TWO PIPELINE VANDALS ARRESTED AT MOSINMI BY NEW AGE S

Two suspected pipeline vandals were arrested yesterday at one of the points where new security outfit were deployed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) at Mosinmi, Sagamu, Ogun State.

The suspected vandals were arrested at Amere village, one of the many points the pipeline passed through.

The suspects have already loaded a Nissan cab with register action number KNN368XA, with seven 50 litres plastic kegs of the already cooped fuel.

They were already escaping with their loot when they were accosted by securitymen from the New Age Security outfit at about 5.00pm.

The suspects, the cab used for the illegal operations and the kegs of looted fuel were later handed over to the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of NNPC at Mosinmi.

They were later transferred to the Sagamu Police Station for further interrogation after which they would be transferred to Ogun State Police Command, Eleweran, Abeokuta.

Lateef Lawal
for New Age Security Limited

How to resolve Insurgency in the North East, by conflict resolution expert

The chairman of the Foundation for Ethnic Harmony in Nigeria ( FEHN), Mr Allen Onyema has urged the President - Elect Gen, Muhammadu Buhari to design interventionists programmes aimed at re-integrating restive youths and displaced persons in the North Eastern parts of Nigeria affected by the activities of the Boko Haram insurgents .

Part of the interventionist programmes. Onyema said should be targeted at youths affected by the activities of the sect.

While congratulating the Gen. Buhari for his well deserved victory, he said the programme should be patterned after the amnesty programme for youths in the Niger Delta region.

Speaking in an interview , Onyema called on Gen Buhari to carry all sections of the country along by designing programmes that would bring about engagement and re- integration of people affected by one challenge or the other.

He said the need to carry all sections of the country along is predicated on the fact that good governance could only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace and stability .
He said youth engagement programmes for youths in the North East has become more important because crisis in one part of the country as the Boko Haram challenge has shown could affect the entire nation.

He said :" First , the victory of Gen, Muhammadu Buhari is well deserved after many attempts . It is evidence of his commitment and pursuit of a cause he believes in . For me, he is the Abraham Lincoln of Nigeria . He has become a story in perseverance .

But, because his victory at the polls is victory for all Nigerians he must carry everybody along in his administration .
Buhari must as a matter of urgency move to address the challenges of insecurity facing people of the North East.

The president - elect must handle the issue with sensitivity on account of Nigeria's ethnic diversity For this reason , there is urgent need for national healing which must begin in earnest by re- integrating people displaced by the challenge of insurgency , especially people who are deprived .
Especially in addressing the problem of insurgency and Boko Haram that has ravaged the North East.

He must design intervention programmes that would give hope to people affected in the North East by the activities of the Boko Haram, not just because Buhari is from the North, but because his administration needs to give hope to people who have been affected by the insurgent activities .

The President - Elect should give people hope and offer a timeline for addressing the challenges of people in the region .

The programme should not be in the mould of the intervention designed for youths in the Niger Delta .

Such a programme should address the needs of the people in the region whose life and businesses have been affected by the activities of Boko Haram.

The President - Elect should not abandon people of any region , he must carry everybody along as test of his statesmanship . That is evidence that he will carry everybody along .

The president - elect should not witch hunt anybody , and one of the ways of doing this is to put in place programmes that would take care of Nigeria's ethnic diversity .

The people affected by the problem of Boko Haram needs to be re-integrated and given a sense of belonging .

Government must give specific timeline for the implementation of the intervention measures to be put in place for people of the North East .

The rationale is that any problem in any part of the country as the challenge of insurgency in the North affects other parts of the country .

But, it must address all the issues arising from insurgency especially people and businesses affected by the problem.

That is one of the ways of healing the wounds of the problem affected by the programme .
As a true leader , Buhari must carry everybody of all regions along .
This is because the problem of Boko Haram has affected all parts of the country .

JONATHAN SACKS POLICE IGP

President Goodluck Jonathan has fired Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba.

The sack was announced by the president’s spokesperson, Reuben Abati, in a statement today (Tuesday).

No reason was given for the sack.
A Deputy Inspector General of police, Solomon Arase, was appointed to act in his stead.

Mr. Abba’s removal and the assumption of office of his replacement are with immediate effect

Mr. Abati’s statement read in full, “President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has relieved the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Suleiman Abba of his appointment and duties with immediate effect.

