Presidency lists President Buhari’s achievements after first year in office

Source- Linda Ikeji

The presidency has released a list detailing all the achievements of President Buhari in the last one year. He marks one year in office tomorrow May 29th. The list as published by the News Agency of Nigeria contains the following:

SECURITY:

• The relocation of the Nigerian Military Command Centre to Maiduguri, since May 2015, contributed to the success in the fight against insurgency in the North Eastern part of the country.
• As at February 2016, the total number of persons rescued by the Nigerian troops during the ongoing operations in the North East came to 11,595
• Since December 2015, the well-motivated and rejuvenated Nigerian Military have regained all Nigerian territories previously under Boko Haram control.
• Prioritized regional cooperation in the fight against Boko Haram insurgency and violent extremism, through the operations of the 8,500 strong Multi-National Joint Task Force in N’Djamena, the capital of Chad, currently headed by a Nigeria military general.
• Nigeria has provided $21million USD to the Task Force since June 2015 and is committed to an additional $79 million USD, bringing the total of Nigeria’s commitment to the Task Force to 100 million USD.
• Cohesive international support in the fight against terrorism and assistance to victims and communities affected by terrorism, following President Buhari’s meeting with G7 leaders and other world powers.
• In May 2016, Nigeria hosted a Regional Security Summit to boost military operations against Boko Haram and forge a global support for the rehabilitation of the IDPs and rebuilding of the North East.
• In June 2015, the United States announced a 5-million-dollar support for the fight against the terrorists in the sub-region.
• In April 2016, during the visit to Ms Samantha Power, the U.S Ambassador to the UN to Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad, the U.S Government further announced an additional $40 million USD for humanitarian assistance in the sub-region
• Recruitment of additional 10,000 persons into the Nigeria Police Force is ongoing. The recruitment will address the manpower gap which currently exists in the Nigeria Police
• Overhaul of the dysfunctional topmost hierarchy of the Nigerian military which resulted in optimal result and degradation of the Boko Haram elements.
• Was able to bring back our hitherto military allies; which saw the United States and UK governments commit their resources to the fight against the insurgents after previously backing out of negotiations with the previous administration. The Israeli government has also indicated interest in the fight against insurgency.
• Introduction of the motor cycle battalion (This is so that the Nigerian Army can travel to remote areas that were not accessible to cars/trucks)
• Realigned our partnership with regional allies by embarking on foreign visits which resulted in bilateral and multilateral agreements to tackle insecurity back home.
• No more roadblocks and curfews, which normally impeded free flow of movement.
• Continuous monitoring of activities in the region of war through the use of satellite images and geographical information system is helping in fighting insurgency and strategizing against the enemy.
• The trips to our neighbouring countries showed the resolve of the President to push Boko Haram elements out of existence by going for the jugular of the group, cutting their arms, food supply routes. Support has thus been mobilized through the Multinational Joint Task Force.
• Another major stride is the Trans National Organized Crime (TNOC) where the president got partnership with regional allies in the fight against the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons.
• As part of the reconfigured military partnership, the United States donated 24 mine-resistant armoured vehicles (MRAP) which had protected the Nigerian troops from the menace of Improvised Explosive Devices. Today we have less causalities.
• Reached out to the G7 countries and achieved the following: intelligence sharing; technical military training; arms deals/donations
• Overhauling of NIMASA. A reversed policy of the past administration where national infrastructural assets were given to militia leaders to protect as against established bodies like the Nigerian Navy was stopped.
• The President Buhari government has drafted the army to partner with other security agencies in ensuring the security of our national infrastructure and this is already yielding the desired results.
• A major ring of pipeline vandals in Lagos state were captured recently in a joint operation by security forces led by the army.
• The government has renewed its fight against oil bunkering
• The Nigerian Navy has recorded tremendous success lately in apprehending vessels used by oil thieves. This operation has improved security on our water ways and it has also helped improve the revenue of government.
• Deployment of sophisticated weapons to ensure vandalism is contained by setting up a pipeline security force in stamping out the menace.
• Effective Management of the Separatist Biafran Movement
• Improving the technical capacity of Nigerian Police Force. We now have a forensic lab and GSM tracking device. We now have a more IT integrated Police force.
• Restructuring of Nigerian Immigration to stop cross border crimes.
• NSCDC has become more proactive in the prevention of pipeline vandalization, with arrest of several pipeline vandals.
• Joint operations involving various security outfits in curbing the menace of the herdsmen in the country has been set up.
• The use of surveys and updated mappings across the country as strategies for preventing threats among ethnic groups in Nigeria.

