Controversy has trailed the alleged endorsement made by former President Ibrahim Babangida of the candidature of former Ogun State governor, Gbenga Daniel, for the office of National Chairman of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
An unsigned press statement sent to Premium Times on Wednesday alleged that the former president and one of the founders of the PDP, had thrown his weight behind Mr. Daniel in his bid to become the national chairman of the party.
IBB, as he is fondly called, reportedly described Mr. Daniel as the “breathe of fresh air.”
The statement said Mr. Babangida made the declaration at his Hilltop residence in Minna, Niger state on Wednesday when Mr. Daniel led a delegation on a visit to IBB in furtherance to his (Daniel) nationwide consultation.
According to the statement, speaking during the visit, Mr. Daniel said he had come to confer with the former president on his ambition, noting that no serious politician in the country would embark on such an important national task without seeking the wisdom and blessing of the former president.
Mr. Babangida was quoted to have said he was ”quite elated when he learnt that Gbenga Daniel was interested in offering his service to the country.”
“I was elated when I first heard that you were interested in volunteering yourself for this great service to our country, you represent the breadth of fresh air that the party deserves at this stage.
“I know OGD (Daniel) very well and I know his unparalleled capacity for work. I have a strong conviction that with OGD as chairman, the party can be turned
“I am supporting you because I know you very well. OGD, you’re my Chairman in waiting.”
Premium Times, however, learnt from one of the aides of Mr. Babangida that what the former leader said should not be misconstrued as a tacit support for Mr. Daniel.
“He hasn’t thrown his support for anyone,” the aide who declined to be named in the story said.
He also said what Mr. Babangida said during the visit, “does not amount to throwing his weight behind him.”
He said like Mr. Daniel, “other aspirants will also visit him and he will have something to say about them too. IBB is home to all and as a founding father of the PDP, he’s at home with all persons.
“No doubt IBB is close to Daniel, he is also close to Tunde Adeniran, Bode George and Raymond Dokpesi, who will all run for Chairman,” he said.
The other names mentioned by the aide are also seeking to the national chairman of the largest opposition in Nigeria at a convention set to hold later this year.
Mr. Adeniran is a former education minister, Mr. George a former deputy national chairman of the PDP, and Mr. Dokpesi owner of Daar Communications which owns AIT television and Ray Power radio stations. Read more Premium Times
Why President Buhari is yet to clear the air about grievous allegations of abuse of contract process.
He is untouchable!
The Capital NG exclusive Beneath every clash of giants, a wonderful tale of power and ego subsists – the plot and trajectory of each story, however, attains a life of its own or copiously re-enacts the intrigues of historical conflicts dotting the landscape and annals of human politics. Thus the recent power tussle between the Minister of State for Petroleum, Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu and Maikanti Baru, the Group Managing Director of NNPC, echoes deep-seated animosity reflective of the intrigues that led to the fabled Trojan war.
President Buhari yet to clear the air about grievous allegations of abuse of contract process
Ever since his appointment as head honcho of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) group’s board of directors, Kachikwu has been embroiled in a power tussle with the group’s Managing Director (MD), Maikanti Kacalla Baru. As the impasse aggravates, the oil corporation rumbles under the grievous weight of that action and counteraction that symbolizes the reciprocal struggle of discordant powers.
Sadly, Kachikwu has lost the bitter tussle for dominance and power to Baru, who happens to be the candidate of a northern cabal allegedly. The cabal reportedly sought to seize control of the NNPC at the inception of President Muhammadu Buhari’s radical reforms of the oil corporation.
Petroleum Minister, Ibe Kachikwu sidelined Maikanat Baru
However, just when Kachikwu sought the support of President Buhari, the latter allegedly deserted him to throw his weight behind Baru. Consequently, Kachikwu has been reduced to an ordinary figurehead; the northern cabal has effectively neutered him thus denying him appropriate command of the NNPC and influence in the decision-making process of the oil industry.
Prior to his emergence as NNPC chairman, the northern cabal had reportedly urged President Buhari to appoint Baru to head the corporation but Buhari refused their suggestion and went ahead to appoint Kachikwu. The latter was allegedly nominated for the position by Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, who convinced Buhari that appointing Kachikwu who hails from the oil-rich Niger Delta region would pacify Nigeria’s warring militants and douse tension in the delta area.
