There is a N25million reward
for information leading to unmasking the brains behind the spate of
killings in Adamawa State.
The reward is courtesy of Governor Murtala Nyako: At least 43 people have been killed in the state since Thursday.The latest victims,16 in all, were murdered on Friday night during a service at the Christ Apostolic Church, Yola,the state capital. Twenty-two
people described as mourners had been killed earlier in the day at Mubi
in the state by gunmen while meeting at the residence of a man who had
been shot dead on Thursday to plan for his burial.Four other
persons died in the Thursday attack on an hotel in the town.The Boko
Haram sect claimed responsibility for the Mubi killings. Governor
Nyako in a state wide broadcast,called the killing of innocent people
by Boko Haram as a declaration of war on good by evil.
Sunday, 8 January 2012
Full Text of President Jonathan’s Subsidy Removal Speech
Dear Compatriots:
1. A week ago, I had cause to address Nigerians on the security challenges we are facing in parts of the country, which necessitated the declaration of a state of emergency in 15 Local Government Areas in four states of the Federation. That course of action attracted widespread support and a demonstration of understanding. With that declaration, government had again signaled its intention to combat terrorism with renewed vigour and to assure every Nigerian of safety.
2. The support that we have received in the fight against terrorism from concerned Nigerians at home and abroad has been remarkable. We believe that it is with such continued support that progress can be made on national issues. Let me express my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has expressed a commitment to support us as we strive to improve on the country’s security situation, and build a stronger foundation for the future. The recent mindless acts of violence in Gombe, Potiskum, Jimeta-Yola and Mubi are unfortunate. I urge all Nigerians to eschew bitterness and acrimony and live together in harmony and peace. Wherever there is any threat to public peace, our security agencies will enforce the law, without fear or favour.
3. This evening, I address you, again, with much concern over an issue that borders on the national economy, the oil industry and national progress. As part of our efforts to transform the economy and guarantee prosperity for all Nigerians, Government, a few days ago, announced further deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector. The immediate effect of this has been the removal of the subsidy on petrol.
4. Since the announcement, there have been mixed reactions to the policy. Let me seize this opportunity to assure all Nigerians that I feel the pain that you all feel. I personally feel pained to see the sharp increase in transport fares and the prices of goods and services. I share the anguish of all persons who had travelled out of their stations, who had to pay more on the return leg of their journeys.
5. If I were not here to lead the process of national renewal, if I were in your shoes at this moment, I probably would have reacted in the same manner as some of our compatriots, or hold the same critical views about government. But I need to use this opportunity as your President to address Nigerians on the realities on the ground, and why we chose to act as we did. I know that these are not easy times. But tough choices have to be made to safeguard the economy and our collective survival as a nation.
6. My fellow Nigerians, the truth is that we are all faced with two basic choices with regard to the management of the downstream petroleum sector: either we deregulate and survive economically, or we continue with a subsidy regime that will continue to undermine our economy and potential for growth, and face serious consequences.
7. As you all know, the subject of deregulation is not new, we have been grappling with it for more than two decades. Previous administrations tinkered with the pump price of petroleum products, and were unable to effect complete deregulation of the downstream sector. This approach has not worked. If it did, we would not be here talking about deregulation today. I understand fully well that deregulation is not a magic formula that will address every economic challenge, but it provides a good entry point for transforming the economy, and for ensuring transparency and competitiveness in the oil industry, which is the mainstay of our economy.
8. As a President, elected and supported by ordinary Nigerians, and the vast majority of our people, I have a duty to bring up policies and programmes that will grow the economy and bring about greater benefits for the people. Let me assure you that as your President, I have no intention to inflict pain on Nigerians.
9. The deregulation of the petroleum sector is a necessary step that we had to take. Should we continue to do things the same way, and face more serious economic challenges? Or deregulate, endure the initial discomfort and reap better benefits later? I want to assure every Nigerian that whatever pain you may feel at the moment, will be temporary.