CORRUPTION

• Right from the moment he won the Presidential Election in 2015, the impression of the President as a ‘‘no nonsense and incorruptible leader’’ sent a signal to looters of public funds, with many of them returning funds that had been stolen under the previous administration.
• To create a frame work for prosecuting the war against corruption and institutionalize probity, President Buhari set up an Advisory Committee on War Against Corruption.
• The anti-corruption battle is gaining ground with several high profile cases already in the courts. The administration is being guided by the rule of law in the prosecution of corruption cases.
• President Buhari enlisted the support of multilateral institutions like the World Bank and IMF, security agencies, Western countries and other friendly nations to locate and repatriate stolen assets.
• At a London summit on anti-corruption, President Buhari announced that Nigeria will begin the full implementation of the principles of the OPEN contracting data standards.
• In the first quarter of 2016, President Buhari embarked on trips to the Middle East to sensitize the governments on the need to repatriate stolen assets and hand over the looters for trial in Nigeria. In January, Nigeria and UAE signed Judicial Agreements on Extradition, Transfer of Sentenced Persons, Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal Matters.
• In March 2016, the Federal Government and the Swiss Government signed a Letter of Intent On the Restitution of Illegally-Acquired Assets forfeited in Switzerland. Under the agreement, Switzerland will repatriate $ 321 million USD illicitly acquired by the Gen. Sani Abacha family.
• In March 2016, the Presidential Committee set up to probe contracts awarded by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) from 2011 to 2015 announced the recovery of over N7 billion from indicted companies and individuals.

ECONOMY

• Implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) has provided greater visibility of government revenues and cash flows. Between June 2015 and April 2016, the Federal Government TSA collection clocked N3trillion.
• To further instill fiscal discipline, President Buhari directed the closure of all multiple accounts in Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government, thereby plugging loopholes for leakages with new technology.
• The opaque accounting structure of the NNPC has been reconstructed to be more transparent with the closure of more than 40 accounts. As a corporate entity, NNPC is now accountable and more transparent in operations, publishing its monthly financial reports.
• The President also resolved the lingering shadowy oil swap deals that had cost the country billions of dollars and left it at the mercy of a few rich Nigerians.
• To alleviate the suffering of Nigerians in September 2015, President Buhari directed the Central Bank of Nigeria to disburse N689.5 billion as bailout to 27 states of the federation to pay salaries.
• To stimulate the economy and reduce poverty, in April, 2016, President Buhari approved deferment in the payment of the bailout as states were still reeling under the burden of the fall in commodity prices.
• Records of more than 34,000 ghost workers draining the nation’s resources were expunged from the Federal Civil Service, saving N2.29 billion monthly.
• In 2015, President Buhari ruled out the appointment of a government delegation for pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. By this decision, the government saved about one million U.S dollars and N30m of local expenses
• Enforcement of the Bank Verification Number: Also the BVN has ensured that the menace of “ghost workers” are being identified and dealt with, while looters with multiple accounts can no longer hide their loot undetected.
• Social Protection: Groundwork for social intervention/palliatives for the poor is being put in place as data is being collated by the economic planning office of the VP in conjunction with the World Bank.
• Reorganization/restructuring of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) into a focused, accountable and transparent institution with autonomous Units (Upstream; Downstream, Gas & Power; Refineries; Ventures and lean Group Headquarters)
• Reduction of operational deficits in NNPC by over 50% as at March 2016 as a result of Increased Transparency and Commercial focus
• Conduct of NNPC outstanding Annual Audits from 2011 to 2014, and the publication of Monthly Financial and Operations Reports to ensure transparency
• Introduction of third party financing in order to eliminate direct funding of cash calls by the Federal Government
• Renegotiation of existing service contracts under Joint Venture and Production sharing contracts (PSC) Operations by about 30% leading to operational efficiency improvements and cost reductions
• Elimination of the Offshore Processing Agreement (OPA) through the introduction of the Direct Sales and Direct Purchase (DSDP) scheme with reputable off-shore refineries thereby yielding annual savings of US$1 billion
• Resuscitation of Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna Refineries presently producing about 7 million litres of products per/day
• Repair of products pipe lines and the resuscitation of supply of products from Atlas Cove-Mosimi- Ibadan- Ilorin after a six year lull
• Repairs of Escravos/ Warri and Bonny/Port Harcourt crude oil pipe lines
• Introduction of a Price Modulation framework for downstream petroleum product pricing to encourage responsiveness to market dynamics
• Guided deregulation of the downstream sector to allow market forces determine product price and eliminate subsidy payments
• Introduction of the initiative on refinery co-location to increase domestic refining capacity and minimize the drain on scarce foreign exchange for product importation
• Commenced policy reforms for gas monetization, flare out and infrastructure development, to fast track power supply and economic diversification.

