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Mimiko left over N220bn debt – Akeredolu

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Mimiko left over N220bn debt – Akeredolu

 

Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State says his administration inherited a debt burden of N220.58bn at its inception.

Akeredolu made this known in Akure on Wednesday while swearing-in commissioners and special advisers. He advised the people of the state to refrain from acts that could further push the state into deep economic crisis.

But his claim about the debt legacy was promptly attacked by a former commissioner for Information during the Mimiko administration, Mr Kayode Akinmade, who said that Mimiko left N20billion in the kitty of the state government. Akinmade skirted the issue of debt and also did not explain why Mimiko failed to match the N38.64 billion left in the kitty of the state government by his predecessor, Gov.Olusegun Agagu.

Akeredolu said with a debt of more than N220 billion, it was not difficult for anyone to know that the government’s capacity for adjustment to cater for the people had been stretched to its limit.

According to him Internal Debt of N53.15billion constituted almost a quarter of the debt legacy.

Others are External Debt, N17.48billion; Unpaid Salaries and Allowances, Aug. to Dec. 2016, N17.27billion; and Jan. to Feb. 2017, N6,91billion, Ondo State Pension Liabilities, N4.80billion; Ondo State Gratuity, N15.04billion; Unpaid Local Government Salaries and Allowances Aug. to Dec. 2016, N9.3billion; Jan. to Feb. 2017, N5.19billion.

Local Government Pension Liabilities of N25.23billion; Local Government Gratuities N20,96billion; Contractors’ Liabilities N39.74billion; Outstanding payment requests in the Office of the Accountant-General without cash backing, N5.45billion made up the rest of the debt profile.

However, Akeredolu promised to provide the needed leadership to move the state forward and make life more abundant for the people.

“We will continue to strive to keep that vow within the available resources. We can turn things around positively,’’ he said.

The governor also congratulated the commissioners and special assistants, adding that they should use this opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the people.

Mr Femi Agagu, who spoke on behalf of other commissioners, thanked the governor for the privilege given them to serve the people.

“We are aware that your administration has a blueprint to transform the state. Collectively, we will take the state to a glorious destination.

“We pledge to discharge our duties faithfully and with the fear of God. We will defend the oath we have sworn to and we will uphold this honour you have bestowed on us,” Agagu said.

The commissioners are Mr Taofiq Abdusallam, Mr Rasheed Badmus, Mr Solagbade Amodeni, Chief Adegboyega Adefarati, Mr Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, Mrs Omowumi Olatunji, Mr Donald Ojogo, Mr Yemi Olowolabi and Dr Wahab Adegbenro.

Others are; Mr Funso Esan, Mr Wale Akinterinwa, Pastor Emmanuel Igbasan, Alhaji Olurimisi Ismaila, Mr Femi Agagu, Prof. Bayonle Ademodi, Mrs Julianah Fagbemi, Mr Timilehin Adelegbe and Mr Kola Olawole.

The special advisers sworn in include Mr Victor Olabimtan, Mrs Olubukola Ademosu, Mr Tunji Ariyomo, Mr Tobi Ogunleye, and Mr Akinboye Oyewunmi.

Others are Dr Olawunmi Ilawole, Dr Jibayo Adeyeye, Mr Tunji Fabiyi, Mr Alaba Isijola, and Mr Raheem Aminu.

Former Gov. Olusegun Mimiko handed over to Akeredolu on Feb.24, 2017.

Thousands welcome Buhari in Daura for Sallah

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Thousands welcome Buhari in Daura for Sallah

 

Thousands of people thronged the Daura airstrip in Katsina State to welcome President Muhammadu Buhari, who has arrived his hometown for Eid-el-Kabir.

A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Airforce helicopter conveying the president and members of his immediate family landed at the airstrip at 4:45 p.m on Wednesday.

The president was received by the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Farouk, politicians and thousands of well wishers.

Buhari, looking much healthier and radiant, smiled as he waved to the mammoth crowd. He walked from the airstrip to his residence in the GRA of the town.

Inside the town itself, Buhari’s arrival excited many people, who broke out in prayers for his good health.

Malam Aminu Shehu, a trader who could not control his emotion, described the arrival of the president as a relief to Nigerians, especially his kinsmen who spent a year without seeing him.

He praised God that the president was looking happy and not fatigued.

“we will continue to pray for the well-being of the president’’.

