A former Federal Commissioner of
Information, Chief Edwin Clark, has once
again canvassed support for President
Muhamadu Buhari.
He described the President as being capable
of leading the country and therefore should
be supported by all Nigerians.
Clark, who was one of the staunch
supporters of former President Goodluck
Jonathan, spoke in Abuja on Wednesday at
his residence when he received a group
known as Probity Ambassadors
Organisation of Nigeria.
He noted that though he was among those
who campaigned against the emergence of
Buhari during the election, Clark said since
Nigerians voted for the incumbent
President, he must be supported in order to
enable him to succeed in the task ahead.
The Ijaw Leader added that the way
Jonathan conceded defeat had also made
the task of running the country easier for
the President.
Clark said, “I have congratulated President
Buhari and today, he is our President. He’s
not the President of a section of the
country.
“Buhari is fit for the job and he’s capable of
leading us. We will support him.
“Campaigns are over and a winner has
emerged. We must come together after the
election and give our support to the
President.
“The loser of the election, who had all the
powers to do and undo, came out to
congratulate the President.
“That action of the former President is the
best thing that has happened in this
country.”
He believed that Jonathan conceded defeat
and congratulated Buhari because of the
former’s love for the country.
“You can only be the President of the
country when it is intact. All of us must join
hands together to support President
Buhari,” he added.
He asked those who might not agree with
the President to wait until 2019 when
elections would be held again, saying “this
is when there will be another opportunity
for election.”
“Then Nigerians would determine if the
President has done well or not. Democracy
has come to stay in the country,” he added.
He asked Nigerians to learn from the attitude
exhibited by the people of the United
Kingdom, whom he said, had forgotten
about their last election, which was held in
May.
Clark said members of both the
Conservatives and the Labour Party had
been living together in peace as if nothing
had happened.
He stated that those who he thought he
would die because his party, the Peoples
Democratic Party and former President lost
the election, were shortsighted.
He explained that as an elder statesman, he
was bound to support whoever won
election to lead the nation.
The former Federal Commissioner for
Information said, “Those who think I would
die because of the outcome of election are
missing it. Why should I die? I’m a Nigerian.
“I will support whoever wins. My advice to
the President and the All Progressives
Congress is that they should have regard
for the country and work with all.
“The issue of winner takes all is not in our
interest. People are bound to vote for or
against you. Those who voted for you
believed in you and those who voted for
another person believed in another person.”
Thursday, 4 June 2015
» Gunmen Kill French Tourist In Ebonyi, Shoot Wife & Steal Their Money «
Gunmen Tuesday night attacked a French
couple, who were visiting Ebonyi State,
killing the husband and injuring the wife.
The State Governor, Dave Umahi disclosed
this in a meeting with staff and students of
Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki.
He explained that the tourists got to
Abaomege in Onicha Local Government
Area of the state in the night from where
they were planning to proceed to Calabar in
Cross River State when they went into the
bush and set their tent to rest.
“As they were having their rest, gunmen
stormed the area and shot them. The
gunmen took €1,160 and N13, 000.
“Sadly the corpse has been deposited in the
mortuary.
“The wife was so devastated. What we did
was to put her in a hotel and give her some
money.”
He described the incident as unfortunate
and warned that anywhere there is cultism
and other violent crimes, the council
chairman and development centre
coordinator will be sacked.
couple, who were visiting Ebonyi State,
killing the husband and injuring the wife.
The State Governor, Dave Umahi disclosed
this in a meeting with staff and students of
Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki.
He explained that the tourists got to
Abaomege in Onicha Local Government
Area of the state in the night from where
they were planning to proceed to Calabar in
Cross River State when they went into the
bush and set their tent to rest.
“As they were having their rest, gunmen
stormed the area and shot them. The
gunmen took €1,160 and N13, 000.
“Sadly the corpse has been deposited in the
mortuary.
“The wife was so devastated. What we did
was to put her in a hotel and give her some
money.”
He described the incident as unfortunate
and warned that anywhere there is cultism
and other violent crimes, the council
chairman and development centre
coordinator will be sacked.
The Ekiti State PUNCH Correspondent,
Kamarudeen Ogundele, was attacked in Ado Ekiti
on Wednesday and beaten to a stupor by thugs
suspected to be loyal to the Peoples Democratic
Party, who continued to lay siege to the All
Progressives Congress lawmakers.
He had gone to gauge the mood in town when
the thugs descended on him, beating him to a
pulp, while trying to take the picture of women
praying for peace in the state.
His clothe was torn into shreds by the hoodlums
who got angry for taking the picture after seizing
his phone.
Kamarudeen Ogundele, was attacked in Ado Ekiti
on Wednesday and beaten to a stupor by thugs
suspected to be loyal to the Peoples Democratic
Party, who continued to lay siege to the All
Progressives Congress lawmakers.
He had gone to gauge the mood in town when
the thugs descended on him, beating him to a
pulp, while trying to take the picture of women
praying for peace in the state.
His clothe was torn into shreds by the hoodlums
who got angry for taking the picture after seizing
his phone.
» Thugs Beat Punch Correspondent In Ekiti, Tear His Clothe «
The Ekiti State PUNCH Correspondent,
Kamarudeen Ogundele, was attacked in Ado Ekiti
on Wednesday and beaten to a stupor by thugs
suspected to be loyal to the Peoples Democratic
Party, who continued to lay siege to the All
Progressives Congress lawmakers.
He had gone to gauge the mood in town when
the thugs descended on him, beating him to a
pulp, while trying to take the picture of women
praying for peace in the state.
His clothe was torn into shreds by the hoodlums
who got angry for taking the picture after seizing
his phone.
Kamarudeen Ogundele, was attacked in Ado Ekiti
on Wednesday and beaten to a stupor by thugs
suspected to be loyal to the Peoples Democratic
Party, who continued to lay siege to the All
Progressives Congress lawmakers.
He had gone to gauge the mood in town when
the thugs descended on him, beating him to a
pulp, while trying to take the picture of women
praying for peace in the state.
His clothe was torn into shreds by the hoodlums
who got angry for taking the picture after seizing
his phone.
The Peoples Democratic Party said on
Wednesday that it was not plotting to
present David Mark as a candidate for
the Presidency of the Eighth Senate.
Rather, it said the All Progressives
Congress, which won majority seats in the
Senate, would be allowed to present
candidates for the office.
The party said this remains the norm that in
every assembly, the party with the majority
members presents leadership at the
National Assembly.
Successor to the incumbent Senate
President, David Mark, is expected to
emerge in Abuja on Thursday when the
National Assembly would be inaugurated.
National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr.
Olisa Metuh, told journalists in Abuja on
Wednesday that the party was not part of
the alleged plot to usurp the normal norms
at the National Assembly where the party
with the majority of elected senators or
members of the House of Representatives
are denied from presenting leadership at the
National Assembly, let alone the Senate.
He also said this issue was not part of the
issues raised and discussed at the party’s
retreat which was held for elected members
of the party in Port Harcourt earlier this
week.
According to Metuh, “That was not part of
the PDP retreat for members of the National
Assembly in Port Harcourt. PDP has no
such plot to upstage the All Progressives
Congress in presenting leadership at the
National Assembly.
“The truth is that it was not discussed at all
at the Port Harcourt retreat. The truth is that
we have no candidate for Senate President
or Deputy Senate President.
“The truth is that we are ready to present a
credible opposition to the All Progressives
Congress as the ruling party. We wish
President Muhammadu Buhari success and
hope he would be able to turn around the
economy.”
Metuh added that the Port Harcourt retreat
only commended Senators David Mark and
Ike Ekweremadu for stabilising democracy
and National Assembly during their tenure
as President and Deputy President of the
Senate respectively.
Wednesday that it was not plotting to
present David Mark as a candidate for
the Presidency of the Eighth Senate.
Rather, it said the All Progressives
Congress, which won majority seats in the
Senate, would be allowed to present
candidates for the office.
The party said this remains the norm that in
every assembly, the party with the majority
members presents leadership at the
National Assembly.
Successor to the incumbent Senate
President, David Mark, is expected to
emerge in Abuja on Thursday when the
National Assembly would be inaugurated.
National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr.
