PROTEST LOOMS IN IMO OVER CATTLE RANCHING

PROTEST LOOMS IN IMO OVER CATTLE RANCHING

By Chinonso Alozie

OWERRI—A SOCIO-CULTURAL organisation and town unions in Imo State  yesterday called on the people of the state to brace up for a peaceful protest against the planned establishment of cattle ranches in the state.

The groups’ coordinator  Mr. Emeka Diwe and Secretary,  Sylvester Nwogu, through a statement to Vanguard in Owerri claimed that the people of the state were angry.

The anti-ranching protest is being planned as the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN,   Imo State chapter, raised an alarm over the said bid by the Imo State House of Assembly to pass a bill to legalise cattle ranching in the state.

Recall that Vanguard had reported that some communities in the state had suffered setback as a result of invasion of their farms by herdsmen.

Also, some women in the state were reportedly fined for protesting against herdsmen.

According to the group, “We, the Coalition of Imo Socio-Cultural Organisations and Town Unions have rejected the bill for the establishment of cattle ranches in Imo State as well as a bill for the registration and issuance of Certificate of Occupancy, C of O, to lands in the rural areas currently before the Imo State House of Assembly.

“Cattle rearing is a personal business of   northerners and herdsmen who do not own any land or village in Imo state.”

They lamented that “Imo State House of Assembly abandoned other critical areas begging for their intervention only to dabble into the dangerous invitation of the herdsmen into Imo State through the said bill.

- VanguardNgr

THE LEADERSHIP OF NDSDM, BAYELSA STATE CHAPTER REACTED OVER THE ALLEGED ATTACK ON BAYELSA COMMUNITY BY SARS.

THE LEADERSHIP OF NDSDM, BAYELSA STATE CHAPTER REACTED OVER THE ALLEGED ATTACK  ON BAYELSA COMMUNITY BY SARS.

The leadership of the Bayelsa State Chapter of Niger Delta Self Determination Movement (NDSDM ) has reacted over the alleged attack by the Operatives F-Sars in Bayelsa State  Community in Southern -Ijaw whose left one person wounded and Youth leader, Comr Inagonimi German in a critical condition.

The Chapter Chairman of the Movement, Comr. Oki Tony who also double as the National Secretary Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Action Committee Worldwide, describes the attack as a  sadistic assault on Ijaw people, in a statement on Tuesday called on the authorities of the Nigeria Police force in Bayelsa state to caution their men and also urged them to investigate and probe the attack to foster the already existing peace and unity the region.

He said "NDSDM" has been informed of the mindless and unwarranted attack on Anyama -Ijaw , an  Ijaw town in Southern -Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State on the 30th of July, 2018 by the Operatives of Federal SARS whose left one person  wounded and the Youth leader in a critical condition. We totally condemn inhuman act on our people under the guise of combating crime.

“For the avoidance of doubt we want the world to know that the IYC/NDSDM is totally against the current wave of unwarranted systematic assault on Ijaw people of recent.

We are once more urging the Operatives of  F-SARS  in Bayelsa state to carry out its operations within Ijaw territories with utmost professionalism in order not to incur needless damage in the form of the molestation, harassment and attacks of innocent law abiding citizens of the community and region while we are very ready to partner with all security agencies to fight against insecuity.

Oki, also called on the Special Adviser to the  Governor of Bayelsa State on Security matters to defense the  citizens at any level and as well as
to ensure that he ( SA) gets to the bottom of why Anyama-Ijaw Community was  raid.

In conclusion the Chairman also used this medium to admonish our youths to be law abiding citizens to our dear State.

Peace is priceless, Terror is senseless.

Sign:
Dolly John Graham, NDSDM Media Coordinator.

Photo Credit : Elaye @The Tarakiri Boy

APC GOVT BLIND, CLUELESS- LAMIDO

APC GOVT BLIND, CLUELESS- LAMIDO

Presidential aspirant of the People’s Democratic Party and former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, as said that the government led by the All Progressive Congress is blind and clueless.

Lamido said that the APC Government lacked the capacity to think to be able initiate and commission projects to the benefit of the people.

Lamido spoke while commissioning the Annex 4 of the Bayelsa State Secretariat built by the  Honourable Henry Seriake Administration on the second day of his Consultative visit to the state on Friday.

Lamido stressed that the APC could only Commission a 50 liter borehole in his state because of the cluelessness and crippling lack of capacity to think.

He commended Governor Dickson for the competition of the Secretariat project which he said aided workers productivity in the state.

He said that the civil servants which are the beneficiaries of the edifice were the engine room for the implementation of government policies.

He stressed that the PDP family was proud of the governor for his inspiring leadership style and capacity to think.

He said, “We are here to celebrate greatness. The PDP is a party that produces the only government that has the capacity to think and initiate projects.

“The APC is blind and clueless that is why they have not been able to commission any thing. The other day, we saw them commissioning a 50 liter water project in my place.

“We are proud of you (Governor Dickson), you inspire, you motivate with your style of governance.

“The civil service is the engine room for the implementation of our programmes into action. Only a PDP govt can do this kind of thing.

“I thanked you for giving governance a new meaning, and laying a new foundation for productivity. I commend you for the foresight in project execution.”

Speaking earlier, Governor Dickson said that his administration had changed the developmental landscape of the state.

He said that his government would leave behind a more focused, professionalized and competent civil service.

HON OKI TONY REITERATED THE NEED FOR UNITY AMONGST YOUTHS,POLITCAL LEADERS IN BAYELSA STATE, URGED LAWMAKERS POLITICAL APPOINTEES, OIL COMPANIES TO JOIN HANDS WITH RESTORATION GOVENMENT OF GOV.DICKSON TO ADVOCATE FOR PEACE .

HON OKI TONY REITERATED  THE  NEED FOR UNITY AMONGST YOUTHS,POLITCAL LEADERS IN BAYELSA STATE, URGED LAWMAKERS POLITICAL APPOINTEES, OIL COMPANIES TO JOIN HANDS WITH RESTORATION GOVENMENT OF GOV.DICKSON TO ADVOCATE FOR PEACE .

The Chairman Niger Delta Self Determination Movement Bayelsa State Chapter,Hon Oki Tony who also double as the National Secretary IYC Action Committee Worldwide,  on Monday ,reiterated the need for unity amongst youths and political leaders in Bayelsa state ,for the overall interest of the Ijaw Nation.

Speaking with some patriotic Ijaw youths who paid him a courtesy and a familiarisation visit in his office in Yenagoa after his official inauguration as the NDSDM Chairman, Oki stressed that, said his office will work alway work with the Restoration Government of Gov. Seriake Dickson eradicate any act of criminality, oppression of the Ijaw sons and daugthers of the Ijaw Nation by any group of individuals or Oil industrial /Company and as well as any public office holder without fear or favour.

