FG launches offensive against new terror sect, Jambs

The Federal Government has launched an offensive against a little known terror group, Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi Biladis Sudan, which roughly translates as Vanguards for the Aid of Muslims in Black Africa.


Saturday PUNCH’s investigations showed that security agents had intensified their investigation of the brains behind the new group.

It was learnt that security agents were banking on detained members of Boko Haram and JAMBS to unmask the people behind the new sect.

JAMBS is said to be in its embryonic stage, though deadly like any other terror group.

Security sources told our correspondent that intelligence reports indicated that JAMBS is an offshoot of Boko Haram – the result of the fragmentation of the deadly sect.

It was learnt that JAMBS was created by Boko Haram commanders who were disenchanted with the leadership style of the extremist group’s spiritual leader, Mohammed Shekau.

The new sect, which had claimed responsibility for various acts of hostage-taking and the November 26, 2012 attack on the Special Anti-robbery Squad detention centre in Abuja, has been under security watch, findings by Saturday PUNCH have shown.

The group, which is believed to be affiliated to the Al-Qaeda in the Maghreb, said it was behind the recent kidnap of a French engineer, Francis Colump, in Katsina, citing France’s push for military intervention in Mali as justification.

The sect stressed in a statement that it would continue to launch attacks on the French government and its citizens as long as the government maintained its alleged hostile stance against veiled women in France as well as the European country’s support for military intervention in Mali.

It was gathered that the new group is engaged in low level insurgence against security agencies and the civil populace in parts of the country, but security operatives would not want to give it publicity by acknowledging its existence and capability.

“We are not closing our eyes to the activities of the new sect; in fact, they have been under our radar for sometime, but we don’t want to give them legitimacy by acknowledging them. That is why it seems as if security agencies are ignorant of their antics, but that is far from the truth,” a security source stated.

Findings indicated that while security agencies were seriously focused on rooting out Boko Haram, the new sect was not seen as a major problem because it is believed to be “a mere branch of the Boko Haram tree and once the tree is felled, the branches will wither,” a source said.

When contacted, Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, said the police were determined to tackle terror groups and sundry criminals in the country.

“Our mission is to fight crime and fight it effectively; our approach is a holistic one and I think its high time Nigerians appreciated that our strategies are working. Our determination to fight crime headlong is unshakeable and we will continue to record success against crime and criminality in this year,” Mba said.

Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria has described the emergence of JAMBS as “the same finger of a leprous hand.”

According to the association, the change in name from Boko Haram to another group is to elicit attention and pave way for negotiation.

The Public Relations Officer of the 19 Northern States of CAN and Abuja, Mr. Sunny Oibe, said in an interview with Saturday PUNCH on Friday that the Federal Government should not enter into dialogue with them because they are “criminals.”

He said, “Whether you call them a new Islamic group or Boko Haram, it is the same finger of a leprous hand; all of them are the same and their agenda is one. The Islamisation of this country and intimidation of Christians so that there won’t be Christianity in the Northern part of the country is part of their agenda. It is just changing from Boko Haram to another group for them to get attention.

“The emergence of the new group is to get attention and our position is that there should be no dialogue with criminals. You cannot use your left hand to point fingers in your father’s eyes and such intimidation is not acceptable.”



source:punchng

Read More

Enugu commissioner arrested on state Assembly’s order

THE Enugu State Commissioner for Poverty Reduction and Human Development, Mr. Godwin Ogenyi, was yesterday arrested by the police on the orders of the State House of Assembly for allegedly showing disrespect to  the lawmakers.

Ogenyi was invited by the House to appear before it yesterday to give some explanations regarding the government’s efforts to alleviate the plight of those affected by the ban on motorcycles in the state but he failed to show up.

Although Vanguard learnt that he was seen within the premises of the State Assembly about an hour before the sitting, the commissioner could not be seen by the lawmakers until they adjourned sitting to Thursday.

Worried by the attitude of the commissioner, the lawmakers unanimously passed a resolution directing that a warrant of arrest be issued against him and the police was immediately directed to ensure that he was arrested and brought to the House on Thursday.

But soon after the House adjourned, the commissioner, who was apparently alerted about the development, was seen rushing into the Assembly complex but the police wasted no time in apprehending him.

Ogenyi was whisked away by security operatives who took him to the State Police Criminal Investigation Department where he was detained for some minutes before he was granted bail on self recognition.

It was also gathered that some top government officials who were alerted about the development stormed the Police Headquarters to ensure that Ogenyi was not kept behind bars, even as necessary contacts were made to the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Musa Daura, who reportedly intervened later.

When contacted on telephone yesterday, Ogenyi confirmed his arrest but said there was nothing unusual about the development, admitting that he was wrong by not appearing before the lawmakers when he was called upon.

He blamed his absence on nature’s call which forced him to return to his office after he had arrived the house even before the sitting for the scheduled dialogue on the activities of his ministry.



source: vanguardngr

Read More

Yakowa/Azazi : Publish air crash reports, Senate tells Jonathan

FOLLOWING last Saturday’s helicopter crash in Bayelsa State which claimed the lives of former Kaduna State Governor, Patrick Yakowa and erstwhile National Security Adviser, General Andrew Azazi and the setting up of an investigative team to probe the incident, the Senate, yesterday, urged the executive to publish reports of previous investigations into air crashes before any new probe could attract the confidence of Nigerians.

Condemning the resurgence of air mishaps in Nigeria, the Senate said it had become obvious that the Federal Government was no longer capable of coming up with solutions to causes of air crashes.

The Senate also vowed to carry out what it described as a holistic probe into the remote and immediate causes of last Saturday’s air mishap involving a military aircraft.

The Senate decisions followed deliberation on a motion moved by Senator Chris Anyanwu, APGA, Imo East for an investigation into the  crash of the Naval Augusta 109 Helicopter in Bayelsa State last Saturday.

Moving the motion yesterday, Senator Anyanwu who is also Chairperson of the Senate Commitee on Navy, said: “Senate notes that in 2007 and 2011, there had been two crashes of similar Augusta helicopters owned by the Navy; worried at the seeming recurrence of air mishaps not just in civil aviation, but also in the Nigerian Military, despite public outcry; aware that between March and October 2011, there were three reported cases of air mishaps by the Airforce at different locations in the country, and that the causes of these crashes remain unknown.

“Further aware that on March 21, 2011, one F7-NI fighter jet, belonging to the Nigerian Airforce that was on a routine training programme, crashed in Kano, killing the flight instructor. The F7 fighter jet, which was reported to have come from Makurdi for two weeks training exercise was delivered to the Airforce by the manufacturers in China only a few days before the incident.

“Recalls that on September 17, 2006, in Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, an 18-Seater Dornier 228 Airforce transport plane carrying senior army officers and  three crew members crashed, leaving only three survivors. The victims were members of a committee set up by the government to reposition the Nigerian Army and were enroute Obudu Cattle Ranch where the officers were to hold the retreat.”