Olisa Metuh, told journalists in Abuja on
Wednesday that the party was not part of
the alleged plot to usurp the normal norms
at the National Assembly where the party
with the majority of elected senators or
members of the House of Representatives
are denied from presenting leadership at the
National Assembly, let alone the Senate.
He also said this issue was not part of the
issues raised and discussed at the party’s
retreat which was held for elected members
of the party in Port Harcourt earlier this
week.
According to Metuh, “That was not part of
the PDP retreat for members of the National
Assembly in Port Harcourt. PDP has no
such plot to upstage the All Progressives
Congress in presenting leadership at the
National Assembly.
“The truth is that it was not discussed at all
at the Port Harcourt retreat. The truth is that
we have no candidate for Senate President
or Deputy Senate President.
“The truth is that we are ready to present a
credible opposition to the All Progressives
Congress as the ruling party. We wish
President Muhammadu Buhari success and
hope he would be able to turn around the
economy.”
Metuh added that the Port Harcourt retreat
only commended Senators David Mark and
Ike Ekweremadu for stabilising democracy
and National Assembly during their tenure
as President and Deputy President of the
Senate respectively.
» Senate Endorses Life Jail For Rapists & Those Who Infect People With HIV Deliberately «
Senate on Wednesday prescribed life
imprisonment for rapists and other sexual
offenders.
This followed the passage of the Sexual
Offences Bill which prescribes life jail for
sexual offenders including rape, child sex
tourism and people who deliberately infect
others with the Human Immuno Virus/
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
(HIV/AIDS).
The Bill that was sponsored by the
Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy,
Senator Chris Anyanwu, is expected to get
the concurrence of the House of
Representatives on Thursday.
The Bill also prescribed life imprisonment
for gang rape and 10 years jail for
Inbreeding and child pornography
respectively or a fine of N2million
Other sexual offences would also attract 14
years jail term.
Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary,
Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator
Umaru Dahiru, in his report said the Bill is
meant to redefine and consolidate existing
laws on sexual offences.
Senator Anyanwu, however expressed joy
over the passage of the Bill which was
introduced in Senate in 2013.
According to her, the Sexual Offences Bill
“seeks to make a comprehensive legislation
on sexual offences by criminalising certain
acts such as sexual tourism, child
pornograhpy and cultural and religious
sexual offences in our criminal
jurisprudence.
“The Bill also provides for effective witness
protection programme in order to protect
victims and witnesses in trial for sexual
offences.
“It also provides for compulsory
documentation, supervision of sexual
offenders and medical treatment for victims
which is in line with the global trend and
finally, and most importantly, it provides for
adequate and stringent punishments to
perpetrators.”
In addition, the new sexual offences Bill has
criminalized acts of people who deliberately
lace drinks with drugs with intent to stupefy
and sexually abuse them.
It also frowns at having sexual relations
with people with mental disabilities, among
others.
imprisonment for rapists and other sexual
offenders.
This followed the passage of the Sexual
Offences Bill which prescribes life jail for
sexual offenders including rape, child sex
tourism and people who deliberately infect
others with the Human Immuno Virus/
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
(HIV/AIDS).
The Bill that was sponsored by the
Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy,
Senator Chris Anyanwu, is expected to get
the concurrence of the House of
Representatives on Thursday.
The Bill also prescribed life imprisonment
for gang rape and 10 years jail for
Inbreeding and child pornography
respectively or a fine of N2million
Other sexual offences would also attract 14
years jail term.
Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary,
Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator
Umaru Dahiru, in his report said the Bill is
meant to redefine and consolidate existing
laws on sexual offences.
Senator Anyanwu, however expressed joy
over the passage of the Bill which was
introduced in Senate in 2013.
According to her, the Sexual Offences Bill
“seeks to make a comprehensive legislation
on sexual offences by criminalising certain
acts such as sexual tourism, child
pornograhpy and cultural and religious
sexual offences in our criminal
jurisprudence.
“The Bill also provides for effective witness
protection programme in order to protect
victims and witnesses in trial for sexual
offences.
“It also provides for compulsory
documentation, supervision of sexual
offenders and medical treatment for victims
which is in line with the global trend and
finally, and most importantly, it provides for
adequate and stringent punishments to
perpetrators.”
In addition, the new sexual offences Bill has
criminalized acts of people who deliberately
lace drinks with drugs with intent to stupefy
and sexually abuse them.
It also frowns at having sexual relations
with people with mental disabilities, among
others.
BREAKING: Over 22 persons dead in Rivers after
drinking local gin, eating dog meat
Over 22 persons dead in Rivers after drinking
local gin
Over 22 persons have been confirmed dead in
Bonny Island, Bonny, and Woji in Obio Akpor
local government areas of Rivers after consuming
local gin popularly called ‘Kai-Kai’ or Ogogoro and
eating ‘Dog Meat’ believed to contain poisonous
ethanol.
Simon Wilcox, a Youth leader and Spokesman for
Bonny kingdom confirmed the death of 17
persons after the consumption of the toxic local
brew, kai-kai imported into the Bonny Island.
“As I speak to you, 17 persons have been
confirmed dead. We are going to the hospital to
attend those who are lying critically ill. We need
the help of World Health Organization, WHO,
Federal and Government agencies to assist people
of Bonny kingdom,” Wilcox said.
In a similar development, at least five persons
have been reported dead in Woji in Obio Akpor
local government area after eating dog meat
delicacy, popularly called ‘404’ allegedly cooked
one Friday Dickson, popularly called “Etiaba” from
Akwa-Ibom state.
As at the time of the report there has not any
reaction from the Ministry of Health on the
sudden deaths due food poisoning.
drinking local gin, eating dog meat
Over 22 persons dead in Rivers after drinking
local gin
Over 22 persons have been confirmed dead in
Bonny Island, Bonny, and Woji in Obio Akpor
local government areas of Rivers after consuming
local gin popularly called ‘Kai-Kai’ or Ogogoro and
eating ‘Dog Meat’ believed to contain poisonous
ethanol.
Simon Wilcox, a Youth leader and Spokesman for
Bonny kingdom confirmed the death of 17
persons after the consumption of the toxic local
brew, kai-kai imported into the Bonny Island.
“As I speak to you, 17 persons have been
confirmed dead. We are going to the hospital to
attend those who are lying critically ill. We need
the help of World Health Organization, WHO,
Federal and Government agencies to assist people
of Bonny kingdom,” Wilcox said.
In a similar development, at least five persons
have been reported dead in Woji in Obio Akpor
local government area after eating dog meat
delicacy, popularly called ‘404’ allegedly cooked
one Friday Dickson, popularly called “Etiaba” from
Akwa-Ibom state.
As at the time of the report there has not any
reaction from the Ministry of Health on the
sudden deaths due food poisoning.
» 22 Persons Dead In Rivers After Drinking Local Gin, Eating Dog Meat «
BREAKING: Over 22 persons dead in Rivers after
drinking local gin, eating dog meat
Over 22 persons dead in Rivers after drinking
local gin
Over 22 persons have been confirmed dead in
Bonny Island, Bonny, and Woji in Obio Akpor
local government areas of Rivers after consuming
local gin popularly called ‘Kai-Kai’ or Ogogoro and
eating ‘Dog Meat’ believed to contain poisonous
ethanol.
Simon Wilcox, a Youth leader and Spokesman for
Bonny kingdom confirmed the death of 17
persons after the consumption of the toxic local
brew, kai-kai imported into the Bonny Island.
“As I speak to you, 17 persons have been
confirmed dead. We are going to the hospital to
attend those who are lying critically ill. We need
the help of World Health Organization, WHO,
Federal and Government agencies to assist people
of Bonny kingdom,” Wilcox said.
In a similar development, at least five persons
have been reported dead in Woji in Obio Akpor
local government area after eating dog meat
delicacy, popularly called ‘404’ allegedly cooked
one Friday Dickson, popularly called “Etiaba” from
Akwa-Ibom state.
As at the time of the report there has not any
reaction from the Ministry of Health on the
sudden deaths due food poisoning.
drinking local gin, eating dog meat
Over 22 persons dead in Rivers after drinking
local gin
Over 22 persons have been confirmed dead in
Bonny Island, Bonny, and Woji in Obio Akpor
local government areas of Rivers after consuming
local gin popularly called ‘Kai-Kai’ or Ogogoro and
eating ‘Dog Meat’ believed to contain poisonous
ethanol.