Speaking further , Oki also caution political leaders to maintain a  cordial relationship with their followers at the grassroot level in order to maintain peace in the state wherein will attract foreign investors to  no foreign investor  to troop in to establish business across the State. He also lamented at the level of the disunity among our leaders  and groups who are supposed to stand as bridge builders, fighting over nothing.

Oki further explained that Ijaw Nation can only develop when the leaders and youths work in the spirit of unity and harmony, In his words, 2015 election in  bayelsa State was more or less a internal war. Niger Delta Self Determination Movement "NDSDM"don't tolerate such unspeakable and ugly experience  in the forth coming elections he noted.

On his own part , the Vice Chairman,  Deacon H.E Tari  Agai urged the lawmakers,both federal and state, federal and state , appointees , LGA Chairmen and oil companies Senators from the three senatorial Districts, Rep members, Federal Government appointees, Bayelsa State Assembly members, State appointees, LGA Chairmen, join hands and collaborate with the  Restoration Government of Gov Dickson to advocate for peace in order to fast track the  development of  our dear state to outshine every other State in Nigeria, he said.

He further stated that the enemies are coming, the same enemies who fought our forefathers, claim our our oil blocks, rivers and lands, they are now using same Ijaw people against Ijaw Nation,  therefore we should be watchful at all times and as well as profer  solution to avert such issues aiming at destabilized the unity of Ijaw Nation.


Hon Oki Tony Chairman,
Niger Delta Self Determination Movement/ National secretary IYC Action Committee Worldwide.

OPEN LETTER TO THE GOVERNOR OF BAYELSA STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, HON. HENRY SERIAKE DICKSON:

OPEN LETTER TO THE GOVERNOR OF BAYELSA STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY,  HON. HENRY SERIAKE DICKSON:


His Excellency,
Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson,
Executive Governor of Bayelsa State,
Governor’s Office,
Creek Heaven.
Yenagoa.

WHO IS FUELING OKOROMA CLAN COUNCIL OF CHIEFS/ACTING CLAN HEAD CRISIS?

Your Excellency Sir, i would like to from the outset commend your tremendous efforts that ensured that the stool of the Obenobhan of Okoroma Clan in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State was elevated to first class chief status, an elevation the people agitated for, over 35 years without result before you took over the office of the Governor in 2012.

I also wish to further commend your zeal to fixing the rot and decay of the education system in Bayelsa State. Sir, I most sincerely want to commend these boldness and courageous steps that you have taken to complete the Bayelsa State International cargo airport that would be commissioned in sometime August 2018. As far as i am concerned, most politicians of this contemporary time would be afraid to take such bold and courageous steps.

Your Excellency, I want to say, that your administration has in no doubt done a lot of good things in our beloved state. Beyond sentiments, my state is now enviable among states in Nigeria. The infrastructural developments are really worth the commendation, and they pass as adorable. I have no option than to say thank you for these.

My open letter to you, Your Excellency, at this point in time is informed by the recent development relating to the first class traditional stool tussle that has engulfed the Okoroma Clan Chiefs Council which is part of the office of the Acting Clan Head of Okoroma clan, Nembe Local Government Area of the state.

I am writing this to you, Your Excellency, as a concerned indigene of Okoroma Clan and not as someone who wants to gain cheap attention from you. I write this as a concerned citizen that is ready to change the cause of his generation, using the pen and advocacy, and be rest assured that my purpose comes with justification.

Your Excellency Sir, I know a few praise singers, the same ones who praise every person in power, will misrepresent my intentions by this letter and may advise you accordingly. However, for the sake of Okoroma people and posterity i wish to most respectfully draw your attention to the following concerns of my people.

That the Okoroma Clan of Chiefs which is part of the Traditional stool of the Okoroma clan in Nembe Local Government Area has been engulfed with crisis fueled by some disgruntled elements who claim to be acting on an instruction from the office of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State to take over superiority and control against your loyalists in the Restoration Government.

This is evident in a law Suit Number: NHC/7/2013 In the High Court of Bayelsa State of Nigeria, In the Nembe Judicial Division Holden at Yenagoa between Chief Davidson Kigimo-Emina , Chief E.D. Opuama-Osomu, Chief M.W. Diete Spiff Akkom-Aziba , Chief Joseph D.E. Iwobo (for themselves and on behalf of the executive of Okoroma Clan Council of Chiefs) as Claimants and One Mr. Ebinimi Solomon Donka (embattled Acting Clan Head of Okoroma Clan) as Defendant.
The Claimants summons claim against the Defendant as follows:

1. That the 1st Claimant , Chief Davidson Kigimo-Emina is the Chief of Emina Group of Houses in Akakumama in Okoroma Clan.
2.That the1st Claimant, Chief Davidson Kigimo-Emina is the Chairman of Okoroma Clan Council of Chiefs and the Acting Clan Head of Okoroma Clan.
3.That the purported removal of 1st Claimant as the Chief of Emina Group of Houses in Akakumama in Okoroma Clan is unconstitutional and therefore null and void.
4.That the Defendant is not King (Paramount Ruler) of Akakumama, for the Paramount Ruler election have not been conducted.
5. A perpetual injunction restraining the Defendant from Parading himself as the King (Paramount Ruler) of Akakumama.
In the above claims against the Defendant, The presiding judge of the court earlier stated, on 26/03/2018 by Justice L.M Boufini gave the following Judgement below:

1.That the 1st Claimant Chief Davidson Kigimo-Emina is the Chief of Emina Group of Houses in Akakumama in Okoroma Clan.
2. That the purported removal of the 1st Claimant Chief Davidson Kigimo-Emina as the Chief of Emina Group of Houses in Akakumama is Unconstitutional and therefore null and void.
3. That the 1st Claimant Chief Davidson Kigimo-Emina is Chairman of Okoroma Clan Council of Chiefs and the Acting Clan Head of Okoroma Clan in Nembe LGA.
4. That the Defendant Mr. Ebinimi Solomon Donka is not King/Paramount Ruler of Akakumama in Nembe LGA.
In this Vain, it is clear that Chief Davidson Kigimo-Emina is the legally recognised Chairman of Okoroma Clan Council of Chiefs and the Acting Clan Head of Okoroma Clan in Nembe LGA but surprisingly one Chief K.A Adumaingo who is not party to the law suit is rather arrogating powers of the Acting Clan Head to himself.
And when he was confronted he claimed to be working for loyalists of the office of the Deputy Governor and his actions clearly display flagrant disobedience of court order I cited earlier.

