-By Albert OGRAKA:

Blank NEWS Online can authoritatively reveal that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leading presidential aspirant in the forthcoming 2019 elections and former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s visit to Delta state on Tuesday, July 26, 2018 in continuation of his consultations has further strengthened his general acceptance by Nigerians, following his insistence that there must be restructuring for Nigeria to make progress.

Atiku’s quest to contest against incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari, sole candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in next year’s presidential election has also renewed Nigerians hope that the subsisting insecurity and poverty which has ravaged the country would be a thing of the past once the main opposition party, PDP clinches power.

Atiku, a former Vice President to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, had told the PDP delegates and the mammoth crowd of supporters who accorded him a heroic reception in Asaba that his vision to reposition the country would be realised on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) if he secures the presidential ticket for the 2019 elections.

Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa:

Delta state governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa who conducted the most successful non-elective party national convention in Nigeria, commended him for engaging in consultation visit, assuring that delegates to the Presidential Primaries of the PDP will make their decisions based on acceptability, reach, experience and level of intelligence of the individual aspirants.

He maintained that the former vice president spoke in ways that aroused the interest of the people in the state; more so, when he identified himself as a friend of the state. He remarked that he cannot interrupt the people’s choice, in any way; and if Atiku is the choice of the people of Delta State, so be it.

“I made my statement which was clear and cautious.

“If you followed us properly, you will discover that when he talked to Deltans, he made a lot of statements which did interest our people, and he has said he is a friend of the state.

“He talked about restructuring and the rest. And if his programme continues to interest the people, I will not be able to hold back the hands of the people. I am not going to force any delegate to the national convention to vote the way Okowa thinks or feels.

“They will be allowed to exercise their discretion and their votes.
“As governor, I don’t want to directly support any candidate, but the will of the people will be allowed to be, but if anything happens that I have to give guidance, I will never force the people to vote against their will.”

Bashorun Askia Ogieh:

Bashorun Askia Ogieh is one of the foremost PDP chieftains in Delta state. He believes that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has blazed the trail by endearing himself to Deltans and Nigerians.

“What he has done is the right thing. You need to consult with relevant stakeholders as you move on. It shows that he is serious. It shows his ability to carry the people along and to feel the pulse of the various state delegates as he moves on into the main contest. It shows his preparedness. He is not just waiting for him to be adopted. He is working hard for it and selling himself and his credentials and precedents and using the opportunity to tell the delegates what he can do better than every other aspirants and indeed what he can do better than the government of the day because in all of these, we are looking for a strong candidate. Someone that can deliver us, deliver the party to Aso Rock.

“Before he threw his bat into the ring, he has promised restructuring and has been hammering on it and we believe. That is the right way to go. In addition he told us that the Niger Delta Ministry is better situated in the Niger Delta Region so that the people can feel the impact. They can know what’s going on because they are too comfortable in Abuja there….and that is the right way to go.

“We are not happy that we have left there in the past three years and more so we are not happy that the country have slide into a very serious situation, especially the genocide that is happening in the far Northern states but more worrisome is that of the Middle Belt where we have the food basket. And the religious undertone that is coming in, the massacre of the people is something that we are not happy about.”

A statement titled, “Nigerian President Buhari Must Ensure Release Of Journalist Jones Abiri” and made available to Blank NEWS Online on June 21, 2018 reads:

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has challenged the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, to immediately submit himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged humongous corruption allegations hanging on his neck.

In a Press Statement signed by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan and made available to Blank NEWS Online on June 24, 2018, the party said Oshiomhole lacks the rectitude to speak in public as a leader at any level, whatsoever, until he clears the allegations that he diverted billions of naira meant for the people of Edo state while he was governor.

PDP noted that since the petition against him at the EFCC is in the public domain, the newly coronated national chairman would do the APC, Buhari Presidency, the EFCC as well as himself a lot of good by quietly submitting himself for investigation and possibly, prosecution.

According to the party, since one of the campaign footstool upon which APC was elected into office is fighting corruption, it will be incongruous for Oshiomhole to go about his new assignment with allegation of corruption, even as tiny as a strand of hair.

It is also instructive for the new chairman to understand that Nigerians are no longer inclined to sophistry, illogical arguments, deceits, contrivance and recourse to abuse as a method of campaign.

As such, the PDP would be prepared for engagements that have the potency of rescuing our people from the hunger and starvation which the APC has sunk them.

However, the essence of Oshiomhole’s emergence as President Muhammadu Buhari’s sole candidate was not lost on Nigerians as the Presidency imposed him as a pliable instrument to frustrate other would-be presidential aspirants of APC extraction and hand the ticket to President Buhari, who, obviously is afraid to stand a presidential primary due to his failures in office.

With Saturday’s charade, APC and its Federal Government, which claims to have zero tolerance for corruption, have eaten their vomits, confirming that they have been hypocritical and trending on lies, deception and propaganda.

With the outcome of the Saturday’s convention, the APC has kissed internal democracy goodbye in the selection of its candidates at all levels as the national leadership, led by people burdened with corruption allegations, cannot but submit to the whim and caprices of those who granted them official protection from prosecution.

President Buhari and his handlers should however note that manipulating the APC convention and seizing the party’s Presidential ticket cannot help them as Nigerians, are now fully rallying on the platform of the repositioned PDP in their quest for a new President, who truly has the competence to effectively run a united, secure and prosperous nation, come 2019.

Wife of Delta state governor and founder of 05 Initiative, Dame Edith Okowa, has renewed her zeal and zest to increase the life expectancy of persons with sickle cell disorder by ensuring that a state of the art Sickle Cell Centre is fully established in Asaba, the state capital by the state government, to halt the myriad of challenges faced by sufferers.

Dame Okowa made the pledge while marking the 2018 World Sickle Cell Day tagged, “Emerging Therapeutic Trends in Sickle Cell Disorder” which featured health talks at the Delta state School of Nursing in Agbor, Ika South local government area on Tuesday, June 19, 2018.

She encouraged parents of “survival and success champions” not to see their children as burden but a creature of God laden with hope of helping to build the society, calling on them to “live a life of witness for the goodness of the Lord.”

She however, expressed delight over the emergence of various modern clinical solutions to deal with the challenges, adding that her pet project, 05 Initiative have fully established 12 Sickle Cell Clinics in government owned hospitals located in local government areas of the state, which according to her, have contributed to the sharp drop in deaths resulting from sickle cell disorder.

An ambassador of the awareness campaign on sickle cell disorder and curable activities, Justice Excel Timi, who commended Dame Edith Okowa for leading the campaign, lamented that most educated people in the society are yet to know their genotype. She therefore enjoined the “survival and success champions” not to give up on the primary and secondary prevention which entails regular clinical attendance, genotype tests and therapeutic treatments.

Earlier in his keynote address, the Delta state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mordi Ononye urged parents, guardians, other individuals and corporate bodies to contribute towards the 05 Initiative efforts at making medical services available to people at the gassroots.

He further disclosed that the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration is providing an enduring solution to tackling sickle cell disorder and welfare of people with the disorder because of their usefulness to the society.

In his health talk, a consultant pediatrician revealed that statistics have shown that 150,000 children are born annually with sickle cell disorder, appealing for more blood donors to save persons with the disorder.

He decried the use of fetish and traditional means based on superstitious beliefs to tackle and cure sickle cell but advised parents and guardians of “survival and success champions” to key into the efforts of Dame Edith Okowa’s 05 Initiative activities by regularly seeking medical attention in the various esablished sickle cell clinics across the state.

In another health talk, Dr. C. N. Isibor explained that recent survey carried out by the Agbor Sickle Cell Club between 2015 and 2018 has shown a sharp increase in the life expectancy of “survival and success champions” with a complementary reduction in number of cases, as a result of the intensive campaign and provision of standard medical facilities for the treatment of persons with sickle cell disorder.

On their part, the Medical Director of the Central Hospital, Agbor Medical Zone, Dr. Philemon Okolie and the Principal at Delta State School of Nursing, Agbor, Mrs. Tessy Onwuka assured of their readiness to partner with the 05 Initiative and life enduring legacy of the wife of Delta state governor, Dame Edith Okowa.

Highlight of the celebration of the 9th World Sickle Cell Day was the cutting of cake, cultural dances performed by students of the School of Nursing and Survival and Success Champions respectively.

Recall that the World Sickle Cell Day was first celebrated in 2009 after the United Nations (UN) General Assembly established it in 2008 for June 19 annually, to increase awareness campaigns and curable activities to tackle sickle cell disorder, a foremost and common genetic diseases worldwide.