10. The interest of the ordinary people of this country will always remain topmost in my priorities as a leader. I remain passionately committed to achieving significant and enduring improvements in our economy that will lead to sustained improvement in the lives of our people.
11. I am determined to leave behind a better Nigeria, which we all can be proud of. To do so, I must make sure that we have the resources and the means to grow our economy to be resilient, and to sustain improved livelihood for our people. We must act in the public interest, no matter how tough, for the pains of today cannot be compared to the benefits of tomorrow. On assumption of office as President, I swore to an oath to always act in the best interest of the people. I remain faithful to that undertaking.
12. To save Nigeria, we must all be prepared to make sacrifices. On the part of Government, we are taking several measures aimed at cutting the size and cost of governance, including on-going and continuous effort to reduce the size of our recurrent expenditure and increase capital spending. In this regard, I have directed that overseas travels by all political office holders, including the President, should be reduced to the barest minimum. The size of delegations on foreign trips will also be drastically reduced; only trips that are absolutely necessary will be approved.
13. For the year 2012, the basic salaries of all political office holders in the Executive arm of government will be reduced by 25%. Government is also currently reviewing the number of committees, commissions and parastatals with overlapping responsibilities. The Report on this will be submitted shortly and the recommendations will be promptly implemented. In the meantime, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies must reduce their overhead expenses.
14. We are all greatly concerned about the issue of corruption. The deregulation policy is the strongest measure to tackle this challenge in the downstream sector. In addition, government is taking other steps to further sanitize the oil industry.
15. To ensure that the funds from petroleum subsidy removal are spent prudently on projects that will build a greater Nigeria, I have established a committee to oversee the implementation of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme. I sincerely believe that the reinvestment of the petroleum subsidy funds, to ensure improvement in national infrastructure, power supply, transportation, irrigation and agriculture, education, healthcare, and other social services, is in the best interest of our people.
16. Fellow Nigerians, I know that the removal of the petroleum subsidy imposes an initial burden on our people, especially the rising cost of transportation. Government will be vigilant and act decisively to curb the excesses of those that want to exploit the current situation for selfish gains. I plead for the understanding of all Nigerians. I appeal to our youth not to allow mischief-makers to exploit present circumstances to mislead or incite them to disturb public peace.
17. To address the immediate challenges that have been identified, I have directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government to embark immediately on all projects, which have been designed to cushion the impact of the subsidy removal in the short, medium and long-term, as outlined in the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme Document.
18. Tomorrow, 8th January, I will formally launch a robust mass transit intervention programme to bring down the cost of transportation across the country. The programme will be implemented in partnership with state and local governments, labour unions, transport owners, and banking institutions, and supported with the provision of funding at zero interest rate as well as import duty waiver on all needed parts for locally-made mass transit vehicles, which will create additional jobs in the economy.
19. We will keep these incentives in place for as long as it takes. I want to assure you that Government will not rest until we bring down the cost of transportation for our people. Let me thank the transporters’ associations that have agreed to reduce transport fares. I have directed the Minister of Labour and Productivity to work with these associations to come up with a sustainable plan to guarantee this within the shortest possible time.
20. In addition, I have ordered the mobilization of contractors for the full rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt –Maiduguri Railway Line and the completion of the Lagos-Kano Railway Line. I have also directed the immediate commencement of a Public Works programme that will engage the services of about 10, 000 youths in every state of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory. This will create an additional 370, 000 jobs.
21. Government has taken these decisions in the best interest of our economy, so that we not only have benefits today, but to ensure that we bequeath even greater benefits to our children and grandchildren.
22. Let me assure Nigerians that every possible effort will be made to ensure that we march forward, with a collective resolve to build a Nigeria that can generate greater economic growth, create and sustain new jobs, and secure the future of our children.
23. This Administration will aggressively implement its programme to reposition and strengthen our economy, while paying adequate attention to the immediate needs of our citizens.