After his appointment, Kachikwu was “closely watched” by northerners including Buhari’s Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari; Mahmoud Isa-Dutse, Secretary General at the Finance Ministry, and Tajudeen Umar, a close confidante of Lamido Sanusi, the Emir of Kano and former CBN governor.
After failing to get Baru appointed NNPC boss, the northern cabal hatched a devious plan to perpetrate hoarding in desperate bid to create artificial fuel scarcity and portray Kachikwu as incompetent. After that strategy failed to produce the intended results, the cabal enlisted the support of the first lady, Aisha Buhari, who used her position as the president’s wife to get Baru elected as NNPC boss last August.
Ever since Baru’s appointment as MD of the NNPC, he has been constantly at loggerheads. With the backing of Aisha Buhari and the powerful northern cabal, Baru has been causing his boss, Kachikwu, a nagging headache and sleepless nights.
However, in his letter to Mr. President recently, the minister also accused the GMD of awarding $25billion contracts without consulting either his office or the NNPC Board.
He accused Baru of alleged insubordination, lack of adherence to due process and running a “bravado management style.”
British PM May’s authority dwindles, under pressure to resign
(Reuters) British Prime Minister (PM), Theresa May, is not considering resigning, Sky news reported on Thursday, citing her Downing Street office.
“Downing Street: Resignation is not an issue,” Sky News said on its screen.
A spokesman for PM May did not comment on the report. A spokesman for the Conservative Party also did not comment.
May’s bid to reassert her dwindling authority was ruined on Wednesday when her keynote speech was interrupted by repeated coughing fits, a prankster, and even letters of her slogan falling off the set behind her.
Also Britain’s ruling Conservative Party must remain “cool-headed”, Business Minister, Greg Clark, said, after a speech by May at their annual conference was ruined by a prankster.
The BBC reported that while ministers were rallying around the beleaguered May and praising her “guts and grace” in persisting with the hour-long speech in spite the mishaps, some Conservative members of parliament were discussing amongst themselves whether to ask her to resign.
Clark said: “The view of the party, both parliamentary colleagues and activists, is that they regard, correctly, the responsibility of the Conservative Party to be effective and cool-headed in government.”
Zenith Bank Restates Commitment To Promotion Of ICT Knowledge Among Nigerians
Zenith Bank says it would continue to promote efforts that improve ICT knowledge and penetration in Nigeria through its sponsorship of Nigerian students in the global Microsoft World Championship.
The bank’s Group Managing Director, Mr. Peter Amangbo, said this in Lagos on Wednesday at the Annual ReadManna Award and ICT Exhibition where prizes were presented to the Nigerian winner and participants at the Microsoft Word Championships.
The 2017 edition of the Microsoft Word Championship was held in Disneyland, California, U.S.A, where a Nigerian student, Katrina Eta, won the third place. The bank has partnered with ReadManna since 2010 for the Nigerian championship and since 2014 for the world championship.
Amangbo said that the bank was doing this through its commitment to the sponsorship of Nigerian students at the global competition, in line with its corporate social responsibility which has the promotion of ICT as an empowerment tool at its core.
Amangbo, who was represented by Mrs. Wunmi Ogunbiyi, a General Manager in the bank, said that the bank’s partnership with Readmanna, the organisers of the championship in Nigeria, has the potential to further improve ICT knowledge among Nigerian students.
“We will continue to engage in partnerships that will positively impact our people and our country in the short, medium and long terms.” Amangbo said.
He said that the bank was happy with the increased participation of Nigerian students in the global competition and promised that the bank would not relent in its efforts.
Amangbo also said: “To this end, Zenith Bank is committed to sponsoring an expanded Nigerian competition involving more schools as well as supporting the Nigerian contingent to the 2018 Microsoft World Championship.
“Our objective is to see how we can support the initiative to involve more children so as to fast-track the penetration and growth of ICT in Nigeria,” he added.
Katherine Eta, the Nigerian student who came third in Microsoft Word 2017 Championship, said she aspires to be the best world Microsoft office specialist.