PRESS RELEASE

18th June, 2018

DELTA LINE: APC AND ITS PENCHANT FOR RABBLE ROUSING

The Delta State Peoples Democratic Party notes with dismay a Press Statement credited to the Delta State All Progressives Congress alleging that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa sacked 568 Delta Line workers. In the Statement, signed by one Moses Kamanya the Publicity Secretary of the party, the APC in a desperate attempt to muddle facts as they concern the Delta Line partial privatisation tried, albeit unsuccessfully, to whip up sentiments and score cheap political points.

Ordinarily we would not attempt to dignify that wishy washy press release with a response, but for the benefit of unsuspecting members of the public who may unwittingly be hoodwinked by APC’s cheap and vile propaganda. Any keen follower of the political developments in Delta State would have observed that the Press Statement contained nothing new; it was simply a rehash of the same old story of how the Government is supposedly selling off the assets of the State without providing any concrete evidence to support this puerile assertion.

It is imperative for us to refresh the memory of all Deltans, who are not unfamiliar with the dismal performance of Delta Line Company, that it became necessary to embark on the partial privatisation of the company to put it on the path of efficiency, profitability and sustainability. The company had for long fallen short of its mandate and had become a cesspool of corruption and a huge drain pipe on the resources of the State. It has been said that to keep doing the same thing and expect different results is akin to insanity. Unlike some APC States that completely shut down their transport company for similar reason of waste and inefficiency without payment of staff severance entitlements, the Delta State Government under Governor Okowa opted to chart a new path that will infuse life into Delta Line and yield dividends to the good people of Delta State whose tax money had been funding the company.

In the cherished values of transparency, accountability and prudent management of resources for which the Okowa administration is known for, the State Government advertised for Expression of Interest in the company in two national newspapers as required by law. After due consideration the State Executive Council preferred the bid submitted by God is Good Motors, a renowned transport company with proven track record of expertise, efficiency and sound management. Consequently, the State Government accepted its bid of =N=161m and divested 60% of its equity holding in the company.

By continuing to make a song and dance of the =N=2B bid submitted by another bidder, the APC has, unwittingly, undone its claim that Governor Okowa is selling off the assets of the State for personal gain. Were that to be the case, the Okowa administration would have jumped at the N2b offer and cash in on the seeming misfortune of Delta Line. But the overriding interest of the Governor Okowa administration has been to stop the rot in Delta line and inject new life into the company for the benefit of all Deltans.

First of all, the bidder in question did not submit its bid within the two-week period stipulated in the advertisement. Nevertheless, the Government bent over backwards to consider their bid. Unfortunately, they could not provide proof of their funding capacity, a fundamental requirement for a successful bid. In addition, this supposedly highest bidder had no track record in the transport business and, therefore, no operational structures on ground.

It is equally important to remind the dubious elements in APC that the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), the Union responsible for the welfare of Delta Line workers were, typical of Governor Okowa’s all-inclusive governance style, carried along in all the dealings and negotiations of the State Government with God is Good Motors.

While we will, as a responsible political party, who cares for interest of our people always, impress it on the new management of Delta Line Motors, and keep a critical watch on the recruitment procedure to ensure that Deltans are given the right of first refusal in the engagement process of effective and efficient staff with verifiable competence and capacity to run its operations, we are indeed shocked and greatly disturbed at the ethnic bigotry of the APC, which suggests that only Deltans must be employed as staff of Deltan Line. It is indeed a sad reflection of the petty mind-set and crude agenda of a party which is aspiring to govern a cosmopolitan State like Delta State.

We are aware that the APC in Delta State has become very jittery over the sterling performance of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in every sector, particularly in roads construction, education and job creation. The new release of Delta Line buses and the rebranding of the company by God is Good Motors attests to the resounding success of the policy reform of the Okowa administration in the transport sector. This is giving the Delta APC sleepless nights as they have nothing to campaign with except to resort to cheap blackmail and rabble rousing.

The Delta APC would have preferred that Delta Line continue in the tradition of waste, rot, inefficiency, corruption and unserviceable debts. But our people deserve better. That is why the APC was overwhelmingly rejected by Deltans in 2015 because our people prefer prosperity to poverty. Come 2019, Deltans will once again show the All Promises Cancelled Party that their choice remains progress and prosperity as represented by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

With God is Good managing its operations, Delta Line will grow with time and in the next few years, Deltans shall be getting good returns from the company, not only as one of our most recognizable brands as a State, but indeed as a viable company that we will all be proud of.

God Bless Delta State.

Long Live PDP

Dr. Ifeanyi Michael Osuoza
State Publicity Secretary
PDP, Delta State

A Luka Modric penalty and an own goal from Oghenekaro Etebo gave former semi-finalists Croatia an easy 2-0 win over Nigeria in their World Cup Group D opener on Saturday.

Oghenekaro Etebo was helpless in deflecting the ball into his own net in the 32nd minute and a second half spot-kick from Real Madrid star Modric sealed the points.

Nigeria rarely looked capable of threatening an equalizer and must improve considerably to have any chance of reaching the knock-out phase.

Argentina were held to a 1-1 draw with Iceland earlier in the group. Croatia next meet the two-time champions Argentina on Thursday while Nigeria take on Iceland on Friday.

Croatia finished a brilliant third in their debut World Cup at France 98 but have since failed to progress past the group stage.

That is expected to change this time as a golden generation, Modric at its heart, tries once more to click on the biggest stage.

“It was a very tough game but we have expected that,” Modric said.

“I believe that on the wings of this win we will up our game and continue our journey in the way that we planned before coming here.”

Ivan Perisic fired over from outside the box but the Nigerian defence could generally keep the opposing forwards at bay.

That changed with a stroke of blind luck when Mario Manduzkic threw himself at a flicked-on corner and headed the ball off Etebo to deflect beyond keeper Francis Uzoho.

Andrej Kramaric looped a header onto the roof of the net and half-time arrived with neither team having officially registered a shot on target.

Nigeria emerged invigorated from the break and Victor Moses dragged a shot wide of the near post after cutting in from the right.

A save was finally made in the 59th when Danijel Subasic easily held a weak header from Odion Ighalo.

But when Mandzukic was grappled by William Ekong at a set piece, man of the match Modric coolly sent Uzoho the wrong way from the spot to seal the tie with 19 minutes remaining.

“Croatia were the better team,” Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr admitted. “My team have struggled with their limited experience against this side.

“But I was not unhappy with the performance.”

Substitute Mateo Kovacic could even have made it three in injury-time but sent a weak shot straight at Uzoho.

–By Michael EKOKORUWE

Leaders of Isoko extraction, Isoko traditional ruler’s council, president -generals and chairmen of OML 30 cluster groups from Isoko communities, have demanded for a new General Memorandum of Understanding (GMOU) between Heritage Energy Operational Limited and host communities of Isoko Nation for Isoko oil mining lease (OML)30 community development board.

The hint was made during a meeting between the representatives of the oil firm and Isoko leaders, the royal majesties, president – generals and chairmen of cluster groups from Isoko communities in the OML 30 community development board.

The chairmen of Isoko South and North, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo and Hon. Emmanuel Egbabor who conveyed the meeting stated that the stakeholders meeting is for the welfare and stake of Isoko people in OML 30 board. Sir Ikpokpo urged Heritage Energy operational limited to harmonize and prioritize payments of staffs salaries, contractors and employment slots for Isoko indigenes, adding that president general of host communities should be well informed of such payments. He appealed to the oil firm for transparency and details of activities.

Speaking at the stakeholders meeting HRM Okpuzo Inana, the Odiologbo of Owhe kingdom said, the tenure of the OML 30 community development board has expired since 5th of February 2018. The monarch noted that Heritage energy operational services should have issued a template containing the directive for a new GMOU. He emphasized that Isoko people need their own OML 30 community development board.

The monarch maintained that, with the new GMOU and community development board for Isoko Nation, Heritage Energy operational limited will operate peacefully with the host communities and eventually produce more barrels of oil. He added that contractors will be happy to work just as the operations will be beneficial to all and more revenue will go to the state government through pay as you earn policy.

Earlier, the president – generals from various Isoko communities decried non – employment of indigenes, contractors owing between 7 to 8 months of staffs salaries and a general distrust between the oil firm and host communities.

While responding, the representatives of Heritage energy operational limited said, two sons of Isoko have been given management employment slots. They are Mr. Ake Okpako Michael from Emevor in charge of operation and Humphrey Mazoje from Owhe as manager and adviser in charge of field human resource, both from Isoko North local government area.

The oil firm representative agreed on further deliberations on a later date with the royal majesties, president generals and chairmen of cluster groups for a better understanding of the new GMOU and Isoko OML 30 community development board process. Heritage assured of harmonizing all issues for peaceful community relations in the area of operation.

In attendance are the security agencies, the Nigeria Army and the police. Chief Iduh Amadhe, president general Isoko Development Union, Isoko traditional ruler’s council, president – generals and chairmen of OML 30 cluster group from various Isoko communities, Umuakpo Ovie, president Isoko National Youth Assembly and representatives of Heritage energy operational limited.