POWER

• Under President Buhari, the Federal Government agreed to a 50 million Euro (about N11.15 billion) loan agreement with French government for capacity-building and upgrade of power training facilities in Nigeria.
• Nigeria signed a $237 million agreement with World Bank to improve power.
• Chinese solar power manufacturers agreed with the Federal Government to set up solar panel manufacturing business in Nigeria.
• President Buhari has signed an agreement with the Chinese government to improve Nigeria’s power infrastructure

ENVIRONMENT

• Presidential approval for the Implementation of United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) report 2010 for the clean-up of Ogoniland with regards to oil pollution and inclusion of stakeholders in the process of implementation.
• Continuation of the implementation of the Great Green Wall project to fight and contain desertification in Northern Nigeria initiated by past administration.
  
  JUDICIARY
• Since assumption of office, President Buhari has maintained a clear stance on the rule of law and respect for separation of
  powers.
• The President has focused on the strengthening of institutions with key appointment of professionals.
• Appointment of 30 new Federal High Court Justices

NATIONAL IMAGE

• On assumption of office, the President undertook some foreign trips both within and outside Africa to re-establish Nigeria’s position in the global arena and solicit support for Nigeria and Africa.
• President Buhari has continually pushed the agenda for enhancing Nigeria’s global image by always demonstrating Nigeria’s credentials in the 2015 general elections, which saw the country scoring high on peaceful transition.
• President Buhari strongly supported the emergence of a Nigerian, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, as President of the Africa Development Bank. (NAN)

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Fany other party had won the 2015 election, there would have been no economy to talk about'- Lai Mohammed

Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, says if any other political party had won the 2015 general election, there would have been no economy for Nigerians to be talking about now. Lai said this when he paid a courtesy call on the Kano state governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, today May 27.

“For the fact that God loves this country, if any other political party had won the election, there would have been no economy to talk about. They wouldn’t have the courage or discipline to manage the economy” he said

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'I don't eat National cake, I'm one of those who bake it' - Ben Bruce

The Senator said this while reacting to a comment by one of his followers.

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Thousands of 'well wishers' storm Bauchi airport to welcome the Governor who returned from Lebanon (photos)

Lol.. Nothing someone won't see in this country. Thousands of supporters and well wishers stormed the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Airport, Bauchi today to welcome the state Governor Bar. Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar who returned to Nigeria from Lebanon where he spent one week in Beirut for an official visit. More photos after the cut...

 

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Oyo state govt throws weight behind oil sector deregulation, invokes "No work, no pay rule

The Oyo State government has thrown its weight behind the Federal Government’s decision to deregulate fuel pump price, just as it warned public servants bent on participating in the ongoing industrial action to be ready to pay the price of ‘no work, no pay.’ 

The government reminds its workforce that the National Industrial Court had ruled against the strike before the Comrade Ayuba Wabba-led faction of the Nigeria Labour Congress ordered its affiliate unions to embark on the action last week.

In a statement released today by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Olalekan Alli, the government said deregulation of the downstream oil sector was the best option open to the Federal Government in the prevailing circumstance.  Besides, he cautioned dissenters and non-conformists against testing the resolve of law enforcement agencies, who, he said, had the constitutional mandate to crush any attempt to breach the peace of the land.