Simon Wilcox, a Youth leader and Spokesman for
Bonny kingdom confirmed the death of 17
persons after the consumption of the toxic local
brew, kai-kai imported into the Bonny Island.
“As I speak to you, 17 persons have been
confirmed dead. We are going to the hospital to
attend those who are lying critically ill. We need
the help of World Health Organization, WHO,
Federal and Government agencies to assist people
of Bonny kingdom,” Wilcox said.
In a similar development, at least five persons
have been reported dead in Woji in Obio Akpor
local government area after eating dog meat
delicacy, popularly called ‘404’ allegedly cooked
one Friday Dickson, popularly called “Etiaba” from
Akwa-Ibom state.
As at the time of the report there has not any
reaction from the Ministry of Health on the
sudden deaths due food poisoning.
Wednesday, 3 June 2015
» Bribery Scandal: Sepp Blatter Resigns As FIFA President «
Sepp Blatter says he will resign as president
of football's governing body Fifa amid a
corruption scandal.
In announcing his exit, the 79-year-old
Swiss has called an extraordinary Fifa
congress "as soon as possible" to elect a
new president.
Blatter was re-elected last week, despite
seven top Fifa officials being arrested two
days before the vote as part of a US
prosecution.
But he said: "My mandate does not appear
to be supported by everybody."
Fifa was rocked last week by the arrests on
charges of racketeering, wire fraud and
money laundering as part of a US
prosecution that also indicted 14 people.
A separate criminal investigation into how
the 2018 and 2022 World Cups were
allocated is also under way.
"I am very much linked to Fifa and its
interests. Those interests are dear to me
and this is why I am taking this decision,"
added Blatter.
"What counts most to me is the institute of
Fifa and football around the world."
of football's governing body Fifa amid a
corruption scandal.
In announcing his exit, the 79-year-old
Swiss has called an extraordinary Fifa
congress "as soon as possible" to elect a
new president.
Blatter was re-elected last week, despite
seven top Fifa officials being arrested two
days before the vote as part of a US
prosecution.
But he said: "My mandate does not appear
to be supported by everybody."
Fifa was rocked last week by the arrests on
charges of racketeering, wire fraud and
money laundering as part of a US
prosecution that also indicted 14 people.
A separate criminal investigation into how
the 2018 and 2022 World Cups were
allocated is also under way.
"I am very much linked to Fifa and its
interests. Those interests are dear to me
and this is why I am taking this decision,"
added Blatter.
"What counts most to me is the institute of
Fifa and football around the world."
» BRT Bus Crushes Banker To Death In Lagos «
A banker by name Segun Ajisebutu was
Tuesday, crushed to death after being
knocked down by a BRT bus at Palmgrove
bus-stop, Lagos, while he was dashing
across the BRT lane.
The incident reportedly occurred around
6am, under Palmgrove pedestrian bridge
when the victim was going to his place of
work, a new generation bank.
The incident was said to have resulted in
traffic jam which took over the BRT lane for
hours until the arrival of law enforcement
agents who restored normalcy.
The body was laid on the service lane
where it was later identified through some
documents found in the pocket and the
development also announced on a radio
station where one of his relatives got wind
of the situation and contacted other
relatives.
One of the victim’s relatives who identified
himself as Lekan spoke to Vanguard in a
telephone conversation and said, “He was a
promising guy and I had a telephone
conversation with him last Sunday when he
gave me an assignment to be collected on
Friday. It was sad to hear the
announcement of his death on radio this
morning,”
Segun the father of two from Ondo State
was said to be in his early 30s when he met
his untimely death and the body has been
deposited in a morgue.
Tuesday, crushed to death after being
knocked down by a BRT bus at Palmgrove
bus-stop, Lagos, while he was dashing
across the BRT lane.
The incident reportedly occurred around
6am, under Palmgrove pedestrian bridge
when the victim was going to his place of
work, a new generation bank.
The incident was said to have resulted in
traffic jam which took over the BRT lane for
hours until the arrival of law enforcement
agents who restored normalcy.
The body was laid on the service lane
where it was later identified through some
documents found in the pocket and the
development also announced on a radio
station where one of his relatives got wind
of the situation and contacted other
relatives.
One of the victim’s relatives who identified
himself as Lekan spoke to Vanguard in a
telephone conversation and said, “He was a
promising guy and I had a telephone
conversation with him last Sunday when he
gave me an assignment to be collected on
Friday. It was sad to hear the
announcement of his death on radio this
morning,”
Segun the father of two from Ondo State
was said to be in his early 30s when he met
his untimely death and the body has been
deposited in a morgue.
» Buhari To Appoint Self As Petroleum Minister - PM News/Reuters «
President Muhammadu Buhari is likely to
keep the oil portfolio for himself in the new
Nigerian cabinet, rather than trust anyone
else with the source of most of Nigeria’s
revenue and traditional fount of corruption,
associates say.
Nigeria’s oil sector is so dirty that nobody’s
hands are clean enough to do the “surgical
changes” needed, one long-standing
associate told Reuters on condition of
anonymity because the cabinet decision is
still under wraps.
Another political associate said: “He will do
it. It would be silly to give that position to
anyone else.”
The first source said Buhari has still not
settled on his cabinet and has laughed off
media speculation about figures he will
appoint, joking with friends as he read out a
newspaper article that mentioned possible
names: “They have picked my ministers for
me! Have I even told you who I want?”
A former general who ruled Nigeria 30
years ago, Buhari has extensive knowledge
of the oil sector, having been head of the
Petroleum Trust Fund under military ruler
Sani Abacha in the 1990s and oil minister in
the 1970s under Olusegun Obasanjo.
He was voted in by Nigerians on an anti-
corruption platform after years in which
graft appeared to worsen under the
leadership of his predecessor Goodluck
Jonathan.
Buhari sent a list of 15 special advisors to
the outgoing national assembly for approval
on Tuesday, but the cabinet is unlikely to be
publicly revealed until the end of July or
early August.
The senate, which must confirm the
cabinet, will convene only briefly on June 9
before its members are expected to go on
recess for up to six weeks.
“It’s going to be a lean government, I doubt
he’ll have 42 ministries like Jonathan but he
must have at least 36 (for the number of
states) as prescribed by the constitution,
though it does not specify whether they
have to be senior or junior,” an advisor in
the ruling APC party told Reuters.
The new administration had not yet gone
through reports on Jonathan’s handover
notes on policy, the advisor said.
“There is a huge body of proposals being
bandied around the place,” the advisor said,
adding that nothing beyond broad strokes
had been outlined.
TASK AHEAD IN THE OIL SECTOR
Jonathan has left Buhari with a cash-
strapped government, with a rainy-day
fund so depleted that it must borrow just to
cover salaries.
The government relies on oil sales for the
bulk of its revenues but there has been little
oversight on how these are handled.
Former central bank governor Lamido
Sanusi was sacked under Jonathan after he
declared that some $20 billion in oil
revenues were missing between 2012 and
2013.
The dealings inside the state owned
company NNPC are so opaque that
PriceWaterhouseCoopers, commissioned to
do a forensic audit over the missing funds,
said it was unable to obtain enough account
documentation.
Not only is oil money stolen through
accounting gymnastics and oversight gaps,
but oil itself goes missing at unmetered
oilfield well heads, pipeline taps and export
terminals.
Pipeline protection and coastal inspection
contracts have been given to ex-militants of
the oil-producing delta who kidnapped
foreign oil workers and blew up key
infrastructure until a 2009 amnesty. Buhari
plans to let the 60 billion naira-a-year
amnesty program end in December as
scheduled to save money and it is unclear
what he will fund in its place.
The new leader has also made clear that he
wants to revamp Nigeria’s refining sector,
which declined while the country became
dependent on imports for fuel.
“He’s emotionally attached to the refineries
because he built some of them. He wants
them to start functioning again,” the APC
source said.
keep the oil portfolio for himself in the new
Nigerian cabinet, rather than trust anyone
else with the source of most of Nigeria’s
revenue and traditional fount of corruption,
associates say.
Nigeria’s oil sector is so dirty that nobody’s
hands are clean enough to do the “surgical
changes” needed, one long-standing
associate told Reuters on condition of
anonymity because the cabinet decision is
still under wraps.