Buhari being received by Emir of Daura in Daura today. With them is Governor Aminu Masari

Hajiya Nana Mohammed, a politician from Maiadua Local Government Area, said the president was back for the better, describing his arrival as an unprecedented home coming and “we wish him well’’.

Alhaji Abdurrahaman Danmalan, a politician and the Danmadamin Daura, described the numerous reforms introduced by the present administration as a welcome development.

He said the president was pursuing the reforms on agriculture, education, security and infrastructure with vigour.

On his part, Mr Musa Mohammed, the Chairman of the Daura chapter of the NURTW, thanked God and well meaning Nigerians for their sustained prayers for the recovery of the president

He said his members would book for an appointment to see the president to formally greet and interact with him.

Alhaji Ali Rabe, the Chairman of the Daura Emirate Amalgamation of Political Associations, also told NAN that arrangement for a thanksgiving service had been concluded.

Rabe disclosed that the event would hold two days after Sallah. NAN also reports that VIPs such as governors and ministers followed Buhari into Daura.

Massive security has been mounted in and around the ancient town. NAN

Olori Wuraola, now Zaynab-Otiti Obanor Confirms rumors of her split with Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi

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“Stop Shaming and Vilifying Women with False Stories of Infidelity”-Former Ooni’s Wife, Wuraola

The now-former queen of Ife Olori Wuraola, now Zaynab-Otiti Obanor, has confirmed rumours of her split with the Ooni of Ife Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.

She confirmed the news on her Instagram, saying that a lot of false information about her has been circulated.

“What I can confirm, is that the Ooni and I are no more,” she said.

Olori Wuraola urged people to stop shaming women with false stories of infidelity, and said there is “no truth to the media circulated lies of infidelity and infertility- on my end.”

Wuraola with Ooni before the unceremonious split

Read her full statement below:

OFFICIAL STATEMENT We have got to stop this culture of shaming and vilifying women with false stories of infidelity & nefarious behavior.

The spreading of false information (through “sources” afraid to be identified) is the mark of cowards and a cover up for guilty parties to justify their horrific actions.

There is absolutely no truth to the media circulated lies of infidelity and infertility- on my end.

What I can confirm, is that the Ooni and I are no more. I inhale love & exhale gratitude.

My journey continues as a Humanitarian aiding women and victims of domestic violence & abuse with the United Nations.

No matter how much time you’ve invested, no matter the use of media to silence & manipulate, no matter the circumstance, slander, embarrassment, threats and lies: Get out and seek immediate help!

We’ve seen this movie before. Women being dragged in the press & blamed for everything under the sun. This behavior is unacceptable. I urge those involved to be mindful of their actions for the eyes of our Almighty God are always watching. The seeds of slander is a cancer that harvests to eat away the souls of the planter.

The throne is sacred and the attempts to tarnish the name of a Queen, in defense or on behalf of a silent King makes all involved look terrible. Remain dignified in all you do. It’s not the end of the world, but the start of a new chapter and you must turn the page with grace. The world is watching.

As I bid adieu to this chapter, my wish to you all is to step into your lives – boldly & fearlessly, the way God intended and live not just by words, but through example. The best chapter in our lives is the one we are writing now.

Thank you for your love and support.

With peace, love & light,

Her Highness, Zaynab Otiti Obanor.

http://www.newsheadline247.com/2017/08/19/olori-wuraola-reacts-rumours-marriage-crisis-alleged-infidelity-parts/

Abomination! Delta Lawyer, Mbanefo Nwoko In Sex Romp With Cousin, Lauretta Anyam Obanor

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Abomination! Delta Lawyer, Mbanefo Nwoko In Sex Romp With Cousin, Lauretta Anyam Obanor

Atrocious Delta State lawyer, Barrister Mbanefo Nwoko is in the news again. This time around, it is about what many see as an abomination that has come to the fore and being discussed in hushed tones.
According to a family source, Mbanefo Nwoko, described as a randy man is having illicit sexual relationship with his cousin, Lauretta Anyam Obanor.
We learnt that elders in Mbanef’s town, Idumuje-Ugboko in Aniocha North Local Government area of Delta State have described as ‘taboo’, the amorous relationship between him and Laurreta and are determined to expose and shame the duo.
“Let me give you brief family history of their bloodline and connections. Our great father and king, Obi Obanor was the father of Prince William Ofulue, Prince Umuna and others.”