Your Excellency, may I also draw your attention to the fact that, without remorse and respect for our traditional institution, Chief K.A Adumaingo has been making public statements that he was directed to organize the Chiefs Council to work for his interest of who would succeed you come 2019/2020, as Governor Bayelsa State.
Your Excellency, it is worthy of note that this matter have been brought to your attention verbally by myself, where you directed your Special Adviser on Security Matters and Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development to look into the matter and ensure the law takes it full course but rather he went further to inaugurate a committee to screen and nominate a substantive Clan Head (OBENOBHAN OF OKOROMA), your recently elevated first class stool.
Because of his unbecoming attitude, recently Chief Saviour Ibegi, Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and Community development, called him for a meeting where he urged him to stop parading himself as chairman Okoroma clan council of chiefs/Ag. clan head, but he blatantly refused. This clearly shows that what he is doing is more than Meets the Eye.
Only recently, reports has it that he was funded with N10, 000,000 to carry out the plan of his masters who he claimed are loyalists to the Deputy Governor’s office whose aim is to strategize means of removing the recognized Ag. Paramount Ruler and installing somebody that would organize the Okoroma Chiefs Council to support the interest of the person his master desires to succeed you come 2019/2020.

Furthermore, recently he and his allies has synergized with some top oil and gas contractors,who are currently fighting to bring down the restoration government backed with heavy security to collect royalties and contracts that are due to the people of Okoroma of ongoing Rig and Dredging activities from Agip oil company, in order to amass recourses in preparation to fund the governorship aspiration of their principal.

And from personal investigation, it has been revealed to me that because you have directed that all parties involved should obey the rule of law, these said disgruntled elements are carrying out all their plots I have brought to your notice only when you are out of the state or the country.

Following these events, I called for your urgent intervention into the matter not because we are interested in joining issues with them but that they should realize that the journey to the 2019/2020 governorship election is still far and that Okoroma clan should not be used as a battle ground for political control and superiority.
Please, save us from this predicament. Thanks in anticipation of your prompt and kind response.

Yours faithfully,

NYENYE KURO MATHIAS

President Okoroma Patriotic Movement OPM

BAYELSA ASSEMBLY INSPECTS AIRPORT PROJECT AHEAD OF COMMISSIONING

BAYELSA ASSEMBLY  INSPECTS AIRPORT PROJECT AHEAD OF COMMISSIONING


RATES  GOV DICKSON HIGH ON RESOURCES MANAGEMENT 
…
The multi-billion naira Bayelsa International Airport, with a 3.5 kilometre runway has been described as strategic to boosting the economy of the state and the entire Niger Delta region.

Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Konbowei Benson made the remark on Thursday, when he led other members of the Assembly on an inspection tour of the airport project.

Fielding questions from newsmen, Rt. Hon. Benson commended Governor Seriake Dickson for the prudent management of the N40 billion approved by the House for the project, which he noted, has facilitated the completion of the airport.

The Speaker, who was visibly elated, expressed satisfaction with the quality of the project, noting that, the airport, which is slated for commissioning next month, would open Bayelsa to the world for business and social activities.

His words: “The Governor sought for N40 billion approval from the House of Assembly, in order to build this facility here, and we graciously approved it. We are happy today that, what we approved has come into fruition.“In the past, this same House of Assembly in 2005 or thereabouts approved N70 billion for different projects, but none of them came into fruition. But Governor Seriake Dickson has used N40 billion to achieve this great project.“We are happy that, we can now travel to Europe, America, India and the rest of the world direct from here. We are ready to cooperate with him to do what is needful to move Bayelsa to the next level.”

In his contribution, Leader of the State House of Assembly, Dr. Peter Akpe described the airport project as a dream come true, which every well-meaning Bayelsan and lover of the state will celebrate for a long time to come.

He also lauded the Governor and the supervising Ministry, under the able leadership of the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Barr. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor for the vision and commitment towards the completion of the airport.Also speaking, Deputy Majority Leader of the Assembly, Hon. Mitema Obordor, described the airport as a mega project that, would impact positively on the lives of the people, investors as well as tourists and applauded the supervising Ministry for not compromising standards.

In their separate remarks, the Chief Whip, Hon. Tonye Isenah and Chairman, House Committee on Works, Hon. Monday Obolo-Bubou gave kudos to the Dickson-led administration for justifying the approval.
The duo said, they were highly impressed with the performance of the Governor, stressing that, it is only leaders, who have passion to do the right thing that could dare all obstacles to single-handedly build such a facility in a difficult terrain and challenging economic circumstances.

Also in an interview with Dr. Baraladei Daniel Igali the house committee chairman on sports said, we are really satisfied with the level of works and also the quality of work done by the contractors and the ministry of works. As members of the Bayelsa state of house assembly anytime you appropriate funds and you see judicious use of those funds it’s gladden your heart and I also want to use this medium to thanks His Excellency for his foresight. And I am so happy happy that this project is sited in my local government and I believe of will empower our people when it is completed because there will be jobs for our people.

In his part Hon. Ebi Ben Ololo also thank Governor Dickson for keeping to his campaign promises and he urge Bayelsans to continue to support Governor Dickson. And you know of what I have seen on ground this is one of the best airport in Nigeria, the equipments, the standard here is topnotch. And as a house committee chairman on youths I begged the youths in the area to protect the facilities

SOURCE :TRACK NEWS

SEE PHOTOS :

CONGRATULATION ON YOUR ELEVATION /PROMOTION TO THE RANK OF DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE. DSP, OPOUKEME A.SALMON JP

CONGRATULATION ON YOUR ELEVATION /PROMOTION TO THE RANK OF DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE. DSP, OPOUKEME A.SALMON JP

On behalf of myself, colleagues ,friends and the Ijaw Nation, I would like to extend my congratulations on your impressive elevation/promotion to the rank of Deputy  Superintendent of Police, in the Nigeria Police. I am delighted that you will continue to work for the good  of your country and of all Nigerians as you perform your duties  as Senior Police Officer. I sincerely congratulate you and send my best wishes for  every success and wisdom in discharging the important and responsible duties of your position.

I am confident that the trust placed on  you by the Nigeria Police and as well as the citizens of Nigeria will inspire you to continue important efforts in promoting the unity of your country, leading it on the path of prosperity, further well-being and security for your people.

I firmly believe that ,the Nigeria Police and Bayelsa state will continue to develop dynamic, mutually beneficial relations, and that our joint initiatives in the fields of security, economy and science will be strengthen.

Congratulations  Proudly #Ijaw.

Signed:

Hon Prince Doodei Week.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources
Bayelsa State.

IMO WOMEN FINED FOR PROTESTING INVASION OF FARMS BY HERDSMEN

IMO WOMEN FINED FOR PROTESTING INVASION OF FARMS BY HERDSMEN 

By Chinonso Alozie

OWERRI—WOMEN from Amakohia-ubi community in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State have been fined for participating in the protest against destruction of their farms by herdsmen.

Exclusive investigation by Vanguard yesterday, revealed that the women were forced to pay N1,000 each0 for not suspending the protest.

This is coming at a time the Imo State House of Assembly  is  considering a bill to establish ranching in the state.