24. I assure you all that we will work towards achieving full domestic refining of petroleum products with the attendant benefits.
25. As I ask for the full understanding of all Nigerians, I also promise that I will keep my word.
26. Thank you. May God bless you; and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR
President
Federal Republic of Nigeria
January 7, 2012
1. A week ago, I had cause to address Nigerians on the security challenges we are facing in parts of the country, which necessitated the declaration of a state of emergency in 15 Local Government Areas in four states of the Federation. That course of action attracted widespread support and a demonstration of understanding. With that declaration, government had again signaled its intention to combat terrorism with renewed vigour and to assure every Nigerian of safety.
2. The support that we have received in the fight against terrorism from concerned Nigerians at home and abroad has been remarkable. We believe that it is with such continued support that progress can be made on national issues. Let me express my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has expressed a commitment to support us as we strive to improve on the country’s security situation, and build a stronger foundation for the future. The recent mindless acts of violence in Gombe, Potiskum, Jimeta-Yola and Mubi are unfortunate. I urge all Nigerians to eschew bitterness and acrimony and live together in harmony and peace. Wherever there is any threat to public peace, our security agencies will enforce the law, without fear or favour.
3. This evening, I address you, again, with much concern over an issue that borders on the national economy, the oil industry and national progress. As part of our efforts to transform the economy and guarantee prosperity for all Nigerians, Government, a few days ago, announced further deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector. The immediate effect of this has been the removal of the subsidy on petrol.
4. Since the announcement, there have been mixed reactions to the policy. Let me seize this opportunity to assure all Nigerians that I feel the pain that you all feel. I personally feel pained to see the sharp increase in transport fares and the prices of goods and services. I share the anguish of all persons who had travelled out of their stations, who had to pay more on the return leg of their journeys.
5. If I were not here to lead the process of national renewal, if I were in your shoes at this moment, I probably would have reacted in the same manner as some of our compatriots, or hold the same critical views about government. But I need to use this opportunity as your President to address Nigerians on the realities on the ground, and why we chose to act as we did. I know that these are not easy times. But tough choices have to be made to safeguard the economy and our collective survival as a nation.
6. My fellow Nigerians, the truth is that we are all faced with two basic choices with regard to the management of the downstream petroleum sector: either we deregulate and survive economically, or we continue with a subsidy regime that will continue to undermine our economy and potential for growth, and face serious consequences.
7. As you all know, the subject of deregulation is not new, we have been grappling with it for more than two decades. Previous administrations tinkered with the pump price of petroleum products, and were unable to effect complete deregulation of the downstream sector. This approach has not worked. If it did, we would not be here talking about deregulation today. I understand fully well that deregulation is not a magic formula that will address every economic challenge, but it provides a good entry point for transforming the economy, and for ensuring transparency and competitiveness in the oil industry, which is the mainstay of our economy.
8. As a President, elected and supported by ordinary Nigerians, and the vast majority of our people, I have a duty to bring up policies and programmes that will grow the economy and bring about greater benefits for the people. Let me assure you that as your President, I have no intention to inflict pain on Nigerians.
9. The deregulation of the petroleum sector is a necessary step that we had to take. Should we continue to do things the same way, and face more serious economic challenges? Or deregulate, endure the initial discomfort and reap better benefits later? I want to assure every Nigerian that whatever pain you may feel at the moment, will be temporary.
10. The interest of the ordinary people of this country will always remain topmost in my priorities as a leader. I remain passionately committed to achieving significant and enduring improvements in our economy that will lead to sustained improvement in the lives of our people.
11. I am determined to leave behind a better Nigeria, which we all can be proud of. To do so, I must make sure that we have the resources and the means to grow our economy to be resilient, and to sustain improved livelihood for our people. We must act in the public interest, no matter how tough, for the pains of today cannot be compared to the benefits of tomorrow. On assumption of office as President, I swore to an oath to always act in the best interest of the people. I remain faithful to that undertaking.