The 16-year-old student of Childvilie School, Ogudu, Lagos, said she was happy to make Nigeria proud.
The girl, who said she planned to study Computer Engineering, said “my aim is to be the best in the world and I will not relent on my efforts.”
“I feel great to have represented Nigeria in the competition in U.S.A.
“I am also happy to come third in the competition, I’m happy to make my country, my parents, my school, myself and everybody proud.”
Eta said she planned to save the prize money won in the competition for her future education to assist her parents.
On her part, Mrs. Edna Agusto, the Managing Director, ReadManna Empowerment Initiative, said the aim of the competition was to promote proficiency in basic computer literacy aligned to global standards through ICT competitions.
“This is a global competition that challenges students to demonstrate their proficiency in the use of Microsoft word, PowerPoint and excel.
“It is open to all students aged between 13 and 22 years enrolled in an academic institution,” she said.
Agusto said the national championship conducted annually by ReadManna in Nigeria was held over a period of seven months between Aug.1, 2016 and April 30 with about 882 entries from 20 Secondary Schools in Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, Kwara and Abuja.
According to her, the competition ended with 112 out of 161 students shortlisted for national competition certified in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Word.
Agusto thanked the management of Zenith Bank for its decision to grow the Microsoft Office Specialist World Champion in Nigeria.
She said that this would make every Nigerian student to know the importance of acquiring basic digital skills at early ages.
Some award winners at the event included Mr. Iyke-Osuji Victor from Faith Academy, Ota, Ogun State, who was presented N20,000 cash gift.
Mr. Toluwanimi Osuolale from Louisville Girls High School, Ijebu Itele, Ogun State, was presented N30,000 cash gift.
Miss Husna Bello of Glisten International Academy, Abuja, was rewarded with N50,000 cash gift.
Others included Samantha Onyinye of Aduvie International School, Abuja, who was presented with N20,000 can gift, and Mychal Oluwatumininu of Day-Waterman College, Abeokuta, who was given N30,000 cash gift.
MAAZI KANU NNAMDI IWOTAGO? BIAFRA, COUNTING THE COST By Deinde Nurudeen Olayiwola
Trending in Nigeria and the world is the agitation for self rule as spearheaded by southeastern part of the nation, with other regions wishing it comes through, though they watching from the sidelines.
Leading this is NNAMDI KANU a supposedly young and promising man from ABIA state, what is being done can best be described as a revisit of old agitation which got truncated, after a loss of many lives, especially on the BIAFRA side.
The reason for the agitation is hinged on the perceived imbalance and or inequality felt in the appropriation, distribution and management of national resources. Another major factor is the growing youth population, with limited opportunities to be involved in the task of building the nation.
In my own view, it is obvious that all areas can never have a fair share in the distribution of our commonwealth. This is its root in many factors.
As much as there is urgent need to look into the perceived injustice, towards its resolution, my difference is the approach.
KANU NNAMDI on several occasions promoted and propagated bad blood among Nigerians of diverse ethnic background. Quoting him might fuel further the seed of discord, he tried to sow. A picture of a situation where the wish and desire of his group are accomplished this will come with a heavy cost, especially to him and his kinsmen.
A REVIEW
A peep into the last civil war, my father, a staff or Morison Sons & Jones Limited who newly married my late mother then, was just being transferred to Port Harcourt in 1966, and my late mother his wife just went to join him in Portharcourt while the tension of war was being built all over the nation, she had to resign from Post and Telecommunications Limited to do this. The journey of Lagos to Portharcourt via the rail cost her and my eight months old brother three solid days!
On getting to Portharcourt, she did not spend a whole month before the whole family was forced to return to Lagos while hostilities was becoming rife, my family got the message when my late mother sent her steward to the market, it took the help of my father’s official driver, an indigene of Rivers State to save the life of the poor lady, as she was marked for a brutal attack due to the tribal mark she has on her face. She was being mistaken for a Hausa Fulani person.
If KANU NNAMDI expects all IGBO to return to the east of Nigeria! Or should there be an escalation of hostility from one end which leads to the repeat of the last one, the effect is best imagined than allowed to happen.