The SSG urged members of the public to go about their legitimate duties and obligations without fear of intimidation and harassment, warning individual or groups determined to hide under the guise of protest to foment trouble or engage in vandalism to have a rethink. He, however, advocated the provision of palliatives by the FG to cushion the spiralling adverse effects of the new fuel pump price regime on the citizens.

Alli said, “Deregulation appears the most realistic approach to solving the unpalatable experiences of the public in getting fuel at affordable price pending the time the necessary infrastructure for local refining of crude oil will be upgraded and expanded. Similarly, we assert that it is the responsibility of those who are against this government policy thrust, e.g. the organised labour, civil society groups, etc, to canvass public opinion against such policies without resort to threat and the intimidation of those who may chose not to agree with them. Consequently, government warns protesters and dissenters from taking the laws into their hands under any guise that may be construed as constituting public nuisance and a breach of the peace. For the avoidance of doubt, as ruled by the National Industrial Court, the current strike is illegal and consequently the 'no work no pay' policy shall apply in the state’s public service.”

The SSG declared that change was an inevitable phenomenon towards the attainment of progress in the country, just as he advised the government and the NLC to consider each other as partners in service to and progress of the country.

He advised labour leaders to embrace the FG’s clarion call for further dialogue over the matter for genuine mutually beneficial interests to be further pursued.

Alli added, “However as this dialogue goes on, members of the public are enjoined to keep the peace, as anything otherwise will attract sanctions by the law enforcement agencies who are prepared to ensure there is no breach of the peace.”

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Bauchi Civil Servants Protest Non-Payment Of Salaries

Bauchi State Civil Servant have taken to the streets to protest over the non-payment of their salaries and pensions. They started the protest from Games Village and moved to the government house, where they destroyed the banners of Gov. Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, that were located outside. More photos after the cut...
According to reports, the civil serbants are protesting due to time spent by the goverment in conducting verification exercises to fish out Ghost workers. The Government embarked on the verification exercise of its workers four months ago, and since then some salaries have been pending.


http://www.metronaija.com/2016/05/photos-civil-servants-protest-over-non.html

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Why Buhari Postponed Lagos Visit – Presidency

The Presidency has attributed the postponement of President Muhammdu Buhari’s planned two-day state visit to Lagos to what it called “scheduling difficulties.”

The President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, explained this to journalists on Sunday.

Shehu said Buhari needed more time for the Lagos trip as well as a similar one to Edo State which had earlier been stepped down.

He said the President would embark on the trips after Ramadan.

The presidential spokesman said, “The President is faced with scheduling difficulties and that is the reason for the postponement of the Visit.

“He needs more time for Lagos and for Edo which had earlier been stepped down.

“As a result of this, the visit has been scaled down and he is being represented by His Excellency the Vice-President, who is going to Lagos to commission a few projects, leaving the rest for Mr. President.

“The President will undertake these visits after the Ramadan.”

The spokesman of the Vice-President, Laolu Akande, also on Sunday issued a two-paragraph statement on the issue.

The statement read, “President Muhammadu Buhari will be represented in Lagos State tomorrow (Monday) on an official visit by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

“On behalf of the President, Prof. Osinbajo would commission a number of projects in the state as part of the visit.”

http://www.punchng.com/buhari-postponed-lagos-visit-presidency-2/

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NLC members to meet today to review the progress of their strike action

Members of the Ayuba Wabba-led faction of NLC will meet today to review the progress of the strike action started on Wednesday May 18th over the increase of petroleum pump price. According to the General Secretary of NLC, Peter Ozo-Eson, at the meeting, the comrades will review the strike situation and determine the next line of action. He said a communique will be released after the meeting.

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Patience Jonathan pictured with some politicians in Rivers state

Former First lady, Patience Jonathan pictured with some politicians in Rivers state today May 22nd. Another photo after the cut.

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Court orders FG, Okonjo-Iweala to account for ‘missing N30tn’

The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered former Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and the Goodluck Jonathan led administration to  account for N30 trillion said to have been missing or unaccounted for while they were in government. 

Justice Ibrahim Buba had given the order in a Freedom of Information suit number FHC/L/CS/196/2015 filed by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).


SERAP’s filed the suit following revelations by the former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Charles Soludo, that at least N30 trillion “has either been stolen or unaccounted for, or grossly mismanaged over the last few years under the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s watch.” SERAP had approached the court to order the former Minister and the Federal government to provide it with information on the said N30 trillion.