Presiding Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, overruled a motion for the three committees to carry out a joint independent investigation on the crash.

Senator Abaribe had told his colleagues that the three committees could only assist whatever committee the Executive would set up to investigate the crash, adding that the committees which were saddled with responsibilities of investigating similar air crashes in the past, never came out with any reasonable results as findings.

About 15,000 lives lost in two years

Following deliberation on the motion, the Senate resolved as follows:
“That the Senate condemns the resurgence of air mishaps in Nigerioa and the seeming inability of government to unravel the causes of the incidents.

“That the Senate do mandate the Committees on Navy, Airforce and Aviation to investigate the frequency of these mishaps with a view to finding a permanent solution.

“That Senate observes a one minute silence in honour of the victims of Saturday’s air crash in Tombi, Bayelsa state.

“The federal Government should publish past reports of investigations into Air mishaps.
Summarising the debate, the deputy president of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu who presided said: “I think we have recorded too many deaths in this country in the last two years, from 2010 when terrorism reared its ugly head in Nigeria. And since then, we have had too many deaths in Nigeria, some arising from terrorism, some arising from kidnapping, some from armed robbery, and some from ritual killings, accidents, road mishaps, air disasters, boat mishaps and all kinds of incidents that have visited us over the years.

Yakowa-azazi-1

“The truth is that people are dying on daily basis in our country, which is very regrettable. I believe within the last one to two years, we have lost over 15,000 people, which is about the population of some countries. Yes, Nigeria is a big country with so much population but this population is depleting by the day by all these incidents, so this calls for all of us and leaders in this country to see what we need to do to halt this trend.

“As we have said here, I think our regulatory agencies need to wake up, to ensure that only airworthy planes take off and land in this country, ensure that the pilots are well trained and where maintenance needs to be done is done. And of course, some of the people have died because of security lapses.

“That is one area that I will emphasise that we should also wake up because the protection of lives and property is the primary purpose of governance. We, as leaders, need to buckle up to ensure that we take care of these problems before we lose our dear population.”

He announced the setting up of two committees, headed by Deputy Senate leader, Abdul Ningi, PDP Bauchi Central, and Minority Whip, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, ACN, Lagos West. Ekweremadu added that members would visit the bereaved families.

Azazi: Family begins burial arrangements

ARRANGEMENTS for the interment of former National Security Adviser, NSA, the late Gen. Owoye Azazi, who died in the ill fated helicopter crash at Tombi, Bayelsa State, last Saturday, alongside Kaduna State governor, Patrick Yakowa and four others, have begun, with burial tentatively fixed for this month by the family.

Family sources hinted, yesterday, that the late General was likely to be buried in his home town, Yenagoa in Bayelsa State. His first son, Owoye Azazi Jnr, however, said the date was subject to change, as plans were just at its preliminary state. Family sources also hinted that they would have loved to bury him next week but were constrained because of the position he held before death came calling unannounced.

Meanwhile, sympathizers, among them dignitaries from all walks of life have continued to throng the Ikoyi home of the late Azazi, to commiserate with his widow and children. Callers, yesterday, were  Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, former Minister of Petroleum, Mr. Odein Ajumogobia, former Chiefs of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Paul Dike and General AO Ogomudia.

Meanwhile, the remains of the Warrant officer, Mohammed Kamal, would leave Dodan Barracks today for his home town, Ile Odeshile, Ora town Kwara State for interment.

Governor Amosun while speaking to the bereaved family, described the late Azazi as one who reached the apex of his career in the Military. He said:  “Azazi might not have died in the war front but he died in service to the nation and in a military helicopter. We are here to remind you that we share your pains. In things that belong to the government, there is usually the tendency to wave off things and presume that it is alright. From primary investigations, there is every need to look at our maintenance culture. It is a sad occurrence.”



source: VANGUARDNGR

Read More

Eagles can’t stop Chipolopolo - Renard

NATIONAL team coach Herve Renard says it will be difficult for Nigeria’s Super Eagles and any team to beat Zambia at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations finals in South Africa.

And Renard says Saturday’s match against Tanzania is an opportunity for local players to show they can deliver.

He insisted that the team has enough time to prepare for the continental championship kicking off on January 19.

Renard said in an interview in Lusaka Monday that the team will swing into full preparations on December 26 in South Africa.

“We have a lot of time to prepare but like I have said before what is important is for the team to be ready on the D-day. We have about a month before we play our first game of the tournament against Ethiopia,” he said.

Zambia face Ethiopia on January 21 in a Group C match before taking on Nigeria and Burkina Faso on January 25 and January 29 respectively.

Renard said the results from friendly matches are not important because his aim is to ensure the team is ready for the Africa Cup of Nations finals.

The 2012 Africa Cup winning coach said it is good that almost all the players are in and will train together for a month.

He said the team will not be under pressure in South Africa because they will be ready for the challenge.

Renard said the team’s aim is to go to South Africa and defend the Africa Cup trophy.

“The year 2012 was a fantastic year for Zambian football. The football spirit is very high at the moment in the country. Just look at the Zone Six final between Zambia and South Africa. The stadium was full and some people were outside. This is very good but I think even 2013 will be the same,” he said.

And the coach said young players will have a platform to show their potential when Zambia plays Tanzania on Saturday.

The charismatic coach said he intends to use senior players only for 45 minutes.



source: THE NATION

Read More

we rejects oil Bill - North

The North has rejected the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) – the much vaunted magic pill that is expected to clean up the oil sector.

The bill contains some provisions, which are against the North’s interest, according to the Northern Governors Forum, senators and members of the House of Representatives from the region.

They also protested against the establishment of the Host Community Fund and asked the North to use its majority in the National Assembly to scrutinise the bill and protect the North’s interest.

The planned debate on the bill suffered a setback at the Senate yesterday.

Other key grouses of the North border on the new institutional structure being proposed for the country’s oil and gas industry; the fiscal provisions; divestment of equity and gas supply to the North and alleged arbitrary discretion given to the Minister of Petroleum Resources to determine royalty

The grouses of the North are contained in a document prepared for the Northern Governors Forum, Northern Senators Forum and Northern Caucus in the House of Representatives.

The document, which was obtained by our correspondent, showed that the North is angry that the PIB’s provision for divestment could “lock the people of the region out” of ownership of oil and gas resources.

The North said any plan to divest equity in the new National Oil Company and the National Gas Company may favour the South because most businesses and communities in the North are not active players in the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

The three key bodies also alleged that the establishment of the Host Community Fund is being skewed to give oil producing states, especially those from the Southsouth, more revenue than all the 19 Northern states.

They added that the PIB does not create a framework for any serious or effective exploration for hydrocarbons in the frontier acreages of the country’s six sedimentary basins, four of which are in the Northern sections of the nation.