After his reign, Prince William Ofolue became the king of Ofolue became the king of Ubulu-Uku and gave birth to Princess Eunice Ofolue that later got married to late Albert Nwoko and gave birth to Prince Nonso and Mbanefo.” The elder informed our reporter.
Continuing, the well informed source revealed, “on the other side, Prince Umuna gave birth to Lauretta Anya Obanor’s father. You can see that Mbanefo and Lauretta have the same great grandfather, Obanor. So, some of us elders in the town cannot sit down and watch this open sex relationship. It is not acceptable to our tradition.’’ The source concluded.

Meanwhile, we gathered Mbanefo and Lauretta have continued their queer sexual dalliance despite outcries from family elders.

One of Lauretta’s friends informed us she is not ready to let go. “I don’t understand what is wrong with her because she seems to be enjoying the relationship despite the fact that Mbanefo is her blood, I even learnt Mbanefo bought her a car as a gift for their sexual relationship.’’ The concerned friend squealed.

Barrister Mbanefo Nwoko is however not enjoying his moments right now as he is still entangled by series of alleged criminal activities ranging from rape, murder and forgery which made police declare him wanted, eventually arrested and charged to court.

http://www.newsheadline247.com/2017/08/12/delta-lawyer-mbanefo-nwoko-arrested-police-many-atrocities-real-paternity-unveiled/

The Published Story Of Barrister Mbanefo Nwoko Is Reproduced Below:

A controversial India trained lawyer, Barrister Mbanefo Nwoko who has been described as the architect and mastermind of the prolonged kingship tussle and the attendant killings in the intherto peaceful kingdom of Udumuje Ugboko in Aniocha North Local Government of Delta State was this evening arrested by men of the Nigeria Police Force.

According to information reaching us, the police arrested Mbanefo Nwoko at his secret lover’s house where he has been using as hideouts since man hunt for him began about few weeks ago.

We gathered that Mbanefo was picked up in Auchi in Edo State by security forces after ignoring several invites by the police.

Barrister Mbanefo we learnt has been on the wanted list of the police for his role in the murder of late Obi Albert Nwoko III of the Idumuje kingdom. He was also alleged to have been involved in the gang rape of 14 year old daughter of the late monarch and multiple forgeries.

Before his arrest, Mbanefo had been the main backer of Prince Chukwunonso Justin Nwoko who is desperately scheming and laying claims to the vacant stool of the Idumuje Ugboko kingdom against the younger and rightful heir to the throne, Prince Uche Stephen Nwoko.

While perfecting the plot on how to install Nonso Nwoko as king against the wishes of the people, Mbanefo contracted some armed militants into the kingdom to attack kingmakers, elders, chiefs and indigenes.

During the reign of terror unleashed on the community, the militants shot and killed a commercial motorcycle rider while two high ranking chiefs in the kingdom, the Odogwu and Iyase were abducted under the directive of Mbanefo and Nonso and taken to the palace where they were tortured and beaten.
At the end of the invasion, over 20 houses were destroyed while cars, motorcycles and other properties of people perceived to be opponents of Nonso were vandalized.
The police later swung into action and some arrests were made. Several invitations were sent to Nonso but were ignored while Mbanefo who stood as his lawyer always made excuses for him. The police had to take the case to a magistrate court which Nonso continued to ignore in contempt. The magistrate had to issue a bench warrant for his arrest.
But in order to make Nonso avoid the court, Barrister Mbanefo Nwoko presented a letter purportedly from the Chief Medical Director of General Hospital Owa Oyibo in Ika North East Local Government area, claiming Nonso was being treated of multiple ailments on the day he was supposed to be in court.
We learnt after further investigations the police approached the hospital to verify the letter and the management of the hospital denied issuing such letter and that the signature was forged.
Piqued by the report, the magistrate, F.I Dike issued the bench warrant against Chukwunonso and his surety.
However, it was later discovered that it was Barrister Mbanefo that masterminded the forgery of the medical report which made the police to declare him wanted.
Apart from that, Barrister Mbanefo Nwoko who some of his colleagues described as a failed lawyer (because he has never won a single case in the court of law), before the forgery issue, had been under the watch list of the police for his involvement in the rape of the 14 year old girl. Curiously, when asked about the rape incident, Mbanefo claimed the young girl consented.
Also tagged as a con artist, Barrister Mbanefo is said to be using the kingship brouhaha in Idimuje Ugboko as a money making venture. “He writes letters to notable Idimuje Ugboko indigenes where he solicits for funds in millions of naira to help him pursue Nonso’s kingship matter and court cases, promising to give them expanse of land if the cases are won. But he collects the money, pockets major part of it, share some to hoodlums to be terrorizing the people. So, Mbanefo doesn’t want the case to end.’’ The source disclosed.
We also learnt that since the crisis started early this year, and the attendant mayhem and destruction, Mbanefo had written frivolous petitions against the state police command, accusing it of bias and requested the cases be transferred to the zonal command in Benin.
“When the cases were taken to the zonal command, and thorough investigations were made, obviously the facts were laid bare and Mbanefo began to sponsor negative attack on the AIG in charge of the zone through social media. He even went to court in Effurun to ask for the protection of his human rights. I don’t know where you go to court to stop being arrested for murder, rape and forgeries.” The source added.         yemojanewsng.com

