 27, May 2016]
Memorise: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. – Romans 12:19
Read: Ezekiel 25:12-14 (KJV)
12 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because that Edom hath dealt against the house of Judah by taking vengeance, and hath greatly offended, and revenged himself upon them;
13 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also stretch out mine hand upon Edom, and will cut off man and beast from it; and I will make it desolate from Teman; and they of Dedan shall fall by the sword.
14 And I will lay my vengeance upon Edom by the hand of my people Israel: and they shall do in Edom according to mine anger and according to my fury; and they shall know my vengeance, saith the Lord GOD.
Bible in One Year: 1 Chronicles 28-29, Proverbs 30:7-17
MESSAGE:
Many passages of the Bible reiterate the fact that vengeance belongs to God alone. Because vengeance belongs to the Lord, it is His right to execute it. He said in Romans 12:19, "Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord." Deuteronomy 32:35 also says, "To me belongs vengeance." Even Psalms 94:1 says, "O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongs, show thyself". God’s people are not to avenge themselves; especially when He makes use of them as His Instrument. God must be seen as the one in action, personalities involved should assume the position of an ordinary instrument in the hand of the Almighty. Romans 12:19 says:
“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
We as Children of God must never make any move to avenge ourselves under any circumstance. You can be sure that God will surely fight on your behalf according to His word. God will avenge His people upon their adversaries; He will not allow any unrepentant sinner to go unpunished. You must know that God does not want the death of any sinner; therefore, He will make ways for repentance by making a reasonably long period of grace available to sinners and adversaries alike. But you can be sure that at the right time, He will make good His promises to His people, and they will be avenged of their enemies. But, because His mercy endures forever, He will even send several warnings to the enemies to prompt then towards repentance as record in Isaiah 47:3:
“Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and I will not meet thee as a man.”
But let the enemies not be encouraged by this to continue in wickedness, because God will surely avenge His elect, because they are so near and dear to Him. God has always been a witness to the rage and oppression of the enemies; He is a quiet listener to the threatening and arrogant boastings of these enemies. It does not please any father to watch his dear children being tormented, beaten, enslaved, burned alive, and killed, before his eyes. We are His beloved; He suffered and died by carrying out the ultimate sacrifice for our sakes. The compassionate and tender heart of a husband toward his betrothed wife cannot be over emphasized. Our Heavenly Father is always sharing in our affliction, and bitterness of soul, every time any of His children is being brutalized. God will avenge His own elect to convince the world of how grievous it has been for him to behold all the violence and cruelty wicked men have done unto His own people.
God will avenge His people because the days of the wicked must end, and the days of the saints must begin. Also, because the harvest of the prayers and cries of God's elect is now ripe. Your deliverance is here, you can begin to celebrate Jesus. Praise God!
Prayer Point: Father, from today, I will stay quiet and watch you avenge me.
Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.
iOpenHeavens is the electronic version of the Hard Copy. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC.
Memorise: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. – Romans 12:19
Read: Ezekiel 25:12-14 (KJV)
12 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because that Edom hath dealt against the house of Judah by taking vengeance, and hath greatly offended, and revenged himself upon them;
13 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also stretch out mine hand upon Edom, and will cut off man and beast from it; and I will make it desolate from Teman; and they of Dedan shall fall by the sword.
14 And I will lay my vengeance upon Edom by the hand of my people Israel: and they shall do in Edom according to mine anger and according to my fury; and they shall know my vengeance, saith the Lord GOD.
Bible in One Year: 1 Chronicles 28-29, Proverbs 30:7-17
MESSAGE:
Many passages of the Bible reiterate the fact that vengeance belongs to God alone. Because vengeance belongs to the Lord, it is His right to execute it. He said in Romans 12:19, "Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord." Deuteronomy 32:35 also says, "To me belongs vengeance." Even Psalms 94:1 says, "O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongs, show thyself". God’s people are not to avenge themselves; especially when He makes use of them as His Instrument. God must be seen as the one in action, personalities involved should assume the position of an ordinary instrument in the hand of the Almighty. Romans 12:19 says:
“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
We as Children of God must never make any move to avenge ourselves under any circumstance. You can be sure that God will surely fight on your behalf according to His word. God will avenge His people upon their adversaries; He will not allow any unrepentant sinner to go unpunished. You must know that God does not want the death of any sinner; therefore, He will make ways for repentance by making a reasonably long period of grace available to sinners and adversaries alike. But you can be sure that at the right time, He will make good His promises to His people, and they will be avenged of their enemies. But, because His mercy endures forever, He will even send several warnings to the enemies to prompt then towards repentance as record in Isaiah 47:3:
“Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and I will not meet thee as a man.”
But let the enemies not be encouraged by this to continue in wickedness, because God will surely avenge His elect, because they are so near and dear to Him. God has always been a witness to the rage and oppression of the enemies; He is a quiet listener to the threatening and arrogant boastings of these enemies. It does not please any father to watch his dear children being tormented, beaten, enslaved, burned alive, and killed, before his eyes. We are His beloved; He suffered and died by carrying out the ultimate sacrifice for our sakes. The compassionate and tender heart of a husband toward his betrothed wife cannot be over emphasized. Our Heavenly Father is always sharing in our affliction, and bitterness of soul, every time any of His children is being brutalized. God will avenge His own elect to convince the world of how grievous it has been for him to behold all the violence and cruelty wicked men have done unto His own people.
God will avenge His people because the days of the wicked must end, and the days of the saints must begin. Also, because the harvest of the prayers and cries of God's elect is now ripe. Your deliverance is here, you can begin to celebrate Jesus. Praise God!
Prayer Point: Father, from today, I will stay quiet and watch you avenge me.
Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.
iOpenHeavens is the electronic version of the Hard Copy. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC.
I know It's a trying time but FFK will be vindicated! Says his Wife Patience
If life was a movie I'm sure we would have our fingers on the fast forward button to skip so many scenes that ain't just fair. But this is reality and in reality we live through it. It's a time when strength and courage comes in play and only the brave can afford both. My Lion (Femi Fani-Kayode) will walk through this webby den of lies and injustice. Persecution and trials are common, only the weak fear them. He remains brave and strong through all these and soon he will be vindicated. I stand with my husband Femi Fani-Kayode.
She says is her statement.....
She says is her statement.....
Thursday, 26 May 2016
Thursday daily devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye (Open Heavens 26 May 2016) – Beware of Pride
Topic: Beware of Pride [Thursday 26, May 2016]
Memorise: Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. – Proverbs 16:18
Read: 1 Peter 5:5-6 (KJV)
5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
Bible in One Year: 1 Chronicles 25-27, Proverbs 29:22-30:6
MESSAGE:
Our topic for today is a warning to be very careful of pride. Pride is a giant killer that has turned many great men and women of God to mere casualties. Pride is the first and foremost of the traditional seven deadly sins, perhaps because it is in many ways the root of other sins. Even the “original sin” of Adam and Eve was not mere disobedience, but at the heart of it was pride, quietly lurking in a corner. The fact that Adam and Eve wanted to be like God, reveals a form of hidden pride. Ironically, eating the forbidden fruit led to the opening of their eyes, increasing them in knowledge and wisdom. It turned their attention away from God and they became focused on their outward appearance. They immediately developed the ability, confidence and independence to decide and act on their own without any recourse to God their maker. This is the same fatal foolishness that has plagued the human race ever since.
“And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.” – Genesis 3:6
Pride has been correctly identified by many as the greatest woe which can quickly destroy anyone captured by it. I usually tell my children that apart from impure thoughts and cravings of the body, another area in which you must exert your victory over the flesh is pride. A proud person is always in contention – fighting with those he thinks he is better than; such a fellow will do everything to show that he is better than others. The proud is always in competition with those who appear better off, just to prove a point that he or she is superior. In doing this, the proud will make derogatory statements about such people and cut them to size just to show that he knows it better or can do it better. The proud finds it difficult to acknowledge the sincere work or effort of others because he thinks such will displace him from being on top. The proud sees himself as being number one in all things. Apart from contending with men, the proud also contends with God. Anyone who is proud or haughty and is speaking so much about God is only a pretender. By reason of their contention with God, they have enthroned themselves as number one in their own lives, making God their running mate. Are you finding it difficult to recognize the efforts of those that are better than you in certain areas? You are simply proud.
Psalms 73:6 says some people are compassed with pride. This implies that it is possible for pride to be visibly glaring in the life of someone that is full of it. You can be clothed in pride just as you can be clothed in humility. You can identify a proud person from his or her looks, carriage, dressing, speech, behaviour, giving, prayer, Christian service, work, attitude, etc. Unfortunately, Isaiah 13:11 says that the same reason which makes the proud fellow haughty is the same reason that will make him fall. Every proud individual is headed for a fall and proud people end up being destroyed (Proverbs 16:18). Some people are proud but they don’t know it. If you exalt yourself by your words and conduct, you shall be abased (Matthew 23:12). James 4:6 speaks of something quite frightening: it says God resists the proud which confirms that God is always contending with the proud, is there pride in your heart? Ask God to forgive and uproot every trace of pride from your life today.
Prayer Point: Father, please remove the spirit of pride from my life this moment in Jesus’ name.
Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.
iOpenHeavens is the electronic version of the Hard Copy. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC.
Memorise: Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. – Proverbs 16:18
Read: 1 Peter 5:5-6 (KJV)
5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
Bible in One Year: 1 Chronicles 25-27, Proverbs 29:22-30:6
MESSAGE:
Our topic for today is a warning to be very careful of pride. Pride is a giant killer that has turned many great men and women of God to mere casualties. Pride is the first and foremost of the traditional seven deadly sins, perhaps because it is in many ways the root of other sins. Even the “original sin” of Adam and Eve was not mere disobedience, but at the heart of it was pride, quietly lurking in a corner. The fact that Adam and Eve wanted to be like God, reveals a form of hidden pride. Ironically, eating the forbidden fruit led to the opening of their eyes, increasing them in knowledge and wisdom. It turned their attention away from God and they became focused on their outward appearance. They immediately developed the ability, confidence and independence to decide and act on their own without any recourse to God their maker. This is the same fatal foolishness that has plagued the human race ever since.
“And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.” – Genesis 3:6
Pride has been correctly identified by many as the greatest woe which can quickly destroy anyone captured by it. I usually tell my children that apart from impure thoughts and cravings of the body, another area in which you must exert your victory over the flesh is pride. A proud person is always in contention – fighting with those he thinks he is better than; such a fellow will do everything to show that he is better than others. The proud is always in competition with those who appear better off, just to prove a point that he or she is superior. In doing this, the proud will make derogatory statements about such people and cut them to size just to show that he knows it better or can do it better. The proud finds it difficult to acknowledge the sincere work or effort of others because he thinks such will displace him from being on top. The proud sees himself as being number one in all things. Apart from contending with men, the proud also contends with God. Anyone who is proud or haughty and is speaking so much about God is only a pretender. By reason of their contention with God, they have enthroned themselves as number one in their own lives, making God their running mate. Are you finding it difficult to recognize the efforts of those that are better than you in certain areas? You are simply proud.
Psalms 73:6 says some people are compassed with pride. This implies that it is possible for pride to be visibly glaring in the life of someone that is full of it. You can be clothed in pride just as you can be clothed in humility. You can identify a proud person from his or her looks, carriage, dressing, speech, behaviour, giving, prayer, Christian service, work, attitude, etc. Unfortunately, Isaiah 13:11 says that the same reason which makes the proud fellow haughty is the same reason that will make him fall. Every proud individual is headed for a fall and proud people end up being destroyed (Proverbs 16:18). Some people are proud but they don’t know it. If you exalt yourself by your words and conduct, you shall be abased (Matthew 23:12). James 4:6 speaks of something quite frightening: it says God resists the proud which confirms that God is always contending with the proud, is there pride in your heart? Ask God to forgive and uproot every trace of pride from your life today.
Prayer Point: Father, please remove the spirit of pride from my life this moment in Jesus’ name.
Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries.
iOpenHeavens is the electronic version of the Hard Copy. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC.
I Never Said I Could Fix Nigeria's Power Problems in 6 Months - Fashola
Nigeria's Minister of Power, Babatunde Fashola, has denied claiming that, as then governor of Lagos state, he could fix Nigeria's power problems in six months- if given the chance.
“I have heard that I said that electricity problem will be solved in six months. I have never made the statement. Anybody who has a video of where I said this should please make it public. The point I made was when I was handing over the Lekki IPP because we had about 10 megawatts of power there.”