Senator Atai Aidoko representing Kogi East in the National Assembly has been sacked by a Federal High Court in Abuja.

The court declared in its verdict that Aidoko was wrongly presented by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as its candidate after the primaries held in December 2014.

Isaac Alfa had challenged the election of Aidoko’s election, claiming it was wrong.

In the course of the legal battle, an appeal court ordered the two parties in the case to go back to the trial court to determine whether or not Aidoko deserved to represent the people of Kogi East in the National Assembly.

The seat was therefore expected to remain vacant.

But Aidoko continued to attend the Senate, representing his senatorial district.

In its verdict on Wednesday, the Federal High Court presided over by Gabriel Kolawole, after sacking Aidoko, ordered him and the PDP to pay the sum of N750,000 each to Alfa.

-By Albert OGRAKA:

Like a wildfire that arouses anxiety and like the caressing moonlight at night, “Hope Alive”, an emerging independent political pressure group, routing support for Governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa in Isoko South and Isoko North local government areas of Delta state, has become a household name among key political actors and strategists.

The group, though a political pressure group, committed to raising leaders, it also operates a foundation with interest in community and humanitarian services, including the empowerment of women, youths and children, especially the less privileged in the society.

Ahead of the 2019 general elections, the political relevance of Hope Alive has increased tremendously across all voting units and wards with the inauguration of unit and ward coordinators in Isoko North and Isoko South, in a bid to mobilize the electorates to vote massively for all the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flagbearers in all elections.

The Hope Series now Hope Alive was founded by Bashorun Askia Ogieh (JP) during the Zero Party Era. Its first series was called “Hope 97” in the year 1997.
Hope 97 was a very powerful Socio Political Movement that had very disciplined intellectuals with a dream and burning desire to transform our polity for good.

The Ideology of Hope 97 was founded on the features and characteristics of its founder, Bashorun Askia Ogieh (JP) and hinged on Steadfastness, Commitment, Honesty, Integrity, Intelligence and Character.

These cardinals were the focal points of Hope 97. It was evident that all members of Hope 97 were disciplined with integrity and character.

With the transition to full democracy in Nigeria, Hope 97 remained relevant even in 1999, playing a vital role in the selection and election of government officials at all Levels of government.

Members who went into the private and public sector continued to excel in their endeavours. Hope 97 became a movement that attracted aspiring individuals from all works of Life. The success story of Hope 97 is legendary.

Hope 97 was the propelling force that navigated the turbulent political era of 2001 – 2002. The Steadfastness and commitment of the founder, Bashorun Askia Ogieh (JP) and his members surmounted the political Challenge, paving way for his appointment into NNPC, as Director, Eleme Petrochemical Company by the then President Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR administration.

The numerous political and economic transformation witnessed by members of the group was marveling, soon agitations continued to grow on the need to change the series of Hope 97 to reflect yearly progression. This led to the Hope Series of Hope 2002, Hope 2008, Hope 2013 and Hope 2014.

It is instructive to mention that the Hope Series has produced eminent personalities in the society. Hope Series has produced top government officials at all levels of government from the Ward level to the Presidency.

Some of these offices occupied by members of Hope Series include Local Government Chairman, Member, Delta State House of Assembly, NNPC Director, Eleme Petrochemical Company, Special Adviser,Govt House, to the Governor of Delta State, Members of various Boards and Governing Councils in Delta State, Members of Federal Boards and Governing Councils, Local Government Party Chairman, Councillors, Supervisory Councillors, Chairman of Local Government Transition Committee, Vice Chairman of Local Government Transition Committee, Members of Local Govt Transition Committee and Legal Advisers, among others.

The respect for diversity of human behaviour and effective political behavioral management has kept the Hope Series Alive, this is why members of the group have decided to move for a permanent name for a group that had seen them through economic and political emancipation. This is why the Hope Series has Transformed into HOPE ALIVE.

According to the Director General, Hon. Obaro Godspower, “Hope Alive is not restricted in scope to any Political Party, our membership cut across all present political parties. This is because Hope Alive transends the Present Day Political Parties. The tolerance of divergent veiws and respect for individual choice to association is highly respected, however the decisions of Hope Alive is binding on all members.

“The aims and objectives of the group is still propelled by the Ideology of our Founder now Grand Patron, Bashorun Askia Ogieh (JP) while the group is administered by a group of pragmatic, intelligent and committed individuals from all works of Life.
The Focal point of the group has intensified into Wealth Creation for Young Men and Women, Preparation of Young Men and Women for Leadership, Empowerment and Entrepreneurship.

“The group is opened to new members who are attracted to the ideals of the group.
Hope becomes Alive with you as our member. Hope Alive!!! Committed to Raising Leaders.”

The Delta State government has approved the renovation of 107 Primary Health Care Centres operating the Contributory Health Scheme in the state.

In addition, the reactivation of Airfield Ground Lightning Systems at the Asaba International Airport and the renovation of the existing transformer-powered street  lights in Warri and Effurun metropolis were approved.

These were some of the decisions taken on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 during the State Executive Council meeting held at the  EXCO chamber, Government House, Asaba,

The state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, speaking after the meeting, stated that the approval was in tandem with the determination of the state government to continue to give Deltans dividends of democracy by bringing health care services to the people.

He further revealed that the EXCO gave it’s nod to the establishment of Oduke Secondary School, Asaba, to take care of the educational needs of people living within the area.

Also approved was the installation of 200 Watts LED street lights from Amukpe/NTA roundabout to Total Filling Station at Okirighwre junction, Sapele.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has warned against what he called a consistent pattern of departure from constitutional due process to tendencies of authoritarianism.

The former Vice President said in a statement marking the 25th anniversary of June 12 that there is a growing culture of arbitrariness in some of the institutions of government at all levels that is contradictory to the notion of inclusiveness and fairness that a democratic society guarantees.

In the statement released Monday, the former vice president said the foundation of a democratic society is the guarantee of fundamental human rights that gives the citizenry the freedom of speech, freedom of movement and the ability of the people to belong to any lawful association that they deem inclined.

He noted that it is the exclusive responsibility of the state through the various security organisations to see to the protection of these fundamental rights of the people.

Recalling the recent campaign by youth across the country against the brutality of the anti-robbery unit of the Nigeria Police, SARS, Mr Abubakar noted that up till now there has yet to be a fundamental reform in the operations of that unit.

“Today, across our major cities and even in the hinterlands, citizens – especially the youth – can hardly walk freely in open avenues without the police stopping them to search through the content of their mobile handsets.

“Civil servants now lose their jobs just because they choose to criticize politicians in government positions. There are even suggestions in some quarters that civil servants should be barred from signing to social media networks. Opposition politicians are regularly being hounded on wanton criminal and civil prosecutions. All of these narratives have become a consistent pattern of behavior that is antithetical to an open and democratic society,” Mr Abubakar said in a statement.

“In many of the states across the country, there is a reign of fascism with governors who have suddenly become overlords dealing ruthlessly with anyone who dares to challenge their ruthless foothold of intimidation and oppression.

“Perhaps at this point, we need to remind ourselves that the democracy which we enjoy today did not come cheap price. It came at the cost of supreme price paid by persons that included Chief MKO Abiola, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Maj-Gen Shehu Yar’Adua, Chief Alfred Rewane and Bagauda Kaltho, among thousands of other patriots.”

Mr Abubakar reminded that democracy is not merely a mechanism of appointing a government, saying “its beauty is in the inherent safeguard to the citizenry to live and prosper as free people under the law”.

He called on all political actors to let June 12 and all that it embodies, inspire them to promote democratic principles, especially as Nigeria is about to go to the polls again.

North Korea’s Kim Jong Un has brought with him his own portable toilet to Singapore ahead of the Tuesday summit with U.S. president Donald Trump.

President Trump and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un are both in Singapore for their highly anticipated summit, the first of its kind between a U.S. president and a leader of North Korea.

While officials remain uncertain as to what exactly will come out of Tuesday’s unprecedented discussions, Mr. Trump has stated that he wants to strike a deal to get the Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons.

South Korean news agency The Chosunilbo reported that when Kim arrived in Singapore on an Air China Boeing 747 and was accompanied by an IL-76 transport plane carrying food, “his bullet-proof limousine and a portable toilet.”

Accordingly to Lee Yun-keol, who worked in a North Korean Guard Command unit before defecting to South Korea in 2005, that’s par for the course.

“Rather than using a public restroom, the leader of North Korea has a personal toilet that follows him around when he travels,” Lee Yun-keol told the Washington Post.

The reason? They are protecting against a literal info dump.

“The leader’s excretions contain information about his health status so they can’t be left behind,” Lee Yun-keol explained.