The document reads in part: “On top of the 13.5 per cent statutory derivation from the Federation Account, the mandatory Federal budgetary allocation to the Ministry of Niger Delta, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) levy of 3 per cent of oil operations and the massive amount of Federal funds being spent on the Niger Delta Amnesty programme, the new PIB is adding 10 per cent of the profit of all oil and gas companies to the Niger Delta States and Communities.

“Currently, without this new addition, four states (Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers) earn more than the 19 Northern states combined. One wonders what kind of federation we would end up with, if this situation is escalated by the new PIB. In any case, what really is the constitutional standing of this particular provision in the Bill?

“These and many other issues in the Petroleum Industry Bill need very close scrutiny by the Northern Governors Forum. Without this exercise, it is very possible for the states in the region to be legally short-changed through the process of legislation despite having the majority membership in the two chambers of the National Assembly.

On plans to divest equity in the proposed new National Oil Company and the National Gas Company, the Northern leaders said there is no provision for safety net to protect the interest of the region.”

They said the PIB ought to protect the North’s right to invest in these two companies because of its low participation in the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

The document said: “The plan to divest equity in the new National Oil Company and the National Gas Company is not in itself an issue, the problem is to implement this provision of the law without any safeguards for equity and national spread.

“The communities and businesses in the Northern States are not very active players on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. In this regard, simply off loading the equity of these national assets on the stock market could lock the people of the region out of ownership of these critical resources.

“The region must, therefore, insist on legislating guarantees for equity and national spread on whatever divestment plans there are for oil and gas assets.

“The new institutional structure being proposed for country’s oil and gas industry does not create a framework for any serious or effective exploration for hydrocarbons in the frontier acreages of the country’s six sedimentary basins, four of which are in the Northern sections of the nation.

“The New Petroleum Technical Bureau to be located in office of the Minister of Petroleum, which takes over the responsibilities of NNPC’s Frontier Exploration Services, cannot really be a substitute for the National Frontier Exploration Services (NFES) that was earlier proposed in the version of the Bill sent to the National Assembly by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

“While the need to attract the required investment into the sector through the fiscal device must be recognised, it should not be at the expense of an appropriate and legitimate Government take of the total petroleum income.

“The scaling down of the Hydrocarbon Tax and the reinstatement of many incentives and allowances, among other things, would certainly impact negatively on the inflow into the Federation Account and further stress the already overburdened treasuries of the State Governments.”

The North also faulted the PIB for leaving the issue of royalty to the discretion of the Minister of Petroleum Resources.

They said such a discretionary power will breed corruption.

The document said: “Of great concern, however, is the issue of royalty or lack of it in the Bill. Leaving the question of the determination of royalties to the regulatory discretion of the Minister of Petroleum is not only dangerous for the nation, but also an open invitation for phenomenal corruption in the future.

“One of key challenges in the management of the Petroleum Industry in Nigeria is the consistent inability to prioritize gas supply to the North. While many of the other sections of the region enjoy the benefits of cheap, clean and effective energy source, the North continues to wallow in extreme energy poverty.

“For instance, out of the sixteen thermal power stations in the country only one (Geregu) is located in the region. The Ajaokuta – Kano gas pipeline has consistently remained in the back burner of all gas utilisation plans in the country.

“The only way to ensure that gas supply to the North is prioritized over more export oriented gas projects by operators in the industry is ensure that the terms of the Domestic Supply Obligations and Pricing Regulations signed by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua administration are incorporated in the new Petroleum Industry legislation.”

They queried why all the states were not consulted for broader input before the bill was drafted.

The document said: “The new Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) that was recently forwarded to the National Assembly by the Presidency is one piece of legislation that would impact on the constituents’ part of the federation in a very profound manner. It is, in fact, truly remarkable that a key legislation that only affects assets of the whole federation, but would also seriously impact on the inflow of revenue into the Federation Account could be drafted and forwarded to the National Assembly without the input of, or due consultations with, the federating states.

“More specifically, there are many provisions and issues in the document that should be of serious concern for the Northern States in particular.”



source: THE NATION

Read More

Rain of tears as Yakowa’s body arrives in Kaduna

WITH the arrival of former Governor Patrick Yakowa’s body in Kaduna yesterday, the grim reality of his death was fully felt.

The city was thrown into mourning as the AirForce aircraft carrying the body — and the late Yakowa’s friend Dauda Tsoho’s — touched down at the Kaduna Airport in a golden casket draped in the green-white-green national colours.

The body was conveyed from the airport through the Nnamdi Azikiwe Western Byepass to the St. Gerard Catholic Hospital, accompanied by the widow and three of their children — all clad in black dresses.

The airport was filled with sympathisers. Many wept profusely as the plane hovered before landing.

The huge crowd defied the security barricades and rushed on to the tarmac as the casket was being brought down from the plane to catch a glimpse of it.

Women fellowship groups and church societies were praying and singing choruses at the airport and when the casket was brought out of the aircraft, they burst into tears.

While handing over Yakowa’s remains to Governor Multhar Ramalan Yero of Kaduna State, the leader of the Bayelsa State government delegation and Deputy Governor John Jonah said the government yesterday held a valedictory executive session in memory of the late governor who he described as a bridge builder. He urged the people to support Yero to enable him carry on with the foundation laid by the late Yakowa.

Yero praised the government and people of Bayelsa State for their prayers. He assured the people that he would continue with the foundation laid by the late Yakowa for the sustenance of peace, unity and progress in the state.

The Arch bishop of Kaduna Diocese of the Catholic Church, Archbishop Mathew Ndagoso, Bishop George Dodo of Zaria Diocese and the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah prayed.

A Valedictory Executive Council meeting will hold today (Wednesday) at the Government House by 10am. The wake-keep will hold at the Government House later in the day by 3pm

The body is expected to leave St. Gerald Catholic Hospital on Thursday for the Fadan Kagoma, for the interment after a funeral mass at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Fadan Kagoma.

The bodies of Yakowa and his friend, Dauda Tsoho, arrived in Kaduna yesterday aboard a Nigeria AirForce cargo plane at about 2.45 pm. They were received by Governor Mukthar Ramalan Yero and the widow, Amina Patrick Yakowa.

The bodies were accompanied by former Governor of Bayelsa State and other top government officials.

Others at the airport to receive the bodies were Senator Danjuma Goje, Senator Bukola Saraki, family members and top government officials.

The bodies were later conveyed in a St. Gerard Hospital ambulance and driven in a motorcade through the Nnamdi Azikiwe Western bypass to Saint Gerald Catholic Hospital where they were deposited in the mortuary.

Senate President David Mark and his wife later joined the others at the hospital from where they proceeded to the Government House to see Yakowa’s family.

Senator Nenadi Esther Usman and the Southern Kaduna People in the United States said yesterday that the death of Yakowa has robbed the state of a bridge-builder and a unifier.



source:thenationonlineng

Read More

Federal Government would not increase the price of petrol in the New Year -Abdulwahed Omar

President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Abdulwahed Omar, on Tuesday assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would not increase the price of petrol in the New Year.