Fashola spoke on Tuesday during a programme on the Nigerian Television Authority Network.
nigerianbulletin
“I have heard that I said that electricity problem will be solved in six months. I have never made the statement. Anybody who has a video of where I said this should please make it public. The point I made was when I was handing over the Lekki IPP because we had about 10 megawatts of power there.”
Fashola spoke on Tuesday during a programme on the Nigerian Television Authority Network.
nigerianbulletin
I Never Said I Could Fix Nigeria's Power Problems in 6 Months - Fashola
Nigeria's Minister of Power, Babatunde Fashola, has denied claiming that, as then governor of Lagos state, he could fix Nigeria's power problems in six months- if given the chance.
“I have heard that I said that electricity problem will be solved in six months. I have never made the statement. Anybody who has a video of where I said this should please make it public. The point I made was when I was handing over the Lekki IPP because we had about 10 megawatts of power there.”
Fashola spoke on Tuesday during a programme on the Nigerian Television Authority Network.
nigerianbulletin
“I have heard that I said that electricity problem will be solved in six months. I have never made the statement. Anybody who has a video of where I said this should please make it public. The point I made was when I was handing over the Lekki IPP because we had about 10 megawatts of power there.”
Fashola spoke on Tuesday during a programme on the Nigerian Television Authority Network.
nigerianbulletin
Wednesday, 25 May 2016
‘Tomato Ebola’ hits six states – FG
The Federal Government on Tuesday said the pest, Tuta absoluta, popularly known as ‘Tomato Ebola’, which is responsible for the massive destruction of tomato in farmlands, had invaded six states in Nigeria.
It also disclosed that Nigeria spent about N80bn ($400m) annually importing tomato paste, adding that many of the imported products were substandard.
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Audu Ogbeh, who said this during a press briefing in Abuja, stated that the report that tomato processing factories had mopped-up tomato fruits in Nigeria was unfounded and untrue.
According to him, the highly reproductive nature of the tomato pest coupled with the favourable environment and lack of management knowledge for containment resulted in its spread like a wild fire without any challenge. This development had led to the destruction of tomato fruits in Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Plateau and Lagos.
Ogbeh, however, stated that the Federal Government had started consulting with states and experts in other to fashion out measures to tackle the pest.
He said, “The pest can also attack even pepper and Irish potato. So we are confronting something quite serious. But the good thing is that we are tackling it right now as experts will commence work immediately. We are bringing the commissioners and governors of states to jointly attack this pest, which, if not dealt with, will create serious problems for food security in our country.”
He stated that the experts had, however, offered some varieties of tomato that grow well in the western part of the country as alternatives.
On the amount spent on importing tomato paste, the minister said, “We have two processing plants for tomato paste in Nigeria, Erisco and Dangote, and their capacities are huge. We welcome their arrival because our annual import bill of tomato paste is about $400m and it is a good sign that we can now produce here and make money for our farmers.”
Proffering measures that could be used to check pests as well as manage pesticides in Nigeria, CropLife International, a group of agro-professionals, advocated the use of hazard-based approach rather than a risk-based methodology.
The group, in a communique issued at the end of a two-day West and Central Africa Hub and Regulatory Workshop in Abuja, also called for the promotion and adoption of relevant biotechnologies in farming activities.
In the communique, it insisted on the need for safe and responsible use of pesticides as well as safe management of empty pesticide containers.
During the workshop, CropLife got the support of the Senate towards enacting of a pesticide legislation to mitigate the problem of misuse and address importation of pesticides including marketing, storage, application and use, among other provisions.
http://punchng.com/tomato-ebola-hits-six-states-fg/
It also disclosed that Nigeria spent about N80bn ($400m) annually importing tomato paste, adding that many of the imported products were substandard.
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Audu Ogbeh, who said this during a press briefing in Abuja, stated that the report that tomato processing factories had mopped-up tomato fruits in Nigeria was unfounded and untrue.
According to him, the highly reproductive nature of the tomato pest coupled with the favourable environment and lack of management knowledge for containment resulted in its spread like a wild fire without any challenge. This development had led to the destruction of tomato fruits in Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Plateau and Lagos.
Ogbeh, however, stated that the Federal Government had started consulting with states and experts in other to fashion out measures to tackle the pest.
He said, “The pest can also attack even pepper and Irish potato. So we are confronting something quite serious. But the good thing is that we are tackling it right now as experts will commence work immediately. We are bringing the commissioners and governors of states to jointly attack this pest, which, if not dealt with, will create serious problems for food security in our country.”
He stated that the experts had, however, offered some varieties of tomato that grow well in the western part of the country as alternatives.
On the amount spent on importing tomato paste, the minister said, “We have two processing plants for tomato paste in Nigeria, Erisco and Dangote, and their capacities are huge. We welcome their arrival because our annual import bill of tomato paste is about $400m and it is a good sign that we can now produce here and make money for our farmers.”
Proffering measures that could be used to check pests as well as manage pesticides in Nigeria, CropLife International, a group of agro-professionals, advocated the use of hazard-based approach rather than a risk-based methodology.
The group, in a communique issued at the end of a two-day West and Central Africa Hub and Regulatory Workshop in Abuja, also called for the promotion and adoption of relevant biotechnologies in farming activities.
In the communique, it insisted on the need for safe and responsible use of pesticides as well as safe management of empty pesticide containers.
During the workshop, CropLife got the support of the Senate towards enacting of a pesticide legislation to mitigate the problem of misuse and address importation of pesticides including marketing, storage, application and use, among other provisions.
http://punchng.com/tomato-ebola-hits-six-states-fg/
Tuesday, 24 May 2016
Buhari’s presidency: Vibrant support and agonising regret
ABOUT five years ago, my decision to endorse retired General Muhammadu Buhari given the constraints at the time, was based on the promise that he would make a great civilian President of Nigeria. I scripted a widely circulated glowing affirmation of his candidacy. Based on my estimations, there were appropriate inadequacies associated with the other candidates that made them unfit for the job. Nuhu Ribadu, Goodluck Jonathan and to some extent my friend Dele Momodu were all contenders. In all of the criteria that I applied to evaluate the candidates, the one that made President Buhari stand out was my conclusion that he would still be interested if the job had no pay and without the shine of the office. President Buhari, after serving in several “juicy” positions in Nigeria was not publicly known to be a billionaire
Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/05/buharis-presidency-vibrant-support-agonising-regret/
Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/05/buharis-presidency-vibrant-support-agonising-regret/
Monday, 23 May 2016
PDP crisis: Why we removed Sheriff – Wike
Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, yesterday, justified last Saturday’s removal of Senator Ali Modu Sheriff as national chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, at the Port Harcourt convention, saying the party under the erstwhile leadership was headed towards the precipice. Wike’s justification of Sheriff’s sack was welcomed by Prof. Jerry Gana, leader of the PDP Concerned Stakeholders, who convened a parallel convention in Abuja to press for the removal of the Sheriff-led executive of the party.
Meanwhile, heavily armed policemen, yesterday, took over the national secretariat of the party, denying entry and exit to and from the building. The development, which came ahead of today’s expected takeover of the national secretariat by the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led caretaker committee, was also shadowed by continuing intrigues as the ousted Senator Sheriff executive was last night also said to be preparing to fight back. Sheriff and his aides, who could not be reached for most of yesterday, were said to be engaged in a meeting with his dissolved National Working Committee, NWC. Speaking after the 2016 national convention, Wike said: “All along, the crisis has been about the former acting chairman whose emergence was strongly opposed. This is destabilising the party and so we had to let him go. What is important is the party and not the individual. No sacrifice is too much for anyone to make as far as PDP is concerned.” He noted that he had no personal interest in supporting Senator Modu Sheriff as he was the best option at the time he emerged. He said PDP will continue to grow from strength to strength as it remained the only hope for the country. Governor Wike said: “We will not allow the PDP to die or suffer divisions under our watch. History will never forgive us if we watch the party die.” The governor said the party leaders would work towards maintaining unity among all members of the party. He said despite the challenges, the 2016 national convention was successful as the party had been repositioned in the interest of the nation. Police block entry into secretariat Last night, five police vehicles, comprising two trucks and two pick up vans, blocked access on both ends of the street in front of the secretariat in the Wuse Zone 6 Area of Abuja. The vehicles conveyed a detachment of policemen, who took positions and blocked the entry into the secretariat. The two sides of Dalaba Street, leading to the front and back gates of the secretariat, were barricaded by stern-looking security operatives brandishing weapons. Findings by Vanguard showed that men of the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and private security guards manning the secretariat had been replaced with new ones.
Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/05/pdp-crisis-removed-sheriff-wike/
Meanwhile, heavily armed policemen, yesterday, took over the national secretariat of the party, denying entry and exit to and from the building. The development, which came ahead of today’s expected takeover of the national secretariat by the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led caretaker committee, was also shadowed by continuing intrigues as the ousted Senator Sheriff executive was last night also said to be preparing to fight back. Sheriff and his aides, who could not be reached for most of yesterday, were said to be engaged in a meeting with his dissolved National Working Committee, NWC. Speaking after the 2016 national convention, Wike said: “All along, the crisis has been about the former acting chairman whose emergence was strongly opposed. This is destabilising the party and so we had to let him go. What is important is the party and not the individual. No sacrifice is too much for anyone to make as far as PDP is concerned.” He noted that he had no personal interest in supporting Senator Modu Sheriff as he was the best option at the time he emerged. He said PDP will continue to grow from strength to strength as it remained the only hope for the country. Governor Wike said: “We will not allow the PDP to die or suffer divisions under our watch. History will never forgive us if we watch the party die.” The governor said the party leaders would work towards maintaining unity among all members of the party. He said despite the challenges, the 2016 national convention was successful as the party had been repositioned in the interest of the nation. Police block entry into secretariat Last night, five police vehicles, comprising two trucks and two pick up vans, blocked access on both ends of the street in front of the secretariat in the Wuse Zone 6 Area of Abuja. The vehicles conveyed a detachment of policemen, who took positions and blocked the entry into the secretariat. The two sides of Dalaba Street, leading to the front and back gates of the secretariat, were barricaded by stern-looking security operatives brandishing weapons. Findings by Vanguard showed that men of the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and private security guards manning the secretariat had been replaced with new ones.
Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/05/pdp-crisis-removed-sheriff-wike/
Sunday, 22 May 2016
Man United Wins FA Cup
Manchester United came from behind and survived Chris Smalling's sending-off to beat Crystal Palace fand win the FA Cup at Wembley through Jesse Lingard's extra-time strike.
As Wembley was awash with growing speculation this this would be Louis van Gaal's final match as United manager - with BBC Sport understanding he will be replaced by Jose Mourinho next week - he was able to add English football's most glamorous cup to his honours list.
United looked on course to end the season empty-handed as well as missing out on Champions League football when substitute Jason Puncheon's powerful far-post finish put Palace ahead with 12 minutes left.
It was harsh on United, who had hit the woodwork through Marouane Fellaini and Antony Martial, but they responded within four minutes with a brilliant run from Wayne Rooney that ended with Juan Mata scoring from close range.
United lost Smalling to a second yellow card for hauling back Yannick Bolasie in extra time - but Lingard took the trophy to Old Trafford when he lashed home a first-time strike from Damien Delaney's half-clearance after 110 minutes.
BBC
As Wembley was awash with growing speculation this this would be Louis van Gaal's final match as United manager - with BBC Sport understanding he will be replaced by Jose Mourinho next week - he was able to add English football's most glamorous cup to his honours list.
United looked on course to end the season empty-handed as well as missing out on Champions League football when substitute Jason Puncheon's powerful far-post finish put Palace ahead with 12 minutes left.
It was harsh on United, who had hit the woodwork through Marouane Fellaini and Antony Martial, but they responded within four minutes with a brilliant run from Wayne Rooney that ended with Juan Mata scoring from close range.
United lost Smalling to a second yellow card for hauling back Yannick Bolasie in extra time - but Lingard took the trophy to Old Trafford when he lashed home a first-time strike from Damien Delaney's half-clearance after 110 minutes.