 

Nigerian novelist, Chimamanda Adichie, awarded Doctor of Letters by University of Edinburgh

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Nigerian novelist, Chimamanda Adichie, has been awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of  Letters by the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.

The award was presented by Timothy O’Shea, vice chancellor of the university, in recognition of her achievement an author and public intellectual.

While delivering her speech, the 39-year-old author of  We Should All Be Feminists told the audience that she was “very fortunate” to receive the honour.

She said: “It is lovely to be in this place, which is hallowed. I feel very fortunate to be included among the people who have been honored with a degree from this university.”

Chimamanda Adichie, awarded Doctor of Letters by University of Edinburgh

Barbara Bompani, director of the Centre for African Studies, who proposed Adichie for the award, said there are many stories of the influence that “Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s work has had on the lives, thoughts and creativity of others”.

“Through her writing, her advocacy, and her public engagement, she inspires all of us to better understand our own, and other peoples’ stories.”

Adichie is a prominent contemporary writer who has authored three award-winning novels, Purple Hibiscus, Half of a Yellow Sun, and Americanah, and a short story collection, The Thing around Your Neck.

Her most recent work, Dear Ijeawale, or A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions, is a series of letters about feminism and motherhood. The Cable

Fayose, olujimi’s supporters in bloody clash!

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Fayose, olujimi’s supporters in bloody clash!

There was tension yesterday at Omuo-Ekiti, Kota-Ekiti and other communities in Ekiti East Local Government Area of Ekiti State, following a bloody clash between supporters of Governor Ayo Fayose and those of Senate Deputy Minority Whip Biodun Olujimi.

Scores of people were said to have been wounded at a meeting of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members in Kota-Ekiti on Sunday. It was attended by members from both factions.

The House of Assembly member representing Ekiti East Constituency II, Dare Pelemo, who is a loyalist of Fayose, was said to have been among the wounded.

A source told our reporter yesterday that many of the victims of the attack are receiving treatment at undisclosed hospitals in Omuo and Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

Residents scampered to safety and stayed away until the dust of the clash cleared.

Fayose and Olujimi are locked in a cold war over the latter’s governorship ambition; the governor allegedly warned Olujimi to drop her governorship ambition but the senator reportedly rebuffed the governor.

The crisis reached a crescendo two weeks ago when two House of Assembly members – Michael Adeojo (Ekiti Southwest II) and Ojo Ade Fajana (Ekiti East 1) – were investigated for their alleged loyalty and closeness to Olujimi.

A source said the clash erupted over alleged plan to take control of the meeting by one of the factions, which snowballed into physical combat in which missiles were hurled on both sides.

Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose

Assembly member Pelemo, the source said, had his clothes torn by Olujimi’s supporters, who mobilised to attack him for “attempting to advance Fayose’s interest” at the meeting.

The source said: “The meeting ended in disarray as the team loyal to Senator Olujimi and team loyal to Governor Fayose exchanged fisticuffs.

“The House of Assembly member representing Ekiti East Constituency II, Pelemo, was beaten up while other members of the team loyal to Governor Fayose ran for their lives.”

thenation

I have not dumped APC – Andy Uba

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I have not dumped APC – Andy Uba

Senator Andy Uba has said that he had not left the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or any other party over the outcome of the Anambra governorship primaries.

The Senator representing  Anambra senatorial district Sen Andy Uba has debunk the rumour of his defection from the All Progressive Congress, APC for a new party.

Uba while addressing newsmen at his country home in Uga, Anambra state, debunked rumours making the rounds that he planned to dump the APC for a new party.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Joseph Itazi, the senator stressed that he was still a supporter of the party irrespective of the outcome of the party’s primaries.

“Let’s put the record straight, I have no intention of leaving our great party APC for another party.