Omar, who gave the assurance in a chat with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos, said that already the masses were facing a lot of hardship, adding that the government would not want to add to their sufferings.

According to him, any further increase in the prices of petroleum products could result in violent protest by the masses, and the government would not want that to happen.

“Generally, Nigerians should expect a good year in 2013. We don’t expect sudden surprises from the government like we had early this year.

“I don’t think government would be disposed to doing that because if you look at it, the hardship Nigerians are enduring now is slightly higher than what they were enduring at the end of last year.

“So, I think it would be unthinkable for government to want to compound the problems of the common man.

“So, let us hope that 2013 is going to come with good hopes and with a lot of prospects for everybody in this country,’’ Omar told NAN.

The union president said Nigerians should not expect anything from the NLC, but should hope for many good things from the government.

He urged the government not to sack any worker, saying that it would not solve Nigeria’s economic problems.



source:thenationonlineng

Read More

Katongo Named BBC’s African Footballer Award

Christopher Katongo has won the 2012 BBC African Footballer of the Year award.
The 30-year-old Zambia captain beat off competition from Demba Ba, Didier Drogba, Younes Belhanda and Yaya Toure to become the first winner from southern Africa in the history of the award.
Katongo told BBC Sport: “This is a fantastic moment for me. I thank the people who voted for me. It is something I will never forget in my career.

“This means a lot for the young people and the young players who look up to me. I could not have achieved this without the support of my team-mates.”

The shortlist for the award was drawn up by football experts from every country in Africa, who based their choices on players’ skill, technical ability, teamwork, consistency and fair play.
And a record number of people nominated their favourite online or by text message with just over 40% of the votes going to

Katongo, who plays his club football in China for Henan Construction.
While all the players on the shortlist have enjoyed a superb year, with four of the players picking up silverware, it is Katongo whose performances and achievements have been considered by African football fans to be the greatest.

“I think the things that they (the fans) like about me is my discipline and that I am the kind of player who can fail one day but pull up his socks and keep going. I think that is why they voted for me,” added Katongo.
“To be among the top players who have won this award, I will go to sleep with a smile on my face.
“I did my best and the people have spoken. That’s the beauty of this award.”

Katongo, who is also a soldier in his home country, was inspirational as he led Zambia to their first Africa Cup of Nations title in February.

He scored three goals en route to the final of the tournament in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon and then struck a successful penalty in an 8-7 shoot-out victory over favourites Ivory Coast to lift the trophy in Libreville.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
2011 – Andre ‘Dede’ Ayew (Marseille & Ghana)
2010 – Asamoah Gyan (Sunderland & Ghana)
2009 – Didier Drogba (Chelsea & Ivory Coast)
2008 – Mohamed Aboutrika (Al Ahly & Egypt)
2007 – Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal & Togo)
2006 – Michael Essien (Chelsea & Ghana)
2005 – Mohamed Barakat (Al Ahly & Egypt)
2004 – Jay Jay Okocha (Bolton & Nigeria)
2003 – Jay Jay Okocha (Bolton & Nigeria)
2002 – El Hadji Diouf (Liverpool & Senegal)
2001 – Sammy Kuffour (Bayern Munich & Ghana)
2000 – Patrick Mboma (Parma & Cameroon)




source:theheraldng

Read More

Oil and Gas Pipeline Explosion Shakes Lagos

An explosion occurred at the site of a vandalised NNPC oil pipeline yesterday in Lagos. Some oil thieves were feared to have been burnt to death while scooping fuel at a vandalised pipeline at Ije-Ododo, near Ijegun in Iba Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria.

According to a witness, the raging fire started around 9 p.m. yesterday when about 30 oil thieves loaded in two canoes arrived the scene and started scooping fuel into hundreds of 50 kilogramme jerry cans.

However, nemesis caught up with them when fire was ignited and consumed the whole environment, including the thieves, their jerry cans and other materials.

A source told P.M.NEWS at the scene of the fire that the oil thieves usually came to the area in canoes and after scooping fuel, they travelled on the stream to the Festac axis.

As at the time of filing this report, the fire was still raging and a thick smoke enveloped the area. No fire fighters were available. But some men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) and NNPC officials were at the scene to assess the situation. The NSCDC leader, who identified himself as Baiye, said his team was facing serious challenges. “You can see that the fire is still raging. We can’t go far to examine the damaged pipeline or know the number of people killed because the pipeline is buried under water,” an NNPC official stated.

Some residents of Ije-Ododo who spoke with our correspondent claimed they suspected oil thieves who vandalised the pipeline in the community conspired with the police in their nefarious activities.

The Divisional Police Officer, DPO, at Isheri-Oshun Division could not be reached as at the time of filing this report.

Some churches located near the scene of the fire have been moving their movables out of fear that it might spread to their churches and consume them.

When P.M.NEWS visited the Area Commander, Area ‘E’ Police Command, ACP Dan Okoro, he was not available in his office.

Speaking with P.M.NEWS, the Information Officer, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, for  Southwest, Ibrahim Farinloye said NEMA was informed of the fire at about 9 p.m. on Monday night. Farinloye said both state and federal fire fighters called at the scene of the fire but could not do much because it requires a technical way to handle. He likened the manner of the fire incident to the vandalisation of the NNPC pipeline at Arepo in Ogun State.

According to Aluko Olanfemi, leader of the Apostolic Church at Festac, the residents got wind of the plan of pipeline vandals activities because such fire occurred in 2002 and the people have always been at the alert. Aluko said residents have contacted the police and State Security Service, and even wrote the Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola to assist nip in the bud the nefarious activities of the bunkerers.

P.M.NEWS correspondent reported this morning from the fire scene that there was sporadic shooting by the vandals while the fire was still raging and security agents had to seek reinforcement.



source:PM News

Read More

Increase in fuel price can result to violent protest, NLC warns

President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Abdulwahed Omar on Tuesday assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would not increase the price of petrol in the New Year.

Omar, who gave the assurance in an interview in Lagos, said that already the masses were facing a lot of hardship, adding that the government would not want to add to their sufferings.

According to him, any further increase in the prices of petroleum products can result in violent protest by the masses, and the government will not want that to happen.

“Generally, Nigerians should expect a good year in 2013. We don’t expect sudden surprises from the government like we had early this year.

“I don’t think government will be disposed to doing that because if you look at it, the hardship Nigerians are enduring now is slightly higher than what they were enduring at the end of last year.

“So, I think it will be unthinkable for government to want to compound the problems of the common man.

“So, let us hope that 2013 is going to come with good hopes and with a lot of prospects for everybody in this country.’’

The union president said Nigerians should not expect anything from the NLC, but should hope on many good things from the government.

Omar urged the government not to sack any worker, saying that it would not solve Nigeria’s economic problems.