12. To save Nigeria, we must all be prepared to make sacrifices. On the part of Government, we are taking several measures aimed at cutting the size and cost of governance, including on-going and continuous effort to reduce the size of our recurrent expenditure and increase capital spending. In this regard, I have directed that overseas travels by all political office holders, including the President, should be reduced to the barest minimum. The size of delegations on foreign trips will also be drastically reduced; only trips that are absolutely necessary will be approved.
13. For the year 2012, the basic salaries of all political office holders in the Executive arm of government will be reduced by 25%. Government is also currently reviewing the number of committees, commissions and parastatals with overlapping responsibilities. The Report on this will be submitted shortly and the recommendations will be promptly implemented. In the meantime, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies must reduce their overhead expenses.
14. We are all greatly concerned about the issue of corruption. The deregulation policy is the strongest measure to tackle this challenge in the downstream sector. In addition, government is taking other steps to further sanitize the oil industry.
15. To ensure that the funds from petroleum subsidy removal are spent prudently on projects that will build a greater Nigeria, I have established a committee to oversee the implementation of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme. I sincerely believe that the reinvestment of the petroleum subsidy funds, to ensure improvement in national infrastructure, power supply, transportation, irrigation and agriculture, education, healthcare, and other social services, is in the best interest of our people.
16. Fellow Nigerians, I know that the removal of the petroleum subsidy imposes an initial burden on our people, especially the rising cost of transportation. Government will be vigilant and act decisively to curb the excesses of those that want to exploit the current situation for selfish gains. I plead for the understanding of all Nigerians. I appeal to our youth not to allow mischief-makers to exploit present circumstances to mislead or incite them to disturb public peace.
17. To address the immediate challenges that have been identified, I have directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government to embark immediately on all projects, which have been designed to cushion the impact of the subsidy removal in the short, medium and long-term, as outlined in the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme Document.
18. Tomorrow, 8th January, I will formally launch a robust mass transit intervention programme to bring down the cost of transportation across the country. The programme will be implemented in partnership with state and local governments, labour unions, transport owners, and banking institutions, and supported with the provision of funding at zero interest rate as well as import duty waiver on all needed parts for locally-made mass transit vehicles, which will create additional jobs in the economy.
19. We will keep these incentives in place for as long as it takes. I want to assure you that Government will not rest until we bring down the cost of transportation for our people. Let me thank the transporters’ associations that have agreed to reduce transport fares. I have directed the Minister of Labour and Productivity to work with these associations to come up with a sustainable plan to guarantee this within the shortest possible time.
20. In addition, I have ordered the mobilization of contractors for the full rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt –Maiduguri Railway Line and the completion of the Lagos-Kano Railway Line. I have also directed the immediate commencement of a Public Works programme that will engage the services of about 10, 000 youths in every state of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory. This will create an additional 370, 000 jobs.
21. Government has taken these decisions in the best interest of our economy, so that we not only have benefits today, but to ensure that we bequeath even greater benefits to our children and grandchildren.
22. Let me assure Nigerians that every possible effort will be made to ensure that we march forward, with a collective resolve to build a Nigeria that can generate greater economic growth, create and sustain new jobs, and secure the future of our children.
23. This Administration will aggressively implement its programme to reposition and strengthen our economy, while paying adequate attention to the immediate needs of our citizens.
24. I assure you all that we will work towards achieving full domestic refining of petroleum products with the attendant benefits.
25. As I ask for the full understanding of all Nigerians, I also promise that I will keep my word.
26. Thank you. May God bless you; and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR
President
Federal Republic of Nigeria
January 7, 2012
Saturday, 31 December 2011
Boko Haram: Read Jonathan’s declaration of state of emergency address
The President declared state of emergency in the troubled areas in the four states, Borno, Yobe, Niger and plateau states in his Saturday afternoon,nationwide broadcast.
