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Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Saturday, 26 September 2015
Thursday, 24 September 2015
senetor Saraki stoned (Confusion In Kwara Over Pelting Of Saraki)
News just reaching Naij.comINDICATES that Senate president Bukola Saraki was reportedly stoned in Ilorin, capital of Kwara state as he arrived for Muslim Eid al-Adha prayers.
Bukola Saraki arrived for Muslim Eid al-Adha prayers
Twitter users shared the information that Saraki was pelted with stones and pure water sachets as he arrived in his car convoy.
Kwara state people during Eid prayers
Senate president Saraki was stoned during the prayer
Witnesses said the young people were enraged by the inability of the state administration to paySALARIES of workers before the Sallah celebrations, rendering some civil servants unable to buy rams for today’s Eid-el Kabir.
“Shortly after the senate president and other dignitaries arrived, some people started throwing stones and sachet waters in the direction of the Senate President and other important people,” one witness said.
Angry protester who attacked Saraki
“They started chanting Ole Ole Ole (thief), “Pay us ourSALARIES
”, “Where is our bailout money” and “Don’t use bailout money to service Abuja politics.”
”, “Where is our bailout money” and “Don’t use bailout money to service Abuja politics.”
Some of the attackers began destroying cars and other properties in sight.
The police fought vigorously to restrain the protesters who remained defiant.There were sporadic firing of teargas canisters by the police and security agents.
Senate president Bukola Saraki obsrerves prayers on Sallah day
One of the vehicles destroyed is an unmarked bus, with a federal government of Nigeria number, belonging to the University of Ilorin.
“The protesters erroneously thought the bus was among vehicles in the convoy of Senate President Saraki,” a witness said.
Others who were victims of the mob attack were ex-minister Bolaji Abdullahi, the Speaker of the Kwara state House of Assembly, Ali Ahmad, ex-Speaker Razak Atunwa( now a member of the House of Representatives) Rep Amuda Kannike, a former national chairman of the PDP, Alh. Kawu Baraje, the Taliban of Ilorin, Prof. Oba Abdulraheem, members of the State House of Assembly, all the Baloguns, Magajis and prominent leaders in Ilorin Emirate.
Senate president has been accused of 13 counts of corruption and falseASSETdeclaration.
declaration.
Saraki was reportedly disguised or covered up and whisked out of the grounds to save him from the anger of the crowds.
This was the first Eid Saraki he was attending as Senate president.
Olu Falae(former SGF) finally released see what led to his abduction.
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Chief Olu Falae who was the Former Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF) and Afenifere chieftain, Chief olu falae, has been released.
Though details of his freedom is still sketchy but Vanguard gathered that the former presidential candidate is on his way to his country home in Akure, the Ondo State capital. Chief olu falae was Monday kidnapped on his farm at Ilado Village in Akure North Local Government area of Ondo State. Coincidentally, the incident took place on his birthday.
Suicide Bombers Attack Mosque In Yemen, 25 Killed
Twenty-five people have been reported killed with dozens injured at a mosque in Yemen’s capital, after suicide bombers targeting shia worshipers struck on Thursday, September 24.
According to witnesses, the blast took place at the Balili mosque where Houthi Shia rebels who control Sana’a go to pray.
Sources say after the first blast went off inside the mosque, another suicide bomber detonated an explosive belt at the entrance of the mosque, just as worshipers rushed outside.
Witnesses say another suicide bomber detonated an explosive belt just as worshipers rushed out of the mosque.
Not less than 25 Shia Muslims were killed from the suicide attack / Photo: EPA
No group has laid claims to the suicide bomb attack at the Balili mosque where Houthi Shia rebels who control Sanaa go to pray. Photo: AP
ISIL has been involved in a series of bombing in Sanaaa and the targets have been Shia Muslims / Photo: Reuters
Aljazeera reports that there was no immediate claim of responsibility. However, in recent months, Shia Muslims have been targets of a series of bombings in Sanaa.
The attacks have been orchestrated by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group.