Similar travel considerations are reportedly made whenever the North Korean leader conducts on-site inspections of military bases and state-run factories across the country.

In fact, according to the South Korean news agency Daily NK, there is a customised bathroom built into Kim’s convoy of vehicles at all times.

“The restrooms are not only in Kim Jong Un’s personal train but whatever small or midsize cars he is traveling with and even in special vehicles that are designed for mountainous terrain or snow,” a source in South Pyongan Province

familiar with Kim’s Escort Command told the DailyNK in 2015. “There are multiple vehicles within the convoy so that people cannot tell which one he is in, and there is a separate car that acts as his restroom.”

So, in this respect at least, it seems this historic summit is no different than Kim’s other excursions.

He simply always uses a personal, highly guarded toilet in “loo” of public facilities.

The Federal Government has declared Friday, June 15 and Monday, June 18 as public holidays to celebrate the 2018 Id-el Fitr.

The Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (retd.) made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. M. Umar in Abuja on Monday.

He congratulated the Muslim faithful on a successful completion of the Ramadan and enjoined all Nigerians to use the occasion of the celebration to pray for the peace, unity, prosperity and stability of the nation.

Dambazau stated that it was government’s desire that “all Nigerians be inspired by the virtues gained during the holy month of Ramadan to live a life of sacrifice, charity and love for one another.”

He encouraged all Nigerians to join hands with the government of President Muhammadu Buhari in taking the nation to greater heights.

The minister wished all Nigerians a happy, peaceful and rewarding Id-el Fitr celebration.

The general thrust seems to be that a current OPL 245 contract tender has been rigged for corrupt purposes benefitting Shell, ENI and certain Nigerian parties. Shell has past expertise in such matters

By John Donovan

More information has arrived as a follow up to the information we published recently in the article “More OPL 245 corruption, continues into 2018?”

OPL 245 is the notorious Nigerian oil deal involving the fraudster Dan Etete and more recently, his equally charming nephew, Ken Etete.

From what I know thus far, the leaked documents I am receiving now on an almost daily basis are authentic and were not previously known to OPL 245 investigators. I now have multiple insider anonymous contributors whose identity is known only to me. Frankly, I don’t know what it all means, but the information is apparently valuable to OPL 245 investigators who are trying to unravel what is going on.

The general thrust seems to be that a current OPL 245 contract tender has been rigged for corrupt purposes benefitting Shell, ENI and certain Nigerian parties. Shell has past expertise in such matters.

The whistleblower says:

“It is important to let everybody understand that what Shell and ENI people are currently doing is really against the Nigerian national interest because they are increasing the price of 40% and reducing the local content requirement from 55% to 36%. The adjustments are designed to generate more funds for corrupt parties. They can do these things only if people really powerful in the Nigerian government and in the oil companies Shell and ENI are fully supporting them!! All of these corrupt people are lining their own pockets. Bumi Armada cannot comply with the provision of the local content commission letter.

As can be seen from the document dated 14 February 2018, Bumi Armada is trying to involve Saipem, under the direct pressure  of Shell Management and NAOC people in particular Massimo Insulla, for three main reasons: first for compliance reason to Nigerian local content act because Saipem owns the biggest yard in Nigeria, second for avoiding that Saipem will rise problems, third to satisfy the interest of Stefano Cao. Please attached you can find the mail used by Bumi Armada to invite Saipem the real winner!!

Published below is a screenshot extract from a local content commission letter.

1. Demonstration of in-country investments in the development of their own fabrication yards with lifting capacity or investments in ownership of functioning existing yards having the capacity to execute 9000 tons (Topsides 7000 tons and Appurtenances 2000 tons) of fabrication.
2. Finalization of all MOAs with their nominated local vendors/suppliers and in-country service providers representing their firm Nigerian Content commitments (as contained in the table attached), subject to other commercial considerations.

Nigerian Content commitment inside out-of-country SoW Tenderer(s) shall identifies the COREN registered (i.e. with practising license) indigenous engineering company participating in the execution of the SOW (i.e. Early engrn., Hull engineering, LQ engineering, Mooring engineering) and confirming the allocation of 50% of the total man-hours out-of-country to that entity for Nigerian Content.

TEXT EXTRACT ENDS

The whistleblower has asked me to draw the attention of our readers to the content of the following article. I do not know who published it.

GROUP WANTS BUHARI TO PROBE AWARD OF OPL 245 ZABAZABA PROJECT BY SHELL, AGIP

*** CLAIMS OIL COMPANIES WORKING AGAINST RE-ELECTION OF PRESIDENT

 A social crusader group, the Grassroot Movement Against Corruption (GMAC) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately direct the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), the National Security Adviser and Directorate of State Security (DSS) to beam their searchlights on the alleged $2 Billion corruption scandal in the award of OPL 245 Zabazaba  Agip/Shell JV Project.

The group in an open letter to the President accused Agip and Shell of planning to work against the re-election of President Buhari in 2019, saying that the two companies have no reason to award the OPL 245 Zabazaba Project to Bumi Armada Berhad (BAB), the highest bidder for the job.

According to the group, “Our findings revealed that Agip and Shell have perfected plans   to award the contract to Bumi Armada Berhad that bidded  highest as against Bluewater/ Saipem. Bluewater / Saipem bidded for 5, 426,500,714 USD (98%), Bumi Armada Berhad 7, 622,412,019 USD (134%) and 7, 630,575,309 USD (135%)”.

“Mr. President, this should not be allowed as it will rubbish the fight against corruption of your government. This $2 Billion fraud that is being spearheaded by Agip and Shell is to fight against the re-election of the President in 2019. We know that the President is not aware of this sudden manipulation by the two giant oil companies that are not pleased with your fight against corruption, hence we are imploring you to direct the EFCC, DSS and National Security Adviser to investigate this unholy act of the two oil giants,” GMAC stated.

“Mr. President, this extra $2 Billion bribe is to be given to a well known Nigerian and former Petroleum Minister whose nephew is linked to Bumi Armada Berhad. This fraud money is to be used against the re-election of Mr. President in 2019”, the group added.

The open letter  was signed by its President – Alhaji Mohammed Haku; Secretary – Hon. Bode Aremu and Public Relations Officer –  Comrade Ebi Tutu.

According to the group also; “The corruption scandal of $2 Billion if allowed to see the light of the day will dent the image of the administration of Mr. President and it will be an international disgrace to the Nigerian Government. The two oil companies are out to use the difference of the award amount ($2 Billion) to fund the 2019 election against the President”.

“The two companies must be questioned on why are they giving the job to the highest bidder. People around the President should investigate this wide scale fraud because it is a big embarrassment to the Nigerian Government. These two oil giants are out to sponsor the 2019 election against the President with the extra $2 Billion. This sudden change of the award of the contract by the two companies to the highest  bidder should not be tolerated. Those at the helm of affairs of these companies must be brought to book. The Nigerian Government should urgently invite the Managing Director of Agip for questioning over this manipulation. Those around the President, if they love him and wants him to succeed in his fight against corruption must act fast to investigate the activities of the two companies regarding the award of the Zabazaba Project. Those to carry out the investigation may not necessarily wait for a directive from the President before they act, delay on the matter should be avoided because the two companies are very smart and so they must be investigated quickly”.

They are awarding to Bumi Armada Berhad to pay somebody and nobody in Nigeria, in Italy, in Saipem is saying anything. If this is allowed to take place under the current administration, then the fight against corruption is useless”.

“Our investigation also revealed that in a letter dated August 30, 2017 by the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board to the Managing Director, Nigerian Agip Exploration Ltd, clearly stated the bidders that have provisionally complied are therefore qualified for an award recommendation, contingent upon to the satisfaction of the Board prior to contract award”.

Nigerian reggae icon, Ras Kimono, has died, sources close to the musician said, according to multiple reports on Sunday.

He was 60 years old.

Kimono was said to have taken ill on Saturday on his way to the US.

Friends rushed him to a hospital in Ikeja from where he was transferred to Lagoon Hospital in Ikoyi.

He died on Sunday morning.

According to several biographical sketches, Kimono served a long apprenticeship on the Nigerian music circuit, experimenting with a number of styles, before making his late 80s breakthrough as a reggae singer.

Together with his Massive Dread Reggae Band, Kimono released his debut album, Under Pressure, in 1989.

Accompanied by the popular single, “Rum-Bar Stylee”, this revealed both a Jamaican and native African influence.

Before he released his solo album, he was in a group called The Jastix along with Amos McRoy and Majek Fashek.

Born in Delta State, Nigeria, he went to Gbenoba Secondary School, Agbor and later joined the legendary Jastix Reggae group, alongside Majek Fashek, Amos McRoy Jegg and Black Rice Osagie.

He won several awards including the Nigeria Music Awards, Fame Music Awards and many more.