He advised the government to tackle the unemployment problem in 2013, saying that it would be a major yardstick for measuring the country’s development. (NAN)

Read More

Intrigues cloud nominations for new Kaduna Deputy Governor

 The possible nomination of the widow of the late governor of Kaduna State, Mrs. Amina Yakowa as the new deputy governor of the state was Monday caught in a web of geopolitical permutations and political horse trading.

The office of deputy governor became vacant following the inauguration of the erstwhile holder of the office, Mukthar Yero as the new governor of the state.  The immediate past governor of the state, Patrick Yakowa died in a helicopter crash last Saturday.

Top on the list of those under consideration are Yakowa’s widow, a former deputy director in the Ministry of Defence. She retired from service only after her husband became deputy governor in 2005.

Her possible nomination Vanguard learnt yesterday was already facing stiff opposition from some political stakeholders from Southern Kaduna, who allege that a woman could not have the strength of will to stand up to the political intrigues that shadow politics in Kaduna State.

Opposition to her nomination, Vanguard learnt, is seriously being opposed by some from Southern Kaduna who believe that she would not be able to stand up to represent the interest of Southern Kaduna in government.

Others being mentioned include the state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Ambassador Nuhu Bajoga, a former member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Jonathan Asake, Mr. Mark Jacob who is presently a director in the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN and the chairman of Jema‘a Local Government Area, Mr. Dan Amos.



source:vanguardngr

Read More

FG bans importation of raw sugar from January 1

Olusegun Aganga

MINISTER of Trade and Investments, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, Monday, said the Federal Government has concluded plans to ban the importation of raw sugar with effect from January 1, 2013.

He also disclosed the government expects to generate $17.4 billion in 2013 from planned introduction of weight measuring in some sectors of economy, in 2013, while also saving the nation $3 billion within the same period.

Aganga who spoke at the Ministry of Trade & Investments’ second annual seminar for Industry Correspondents and Group Business Editors in Abuja said the proposed ban on all sugar in retail packages was part of the federal government’s National Sugar Master Plan. Currently, there are two major investors in sugar industry which are Dangote Sugar Refinery and Bua Sugar Refinery.

The minister noted that objectives of the National Sugar Master Plan include raising local sugar production to attain self sufficiency, stemming the tide of high level importation, creating of huge number of job opportunities, as well as contributing to the production of ethanol and generation of electricity.

He explained that currently 98 percent of brown sugar which are refined into white sugar is imported into the country from Brazil, adding: “All these are going to change next year as only investors who are committed to backward integration in the sugar sector will be given licence to import certain quotas into the country in order to augment local production.

“We want to replicate the success story of backward integration policy in the cement industry in the sugar industry. We won’t allow the importation of brown sugar again from 2013.”

Elaborating on the National Sugar Master Plan (NSMP), the Executive Secretary, National Sugar Development Council, Abuja, Dr. Latif Busari, emphasised that the council would adopt high graduated tariff structure on sugar importation, mandatory backward integration programme for refineries, provision of investors-specific incentives to discourage importation of raw brown sugar and attract investors into the sector.

He listed other strategies to include regulation of the entire regime of sugar importation through quota allocation benchmark on local; production, robust monitoring and evaluation framework to ensure compliance with milestones and time-lines and enlargement of the sugarcane value chain players.

Foreign direct investment
Busari said the ban was expected to attract an estimated $3.1 billion foreign direct investment into the country, deepen banking sector via increased loan syndication, savings of foreign exchange on sugar imports and earnings on sugar exports to be deployed to other critical sector.

He said that with backward integration in sugar, 1.8 million tonnes of sugar and 161.2 million litres of ethanol annually would be locally produced per annum. It is also expected to create 37,378 permanent jobs and 79,803 seasonal jobs, save $65.8 million in foreign exchange on fuel imports annually, and $350 to $500 million in foreign exchange on sugar imports annually.

On metering through weights and measures, Aganga said that the regulation was introduced to checkmate cheating of Nigerians both in public and private sectors, stressing that it would first be implemented in the oil and gas and will extended to  other sectors later.

He said: “The regulation if well implemented will save the economy more than $3 billion and $17 billion in revenue by 2013. Before now, we have been relying on UNCTAD data for information on new investments that come into the country, but from January 2013, we will no longer rely on UNCTAD data.”



source:vanguardngr

Read More

Helicopter Crash - ANPP Urges Thorough Probe

The All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP)  has asked the authorities of the Nigerian Navy to carry out a quick and conclusive investigation into last Saturday’s helicopter tragedy that claimed six lives in Bayelsa State including the Governor of Kaduna State, Mr. Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa.

ANPP’s charge came just as the book launch meant to galvanise the views of opposition political parties on a common manifesto  for the 2015 general election got postponed as a mark of honour to the victims of the plane crash.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Emma Eneukwu, the party said investigating the cause of the crash will help to restore confidence in the masses and also blaze the trail for aviation operations’ best practices in the country.

The party said it received the news of the crash of the naval helicopter which killed Yakowa and the former National Security Adviser, General Andrew Azazi (rtd) and four others, with deep shock and concern.

“At this distressing hour for the bereaved families, there could be nothing more comforting to them than a thorough investigation into the cause or causes of the accident, and the unraveling of the mystery behind the Navy Agusta helicopter crash and other plane crashes in the country. As human beings it will go a long way in giving them vent for their pain and a sense of equanimity that such disaster would not happen again,” it said.

The ANPP described the death of the governor and the former NSA as a great loss to the whole nation, and a sad statement on the nation’s air transport.

“We join the good people of Kaduna State, Bayelsa State, andthe family and friends of the deceased to mourn at this hour of sorrow. This is indeed a sad moment for Nigeria,” he added.

Last Saturday’s unfortunate incident has also taken its toll on several important events billed for the week as members of the opposition parties have cancelled two key events that would have brought them together to chat a common cause.

Following the death of the Kaduna State Governor in the helicopter crash, the leader of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), said he had postponed his birthday anniversary earlier scheduled for yesterday.

In the same vein, organisers of a book launch on  the prospects for  a common manifesto of the Nigerian opposition political parties announced a cancellation of the event in honour of the victims of the crash.

The author of the book whose launch was to have provided an platform for the convergence of the opposition party leaders in Abuja, Mr. Salihu Muhammed Lukman, told THISDAY yesterday that the event has been shift to January 15, 2013 in keeping with the mood of the nation.

“We have to respect the memory of the victims of the last Saturday’s helicopter crash.  On account of the death of Governor Yakowa, we just cannot go on with the event. We have postponed it till January 15, next year,” he said.


source:thisday

Read More

We Won’t Bend Contracting Procedures for IOCs - NNPC

NNPC GMD, Andrew Yakubu

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) yesterday said it would not compromise on its established processes of awarding contracts for major pending projects in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector to the benefit of International Oil Companies (IOCs).

Apparently raising eyebrows over media reports credited to some IOCs which had accused it of deliberately stalling the execution of some multibillion dollar projects in the petroleum sector, the acting General Manager Public Affairs of NNPC, Mr. Fidel Pepple, said in a statement in Abuja that the corporation will only adhere to established procedures in its contracting cycle than been made to compromise.