IGBO people are the most travelled group in Africa. They are found in all the 774 seven hundred and seventy-four local government of Nigeria, not only that, in all nations of the world, you will find an IGBO man there, that is the extent of their spread.
Impossible dream
THE REAL BIAFRA
During the 1966 -1970 episode the proposed nation goes beyond the IGBO nation to include: Efik, Ibibio, Annang, Ejagham, Eket, Ibeno and the Ijaws.
Unfortunately, all the listed who form the Niger delta are reluctant to join the present struggle, rather they prefer a unique identity.
This is one major challenge as the present BIAFRA is a landlocked nation of five IGBO states, having to contend with a small Igala tribesmen in Anambra state.
Instead of the old 77,310 Square kilometres, coastal borders with potential for a sec port, the five state of 95 local councils ,leave the new nation with a paltry 30,000 square kilometers of land mass, for a group who spread over the nation, up to the limits of Africa and all parts of the world, how feasible?
Reality
IGBO SPREAD IN NIGERIA
Talking of Nigeria, IGBO people engage in trading and small manufacturing in virtually all part of the nation operating within the 923,000 square kilometers which makes up the nation, they are spreading by the day within and outside the shores of naija trying to expand their extent of business empires, , they are patronised by their own kinsmen as well as their host community and all who reside where they operate, the patronage and acceptance in most areas outside IGBOLAND is sign of love, I then find it hard to reconcile what KANU NNAMDI and his gangs propagate that IGBOS are hated by all Nigerians, hence the need to let them have their own independent state.
The several years of business integrate them in all the places to the extent of purchasing landed properties, some even marry from the host community, though the proportion of intertribal marriage is low.
By estimation, the IGBO population in the southwest cannot be less than ten million.
In the whole of the north say eight million. How do KANU NNAMDI and IPOB intend to re-integrate almost twenty million people back into the southeast?
Talk of accommodation not only that, the process of business relocation is not a spontaneous act that can easily be concluded in a short period. This I feel is the reason is flying the Jewish kite, for the people to see the project as a repeat of how Isreal was built after the Second World War! What a move? Sadly all that himself and group is doing to link IGBOS to having a link with the Jews have been put to rest with the recent news that the DNA of JEWS has no direct or indirect link with that of his kinsmen!
OTHER TRIBES IN IGBOLAND
Conversely other tribes are equally visible in the eastern part of Nigeria, but not in a proportion of the IGBOs, they are not so integrated too , as they only come and trade, mostly in camps and return to base afterwards.
THE DEAFENING SILENCE
I am surprised I am not feeling or hearing enough the IGBO voice against what KANU NNAMDI and his gangs are plotting, within and outside the east calling the attention of the agitators to the effect of forced relocation. As the experience of the last civil war ought to last a lifetime in our hearts, and guide how we relate with other tribes.
On a final note: there are better ways towards solving the imbalance without resorting to violence. We have actually gotten to the stage where all regions should manage and administer her resources, ensure safety of the region with local input, have few issues that binds us together as a nation .We can work all this out without beating drums of war as being done by KANU NNAMDI since 2015.
Deinde Nurudeen Olayiwola is a Lagos-based Civil Engineer and a Public Affairs Commentator.
Diezani to face fraud case in the UK as AGF rules out bringing her back to Nigeria
Nigeria’s former petroleum minister, Diezani Alinson-Madueke’s multiple fraud allegations seems to be far from coming to an end. The latest hindrance to her way out of the labyrinth of money laundering charges is the position of the Nigeria’s Attorney-General on her request to return to Nigeria from UK where she is also currently being investigated for various fraud charges.
The Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), on Wednesday said there was no need for the Federal Government to bring Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, back to Nigeria to face corruption charges.
Malami, in an interview he granted State House correspondents in Hausa at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said the move was not necessary since the United Kingdom was already investigating the former minister.
Alison-Madueke had urged the Federal High Court in Lagos to compel the AGF to bring her back to Nigeria from the UK, where she travelled to shortly after leaving office in 2015.
On Tuesday, her lawyer said that she would like to appear in court in Nigeria to defend the multiple allegations of crime bordering on money laundering of over N450 million, wherein her name was mentioned.