Two pan Niger Delta groups, the Pacesetters advocacy group and the Izon-Ebe in Diaspora, have thrown their considerable weight behind the House of Assembly aspiration of Mr. Tony Okirika, who is contesting for the Warri South West Constituency seat at the Delta State House of Assembly come 2019.

Rising from a crucial meeting in Warri, the commercial city of oil rich Delta State, the Pacesetters advocacy group pledged to support Mr. Tony Okirika as an aspirant for the highly coveted DTHA seat, asserting that they had endorsed him to run for the Delta house of assembly seat, to represent the good people of Warri south west LGA in 2019 because he is an innovation influencer, who will attract quality investors to the area, improve on the sustainable peace building efforts of the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa administration, ensure regular maintenance of infrastructure provided by government in the zone and also operate an all inclusive and consultative style of representation, where everybody will be carried along.

According to the group, in a statement issued and signed by its President Comrade Tony Agalabiri and Secretary, Comrade Solomon Agagha, “If you vote for Tony  Okirika, you are voting  for accountability, innovation and dynamism as Tony Okirika has a proven track record of impressive entrepreneurial engagements and is a young man who understands the ways and feelings of the People and youths of Warri South/West and will try his best to carry everybody along,” they said.

In a related development, the Izon-Ebe in diaspora, socio/cutural group of Ijaw indigenes especially those of Gbaramatu extraction, residing in London, have equally endorsed Mr. Tony Okirika to contest for the Warri South West House of Assembly seat come 2019.

The endorsement was contained in a brief statement issued by the group and signed by its President, Alex Jesse preye, who noted that the Izon-Ebe had held an emergency meeting in London and after X-raying the situation in the Warri South/West LGA, especially with the situation of the outgoing assembly Member Barr. Daniel Mayuku who had performed well for 16 years, it was time to put forth an Ijaw aspirant, who had the requisite pedigree and exposure, with the intent to serve Warri South/West LGA well in the Delta assembly, but without any rancour,  bias or undue ethnic coloration.

While calling on all qualified Warri South West sons and daughter to go and collect their Personal Voters Cards, PVC s in order to be eligible to vote in the 2019 elections, the President urged them to pitch their weight behind Tony Okirika for the House of Assembly seat, describing him as the “right man to continue and consolidate on the good works already started by his predecessors, as well as work in tandem with the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and all stake holders in the state and his LGA to bring more dividends of democracy to the people in line with SMART Agenda of bringing prosperity to all Deltans.

A political pressure group, the National Atikulate Movement 4 Emancipation – NAME, has charges its members home and abroad to donate towards the party nomination form for their grand master and principal, Waziri Atiku Abubakar, GCON.

This charge came from the National Chairman of the body, Adm. Tola O. Ajimisogbe, during their National Executive meeting held at Prestige Hotel, Benin city, Edo State.

The chairman said the action has become necessary following their pressure on Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to contest for the coming 2019 presidential election and for which he has yielded to.

He therefore said that the burden of salvaging Nigeria must not be left on Atiku Abubakar alone because according to him, “it was our pressure to help us that he has listened to.

“To this end, members must be made to take part in helping Atiku and Nigerians to do all necessary activities that will help in savaging Nigeria from the carnage that the All Progressive Congress (APC) has caused it.”

According to the chairman, “the present condition of the nation’s economy could frighten any individual and make him or her to withdraw from the race if not backed by well meaning Nigerians like us and also because Buhari has taken us a million years behind our earlier economic position in Africa.

“Therefore, I urge those of us here to take the message to our various state chapters and tell our members to agree with us to donate N200.00 each towards what we believed in.”

Earlier, the National Vice Chairman of the body in charge of the North, Alhaji Sanusi Isa Sokoto, drew the attention of the delegates to the unacceptable degree of polarization of the country along side Muslim/Christian, Fulani/Yoruba, North/South dichotomy which the current ruling party has helped in no small measure to cosmetically dress up to the detriment of the country.

Sanusi therefore begged members to ensure that the spirit of Atiku Abubakar which includes detribalism, tolerance and brotherhood need to be preached more than ever before to help sustain the nation’s economy before the comingof the grand master in 2019.

In the same line, the National Director of Planning and Strategy of NAME, Dr. Kakitie Sunday who requested that a minute silence be observed in honour of the recent Benue victims of Fulani herdsmen, called for stiffer campaign against the incompetent government of President Buhari and demanded that a letter is written to the United Nations (UN) by the National Chairman of the NAME in order to state our position regarding the current happenings in the Nigerian political space.

Adm. Ajimisogbe therefore nominated Alhaji Yunusa Maiwada, who is the National Secretary, Dr. Sunday Kakitie, and Prophetess Adunke Module Adebo, National Women Leader to urgently put in motion the process of opening an account for the prompt collection of our donations towards Waziri’s nomination form.

**Tells Journalists To Be Guided By Professional Ethics

-By Albert OGRAKA:

Speaker of Delta state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has said the legislature and the executive are enjoying a harmonious working relationship because the Governor of the State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, sees the legislature as his first constituency, having been an experienced former Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Speaker who stated this while briefing journalists during the third anniversary of the Sixth Assembly christened “Account for Stewardship: the Journey so far” on Thursday, June 7, 2018 in Asaba, hinted that despite the fact that the House had its fair share of daunting challenges and experiences, the legislature is determined and committed to do much for Deltans who deserve nothing but the best at all times.

“Delta State House of Assembly is not unmindful of the yearnings and expectations of Deltans for a proactive and forward thinking government which puts its people first.

“We hinged this firm belief on the fact that the legislature as an arm of government, and indeed, the Sixth Assembly of the Delta State House of Assembly would be an instrument of change committed to the promotion of democratic tenets, the rule of Law and the Supremacy of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”

He disclosed that during the period under review, the House received a total of seventy-five (75) Bills and thirty-six (36) Motions, adding the that thirty-six were Executive Bills, while thirty-nine were Private member Bills.

According to the Speaker, “Twenty-seven (27) Bills have been passed and assented to, while five (5) bills are awaiting assent. Ten (10) Bills are at the Committee of the Whole House, while ten (10) are pending at various Committees of the House. One (1) Bill however was withdrawn by leave of the House, and one (1) failed first reading.”

Rt. Hon. Oborevwori, who was flanked by principal officers and members of the legislature, expressed appreciation to the Media for their virile reporting and promotion of the activities of the House since the inauguration of the Sixth Assembly.

“You have proven that the press is indeed the gate keeper between the government and the people. So, I enjoin you to always cross-check your facts before going to press as few in your fold still tread the sensational path which altogether is not salutary for the image of journalism.

“I must emphasize the need for our respected journalists to be guided by the basic tenets of journalism; therefore I enjoin you to shun speculative and sensational “head line – selling” stories – This will help to maintain and keep your credibility in tact – as we all know “comments are free but facts are sacred”.”

Press Statement

NASS RESOLUTION ON BUHARI HAS VINDICATED US, SAYS PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says the resolutions of the joint session of the National Assembly against President Muhammadu Buhari’s Presidency is a vindication of its stance on the Buhari administration.

The PDP commends the members of the National Assembly for their patriotism and courage in unanimously standing up for democracy, rule of law, national stability and cohesion at this trying time.

Nigerians would recall that the PDP had consistently pointed to the misrule of the Buhari presidency, as well as the unrelenting violations of our constitution, unprecedented executive highhandedness, abuse of the rights of citizens and the erosion of all known democratic norms under this administration.

These are in addition to the foisting of siege mentality on Nigerians as well as presidential aloofness to important issues of state thereby resulting in the escalation of violence, killings and daily bloodlettings in our country.

From the above, it has become evident that Mr. President must be called to order through an appropriate legislative instrument. The PDP therefore calls on all democrats, across board, irrespective of party affiliations, to come together, support the National Assembly and save our democracy from the misrule of the Buhari presidency.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary, PDP

PRESS BRIEFING
UPDATE OF POLICE INVESTIGATION INTO THE OFFA BANKS ROBBERY AND GRUESOME MURDER OF MORE THAN THIRTY THREE (33) INNOCENT PERSONS INCLUDING PREGNANT WOMEN AND NINE (9) POLICE OFFICERS ON 5th APRIL, 2018, IN OFFA, KWARA STATE.

• Twenty Two (22) Suspects now in Police Custody.
• Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki is being invited to report to the Police to answer allegations indicting him from confessions of Five (5) Gang leaders arrested for active participation in Offa Bank Robbery and Killings of THIRTY THREE (33) Innocent persons.