Pepple stated that the corporation will not be intimidated to abandon its firmly established process of contract award because of what it termed calculated media blackmail ostensibly by the IOCs and other interested parties.

He said in the statement that while the industry concern is normally expected in the processes leading to the award of major oil and gas projects, the NNPC has an established procedure of contract and project approval which includes conduct of economic analysis to establish project viability as well as the Federal Government’s interests from investments in the upstream.

Pepple explained that: “This procedure must be followed and IOCs cannot stampede the corporation into taking decisions that may be inimical to the nation because of their pecuniary interests.”

Commenting on the claim that the NNPC has not held its periodic Group Executive Committee (GEC) meetings to discuss some major projects like the Total Egina deep offshore project and endorse same to its board for approval, Pepple said: “This claim is untrue as GEC meetings are being held weekly or fortnightly. However, Erha North Phase 2 and Egina project contracts have not been discussed yet at these meetings because NNPC management is critically reviewing the overall economics of the project in view of their high cost estimates in order to establish their validity, maximise Federal Government’s take andensure comparative price competitiveness vis-a-vis benchmarks.”

The corporation also defended its Group Executive Director, Exploration and Production (GED, E&P), Abiye Membere, who was alleged to be behind a phantom contract splitting attempt of the Egina project as he allegedly did with the previous Bonga South-west project, saying that such allegation was totally misplaced and untrue.

Pepple informed that the alleged contract splitting of Bonga South-west was never in the cards as there was never a time that Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO) proposed three Floating Production Storage Production Offloading facility (FPSO) for Bonga field development.

“Membere also did not scuttle Bonga Southwest/Aparo Project six years ago. He was the GM, PSC Division of NAPIMS in 2006 and helped to move forward the strategy for a leased FPSO project for Bonga Southwest /Aparo project. He was deployed from this position to another position in NNPC’s Engineering and Technical Directorate in 2007 during a routine management re-organisation exercise,” he added.

NNPC noted that Bonga South/Aparo was recycled for concept re-evaluation in 2009 when dearth of bidders were recorded on the major packages at the technical stage and witha potential of only one bidder emerging to the commercial stage of the FPSO tender.

Pepple said: “This decision to recycle Bonga was taken by NAPIMS top management and not Engr. Membere”

Pepple also described as untrue the report that the NNPC had blamed lack of funding as the reason behind lull in the execution of the project.

He explained that: “This claim is untrue as there is no funding challenge in PSC because operators fund the investment 100 per cent.”

He said that despite the spate of attacks, the NNPC remains focused on its core mandate of ensuring that the Federal Government and the Nigerian people derive maximum benefit from the proceeds of the nation’s hydrocarbon resources.


source:thisday

Read More

Nigeria, Cameroun to Speed up Boundary Demarcation

Nigeria and Cameroun have agreed to expedite the process for the demarcation of land-based areas, which are yet to be identified in the Bakassi Peninsula.

This was after a United Nations-backed meeting between officials of both countries in Abuja ended last weekend. The meeting was the 30th in a series of meetings on the implementation of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) judgement on the demarcation of the peninsula between the two countries.

According to a statement by the UN headquarters in New York, the joint technical team of surveyors and other experts would be in the peninsula by February 2013 to speed up the process and to commence the pillar emplacement project.

The Head of the UN Office for West Africa (UNOWA), Ambassador Said Djinnit, at the meeting, said addressing the needs of the affected citizens of both countries should be given priority.

This, he said, would not only give a human face to the technical and political processes of the demarcation but would help to foster lasting peace among the communities in the region.

He called for intensified projects in infrastructure, food security, energy and environment, as well as education and capacity building for employment for the affected population.

“The meeting in Abuja also stressed the importance of the fourth component of the mandate, which is addressing the needs of the population affected by the demarcation through confidence-building initiatives and cross border socio-economic projects,” the statement said.

Djinnit, who is also the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General, congratulated Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan and his Camerounian counterpart, President Paul Biya, for their unwavering commitment to the peaceful implementation of the ICJ judgement.

To date, more than 1,845 kilometres out of a total boundary distance believed to exceed 2,000 kilometres, have been located on the ground by the joint technical team.

The demarcation of the land boundary is the third component of the mandate of the commission, UNOWA noted. The two countries agreed on the delimitation of the maritime border in 2007, and the withdrawal and transfer of authority in the Lake Chad area, along the land border and in Bakassi Peninsula, was finalised in 2008.



source:thisday

Read More

Kaduna Searches For Deputy Governor

 Southern Kaduna people in Kaduna State, northwest Nigeria  have commenced the search  for a new deputy governor of the state following the sudden death of their kinsman, Governor Patrick Yakowa in a helicopter crash on Saturday in Bayelsa State.

Former Deputy Governor, Alhaji Mukhtar Ramalan Yero was yesterday sworn-in as Governor of Kaduna State, after the death of Yakowa.

P.M.NEWS learnt today that series of meetings had been held to resolve the confusion over who becomes the deputy governor of the state. Though indigenes of Southern Kaduna are yet to come out of the shock that greeted the sudden demise of Yakowa, the first indigene of the area to become governor since Kaduna State was created in 1967, a frantic search has begun for a new deputy governor. Yakowa was also the first Christian to become governor from the Christian-dominated Southern Kaduna.

Among the notable politicians being considered for the position of deputy governor of the state are the former Minister of Aviation, Hassan Hyat; Senator Isaiah Balat, former Minister of Power; Nuhu Wyah; Principal Private Secretary to the late Yakowa, Yohanna Allah Mateni; the current Chief of Staff, Aboki Galadima; Special Adviser to the late Yakowa on Religious Matters (Christian), Rev. John Joseph Hayab and former House of Representatives member, Jonathan Asake.

P.M.NEWS gathered that whoever emerges as the deputy governor will be determined by three political camps in the state. They are the camps of Vice President Namadi Sambo, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi as well as the late Governor Yakowa.

Since the Vice President is the holder of the highest political office in the state now and also the political godfather of the new governor, the belief is that he will wield a lot of influence in the choice of a new deputy for his 44-year old political godson, Yero.

The new governor was Sambo’s former Director of Finance in his Nalado business empire and Commissioner of Finance when he was the Kaduna State governor between 2007 and 2010.

Senator Makarfi as the most influential politician in the state and the governor when Yakowa served as deputy governor under him could also use his influence and relationship with the southern Kaduna indigenes to pick one of his loyalists as deputy governor.

P.M.NEWS investigation revealed that associates of the late Yakowa appeared to have joined forces with the Makarfi camp as some of the contenders were seen hovering around him yesterday during the swearing-in ceremony of the new governor.

If Makarfi’s influence is anything to be reckoned with, the likes of former Aviation Minister, Hassan Hyat and Yohanna Allah Mateni, the current Chief Press Secretary and former commissioner under Makarfi, could emerge.