Below is the text of Jonathan’s address
ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR, ON THE OCCASION OF THE DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY IN CERTAIN PARTS OF THE FEDERATION IN ORDER TO RESTORE PULIC ORDER, PEACE AND SECURITY IN THE FEDERATION, December 31, 2011
Fellow Nigerians, it has become necessary to address you on recent events in some parts of the country that have threatened our collective security and shaken the foundations of our corporate existence as a nation.
2. You are all aware of the security challenges which the activities of the Boko Haram sect have foisted on the country. What began as sectarian crises in the North Eastern parts of the country has gradually evolved into terrorist activities in different parts of the country with attendant negative consequences on our national security.
3. Government in an effort to find a lasting solution to the security threats occasioned by the activities of the Boko Haram sect, constituted a Presidential Committee under the Chairmanship of Ambassador Usman Gaji Galtimari, to ascertain the immediate and remote causes of the crises. While efforts are being made to implement the recommendations of the Committee, the crises have assumed a terrorist dimension with vital institutions of government including the United Nations Building and places of worship becoming targets of terrorist attacks.
4. While the search for lasting solutions is ongoing, it has become imperative to take some decisive measures necessary to restore normalcy in the country especially within the affected communities. Consequently, I have in the exercise of the powers conferred on me by the provisions of section 305(1) of the Constitution, declared a state of emergency in the following parts of the federation, namely:
(i) Borno State
a) Maidugiri Metropolitan LGA
b) Gamboru Ngala LGA
c) Banki Bama LGA
d) Biu LGA
e) Jere LGA
(ii) Yobe State
a) Damaturu LGA
b) Geidam LGA
c) Potiskum LGA
d) Buniyadi-Gujba LGA
e) Gasua-Bade LGA
(iii) Plateau State
a) Jos North LGA
b) Jos South LGA
c) Barkin-Ladi LGA
d) Riyom LGA
(iv) Niger State
a) Suleja LGA
The details of this proclamation will be transmitted to the National Assembly as soon as they reconvene from their current recess, for their necessary action.
5. The Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector-General of Police have been directed to put appropriate measures in place to ensure the protection of lives and properties of residents in the affected parts of the country. I therefore urge the political leadership in the affected states and Local Government Areas to give maximum cooperation to the law enforcement agencies deployed to their respective communities to ensure that the situation is brought under control within the shortest possible time.
6. The Chief of Defence Staff, in collaboration with other Service Chiefs, has also been directed to set up a special force unit within the Armed Forces, with dedicated counter terrorism responsibilities.
7. As part of the overall strategy to overcome the current security challenges, I have directed the closure of the land borders contiguous to the affected Local Government Areas so as to control incidences of cross boarder terrorist activities as terrorists have taken advantage of the present situation to strike at targets in Nigeria and retreat beyond the reach of our law enforcement personnel.
8. Let me assure our neighbours, especially within the ECOWAS sub-region, of Nigeria’s commitment to its international obligations as provided by the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons. The temporary closure of our borders in the affected areas is only an interim measure designed to address the current security challenges and will be reviewed as soon as normalcy is restored.
9. I commend the efforts of our political leaders at various levels as well as our traditional and religious leaders for their support for the various conflict resolution mechanisms and peace building measures that have been initiated by this administration. We call on the citizenry to continue to provide useful information to our law enforcement agencies to enable us arrest the situation.
10. Terrorism is a war against all of us. I call on all Nigerians to join hands with government to fight these terrorists.
11. I wish all Nigerians a very happy New Year.
12. Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Below is the text of Jonathan’s address
ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR, ON THE OCCASION OF THE DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY IN CERTAIN PARTS OF THE FEDERATION IN ORDER TO RESTORE PULIC ORDER, PEACE AND SECURITY IN THE FEDERATION, December 31, 2011
Fellow Nigerians, it has become necessary to address you on recent events in some parts of the country that have threatened our collective security and shaken the foundations of our corporate existence as a nation.