BBC
Saturday, 21 May 2016
Four FUTA Students Killed In Auto Accident
According to Vanguard, Four students of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, died in a road accident on the Akure-Ilesha expressway in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State on Saturday.The spokesman of the Police Command in Ondo State, Mr Femi Joseph, confirmed the incident andsaid that 11 others sustained various degrees of injuries.The students were returning from Ibadan after attending a religious programme.Joseph further confirmed that the remains of the students were deposited at the Ondo State Specialist Hospital, Akure, where those injured were hospitalised.No fewer than 15 students were in the Hiace bus when the accident happened.The police spokesman said that preliminary investigation had revealed that the accident involved a Hiace bus carrying the students and a motorcycle.“The accident happened when the bus’ driver lost control while trying to avoid the motorcycle that suddenly appeared on the highway.“The bus somersaulted several times after trying to manoeuvre its way,’’ Joseph said.He said policemen and marshals ofthe Federal Road Safety Commission were at the scene to assist the deceased and those injured.Mr Segun Oladele, President of the FUTA chapter of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), who alsoconfirmed the deaths, said that those injured were responding to treatment.
Stop Blowing up Oil Installations Buhari Tells Niger Delta Aven
Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari has urged militants in the Niger Delta blowing up oil installations to drop their confrontational stance and work with his government to review the Amnesty Programme initiated by the Yar'Adua regime.
Speaking at a meeting with the Global Director (Upstream) of the Royal Dutch Shell Group, Andrew Brown, Buhari said he'd directed the Chief of Naval Staff to reorganise and strengthen the military Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta so as to deal the resurgence of militancy and the sabotage of oil installations in the area.
Mr. Buhari also told Mr. Brown that the operations of the JTF were being enhanced with increased support and cooperation from the United States and Europe in the areas of training, intelligence, equipment and logistics.
“We have to be very serious with the situation in the Niger Delta because it threatens the national economy. I assure you that everything possible will be done to protect personnel and oil assets in the region,” Buhari said
nigerianbulletin
Speaking at a meeting with the Global Director (Upstream) of the Royal Dutch Shell Group, Andrew Brown, Buhari said he'd directed the Chief of Naval Staff to reorganise and strengthen the military Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta so as to deal the resurgence of militancy and the sabotage of oil installations in the area.
Mr. Buhari also told Mr. Brown that the operations of the JTF were being enhanced with increased support and cooperation from the United States and Europe in the areas of training, intelligence, equipment and logistics.
“We have to be very serious with the situation in the Niger Delta because it threatens the national economy. I assure you that everything possible will be done to protect personnel and oil assets in the region,” Buhari said
nigerianbulletin
Friday, 20 May 2016
More Details on How Chibok girl was rescued by Nigeria Army
One of the 219 schoolgirls kidnapped from their school dormitory in Chibok, Borno State, in April 2014, has been rescued from Sambisa Forest. This came as troops of 7 Division of Nigerian military special clearance and rescue operations, otherwise known as Operation Crackdown, Tuesday, cleared Boko Haram terrorists out of their Njimia camp within Sambisa forest. The girl, Amina Alli, was reportedly found near the edge of the large forest, close to Cameroon’s borders. The girl is said to have escaped while on a mission to gather firewood to prepare meal for one of the leaders of the Boko Haram leaders keeping her. A statement by Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, confirmed that one of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls was among those rescued by troops at Baale, near Damboa.
Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/05/how-troops-rescued-missing-chibok-schoolgirl/
Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/05/how-troops-rescued-missing-chibok-schoolgirl/
Thursday, 19 May 2016
Sevilla Beat Liverpool to Win Europa League
Spanish football club on Wednesday came back from a goal down to trounce Liverpool in Basel in the Europa league final.
sturridge_goal.jpg
Daniel Sturridge put the Reds ahead with a fantastic curling effort in the first half before Kevin Gameiro equalized 17 seconds into the second half with a simple tap-in.
Once they leveled Sevilla dominated and minutes later went ahead through Coke's brilliant first-time hit. Coke then beat the offside trap for his second which killed off Liverpool.
Sevilla are the first team to win a major European title three years in a row since Bayern Munich won the European Cup three times between 1974 and 1976.
nigerianbulletin
sturridge_goal.jpg
Daniel Sturridge put the Reds ahead with a fantastic curling effort in the first half before Kevin Gameiro equalized 17 seconds into the second half with a simple tap-in.
Once they leveled Sevilla dominated and minutes later went ahead through Coke's brilliant first-time hit. Coke then beat the offside trap for his second which killed off Liverpool.
Sevilla are the first team to win a major European title three years in a row since Bayern Munich won the European Cup three times between 1974 and 1976.
nigerianbulletin
Buhari dazed as UK exposes Amaechi’s loots, probes APC’s Campaign Funds
A leading Newspaper in the United Kingdom, UK, ‘The Mail Daily’ , has on Sunday, May 15, published a report revealing how the former Governor of Rivers State and current Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, looted Nigeria’s treasury.
The report added, that President Muhammadu Buhari’s ‘fantastically corrupt” friend, spent over $140 million on the president’s 2015 campaign and has been accused of stealing £500 million.
“But although, Buhari is seen by some as leading the battle against corruption, but worrying allegations swirl around one of his close allies,” the British Newspaper said.
“Rotimi Amaechi, who traveled with the president to the summit, is Nigeria’s transport minister and is said to have bankrolled Buhari’s presidential campaign.”
Recall, that Amaechi has been indicted by a judicial commission of inquiry in Rivers State for looting the treasury of the state, when he served as Governor for eight years.
However, Amaechi had denied the allegations of corruption and refused to appear before the judicial panel of inquiry to defend himself.
This revelation is coming, following a remark last week by UK Prime Minister, David Cameron, in which he described Nigeria as one of the most corrupt countries in the world, tagging the West African giant as “fantastically corrupt”.
Local media in Nigeria had tagged Amaechi the ATM of Buhari’s presidential campaign and his party the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Amaechi is praised by APC leaders for single-handedly funding the governorship campaigns of at least five APC governors, including that of former speaker, Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State.
“Amaechi remains in his post despite being accused of misappropriating £338 million by a commission investigating the sale of state assets,” the UK Mail observed as it questioned Buhari’s sincerity in fighting corruption.
“Separately, Amaechi is accused of diverting £140 million of state funds into Buhari’s presidential campaign, with reports he paid for media, consultants and private jets.
“The allegations come as the president stands accused of enjoying a lavish lifestyle, while many millions suffer in poverty.
“A leaked draft budget for 2016 showed the Nigerian government earmarked £16 million for the refurbishment and maintenance of the president’s official residence, Aso Rock Guest House, in the capital Abuja.
“There was also a request for £13 million for building a VIP wing at a hospital used by families of the president and his ministerial team,” the paper noted.
http://www.weeklypostng.org/2016/05/buhari-weeps-as-uk-exposes-amaechis.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook&m=1
The report added, that President Muhammadu Buhari’s ‘fantastically corrupt” friend, spent over $140 million on the president’s 2015 campaign and has been accused of stealing £500 million.
“But although, Buhari is seen by some as leading the battle against corruption, but worrying allegations swirl around one of his close allies,” the British Newspaper said.
“Rotimi Amaechi, who traveled with the president to the summit, is Nigeria’s transport minister and is said to have bankrolled Buhari’s presidential campaign.”
Recall, that Amaechi has been indicted by a judicial commission of inquiry in Rivers State for looting the treasury of the state, when he served as Governor for eight years.
However, Amaechi had denied the allegations of corruption and refused to appear before the judicial panel of inquiry to defend himself.
This revelation is coming, following a remark last week by UK Prime Minister, David Cameron, in which he described Nigeria as one of the most corrupt countries in the world, tagging the West African giant as “fantastically corrupt”.
Local media in Nigeria had tagged Amaechi the ATM of Buhari’s presidential campaign and his party the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Amaechi is praised by APC leaders for single-handedly funding the governorship campaigns of at least five APC governors, including that of former speaker, Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State.
“Amaechi remains in his post despite being accused of misappropriating £338 million by a commission investigating the sale of state assets,” the UK Mail observed as it questioned Buhari’s sincerity in fighting corruption.
“Separately, Amaechi is accused of diverting £140 million of state funds into Buhari’s presidential campaign, with reports he paid for media, consultants and private jets.
“The allegations come as the president stands accused of enjoying a lavish lifestyle, while many millions suffer in poverty.
“A leaked draft budget for 2016 showed the Nigerian government earmarked £16 million for the refurbishment and maintenance of the president’s official residence, Aso Rock Guest House, in the capital Abuja.
“There was also a request for £13 million for building a VIP wing at a hospital used by families of the president and his ministerial team,” the paper noted.
http://www.weeklypostng.org/2016/05/buhari-weeps-as-uk-exposes-amaechis.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook&m=1
Wednesday, 18 May 2016
Go to work Or No Work no pay As FG tells NLC
According to LIB, Despite threats by the Ayuba Wabba faction of NLC to continue with its planned strike action today May 18th, the Federal Government has advised all workers in the Civil service to resume for work today, saying the no work no pay rule will be invoked in all ministries, agencies and department. Speaking after a meeting with labor yesterday May 17th, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal said:
"The National Industrial Court has given an injunction that no strike by NLC and TUC should hold tomorrow (today). It is therefore clear that anyone embarking on strike tomorrow (today) is doing so illegally and government is assuring all Nigerians to come out and do their jobs tomorrow (today). It the duty of government to provide security for her citizens and anyone who tries to coerce any worker to do their bidding would be made to face the law of the land. We had full cooperation with the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria and they said they are not going on strike.For them, it is a complete return to work tomorrow (Wednesday).
"It is not the same with the NLC however. They have two factions, one agreed completely with the position of the TUC. Government, therefore, calls upon and advises all workers to respect the laws of the land and to desist from participating in an illegal action. Government undertakes to guarantee the safety of workers and their workplaces, and expects that normal work will continue in the interest of the nation.
"Accordingly, security agencies have been directed to ensure unimpeded access to offices, workplaces and markets. Accordingly, all ministers, permanent secretaries and heads of government agencies are hereby directed to invoke the provision of ‘no work no pay’ in respect of any staff member who absents himself or herself from work to join the strike. Attendance registers are required to be opened in all Ministries, Departments and Agencies.”he said
"The National Industrial Court has given an injunction that no strike by NLC and TUC should hold tomorrow (today). It is therefore clear that anyone embarking on strike tomorrow (today) is doing so illegally and government is assuring all Nigerians to come out and do their jobs tomorrow (today). It the duty of government to provide security for her citizens and anyone who tries to coerce any worker to do their bidding would be made to face the law of the land. We had full cooperation with the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria and they said they are not going on strike.For them, it is a complete return to work tomorrow (Wednesday).
"It is not the same with the NLC however. They have two factions, one agreed completely with the position of the TUC. Government, therefore, calls upon and advises all workers to respect the laws of the land and to desist from participating in an illegal action. Government undertakes to guarantee the safety of workers and their workplaces, and expects that normal work will continue in the interest of the nation.
"Accordingly, security agencies have been directed to ensure unimpeded access to offices, workplaces and markets. Accordingly, all ministers, permanent secretaries and heads of government agencies are hereby directed to invoke the provision of ‘no work no pay’ in respect of any staff member who absents himself or herself from work to join the strike. Attendance registers are required to be opened in all Ministries, Departments and Agencies.”he said
Buhari’s wife donates N55 million to parents of Chibok girls and some major headlines
As culled from KFbers, these are the major headlines on Tuesday 2016. we have got loads of interesting stories in tonight's #MajorHeadlinesYouMissedToday feature...enjoy!
Buhari’s wife donates N55 million to parents of Chibok girls
President Muhammadu Buhari’s wife, Aisha, on Tuesday in Abuja, presented a N55 million cheque to parents of Chibok school girls and Buni Yadi school boys, who were abducted and murdered respectively by Boko Haram.
Mrs. Buhari presented a cheque of N30 million to parents of the Chibok girls and N25 million cheque to parents of the Buni Yadi boys.
She said the presentation of the cheque was part of her promise that proceeds from the book she
launched on “Essentials of Beauty Therapy’’ would be used to empower parents of the Chibok girls and Buni Yadi boys.
Senate withdraws ‘anti-social media’ bill
The Nigerian Senate has withdrawn the frivolous petition bill sponsored by Bala Ibn Na’Allah believed to have been aimed at restricting freedom of expression.
The withdrawal of the bill followed the report of the upper chamber’s Committee on Human Rights and Legal Matters submitted by David Umar on Tuesday.
The report made it cleat the bill amounted to violation of citizens’ rights, and contradicted extant laws, imposing duty of investigation on petitioners and serving as stumbling block to the fight against corruption.