“President Jonathan has also appointed Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, as Acting Inspector-General of Police, also with immediate effect.
“Until his appointment as Mr. Abba’s replacement, Mr. Arase was the Head of the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department.

“Mr. Arase holds Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Law, as well as Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Political Science and Strategic Studies.
“He is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Defence College.”

Mr. Abba, 56, became acting Inspector General on August 1, 2014 following the retirement of his predecessor, Mohammed Abubakar, after 35 years of public service.

He was confirmed substantive IGP on November 4, 2014.
Mr. Abba was until that appointment an Assistant Inspector General, AIG, in charge of Zone 7 command, a position he occupied since May 25, 2012. He was also a former Aide-De-Camp, ADC, to the wife of a former military Head of State, Maryam Abacha.

With his removal, Mr. Abba will proceed on forced retirement four years before he attains retirement age.

He enlisted in the Nigerian police as cadet inspector on December 31, 1984 and is actually due for retirement on March 22, 2019.

TACKLING CORRUPTION

Sahara Reporters, the vocal online community of international reporters and social advocates dedicated has urged Mohamadu Buhari, President elect, to start his war against corruption immediately after concluding his swearing-in ceremony.

In an article by one Illesanmi Omabomi, the news portal said that there is no better way and place to start that fight than the arrest Allison Deziani Madueke and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala before the end of day on May 29.

According to Sahara Reporters, both women are currently serving as minister for Petroleum and Finance respectively.

“They both represent some of the biggest fishes, yes fishes, in the pond” it claimed

The full article read:
 I can afford to take the risk of concluding that the majority of Nigerians would like to see brought to justice, and swiftly so, the people who brought Nigeria to her knees through the looting of our commonwealth.

Many Nigerians are afraid that some, if not most of these looters, may flee the country after May 29, 2015, before investigations are commenced/concluded.

The purpose of this article is to advocate that the President elect, Mohamadu Buhari, should start the blitzkrieg against corruption immediately after concluding his swearing-in ceremony at Eagle Square on May 29, 2015.

Based on readily available public information, there is no better way and place to start that fight than the arrest Allison Deziani Madueke and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala before the end of day on May 29, 2015.

Both women are currently serving as minister for Petroleum and Finance respectively. They both represent some of the biggest fishes, yes fishes, in the pond.

These two individuals are not the most corrupt members of the now infamous Goodluck Jonathan led presidency—and it will take a very long time before the full extent of the damage done to our economy can be fully established, if at all possible!

However, in the case of Deziani and Okonjo-Iweala, the information gleaned from the several House of Representatives investigations into the 10 Billion Naira NNPC plane maintenance contracts, and oil subsidy payments that were not budgeted for provide the incoming President with enough information to order their immediate arrests and have them charged with the appropriate offences the same day.

The new president should demonstrate his commitment to the rule of law and the time limit requirement for charging arrested persons with offences known to law and having such persons presented before a court of law by ensuring that both women appear in the court on Monday June 1, 2015 to enter pleas and apply for bail. (May 29, 2015 being a Friday).

Like many other Nigerians, I believe that both women are surely guilty of more heinous offenses than the ones mentioned above. However, arresting and charging them will send a clear and unambiguous message about the ferocity of the incoming President’s war against corruption, yield valuable information into the more  complicated investigations and encourage others to step forward and make voluntary disclosures, thereby reducing the time and resources needed for the fight against corruption.

The President-Elect can then offer leniency on the basis of voluntary disclosures, have a hiatus of a few days and wait to see if there will be takers of the offer.

The majority of Nigerian politicians are cowards and trust me, seeing the powerful Deziani and Okonjo-Iweala charged before the court, they will be lining up to confess.

This approach will be cheaper, point you to previously unknown and maybe otherwise never possible to find stolen resources. I believe it will also yield more of the stolen resources. This topic will be fleshed out in full in another article.

For me, calling for the arrest and trial of Okonjo-Iweala is personal anguish for me but the nation’s interest must be the over-riding consideration.

It is anguish for me because at the tail end of Obasanjo’s presidency she was one of those I sincerely considered worthy of becoming the President or Vice President at the very minimum. How she allowed herself to be sucked into the bowels of Goodluck Jonathan’s rampaging corruption whale is an examination that would have commenced inside her head by now.