2. You are all aware of the security challenges which the activities of the Boko Haram sect have foisted on the country. What began as sectarian crises in the North Eastern parts of the country has gradually evolved into terrorist activities in different parts of the country with attendant negative consequences on our national security.
3. Government in an effort to find a lasting solution to the security threats occasioned by the activities of the Boko Haram sect, constituted a Presidential Committee under the Chairmanship of Ambassador Usman Gaji Galtimari, to ascertain the immediate and remote causes of the crises. While efforts are being made to implement the recommendations of the Committee, the crises have assumed a terrorist dimension with vital institutions of government including the United Nations Building and places of worship becoming targets of terrorist attacks.
4. While the search for lasting solutions is ongoing, it has become imperative to take some decisive measures necessary to restore normalcy in the country especially within the affected communities. Consequently, I have in the exercise of the powers conferred on me by the provisions of section 305(1) of the Constitution, declared a state of emergency in the following parts of the federation, namely:
(i) Borno State
a) Maidugiri Metropolitan LGA
b) Gamboru Ngala LGA
c) Banki Bama LGA
d) Biu LGA
e) Jere LGA
(ii) Yobe State
a) Damaturu LGA
b) Geidam LGA
c) Potiskum LGA
d) Buniyadi-Gujba LGA
e) Gasua-Bade LGA
(iii) Plateau State
a) Jos North LGA
b) Jos South LGA
c) Barkin-Ladi LGA
d) Riyom LGA
(iv) Niger State
a) Suleja LGA
The details of this proclamation will be transmitted to the National Assembly as soon as they reconvene from their current recess, for their necessary action.
5. The Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector-General of Police have been directed to put appropriate measures in place to ensure the protection of lives and properties of residents in the affected parts of the country. I therefore urge the political leadership in the affected states and Local Government Areas to give maximum cooperation to the law enforcement agencies deployed to their respective communities to ensure that the situation is brought under control within the shortest possible time.
6. The Chief of Defence Staff, in collaboration with other Service Chiefs, has also been directed to set up a special force unit within the Armed Forces, with dedicated counter terrorism responsibilities.
7. As part of the overall strategy to overcome the current security challenges, I have directed the closure of the land borders contiguous to the affected Local Government Areas so as to control incidences of cross boarder terrorist activities as terrorists have taken advantage of the present situation to strike at targets in Nigeria and retreat beyond the reach of our law enforcement personnel.
8. Let me assure our neighbours, especially within the ECOWAS sub-region, of Nigeria’s commitment to its international obligations as provided by the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons. The temporary closure of our borders in the affected areas is only an interim measure designed to address the current security challenges and will be reviewed as soon as normalcy is restored.
9. I commend the efforts of our political leaders at various levels as well as our traditional and religious leaders for their support for the various conflict resolution mechanisms and peace building measures that have been initiated by this administration. We call on the citizenry to continue to provide useful information to our law enforcement agencies to enable us arrest the situation.
10. Terrorism is a war against all of us. I call on all Nigerians to join hands with government to fight these terrorists.
11. I wish all Nigerians a very happy New Year.
12. Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Thursday, 29 December 2011
SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS JONATHAN’S ELECTION …Buhari Kicks
The Supreme Court on Wednesday threw out a challenge to President Goodluck Jonathan's victory in April 16 elections, upholding the result and rejecting calls by the main opposition party for a recount in several parts of the country. Jonathan was declared winner with 59 percent of the vote but his nearest rival, former military ruler Muhammadu Buhari, who scored 32 percent, refused to accept the outcome.
Aso Rock Earmarks N5billion To Furnish Mrs. Jonathan’s Ngo Hq ...As She Sacks Govt. Parastatal From Office
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Abuja, a parastatal established by a government Gazette in 2007 was on Wednesday sacked by the office of the First Lady to give way for her pet project. It was gathered that three-quarters of the office complex has been re-allocated to the African First Lady Peace Initiative, a non Governmental Organization of the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan. It was authoritatively gathered that the Director-General of the Institute, Dr. Joseph H.P Golwa was summoned to the Presidential Villa, Aso Rocks, Abuja and given matching others to evacuate two-third of the Institute’s staff from its operational base.