The introduction of the bill sparked widespread outrage across the country.
FG warns civil servants against strike
Babachir David Lawal, Secretary to the Government of the Federation
The Federal Government has warned civil servants in the country not to participate in Wednesday’s nationwide indefinite strike called by the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress.
A statement signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal warned civil servants against participating in the strike, adding that any worker who participated in the strike would not be entitled to his or her wage.
The statement read:
”The attention of all Public Officers is drawn to the notice issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to embark on an indefinite strike from Wednesday, 18th May, 2016. This notice is regrettably given in spite of an Order by the Industrial Court against the strike action.
”Government, therefore, calls upon and advises all workers to respect the laws of the land and to desist from participating in an illegal strike action.
”Government undertakes to guarantee the safety of workers and their work places, and expects that normal work will continue in the interest of the nation.
”Accordingly, Security agencies have been directed to ensure unimpeded access to offices, work places and markets.
”Acts of intimidation, harassment, including barricading of gates, locking up of offices, blocking of roads and preventing workers from carrying out their lawful duties will be met with appropriate response by the law enforcement agencies.
”All workers, whether in public or private sector are further reminded of the Trade Dispute Act, 2004, which provides that “where any worker takes part in a strike, he shall not be entitled to any wages or remuneration for the period of the strike and any such period shall not count for the purpose of reckoning the period of continuous employment and all rights dependent on continuity of employment shall be prejudicially affected accordingly.”
”Accordingly, all Ministers, Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Government Agencies are hereby directed to invoke the provision of “no work no pay” in respect of any staff who absents him or herself from work to join the strike action.
”Attendance registers are required to be opened in all Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
Lagos now officially an oil producing state – Ambode
http://www.kemifilani.com/2016/05/buharis-wife-donates-n55-million-to.html?m=1
Buhari’s wife donates N55 million to parents of Chibok girls
President Muhammadu Buhari’s wife, Aisha, on Tuesday in Abuja, presented a N55 million cheque to parents of Chibok school girls and Buni Yadi school boys, who were abducted and murdered respectively by Boko Haram.
Mrs. Buhari presented a cheque of N30 million to parents of the Chibok girls and N25 million cheque to parents of the Buni Yadi boys.
She said the presentation of the cheque was part of her promise that proceeds from the book she
launched on “Essentials of Beauty Therapy’’ would be used to empower parents of the Chibok girls and Buni Yadi boys.
Senate withdraws ‘anti-social media’ bill
The Nigerian Senate has withdrawn the frivolous petition bill sponsored by Bala Ibn Na’Allah believed to have been aimed at restricting freedom of expression.
The withdrawal of the bill followed the report of the upper chamber’s Committee on Human Rights and Legal Matters submitted by David Umar on Tuesday.
The report made it cleat the bill amounted to violation of citizens’ rights, and contradicted extant laws, imposing duty of investigation on petitioners and serving as stumbling block to the fight against corruption.
The introduction of the bill sparked widespread outrage across the country.
FG warns civil servants against strike
Babachir David Lawal, Secretary to the Government of the Federation
The Federal Government has warned civil servants in the country not to participate in Wednesday’s nationwide indefinite strike called by the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress.
A statement signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal warned civil servants against participating in the strike, adding that any worker who participated in the strike would not be entitled to his or her wage.
The statement read:
”The attention of all Public Officers is drawn to the notice issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to embark on an indefinite strike from Wednesday, 18th May, 2016. This notice is regrettably given in spite of an Order by the Industrial Court against the strike action.
”Government, therefore, calls upon and advises all workers to respect the laws of the land and to desist from participating in an illegal strike action.
”Government undertakes to guarantee the safety of workers and their work places, and expects that normal work will continue in the interest of the nation.
”Accordingly, Security agencies have been directed to ensure unimpeded access to offices, work places and markets.
”Acts of intimidation, harassment, including barricading of gates, locking up of offices, blocking of roads and preventing workers from carrying out their lawful duties will be met with appropriate response by the law enforcement agencies.
”All workers, whether in public or private sector are further reminded of the Trade Dispute Act, 2004, which provides that “where any worker takes part in a strike, he shall not be entitled to any wages or remuneration for the period of the strike and any such period shall not count for the purpose of reckoning the period of continuous employment and all rights dependent on continuity of employment shall be prejudicially affected accordingly.”
”Accordingly, all Ministers, Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Government Agencies are hereby directed to invoke the provision of “no work no pay” in respect of any staff who absents him or herself from work to join the strike action.
”Attendance registers are required to be opened in all Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
Lagos now officially an oil producing state – Ambode
http://www.kemifilani.com/2016/05/buharis-wife-donates-n55-million-to.html?m=1
Nigeria Labour Unions Embark on Indefinite Strike Over Fuel Price Hike
Despite the order from industrial court restraining NLC from embarking on strike. The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress, TUC, have resolved to embark on an indefinite strike to protest the recent hike in pump price of petrol.
According to Vanguard, this was the resolution the groups made at a meeting held at NLC headquarters in Abuja.
The strike will start by 12 mid-night on Wednesday, someone at the meeting reportedly said.
“Our decision not to suspend the strike was further fuelled by today’s injunction by the Industrial Court,restraining us from proceeding on the strike expected to begin tomorrow,”the person said.
He also disclosed that the two bodies were still studying development and may not honour the meeting expected with the government at the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation this evening.
Vanguard
According to Vanguard, this was the resolution the groups made at a meeting held at NLC headquarters in Abuja.
The strike will start by 12 mid-night on Wednesday, someone at the meeting reportedly said.
“Our decision not to suspend the strike was further fuelled by today’s injunction by the Industrial Court,restraining us from proceeding on the strike expected to begin tomorrow,”the person said.
He also disclosed that the two bodies were still studying development and may not honour the meeting expected with the government at the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation this evening.
Vanguard
Buhari Invites Jonathan to Aso Rock
As reported, President Muhammadu Buhari has invited former President Goodluck Jonathan to visit Aso rock this week.
DAILY TRUST reports that Buhari may ask Jonathan for help in stopping the attack on oil installments by the new militant group, Niger Delta Avengers.
DAILY TRUST reports that Buhari may ask Jonathan for help in stopping the attack on oil installments by the new militant group, Niger Delta Avengers.
Tuesday, 17 May 2016
Toyin Aimakhu's ex, Seun Egbegbe Warned By Nigeria Police
Violence against women is not acceptable for whatever reason. According to LIB, Like I said, the police take these violations against women seriously. All you need to do is report..:-). Read the press statement below...
Nollywood filmmaker, Seun Egbegbe was arrested two weeks ago, detained and later released on bail in respect of his threat message against Toyin Aimakhu. He was told to report when Toyin Aimakhu arrives Nigeria and was summoned by the police in Lagos yesterday.
Toyin who was also at the station in company of her lawyer, Bosun Osifowora stated that Seun Egbegbe's threat has affected her business and colleagues and producers are afraid to call her for movie shoots because of the threat since they were aware of his violent nature.
While at the Commissioner of Police’ office, Seun recounted his position, prostrated and signed an undertaking never to hurt or disturb Toyin whether privately or in company of people. He also undertook to make a new video to that effect with Goldmyne TV where the initial threat video which went viral was broadcast.
He is also to report fortnightly at the CP's office in Ikeja and he has been placed under watch. Toyin Aimakhu who is back in the country is set to officially start a new reality show and an NGO on domestic violence against women
Nollywood filmmaker, Seun Egbegbe was arrested two weeks ago, detained and later released on bail in respect of his threat message against Toyin Aimakhu. He was told to report when Toyin Aimakhu arrives Nigeria and was summoned by the police in Lagos yesterday.
Toyin who was also at the station in company of her lawyer, Bosun Osifowora stated that Seun Egbegbe's threat has affected her business and colleagues and producers are afraid to call her for movie shoots because of the threat since they were aware of his violent nature.
While at the Commissioner of Police’ office, Seun recounted his position, prostrated and signed an undertaking never to hurt or disturb Toyin whether privately or in company of people. He also undertook to make a new video to that effect with Goldmyne TV where the initial threat video which went viral was broadcast.
He is also to report fortnightly at the CP's office in Ikeja and he has been placed under watch. Toyin Aimakhu who is back in the country is set to officially start a new reality show and an NGO on domestic violence against women
Davido's Baby Mama Was Not Bounced From Imade's Birthday
According to KFB, Imade Adeleke, the daughter of singer, Davido was a year old last weekend and while several celebrities were in attendance, the mother of the celebrant, Sophia Momodu was reportedly absent.
According to the folks at an entertainment blog, Sophia was ‘bounced’ from gaining access into the birthday party.
While many were attempting to come to terms with the far-fetched report, Instagram news aggregator – Instablog reposted the news on the photo-sharing platform.
This caught the attention of both Davido and Sophia, and from their comments on Instablog’s page, we learned two things.
1. Sophia Momodu has made peace with the family of Davido and has ‘moved on’
She wrote on Instagram: “So many beautiful things happened last weekend u didn’t post any of it. Then u come & post false news.. It better be for the likes. @instablog9ja if I can move on from the drama surely you can too.”
2. Sophia Momodu was not ‘bounced’ from her daughter’s birthday
Davido wrote: :She is in full custody of our daughter Biko ! And no one was bounced … Bless”.
let’s now move on.
According to the folks at an entertainment blog, Sophia was ‘bounced’ from gaining access into the birthday party.
While many were attempting to come to terms with the far-fetched report, Instagram news aggregator – Instablog reposted the news on the photo-sharing platform.
This caught the attention of both Davido and Sophia, and from their comments on Instablog’s page, we learned two things.
1. Sophia Momodu has made peace with the family of Davido and has ‘moved on’
She wrote on Instagram: “So many beautiful things happened last weekend u didn’t post any of it. Then u come & post false news.. It better be for the likes. @instablog9ja if I can move on from the drama surely you can too.”
2. Sophia Momodu was not ‘bounced’ from her daughter’s birthday
Davido wrote: :She is in full custody of our daughter Biko ! And no one was bounced … Bless”.
let’s now move on.
FG threatens to shut Abuja airport over safety concerns
The Federal Government yesterday dropped hints of closing down Abuja airport as a precautionary measure because of the bad state of the runway. The Minister of State, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, who dropped the hint at the 2016 Aviation Stakeholders Summit in Abuja, also said the government would concession the Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt and Kano international airports in the first phase of its concession programme. He said that government was committed to upgrading the existing facilities at the airports as well as developing new strategy for repositioning the sector. Sirika said: “The thinking is that just like every other place in the world, we will concession our airports and we are beginning with the big four, Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano. “It would have been ideal to take them to some level of acceptance for them to attract more. But I think we just get those guys who believe that in Nigeria they can create a hub geographically given by God. “To come and put in their money and create this hub, build these airports, concession them, run them and make money out of them.” He said that the current facilities at the airports did not meet international standards and best practices in the aviation industry, adding that private sector involvement was the way forward. According to him, if the government is able to concession the four airports successfully in the first phase, it will pay attention to providing infrastructure and developing domestic airports for optimal performance.
Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/05/fg-threatens-shut-abuja-airport-safety-concerns/
Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/05/fg-threatens-shut-abuja-airport-safety-concerns/
Monday, 16 May 2016
Dollar shortage stalls fuel imports
Another fuel crisis looks set to rock the country as some vessels are stuck off Nigeria, unable to unload their cargoes of petrol and diesel.
At least 75 ships with two and a half million tonnes of fuel are waiting for importers in the country to find the dollars they need to pay for the cargoes, according to ship tracking data and fuel traders.
Some of the vessels arrived a month ago and their frustrated owners have almost given up hope and started to offer their fuel to buyers outside Nigeria, several traders told Reuters.
Our correspondents on Sunday gathered that a number of marketers who were given petrol import allocations for the second quarter of the year had not been able to source foreign exchange for importation.
An official of one of the major petroleum products marketers’ associations said on condition of anonymity, “I am not surprised that vessels are stuck. What I believe likely happened is that so many of our members were given allocations for the second quarter – some for April, some for May and some for June.
“But because they have not been able to source foreign exchange, the people will not deliver until they are sure of getting their money. A number of those that were given second quarter allocations have not been able to source forex.”
The Executive Secretary, Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Obafemi Olawore, said he did not know if some vessels were stranded due to lack of dollars or not.