The state chapter of Christain Association of Nigeria, CAN, had however rejected the planned passage of the said bill to establish ranching in the state.

When Vanguard visited the President-General of the community, Cyril Ndumanya, he said:   “When  the women went on the protest, they did not get permission from me.

“I will like you to know that Amakohia-ubi community is made up of different kindreds and the man that asked them to pay the fine is of Umujam.  I am not the person that asked the women to pay the   fine.

“But I want to tell you that the ACDU president and I have intervened in the issue and we are resolving the matter. So, there is nothing to worry about.”

It should be recalled that Vanguard had reported that hundreds of women from Amakohia-ubi community had protested at Imo Government House over the continued destruction of their farms by  herdsmen.

Investigation by Vanguard revealed that the fine imposed on the women came as they were planning to stage a second protest against the said destruction of their farms by  herdsmen, but were overpowered and forced to pay N1,000 as a punishment.

A source told Vanguard that “Our traditional ruler Eze Smart Nze has asked the chairman of the kindred to refund that money to the women and I was told he refused.

“We are not happy that after our women   protested against the damages on their farms by herdsmen and were punished. This is an aberration. This is wicked of our people and they must grow beyond this. Is it bad for women to protest against the destruction of their farms?

“For me, they should give them back their money. Nobody will hear this and be happy with the man who instructed that these women should be fined.”

Recall that Ndumanya had told Vanguard that over 200 farms   in his community were destroyed by herdsmen. He also pleaded with the government to ask the herders to vacate the community.

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BAYELSA DEMANDS JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS OF KILLINGS

BAYELSA DEMANDS JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS OF KILLINGS



The Bayelsa State Government on Wednesday called on the Federal Government to ensure justice for victims of killings across the country especially those who lost their lives and properties in armed herdsmen’ attacks.

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said justice would ensure national integration, peace and curb other challenges facing the country.

‎Iworiso-Markson spoke in Yenagoa while delivering a keynote address at the 8th Executive Committee of the Supreme Council for Non-Indigenes (SCN) in the state and the investiture of the organisation’s patrons.

He commended the leadership of SCN for its efforts in contributing to the social discourse to bring about development and peace.

He said: “Justice is key to achieving, assuring and perpetuating peace in the country. When we seek peace and exclude justice from the picture we are just paying lip service to achieving peace.

“To put it graphically, each time justice is missing in the foundation of our search for peace, it will be as if we place the cart before the horse. Certainly, we wont be able to achieve any serious movement towards our objective.

“What is missing in the country today is justice. One precursor that will bring justice and ultimately guarantee peace is restructuring. The time has come to restructure the country in line with advance federation of the world.

“I do not want to propose anything different from what our leaders in the South-South and our governors, especially my boss, Governor Henry Seriake Dickson have proposed.

“Suffice to say that President Muhamadu Buhari must quickly set machinery in motion to ensure that the issue of restructuring is addressed once and for all.

“Incidentally, his party, the APC has also agreed that restructuring will be doing justice to every sector and region of our country. For the avoidance of doubt, the restructuring that the South-South envisaged will include fiscal federalism.

“The issue of peace in the crisis-ridden North Central Nigeria where suspected Fulani Herdsmen have been accused of complicity in mass murder and expansionist tendencies, and myriad of other challenges facing the country could be resolved faster if everybody is served justice. Justice, to me, is one drug that cures all”.

The commissioner said that Bayelsa State enjoyed sustained peace in the last six years because of the commitment of the government to ensure peace and social justice to all, regardless of creeds and tongues.

‎He said Dickson was conscious that lack of accountability, transparency and commitment to social welfare of the citizenry were also variants of injustice.

He thanked the non-indigenes for their roles in boosting local economy ‎and living in peace with indigenes assuring them of a safer and more conducive environment for their businesses.

‎In his lecture titled, Peace-Building and National Integration in a Pluralistic Nigeria: the role of non-indigenes, The Guest Speaker, Raimi Lasisi said the threat to social integration came from persons, who provided incentives for violence, conflict and war in many parts of the country.

He said: “Needless to say that when violent conflicts persist, the drums of disintegration become easily echoed in any society and this is particularly true of pluralistic or multiethnic countries like Nigeria.

“Globally, there are several indicators that threaten peace and integration of nations. These indices all revolve around the balance of power issue which determines the level with which a nation lords over another especially for political, economic and social (ethnic and religious) reasons.

“However, amongst the most pressing of these indicators that threaten peace building and social integration; negative ethnicity as well as religious extremism are the most vicious”.

In their separate remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and Special Adviser to the Governor on non-Indigenes, Alex Dumbo and the President, SCN, Alhaji Ade Bakare thanked the government for giving them a sense of belonging in the state.

They said about nine non-indigenes in the state were serving as political appointees of the government, describing it as a clear indication of their acceptability by the government.

DEFECTION TO PDP

DEFECTION TO PDP: KWANKWASO’S SUPPORTERS BURN BROOMS, MOCK APC(PHOTOS)

Supporters of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso have expressed joy over the defection of their principal.

Kwankwaso, on Tuesday, defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The Supporters gathered in their numbers as they burnt brooms to show solidarity with the senator.

At the Senate floor on Tuesday, the president of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, read a letter from 13 members of the All Progressives’ senators declaring their defection from APC to PDP.

The lawmakers include Rabi’u Kwankwaso (Kano-Central), Dino Melaye (Kogi-West), Adesoji Akanbi (Oyo-South), Monsurat Sunmonu (Oyo-Central), Rafiu Ibrahim (Kwara-South), Suleiman Hunkuyi (Kaduna-North), and Lanre Tejuoso (Ogun-Central), among others.

Saraki, while responding to the plea by the Majority Leader, Senator Ahmad Lawan, for the defectors to rescind their decision, lambasted the APC.

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POLICE RE-ARRAIGN MELAYE FOR OBSTRUCTION, ATTEMPTED SUICIDE.

POLICE RE-ARRAIGN MELAYE FOR OBSTRUCTION, ATTEMPTED SUICIDE.


By

Ade Adesomoju, Abuja

The police on Wednesday re-arraigned the Kogi East Senator, Dino Melaye, before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Apo, Abuja, on charges bordering on his alleged attempted suicide and subsequent escape from a police vehicle in Abuja on April 24, 2018.

He was earlier on May 2, 2018, arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja on the same set of charges.

But the charges before the magistrate’s court were later withdrawn by the prosecution and re-filed before the High Court. The senator pleaded not guilty to all the six counts read to him before Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the FCT High Court on Wednesday.

The prosecution led by Dr Alex Izinyon (SAN), alleged in the charges that Melaye was on April 24, 2018, in Abuja, being conveyed in a white police Hiace bus with number plate marked NPF 3354D, to Lokoja, Kogi State, when he allegedly committed the offences he was charged with.