Another political associate said: “He will do
it. It would be silly to give that position to
anyone else.”
The first source said Buhari has still not
settled on his cabinet and has laughed off
media speculation about figures he will
appoint, joking with friends as he read out a
newspaper article that mentioned possible
names: “They have picked my ministers for
me! Have I even told you who I want?”
A former general who ruled Nigeria 30
years ago, Buhari has extensive knowledge
of the oil sector, having been head of the
Petroleum Trust Fund under military ruler
Sani Abacha in the 1990s and oil minister in
the 1970s under Olusegun Obasanjo.
He was voted in by Nigerians on an anti-
corruption platform after years in which
graft appeared to worsen under the
leadership of his predecessor Goodluck
Jonathan.
Buhari sent a list of 15 special advisors to
the outgoing national assembly for approval
on Tuesday, but the cabinet is unlikely to be
publicly revealed until the end of July or
early August.
The senate, which must confirm the
cabinet, will convene only briefly on June 9
before its members are expected to go on
recess for up to six weeks.
“It’s going to be a lean government, I doubt
he’ll have 42 ministries like Jonathan but he
must have at least 36 (for the number of
states) as prescribed by the constitution,
though it does not specify whether they
have to be senior or junior,” an advisor in
the ruling APC party told Reuters.
The new administration had not yet gone
through reports on Jonathan’s handover
notes on policy, the advisor said.
“There is a huge body of proposals being
bandied around the place,” the advisor said,
adding that nothing beyond broad strokes
had been outlined.
TASK AHEAD IN THE OIL SECTOR
Jonathan has left Buhari with a cash-
strapped government, with a rainy-day
fund so depleted that it must borrow just to
cover salaries.
The government relies on oil sales for the
bulk of its revenues but there has been little
oversight on how these are handled.
Former central bank governor Lamido
Sanusi was sacked under Jonathan after he
declared that some $20 billion in oil
revenues were missing between 2012 and
2013.
The dealings inside the state owned
company NNPC are so opaque that
PriceWaterhouseCoopers, commissioned to
do a forensic audit over the missing funds,
said it was unable to obtain enough account
documentation.
Not only is oil money stolen through
accounting gymnastics and oversight gaps,
but oil itself goes missing at unmetered
oilfield well heads, pipeline taps and export
terminals.
Pipeline protection and coastal inspection
contracts have been given to ex-militants of
the oil-producing delta who kidnapped
foreign oil workers and blew up key
infrastructure until a 2009 amnesty. Buhari
plans to let the 60 billion naira-a-year
amnesty program end in December as
scheduled to save money and it is unclear
what he will fund in its place.
The new leader has also made clear that he
wants to revamp Nigeria’s refining sector,
which declined while the country became
dependent on imports for fuel.
“He’s emotionally attached to the refineries
because he built some of them. He wants
them to start functioning again,” the APC
source said.
» NDLEA Arrests 31 Drug Suspects In Anambra «
The National Drug Law Enforcement
Agency,
Anambra State command, on Tuesday said
it
arrested 31 drug suspects in the state in
May.
According to the agency, the 31 suspects
were
males.
State commandant of the agency, Mr Sule
Momodu, made this known in a press
briefing in
Awka, the state capital.
He said in the month under review, the
agency
seized cannabis sativa weighing 39.703kg,
27.4
grammes of cocaine, 8.6 grammes of
heroin,
510 grammes of methamphetamine solid,
and
2.625kg of methamphetamine liquid, all
totaling
42.864 kg of drugs.
Momodu added that in May, the agency
secured
the conviction in court of three drug dealers
in
the state.
He appealed to the public to avail his agency
of
information that would lead to the arrest of
more criminals in the state while assuring
such
informers of their protection.
The commandant commended the state
governor, Willie Obiano, for his assistance
to the
agency and other security agencies in the
state.
Momodu stated, “Obiano has done well in
the
area of security and should be supported.
Everybody should encourage the Governor
for his
zero tolerance for drug abuse and crime.
“Since he came on board, Anambra State
has
experienced peaceful atmosphere devoid of
crime, and drug related offences have been
reduced drastically.
‘We have a mandate of reducing drugs in
the
streets of Anambra State to the barest
minimum
and to make Anambra safe for local and
foreign
investors.”
Agency,
Anambra State command, on Tuesday said
it
arrested 31 drug suspects in the state in
May.
According to the agency, the 31 suspects
were
males.
State commandant of the agency, Mr Sule
Momodu, made this known in a press
briefing in
Awka, the state capital.
He said in the month under review, the
agency
seized cannabis sativa weighing 39.703kg,
27.4
grammes of cocaine, 8.6 grammes of
heroin,
510 grammes of methamphetamine solid,
and
2.625kg of methamphetamine liquid, all
totaling
42.864 kg of drugs.
Momodu added that in May, the agency
secured
the conviction in court of three drug dealers
in
the state.
He appealed to the public to avail his agency
of
information that would lead to the arrest of
more criminals in the state while assuring
such
informers of their protection.
The commandant commended the state
governor, Willie Obiano, for his assistance
to the
agency and other security agencies in the
state.
Momodu stated, “Obiano has done well in
the
area of security and should be supported.
Everybody should encourage the Governor
for his
zero tolerance for drug abuse and crime.
“Since he came on board, Anambra State
has
experienced peaceful atmosphere devoid of
crime, and drug related offences have been
reduced drastically.
‘We have a mandate of reducing drugs in
the
streets of Anambra State to the barest
minimum
and to make Anambra safe for local and
foreign
investors.”
» Nigerian Scientist Presents Ebola Vaccine In France «
A Nigerian vaccinologist, Simon Agwale, has
presented a report of an experimental vaccine for
the dreaded Ebola virus disease to a scientific
conference in France.
In a statement, Yuri Nakamoto, on behalf of the
scientific committee of the conference organised
by the Pasteur Institute, Paris, said the report was
one of the items discussed at the two-day
conference.
The International Conference Targeting Ebola had
more than 300 delegates from 42 countries in
attendance, Mr. Nakamoto said in the statement.
He said that the agenda of the conference
included 140 oral, short and posters
communications, latest developments in the
Ebola outbreak in Africa, and latest clinical
developments.
Others were latest innovations, vaccines and
drugs to combat Ebola, and prevention of Ebola
contamination and transmission, to be published
by the committee.
“Agwale, alongside Epie E. and Pushko P. of
Innovative Biotech Ltd, Keffi, Nasarawa State, and
Innovative Biotech USA Inc, made a presentation
on ‘Construction and Evaluation of a Highly
Immunogenic EBOLA Influenza VLP Vaccine
Candidate’.
“They prepared and evaluated EBOV VLPs that
included GP of EBOV Zaire strain in which VLPs
were expressed using recombinant baculovirus in
Sf9 cells.
He quoted the researchers as saying that they
had developed and evaluated an EBOV candidate
vaccine that was highly immunogenic in mice.
“Given the immediate need for an Ebola vaccine
and the efficiency, safety and adaptability of our
VLP platform technology, we are confident in
producing a high yield, high quality product using
the most cost effective methodologies available,
they said.
The researchers said that the vaccine approach
could be used for mass vaccination in Africa to
prevent EBOV infections and future epidemics of
the deadly disease.
They announced that they were also using their
platform technology to develop vaccines against
HIV, malaria and other diseases that plaque
Africa.
presented a report of an experimental vaccine for
the dreaded Ebola virus disease to a scientific
conference in France.
In a statement, Yuri Nakamoto, on behalf of the
scientific committee of the conference organised
by the Pasteur Institute, Paris, said the report was
one of the items discussed at the two-day
conference.
The International Conference Targeting Ebola had
more than 300 delegates from 42 countries in
attendance, Mr. Nakamoto said in the statement.
He said that the agenda of the conference
included 140 oral, short and posters
communications, latest developments in the
Ebola outbreak in Africa, and latest clinical
developments.
Others were latest innovations, vaccines and
drugs to combat Ebola, and prevention of Ebola
contamination and transmission, to be published
by the committee.
“Agwale, alongside Epie E. and Pushko P. of
Innovative Biotech Ltd, Keffi, Nasarawa State, and
Innovative Biotech USA Inc, made a presentation
on ‘Construction and Evaluation of a Highly
Immunogenic EBOLA Influenza VLP Vaccine
Candidate’.