He, however, said, “In any situation, there will be challenges and some people will not face any challenge. Some are importing; some are not. But the most important thing is, ‘Is the product available?’ I think so. It means those importing probably are more than those not importing.
“Foreign exchange is a challenge; there is no doubt about that. But people will import. It is their business, and they won’t want their business to collapse.”
A slump in world oil prices has hammered Nigeria’s state income and because crude sales are the government’s main source of revenue, the fall has caused crippling shortages of dollars within the economy that have been hurting businesses for months.
In a bid to break the impasse and head off more fuel shortages, the Federal Government raised the price cap for petrol by 67 per cent, officially sanctioned importers to use the parallel market to find the hard currency they need to get cargoes off the ships and allowed any Nigerian company to import fuel.
The Executive Secretary, Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association, Mr. Olufemi Adewole, had on Friday said, “The crux of everything we are saying borders on foreign exchange. Sourcing for foreign exchange is the key challenge. Marketers have been told to source for foreign exchange.”
Nigeria consumes 45 million litres of petrol a day, or roughly 280,000 barrels, which would require the market to provide some $18m a day.
The naira has already weakened due to the spike in demand for dollars from fuel importers. Last week, the US currency fell to 360 naira on the parallel market, whereas the official exchange rate has been held firm just under 200.
“The risk is that the parallel rate will depreciate even more, giving the marketers a pretext for yet further price increases at the pump,” said Alan Cameron, an economist covering Africa with Exotix Partners.
In an effort to address the looming fuel shortages, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation has begun talks with at least three international firms to swap more of its crude for petrol, according to traders and oil executives.
According to the marketers, some of whom got their petrol import permits from the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency last week, the secondary or parallel forex market in Nigeria does not have enough United States dollars to meet their needs.
A senior official of one of the oil majors that got import permits last week stated that the pressure exerted on the parallel market by the PMS importers was the major cause of the continued crash of the naira against the dollar in the past few days.
“How much dollar can all importers access from the parallel market in Nigeria? As I speak with you now, some of us are making contacts with our partners in countries like Ghana and Liberia for forex,” the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.
Punch
At least 75 ships with two and a half million tonnes of fuel are waiting for importers in the country to find the dollars they need to pay for the cargoes, according to ship tracking data and fuel traders.
Some of the vessels arrived a month ago and their frustrated owners have almost given up hope and started to offer their fuel to buyers outside Nigeria, several traders told Reuters.
Our correspondents on Sunday gathered that a number of marketers who were given petrol import allocations for the second quarter of the year had not been able to source foreign exchange for importation.
An official of one of the major petroleum products marketers’ associations said on condition of anonymity, “I am not surprised that vessels are stuck. What I believe likely happened is that so many of our members were given allocations for the second quarter – some for April, some for May and some for June.
“But because they have not been able to source foreign exchange, the people will not deliver until they are sure of getting their money. A number of those that were given second quarter allocations have not been able to source forex.”
The Executive Secretary, Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Obafemi Olawore, said he did not know if some vessels were stranded due to lack of dollars or not.
He, however, said, “In any situation, there will be challenges and some people will not face any challenge. Some are importing; some are not. But the most important thing is, ‘Is the product available?’ I think so. It means those importing probably are more than those not importing.
“Foreign exchange is a challenge; there is no doubt about that. But people will import. It is their business, and they won’t want their business to collapse.”
A slump in world oil prices has hammered Nigeria’s state income and because crude sales are the government’s main source of revenue, the fall has caused crippling shortages of dollars within the economy that have been hurting businesses for months.
In a bid to break the impasse and head off more fuel shortages, the Federal Government raised the price cap for petrol by 67 per cent, officially sanctioned importers to use the parallel market to find the hard currency they need to get cargoes off the ships and allowed any Nigerian company to import fuel.
The Executive Secretary, Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association, Mr. Olufemi Adewole, had on Friday said, “The crux of everything we are saying borders on foreign exchange. Sourcing for foreign exchange is the key challenge. Marketers have been told to source for foreign exchange.”
Nigeria consumes 45 million litres of petrol a day, or roughly 280,000 barrels, which would require the market to provide some $18m a day.
The naira has already weakened due to the spike in demand for dollars from fuel importers. Last week, the US currency fell to 360 naira on the parallel market, whereas the official exchange rate has been held firm just under 200.
“The risk is that the parallel rate will depreciate even more, giving the marketers a pretext for yet further price increases at the pump,” said Alan Cameron, an economist covering Africa with Exotix Partners.
In an effort to address the looming fuel shortages, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation has begun talks with at least three international firms to swap more of its crude for petrol, according to traders and oil executives.
According to the marketers, some of whom got their petrol import permits from the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency last week, the secondary or parallel forex market in Nigeria does not have enough United States dollars to meet their needs.
A senior official of one of the oil majors that got import permits last week stated that the pressure exerted on the parallel market by the PMS importers was the major cause of the continued crash of the naira against the dollar in the past few days.
“How much dollar can all importers access from the parallel market in Nigeria? As I speak with you now, some of us are making contacts with our partners in countries like Ghana and Liberia for forex,” the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.
Punch
Sunday, 15 May 2016
Femi Gbajabiamila Speaks On Fuel Subsidy
Over the years, I have been vociferous and faithful in my near fanatic opposition to the deregulation of the downstream oil sector if what it meant was the removal of fuel subsidy. If deregulation could be achieved without subsidy removal I was on board. I argued passionately against its removal at a time when most economic experts, talking heads and commentators were for it and when it was fashionable to support it. I have attached a copy of a rather caustic and scathing article and letter I wrote in 2010 to then Acting President Jonathan. I was at that time in the opposition and the then Leader of the Action Congress in Parliament. I will restate my position at the time.
I felt there was something wrong with the notion that a country blessed with a natural resource should lack that resource or any of its by products. I believed that the citizens should have a marked advantage in the utility and consumption of that product over citizens of other countries not so blessed and to that extent the pricing of that product found in the country's backyard should be different from international pricing. I gave examples such as the cost of tea in China, coffee in Brazil or coal in Sunderland. I felt as I still do, that there was something intrinsically whopped to have a natural resource in one’s backyard and at same time import same for consumption. Didn’t make sense to me. I argued then and still argue that if subsidy was to be removed we must put the cart before the horse and get our refineries working so as not to import our own God given resource. Then perhaps after that we could entertain a debate on subsidy removal. Even then many of us would still have argued for subsidizing even the production as opposed to its importation
During the 2012 subsidy debate, I argued vociferously and with a strong conviction, that the idea of palliatives was irrelevant as the palliative measures proposCont... palliative measures proposed by the government then such as infant mortality, child care, transportation etc were things that belonged to citizens as of right and which government under Chapter 2 of the constitution were obligated to provide and therefore government was in no way doing Nigerians a favour as you cannot give me something that’s already mine or at least should be and call it a palliative.
I further argued that subsidy connoted something negative only in Nigeria and not in other countries that subsidized one thing or the other for the benefit of citizens. There is and has been for years subsidy for transportation in the UK, Agricultural Subsidy in the US and oil is subsidized in practically all major oil producing countries and we don’t hear as much as a whimper. Why then Nigeria. ? Proponents argued because it is riddled with fraud and corruption and benefits only 1 percent of the populace. I bellowed back , well then why don’t you block the loopholes for the perpetration of the fraud and corruption ? Why must the innocent 99% and poor masses suffer or be penalized for the inefficiency of government and the corruption of a few. Is it possible to argue that a government with all the might and power at its disposal cannot deal with this 1%. ? I couldn’t get a reasoned answer.
For me every spirited attempt to justify a removal of subsidy failed the common sense test or question of why Nigeria the 5th or 6th largest producer of crude (and the finest one at that) would be importing what it produced. There was definitely something nonsensical about such a proposition.
This was the position I held on to steadfastly over the years. It is now 2016 and if my position has changed to an extent, I owe It to my primary and larger constituents and indeed all Nigerians explanation for the change.
I was at the Presidential Villa Wednesday 11th where a stakeholders meeting involving the leadership of the National Assembly, Governors, Labour LeadershipCont... I was at the Presidential Villa Wednesday 11th where a stakeholders meeting involving the leadership of the National Assembly, Governors, Labour Leadership, State Minister of Petroleum, Ministers of Information and that of labour. The meeting was chaired by the Vice President. It was a consultative meeting ostensibly to get the buy in of stakeholders. I was pumped and ready to challenge any proposition for an increase in pump price and my position was known to most people I spoke with. However by the time the Hon Minister for petroleum finished his doomsday prognosis and gave a graphic account supported with facts and figures of where we where and where we would be in a matter of months if we did not alter the approach or fundamentally change the status quo, I had no option but to capitulate. It was the first time I had been confronted with such a gloomy picture. I found myself between a rock and a hard place. The facts were incontrovertible and the prognosis and consequences dire. We were in an economic cul-de-sac and the country was spiraling down fast due to no fault of this present administration. In fact it was clear that any responsible administration needed to apply the brakes, bring this to a screeching and painful halt and at least for now remove subsidy and deregulate. It was a short term remedy which all things being equal would produce a long term solution when the economy would have recalibrated. I struggled with my inner angel and knew this was the only way out. It was made abundantly clear to all seated that in 2 months there would be no federal allocation to states and no state would be able to pay salaries, including buoyant ones. The Nigerian nation was on tenterhooks. That’s how bad a picture it was. Indeed I was the first to ask questions after the presentation still looking for a way out when I knew there was none.
Whilst I still believe in the principles I held on to so passionately years ago, including the need to bring any Cont... Whilst I still believe in the principles I held on to so passionately years ago, including the need to bring any deregulation exercise in conformity with the law and the constitution, I believe this is such a time when we should look at the times we are in and our practical situation as a country. I believe (without sounding Trumpist) that Nigeria will be great again but we must rejig and reboot our economy and take another look at the subsidy regime. Many will say but why did some of us kick in 2012 and if it was not good then why is it good now. It’s a great question and they are right some but again the times are different. In 2012 we were earning a lot of money from oil. Oil was selling at about 100 dollars or thereabout. We had foreign exchange and petro dollars to continue with subsidy. Now things are different. The economy is comatose and Nigeria is on life support. Oil is selling at below 40 dollars and the currency (dollar) needed to purchase the refined petrol is no longer available.
I want to plead with my constituents and all Nigerians to work with government. You are the most important stakeholders never mind those of us that gathered around a long table and cushy chairs in the Vice Presidents Office on Wednesday 11th to make this far reaching decision. We did so only in a representative capacity. I urge that you please give this government the benefit of doubt and lets take a chance on whether or not the analogy and parallel often drawn by proponents of deregulation in the oil industry to telecommunications industry may end up a truism and that the price of fuel in a lasses faire, free market will come crashing in months. Lets consider it a temporary sacrifice for the greater good with the hope that as promised we will be better off in the long term. This problem is not peculiar to Nigeria. It is instructive that other oil producing countries eg Bahrain, have been hit hard by the crash in oil price and are towing same line and reviewing deg Bahrain, have been hit hard by the crash in oil price and are towing same line and reviewing their subsidy policies.
With this new development I intend to fight with all I have for a review of the minimum wage of all workers in Nigeria . Our country was built on social justice and I cannot, no matter the realities, accept a situation where the cost of living will be increased without a corresponding increase in wages. The sacrifices that we need to make must be comprehensive. Indeed I believe the “wealthy” must not only pay their fair share of taxes, if need be there must be an upward review of taxes paid by the highest income earners to enable government review the wages of those on the lower rung. It is time to be our brothers’ keepers.
I know this is a painful road to take and I hate that I have to flip flop on this one, but isn’t what they say “no pain no gain”.
Femi Gbajabiamila
Leader of Nigeria's House of Representatives, Abu[truncated by WhatsApp]
Nothing can stop PDP Convention – Fayose
The Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose has stated that despite some of the problems the party seems to be facing at the moment, its national convention has been slated for May 21, 2016 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State . Governor Fayose who was responding to the purported dissolution of the National Working Committee of the party by a group of concerned party members led by Professor Jerry Gana, insisted that those against the leadership of Senator Ali Modu Sheriff have lost relevance in the party as they no longer have fresh ideas to bring forward.
Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/05/nothing-can-stop-pdp-convention-fayose/
Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/05/nothing-can-stop-pdp-convention-fayose/
Saturday, 14 May 2016
Okupe prostrates, kisses Obasanjo
According to Eniola Akinkuotu
A former Senior Special Assistant to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Media and Publicity, Dr. Doyin Okupe, says he visited ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, kissed and prostrated before him on Sunday.