The prosecution said Melaye was being taken to Lokoja to be arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court for conspiracy and unlawful possession of firearms when he allegedly “intentionally obstructed the police officers” from conveying “by forcing” his way “out of the said bus and escaped.”

Melaye was said to have used his “left elbow” to break “the glass on the second window to the last at the left side of the bus belonging to the Nigerian Police Force.”

The police alleged that when the senator was “to be rearrested” by police officers, he “threatened” to kill himself “and put the police officers in trouble”, a development which the police said “prevented them from re-arresting” him.

The senator was then said to have escaped from the scene “by means of a white Toyota Hilux with registration number Kaduna MKA 603 GY.”

The acts of the defendant described in the six-count were said to have amounted to “obstruction of public servants in the discharge of their public functions”, “threat of injury to public servants”, “resistance to lawful arrest”,  “escape from custody where lawfully detained”, “attempt to commit suicide”, and “mischief by causing wrongful loss or damage to property of the Nigeria Police Force.”

The alleged offences were said to have been contrary to the provisions of sections 148,153,173,231, 326 and 327 of the Penal Code.

After Melaye pleaded not guilty to the charges, his lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), urged Justice Oriji to grant bail to the senator by adopting the same terms and conditions of bail earlier imposed on the defendant by the Wuse magistrate’s court in May. He told the judge that Melaye would not jump bail as he was interested in clearing his name.

Responding, however, the prosecutor, Izinyon, said the judge should rather use his discretion to grant fresh bail to the defendant. The defendant was earlier granted bail by the magistrate’s court in the sum of N90m with two sureties in like sum, among other terms and conditions. But ruling on Wednesday, Justice Oriji granted fresh bail to the senator in the sum of N5m with two sureties in like sum.

The judge also ordered that the sureties, who must be residents of Abuja, must be directors in the civil service. The proposed sureties must also depose to affidavits of means.

Justice Oriji, who is currently sitting as a vacation judge of the FCT High Court, said the case would be re-assigned to another judge of the court at the end of the ongoing judges’ vacation.

SOURCE: PUNCH NEWSPAPERS

SARAKI: WHY I DIDN'T HONOUR POLICE INVITATION.

SARAKI: WHY I DIDN'T HONOUR POLICE INVITATION. 

By Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Senate President Bukola Saraki on Wednesday explained why he did not honour police invitation to report on Tuesday at Guzape police station in Abuja over April 5 Offa bank robbery. He said he had responded formally in writing to all the questions and issues raised in the police invitation letter on Tuesday hence there was no need for him to appear personally at Guzape police station.

The Senate President in a statement by his Media Adviser, Yusuph Olaniyonu, said his response to the Police invitation which was despatched on Tuesday was duly acknowledged. According to him, all the issues and questions raised in the police invitation letter were answered, and sent to the police authorities on Tuesday.

He noted that after answering all the questions raised by the police in his letter, he did not think there was any need for him to go to the police personally.

The Senate President added that his letter to the police was self explanatory hence there was no need for him to go personally to the police for the same issue.

The Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, had on Monday invited Saraki to appear before the Police Special Anti-Robbery Unit in Guzape police station to answer questions over his alleged involvement in the Offa robbery incident.
Saraki had stated in an earlier response on Monday that the invitation by the Police to report to a station in Guzape over the Offa robbery investigation was “a mere afterthought which is designed to achieve political purpose.“

He had stated then that he had it on good authority that the Police had already decided on the suspects to arraign in court in Ilorin, Kwara State on Wednesday based on the advice of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Mohammed U.E., and that the turn around to invite him was a ploy aimed at scoring cheap political points.

SOURCE: THISDAY LIVE

KILLINGS IN NIGERIA, GREATEST THREAT TO NIGERIA'S EXISTENCE, SAYS DICKSON

KILLINGS IN NIGERIA, GREATEST THREAT TO NIGERIA'S EXISTENCE, SAYS DICKSON 

The Governor of Bayelsa State, the Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson has described the current spate of violence and senseless killings by gunmen across the nation and particularly in the Northern part of the country as the biggest ever existential threat to the nation’s cooperate existence, since after the civil war, which ended in 1970. Aside this,  the Governor singled the lopsided federal structure,  dysfunctional Nigeria structure as well as the over centralization and politicization of law and order as threats to contemporary governance in the country. 

A press statement signed by the Governor's Chief Press Secretary,  Francis Ottah Agbo quoted the Governor as having disclosed this on Friday in Abuja while delivering a lecture titled: "Cultural Values, National Security and Challenges of Contemporary Governance: Perspective From Bayelsa State Experience, organised by Institute of Security Studies (ISS).

Dickson condemned the recent killings and warned that the country would cease to have a future if President Buhari fails to urgently mobilize the peoples of Nigeria to build a non partisan consensus to avert the nationwide senseless killings.

He lamented that politicians were using the security structures of the country to torment innocent citizens for their selfish ends and by so doing, causing national insecurity and instability.

Dickson maintained that the wind of insecurity blowing across the nation and particularly the killings of innocent Nigerians in the Northern part of the country were fueled by the Imbalance in the country's security structure and the politicisation of security by members of the ruling party. 

According to him: "It is very clear that Nigeria's lopsided federal system and over centralization of security powers and the politicization of  security by several agencies  are a major clause of instability and poses a threat to National stability.

"I was talking the politics of insecurity and the insecurity of politics occasioned by the abuse of Nigeria's federal system and the ease at which those who control powers at the federal level undermine law and order in parts of our country and make it difficult for our citizens to feel safe and to feel protected under the law.

"When you correct this abuse of federal system, the governor of Benue and Taraba will be in the position to mobilise the security resources of their States... I remember the governor of Zamfara said he didn't want to be addressed as the Chief Security Officer of the state".

The Bayelsa State Governor added that although the military has made appreciable progress in its fight against Book Haram, recent events in the country shows that the war against terrorism was far from over.

He, therefore, called on stakeholders irrespective of their political parties to unite in order to proffer a solution to the lingering insecurity in the country.

 He said when a nation is under attack, the leaders, military, civil, Christians, Muslims, must come together to address it.

The governor said what was going on in Nigeria was more than the historical herdsmen and farmers clashes, saying the country has lost too many innocent souls to the killings.

He said: "Who are the farmers having clashes with herdsmen in Sokoto, Zamfara and other places. We must call a spade a spade for the good of our country.

“We are dealing with a calculated attack on our country. We are dealing with machinery of violence against innocent Nigerians.

“Yes we have historical incidence of herdsmen and farmers clash but what is going on is far more than that.

“All Nigerians and people of good will should show patriotism and let us interrogate this issues properly.”

He said a situation where a security officer diligently doing his work is unceremoniously transfered  because someone who has access to power wanted him transfered is not healthy for our nation.

“Nigerians are right to demand for protection. They expect the security agencies to arise to the occasion and put an end to the killings that are moving from one state to the other.