Shortly after the Aso Rocks meeting, it was gathered that some officials of the office of the First Lady visited the Central Area office of the Institute in company of a white man suspected to be the contractor contracted to rehabilitate the Institute’s building.The contractor, it was gathered, was told to create a separate gate, reception and other conveniences for the First Lady for a contract sum of N5 billion. Presidential sources, however, claim that the renovation of the building was awarded for N500million. The contract was not captured in this year’s budget, besides, the office of the First Lady is not known to the First and Second Amended 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The ejection order served staffers of the Institute dislocated four Directors, the whole of the accounts department and more than half of the Institute’s researchers. The affected directors include the Director of Research and Policy analysis, Director of Democracy, Director of Defence and Security and the Chief Accountant of the Institute. “Right now, one wing of the Institute has been taken over. They took over the main gate, the parking spaces and the reception area. You will be sorry for our staff as the white man came and gave us 24 hours to pack our office equipment. The Directors were so helpless but they could not say a word for fear of being victimized”, the source stressed.
Some civil servants in Abuja wondered why the First Lady did not consider buying a property with the money budgeted for the renovation. They argued that Late Mrs. Maryam Babangida used the money she realized from her NGO to build the Women Development Centre located adjacent the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. Wife of the late maximum dictator, General Sani Abacha, Mariam, through her NGO build the now popular National Hospital, Abuja, it is located near the bombed United Nations House, Abuja. Late wife of Former President, Stella Obasanjo built a structure and began operation at Bwari, Abuja for her NGO, Child Care. The pattern was, however, altered in the case of Hadjia Turai Yar’adua as several billions realized during the launch of her pet project, and meant to address health challenges of cancer patients allegedly went to her private purse. She is currently hibernating in Dubai.
Shortly after the Aso Rocks meeting, it was gathered that some officials of the office of the First Lady visited the Central Area office of the Institute in company of a white man suspected to be the contractor contracted to rehabilitate the Institute’s building.The contractor, it was gathered, was told to create a separate gate, reception and other conveniences for the First Lady for a contract sum of N5 billion. Presidential sources, however, claim that the renovation of the building was awarded for N500million. The contract was not captured in this year’s budget, besides, the office of the First Lady is not known to the First and Second Amended 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The ejection order served staffers of the Institute dislocated four Directors, the whole of the accounts department and more than half of the Institute’s researchers. The affected directors include the Director of Research and Policy analysis, Director of Democracy, Director of Defence and Security and the Chief Accountant of the Institute. “Right now, one wing of the Institute has been taken over. They took over the main gate, the parking spaces and the reception area. You will be sorry for our staff as the white man came and gave us 24 hours to pack our office equipment. The Directors were so helpless but they could not say a word for fear of being victimized”, the source stressed.
Some civil servants in Abuja wondered why the First Lady did not consider buying a property with the money budgeted for the renovation. They argued that Late Mrs. Maryam Babangida used the money she realized from her NGO to build the Women Development Centre located adjacent the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. Wife of the late maximum dictator, General Sani Abacha, Mariam, through her NGO build the now popular National Hospital, Abuja, it is located near the bombed United Nations House, Abuja. Late wife of Former President, Stella Obasanjo built a structure and began operation at Bwari, Abuja for her NGO, Child Care. The pattern was, however, altered in the case of Hadjia Turai Yar’adua as several billions realized during the launch of her pet project, and meant to address health challenges of cancer patients allegedly went to her private purse. She is currently hibernating in Dubai.
XMAS BOMBING: NIGER DELTA MILITANTS BEGIN ATTACK ON MUSLIMS
A Niger Delta Militant Group under the aegis of Joint Revolutionary Council bombed an Islamic School in Sapele, Delta State, injuring about six Children in an apparent retaliation of Boko Haram’s Christmas Day Bombing that killed over Thirty Catholic faithful of the St. Theresa Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger State.