Scared Of Buharinomics? CBN Boss, Emefiele May Resign As Buhari Orders Change Of Naira Notes Colour
More facts have started gathering momentum to the possible resignation of the Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, as he was reported already getting tired of the approach of President Muhammadu Buhari to fiscal and monetary issues.
Buhari’s directive is a reminder of his anti-corruption measures as military Head of State between 1884 and 1985.
‘Buharinomics’, as called, was stringently implemented to revive the slumbering banking industry and curb local currency hoarding.
Fola Adeola
Buhari ordered that the colour of the Naira notes be changed, forcing all holders of old notes to exchange them at banks within a limited period.
It was learnt that Emefiele, reluctant to implement Buhari’s instruction, almost tendered his resignation in the past few days but for the persuasion of some prominent Nigerians, including two Bank Chairmen.
Information gathered further shows that part of Emefiele’s fears was his disclosure at the CBN Monetary Policy Committee meeting that Nigeria’s economy could slip into recession within months.
But if it so happens that Emefiele quits the CBN, his replacement may be picked from one of the few names being touted as likely successor. He is Fola Adeola, pioneer Managing Director and current Chairman of Guaranty Trust Bank.
Monday, 21 September 2015
Saraki Agrees To Appear At The Code Of Conduct Tribunal On Tuesday SHARE ON:FacebookTwitter Google +PinterestEmail
The unsettled Senate President of Nigeria, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has finally agreed to appear before the Code of Conduct Tribunal on Tuesday, following the continuous request that he be made to appear to clear himself of the standing allegation of false declaration of asset.
Nigerians were urged to know that Saraki is an absolute believer in the judicial process and ”is therefore confident that the course of justice would be served at the end of this matter.”
It would be recalled, during the proceedings, last week, Justice Danladi immediately asked that Saraki be put in the dock, but his defense counsel Joseph Daodu rose to announce that he was absent.
Saturday, 5 September 2015
EFCC Moves Against Tompolo And Former NIMASA DG
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has frozen the accounts of two companies reportedly owned by the ex-Niger Delta militant leader, Chief Government Ekpompolo, otherwise known as Tompolo.
The companies, named Mieka Divers Limited and Global West Vessels Limited, are allegedly linked with fraudulent activity in the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) under its ex-director general, Dr. Patrick Akpobolokemi, The Nation reports.
The head of the media unit of the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, did not confirm any details, but said that investigations are ongoing as regards Akpobolokemi’s tenure at NIMASA.
He said: “I can’t confirm that to you immediately, but what I know is that the matter has been under investigation.”
The report revealed that a number of private bank accounts, allegedly linked to Akpobolokemi, had also been frozen on the orders of the EFCC.
A source said freezing the bank accounts was aimed at checking the illegal movement of large sums of foreign and local currency across the nation’s borders.
The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, further stated that there was ongoing security surveillance on a number of private and corporate accounts suspected of being linked to slush funds.
READ ALSO: OKONJO IWEALA REACTS TO ALLEGATIONS
Money said to be a part payment for construction work on Maritime University and NIMASA Techincal College in Delta state, under a N30 billion contract agreed by the former administration of the agency, is reportedly trapped at a Yenagoa, Bayelsa state, branch of an old generation bank.
The source said the move by the EFCC was to verify and keep a close watch on the outflow of funds from the accounts, with a view to ensuring that such funds were used for the projects they were meant for.
The source said: “For instance, just one individual got about N13 billion from a single transaction with NIMASA. The same individual also collected about $57 million from similar deals from the agency without proper documentation.
“No serious administration would attempt to sweep this type of thing under the carpet. So there must be proper explanations, bearing in mind the security implications of movement of such large sums within the system.”
READ ALSO: PMB CORRUPTION WAR LATEST
Meanwhile, the presidency has issued a statement ordering every federal government ministry, parastatal and agency to begin remitting its earnings into aTreasury Single Account (TSA).