“If the people are under attack by  gunmen, that is the more reasons why the security forces and the President as the Commander-in-Chief-of -Armed-Forces should lead the security agencies to repel this attack.

“We have lost enough innocent lives. Instead of these killings abating, it continues to be spreading.

“That is why I said what is going on in the middle belt, North East, Niger Delta and other regions of the country is clearly the most potent National Security and essential threat our country has faced since the civil war. ”

He said though the present administration has made remarkable achievements in addressing security challenge in the North East, Boko Haram is far from being defeated.

He said that to address insecurity in Nigeria, there was also need for government to invest more in education,  stressing that the options are clear, it is either you build more schools or you build more prisons and commentaries.”

He added that addressing the situation and developing the country, there was need to recognise and respect ethics and cultural differences in the country

Dickson, however, said that in spite of the contemporary security challenge facing Nigeria, the country has the potential of becoming country of great capability.

“In spite of these challenges, we believe that a new Nigeria of peace and stability, equal citizens and egalitarian Nigeria is still possible.

“From the north to the south, east to the west, God in His mercy and wisdom has given us everything to be great.”

I WON'T RECONCILE WITH POLITICAL TRAITORS, SAY S ELRUFA

 I WON'T RECONCILE WITH POLITICAL TRAITORS, SAY S ELRUFAI

Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna state, has vowed not to reconcile with some politicians he described as “traitors”.

He said this in a statement issued on his behalf by Samuel Aruwan, his spokesman.

The governor said he is aware of the efforts of the new leadership of the party in Kaduna to promote peace but insisted not having anything to do with the “enemies of the people”.

“El-Rufai is aware that the new state executive of the APC led by Air Commodore Emmanuel Jekada is making efforts to reconcile aggrieved party members,” the statement read.

“While supportive of this party effort, the government is clear that there will be no reconciliation with traitors and enemies of the people in the political class.”

Among those the governors have scores to settle with are the three senators from the state.

The governor also distanced himself from the comments of Saidu Adamu, one his aides, who apolgised to journalists in the state over the “frosty relationship” with the government.

The statement said Adamu has no mandate to speak for the governor or the government.

During a recent visit to the Kaduna state secretariat of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Adamu apologised to reporters and assured them of a cordial working relationship with the government.

“Governor El-Rufai is learning, he is bound to make mistakes and through that we make amendment. It is normal to have issues among ourselves especially in a state and when amendment is made, that is the only way the state will grow,” he had said.

“It is very important that we collaborate with you journalists and that is why l have come to interact with you and also appeal to you that l want you to be part of us. What has happened has happened.”

But Aruwan maintained that Adamu’s decision to address journalists was purely personal.

“Samuel Aruwan is the official designated to speak for the governor and the government of Malam Nasir el-Rufai,” he said.

“It is only statements from the official spokesperson that can be attributed to the governor, except in circumstances where designated senior officials have been mandated to represent the governor at events, and the speeches they will read at such places will have been suitably vetted and approved.
“Malam El-Rufai will not brook individuals trying to pass off their personal opinions as his.
“He is well-known for the frank expression of his views, and, as a leader, does not do proxies in taking responsibility for his actions, or those of the government he heads.
“On several platforms, especially his live radio chats, he has taken responsibility for the actions of his government, giving credit to officials when success comes, and taking the flak for low moments.
“As the man on whose table the buck stops, he has never abdicated nor delegated the duty of accountability.
“It is important to reiterate that the government has nothing to apologise to journalists for. The government pursues an open and transparent policy. The government maintains valuable partnerships with several credible media platforms.

“And it has never deformed its state-owned broadcaster into a propaganda outfit. Neither has it obliged that coterie of individuals who try to use journalism for purposes of extortion and blackmail.
“No journalist has faced any consequence for criticising Malam Nasir El-Rufai because criticism and abuse are part of the package for a leader.
“And in matters involving attacks on his reputation, Malam El-Rufai is pursuing civil proceedings in the courts.
“The NUJ may choose to confer awards on persons undergoing trial for fabricating stories, but the Kaduna State Government has no such luxury. There is no apology for curing people of the illusion that press freedom implies license to blackmail or incite religious and ethnic violence.”

 WON'T RECONCILE WITH POLITICAL TRAITORS, SAY S ELRUFAI

Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna state, has vowed not to reconcile with some politicians he described as “traitors”.

He said this in a statement issued on his behalf by Samuel Aruwan, his spokesman.

The governor said he is aware of the efforts of the new leadership of the party in Kaduna to promote peace but insisted not having anything to do with the “enemies of the people”.

“El-Rufai is aware that the new state executive of the APC led by Air Commodore Emmanuel Jekada is making efforts to reconcile aggrieved party members,” the statement read.

“While supportive of this party effort, the government is clear that there will be no reconciliation with traitors and enemies of the people in the political class.”

Among those the governors have scores to settle with are the three senators from the state.

The governor also distanced himself from the comments of Saidu Adamu, one his aides, who apolgised to journalists in the state over the “frosty relationship” with the government.

The statement said Adamu has no mandate to speak for the governor or the government.

During a recent visit to the Kaduna state secretariat of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Adamu apologised to reporters and assured them of a cordial working relationship with the government.

“Governor El-Rufai is learning, he is bound to make mistakes and through that we make amendment. It is normal to have issues among ourselves especially in a state and when amendment is made, that is the only way the state will grow,” he had said.

“It is very important that we collaborate with you journalists and that is why l have come to interact with you and also appeal to you that l want you to be part of us. What has happened has happened.”

But Aruwan maintained that Adamu’s decision to address journalists was purely personal.

“Samuel Aruwan is the official designated to speak for the governor and the government of Malam Nasir el-Rufai,” he said.

“It is only statements from the official spokesperson that can be attributed to the governor, except in circumstances where designated senior officials have been mandated to represent the governor at events, and the speeches they will read at such places will have been suitably vetted and approved.
“Malam El-Rufai will not brook individuals trying to pass off their personal opinions as his.
“He is well-known for the frank expression of his views, and, as a leader, does not do proxies in taking responsibility for his actions, or those of the government he heads.
“On several platforms, especially his live radio chats, he has taken responsibility for the actions of his government, giving credit to officials when success comes, and taking the flak for low moments.
“As the man on whose table the buck stops, he has never abdicated nor delegated the duty of accountability.
“It is important to reiterate that the government has nothing to apologise to journalists for. The government pursues an open and transparent policy. The government maintains valuable partnerships with several credible media platforms.

“And it has never deformed its state-owned broadcaster into a propaganda outfit. Neither has it obliged that coterie of individuals who try to use journalism for purposes of extortion and blackmail.
“No journalist has faced any consequence for criticising Malam Nasir El-Rufai because criticism and abuse are part of the package for a leader.
“And in matters involving attacks on his reputation, Malam El-Rufai is pursuing civil proceedings in the courts.
“The NUJ may choose to confer awards on persons undergoing trial for fabricating stories, but the Kaduna State Government has no such luxury. There is no apology for curing people of the illusion that press freedom implies license to blackmail or incite religious and ethnic violence.”