The main defendants in the charge are a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Dele Belgore; and a former Minister of National Planning, Prof. Abubakar Suleiman.
But Malami said the UK authorities were already taking appropriate steps on the matter.
The minister however said if the Federal Government later saw any reason to bring the former minister back, it would not hesitate to do so.
He said, “The truth of the matter is that steps have been taken by the United Kingdom authorities on issues bothering on corrupt practices involving Nigerians.
“If Nigeria feels strongly that there is need to bring Mrs. Diezani Allison-Madueke here to face charges of corruption, government will not hesitate to do that.
“As things are now, there is no need for that since the UK Government is already investigating her and government will not take any decision that will jeopardise what the UK Government is doing.”
Malami said the government was working hard on issues of corruption and litigation in Nigeria and outside the country.
He said it would be wrong to conclude that the government was not doing anything on the matter, considering the fact that there is an existing understanding between Nigeria and other countries especially UK on the recovery of stolen funds.
When asked if Alison-Madueke can get a fair hearing in Nigeria, Malami said, “Well, the issue is not about fair hearing now. We are talking about investigation first and is not within Mrs. Diezani Allison-Madueke powers to ask the Federal Government to bring her to testify in any case in Nigeria.
“Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke is facing charges of money laundering and acquisition of properties in the United Kingdom. So, it is important to face the charges there than for her to come as a mere witness in a case in Nigeria.”
Frank Papas Okamigbo just secured another major recognition with an Africa award, the Nelson Mandela Youth Award.
The club administrator and owner of one of the longest-running brand in the nightlife business Club Papas is said to be very happy with the latest honour.
The award, which has been described as one of the most reputable awards for youth in Africa, makes him Ambassador for Youth Development in Africa according to information made available.
Further details gathered state the award is in recognition of Okamigbo’s entrepreneurial skill in his chosen field, humanitarian works and general attempts at making the world a better place with his initiatives.
However, the recognition shuts down what insiders in his camp described as unfounded reports about his place of operation, Club Papas at the Place Lekki. And according to his friends, “the laudable comes at the perfect moment.” Societynow.ng
House of Rep. member, Hon. Olowookere Ajisafe supports Governors’ diversion of bailout funds
A member of the House of Representatives, Rep. Olowookere Ajisafe on Wednesday in Abuja held brief for state governors who used part of their bailout funds for other projects outside payment of outstanding salaries and pensions.
Speaking in an interview with our correspondent on Wednesday, Ajisafe said that the need for increased commitment to infrastructure necessitated governors’ demand for more bailout.
The bailout fund was given to states especially those who owed several months of salaries and pensions to the workers and retirees.
However, some of the states rather than pay the emoluments, used a great part of the fund for other projects while still owing several months salaries.
The lawmaker who represents Akure North/South Federal Constituency of Ondo while defending the governors expressed concern over the bad state of infrastructure in the country.
“This may not go down well with the civil servants but the concern of some of these governors is that certain money is given as bailout but some of them are conscious of the percentage of civil servants in their states.
“If every money received is spent on paying salary and issues as important as roads and other infrastructures are not attended to then what will be their legacy.
“I think that is why some of them are diverting the bailout funds to attend to infrastructure which the generality of citizens of the states will enjoy,’’ he said.
The lawmaker said that deplorable road condition aided kidnapping in the country.
“Over six months I have not been bold to go home with my vehicle.
“It makes it easier for them to operate because of the bad road.
“There are certain portions that you must have to slow down to cross, and that is where the kidnappers are hiding and that affects civil servants, non-civil servants, farmers, artisans and others.
“Much as I sympathise with the workers that are not being paid, the fault is not that of some governors but as a result of the dwindling oil fortunes both in price and quantity,’’ Ajisafe said.
According to a report by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) report, many of the 23 states that received bailout funds diverted same into the payment of contractors and other projects.
The commission particularly indicted Zamfara state which was said not to have been indebted to its workers yet applied and got the N10bn which the governor diverted.
The ICPC report issued in April and signed by Mustapha Hussain, indicted many states including Bauchi, Benue, Imo, Cross River, Katsina, Ekiti, Zamfara, Gombe, Osun, Kwara, among others.