Sunday, 16 August 2015
$1bn China Loan: Okonjo-Iweala Reacts To Allegations
Embattled former minister of finance in Nigeria, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has reacted to allegations that she diverted a substantial part of loan of $1billion from the Chinese Exim Bank, meant for the construction of a standard gauge rail line linking Lagos and Kano states.
The former supervising minister of the economy, who has been under fire in recent months for misappropriation of funds under her watch, took to the social media to make clarifications on the recent allegations against her.
The statement signed by Paul Nwabuikwu, Okonjo-Iweala’s media officer, noted that there were distortions in the reports making rounds, especially because those making the allegations did not get their facts straight.
Nigeria’s former finance minister, Dr (Mrs) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, seems to be explaining how the money was spent.
The statement read in part: “since this story was first reported, we have continued to receive media inquiries regarding an allegation reportedly made by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Alhaji Mohammed Bashar, that a substantial part of a $1bn loan obtained from the China-EximBank by the Jonathan administration for a Kano-Lagos rail project was diverted to other projects.
“I want to state categorically that there is no truth in the reported allegation. Anyone who is interested can cross-check with the China-EximBank or the Chinese Embassy.
“It is noteworthy that even though President Buhari, in his reported comments on the allegation, made no reference to Dr. Okonjo-Iweala but rightly stressed the need for due process and transparency in the execution of public projects, a sponsored media campaign has once again been launched by political elements to make the former Minister the culprit in a non-existent scandal.
“The alleged diversion has no substance for the simple reason that the Kano-Lagos project was not even among the projects presented for funding by the China Exim Bank for several strategic infrastructural projects across the country.
“In fact, it was the Lagos–Ibadan rail project, not Lagos-Kano rail project that was proposed in the original application to the China-EximBank. But in the end, no funds were assigned for the Lagos-Ibadan rail project by the China-EximBank.
“The fact which can be confirmed is that the following projects which are at various stages of progress are being funded from facilities obtained from the China-EximBank: $500m for the expansion of four International Airport Terminals in Lagos, Kano, Abuja and Port Harcourt, $500m for the Abuja Light Rail project, $984m for the Zungeru Hydro-electric power project, $100m for the Galaxy Backbone project.
“It is also important to note that even if the alleged project was on the list of China-EximBank funded projects, diversion of any Chinese funds would have been extremely difficult because the terms of the contract and the processes would simply not have permitted such action.”
While explaining appropriately the procedure to obtain the loans from the China-EximBank, Nwabuiku said: “the procedure is that funds for approved loans remain in the China-EximBank and are released directly to the Chinese firm executing the contract only after the presentation of duly certified proof of work by the responsible Ministry, in this case it would have been the Federal Ministry of Transport, based on the agreed milestones.
“For the sake of emphasis, the China-EximBank does not disburse money directly to government and therefore the issue of diversion does not arise.
“This is yet another example of the kind of whispering campaign of calumny, innuendo, misinformation, and outright distortions being perpetrated by certain political elements against Dr. Okonjo-Iweala in a bid to try to damage her reputation.
“We are confident that those behind this campaign will continue to fail.
“We respectfully request the media to refrain from attaching Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s name and photographs to spurious and unfounded allegations. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala as a Nigerian citizen in a democracy, a citizen who has served her country with honesty and integrity, also has some fundamental rights to justice and fair play.”
The former minister was recently summoned by the Nigerian president, Muhammadu Buhari over the diversion, but her recent comments may have cleared the air on the allegations.
Monday, 3 August 2015
'Plans to recover stolen funds are in motion' - President says
President Buhari acknowledged the support and cooperation his administration is getting from the international community in gathering required intelligence for recovering the stolen funds.
President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, July 2, said that his administration has intensified efforts to recover looted Nigerian funds.
President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, July 2, said that his administration has intensified efforts to recover looted Nigerian funds.
The President, who announced this at an audience with visitingUnited States congressmen in Abuja, said government has taken steps further by identifying banks, financial institutions and countries in which payments for stolen Nigerian crude oil were deposited.
President Buhari acknowledged the support and cooperation his administration is getting from the international community in gathering required intelligence for tracing and recovering stolen national resources.