Investigations also revealed that associates of Vice President Sambo are apprehensive of any of Makarfi’s former aides being picked because of political calculations over the 2015 governorship election. They are said to prefer a neutral and loyal person emerging as deputy governor.

If this is the case, former Minister of Power, Nuhu Wya, a friend and former classmate of the Vice President, Senator Isaiah Balat and former House of Representatives member, Jonathan Asake, both members of the Jonathan/Sambo Campaign Organisation could be chosen.


source:pmnewsnigeria

Read More

Bayelsa Gov’t Declares 3-day Mourning Period

GOVERNMENT SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

 

The Bayelsa State Government has declared a three-day mourning period in honour and memory of the victims of the air crash, which occurred on Saturday, 15^th of December, 2012 at Okoroba in Bayelsa State involving two great Nigerians, His Excellency Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, Governor of Kaduna State and General Owoye Andrew Azazi (Rtd), former NSA and Chairman of Bayelsa State Post Flood Management Committee, as well as their aides and two naval pilots.

Following this declaration, all formal government engagements in the State have been cancelled, and all flags are to be flown at half mast in all public places in the State.

Meanwhile, condolence registers have been opened in Government House and the State Secretariat complex in Yenagoa.

 

Deacon Markson Fefegha

Hon. Commissioner for Information and Orientation.

Read More

Details on Sullivan Chime’s Health, and The Brazil Connection

Lately, the noise decibel over the whereabouts of the governor of Enugu State, Sullivan Chime has reached levels of concern to the citizens of Nigerian particularly the residents of Enugu State and the south east geo-cultural zone. Some of the national newspapers daily along with some online newspaper publications reported on Saturday December 15, 2012 that the Governor had died at a hospital in India following a 3-month hospital stay. Some of the more prominent news dailies reported that the governor may have died of liver related illness – owing to the governor’s lifestyle of excessive indulgence in late nights activities, alcohol consumption and blind woman-ization.

However information available to 247ureports.com obtained through competent sources close to the activities at the Enugu State government house indicate that the Governor of Enugu State remains alive – that he is not dead. The source added that the secrecy surrounding the whereabouts of the Enugu State governor concerns issues away from the health of the governor. “The governor is not well but he is not dying” said the source who also added at the governor is seriously down – and maybe suffering from a complication of illnesses that may have damaged his liver and neurological system – to some irreversible extent.

The source who is also a native of Udi Local Government Area [LGA] as the State governor revealed that the Governor had been a sickly person seen his early youth – and that the former governor of Enugu State, Chimaroke Nnamani was aware of the fragile health status of Sullivan Chime – when he tapped on him to take over from him as the governor of Enugu State. The source pointed to the collapse of Sullivan Chime at the swearing-in ceremony of May 2007 – when he was sworn-in as governor in his first term - as symptomatic of the fragile state of health of the governor – at the state of the governorship tenure. The source attributed the collapse to an exacerbated health condition – worsened by excessive in-take of alcohol [Guilder Lager Beer] the night before.

Through the cause of the governor tenure at the office – numerous other collapses occurred – some publicly , others privately. The governor’s private doctor, according to the source, warned the governor of his fragile health status – telling him that he should stop the in-take of alcohol – or face the possibility of a major organ failure. The governor was said to receive the warning and/or advise in good spirit but failed to comply. The governor, as the source revealed, continued to drink heavily and stay out late into the night till 5am [at times] – while engaging in multiple sex activities with assorted groups of young girls selected from the tertiary institutions littered across Enugu metropolis.  The source indicates that the governor was engaged in these activities on a nightly basis.

The late September 2012 disappearance of the Enugu Governor did not come as a surprise to close associates within the government house circle. Already, the governor was exhibiting symptoms indicatives of leukemia in adults – symptoms such as such as  anemia, bleeding, and infections, growth of lymph nodes or other organs, general swelling or pain. Through these development, the governor’s personal physician initially believed the governor may have suffered from chronic lymphocytic leukemia [CLL] or acute myelogenous leukemia [AML]. The governor was then flown out to United Kingdom for proper diagnosis and applicable treatment.

The source indicates that following his [Chime] trip to United Kingdom, he returned sometime in late October 2012 or early November 2012 – with his health worsened judging merely by his physical appearance. “He was not able to hold a conversation or stand by himself without support“. But he was staying at his home in Enugu where he was receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment – and seemed to be reacted well to the treatment – until the last week of November 2012 when he was flown out of the country to an unknown destination. The source suspects the governor may have been flown to Brazil or India – but without certainty.  But Governor Chime had been flown to India on numerous occasions – in the past – for medical treatments. It is unsure whether the governor returned to Nigeria from the trip.

But a relative to Sullivan Chime who operates a local joint near his home shared a different take when they spoke to our correspondent. He was more adamant in his view. “Sullivan Chime is sick but he is not abroad“ said the elderly man who continued to elaborate that Chime’s illness is life threatening - and that Sullivan Chime had been receiving treatment at his home [or a home] in Enugu metropolis – from both traditional herbs men and from western medicine men.  ”We are praying for him not to die because he promised to refurbish the Anambra Vegetable Oil Production [AVOP] plant – and give us a tertiary institution in Udi LGA. It is truth that he is very illness but he is not dead or hale and hearty“.

The elderly man however told 247ureports.com that the Governor is faced with another problem – that may be the cause of his constant medical relapse. He said that the last son of the governor’s first wife, Nnamdi was recently arrested in Brazil for money laundering – along with some of his associates who were arrested alongside for drugs smuggling. Nnamdi, according to the elderly man, was arrested for carrying over $250,000 in his person while entering the airport. Nnamdi’s arrest is said to have weighed heavily on the governor’s health – who is said to pride himself as a zero-corruption administrator. ”The news of his son’s arrest maybe the last kicker“.   

Meanwhile, the aides to the State governor continue to deny the State is ill. The press office have maintained that the governor is ‘hale and hearty’ - even without the ability to provide the whereabouts of the governor – or provide answers as to the prolonged absence of the governor from his office. The chief press secretary [CPS], Chuks Achife in talking to 247ureports.com over the whereabouts of the governor stated that “we have only one story to tell and we are sticking to it. The governor is hale and hearty“.  When asked of his whereabouts, the CPS dropped his phone/line.

When asked about the Chime’s son’s arrest in Brazil, the Enugu Commissioner of Information and the Chief Press Secretary [CPS] declined to answer. They also declined to respond to text messages sent to their phones.