“I have always supported the party, so please people should stop spreading false news that I am planning to defect to another party.

“I am still a member APC,” Uba said.

Sen Uba emerged second with 931 votes at the just concluded APC primary election losing to Hon. Tony Nwoye.

Both Uba and Nwoye were members of the PDP before defecting to APC to pursue further political careers. NAN

Lagos court orders final forfeiture of Diezani N7.6 billion loot

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Lagos court orders final forfeiture of Diezani N7.6 billion loot

 

The Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday ordered the final forfeiture of N7.6billion allegedly stolen and hidden by former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke.

Justice Abdulazeez Anka granted an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) seeking the money’s final forfeiture to the Federal Government.

He held: “I’ve read the motion on notice seeking the final forfeiture of the sum of N7,646,700,000 reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity.

“I have also gone through the affidavit in support of the application.

“In the circumstances, I am of the view that the application has merit and is hereby granted as prayed. Parties have a right of appeal.”

Diezani, seven ex-governors, others to lose Dubai assets

Moving the application, EFCC’s lawyer Rotimi Oyedepo said the money was part of “huge sums” allegedly diverted by Mrs Alison-Madueke from various subsidiaries of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

According to him, it was “fraudulently converted from NNPC by Mrs Alison-Madueke”.

He said the commission published an advertorial after the court ordered the money’s temporary forfeiture, but no one came forward to claim its ownership.

In an affidavit to support the application, an investigating officer, Usman Zakari, said he was part of a team of operatives who investigated an intelligence report that huge sums were laundered.

Diezani, loses N7.6b loot

He said it was looted through former Managing Director, Crude Oil Marketing Department, Gbenga Olu Komolafe; former Managing Director, Petroleum Products Management Company (PPMC) Prince Haruna Momoh; Group Managing Director, Nigerian Products Marketing Company (NPMC) Umar Farouk Ahmed, Stanley Lawson, Babajide Sonoiki and some bank chiefs on behalf of Mrs Alison-Madueke.

The deponent said Mrs Alison-Madueke called a bank chief to her office for a meeting where she informed him that some officials of her ministry would be bringing funds to his bank.

She allegedly directed that the “funds must neither be credited into any known account nor captured in any transactional platforms of the bank”.

The investigator added: “In carrying out this alleged scheme of fraud, the sum of $153,310,000 was moved from NNPC through B.O.N Otti and Stanley Lawson, both former Group Executive Directors, Finance and Account of the NNPC” to the bank.

THE DARK DEALS, MORE SCANDALS, DIRTS EMERGE IN HOW DIEZANI, ALUKO & OMOKORE WERE NAILED

He said using the same fraudulent scheme, another $45million was also conveyed to the bank.

He said the money was conveyed in cash from Abuja to the bank’s headquarters in Lagos; $113,310,000 was taken out of it and moved to another bank in a bid to conceal its illicit source.

The investigator said the remaining $40million was conveyed in cash to a bank chief, Dauda Lawal.

Zakari said $108,310,000 was taken from the $113,310,000 and was disguised and invested in an off balance sheet investment using an asset management company owned by the bank as a special purpose vehicle.

He said the remaining $5million was conveyed in cash to another bank’s managing director “for safe keeping”.

The sum in the asset management company was allegedly converted to N23,446,300,000, which EFCC said it recovered in drafts from the bank.

It also recovered the $5million held by the bank MD.

America set to go after Diezani Alison-Madueke

The operative said the $40million conveyed in cash to Lawal was subsequently converted to N9,080,000,000 and retained by him.

Zakari said the N23,446,300,000, $5million and N9,080,000,000 were forfeited to the Federal Government on February 16, following an order by Justice Muslim Hassan of the same court.

According to him, the $45million was converted to naira by the bank in a bid to conceal and disguise its illicit origin.

He said EFCC received N7,646,700,000 in draft from the bank.

He recalled that the court on August 9 granted an interim order of forfeiture of the money and directed EFCC to publish the order in national newspapers to enable any person interested in it to appear in court and show cause why it should not be forfeited permanently to the Federal Government.

“The applicant has complied with the order of this court by publishing the said order on the 16th of August. It is in the interest of justice to grant this application,” Zakari said.

Justice Anka “granted the application as prayed”.

The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) has frozen London properties valued at £10 million allegedly bought for the former minister.

EXCLUSIVE: Aiteo Chief Executive, Benedict Peters named in ex-Minister Alison-Madueke’s alleged corruption, UK property frozen

The two properties located at Regents Park in London, along with one in Buckinghamshire, have now been frozen based on the request of Nigerian authorities.