“They prepared and evaluated EBOV VLPs that
included GP of EBOV Zaire strain in which VLPs
were expressed using recombinant baculovirus in
Sf9 cells.
He quoted the researchers as saying that they
had developed and evaluated an EBOV candidate
vaccine that was highly immunogenic in mice.
“Given the immediate need for an Ebola vaccine
and the efficiency, safety and adaptability of our
VLP platform technology, we are confident in
producing a high yield, high quality product using
the most cost effective methodologies available,
they said.
The researchers said that the vaccine approach
could be used for mass vaccination in Africa to
prevent EBOV infections and future epidemics of
the deadly disease.
They announced that they were also using their
platform technology to develop vaccines against
HIV, malaria and other diseases that plaque
Africa.
» How NYSC Members Are Recruited For Prostitution In Minna «
A cartel in Minna, the Niger State capital, has
turned National Youths Service Corps
(NYSC) orientation camp into a recruitment
ground for “young prostitutes.”
The cartel, according to findings, consists of
elitist group; politicians, journalists with the
active connivance of some NYSC officials,
who approve the requests of the cartel to
post selected female Corps members to a
particular government agency, boards and
parastatals.
The unsuspecting female Corps members
soon succumb to their wishes after
promises of not only posting them to
Government House or choice areas with
mouth-watering incentives, including
furnishing house for them to stay
throughout the duration of their one year
national service for sexual satisfaction.
Selected/recruitied Corps members by the
cartel from the Paiko NYSC Camp are
always included on the list of those posted
to serve in the Protocol Department,
Government House to cover their tracks,
the source said.
As a way of rewarding the girls, parties to
celebrate birthdays by each of them are
organised if they wished, end of their
service year is usually celebrated for them
as they are quickly replaced with new
intakes almost immediately by the cartel,
the source said.
To avoid the prying eyes of unsuspecting
public, the male partners under the cover of
being part of the Government House
Corpers’ lodge behind the Idris Legbo Kutigi
International conference centre, Minna visit
their partners in the unholy act at odd
hours.
Investigations reveal that the dislodgement
of the journalists and their politician
collaborators from the Government House
Corpers’ Lodge began when they started
having issues among themselves and their
activities became an open secret. This, the
source said, almost cost one of the protocol
officers in government house his job.
Reacting to the developments in an
interview, Niger State NYSC coordinator, Mr.
Steven Ehoda-Adi, said that he was not
aware of any such cartel existing in the
state.
Steven however told our correspondent
that the NYSC in the state ensures proper
documentations for Corps members
deployed to government and recognized
corperate organizations when it becomes
absolutely necessary with reasons in
accordance with the laws establishing the
NYSC.
Steven however added that the NYSC has
little or no control over the private life of
Corps members. He said, “I am not aware
of any cartel recruiting Corps members for
the purpose of prostitution. I am rather
shocked hearing that some of your
colleagues, journalists are actively involved
in this unholy act”.
turned National Youths Service Corps
(NYSC) orientation camp into a recruitment
ground for “young prostitutes.”
The cartel, according to findings, consists of
elitist group; politicians, journalists with the
active connivance of some NYSC officials,
who approve the requests of the cartel to
post selected female Corps members to a
particular government agency, boards and
parastatals.
The unsuspecting female Corps members
soon succumb to their wishes after
promises of not only posting them to
Government House or choice areas with
mouth-watering incentives, including
furnishing house for them to stay
throughout the duration of their one year
national service for sexual satisfaction.
Selected/recruitied Corps members by the
cartel from the Paiko NYSC Camp are
always included on the list of those posted
to serve in the Protocol Department,
Government House to cover their tracks,
the source said.
As a way of rewarding the girls, parties to
celebrate birthdays by each of them are
organised if they wished, end of their
service year is usually celebrated for them
as they are quickly replaced with new
intakes almost immediately by the cartel,
the source said.
To avoid the prying eyes of unsuspecting
public, the male partners under the cover of
being part of the Government House
Corpers’ lodge behind the Idris Legbo Kutigi
International conference centre, Minna visit
their partners in the unholy act at odd
hours.
Investigations reveal that the dislodgement
of the journalists and their politician
collaborators from the Government House
Corpers’ Lodge began when they started
having issues among themselves and their
activities became an open secret. This, the
source said, almost cost one of the protocol
officers in government house his job.
Reacting to the developments in an
interview, Niger State NYSC coordinator, Mr.
Steven Ehoda-Adi, said that he was not
aware of any such cartel existing in the
state.
Steven however told our correspondent
that the NYSC in the state ensures proper
documentations for Corps members
deployed to government and recognized
corperate organizations when it becomes
absolutely necessary with reasons in
accordance with the laws establishing the
NYSC.
Steven however added that the NYSC has
little or no control over the private life of
Corps members. He said, “I am not aware
of any cartel recruiting Corps members for
the purpose of prostitution. I am rather
shocked hearing that some of your
colleagues, journalists are actively involved
in this unholy act”.
» APC Moves To Stop PDP's Plot For Senate President «
PDP orders senators to vote one candidate
A few days to the convening of the eighth
National Assembly, the Peoples Democratic
Party (PDP) has launched a plot to take the
Senate presidency from the All Progressives
Congress (APC) which controls the majority
of senators.
But the APC is not taking chances. It has
summoned a meeting of its lawmakers to
forge a united front.
The plot, if it succeeds, may lead to the
return of outgoing Senate President David
Mark and his deputy Ike Ekweremadu to
their positions.
The PDP has directed its 49 senators to vote
for one candidate when the eighth Senate
convenes.
The APC is left with 59 Senators following
the death of reelected Borno Senator
Ahmed Zanna.
Although APC ought to produce the next
President of the Senate, with its simple
majority, the party has not reached a
consensus.
Senate Committee on Public Accounts
Chairman Ahmed Lawan and Ecology
Committee Chairman Bukola Saraki are
locked in a battle of popularity for the job.
The Nation learnt that PDP leaders at the
party’s retreat in Port Harcourt,the Rivers
State capital, for its senators-elect and
members of the House of Representatives-
elect mooted the idea of the opposition
retaining the senate presidency.
It was gathered that the PDP leaders agreed
that with block votes by its 49 senators, the
party could win the must coveted seat with
a simple majority.
The permutation of the PDP is that APC
might be unable to birdge the gap between
Lawan and Saraki.
A highly-placed source said: “The PDP
leaders held a secret meeting in Port
Harcourt on Monday night to finetune the
plot.
“The development may see Mark and
Ekweremadu joining the race in a ‘tactical
moment’ if the APC remains divided.
“The PDP is seeking to retain the office
because there is no rule which says either
the majority party or the opposition should
produce the president of the Senate.”
The source cited Section 50 (1) of the 1999
Constitution to back the lacuna.
The section says: “There shall be a President
and a Deputy President of the Senate who
shall be elected by the members of that
House from among themselves…”
Apparently sensing the danger in going into
the Senate presidency race divided, the APC
leadership has called a meeting of its
senators and Representatives for tomorrow
in Abuja.
A statement by National Publicity Secretary,
Lai Mohammed inviting the lawmakers to
the meeting did not reveal the agenda. It
only urged them to be punctual at the
International Conference Centre venue.
The meetings with the senators and the
Reps will hold separately.
It was, however, learnt that the meetings
might be used to galvanise a consensus.
As for the PDP, it was learnt that some of its
governors have offered to bankroll the
project to “pay back APC in its own coin for
controlling the Seventh House of
Representatives even when President
Goodluck Jonathan was still in charge”.
Another source added: “We also want to
spring a surprise and prove that anything is
possible in politics. Once Mark and
Ekweremadu are back in the saddle, APC
will need at least the support of 72 or 73
members to remove them.
“If you look at Section 50 (2) (c), the votes
of not less than two-thirds majority of the
Senate are required to remove the President
of the Senate and deputy.”
“The PDP is trying to capitalise on internal
wrangling within APC to realise its agenda.”
A third source however spoke of Plan B by
some PDP leaders bordering on block
votes.
The source added: “What the Port Harcourt
retreat has so far achieved is the need for
PDP senators-elect to vote enbloc based on
prevailing circumstances in the Senate.