Delivering judgement in the suit last week, Justice Buba said,

“Mrs Okonjo-Iweala and the Federal Government have no legally justifiable reason for refusing to provide SERAP with the information requested for. The Court has gone through the application and agrees that SERAP’s application has merits and the argument is not opposed. SERAP’s application is granted as prayed.”

The judgment by Buba reads in part:

“Preliminary objection by Mrs Okonjo-Iweala and the federal government is misconceived, the court upholds the arguments by SERAP for the reasons stated herein.

“SERAP commenced this proceeding by way of Originating Summons dated 23 February 2015 and filed 25 February 2015. Mrs Okonjo-Iweala and the Federal Government filed a Memorandum of Conditional Appearance, a Notice of Preliminary Objection and written address, all undated but filed on 29 September 2015.

“The preliminary objection is on the following grounds: that SERAP did not obtain the mandatory leave of the Federal High Court to issue and serve the Originating Summons and other processes outside Lagos State; that there is no mandatory endorsement on the Originating Summons that it is to be served on Mrs Okonjo-Iweala and the Federal Government in Abuja and outside jurisdiction of this Court.

“The only issue for determination is whether Mrs Okonjo-Iweala and the federal government should be heard on their preliminary objection considering the totality of the circumstances of this case.

“He who wants equity must do equity. This suit was filed on 25 February 2015 and from the record of the court was served on Mrs Okonjo-Iweala and the Federal Government on 3 July, 2015. It took about 3 months for them to come up with technical response to the simple request for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2011.

“Mrs Okonjo-Iweala and the Federal Government have therefore been caught by Order 29 of the Rules of this Court, which requires that an application shall be made within 21 days after service on the Defendants of the originating summons.

“If Mrs Okonjo-Iweala and the federal government want to raise issues about service, the law does not permit of demurer. The proper route for them should have been to join issues with the originating summons and also file their objections. In the present case by SERAP, the Notice of Preliminary Objection by Mrs Okonjo-Iweala and the federal government is incurably defective for not conforming to order 29 of the Rules of this Court.”

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Thugs allegedly hired by Kano State Govt to organise pro-subsidy removal rally fought over the sharing of 'largesse'

LIB reported on Friday about the 'peaceful rally' held at the Audu Bako Secretariat in Kano State in solidarity with the Federal Government over the removal of petroleum subsidy. Apparently the rally didn't end peacefully.

According to Premium Times , drama ensued at the venue as thugs allegedly hired by the state government to organise the openly disagreed over the sharing of the largesse after the event. 

"The crisis began when the thugs, who were over 100, and were waiting to collect their payments, found that the money was handed over by the sponsors to somebody who was not their leader. PREMIUM TIMES could not ascertain how much the thugs were given by their sponsor to share and how much each of them was to receive. The rally was attended by the Kano State Commissioner of Information, Muhammadu Garba; Head of Service, Auwalu Naiyya; the Executive Secretary of Kano Pilgrims Welfare Board, Abba Yakubu and many other top government officials. When contacted by our correspondent, Mr. Garba declined comment on the matter. In response to an SMS from our correspondent, the commissioner merely said, “no wahala (problem), go ahead.”

The Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress in Kano, Kabiru Minjibir, said the congress was not involved in the organisation of the rally, alleging that those invited were members of the National Youth Council."

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Apc’s Failings Will Boost PDP Victory In 2019 – Onuesoke

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Chief Sunny Onuesoke has predicted that PDP will defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the federal level come 2019.

Onuesoke who gave the prediction while addressing a group of journalists in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, said the signs on ground were enough evidence that the masses have lost confidence in the government of the day.

He disclosed that the failure of APC to meet the yearnings of Nigerians was an opportunity for PDP to return to power in 2019.

According to him, “The masses initially thought APC was coming to upgrade their lives with their ‘change’ mantra but unfortunately, APC did not meet their expectations. No matter the circumstances, PDP will take over power at the federal level and regain lost states as well as win more states in 2019.”

He is optimistic that these will be possible with the relative peace within the party in the course of the congresses, coupled with the irredeemable mistakes on the part of the government of the day.