SUSPECTS
i. Ayoade Akinnibosun a.k.a AY ‘M’ 37Yrs – Gang Leader (Coordinated the Killings) From Oro, Irepodun LGA, Kwara State.
ii. Ibukunle Ogunleye ‘M’ 36Yrs – Gang Leader, Killed Two (2) Persons. From Oro, Irepodun LGA, Kwara State
iii. Adeola Abraham ‘M’ 35Yrs – Gang Leader, Killed Five (5) Persons. From Oro, Irepodun LGA, Kwara State.
iv. Salawudeen Azeez ‘M’ 49Yrs – Gang Leader, Killed Two (2) Persons. From Oro, Irepodun LGA, Kwara State.
v. Niyi Ogundiran ‘M’ 37Yrs – Gang Leader, Killed Two (2) Persons (Latest Confession). From Oro, Irepodun LGA, Kwara State.
vi. Michael Adikwu ‘M’ 30Yrs – Sectional Gang Leader, Killed Twenty Two (22) Persons, mostly at the Police Station.
vii. Kabiru Afolabi ‘M’ 26Yrs – Principal Suspect
viii. Omoseni Kassim ‘M’ 28Yrs – Principal Suspect
ix. Kayode Opadokun ‘M’ 35Yrs – Principal Suspect
x. Kazeem Abdulrasheed ‘M’ 36Yrs – Principal Suspect
xi. Azeez Abdullahi ‘M’ 27Yrs – Principal Suspect
xii. Adewale Popoola ‘M’ 22Yrs – Principal Suspect
xiii. Adetoyese Muftau ‘M’ 23Yrs – Principal Suspect
xiv. Alexander Reuben ‘M’ 39Yrs – Principal Suspect
xv. Richard Buba Terry ‘M’ 23Yrs – Principal Suspect
xvi. Peter Jasper Kuunfa ‘M’ 23Yrs – Principal Suspect
xvii. Ikechukwu Ebuka Nnaji ‘M’ 29Yrs – Principal Suspect
xviii. Moses Godwin ‘M’ 28Yrs – Principal Suspect
xix. Adeola omiyale ‘M’ 38Yrs. From Isanlu Isin Town, Isin LGA, Kwara State.
xx. Femi Idowu ‘M’ 34Yrs
xxi. Alabi Olalekan ‘M’ 49Yrs-PA Political to Executive Governor, Kwara State
xxii. Yusuf Abdulwahab ‘M’ 58Yrs –Chief of Staff to Executive Governor, Kwara State

EXHIBITS
i. Two (2) AK47 Rifles
ii. Two (2) Barrette Pistols
iii. One (1) Pump Action Rifle
iv. One (1) Revolver Pistol – In Police Custody in Ilorin
v. Lexus RX300 Jeep with Reg. No. Kwara, KMA 143 RM belonging to Ayoade Akinnibosun (Gang Leader) – Used for the Bank Robbery
vi. Mercedes Benz – Compressor with Reg. No. Lagos LT496 KJA belonging to Ayoade Akinnibosun (Gang Leader) – Used for the Bank Robbery
vii. One (1) Toyota Prado Jeep with Reg. No. 19KWGH belonging to the PA Political to the Executive Governor, Kwara State – In Police Custody in Ilorin
viii. One (1) Toyota Camry Saloon Car with Reg. No. LRN 481 FE – In Police Custody in Ilorin
ix. The Cash Sum of Six Hundred Thousand Naira (N600,000.00) – In Police Custody in Ilorin
x. Four (4) Phones of victims recovered
xi. One (1) Sticker plate number with inscription “SARAKI” “Kwara, State of Harmony”

The investigation into the Offa Bank Robbery and gruesome killings of more than THIRTY THREE (33) Innocent persons in Offa, Kwara State on the 5th April, 2018 directed by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim K. Idris, NPM, mni, has made significant progress, successes and more revelations have been recorded. The Gang Leaders and some of the principal suspects arrested for their active participation in the robbery and the killing of innocent persons have made confessional statements admitting to the various criminal roles they and their sponsors played in this dastard and heinous crime.

2. The Five (5) gang leaders namely; Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibukunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, Salawudeen Azeez, Niyi Ogundiran and some of the other Seventeen (17) suspects arrested for direct involvement and active participation in the Offa Bank Robbery and the gruesome killing of THIRTY THREE (33) innocent persons which includes (some pregnant women and nine (9) Police personnel) admitted, confessed and volunteered statements that they were political thugs of the Senate President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen. Bukola Saraki and the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Alh. Abdulfatah Ahmed.

3. The arrests of the above mentioned Five (5) Gang Leaders and seventeen (17) others were made possible after the arrest of two principal suspects (Kunle Ogunleye aka Arrow 35yrs and Michael Adikwu an Ex-Convict) whose pictures captured by CCTV in one of the Banks during the Banks robbery were circulated to the media and the public. The two (2) principal suspects confessed to be among the suspects led by the five (5) gang leaders listed in paragraph 2 above to carry out the Offa Banks Robbery, the attack on the Divisional Police Headquarters, Offa and the killings of THIRTY THREE (33) innocent persons on the 5th of April, 2018.

4. During interrogation, the five (5) gang leaders mentioned in paragraph 2 further confessed and volunteered statements that they carried out the Bank Robberies, the attack on the Divisional Police Headquarters in Offa and the killings of THIRTY THREE (33) innocent persons during the robbery of the following six (6) banks (i) First Bank Offa (ii) Guarantee Trust Bank Offa (iii) ECO Bank Offa (iv) Zenith Bank Offa (v) Union Bank Offa (vi) Ibolo Micro Finance Bank Offa and (vii) the Divisional Police Headquarters, Offa on 5th April, 2018.

5. Millions of Naira from the Banks and Twenty One (21) AK47 Rifles belonging to the Nigeria Police Force in the Armoury of the Police Divisional Headquarters, Offa were admitted to have been carted away by the Five (5) gang leaders and the other Seventeen (17) principal suspects during the Banks robbery.

6. The Five (5) gang leaders confessed and volunteered statements to the Police investigators, giving a clear account of how they planned and carried out the Banks robbery operation in Offa, the attack on the Police Division in Offa and how they killed the THIRTY THREE (33) innocent persons during the robbery.

7 The Five (5) gang leaders further confessed during investigation that they are political thugs under the name Youth Liberation Movement a.k.a “Good Boys” admitted and confessed to have been sponsored with firearms, money and operational vehicles by the Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki and the Governor of Kwara State, Alh. Abdulfatah Ahmed.

8. In the course of discreet investigation into the confessions of these five (5) gang leaders and the other seventeen (17) principal suspects, a Lexus jeep GX-300 (Ash Colour) with a sticker plate number with inscription “SARAKI” “Kwara, State of Harmony” used by the gang leader (Ayoade Akinnibosun ‘M’ 37Yrs) during the bank robbery and the killing of the THIRTY THREE (33) innocent persons was taken to Government House, Ilorin on 16th May, 2018 where the sticker plate number with inscription “SARAKI” “Kwara, State of Harmony” was removed before another plate number (Reg. No. Kwara, KMA 143 RM) registered in the name of Ayoade AKinnibosun the Overall Commander of the Offa Bank Robbery was then attached to the vehicle to cover up the identity of the said vehicle. The exhibit vehicle was subsequently recovered from the premises of the Min. of Environmental and Forestry in Ilorin, Kwara State. While the sticker plate number with inscription “SARAKI” “Kwara, State of Harmony” removed from the vehicle was recovered from one Adeola Omiyale who drove the said Lexus Jeep to Government House, Ilorin immediately after the Bank Robbery.

9. The Personal Assistant (Political) to the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mr. Alabi Olalekan, who is privy to information that the Police is looking for the lexus Jeep as an exhibit used in the Offa Bank Robbery and the killings of THIRTY THREE (33) innocent persons directed one Adeola Omiyale to relocate the Lexus Jeep to Government House, Ilorin. The PA (Political) is currently in Police custody and has made useful statement assisting the Police in further investigation into the case. A revolver pistol and pump action gun were recovered by the Police Investigation Team from the Personal Assistant (Political) to the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mr. Alabi Olalekan’s Farm where he directed his brother to hide them after his arrest by the Police.

10. In order to conceal evidence, the Chief of Staff to the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mr. Yusuf Abdulwahab who has been arrested and taken into Police custody, arranged the removal of the sticker plate number with inscription “SARAKI” “Kwara, State of Harmony” from the exhibit vehicle and also registered the exhibit Lexus Jeep used in the Offa Bank Robbery and the killings of THIRTY THREE (33) innocent persons in the name of Ayoade AKinnibosun, the overall Gang Commander of the Offa Bank Robbery while the Ayoade AKinnibosun was already in Police custody for more than six (6) days before the registration of the vehicle.

11. Investigation is ongoing and effort is being intensified to arrest other suspects still at large. All suspects involved will be arraigned in court for prosecution on completion of investigation.