AREGBESOLA HAILS DICKSON FOR CONDUCTING FREE AND FAIR PDP PRIMARIES FOR OSUN.

AREGBESOLA HAILS DICKSON FOR  CONDUCTING FREE AND FAIR PDP PRIMARIES FOR OSUN

The Governor of Osun State, Alhaji Raul Aregbesola, has commended his Bayelsa State counterpart for conducting a free, fair and credible gubernatorial primary election in Osun State.

Aregbesola, who said that he monitored the primaries on the television, said that the process of the election signified improvement in the democratic culture in the country.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media Relations, Mr. Fidelis Soriwei, quoted the Osun State Governor has having made the comment while playing the host to Governor Dickson and other members of the electoral committee in Osogbo on Sunday.

He described the primaries as a display of robust democratic process which was free and fair.

Aregbesola said that he was anticipating a free and fair Governorship contest in the state on September 22, 2018.

He said, “I respect you, a astute advocate of good governance, as well as the eloquent chief servant. I followed through the live telecast of your primaries.

“We are advancing in the process to build a democracy process. I monitored the primaries on the television. With what I saw, you had a robust process. It was a free, fair and democratic process.

“I hope for a fair Governorship contest and I am proud and happy that we are building a democratic society; we are coming to terms with the ideal of democratic governance.”

The Osun State Governor also said that the APC had also conducted free, fair and credible primaries in readiness for the Governorship election.

He stressed that while it was normal for politicians to bicker on ideology and principle, attention should shift to quality elections.

Aregbesola who thanked the Governor and his team for the visit said that priority should naturally shift to the people, state and country in governance.

Earlier, Governor Dickson told his host that he and his team decided to pay Governor Aregbesola  a courtesy visit after the successful election for the conducive environment that prevailed throughout the period of the election.

He said that the environment of peace, stability and the atmosphere of tolerance in Osun contributed to the successful conduct of the primary election in the state.

IJAW YOUTH CONUCIL (IYC) WORLDWIDE WARNS AGAINST SUBVERSION OF DEMOCRACY

IJAW YOUTH CONUCIL (IYC) WORLDWIDE WARNS AGAINST SUBVERSION OF DEMOCRACY 

Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa

 The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has cautioned against any attempt to subvert democratic governance in Nigeria.

The IYC called on the political leadership and other key players in the nation’s political space to give the requisite attention to the sustenance of democracy and avoid acts that could truncate it in the country.

The IYC noted that it believed that democracy under the Mohammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) is nose-diving and that the president  seems not to care.

The IYC said this in a statement signed by its President Peretubo Oweilami and Secretary- General, MrAlfred Kemepado.

The statement said the siege on the Abuja homes of the leadership of the Senate further confirmed that the nation’s democracy was truly under threat.

It added that for democracy to thrive, the principle of separation of powers enshrined in the constitution, must not be subjected to violation.

The IYC insisted that the emerging political situation in the country was a further justification of the growing call for the restructuring of the country.

According to it, the brazen violation of court orders which had become rampant in the current administration, the lingering security issues among others would be effectively addressed in a restructured Nigeria.

IYC stressed that it was important for politicians to play by the rule and place the interest of Nigeria and its stability above individual and selfish political interest.

READ ALSO: Disquiet in Bayelsa over deployment of 2 CPs

The group urged Nigerians to stand by democracy and resist any attempt by any group of persons or political interests to endanger the ideals of democracy in the country.

The exploitation of State security apparatus to harass and intimidate perceived political opponents is not a healthy development.

It is a display of political desperation which should not have a place in our democracy. The recent developments at the National Assembly and the harassment of perceived political opponents are without doubt threats to democratic governance in the country.

The National Assembly is an autonomous organ and shouldn’t be subjected to such a degrading harassment.

NAVAL OFFICER, OTHERS ARRESTED FOR STEALING TOMPOLO'S PROPERTY IN DELTA STATE

NAVAL OFFICER, OTHERS ARRESTED FOR STEALING TOMPOLO'S PROPERTY IN DELTA STATE

Punch - An operative of the Nigerian Navy, Usman Shaibu, has been arrested by the police in Delta State for allegedly stealing multi-billion naira properties belonging to a former Niger Delta militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo.

Shaibu was arrested alongside two other suspects identified as Okugbe Lucky and Chime Chukwuka while allegedly moving some properties from Tompolo's jetty near the Chevron Clinic in Edjeba community in the Warri South Local Government Area of the state.

The three suspects were arrested on Sunday by a police team led by the Divisional Police Officer in-charge of 'A' Division Warri, Mr Kelvin Zuokumor, following a tip-off from members of the public over alleged illegal movement of items from the yard.

Sources told The PUNCH that the stealing from the yard had been on until Sunday evening when the suspects were caught.

One of the sources disclosed that Tompolo had earlier written to the Presidency over the development but no action had been taken.

Tompolo, in his open letter to President Buhari on July 22, 2016 lamented the sale of his properties by security agencies meant to guard the property pending the end of a legal battle with the Federal Government.

The state Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Mustafa, confirmed the arrest of the naval personnel and two others over the theft of the property to The PUNCH on the telephone.

"He (Shaibu) took a pay loader to the premises to steal the property. He has confessed to the crime. He was the one that organised everything which he also admitted. He is currently in police custody. He was found with the vehicle and everything. It is a complete crime", CP Mustafa added.

2016 AUDIT REPORT: PRESIDENCY ILLEGALLY MOVED N14BN TO ESTABLISH ARMY BARRACKS .

2016 AUDIT REPORT: PRESIDENCY ILLEGALLY MOVED N14BN TO ESTABLISH ARMY BARRACKS 

DPR, FIRS overpaid N837.082bn 324 MDAs fail to submit their accounts for audit

By Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

The audited report of the federal government for the 2016 financial statement from the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation (OAuGF), Mr. Anthony Mkpe Ayine, has revealed that the presidency illegally withdrew N14 billion from the Stabilisation Fund for the establishment of an Army barracks.

The report, which is posted on the OAuGF’s website also indicated that one of the flaws among the agencies of government pointed was poor book keeping practices, especially in the oil mineral sector, in the management of revenue generation and expenditure, and described it as a major challenge in the anti-graft war in public finance expenditure.

The audit report cited one case of discrepancy by the relevant government agencies, which culminated in the over-payment of two revenue generating agencies, including the Department of Petroleum Resources ( DPR) and the Federal Inland Revenue Service ( FIRS).

According to the report, the overpayment stood at N837.082 billion as cost of revenue collection by the two bodies.
It said: “Our examination of the Accountant-General’s Transcript and FAAC figures revealed that the FIRS and DPR were over paid cost of collection in the month of August 2016 in the amounts of N305,922,200.48 and N531,160,436.78 respectively totaling N837,082,637.24.