In a striking show of strength or deception, the wife of the State governor, Clara Chime – has remain in Enugu State – and has been making public appearances at public functions – where she has been representing herself as the governor’s wife – 1st lady. Her steady appearance at most public/government functions in Enugu suggests that the husband may not be gravely ill in a foreign country.



source:247ureports

Read More

General Azazi’s final hour

IT was just a few minutes to 13.00hours and the service of songs was in session when our chartered Caverton helicopter landed in ancient breezy coastal community of Okoroba, hometown of Mr. Oronto Douglas, a senior aide to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

I had flown with my Uncle, Engr. Mayne David-West, Principal Consultant of Pearl Consultants, and George Kerley, Coordinator of The Jonathan Project and an unrepentant crusader of the president.

We proceeded directly to the venue of the Service of Songs. It was a ten minutes walk from the school field where the helicopter had landed, and it offered an opportunity to see the sprawling ancient community and the new developments taking place. The people were very happy.

They were seeing new faces – ministers; governors; commissioners; corporate executives and citizens they only read about and saw in the news walk on the new rigid pavements of their community.

I think above all, they wowed at the Nollywood stars who dazzled the natives to disbelief. Ramsey Noah, Rita Dominic, Segun Arinze et al, then the big masquerade – Kanu Nwankwo was right there. I said to myself, the children of Okoroba Town would be inspired by the time the body of Pa Douglas is finally laid to rest.

In this flourish and fanfare, he sat quiet, listening to the incisive message delivered by the Reverend Ayo Oritsejafor.

He seemed consumed by the pastor’s deep rhetoric about how ephemeral life was, and how wealth and money were necessary vanity but how a life well spent is eternal in value. Still, I interrupted his intense engrossment.

He was excited to see me. We exchanged pleasantries and he asked that I stay around for a chat after the pastor’s message.

I did. The General was a towering man. Dressed in a grey striped French suite and black shoes, I watched him walk in his usual calculated steps as he left the tent to the other tent where the reception for visitors was to be held.

He looked fresh, like he had rested well after his surprising removal as National Security Adviser. His warmth was charming and his humility ever evident. He was led to a roundtable on the first row and he took his seat by his friend Engr. Mayne David-West whom he hadn’t seen in months.

They chatted warmly while they poured themselves a little champagne. He was served soup and he ate light. In about forty-five minutes he was done. Just about then, he receives a signal that the ill-fated helicopter was on its way.

He walked around to the other tables, shook hands and made his way out. He was headed for the helicopter, but he was obviously not in a hurry. He strolled with Governor Patrick Yakowa, a governor whose humility endeared me to him.

Governor Yakowa spoke softly, greeted warmly and smiled like he knew it was a final moment to be enjoyed. We walked ahead of the Governor and the General, and in a few minutes we were all at the Okoroba Primary School field.

There were a few chartered helicopters arriving and taking off. The choppy drone of rotor blades slicing through the air ruffled us a bit. The primary school was sufficiently solicitous of intervention.

The classroom had neither doors nor windows, in fact it looked abandoned. While we stood inside I asked why a primary school in Mr. Douglas’s home would be this wrecked. I called a young man, and in intense curiosity I began to question him.

My findings were that a new primary school was being developed and new community library built and well equipped. I was satisfied, I would have been disappointed.

• Plenty caution

General Azazi watched these happen. Now it was time to take him on. I had not seen him since his removal as NSA. He was a deep man, and I was eager to hear him say something. I knew him to be blunt in a very smart way.

He would not say a thing if he had not thought it through intensely. I probed into his period as NSA and asked what his take was on the Jonathan presidency. He had lost no love for the President.

He said …”Ross, the president is very intelligent and smarter than most people know”. He talked about the Boko Haram issue with plenty caution, but was optimistic that the president would check them.

Now, we were joined by the IYC president, Mr. Miabiye Kuromiema, and I surprised the General when I fired: “Sir, it is about time the president threw Mrs. Diezani Allison-Madueke under the bus”.

I maintained that the Jonathan presidency was haemorrhaging severely because of her continued stay as minister. I expected him to say something, his face expressionless, he remained quiet. George Kerley, a known defender of the honourable minister, quipped with a straight face: “Ross, you are right.

It is time the president is told the truth… He is taking too much bullets for some of these ministers”. The General shook his head, not in approval or disapproval; he was just enjoying the chat.

He brought up a few issues and we all talked with surplus warmth. We hadn’t pressed him enough when the Navy helicopter appeared within sight in the sky.

He offered us the two spare seats in the helicopter, but we declined as our chopper was at that moment already landing. He pulled George Kerley aside for a two-aside.

They talked for about two minutes, and he joined Governor Yakowa again, as they strolled on the rigid pavement into the boisterous windy path of the chopper. The pilots dismounted the chopper to greet their VIP passengers; they looked smart in their military uniform. It was the governor’s and the general’s final handshake.

• Seasonedpilot

Mr. Darego Williams, a seasoned pilot turned business man was joining our chopper back to Port Harcourt.

He cringed at the manner the chopper had taken off and didn’t stop starring at the effects of the rotor blades.

I noticed he was a little uncomfortable, but then he had been off the cockpit for over two decades, so he contained thoughts.

Less than ten minutes later, we were ready to go. The captain welcomed us on board and soon after we were in the air. We had just done about 10 nautical miles when the pilot suddenly did a 180 degree turn.

Mr. Darego Williams was curious and called on the captain. The captain apologized to all on board and announced to us that a helicopter had just ‘gone down’. He actually meant ‘crashed’. We were the first search party.

Less than a minute ahead, smoke plumed from the thick swampy forest. It was a clear sign of danger.

We did about four low fly passes to capture the coordinates of incident site. Our helicopter had ingested the smoke and smell of burning metals, wires and flesh. We could see the helicopter and the appendage bearing the ‘NAVY’ inscription had severed from the main body.

The moment was intense, we doubted the very facts we knew. We all believed some miracle could have happened; the worst case was not an option. It just could not be true.



source:vanguardngr

Read More

Gunmen Abduct Nkiru Sylvanus, Demand N100m Ransom

A Cry For Help’ actress, Nkiru Sylvanus, who is also the Senior Special Adviser to the Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha on Public Affairs, was on Saturday night abducted by gunmen.

The Nollywood actress was kidnapped by armed men numbering about eight at a location in Owerri, Imo State capital.

It was gathered that the kidnappers were already asking for N100 million as ransom for the actress to regain her freedom.

According to a source, Nkiru has been in Owerri for the past five weeks where she was working on two projects – a documentary on Okorocha, to highlight his achievements in the last one year and a movie on reincarnation being shot by actor cum producer, Obi Okoli.

This incident took place in Owerri on Saturday. In the past couple of weeks, Nkiru has been a regular face on the streets of the state capital which may have prompted the plot to abduct her. She is in fact working on two projects at the moment. One is a documentary while the other is a movie she is playing a sub-lead role in.

Because of these jobs, she has been around, working. Of course, she is a popular person, which is why her presence on these locations would not go unnoticed,” a source told our correspondent.

The story of the kidnap of the actress, which jolted Owerri residents, is also making the government of Imo State restless, considering the efforts the governor has made in the recent past to stem cases of kidnapping in his domain.


source:mirror

Read More