“Nigerians are taking stock of Buhari’s missteps in governance. They are not only experiencing pains but are disappointed at the turn of events. As a party that was in power before, it is the right time for the PDP to strategise to take over control at the central,” Onuesoke stated.

Calling on all genuine men and women of PDP to make necessary sacrifice and work honestly towards uniting the party, he maintained that PDP was still the right choice of Deltans and Nigerians because of what they had benefited from the party in the past.

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Lagos Government Dismisses 100 LASTMA Officials And Demotes Many

The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Dr Dayo Mobereola, said that no fewer than 100 officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) were dismissed in the last one year.

Mobereola said this while responding to questions from journalists at the ongoing annual ministerial briefing holding in Ikeja to mark one year of Gov. Akinwumi Ambode’s assumption of office.

The commissioner said that the officials were dismissed for various unpardonable offences bordering on unethical conducts.

“Up to 100 LASTMA staff members have been dismissed while many were demoted,” he said.

Mobereola, however, said that the state government had trained and retrained several LASTMA officials for effective service delivery.

He advised LASTMA officials to carry out their duties within the law and shun every tendency to extort money from motorists in the state.

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Diezani’s Slush Cash: Wike Ordered Me To Collect N700m From Bank – PDP Scribe

The detained Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Samuel Johnson Okpoko, has told the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission that he collected N700million poll bribery cash from Fidelity Bank on the instruction of Governor Nyesom Wike.

But while Okpoko will soon be charged to court, the anti-graft agency might put the invitation of the governor on hold because of constitutional immunity.
The immunity, however, does not prevent the EFCC from investigating the allegation against the governor and keeping vital information for his trial after his tenure.
According to a source in EFCC, Okpoko admitted that he collected the cash in two tranches at Trans Amadi branch of Fidelity Bank Plc in Port Harcourt.

The source said: “Operatives of the EFCC, have grilled the Rivers State Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mr. Samuel Johnson Okpoko , for collecting N700million from the controversial $115milloon lodged with Fidelity Bank Plc, by the immediate past Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke.
“Okpoko, who was the Rivers state’s PDP campaign coordinator in the 2015 Presidential Election collected the sum of N700 million in two tranches of N600 million and N100 million respectively at the Trans Amadi branch of Fidelity Bank Plc, Port- Harcourt.
Investigations by the EFCC revealed that Okpoko cashed N600 million on March 27 and N100 million on March 31,2015.

“Explaining how he became involved, Okpoko said he was instructed by the then PDP governorship candidate, Nyesom Wike to go to the branch of Fidelity Bank to cash some money there.

The source quoted Okpoko as saying: “I was with my governor in his house sometime 27th day of March 2015, when he got a call and Chief Barrister Nyesom Wike after the phone call told me that the call was from Fidelity Bank and they have some money for him”.
But Special Assistant to Governor Wike on electronic media, Mr Simeon Nwakaudu, said: “We are not aware of what you talked about in your text message”
He said Okpoko was already in the custody of the EFCC and would be charged to court soon.

Responding to a question, the source said: “Since the governor enjoys immunity by virtue of Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution, we cannot invite Nyesom Wike now for interrogation on the allegation by Okpoko.
“This however does not prevent the EFCC from probing issues connected with the payment of the N700million and asking for refund from the beneficiaries.”
Section 308 of the constitution reads in part: “Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this constitution but subject to sub-section 2 of this section- (a) no civil or criminal proceedings shall be instituted or continued against a person to whom this section applies during his period of office; (b) a person to whom this section applies shall not be arrested or imprisoned during that period either on pursuance of the process of any court or otherwise; and (c ) no process of any court requiring or compelling the appearance of a person to whom this section applies, shall be applied for or issued.”

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NBS: 1.5m Nigerians Became Unemployed In 2016

The Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says another 1.5 million Nigerians became unemployed in the first quarter of 2016.

In its unemployment and underemployment report released on Friday, NBS said the country’s unemployment rate grew from 10.4 percent in the last quarter in 2015 to 12.1 percent.

In the third and fourth quarter of 2015, Nigeria saw about the same number of people become unemployed.

The economically active population or working age population (persons within ages 15- 64) increased from 105.02 million in Q4 2015 to 106.0 million in Q1 2016, the report adds.