Recall that before the funds were approved and released, the Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, who heads the National Economic Council, had explained that the loan is repayable at an interest rate of nine percent over a 20-year period and it is “solely for the purpose of paying the backlog of salaries.”
However, the ICPC report showed that many states had flouted the purpose for which the funds were released leaving their workers with the backlog of unpaid salaries.
Cristiano Ronaldo has showed off his impressive football boot collection after helping launch a brand new pair of Nike Mercurials.
The Real Madrid star invited Rio Ferdinand and cameras into his €5.4million home for a personal interview last week. While there, Ronaldo showed off his incredible wall of football boots.
The boots feature a diamond-inspired graphic, multi-coloured knitting, a CR7 logo and the date of Ronald’s Madrid debut.
Speaking about the first time he slipped on a pair of Nike Mercurials, Ronaldo said: “I was 16 years old. I looked at the boots like they were a diamond. I said, ‘wow, unbelievable’.
“As soon as I started to play with those boots I never changed, until today.
“Because they fit good, they give me everything. My pace is good, my goals, when I shoot I feel good with the boots and the boots are so beautiful.
Troubled Alison-Madueke begs court; Please compel Nigeria’s attorney general to facilitate my return home
Premium Times
A former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has urged the Federal High Court in Lagos to compel the Attorney-General of the Federation to bring her back to Nigeria from the United Kingdom to defend corruption allegations levelled against her.
Mrs. Alison-Madueke has been in the UK where she travelled to shortly after leaving office in 2015.
She is believed to have been barred from leaving the UK where she is also being investigated for money laundering.
On Tuesday, her lawyer said that she would like to appear in court in Nigeria to defend the multiple allegations of crime bordering on money laundering of over N450 million, wherein her name was mentioned.
Obinna Onya, Mrs. Alison Madueke’s lawyer, stated these at a court case instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, that $115 million was doled out by the former minister in an attempt to compromise the 2015 general elections.
In this particular suit, a former minister of national planning, Abubakar Suleiman, and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dele Belgore, are being prosecuted for allegedly receiving N450 million from Mrs. Alison-Madueke prior to the 2015 elections.
Mr. Onya contended that contrary to the declaration by the EFCC that the former minister was at large, she was in the UK. The lawyer also said that his client was willing to return to Nigeria so that she could appear in court to take her plea and defend herself against the charges.
He argued that since his client’s name had been mentioned in the charge, it would be against her right to a fair hearing for the case to proceed without affording her the opportunity to defend herself.
“The statement made by the prosecution means that the applicant is going to be convicted without being given the opportunity to defend herself,” Mr. Onya told the court.
The application prayed for an order “mandating the Attorney-General of the Federation, being the agent of the complainant, to facilitate the prompt appearance of the applicant in court on the next adjourned date, to take her plea and to defend the allegations made against her in counts 1, 2,3 and 4 of the charge, numbered FHC/L/35c/2017.”
Mr. Onya urged the judge to hear and determine the application before proceeding with the case on Tuesday.
But the prosecuting counsel for the EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo, opposed him, saying the application was not ripe for hearing as he was yet to be served.
Mr. Onya told the court that he had attempted to serve Mr. Oyedepo on Tuesday morning at the court premises but that the prosecutor declined, adding that his effort to serve the application at the EFCC office on Friday was also frustrated.
Responding, the judge, Rilwan Aikawa said the court could not entertain the application for Mr. Alsion-Maduekwe to be brought back to Nigeria to defend herself until all the parties had been properly served.
The case was adjourned to October 4 for the continuation of trial.
It would be recalled that a group led by Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly boy, recently asked that the former minister be extradited.
Ibrahim Magu, the acting EFCC boss, in September also said there were moves to bring back the former minister to the country. He said, “I want you to know that nobody will go unpunished. We are even seeking to extradite Diezani, but investigations are still ongoing.”
Mrs. Alison-Madueke is in the United Kingdom where she is believed to be receiving treatment for cancer and is also being investigated for money laundering.
Apart from the alleged INEC bribery case, she has also been mentioned in several corruption scandals and properties worth billions of Naira seized from her. (c) Premium Times