Let PDP supporters call me what they want and I am not a member of APC. The party I support is the one I believe has the interest of Nigeria at heart.

I believe Mohamadu Buhari of APC does at this point in time. Nigerians, including me are eager to see these corrupt and arrogant politicians from all parties who bestrode our political landscape in the recent past like Colossus, feeding fat on our collective inheritance brought to justice and swiftly so.

The stoppage or reduction of corruption and the recovery of our stolen resources is critical the efforts to build a sustainable society in which we all have a reasonable chance of achieving our legitimate aspirations.

By Illesanmi Omabomi

Inauguration of PR Committee for OOPL

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed optimism that the Centre for Food Security of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) will be instrumental to the eradication of poverty, hunger and youth unemployment in Africa.
Chief Obasanjo said the pilot scheme of the Feed Africa Programme which OOPL established in the Delta State of Nigeria in 2012 has proved the potency of agriculture as the pathway for food sufficiency, security and youth unemployment in the continent.
The drive to achieve good electoral procedure and peace building in Africa, the former President explained, has been the fulcrum of his mission in Ghana, Senegal, Mali and Nigeria so as to fulfill the vision of OOPL to be an evergreen resource for inspiring the ideals of democracy and good governance in Africa.
Addressing the inaugural meeting of the Public Relations Committee for the OOPL, Chief Obasanjo said the pace of the physical development of the Presidential Library complex including the facilities already on ground such as the ultra modern auditorium, the amphitheatre, the multi-purpose guest house named Green Legacy and the bamboo park as well as the zological garden in the midst of a scenic ambience, has called for a corporate package for public awareness.
Chief Obasanjo charged members of the PR Committee to design a corporate communication synergy that would foster awareness on the essence and value of the OOPL to the various domestic and international communities. Members of the committee drawn from various business interests have Dr Eke Agbai and Oba Olufemi Ogunleye as co-chairmen.
 

by Femi Ogunleye, Abeokuta

JIGAWA STATE DEPUTY GOVERNOR DEFECTS FROM PDP TO APC

Ahmad Mahmud,Deputy Governor,Jigawa State

The Jigawa State deputy governor, Ahmad Mahmud, is set to quit the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Mr. Mahmud will be received into the APC in his Gumel ward today (Monday), his office confirmed.

The deputy governor will be received alongside some officials of the PDP-led state government, including Commissioners, by the State APC chairman, Ado Kiri, the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Badaru Abubakar, and other APC leaders in the state.

The director of press to the deputy governor, Ahmed Gumel, confirmed that his principal would leave the PDP for APC and will be received in his Galagamma Ward in Gumel Local Government Area.

He did not give any reason for the deputy governor’s decision to quit his party.
Many believe Mr. Mahmud is decamping to pay back Governor Sule Lamido who refused to pick him as his successor.But the PDP accused him of anti-party activities.

Earlier, the PDP leadership in the deputy governor’s Gumel local government suspended him for alleged anti-party activities during the Presidential and National Assembly elections.

In a statement delivered through the director of press to the governor, Umar Kyari, the PDP chairman, Gumel Local Government, Ibrahim Kafinta, said the deputy governor was dismissed for allegedly voting for the APC in the elections, describing the action as a betrayal of trust.

Babangida, Atiku congratulate Buhari

Ex-Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida ,(IBB) has congratulated General Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress ,APC in the Nigeria’s presidential election.

IBB said in a statement “I have just finished watching the proceedings of the declaration of results of the March 28, 2015 elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission and the emergence of my friend, professional colleague and former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari as the President-elect. Let me, therefore, formally congratulate General Muhammadu Buhariand the All Progressives’ Congress for this well-deserved victory.

“This victory to me conveys two significant statements on our political history and evolution. First; that incumbents can be defeated in any democratic process if the people’s aspirations are not fulfilled. Second, thatthere is good reward for perseverance and hard work. General Buhari has been very consistent in pursuing his political aspiration. In fact, he reminds me of President Abraham Lincoln of the American fame, who was very dogged in pursuing his political aspiration and enriched the contents of democracy in America. General Buhari lives true to his military calling by remaining very consistent, resilient and courageous right from 2003till date. This enviable feat to me further enriches our democratic process and matures us into the top echelon of nations where democracy has taken firm root.That President Jonathan has indeed conceded defeat and congratulated the President-elect is also cheering news.