12. Meanwhile, the Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki is being invited by the Nigeria Police Force to report to the Force Intelligence Response Team office at Guzape, Abuja to answer to the allegations levelled against him from the confessions of the Five (5) Gang Leaders, namely; Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibukunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, Salawudeen Azeez, Niyi Ogundiran and some of the other Seventeen (17) suspects arrested for direct involvement and active participation in the Offa Bank Robbery and the gruesome killing of THIRTY THREE (33) innocent persons which includes (some pregnant women and nine (9) Police personnel).

13. The Nigeria Police Force will continue to ensure that the rule of law prevails in every case under Police investigation and every offender is brought to justice.

ACP JIMOH MOSHOOD
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
FORCE HEADQUARTERS
ABUJA

Nigeria Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris is in “hot soup“, as the National Assembly, on Tuesday, June 5, 20¹8 passed a vote of no confidence on the IGP.

The three hours of closed door meeting is not unconnected with the fact that both Senator Dino Melaye and Shehu Sani have been guests of the police recently after being accused of criminal offences, while Senate President Bukola Saraki has been linked with the Offa bank heist of April 5 by the police.

The National Assembly and the IGP have been at loggerheads over the latter’s refusal to appear before the assembly, while the legislators have resolved to do all within their powers to uphold democracy.

Meanwhile, President Buhari also held a close door meeting with the country’s security chiefs at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Winnie died at the age of 17, following a severe illness and was burried. Her bones are still there, according to the findings of an exhumation.

After being dead for two years, she walked back to her parents’ home on Sunday.

A huge crowd gathered at Ndola Central Police Station after a girl of Masala township in Ndola, Zambia who was believed to have died two years ago walked back to her parents’ home on Sunday.

Her parents say the girl identified as Winnie Lufunja died after an illness and was buried at age 17, reports Zambia Daily Mail.

The parents narrated that the body of their late daughter even went through a church service and body viewing before it was buried.

Winnie was buried three days after her demise on November 12, 2016 in grave number 73, according to the Ndola City Council books.

Her bones are still there, according to the findings of an exhumation done on Monday, along with the blue blanket, bottle and other items that her mother identified.

The parents have also submitted the death certificate and birth certificate to the police to help establish the truth.

The parents and the “resurrected” Winnie are currently at the Police station, awaiting a DNA test to confirm if she truly returned from the dead.

Winnie was buried three days after her demise on November 12, 2016 in grave number 73, according to the Ndola City Council books.

Her bones are still there, according to the findings of an exhumation done on Monday, along with the blue blanket, bottle and other items that her mother identified.

The parents have also submitted the death certificate and birth certificate to the police to help establish the truth.

The parents and the “resurrected” Winnie are currently at the Police station, awaiting a DNA test to confirm if she truly returned from the dead.

CHAIRMAN of South-South Governors’ Forum, Chief Seriake Dickson has commissioned multi-billion naira projects in Delta State, describing Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as prudent manager of resources.

Chief Dickson who is the governor of Bayelsa State, today (05/06/18) commissioned road projects at Jesse, Ethiope West local government area and the multi-billion naira Sapele Market in Sapele local government area of the state. The market has 1, 532 shops, developed shoreline and four jetties.

According to Chief Dickson, “this is an international market, we are overwhelmed with the quality of projects you have executed, we have seen the wonderful roads you (Governor Okowa) have constructed.”

“These are special projects that will touch the lives of the people, improve on their economy and the economy of Delta State,” Chief Dickson said.

While paying glowing tribute to Governor Okowa’s administration, he asserted, “Governor Okowa came at a time of recession, we have heard about what he is doing in Delta State and today, we are witnesses, I wonder what Deltans will see in his second term.”

Governor Okowa at the ceremonies, thanked God for making the commissioning e exercise a reality, disclosing that the projects were initiated by Chief Ibori’s administration.

“Every good project that was started by previous administration must be completed, we will not have uncompleted projects in the state,” the Governor assured.

Chief Ibori in his speech, commended the efforts of Governor Okowa’s administration to transform Delta State and urged the Governors of the South South states to stick to their demand for the restructuring of the country.

“Carry on with the battle for the restructuring of the country to the finishing line,” Chief Ibori said.

Meet newly-sworn in All Progressives Congress (APC) State Chairmen

1. Abia – Hon. Donatus E. Nwankpa

2. Adamawa – Alh. Ibrahim Bilal

3. Akwa Ibom – Hon. Ini Okopido

4. Anambra – Barr. Emeka Ibe

5. Bauchi – Alh Uba Ahmed Nana

6. Bayelsa – Jonathan L. Amos

7. Benue – Comrade Abba Yari

8. Borno – Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori

9. Cross River – Hon. Godwin Etim John

10. Delta – Chief Cyril Abeye Ogodo

11. Ebonyi – Pastor Eze Nwachukwu Eze

12. Edo – Anslem U. Ojezua

13. Ekiti – No Congress

14. Enugu – Dr. Ben Nwoye

15. Gombe – Nitte K. Amangal

16. Imo – Dr. Hillary Eke

17. Jigawa – Hon. Ado Sani Kiri

18. Kaduna – Air Commodore Emmanuel Jekeda (Rtd.)

19. Kano – Abdullahi Abass

20. Katsina – Shittu S. Shittu

21. Kebbi – Arc. Bala Sani Kangiwa

22. Kogi – Abdullahi Bello

23. Kwara – Hon. Ishola Balogun Fulani

24. Lagos – Alh. Tunde Balogun

25. Nasarawa – Philip Tatari Shekwo

26. Niger – Engr. Muhammed Liman

27. Ogun – Chief Dikia Adebisi

28. Ondo – Engr. Ade Adetimehin

29. Osun – No Congress

30. Oyo – Chief Akin Oke

31. Plateau – Hon. Letep M. Dabang

32. Rivers – Ojukaye Amachree

33. Sokoto – Hon. Isa S. Achida

34. Taraba – Alh. Abdulmumini Vaki

35. Yobe – Alh. Adamu Chilariye

36. Zamfara – Alh. Lawal M. Liman

37. FCT – Hon. Abdulmalik Usman

A political pressure group, the National Atikulate Movement 4 Emancipation – NAME has said that the only Nigerian by the grace of God that is capable of unseating President/General Buhari in the coming 2019 general elections is the first former vice president under the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, GCON.

The NAME, whose National Chairman, Adm. Tola O. Ajimisogbe was addressing the South West caucus of the group maintained that with Atiku as the standard bearer of the PDP in 2019, Buhari is simply and certainly going back to Daura his hometown.

The National Chairman reiterated that Buhari is nothing but a monumental disaster that Nigerians could have avoided in 2015 but for the inability of Nigerians to remembered that once a soldier is always a soldier.

Adm. Ajimisogbe added that the degree of cluelessness displayed by Buhari so far suggested that Nigerians have no other choice but to look forward to a more intelligent, more detribalized, and more religiously tolerant president to pilot Nigeria affairs from 2019. According to him, the most suitable Nigerian today is Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

In his word “What we are asking our party to do is to do the right thing which is that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) should give Atiku the party’s presidential ticket because he is the only one that has the reach, credibility, capacity, experience, sagacity, and resources needed to face the present murderous, insensitive, clueless, and tribal religionist government in power.

Ajimisogbe who averred that although President Buhari has the right to seek re-election in 2019, but that Nigerians and God has rejected him just as it were with king Saul in those days of Israel.

He however maintained that despite this, the largest opposition political party in Africa must still bring forward the right candidate if it wished to have that biblical kind of victory for Nigerians.

“The National Atikulate Movement 4 Emancipation is now fully ready more than ever to mobilize Nigerians from the South South to South East, from North West to North East, South East to South West and of course to North Central,” he submitted.

New York/—The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes the launch of a complaints mechanism for media representatives and human rights defenders ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, which will enable journalists covering the World Cup and other official events to report press freedom violations directly to FIFA.

In a press release issued today, FIFA stated that it will respond to complaints submitted through the mechanism in accordance with the commitments outlined in its Human Rights Policy and in a separate, detailed statement on human rights defenders and media representatives.

“The World Cup is about to get underway in one of the most challenging countries in which to practice journalism, and CPJ welcomes FIFA’s efforts to ensure that journalists can report freely on the World Cup by launching a complaints mechanism,” said Courtney Radsch, advocacy director for CPJ. “The adoption of the mechanism is only a first step, however, as FIFA must ensure that both domestic and international journalists are aware of how to use it and that complaints are dealt with in a transparent and timely manner.”

Following the adoption of a mechanism by the International Olympic Committee in 2016, the reporting systems are indicative of an emerging norm to ensure that organizations like FIFA do more to hold host governments accountable for press freedom abuses that take place around major sporting events.

FIFA announced the mechanism weeks before the start of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and following a nearly one-year process of consultations and input from stakeholders like CPJ and other expert organizations.