Okupe said this in a Facebook post on Friday.
Okupe, who once served under Obasanjo said their relationship turned sour after he began working for Jonathan.
Okupe said, “Last sunday , in the company of some friends I met with Baba Obasanjo principally to try and settle and resolve the misunderstanding that has existed between baba and I since I joined the Jonathan administration.
“Vintage baba, he descended on me heavily and vented his anger copiously. I prostrated and held his feet as a well trained Yoruba man and pleaded earnestly for his forgiveness, occasionally given short explanations for areas I considered my actions were misunderstood.
“Also typical of baba, ever willing to forgive a repentant son, we embraced; I even kissed him as a loving son.
“Politics sometimes is such a bad business, you hurt your friends and even benefactors, but all is well that ends well.”
It will be recalled that during the build-up to the last presidential election, Obasanjo had openly criticised Jonathan.
He alleged that Jonathan had recruited a team of snipers and also said Jonathan was afraid that the then presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Muhammadu Buhari, would jail him if he won.
Obasanjo had also torn his membership card of the Peoples Democratic Party which attracted condemnation from Jonathan’s men
Okupe had openly condemned Obasanjo in the process of defending Jonathan.
Punch
A former Senior Special Assistant to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Media and Publicity, Dr. Doyin Okupe, says he visited ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, kissed and prostrated before him on Sunday.
Okupe said this in a Facebook post on Friday.
Okupe, who once served under Obasanjo said their relationship turned sour after he began working for Jonathan.
Okupe said, “Last sunday , in the company of some friends I met with Baba Obasanjo principally to try and settle and resolve the misunderstanding that has existed between baba and I since I joined the Jonathan administration.
“Vintage baba, he descended on me heavily and vented his anger copiously. I prostrated and held his feet as a well trained Yoruba man and pleaded earnestly for his forgiveness, occasionally given short explanations for areas I considered my actions were misunderstood.
“Also typical of baba, ever willing to forgive a repentant son, we embraced; I even kissed him as a loving son.
“Politics sometimes is such a bad business, you hurt your friends and even benefactors, but all is well that ends well.”
It will be recalled that during the build-up to the last presidential election, Obasanjo had openly criticised Jonathan.
He alleged that Jonathan had recruited a team of snipers and also said Jonathan was afraid that the then presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Muhammadu Buhari, would jail him if he won.
Obasanjo had also torn his membership card of the Peoples Democratic Party which attracted condemnation from Jonathan’s men
Okupe had openly condemned Obasanjo in the process of defending Jonathan.
Punch
Friday, 13 May 2016
EFCC gets order to hold Fani-Kayode for 14 days
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has obtained a remand order to keep a former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, in custody for the next two weeks.
The remand order is, however, renewable after 14 days depending on the outcome of investigations.
Fani-Kayode is being investigated by the EFCC for allegedly receiving N840m when he was the Director of Publicity for the Goodluck Jonathan Campaign Organisation in 2015.
The money, which Fani-Kayode confessed to receiving, was said to have emanated from the account of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The commission had recently frozen the ex-minister’s Zenith Bank account with number 1004735721 domiciled at Maitama, Abuja.
Fani-Kayode had told our correspondent that the PDP leadership gave him the impression that the money was sourced from private individuals.
He said, “I served as the director of publicity of the Jonathan campaign organisation and I was told to set up an account for the directorate, which I did. I never received money from the CBN but like all the other directors, we received money from the director of finance.”
However, a detective told our correspondent that the EFCC was working on the assumption that the ex-minister might have received more than N840m.
The source said, “Besides the N840m that Fani-Kayode admitted to receiving, we believe he got more. Thanks to BVN (Bank Verification Number), we can trace all other accounts that he has. We will trace the transaction history and see how much he truly received and how much was from the public funds.
“There are other petitions against the former minister and he will be grilled. In the coming days, we will reveal the outcome of investigations.”
When asked if the investigation of the former minister was a witch-hunt as alleged, the detective said such excuses were not tenable in court.
He recalled that Fani-Kayode was arraigned in court for several offences between 2008 and 2015, noting that this was under the PDP administrations.
“The issue of a witch-hunt does not apply here. Fani-Kayode faced a criminal trial under (late President Umaru) Yar’Adua and (former President Goodluck) Jonathan. Did it mean they also hated him?” the detective said.
Meanwhile, it was learnt that the commission might seize some of the ex-minister’s properties as investigations continue.
“Section 29 permits the assets of a person arrested under Section 28 to be seized by the state. The Recovery of Public Property Special Provisions Act Cap R42004 Laws of the Federation also empowers the EFCC to seize assets,” the source added.
Punch
The remand order is, however, renewable after 14 days depending on the outcome of investigations.
Fani-Kayode is being investigated by the EFCC for allegedly receiving N840m when he was the Director of Publicity for the Goodluck Jonathan Campaign Organisation in 2015.
The money, which Fani-Kayode confessed to receiving, was said to have emanated from the account of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The commission had recently frozen the ex-minister’s Zenith Bank account with number 1004735721 domiciled at Maitama, Abuja.
Fani-Kayode had told our correspondent that the PDP leadership gave him the impression that the money was sourced from private individuals.
He said, “I served as the director of publicity of the Jonathan campaign organisation and I was told to set up an account for the directorate, which I did. I never received money from the CBN but like all the other directors, we received money from the director of finance.”
However, a detective told our correspondent that the EFCC was working on the assumption that the ex-minister might have received more than N840m.
The source said, “Besides the N840m that Fani-Kayode admitted to receiving, we believe he got more. Thanks to BVN (Bank Verification Number), we can trace all other accounts that he has. We will trace the transaction history and see how much he truly received and how much was from the public funds.
“There are other petitions against the former minister and he will be grilled. In the coming days, we will reveal the outcome of investigations.”
When asked if the investigation of the former minister was a witch-hunt as alleged, the detective said such excuses were not tenable in court.
He recalled that Fani-Kayode was arraigned in court for several offences between 2008 and 2015, noting that this was under the PDP administrations.
“The issue of a witch-hunt does not apply here. Fani-Kayode faced a criminal trial under (late President Umaru) Yar’Adua and (former President Goodluck) Jonathan. Did it mean they also hated him?” the detective said.
Meanwhile, it was learnt that the commission might seize some of the ex-minister’s properties as investigations continue.
“Section 29 permits the assets of a person arrested under Section 28 to be seized by the state. The Recovery of Public Property Special Provisions Act Cap R42004 Laws of the Federation also empowers the EFCC to seize assets,” the source added.
Punch
US Moves to Block Buhari From Receiving Abacha's Loot
The Unites States Congress may soon vote on a bill that will allow President Barack Obama and his government keep all of Abacha's loot recovered in the U.S.
Sani Abacha.jpg
PREMIUM TIMES reports that the if the vote is passed, the loot will be held in trust by the US government for victims of boko haram insurgency.
The bill tagged H.R. 528 was sponsored by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee who represents the 18th District of Texas. Speaking on Wednesday (May 11) at a Congressional subcommittee hearing on the U.S. role in helping Nigeria confront Boko Haram and other threats in Northern Nigeria, Ms. Jackson Lee sought the Committee’s support for H.R. 528.
Sani Abacha.jpg
PREMIUM TIMES reports that the if the vote is passed, the loot will be held in trust by the US government for victims of boko haram insurgency.
The bill tagged H.R. 528 was sponsored by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee who represents the 18th District of Texas. Speaking on Wednesday (May 11) at a Congressional subcommittee hearing on the U.S. role in helping Nigeria confront Boko Haram and other threats in Northern Nigeria, Ms. Jackson Lee sought the Committee’s support for H.R. 528.
Thursday, 12 May 2016
Fuel Scarcity: FG Releases Statement As Official Price Will Now be N145/Litre
The federal government today, announced the removal of petrol subsidy an pegged the official rate at N145/per Litre.
Below is the press statement released by the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu
“We have just finished a meeting of various stakeholders presided over by His Excellency, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The meeting had in attendance the Leadership of the Senate, House of Representatives, Governors Forum, and Labour Unions (NLC, TUC, NUPENG, and PENGASSAN).
nnpckachikwu.jpg
The meeting reviewed:
1. The current fuel scarcity and supply difficulties in the country.
2. The exorbitant prices being paid by Nigerians for the product. These prices range on the average from N150 to N250 per litre currently.
3. The meeting also noted that the main reason for the current problem is the inability of importers of petroleum products to source foreign exchange at the official rate due to the massive decline of foreign exchange earnings of the federal government. As a result, private marketers have been unable to meet their approximate 50% portion of total national supply of PMS.
Following a detailed presentation by the Honorable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, it has now become obvious that the only option and course of action now open to the government is to take the following decisions:
1. In order to increase and stabilise the supply of the product, any Nigerian entity is now free to import the product, subject to existing quality specifications and other guidelines issued by Regulatory Agencies.
2. All Oil Marketers will be allowed to import PMS on the basis of FOREX procured from secondary sources and accordingly PPPRA template will reflect this in the pricing of the product.
Pursuant to this, PPPRA has informed me that it will be announcing a new price band effective today, 11th May, 2016 and that the new price for PMS will not be above N145 per litre.
We expect that this new policy will lead to improved supply and competition and eventually drive down pump prices, as we have experienced with diesel. In addition, this will also lead to increased product availability and encourage investments in refineries and other parts of the downstream sector. It will also prevent diversion of petroleum products and set a stable environment for the downstream sector in Nigeria.
We share the pains of Nigerians but, as we have constantly said, the inherited difficulties of the past and the challenges of the current times imply that we must take difficult decisions on these sorts of critical national issues. Along with this decision, the federal government has in the 2016 budget made an unprecedented social protection provision to cushion the current challenges.
We believe in the long term, that improved supply and competition will drive down prices.
The DPR and PPPRA have been mandated to ensure strict regulatory compliance including dealing decisively with anyone involved in hoarding petroleum products".
- HONOURABLE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PETROLEUM RESOURCES
Below is the press statement released by the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu
“We have just finished a meeting of various stakeholders presided over by His Excellency, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The meeting had in attendance the Leadership of the Senate, House of Representatives, Governors Forum, and Labour Unions (NLC, TUC, NUPENG, and PENGASSAN).
nnpckachikwu.jpg
The meeting reviewed:
1. The current fuel scarcity and supply difficulties in the country.
2. The exorbitant prices being paid by Nigerians for the product. These prices range on the average from N150 to N250 per litre currently.
3. The meeting also noted that the main reason for the current problem is the inability of importers of petroleum products to source foreign exchange at the official rate due to the massive decline of foreign exchange earnings of the federal government. As a result, private marketers have been unable to meet their approximate 50% portion of total national supply of PMS.
Following a detailed presentation by the Honorable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, it has now become obvious that the only option and course of action now open to the government is to take the following decisions:
1. In order to increase and stabilise the supply of the product, any Nigerian entity is now free to import the product, subject to existing quality specifications and other guidelines issued by Regulatory Agencies.
2. All Oil Marketers will be allowed to import PMS on the basis of FOREX procured from secondary sources and accordingly PPPRA template will reflect this in the pricing of the product.
Pursuant to this, PPPRA has informed me that it will be announcing a new price band effective today, 11th May, 2016 and that the new price for PMS will not be above N145 per litre.
We expect that this new policy will lead to improved supply and competition and eventually drive down pump prices, as we have experienced with diesel. In addition, this will also lead to increased product availability and encourage investments in refineries and other parts of the downstream sector. It will also prevent diversion of petroleum products and set a stable environment for the downstream sector in Nigeria.
We share the pains of Nigerians but, as we have constantly said, the inherited difficulties of the past and the challenges of the current times imply that we must take difficult decisions on these sorts of critical national issues. Along with this decision, the federal government has in the 2016 budget made an unprecedented social protection provision to cushion the current challenges.
We believe in the long term, that improved supply and competition will drive down prices.
The DPR and PPPRA have been mandated to ensure strict regulatory compliance including dealing decisively with anyone involved in hoarding petroleum products".