“The horse-trading will determine the
direction of PDP bloc votes although the
opposition is waiting in the wing for any
slip.”
In his speech at the retreat in Port Harcourt,
the outgoing President of the Senate, Chief
David Mark, pleaded with PDP members-
elect in the National Assembly to be united.
Mark said: “We must subject our individual
interest to our group interest. In the election
of principal officers of National Assembly,
we must vote in one accord. We must
know that united we stand, divided we fall.
“We must take our destinies in our hands.
We must be ready to provide credible,
vibrant, determined and focused opposition
to the party in power in a manner that
would guarantee development and good
governance.
“In doing so, we must maintain a strong
synergy between our members in the
National Assembly and the National
Working Committee. The PDP is still a
brand all Nigerians know. We just need to
reinvent the wheels and move forward.”
A few days to the convening of the eighth
National Assembly, the Peoples Democratic
Party (PDP) has launched a plot to take the
Senate presidency from the All Progressives
Congress (APC) which controls the majority
of senators.
But the APC is not taking chances. It has
summoned a meeting of its lawmakers to
forge a united front.
The plot, if it succeeds, may lead to the
return of outgoing Senate President David
Mark and his deputy Ike Ekweremadu to
their positions.
The PDP has directed its 49 senators to vote
for one candidate when the eighth Senate
convenes.
The APC is left with 59 Senators following
the death of reelected Borno Senator
Ahmed Zanna.
Although APC ought to produce the next
President of the Senate, with its simple
majority, the party has not reached a
consensus.
Senate Committee on Public Accounts
Chairman Ahmed Lawan and Ecology
Committee Chairman Bukola Saraki are
locked in a battle of popularity for the job.
The Nation learnt that PDP leaders at the
party’s retreat in Port Harcourt,the Rivers
State capital, for its senators-elect and
members of the House of Representatives-
elect mooted the idea of the opposition
retaining the senate presidency.
It was gathered that the PDP leaders agreed
that with block votes by its 49 senators, the
party could win the must coveted seat with
a simple majority.
The permutation of the PDP is that APC
might be unable to birdge the gap between
Lawan and Saraki.
A highly-placed source said: “The PDP
leaders held a secret meeting in Port
Harcourt on Monday night to finetune the
plot.
“The development may see Mark and
Ekweremadu joining the race in a ‘tactical
moment’ if the APC remains divided.
“The PDP is seeking to retain the office
because there is no rule which says either
the majority party or the opposition should
produce the president of the Senate.”
The source cited Section 50 (1) of the 1999
Constitution to back the lacuna.
The section says: “There shall be a President
and a Deputy President of the Senate who
shall be elected by the members of that
House from among themselves…”
Apparently sensing the danger in going into
the Senate presidency race divided, the APC
leadership has called a meeting of its
senators and Representatives for tomorrow
in Abuja.
A statement by National Publicity Secretary,
Lai Mohammed inviting the lawmakers to
the meeting did not reveal the agenda. It
only urged them to be punctual at the
International Conference Centre venue.
The meetings with the senators and the
Reps will hold separately.
It was, however, learnt that the meetings
might be used to galvanise a consensus.
As for the PDP, it was learnt that some of its
governors have offered to bankroll the
project to “pay back APC in its own coin for
controlling the Seventh House of
Representatives even when President
Goodluck Jonathan was still in charge”.
Another source added: “We also want to
spring a surprise and prove that anything is
possible in politics. Once Mark and
Ekweremadu are back in the saddle, APC
will need at least the support of 72 or 73
members to remove them.
“If you look at Section 50 (2) (c), the votes
of not less than two-thirds majority of the
Senate are required to remove the President
of the Senate and deputy.”
“The PDP is trying to capitalise on internal
wrangling within APC to realise its agenda.”
A third source however spoke of Plan B by
some PDP leaders bordering on block
votes.
The source added: “What the Port Harcourt
retreat has so far achieved is the need for
PDP senators-elect to vote enbloc based on
prevailing circumstances in the Senate.
“The horse-trading will determine the
direction of PDP bloc votes although the
opposition is waiting in the wing for any
slip.”
In his speech at the retreat in Port Harcourt,
the outgoing President of the Senate, Chief
David Mark, pleaded with PDP members-
elect in the National Assembly to be united.
Mark said: “We must subject our individual
interest to our group interest. In the election
of principal officers of National Assembly,
we must vote in one accord. We must
know that united we stand, divided we fall.
“We must take our destinies in our hands.
We must be ready to provide credible,
vibrant, determined and focused opposition
to the party in power in a manner that
would guarantee development and good
governance.
“In doing so, we must maintain a strong
synergy between our members in the
National Assembly and the National
Working Committee. The PDP is still a
brand all Nigerians know. We just need to
reinvent the wheels and move forward.”
» Five Confirmed Dead After Eating Dog Meat In Rivers «
At least five persons have been confirmed
dead at Woji, Obio/Akpor Local
Government Area of Rivers State, after
eating dog meat from a popular inn in the
area.
Dog meat
The mysterious death has raised tension in
the community as people have begun to
question the tragic result that has followed
the eating of dog meat alleged to have been
cooked by one Friday Dickson, popularly
called Etiaba.
Vanguard gathered that Etiaba had been in
the area for a long time, running an inn
where he cooks only dog meat in Mini-Woji
Road at Woji Town.
Mr Brain Ogbondah, a member of the
community, revealed that five people who
ate the dog meat prepared by Etiaba,
among others, had been confirmed dead
some hours after eating the dog meat.
He said the situation has mounted tension in
the community, resulting in an emergency
meeting by the council of chiefs and elders,
with a view to locating other members of
the community who also ate the dog meat.
He said the suspect fled the community
after the five people were confirmed dead.
dead at Woji, Obio/Akpor Local
Government Area of Rivers State, after
eating dog meat from a popular inn in the
area.
Dog meat
The mysterious death has raised tension in
the community as people have begun to
question the tragic result that has followed
the eating of dog meat alleged to have been
cooked by one Friday Dickson, popularly
called Etiaba.
Vanguard gathered that Etiaba had been in
the area for a long time, running an inn
where he cooks only dog meat in Mini-Woji
Road at Woji Town.
Mr Brain Ogbondah, a member of the
community, revealed that five people who
ate the dog meat prepared by Etiaba,
among others, had been confirmed dead
some hours after eating the dog meat.
He said the situation has mounted tension in
the community, resulting in an emergency
meeting by the council of chiefs and elders,
with a view to locating other members of
the community who also ate the dog meat.
He said the suspect fled the community
after the five people were confirmed dead.
» Buhari To Attend G7 Summit In Germany «
President Muhammadu Buhari is to attend this
weekend’s G7 summit in Germany in his first
major international meeting as Nigerian
president. “The President has accepted the
invitation to attend the G7 summit. He’s expected
to depart Nigeria on Sunday for the summit. It’s
going to be a two-day trip,” his spokesman,
Shehu Garba said.
Buhari, 72, became president of Africa’s most
populous nation, top economy and leading oil
producer last Friday, taking over from Goodluck
Jonathan whom he beat in elections in March.
His office said on Saturday that Britain’s foreign
minister Philip Hammond told Buhari at a meeting
in Abuja on Friday that Prime Minister David
Cameron urged him to come to the summit with
a “wish list”.
Nigeria is facing a long list of challenges, not
least the fight against Boko Haram Islamists, a
crippling power deficit, infrastructure problems,
corruption and poor governance. Buhari met
Cameron for private talks in London the week
before his inauguration, where the British leader
pledged help in a number of areas such as
fighting extremism and African migration.
Cameron also sought Buhari’s backing for “free
trade” between the European Union and Africa, a
suggestion which had the support of a number
of
countries, the president’s office said in a
statement.
weekend’s G7 summit in Germany in his first
major international meeting as Nigerian
president. “The President has accepted the
invitation to attend the G7 summit. He’s expected
to depart Nigeria on Sunday for the summit. It’s
going to be a two-day trip,” his spokesman,
Shehu Garba said.
Buhari, 72, became president of Africa’s most
populous nation, top economy and leading oil
producer last Friday, taking over from Goodluck
Jonathan whom he beat in elections in March.