According to online news medium, Premium Times, a London court gave the freeze order in September 2016 but details of the rulings have only recently become public.

But the agency was too late in preventing a further two properties worth £8 million from being sold.

In July, the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) had revealed four properties it alleged were bought for the former petroleum minister by individuals and firms seeking her influence in obtaining lucrative oil assets and crude oil lifting contracts.

Some of the oil assets were assigned to people believed to be her cronies through Strategic Alliance Agreements (SAAs).

The DoJ’s affidavit stated that businessmen, Jide Omokore and Kola Aluko were involved in the purchase of two of the properties allegedly bought for Alison-Madueke.

The UK order obtained by Africa Confidential, a newsletter specialising in politics and business in Africa, has revealed that three of the properties have been frozen under the Proceeds of Crime Act.   The Capital

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On Court Order, FG Permanently Take over Alison-Madueke’s $37.5m Banana Island Mansion

Stupendous Lifestyle of Toks Abiru Exposed! How he milked First Bank with Cohorts

Wanted Oil Baron Kola Aluko’s 16 Billion Naira Apartment to be auctioned in New York

Nigeria acquires Super Tucano fighter jets, bombs from US to fight Boko Haram

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Nigeria acquires Super Tucano fighter jets, bombs from US to fight Boko Haram

The Pentagon has notified the U.S. Congress  of the sale to Nigeria of 12 Super Tucano A-29 planes and weapons worth $593 million, needed for the  fight against the militant group, Boko Haram.

The move on the sale, which included thousands of bombs and rockets and was originally agreed by former President Barack Obama’s administration, was announced by the Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency. The sale was initially announced on 2 August.

The Super Tucano A-29, an agile, propeller-driven plane with reconnaissance and surveillance as well as attack capabilities, is made by Brazil’s Embraer. A second production line is in Florida, in a partnership between Embraer and privately held Sierra Nevada Corp of Sparks, Nevada.

The Super Tucano costs more than $10 million each and the price can go much higher depending on the configuration.

It is powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT 6 engine.

The Obama administration delayed the deal after incidents including the Nigerian Air Force’s bombing of a refugee camp in January that killed 90 to 170 civilians.

President Donald Trump has said he plans to go ahead with foreign defence sales delayed under Obama by human rights concerns.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered their certification of the foreign military sale to Congress, as required by law, on August 2, according to United Press International.

The twelve A-29s, equipped with wing-mounted machine guns, weapons integration with advanced surveillance… precision-guided bombs, and even air-to-air missiles” are expected to be  used by Nigeria to combat the  Boko Haram insurgents and other extremist groups, such as the Islamic State West Africa splinter group. They will also serve to counter smuggling and other trafficking in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea.

The DSCA has determined that U.S. security interests are served by assisting Nigeria in its counter-insurgency operations and that the A-29 sale will not significantly alter the military balance of power in the region.

The contract will require U.S. Government or private contractors to provide training and support, and will include instruction on rules of engagement and human rights to help prevent civilian casualties. NAN

Ghana: NDC afraid to involve its intellectuals

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Ghana: NDC afraid to involve its intellectuals

 

Former Executive Director of the National Service Scheme (NSS), Dr Michael Kpessah Whyte, has said certain elements within the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) are fearful of the party’s intelligentsia, thus fail to involve them in decision making, ghanaweb has report.

“There is a certain fear and fright from some people within the party, of intellectuals [in the NDC] and I think that is terrible,” he complained.

Following concerns that the NDC is a party for the masses and one without intellectuals, the political scientist told Moro Awudu on Class91.3FM’s Executive Breakfast Show on Tuesday, August 29 that: “It is less the case that the NDC doesn’t have intellectuals and more the case of maybe the NDC doesn’t involve the intellectuals in decisions that go on and [that has] become more or less the position of the party.”

For him, it was time the party moved away from the ideology of placing emphasis on the masses and integrating more intellectual input in its activities in order to set the NDC on a path towards reclaiming power in 2020.

“The NDC is a mass party but I think within the NDC, some people have taken the idea of the party of the masses too far to mean that you don’t need the intellectuals necessarily to lead and I think that it is probably one of our undoing as a party,” he lamented.

According to him, he could count not less than 20 people who are lawyers or academics who contested in the last primaries, yet their efforts were stifled and were not given the chance to be voted into key positions. ghanaweb