“Given the dangers media has historically faced while operating in Russia, journalists planning to cover the games and their editors should familiarize themselves with the risks and take steps to mitigate them,” said CPJ Emergencies Director Maria Salazar Ferro. “CPJ will be closely monitoring safety concerns during the World Cup, and providing updated information on how journalists can protect themselves and their information as needed.”

In a 2014 special report ahead of the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, CPJ found that because of both official repression and self-censorship, journalists shied away from covering sensitive issues related to the Games such as the exploitation of migrant workers, environmental destruction, and forced evictions. Journalists working in Russia routinely face physical attacks, threats, arrest, and other forms of intimidation, CPJ research shows.

In addition to using FIFA’s mechanism, CPJ encourages journalists to report any violations to report_violation@cpj.org.

The leadership of a faction of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), known as nPDP, has announced withdrawal from dialogue with the APC-led federal government, accusing the Nigerian presidency of double-standard and lack of good faith in the dialogue it entered with the aggrieved members of the ruling party under the nPDP.

A a statement issued on Monday by the nPDP chairman, Abubakar Baraje, complained about the plight of members of his faction and cited the police invitation of Senate President Bukola Saraki for questioning in a case of armed robbery and murder among indicators of the government’s alleged half-heartedness.

The nPDP were members of the Peoples Democratic Party who joined the APC in the build up to the 2015 elections.

Read the full statement below:
PRESS STATEMENT FROM FORMER nPDP

The public may recall that there have been ongoing talks between members of the former Npdp, the APC and the Presidency in recent days.

Nigerians may further recall that a team from the former nPDP led by Speaker of the House of Representatives, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara and four others, were to meet with the Vice President, His Excellency Prof Yemi Osinbajo today.

However, while we are truly and earnestly committed to achieving reconciliation, harmony, truce and cohesion in the APC as we approach the 2019 general elections, it is appears that the Presidency is not interested in the talks and that they may have been negotiating in bad faith.

We were alarmed that immediately after our meeting with the Vice President last week, the presidency misrepresented what transpired at the meeting by trying to blackmail some of the principal actors involved in the discussions in a national daily.

Similarly, the leadership of the party (APC) went ahead to ratify all the Congresses from ward, local governments, states and zonal where many of our members have complaints, effectively presenting us with a fait accompli.

The persecution of our members using state security apparatus have continued unabated.

We recognize the powers of the Police to conduct criminal investigations but by rushing to the public with the issue even when they have unfettered access to the leadership of the National Assembly suggests an attempt to undermine, caricature and humiliate the institution of the legislature.

It appears that there is a fouled and toxic atmosphere and environment of intimidation and threat to life in which we now find ourselves which may no longer be conducive for members of the former nPDP to continue with the talks. Given the unfolding events in the last 24 hours, where the President of the Senate, His Excellency, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki and His Excellency, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, the Executive Governor of Kwara State , both of whom attended the meeting with the Vice President on Monday 28 May, 2018 ,have suddenly been accused of sponsoring armed robbery by the Police under the directives of the Presidency.

Similarly, on Saturday, June 2nd, 2018, the Department of State of Services (DSS) also suddenly withdrew more than half of all the security details attached to the presiding officers of the National Assembly under questionable circumstances.

The nPDP leadership has decided to brief our members on the unfortunate development and get a fresh mandate if good faith returns to the discussions.

Thank you.

Signed

Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, CON

São Tomé and Príncipe, June 5, 2018 – The first President of the African Development Bank group to set foot on São Tomé and Príncipe, Akinwumi Adesina has arrived in the country for a five-day official visit to strengthen alliances between his institution and this lower middle-income island nation with a fragile economy.

He was welcomed by Américo dos Ramos, the Minister of Finance, Trade and Blue Economy, who is also the country’s Governor at the African Development Bank, and by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Urbino Botelho.

To help promote a competitive financial sector, the President of the African Development Bank launched the Payment System Infrastructure and Financial Inclusion Project (SPAUT) on Monday. The project – financed by a US $2.16-million loan from the African Development Fund, $299,000 from the World Bank and €345,600 from the Portuguese Trust Fund – aims to expand financial inclusion on the island.

“The payment system project launched today will have considerable development impact for São Tomé. An upgraded payment system infrastructure allows for and promotes interconnectivity with international credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard,” Adesina said.

“This, in turn, will help the country to position itself for what could be a genuine gold rush in the form of the tourist trade, as well as the longer term and more sustainable benefits of increasing regional and international trade, vital for island economies. It will also enhance private-sector growth through easier financial management conditions for enterprises, especially small and medium-sized enterprises.”

Américo Dos Ramos welcomed the completion of this long overdue project. “We must meet the demands of our dynamic and ever-growing economy and our transformation agenda requires improvement of our financial platform to facilitate national and international financial transactions,” he said.

Earlier, the African Development Bank President and his delegation held a meeting with the Prime Minister, Patrice Emery Trovoada, the Governor of the Central Bank of São Tomé, Hélio Silva Almeida, and the Ministers of Finance, Infrastructure, Agriculture and Education. A meeting with the Head of State of São Tomé, Evaristo Carvalho, is also planned.

“Despite the many achievements of the government, we continue to face challenges in this country,” the Prime Minister said. According to him, improvement of airport infrastructure, which has allowed for an increase in the number of tourists, and port management are the key pillars of economic development.

Adesina commended the Government for its continued commitment to the implementation of macroeconomic and structural reforms to ensure stability and growth. “This country is beautiful and blessed. There is no reason for poverty to persist here,” he declared. Priority areas are job creation, especially among young people and women for inclusive growth, he said. Adesina also expressed the Bank’s willingness to help São Tomé and Príncipe to develop a blue economy strategy.

“We believe in the economy and the future of this country,” he said.

During roundtables with donors, bankers and the private sector, the Bank President invited the various stakeholders to the Africa Investment Forum (AIF) to be held from November 7-9, 2018 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Adesina is expected to visit two sites financed by the African Development Bank that have made significant contributions to the development of the rural sector. They include the Agronomic and Technological Research Center (CIAT), responsible for the protection and control of food products and the conservation of seeds, and the agro-pastoral technical improvement centre (CATAP). Both centres have been rehabilitated and equipped by the Bank.

Adesina will also visit Agripalma, a concession covering almost 5,000 hectares, located south of the island and intended for industrial oil palm plantations. More than 2,200 hectares of palm groves have been planted. A factory – currently under construction – will produce its first yield in 2018.

On the last day of his official visit, Adesina will visit Príncipe Island and meet with the President of Regional Government, José Cassandra.

The Bank Group commenced lending operations in São Tomé and Príncipe in 1978. São Tomé and Príncipe hosted one of the Bank’s first National Program Offices opened in 1995. To date, the country has benefited from cumulative financing of US $195.20 million since 1978. Assistance has expanded to several key sectors of the economy, including agriculture, structural adjustment programs, energy, transport, roads, telecommunications, water and sanitation, governance, financial sector and private sector development.

There are six ongoing operations valued at US $35.38 million. Public-sector projects account for 100% of the total portfolio, as there are no private-sector operations or multinational projects. The share of the active portfolio by sector is as follows: agriculture, 57%; and multi-sector and finance, 37% and 6%, respectively.

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Executive Director (Finance and Administration) at the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun (Hon.) Askia Ogieh JP, has commended the people of Delta state for supporting the second term bid of the state governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.

Bashorun Askia who thanked the citizenry for their support for Governor Okowa’s administration in the last three years due to the massive service delivery and infrastructure development in all nooks and crannies of Delta state, assured that there are better days ahead.

The Senior High Chief who is also the Deputy National Chairman of Delta Political Vanguard (DPV), a mass mobilisation and sensitisation organ of Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, said “Governor Okowa has demonstrated equity in the distribution of projects across the three senatorial districts and in the appointment of political office holders in the state.”

He said that majority of Deltans have therefore vowed to ensure the electoral victory of Governor Okowa and all PDP candidates during the 2019 general elections, as a result of the unprecedented transformation of the state within three years, especially the construction of over 193 roads and drainages with more than 90 of them completed across the state.

According to him, “Deltans resolve to return the ‘Road Master’ is because Governor Okowa has turned Delta State into a construction site with various sectoral infrastructure achievements in the major cities and rural communities.”

Bashorun Askia, who appealed to the people to sustain their love and support for the governor, assured the electorate that Governor Okowa’s SMART Agenda of “Prosperity for All Deltans” is to further improve the lives of the electorate through provision of basic amenities and other major infrastructure development across the state.

Recall that recently, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and Governor of Bayelsa state, Seriake Dickson respectively commissioned multiple road projects in parts of Delta State, describing the “Road Master” Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa as a man who represents hope for Nigeria’s democracy.