"We are getting cooperation from the international community, including information on ships that take crude oil from Nigeria and change direction, or offload their contents into other ships mid-stream.
"Some monies were paid to individual accounts. We are identifying the financial institutions and countries that are involved.
"I have been assured that when we get all our documents together, the United States and other countries will treat our case with sympathy,’’ the president told the congressmen, led by Rep.Darrel Issa.
According to him, his administration will welcome more regular meetings of the Nigeria-United States Bi-National Commission.
He noted that the commission could serve as a more useful platform for the promotion of bilateral trade and economic relations as well as joint cooperation in the war against terrorism.
Rep. Darrel had earlier assured President Buhari that the United States will support Nigeria against Boko Haram by providing training, intelligence and military platforms.
"We look forward to helping you in many ways to end the Boko Haram insurgency and the theft of crude oil in the Gulf," he said.
Turai Yar’Adua Runs To Obasanjo, Begs Him To Tell Buhari To Stop Harassing Her Family
Erstwhile First Lady, Turai Yar’Adua, on Saturday paid a surprise visit to former President Olusegun Obasanjo in his residence at Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
Information gathered shows that Mrs. Yar’Adua was escorted to the former president’s residence by businessman Kenny Martins.
She met privately with Mr. Obasanjo for more than an hour before departing in a convoy of three cars.
A source squealed that, ”She specifically intimated the former President of the ongoing probe of one of her daughters, Zainab, by the EFCC. She believed it is a witch-hunt, a ploy by the Buhari government to get at her family”.
Obasanjo’s aide also confirmed the visit to pressmen.
“It is true that she visited on Saturday,” the aide said. “I don’t know exactly what she discussed with Baba (Obasanjo). But I think it is safe to say she came to greet him and discuss issues relevant to the two families.”
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had on July 22 summoned Zainab, wife of former Kebbi State Governor, Saidu Dakingari, over alleged N2billion fraud perpetrated during her husband’s tenure as governor of the Northwest State.
Sunday, 12 July 2015
President sacks Ojo Madueke, Bianca Ojukwu as ambassadors
According to reports, the president recalled 27 ambassadors appointed by former President Goodluck Jonathan,thus, ending their three years sojourn abroad.
President Muhammadu Buhari has recalled the appointment ofOjo Madueke and Bianca Ojukwu as ambassadors to Canada and Spain respectively.
playBianca-Ojukwu 3
President Muhammadu Buhari has recalled the appointment ofOjo Madueke and Bianca Ojukwu as ambassadors to Canada and Spain respectively.
According to reports, the president recalled 27 out of the 97 ambassadors appointed by former President Goodluck Jonathan,thus, ending their three years sojourn abroad.
playBianca-Ojukwu 3
Sources disclosed that the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, had communicated the President's directive to the affected ambassadors and were told to hand over to the highest ranking officer in their various locations.
Other affected ambassadors are Dr. Dalhatu Tafida (UK); Professor Ade Adefuye (USA); Taofeek Arapaja (Jordan), Mrs. Fidelia Njeze (Switzerland); Mr. Yemi Farounbi (Philippines); Olatokunbo Kamson (Jamaica); Mr. Cornelius Oluwateru (UAE); Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Bunu (Saudi Arabia); Mr. Chive Kaave (Argentina); Alhaji Tukur Mani (Iran); Abiodun Nathaniel Olorunfemi (Namibia).
Also on the list are: Chief Asam Asam (SAN), (Russia); Mr. Okwudili Nwosu (Burundi); Mr. Okeke Chukwuemeka (Vatican); Mr. Eric Aworahbi (Italy); Dauda Danladi (Pakistan); and Mrs. Katherine Okon (Czeck Republic); Mr. Nwofe Alexander,; Princess Victoria Bosede Onipede (Republic of Congo); Senator Haruna Garba (Kuwait); Mrs. Nonye Rajis-Okpara (Singapore); Chief Eddy Onuoha (Hungary); Mr. Adamu Babangida Ibrahim (Syria); and Dr. Sam Jimba (Poland).
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