“Let me also congratulate other presidential candidates of the other political parties, especially Mr. President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for putting up a good fight in the elections. I wish to also commend the Independent National Electoral Commission, for conducting such a free, fair and transparent election despite all the initial hitches and challenges. The beauty of democracy is that it is an on-going process that gives room for improvement, provides opportunity to make amends, and affords the people the opportunity to make a statement with their ballots during elections. With this election and its outcome thus far, Nigeria has once again recorded another milestone in her march through the enviable ladder of democracy. Our leadership role in Africa will further be enhanced by the way and manner we manage the gains of this process. But I trust that the President-elect will live up to the expectations of many Nigerians that crave for change; and lift Nigeria to greater heights. I wish to implore the President-elect to reach out to other contestants in the spirit of one Nigeria ,as he settles down for the task of leading this nation in the next four years.

According to IBB ,”Your victory has no doubt broken the barriers of ethnicity and religious inclinations; two sensitive issues that undeservedly dominated the campaigns. Iam confident that this victory will usher in a new perspective in our political history and development.On behalf of my family, accept from me, our hearty congratulations.

In his congratulatory message ,former vice President Atiku Abubakar said “My hearty congratulations to His Excellency, General Muhammadu Buhari, for being elected the next president of our beloved county, Nigeria. You have led our party, the All Progressives Congress to an unprecedented victory within two years of its official formation, and in so doing, written the most important chapter of our democracy.

“The great Nnamdi Azikiwe once wrote that “history will continue to vindicate the just.” Your victory in the polls, with votes from across the length and breadth of our country, bears witness to the acceptance of not just our party, the APC, but also your ideology of justice, fair play and zero tolerance for corruption as the bedrock for national rebirth.

“At this historic moment, it is most important to say a hearty thank you to every Nigerian who voted for the APC. Your votes have not just elected the first opposition party into federal power, but has also set a precedent which will have positive implications for democracy across Africa.

“Dear GMB, the journey has just begun. Millions of Nigerians have put their trust in you, because they were not satisfied with the status quo. You represent the hope of a new generation of Nigerians, and you cannot afford to fail them. Our party has made a promise of change to our young people, to secure and rebuild our country, create jobs and opportunity, and improve citizens’ welfare. We will stand behind you to ensure we keep those promises, just like we did during these elections.

“Our country needs a new direction. We have voted for you, and our party won the election, but when you assume our highest office, you must become the president of not just the APC, but all of Nigeria, including the people who did not vote for you. We look up to you to heal the fractures of our country, and truly unite this country like never before.

“To President Jonathan, I want to specially thank you for conducting a historic election. Your party may have lost the elections, but you have won the admiration of the world by not interfering with the wishes of Nigerians. History will be kind to you.

“It is my sincere hope that we will all come together as one country, to build the Nigeria of our dreams.

BUHARI EMERGES WINNER OF HOTLY CONTESTED PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

The Independent National Electoral Commission,INEC  has declared General Muhammadu Buhari of opposition All Progressives Congress, (APC) winner of Nigeria’s 2015 presidential election “having satisfied the requirements of the law and scoring the highest numbers of votes”.

Jega who made the declaration at the International Conference Centre,ICC said General Buhari polled  15,424,921 votes  nationwide while  incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan of the Dr Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party , PDP polled 12,853,162.

He made the declaration after collating the results from the 36 states and the Federal Capital terrory.The results from Borno were the last to be collated after which Jega and his men began  the process of determining  whether the tallies met the constitutional requirements .

But even before long  Jega’s declarations, President Jonathan called Buhari to congratulate him on  his victor.Jonathan’s  phone call  was another historic  move which earned him commendations from across the country.

BRIEF PRESS STATEMENT BY GENERAL MUHAMMADU BUHARI,GCFR, PRESIDENT ELECT ON THE PLATFORM OF THE ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS, APC. MARCH 31st, 2015

At exactly 5:15pm this evening President Jonathan called to congratulate me on my victory. For this I want all Nigerians to join me in congratulating and appreciating Mr President for his statesmanship.