- HONOURABLE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PETROLEUM RESOURCES
Wednesday, 11 May 2016
Egbeda murder: Deceased’s alleged lover absconds
Managing Director of a publishing firm in Ikeja and alleged lover of late Mrs. Ronke Shonde, who was allegedly beaten to death by her husband at their Egbeda home in Lagos, last week, has reportedly been absent from work since Monday, following his indictment as the cause of the quarrel that led to the tragedy. A visit to the office located on the ground floor of a two-storey building on Talabi Street, Ikeja, yesterday, revealed that the publishing firm’s MD was absent. Members of staff of the company kept mum when approached, saying that they were not in the best position to speak. Besides, the late Ronke’s husband, Lekan Shonde, who was interrogated by detectives at the Homicide section of the State Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department, yesterday, still maintained that his late wife had a secret relationship with her boss. He had earlier stated that he over-heard a telephone conversation between his late wife and her boss, (names withheld) where she allegedly recalled their love escapades, adding that his late wife never contradicted the claim.
Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/05/egbeda-murder-deceaseds-alleged-lover-absconds/
Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/05/egbeda-murder-deceaseds-alleged-lover-absconds/
Tuesday, 10 May 2016
Buhari Has a Medieval Mindset Says Pat Utomi
Pat Utomi, Professor of political economy and management expert has again lashed out at President Muhammadu Buhari.
Pat Utomi.jpg
Speaking at a Breakfast Meeting organised by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Victory Chapel, Province 21, Magodo, Lagos State, Utomi said, the president was not getting the best because of his idea of “exclusion rather than inclusion” ; SUN NEWS reports.
''The problem with Buhari’s administration is his medieval mindset. He excludes rather than includes. So, he does not get the best idea. He is insular. I don’t push him in this conversation but I am sure that if I put my friend, the vice president under pressure, he will admit what I am saying. Because of their medieval mindset, they have created a country that is more divided than they met it. And that is a problem for leadership that is marching towards progress.”
When asked how long Nigerians might wait for the change they voted for, he said: “Everything is based on context. Take a look at the mismanagement of this fuel thing; the whole idea is nonsensical.
“It doesn’t have to go on like this; you are punishing Nigerian people unnecessarily. The sufferings that Nigerians have endured in the last couple of weeks over this petrol crisis have reduced productivity. If you throw it open to people across the world to bring petrol to Nigeria and sell at any price, you will discover that within a year, the price of petrol will be lower than the government’s fixed price today.
“You (Buhari) set up a committee called transition committee. It suggested that you deregulate the whole thing about crude oil, but no, you won’t. Your ideas go back 30 years and they are irrelevant to this world. Open up your mind and listen to people and you can make progress. To lead is to serve.
“To lead, you must be knowledgeable. People don’t follow somebody who doesn’t know where he is going. Otherwise, you fall into a ditch.”
nigerianbulletin
Pat Utomi.jpg
Speaking at a Breakfast Meeting organised by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Victory Chapel, Province 21, Magodo, Lagos State, Utomi said, the president was not getting the best because of his idea of “exclusion rather than inclusion” ; SUN NEWS reports.
''The problem with Buhari’s administration is his medieval mindset. He excludes rather than includes. So, he does not get the best idea. He is insular. I don’t push him in this conversation but I am sure that if I put my friend, the vice president under pressure, he will admit what I am saying. Because of their medieval mindset, they have created a country that is more divided than they met it. And that is a problem for leadership that is marching towards progress.”
When asked how long Nigerians might wait for the change they voted for, he said: “Everything is based on context. Take a look at the mismanagement of this fuel thing; the whole idea is nonsensical.
“It doesn’t have to go on like this; you are punishing Nigerian people unnecessarily. The sufferings that Nigerians have endured in the last couple of weeks over this petrol crisis have reduced productivity. If you throw it open to people across the world to bring petrol to Nigeria and sell at any price, you will discover that within a year, the price of petrol will be lower than the government’s fixed price today.
“You (Buhari) set up a committee called transition committee. It suggested that you deregulate the whole thing about crude oil, but no, you won’t. Your ideas go back 30 years and they are irrelevant to this world. Open up your mind and listen to people and you can make progress. To lead is to serve.
“To lead, you must be knowledgeable. People don’t follow somebody who doesn’t know where he is going. Otherwise, you fall into a ditch.”
nigerianbulletin
Monday, 9 May 2016
6 Facts That Prove That Women Are The Main Cause Of Domestic Violence
*A man who beats a woman is a beast and do not deserve to live with humans but with fellow beasts in the jungle...No matter how provoked you may be as a man,please never raise your hand to beat your wife.*
It is no longer news that many women have lost their lives through domestic violence and the more we try to put the blames on the menfolk the more we will continue to blind our eyes to the fact that indeed,many women are the cause of the domestic violence we see today because they fail to understand some important aspects of how most men are naturally wired and below are 6 facts that point to this...
1.Negligence: Yes this is one fact many ladies will not deny because there is no accidental character and the signs of a violent man would have been there . It is quite amazing that many ladies get beaten up by a guy they are dating and this guy will still go ahead and become their hubby and i keep wondering what these ladies were thinking saying i do to a guy who beats you up. Many ladies usually believe such guys will change but the honest truth is that a guy who beats you up while dating you may kill you when he becomes your hubby.RUN.
2.Sophistication:Many people will wonder what this has to do with domestic violence but it has a whole lot to do with it. Sophistication is the bane of today's woman and the number one reason why many ladies find it hard to get a man to settle down with. Many ladies are too sophisticated to come to terms with the fact that they are married,they still want to live a life of a spinster while married and these set of ladies will not hesitate to tell their hubby the need for him to help out in the kitchen,the need for him to cook his food and even take care of the baby and subconsciously, these ladies gradually bruise the ego of the man who may continue to stomach these things until he gets pushed to the wall and reacts in a violent way. No matter how highly placed or sophisticated you may be as a lady,please understand that you are a wife and a mother and you must learn how to joggle these roles without turning your hubby into a domestic servant...if he decides to help out please let it be his decision.
3. Misguided utterance: This is a very common fact among the women folk and it is so sad that many ladies do not even realize they are guilty of this because they just might believe they are making sense not knowing that they are bruising the man's ego and killing him bit by bit mentally and emotionally. Misguided speech sometimes come in a very subtle way from the lady who may have no clue. For instance a lady footing the bills telling her hubby that "she can not go out all day and still come home to please him sexually" or "he can not satisfy you sexually", or funny words like "you should be thanking GOD for having me cos there are better guys out there" bla bla bla common.... A man is an egocentric person and any word that bruises his ego could bring out the beast in him.
4.Infidelity:This account for many cases of domestic violence leading to death. Yes men cheat as well as ladies but as a lady please be extremely careful when it comes to sexual infidelity. Scientists have proved that the effect of hard drugs on human is the same effect a heart break gives. If you must cheat on your man or hubby please i advice you just break up with such first rather than staying in that affair and cheating because the resultant effect is always a dangerous one.
5.Use of abusive words:This is no doubt one reason why many gentle men have turned wife beaters.There are some women who can use their tongue to set a house on fire and you need to hear how some ladies speak to their spouses.
Many ladies are very erratic in speech and it is not all men that are gentle or can walk away as men are always advised.Please ladies,learn to bridle your tongues to avoid stories that touch...be submissive,be humble.be calm in your speech and avoid getting confrontational because men hate confrontations...remember...not every man is a gentle man so try to always. maintain a status quo.Understand when to keep quiet to avoid heated arguments which usually leads to violent reactions from the man.
6.Gullibility:Yes many ladies are very gullible when it comes to handling domestic violence.There are some guys who just make it a crazy habit beating up a lady at any slight opportunity even if the lady exhibits an angelic nature. If a man beats you once,assume its a mistake but if he tries it again,please don't go back to your parents or waste your time reporting him to family members..go to the police immediately to report him and let him be invited to write an undertaken never to touch you again while you also maintain a proper decorum but if his madness persists,please leave that marriage or relationship immediately whether you have a child for him or not...it is better to remain single and happy than to lose your life.Gullible ladies who have listened to funny advices from family members to remain in a violent marriage for whatever reason are not 6 feet below....Be reasonable.
Hope this makes sense
Lekan Shonde Tells His Own Side Of The Story On The Alleged Killing Of His Wife
The man who allegedly killed his wife and mother of his 2 children, Ronke Shonde in Lagos on Friday, has given his side of the story while in hiding. Lkan Shonde spoke to PUNCH Metro over the phone line provided by his in-law, Bolatito, which was confirmed by the police spokesperson, Dolapo Badmos. Mr. Shonde told Punch correspondent that his wife, Ronke provoked him on Thursday when she described how her lover slept with her in a hotel in Abuja on Thursday night.
Lekan, a depot worker in the Apapa area of Lagos State, said his wife of eight years changed after she allegedly started dating the general manager of a publishing company she worked for.XX He said his late mother had warned him against marrying Ronke but he ignored his mother's warnings and still married Ronke, a decision he regrets.
He said the last time he beat his wife was three years ago after they had a disagreement, adding that he never touched her since then. He narrated...
“Since I married my wife eight years ago, she has never bought anything into the house. I gave her N5,000 on Saturdays and N3,000 on Tuesdays for soup. I also gave her money to make her hair.
“She was working with GTB as a marketer, but she got sacked three years ago. For that period, I was the one feeding her and taking responsibility for everything in the family. I would wash her pants, bathe the children and buy foodstuffs in the house. She later got a job with a publishing company owned by her uncle.
“But my wife changed sometime in March, when she started dating the general manger of a publishing company. My wife was going to the office from Monday to Sunday and she wasn’t going to church again, all because of this man. She called him ‘Eyitemi’ (My own).
“Last week Friday, she went to Abuja and came back on Monday. She never told me that the lover was there with her. I learnt later that the lover was there and they slept together in the same room for four days.
“When she came back, she didn’t know I was inside the house. She started talking with the man on the phone that he really had fun with him and I didn’t know how to make love. She again said her private parts were paining her.”
He said when he confronted his late wife about the affair and she confirmed that she was indeed dating the other man.
He said he got angry and told his late wife to leave the house but she refused to leave.
He said that particular Thursday night, they had an argument over money. He said:
“It was around 9pm on Thursday. We had paid our nanny N20,000. Then we needed to pay our children’s teachers N30,000. I discovered she had taken N20,000 and when I asked her to return my money, she said she had spent it.
“I was angry because for the past three months, she didn’t allow me to have sex with her. I pushed her hand away from me on the staircase and I left her. She never tumbled or fell. In fact that night, I bought the food that we both ate because she said she didn’t want to cook.
“I didn’t know anything had happened to her until Friday when I saw her on the staircase. I thought she was still pretending. I just left her and walked away.”
When he was asked why he locked his children in the house, he denied doing so, adding that it was his son who closed the gate after the he left the house.
Lekan also denied taking his late wife's phone, he said he left it on the bed.
He said he didn't kill his wife and that he had no motive to do so, stating that he had bought her two cars and always provided everything she needed.
He said:
“Jide, her family’s second child lived with me for three to four years. Their eldest daughter, Bolatito, has lived with me too.
“Although I am not a saint, I don’t drink, I don’t smoke. I am a responsible man. The problem with my wife was that she was temperamental. She shouted at me whenever she talked.
“I am a Lagos boy and I can be in this Lagos for the next 30 years and nobody would see me.”
The aunt of the victim, Bunmi, explained that the suspect, Lekan Shonde, has been threatening suicide since this crime took place, but they said they don't want him to do so because their mother has forgiven him.
She said,
“Mummy is very sad with this, but she has forgiven him and does not want him to commit suicide.”
A family source said that Lekan had always accused his late wife of extra-marital affairs and that the suspect had frequently abused her. Adding that the police had been involved on occasion.
He said:
“He always beat her because of his belief that she was into an extra-marital affair.
“The beating reduced a bit when the wife of her late brother who was one month pregnant before his death, moved into the house with them. She stayed for about eight months. She was like her saviour.”
Source: Punch
Lekan, a depot worker in the Apapa area of Lagos State, said his wife of eight years changed after she allegedly started dating the general manager of a publishing company she worked for.XX He said his late mother had warned him against marrying Ronke but he ignored his mother's warnings and still married Ronke, a decision he regrets.
He said the last time he beat his wife was three years ago after they had a disagreement, adding that he never touched her since then. He narrated...
“Since I married my wife eight years ago, she has never bought anything into the house. I gave her N5,000 on Saturdays and N3,000 on Tuesdays for soup. I also gave her money to make her hair.
“She was working with GTB as a marketer, but she got sacked three years ago. For that period, I was the one feeding her and taking responsibility for everything in the family. I would wash her pants, bathe the children and buy foodstuffs in the house. She later got a job with a publishing company owned by her uncle.