His office said on Saturday that Britain’s foreign
minister Philip Hammond told Buhari at a meeting
in Abuja on Friday that Prime Minister David
Cameron urged him to come to the summit with
a “wish list”.
Nigeria is facing a long list of challenges, not
least the fight against Boko Haram Islamists, a
crippling power deficit, infrastructure problems,
corruption and poor governance. Buhari met
Cameron for private talks in London the week
before his inauguration, where the British leader
pledged help in a number of areas such as
fighting extremism and African migration.
Cameron also sought Buhari’s backing for “free
trade” between the European Union and Africa, a
suggestion which had the support of a number
of
countries, the president’s office said in a
statement.
» Call Your Wife To Order - Group Warns Ex- President, Jonathan «
A group, Concerned Bayelsa Elders, has warned
former President Goodluck Jonathan to call his
wife, Patience, to order or risk political crisis in
Bayelsa State.
The leader of the group, Ebeletimi Wilson, said
this while addressing journalists in Lagos,
according to a statement on Tuesday.
Wilson said Jonathan’s wife was still scheming to
ensure that the Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake
Dickson, does not emerge governor next year.
He said now that Jonathan has relocated to
Bayelsa State, his wife is attempting to use her
supporters in the Transformation Ambassadors
of Nigeria to frustrate the governor.
He said if Jonathan did not handle the situation
well, he could lose Dickson’s loyalty just as
former governors Rotimi Amaechi and Timipre
Sylva abandoned him.
Wilson said, “What exactly does Dame Patience
Jonathan want? Dickson has proved to be a
performing governor as he has within three
years transformed the state in the areas of
infrastructural development and security. This
initiative has changed the fortunes of the state.
“Jonathan should be able to call his people to
order because we know that his inability to call
his people to order resulted in the eventual face
off with Timipre Sylva and Rotimi Amaechi.
“Our appeal is that, as the leader of the state,
Jonathan should encourage Dickson for
succeeding in keeping the Peoples Democratic
Party united in the state.”
Wilson said if Jonathan did not speak up then it
would be assumed that he and his wife are
plotting to ensure that a former commissioner,
Waipamo-Owei Dudafa, emerges the next
governor of the state.
He alleged that Patience’s clique and preferred
candidate were the ones frustrating Dickson’s
administration.
He said, “Why should ex-President Jonathan keep
mum while his wife fuels crisis in the state just
because she is not getting her way? It is very
disappointing. Her aim is to turn Bayelsa into a
crisis-ridden state like what she encouraged in
Rivers State, but thank God Dickson has been
tactful.
“It is ironical that she has in the last three years
been the main opposition in Bayelsa State,
intimidating the people and even security
operatives.”
former President Goodluck Jonathan to call his
wife, Patience, to order or risk political crisis in
Bayelsa State.
The leader of the group, Ebeletimi Wilson, said
this while addressing journalists in Lagos,
according to a statement on Tuesday.
Wilson said Jonathan’s wife was still scheming to
ensure that the Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake
Dickson, does not emerge governor next year.
He said now that Jonathan has relocated to
Bayelsa State, his wife is attempting to use her
supporters in the Transformation Ambassadors
of Nigeria to frustrate the governor.
He said if Jonathan did not handle the situation
well, he could lose Dickson’s loyalty just as
former governors Rotimi Amaechi and Timipre
Sylva abandoned him.
Wilson said, “What exactly does Dame Patience
Jonathan want? Dickson has proved to be a
performing governor as he has within three
years transformed the state in the areas of
infrastructural development and security. This
initiative has changed the fortunes of the state.
“Jonathan should be able to call his people to
order because we know that his inability to call
his people to order resulted in the eventual face
off with Timipre Sylva and Rotimi Amaechi.
“Our appeal is that, as the leader of the state,
Jonathan should encourage Dickson for
succeeding in keeping the Peoples Democratic
Party united in the state.”
Wilson said if Jonathan did not speak up then it
would be assumed that he and his wife are
plotting to ensure that a former commissioner,
Waipamo-Owei Dudafa, emerges the next
governor of the state.
He alleged that Patience’s clique and preferred
candidate were the ones frustrating Dickson’s
administration.
He said, “Why should ex-President Jonathan keep
mum while his wife fuels crisis in the state just
because she is not getting her way? It is very
disappointing. Her aim is to turn Bayelsa into a
crisis-ridden state like what she encouraged in
Rivers State, but thank God Dickson has been
tactful.
“It is ironical that she has in the last three years
been the main opposition in Bayelsa State,
intimidating the people and even security
operatives.”
» Senators And Reps To Go Home With 109 Jeeps, 360 Exotic Cars «
Senators and members of the House of
Representatives will go home with the
operational vehicles of the National
Assembly currently in their possession as
the 7th Assembly winds down on Friday.
Each of the 109 senators has a Toyota Land
Cruiser Prado, commonly referred to as
‘jeep’, assigned to them for “operational”
purposes like carrying out committee and
oversight duties.
The story is the same at the House, where
each member has a 2011 model Toyota
Camry attached to them for operational
duties.
Apart from the operational vehicles,
principal officers, including the President of
the Senate and the Speaker of the House,
have additional vehicles assigned to them.
The Prado jeeps and Camry are properties
of the National Assembly that should have
ordinarily been left behind by the departing
legislators.
But, The PUNCH gathered on Tuesday that,
with the understanding of the management
of the legislature, the vehicles have been
valued, taking note of the years of
depreciation, to allow lawmakers who wish
to go home with them to do so by paying
30 per cent of the purchase price.
The money is to be deducted from the
severance package of the senators and the
House members.
Findings showed that in line with the
arrangement, the Prado jeeps, valued at the
market price of about N9m, would be given
away to senators for around N2.7m.
In the same vein, members of the House
will each part with about N1.9m to go home
with the Camry, valued at N6.5m.
An official of the National Assembly
management, who confirmed the “deal” to
The PUNCH in Abuja on Tuesday, said, “The
cars have been used for four years, so this
valuation has taken cognisance of the years
of depreciation.
“The vehicles are not taken away free of
charge and as a matter of fact, it is optional.
A lawmaker who does not want to go with
the vehicle will submit it to the National
Assembly and it will be so documented.
“The deduction will be done from their
severance package at source, which makes
it easier.
“It is a practice that has been on over the
years.”
Investigations also showed that, aside the
operational vehicles, each of the senators,
on resumption in 2011, was given 300 per
cent of their total basic salaries as car loans
and 300 per cent as housing allowance.
About 250 per cent was advanced to them
as furniture allowance.
Each of the senators, according to
investigations, is receiving N1.8m basic
salary monthly while the Senate President’s
basic salary per month, is N2m.
One of our correspondents learnt that the
car loan, which was about N6.5m per
senator and N7m for the senate president,
was used to buy a brand new Toyota
Camry car each.
The amount, according to a senior member
of staff of the National Assembly, was
deducted from the basic salaries of the
senators within two years.
The official, who spoke on condition of
anonymity because he was not authorised
to speak to the press, said the arrangement
was a departure from the past practice
whereby some senators went away with
their operational vehicles as parting gifts.
He said, “The loans were obtained for the
lawmakers through the banks where their
salary accounts are domiciled, hence the
bankers usually deduct certain percentage
agreed upon from their monthly payments
to service the car, housing and furniture
loans.”
Attempts to get an official reaction from the
Deputy Director of Information at the
National Assembly, Mr. Ishaku Dibal, were
unsuccessful as calls put through to his
mobile telephone did not connect.
However, the Deputy House Majority
Leader, Leo Ogor, confirmed that the
operational vehicles would be taken away
“but certainly not for free.”
Ogor explained that the “normal procedure”
was that the vehicles would be evaluated
and an agreed sum deducted from the
severance package of departing legislators.
“I don’t know what the amount will be; but I
know that the cars are not for free. The
management of the National Assembly will
work it out and communicate to members
accordingly”, he stated.
Investigations further revealed that
members of the House were also offered
the choice of taking home the plasma TV
sets in their offices on the condition that
they would pay 50 per cent of the purchase
price.
The PUNCH learnt that a 40-inch TV set for
example, was supplied for a contract sum
of N600,000 in 2011. This means a member
planning to take it home will pay N300,000
to the management of the legislature.