President Jonathan engaged in a spirited campaign and was a worthy opponent. I extend my hand of fellowship to him. I look forward to meeting him soon as we plan the transition from one administration to another. He will receive nothing but understanding, cooperation and respect from me and my team.

The good people of Nigeria, answered the call of history. When the account of this fine moment is written, it will be said that it was the people themselves who led this nation to democracy.

You stood in line patiently for hours in the sun, rain and then in the dark to cast your ballots. Even when the vote was extended to Sunday in some places, you still performed your civic duty. You did so peacefully. You voted with your heart. Your vote affirms that you believe Nigeria’s future can be better than what it is today.

You voted for change and now change has come.

INEC has released the official results of the Presidential election. INEC has declared that I gained the most votes with the required spread and thus won this election. In a more profound way, it is you, Nigerians that have won. The people have shown their love for our nation and their belief in democracy.

The declaration of INEC accurately reflects the will of the people. Whilethere might have been some logistical obstacles and irregularities associated with the exercise, the result shall stand as what the people want.

I thank all Nigerians who have made this day possible. Our country has now joined the community of nations that have used the ballot box to peacefully change an incumbent President in a free and fair election. To me this is indeed historic.

Most people will welcome the result because it is the one they voted for. Others will naturally be disappointed. I ask that we all be circumspect, respectful and peaceful in these times.

This was a hard- fought contest. Emotions are high. We must not allow them to get the better of us. This is not the time for confrontation. This is a moment that we must begin to heal the wounds and work toward a better future. We do this first by extending a hand of friendship and conciliation across the political divide. We hope and pray our friends in other parties reciprocate.

I thank all the members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, for their commitment and their hard work through the formation of the party, the campaigns and the Presidential elections. Let me equally extend my appreciation to the MEDIA, Civil Society and the Security agencies for their selfless service.

The International press and our friends abroad deserve special commendation for their support throughout the process. We promise a robust and dynamic engagement with your countries in matters of mutual interest to nations.

In the interim, I call on all Nigerians to be law abiding and peaceful. The eyes of the world were focused on us to see if we could vote in a peaceful way and carry out a representative election in an orderly manner. You have proven to the world that we are a people who have embraced democracy and a people who seek a of government by, for and of the people.

We have put one party state behind us. You have voted for a party and president that will serve and govern but never rule over you. Change has come. A new day and a new Nigeria are upon us. The victory is yours and the glory is that of our nation – Nigeria

I will make a more formal address to the nation tomorrow after receiving the certificate of return from INEC.

May God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

General Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR,

President Elect,

Federal Republic of Nigeria

STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN AFTER THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE RESULTS OF PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION 2015

Fellow Nigerians,

I thank you all for turning out en-masse for the March 28 General Elections.

I promised the country free and fair elections. I have kept my word. I have also expanded the space for Nigerians to participate in the democratic process. That is one legacy I will like to see endure.

Although some people have expressed mixed feelings about the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), I urge those who may feel aggrieved to follow due process based on our constitution and our electoral laws, in seeking redress.

As I have always affirmed, nobody’s ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian. The unity, stability and progress of our dear country is more important than anything else.

I congratulate all Nigerians for successfully going through the process of the March 28th General Elections with the commendable enthusiasm and commitment that was demonstrated nationwide.

I also commend the Security Services for their role in ensuring that the elections were mostly peaceful and violence-free.

To my colleagues in the PDP, I thank you for your support. Today, the PDP should be celebrating rather than mourning. We have established a legacy of democratic freedom, transparency, economic growth and free and fair elections.

For the past 16 years, we have steered the country away from ethnic and regional politics. We created a Pan-Nigerian political party and brought home to our people the realities of economic development and social transformation.

Through patriotism and diligence, we have built the biggest and most patriotic party in Nigerian history. We must stand together as a party and look to the future with renewed optimism.

I thank all Nigerians once again for the great opportunity I was given to lead this country and assure you that I will continue to do my best at the helm of national affairs until the end of my tenure.

I have conveyed my personal best wishes to General Muhammadu Buhari.

May God Almighty continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

I thank you all.

Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR

President,

Federal Republic of Nigeria

March 31, 2015