“In Q1 2016, the labour force population (i.e. those within the working age population willing, able and actively looking for work) increased to 78.4 million from 76.9million in q4 2015,” NBS said.

“This means an additional 1,528,647 economically active persons within 15-64 entered the labour force i.e. were able and willing and actively looking for work between January 1 and March 31 2016.

“Within the same period, the total number in full time employment (did any form of work for at least 40 hours) decreased by 528,148 persons or 0.97%.

“This consists of people who lost their jobs and were either forced or for various reasons chose to move from full time employment to underemployment.

“Within the same period, the number of unemployed in the labour force, increased by 1,449,18 persons (increase of 518,000 between Q3 and Q4 2015) between Q4 2015 and Q1 2016.”

Youth unemployment also rose to 42.24 percent, as 15.2million youths remain unemployed in the economy.

“Accordingly, out of a total youth labour force of 38.2 million (representing 48.7% of total labour force in Nigeria of 78.48mn), a total of 15.2mn of them were either unemployed or underemployed in Q1 2016 representing a youth unemployment rate of 42.24%.

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Photos: PDP announce the suspension of its convention in Rivers state

The Alimodu Sheriff faction of PDP has announced the suspension of its convention in Port Harcourt, Rivers state. Below is a statement issued from the party...

"This is to inform our supporters nationwide, all the delegates to the National Convention in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State that the National Convention has been suspended. This is due to the numerous court cases and the directives from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to supervise elections into some offices. The 2016 Natonal Convention is suspended to allow time for the cases in court to be resolved. The Party regrets any inconveniences arising from this suspension.

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Photos: PDP sacks Alimodu Sheriff, appoints Makarfi, Obi as caretaker committee Chairman, Secretary

Hours after Alimodu Sheriff declared the Port Harcourt Convention suspended because of several court cases, the party delegates who were at the Port Harcourt convention ground, agreed to go ahead with the convention.

They dissolved the National Working Committee of the party thereby sacking Alimodu Sheriff and immediately approved the nomination of former Governors of Kaduna state and Anambra state, Ahmed Makarfi and Peter Obi as Caretaker committee chairman and secretary respectively. The two officers were sworn in immediately.

Other members of the committee are Senator Ugbesia, Sen Abdul Ningi, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, Aisha Aliyu, Barrister Usman.

In attendance at the convention include PDP state governors, Deputy snate president Ike Ekweremadu, former Senate President, David Mark, Senate Minority leader Godswill Akpabio and others. Continue to see more photos...

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Sahara Reporters refer to President Buhari's nephew, Mammam Daura as his "unofficial" Vice President

As Sahara Reporters shared yesterday...

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"Governors Spend N35Million In A Trip" - Orji-Uzor Kalu

Former governor of Abia state, Orji Uzor Kalu has accused Nigerian governors of squandering their state funds on frivolities and personal luxury. Speaking to the State House Correspondents at the presidential villa in Abuja after a meeting with Vice President Yemi Osibanjo, Orji spoke against the recent demands from state governors to the FG for more funds, adding that the states had enough money to enable them carry out their statutory duties optimally.

Kalu hinted that state governors had a habit of earmarking N35 million for travel allowance and dipping their hands into the state security vote for personal use.

In his words;

“I think most of these governors are doing very well and some of them also are living in the euphoria of the office.You can see most of them who are very active, I don’t need to count them for you. The issue of crying for fund, honestly, in my opinion, these governors have enough fund to work for their people because if you check, the money drawn as security vote is excessive. They should stop that.

Unless they stop drawing on security vote they will not have enough fund to work with and most of them are living in absolute luxury, which is not their money that they worked out for. So it is impossible to continue living in this manner. Most of the governors are even living in Abuja now, they don’t even live in their states, honestly. If you look at the books very well, in each trip they make, they will take travel allowance of N35 million, which is un-heard of.

What are you going to do with that. So, how are we going to progress. Not all the governors. I have gone through Rivers, I see that Rivers is hitting the ground. I have gone through Adamawa and I see Adamawa is hitting the ground. I have gone through few more states, they are hitting the ground, they are working. I don’t speak with sentiments. I don’t speak for anybody. You can see those who are working and those who are not working. Let them sit down and do the job they are elected for.”

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