The Niger Delta Militant Group had warned that it will carry out a retaliatory attack against Muslims in the Southern Nigeria if Boko Haram fails to stop attack on Christians in the North.
The group warned Southern leaders not to condemn it action saying, “any southerner that speaks evil against us will be violently visited by us because they too are in support of the killing of southerner by Boko Haram.” According to a statement made available to Pointblanknews.com after the attack on the Sapele Islamic School, the group which preferred to be called Egbesu Mightier Fraternity warned that it will continue to hunt down Muslims in the Southern Nigeria until Boko Haram stop the killings and bombing of churches in the North. “The Boko Haram killings in the north will no longer be accepted and we are ready to equally kill any Muslim we see in southern Nigeria. We gave this warning since October this year if Boko Haram will not stop killing any southerner we will also kill until they (Boko Haram) stop killing because no part of this country is constitutionally empowered to kill any Nigerian,” the group said in a statement jointly signed by its “Revolutionary Council.” According to the group, “the Sapele killing in Delta State yesterday night was carried out by us(Egbesu Mightier Fraternity) even the ones of Warri and Sapele on the 8th and 10th of December respectively was carried out by us.”
“We will continue to kill. We have warned time without number that they should leave the southern states immediately. We will not regret any soul that will go on the part of any Muslim in the south,” the group said.
The Delta state police command through its Public Relations Officer, Charles Muka, confirmed the Sapele bombing. Muka said a low capacity bomb was thrown by unknown persons on a motorbike. He confirmed that six children were injured and are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed nearby Hospital in Sapele.
The Niger Delta Militant Group had warned that it will carry out a retaliatory attack against Muslims in the Southern Nigeria if Boko Haram fails to stop attack on Christians in the North.
The group warned Southern leaders not to condemn it action saying, “any southerner that speaks evil against us will be violently visited by us because they too are in support of the killing of southerner by Boko Haram.” According to a statement made available to Pointblanknews.com after the attack on the Sapele Islamic School, the group which preferred to be called Egbesu Mightier Fraternity warned that it will continue to hunt down Muslims in the Southern Nigeria until Boko Haram stop the killings and bombing of churches in the North. “The Boko Haram killings in the north will no longer be accepted and we are ready to equally kill any Muslim we see in southern Nigeria. We gave this warning since October this year if Boko Haram will not stop killing any southerner we will also kill until they (Boko Haram) stop killing because no part of this country is constitutionally empowered to kill any Nigerian,” the group said in a statement jointly signed by its “Revolutionary Council.” According to the group, “the Sapele killing in Delta State yesterday night was carried out by us(Egbesu Mightier Fraternity) even the ones of Warri and Sapele on the 8th and 10th of December respectively was carried out by us.”
“We will continue to kill. We have warned time without number that they should leave the southern states immediately. We will not regret any soul that will go on the part of any Muslim in the south,” the group said.
The Delta state police command through its Public Relations Officer, Charles Muka, confirmed the Sapele bombing. Muka said a low capacity bomb was thrown by unknown persons on a motorbike. He confirmed that six children were injured and are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed nearby Hospital in Sapele.
Sunday, 25 December 2011
Suleja Xmas Day blast: We are responsible, says Boko Haram
A purported spokesman for Boko Haram claimed responsibility for a Christmas Day explosion near a church outside the Nigerian capital that killed at least 27 people.
“We are responsible for all the attacks in the past few days, including today’s bombing of the church in Madalla,” Abul Qaqa told AFP by phone. “We will continue to launch such attacks throughout the north in the next few days.”
“We are responsible for all the attacks in the past few days, including today’s bombing of the church in Madalla,” Abul Qaqa told AFP by phone. “We will continue to launch such attacks throughout the north in the next few days.”
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