“But my wife changed sometime in March, when she started dating the general manger of a publishing company. My wife was going to the office from Monday to Sunday and she wasn’t going to church again, all because of this man. She called him ‘Eyitemi’ (My own).
“Last week Friday, she went to Abuja and came back on Monday. She never told me that the lover was there with her. I learnt later that the lover was there and they slept together in the same room for four days.
“When she came back, she didn’t know I was inside the house. She started talking with the man on the phone that he really had fun with him and I didn’t know how to make love. She again said her private parts were paining her.”
He said when he confronted his late wife about the affair and she confirmed that she was indeed dating the other man.
He said he got angry and told his late wife to leave the house but she refused to leave.
He said that particular Thursday night, they had an argument over money. He said:
“It was around 9pm on Thursday. We had paid our nanny N20,000. Then we needed to pay our children’s teachers N30,000. I discovered she had taken N20,000 and when I asked her to return my money, she said she had spent it.
“I was angry because for the past three months, she didn’t allow me to have sex with her. I pushed her hand away from me on the staircase and I left her. She never tumbled or fell. In fact that night, I bought the food that we both ate because she said she didn’t want to cook.
“I didn’t know anything had happened to her until Friday when I saw her on the staircase. I thought she was still pretending. I just left her and walked away.”
When he was asked why he locked his children in the house, he denied doing so, adding that it was his son who closed the gate after the he left the house.
Lekan also denied taking his late wife's phone, he said he left it on the bed.
He said he didn't kill his wife and that he had no motive to do so, stating that he had bought her two cars and always provided everything she needed.
He said:
“Jide, her family’s second child lived with me for three to four years. Their eldest daughter, Bolatito, has lived with me too.
“Although I am not a saint, I don’t drink, I don’t smoke. I am a responsible man. The problem with my wife was that she was temperamental. She shouted at me whenever she talked.
“I am a Lagos boy and I can be in this Lagos for the next 30 years and nobody would see me.”
The aunt of the victim, Bunmi, explained that the suspect, Lekan Shonde, has been threatening suicide since this crime took place, but they said they don't want him to do so because their mother has forgiven him.
She said,
“Mummy is very sad with this, but she has forgiven him and does not want him to commit suicide.”
A family source said that Lekan had always accused his late wife of extra-marital affairs and that the suspect had frequently abused her. Adding that the police had been involved on occasion.
He said:
“He always beat her because of his belief that she was into an extra-marital affair.
“The beating reduced a bit when the wife of her late brother who was one month pregnant before his death, moved into the house with them. She stayed for about eight months. She was like her saviour.”
Source: Punch
I Am Not A Thief ! Fani Kayode Issued Statement
Femi Fani-Kayode, former aviation minister who is billed to appear before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC today has issued a statement.
Fani-Kayode is expected to explain his role in the $115 million bribe election bribe allegedly dispensed by the immediate past minister of petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke.
SEE HIS STATEMENT BELOW:
In view of recent events permit me to begin this weeks column with an aside and say a few things about my present predicament. I shall leave my home and go to the EFCC on the morning of 9th May for questioning about the presidential campaign funds.
I have no fear of this and I look forward to the opportunity of helping the Commission to clarify all the issues that they may wish to raise. No matter the outcome and no matter what they choose to say or do to me, I count it all as joy. I believe that it is only the path of the simple and mediocre that is smooth. The path of the great is filled with challenges and difficulty.
I am therefore not moved or perturbed by what is going on around me or the sheer wickedness and injustice that I am being subjected to. This is moreso because I am a believer in the awesome power of the Living God. I know that no matter how bad things may appear He never forsakes His own.
This is especially so when they have done no wrong. His word says “despite the darkness of the night, joy comes in the morning”. No matter how long it takes that joy will certainly come. Secondly I am not a thief. I served in the Jonathan Presidential Campaign Organisation out of loyalty and not for profit. I worked hard and risked all during that assignment and I believe that we did an effective job. I have no apology for that and the fact that we lost an election does not mean that we should be dehumanised, humiliated, subjected to the most beastly lies or destroyed.
I stand on the word of God who will eventually vindicate me and I have no fear of the evil that my enemies wish to subject me to. The truth is that I am not in their hands or their power but in the hands and power of the Living God. I shall walk the path that He has chosen for me with my head held up high and with faith, strength, honor and dignity knowing that the God that I serve is mighty. In the end my innocence shall speak for me and I shall come out of the burning furnace finer than purified gold.
nigerianbulletin
Fani-Kayode is expected to explain his role in the $115 million bribe election bribe allegedly dispensed by the immediate past minister of petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke.
SEE HIS STATEMENT BELOW:
In view of recent events permit me to begin this weeks column with an aside and say a few things about my present predicament. I shall leave my home and go to the EFCC on the morning of 9th May for questioning about the presidential campaign funds.
I have no fear of this and I look forward to the opportunity of helping the Commission to clarify all the issues that they may wish to raise. No matter the outcome and no matter what they choose to say or do to me, I count it all as joy. I believe that it is only the path of the simple and mediocre that is smooth. The path of the great is filled with challenges and difficulty.
I am therefore not moved or perturbed by what is going on around me or the sheer wickedness and injustice that I am being subjected to. This is moreso because I am a believer in the awesome power of the Living God. I know that no matter how bad things may appear He never forsakes His own.
This is especially so when they have done no wrong. His word says “despite the darkness of the night, joy comes in the morning”. No matter how long it takes that joy will certainly come. Secondly I am not a thief. I served in the Jonathan Presidential Campaign Organisation out of loyalty and not for profit. I worked hard and risked all during that assignment and I believe that we did an effective job. I have no apology for that and the fact that we lost an election does not mean that we should be dehumanised, humiliated, subjected to the most beastly lies or destroyed.
I stand on the word of God who will eventually vindicate me and I have no fear of the evil that my enemies wish to subject me to. The truth is that I am not in their hands or their power but in the hands and power of the Living God. I shall walk the path that He has chosen for me with my head held up high and with faith, strength, honor and dignity knowing that the God that I serve is mighty. In the end my innocence shall speak for me and I shall come out of the burning furnace finer than purified gold.
nigerianbulletin
A House Should Be A Safe Haven For Every Woman In Marriage Says Mbong AmataOn Domestic Violence
Actress Mbong Amata has lent her voice on domestic violence following the death of Ronke Shonde who was murdered by her husband Lekan Shonde at their home on Thursday. Read her post below;
Tales about domestic violence is becoming a bit too much for me to handle.😖 What in God's name is going on?!?! Ladies please open your eyes and use your heads! A RELATIONSHIP OR MARRIAGE shouldn't be an ENDURANCE TREK! We've gotta lose this management mentality💁🏼 Domestic abuse goes beyond physical harm...like you know...losing YOUR LIFE! Name calling or putdowns, keeping you from contacting your family or friends, stopping you from getting a job, sexual assault, intimidation are all forms of abuse. "Managing" a relationship or marriage for the sake of your children doesn't provide you a better home, but having an ABUSEFREE home does. #RIP Ronke and Happy Mothers Day to you.💐💐💝💝🙏🏽
#KemiFilani
Tales about domestic violence is becoming a bit too much for me to handle.😖 What in God's name is going on?!?! Ladies please open your eyes and use your heads! A RELATIONSHIP OR MARRIAGE shouldn't be an ENDURANCE TREK! We've gotta lose this management mentality💁🏼 Domestic abuse goes beyond physical harm...like you know...losing YOUR LIFE! Name calling or putdowns, keeping you from contacting your family or friends, stopping you from getting a job, sexual assault, intimidation are all forms of abuse. "Managing" a relationship or marriage for the sake of your children doesn't provide you a better home, but having an ABUSEFREE home does. #RIP Ronke and Happy Mothers Day to you.💐💐💝💝🙏🏽
#KemiFilani
American Kick Off A Game For War Veterans
Prince Harry paid tribute to wounded soldiers for the sacrifices they made as he opened the Invictus Games
•He said he realized how 'privileged' he was to be a prince during his service with the British Army in Afghanistan
•The Prince recalled flying home on a plane with a dead Danish soldier and three seriously injured British servicemen
•The harrowing experience inspired him to set up the Invictus Games to give something back to his 'military family'
•Harry was at the opening ceremony with First Lady Michelle Obama and former President George W Bush
•They and stars including Morgan Freeman and singer James Blunt applauded as the 15 teams walked out
•Veteran Staff Sergeant August O'Neill dropped down from a helicopter to present and hoist up the Invictus flag
•Four-day games celebrates achievements of wounded and disabled veterans and includes 8 sports and track & field
Prince Harry gave an emotional speech about the sacrifices soldiers make on the battlefield and spoke of his own harrowing experiences of war as he opened the Invictus Games in Orlando tonight.
Harry said war had made him realize just how 'privileged' he is to be a prince - and that his service in Afghanistan inspired him to set up the competition to help his 'military family'.
'I learned about the importance of teamwork and camaraderie in a way that only military service can teach you,' Harry said, speaking from his heart.
'And when I traveled back from the battlefield on a plane carrying the body of a Danish soldier and three young Brits fighting for their lives, I began to understand the true cost of war.
Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3580216/Let-games-begin-Prince-Harry-Michelle-Obama-host-celebrities-prepare-open-Invictus-Games-Orlando.html
•He said he realized how 'privileged' he was to be a prince during his service with the British Army in Afghanistan
•The Prince recalled flying home on a plane with a dead Danish soldier and three seriously injured British servicemen
•The harrowing experience inspired him to set up the Invictus Games to give something back to his 'military family'
•Harry was at the opening ceremony with First Lady Michelle Obama and former President George W Bush
•They and stars including Morgan Freeman and singer James Blunt applauded as the 15 teams walked out
•Veteran Staff Sergeant August O'Neill dropped down from a helicopter to present and hoist up the Invictus flag
•Four-day games celebrates achievements of wounded and disabled veterans and includes 8 sports and track & field
Prince Harry gave an emotional speech about the sacrifices soldiers make on the battlefield and spoke of his own harrowing experiences of war as he opened the Invictus Games in Orlando tonight.
Harry said war had made him realize just how 'privileged' he is to be a prince - and that his service in Afghanistan inspired him to set up the competition to help his 'military family'.
'I learned about the importance of teamwork and camaraderie in a way that only military service can teach you,' Harry said, speaking from his heart.
'And when I traveled back from the battlefield on a plane carrying the body of a Danish soldier and three young Brits fighting for their lives, I began to understand the true cost of war.
Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3580216/Let-games-begin-Prince-Harry-Michelle-Obama-host-celebrities-prepare-open-Invictus-Games-Orlando.html
Sunday, 8 May 2016
Lekan Shonde Declared Wanted After He Allegedly Killed His Wife
Ronke Bewaji Shonde, the wife was found dead at their home at Tiemo Crescent off Awori street in Egbeda area of Lagos, and her husband, Lekan Shonde, is missing.
He is believed to have beaten her to death during a domestic dispute and immediately took off...
A family friend who reported the case said Ronke and Lekan had a fight in the early hours of yesterday as their kids were sleeping. One neighbor later said he heard noise coming from their flat early in the morning but didn’t think it was something serious.
Around 7am, the couple’s nanny came to the house to resume work only to find the house locked and no one was opening the door. She tried to call Ronke but her phone was switched off. She peeped through the window only to find the couple’s 6 and 4 year old kids crying and saying they couldn’t wake their mum up.
In an effort to unravelled the mystery behind the killing, Police at SCID has since declare the husband wanted while the deceased body has been deposited at mortuary for autopsy.
Domestic violence is dangerous please people should be careful.
He is believed to have beaten her to death during a domestic dispute and immediately took off...
A family friend who reported the case said Ronke and Lekan had a fight in the early hours of yesterday as their kids were sleeping. One neighbor later said he heard noise coming from their flat early in the morning but didn’t think it was something serious.
Around 7am, the couple’s nanny came to the house to resume work only to find the house locked and no one was opening the door. She tried to call Ronke but her phone was switched off. She peeped through the window only to find the couple’s 6 and 4 year old kids crying and saying they couldn’t wake their mum up.
In an effort to unravelled the mystery behind the killing, Police at SCID has since declare the husband wanted while the deceased body has been deposited at mortuary for autopsy.
Domestic violence is dangerous please people should be careful.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)