“ It was observed that what was captured in the Accountant-General’s Transcript as payments for the month of August for FIRS and DPR as cost of collection differs from what FAAC approved in the FAAC file. It is expected that only figures approved by FAAC are to be paid by the Accountant-General of the Federation. The difference resulted in overpayments of N837,082,637.24 by the Accountant-General to the two collecting agencies.”

Also contained in the report was the fact that joint venture (J V) cash calls ( funds injected into JVs by the NNPC on behalf of the Federation could not be accounted for in the books of the OAGF and the FAAC.

“These funds are obtained out of revenues accruing to the Federation that would otherwise have been paid onto the Federation Account for allocation to the three tiers of government. Firstly, it is unclear how and where the asset values of these investments in Joint Ventures on behalf of the Federation are determined and reported.

“Secondly, from the analysis and review of the Revenue and Account documents presented by the Crude Oil Marketing Department (COMD) of the NNPC in respect of Sales of crude oil and gas and payment of JV Cash Call funding, it was observed that only a marginal sum was returned as revenue from Export of Crude Oil and Gas revenue inflows to the Federation Account for January to December, 2016,” the report said.

“From the total receipts by NNPC of $2,399,642,012.90 (N569,143,803,033.21 from export sales of crude oil and gas for the year, a total amount of $2,348,880,056.93(N517,354, 153,159.77) was paid out to fund JV Cash Calls, leaving only $72,875,099.00 (N22,423,859,671.82) which was paid to the Federation Account.
“It should be noted, that the above JV Cash Calls deducted from the proceeds from export oil and gas sales did not include an amount of N355,173,305,887.21 also paid from the receipts from Domestic Crude oil sales as JV cash calls,” the report stated.

It also pointed out is that the “examination of records and documents presented to the Audit Team in respect of the Excess Crude Account (ECA), revealed that a sum of N361,230,422,517.15 summarised below and classified as PPT/Royalty was deducted from total oil and gas revenue collected before the balance was paid to the Federation Account.
“These deductions would appear to contravene the provisions of Section 162 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 which states as amended,” it stressed.

There was also the issue of zero collection of oil revenue for some period.
According to the report, “ It was observed from the CBN Components Statements that no collections were reported into the Federation Revenue Account by some revenue collecting Agencies for certain months of the year. It was not clear from available records why these months recorded no revenue collections and no explanation was provided for this.

“The Accountant-General has been requested to obtain an explanation from the Group Managing Director of NNPC and Director DPR for the non-collection of revenue during these relevant months,” as well as “ensure that any revenue found due for these months is remitted to the Federation Account, and evidence forwarded for audit verification.”

- ThisDayLive

TO THE IJAWS, RESTRUCTURING MEANS RESOURCE CONTROL. I WILL BE AN ADVOCATE OF RESOURCE CONTROL WHEN VOTED INTO OFFICE TO REPRESENT THE GOOD PEOPLE OF SOUTHERN IJAW FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY AT THE GREEN CHAMBERS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY-HON. ALAYE TARI THEOPHILUS ASSURES SUPPORTERS.

TO THE IJAWS, RESTRUCTURING MEANS RESOURCE CONTROL. I WILL BE AN ADVOCATE OF RESOURCE CONTROL WHEN VOTED INTO OFFICE TO REPRESENT THE GOOD PEOPLE OF SOUTHERN IJAW FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY AT THE GREEN CHAMBERS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY-HON. ALAYE TARI THEOPHILUS ASSURES SUPPORTERS.

Yenagoa-The leading House of Representatives Aspirant Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Hon. Alaye Tari Theophilus has assured the people of southern ijaw of quality representation when voted into office. He told them that his voice will be continually heard on issues bothering his constituents on the floor of the house.He made this known when he received different groups of supporters who came to celebrate with him on his birthday.

Hon. Alaye Tari Theophilus decried the poor state of the region despite the fact that the region contributes reasonable percentage of the oil wealth of the nation. In his word, "the foreigners who have not been to southern Ijaw will think that the place is a small London given to the abundant deposit of oil and gas. The development in this region is not up to 5% of what the multinationals are taking away from us. They degrade our lands, pollutes the area with their unprofessional exploration and subject the people economic hardship and reducing their lifespan. These and more are the things I will continually bring to the floor of the house until my people are given fair treatment and due consideration."

According to Hon. Alaye Tari Theophilus, Restructuring to the Ijaw man means resource control therefore any restructuring without considering this critical issue is incomplete. He noted that, feeding bottle system of government where states depends on federal allocation before they could pay the salaries of their workers is not a sign of a development. He stated that so many states have become lazy and unproductive and the once vibrant economy of Africa which is Nigeria has gone under waters.

Hon. Alaye Tari Theophilus said that, if the country must move forward, there must be total restructuring. States should be allowed to control their resources and contribute to the centre. Finally he commended Governor Henry Seriake Dickson for the wonderful lecture he delivered on Restructuring at the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife few weeks ago,  describes him as the leading advocate of a new and a better Nigeria.

Credits: IBMNR

NIGER DELTA SELF DETERMINATION MOVEMENT REITERATED THE NEEDS FOR REFINERY TO BE SITED IN THE OIL PRODUCING NIGER DELTA REGION.

PRESIDENT BUHARI TO BUILD A NEW REFINERY IN A BORDER TOWN OF KASTINA AND NIGER REPUBLIC.

NIGER DELTA SELF DETERMINATION MOVEMENT REITERATED THE NEEDS FOR REFINERY TO BE SITED IN THE OIL PRODUCING NIGER DELTA REGION.

Yesterday 24th July, 2018 President Buhari  inaugurated a committee to steer the above project, shortly signing of MoU by Ibe Kachikwu, minister of Petroleum State on behalf of Nigeria while Foumakaye Gado, Minister of Energy Niger Republic signed on behalf of his country.
The pipeline is to be constructed from Niger to Katsina state where the new refinery would be sited.

Mr Buhari said Nigeria and Niger have excellent relations for several decades, as neighbours sharing a long border with common cultural and historical ties.

Nigeria sees this cooperation on crude oil export from the Republic of Niger and construction of refinery facilities in Katsina State as a “win–win” for both nations.

The leadership of Niger Delta Self Determination Movement, Bayelsa State Chapter ably led by Comr. Oki Tony has once more send a strong message to the federal Government on the way and manner the Niger Delta region which is the highest oil producing region in country has been neglected and marginalized overtime, the said Refinery to be build in the North again should be redirected and sited in Niger Delta region for a show of fair treatment on the rich oil producing States in our country.

Comr. Eric Inilayokimie, Spokesman Niger Delta Self Determination Movement, Bayelsa State Chapter.