Another House official however disclosed to
The PUNCH that most members of the
House turned down the Tv set offer.
“They agreed to take the vehicles but almost
all of them rejected the offer of the Tv sets
on the grounds that they were too
expensive.”
Representatives will go home with the
operational vehicles of the National
Assembly currently in their possession as
the 7th Assembly winds down on Friday.
Each of the 109 senators has a Toyota Land
Cruiser Prado, commonly referred to as
‘jeep’, assigned to them for “operational”
purposes like carrying out committee and
oversight duties.
The story is the same at the House, where
each member has a 2011 model Toyota
Camry attached to them for operational
duties.
Apart from the operational vehicles,
principal officers, including the President of
the Senate and the Speaker of the House,
have additional vehicles assigned to them.
The Prado jeeps and Camry are properties
of the National Assembly that should have
ordinarily been left behind by the departing
legislators.
But, The PUNCH gathered on Tuesday that,
with the understanding of the management
of the legislature, the vehicles have been
valued, taking note of the years of
depreciation, to allow lawmakers who wish
to go home with them to do so by paying
30 per cent of the purchase price.
The money is to be deducted from the
severance package of the senators and the
House members.
Findings showed that in line with the
arrangement, the Prado jeeps, valued at the
market price of about N9m, would be given
away to senators for around N2.7m.
In the same vein, members of the House
will each part with about N1.9m to go home
with the Camry, valued at N6.5m.
An official of the National Assembly
management, who confirmed the “deal” to
The PUNCH in Abuja on Tuesday, said, “The
cars have been used for four years, so this
valuation has taken cognisance of the years
of depreciation.
“The vehicles are not taken away free of
charge and as a matter of fact, it is optional.
A lawmaker who does not want to go with
the vehicle will submit it to the National
Assembly and it will be so documented.
“The deduction will be done from their
severance package at source, which makes
it easier.
“It is a practice that has been on over the
years.”
Investigations also showed that, aside the
operational vehicles, each of the senators,
on resumption in 2011, was given 300 per
cent of their total basic salaries as car loans
and 300 per cent as housing allowance.
About 250 per cent was advanced to them
as furniture allowance.
Each of the senators, according to
investigations, is receiving N1.8m basic
salary monthly while the Senate President’s
basic salary per month, is N2m.
One of our correspondents learnt that the
car loan, which was about N6.5m per
senator and N7m for the senate president,
was used to buy a brand new Toyota
Camry car each.
The amount, according to a senior member
of staff of the National Assembly, was
deducted from the basic salaries of the
senators within two years.
The official, who spoke on condition of
anonymity because he was not authorised
to speak to the press, said the arrangement
was a departure from the past practice
whereby some senators went away with
their operational vehicles as parting gifts.
He said, “The loans were obtained for the
lawmakers through the banks where their
salary accounts are domiciled, hence the
bankers usually deduct certain percentage
agreed upon from their monthly payments
to service the car, housing and furniture
loans.”
Attempts to get an official reaction from the
Deputy Director of Information at the
National Assembly, Mr. Ishaku Dibal, were
unsuccessful as calls put through to his
mobile telephone did not connect.
However, the Deputy House Majority
Leader, Leo Ogor, confirmed that the
operational vehicles would be taken away
“but certainly not for free.”
Ogor explained that the “normal procedure”
was that the vehicles would be evaluated
and an agreed sum deducted from the
severance package of departing legislators.
“I don’t know what the amount will be; but I
know that the cars are not for free. The
management of the National Assembly will
work it out and communicate to members
accordingly”, he stated.
Investigations further revealed that
members of the House were also offered
the choice of taking home the plasma TV
sets in their offices on the condition that
they would pay 50 per cent of the purchase
price.
The PUNCH learnt that a 40-inch TV set for
example, was supplied for a contract sum
of N600,000 in 2011. This means a member
planning to take it home will pay N300,000
to the management of the legislature.
Another House official however disclosed to
The PUNCH that most members of the
House turned down the Tv set offer.
“They agreed to take the vehicles but almost
all of them rejected the offer of the Tv sets
on the grounds that they were too
expensive.”
» Newly Sworn Governor, Wike Begins Probe Of Amaechi «
By Daniel Abia - Port Harcourt
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has
directed Permanent Secretaries in the state
to produce full account details of their
Ministries’ expenditure in the last eighteen
months.
Wike also charged the permanent
secretaries to shun partisan politics as
career civil servants, saying the roles some
of them played in the closing days of the
immediate past administration were
politically motivated.
Addressing permanent secretaries during a
meeting at Government House, Port
Harcourt on Tuesday, Wike regretted that
some of the permanent secretaries helped
the immediate past administration to illegally
withdraw funds from the State Government
coffers even a day to the swearing in of a
new governor. 2015.
“I want full details and print out of every
ministry’s account in the last 18 months. I
will not accept any handover note without
an accompanying account details.
“The government was coming to a close
and some of you were busy signing
cheques on 26, 27 and 28 of May. On 28 of
May, the Transition Committee called most
of you and you refused to cooperate
because they told you I will not be sworn-
in,” Wike disclosed.
The governor noted that he will not witch
hunt any civil servant irrespective of his/her
role in the electioneering period . He,
however, said that no civil servant would
be allowed to sabotage the efforts of his
administration.
He urged the permanent secretaries to work
with his administration to revive the state
and put back smile on the faces of the
people.
“Those of you who want to work with us
to develop Rivers State will get the
necessary support. You are career civil
servants and not politicians. As civil
servants, don’t play the role of politicians “,
he warned.
The Rivers State Governor pointed out that
the back-dated employments and
indiscriminate issuance of certificates of
occupancy by the immediate past
administration would be re-visited.
He specifically directed the Permanent
Secretary in the Ministry of Lands and
Survey to produce the relevant land
documents for examination.
The permanent secretaries were led to the
meeting by the Head of Service, Barrister
Samuel LongJohn.
Others who attended the meeting were the
former Minister of Sports, Dr Tammy
Danagogo, Former Deputy governor, Tele
Ikuru and Secretary of the Transition
Committee, Barrister Frank Owhor.
It will be recalled on his inauguration day
last Friday at the Liberation Stadium, Wike
had promised to carry out a forensic
auditing of the financial activities of the last
government.
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has
directed Permanent Secretaries in the state
to produce full account details of their
Ministries’ expenditure in the last eighteen
months.
Wike also charged the permanent
secretaries to shun partisan politics as
career civil servants, saying the roles some
of them played in the closing days of the
immediate past administration were
politically motivated.
Addressing permanent secretaries during a
meeting at Government House, Port
Harcourt on Tuesday, Wike regretted that
some of the permanent secretaries helped
the immediate past administration to illegally
withdraw funds from the State Government
coffers even a day to the swearing in of a
new governor. 2015.
“I want full details and print out of every
ministry’s account in the last 18 months. I
will not accept any handover note without
an accompanying account details.
“The government was coming to a close
and some of you were busy signing
cheques on 26, 27 and 28 of May. On 28 of
May, the Transition Committee called most
of you and you refused to cooperate
because they told you I will not be sworn-
in,” Wike disclosed.
The governor noted that he will not witch
hunt any civil servant irrespective of his/her
role in the electioneering period . He,
however, said that no civil servant would
be allowed to sabotage the efforts of his
administration.
He urged the permanent secretaries to work
with his administration to revive the state
and put back smile on the faces of the
people.
“Those of you who want to work with us
to develop Rivers State will get the
necessary support. You are career civil
servants and not politicians. As civil
servants, don’t play the role of politicians “,
he warned.
The Rivers State Governor pointed out that
the back-dated employments and
indiscriminate issuance of certificates of
occupancy by the immediate past
administration would be re-visited.
He specifically directed the Permanent
Secretary in the Ministry of Lands and
Survey to produce the relevant land
documents for examination.
The permanent secretaries were led to the
meeting by the Head of Service, Barrister
Samuel LongJohn.
Others who attended the meeting were the
former Minister of Sports, Dr Tammy
Danagogo, Former Deputy governor, Tele
Ikuru and Secretary of the Transition
Committee, Barrister Frank Owhor.
It will be recalled on his inauguration day
last Friday at the Liberation Stadium, Wike
had promised to carry out a forensic
auditing of the financial activities of the last
government.
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