BIAFRA PASSPORT DOES NOT EXIST - FG

The controversy behind the issuance of the Biafra passport by the former leader of  Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) Chief Ralph Uwazuruike may still linger for some time.

Ohaneze Diaspora, a group made of Igbos in the diaspora at a time observed that the inability of the federal government to thoroughly correct the problems and challenges of marginalization of the Igbos is one of the reasons that has brought up issues like that of the Biafra passport.

Reports from The Telegraph newspaper of Saturday, January 9 revealed that several federal government agencies in charge of issuing important documents like the International Passport have all washed off their hands in anything like an Igbo passport after information made known by the factional and new leader of the MASSOB, Uchenna Madu.

The revelation of Madu is coming after he parted ways with the founder and former leader of the group, Uwazuruike. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on its part affirmed that there was nothing like the production and issuing of a United States of Biafra passport.

Mr. Ogbole Amedu-Odeh, a director in the Public Communications division of the foreign ministry while speaking to newsmen on the matter said he does not have knowledge of anything like the distribution of a Biafra passport in the country. He said:

I don’t know anything about any Biafran passport. I am not aware that it exists. But good luck to whoever is using it to travel.

In the same vein, Mr. Ekpedeme King, who is the public relations officer (PRO) of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) revealed that he has never set his eyes on the talked about Igbo passport. He said this so because no one has yet been apprehended at the major airports in connection to the passport being part of the travelling document presented.

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HOW I INSTALLED RADIO BIAFRA TRANSMITTER ON MTN MAST - SUSPECT

A suspect, David Nwawuisi has narrated how he illegally installed Radio Biafra transmitters on an MTN mast in Ngwo, Enugu state for the sum of N150,000.

The radio station had been used to broadcast messages championing the cause of Biafra and agitation for an independent state. Nnamdi Kanu, the director of Radio Biafra has since been arrested by security operatives in October, 2015.

It was reported that MTN mast were used to house the transmitter f Radio Biafra but it was revealed that a staff of Ericsson, a company managing MTN mast sites carried out the installation.

Nwawuisi, a 29 year old graduate of Biochemistry from the Enugu State University confessed in a statement which he made to Department of State Services (DSS) on July 27, 2015 that he was contacted by one Chidiebere Onwudiwe to seal the deal for the installation.

He said:

I came to know about Chidiebere and Obioma one day the security woman called me to tell me that that they will like to install a radio ( transmitter) on one of my sites at Ngwo in Enugu State and I told them that I don’t know who they are that if they can make out time so that we can see face to face because I don’t know them and that was in May.
So the next day, they called me. I was working in one of my sites at St. Michael Catholic Church Asata in Enugu State. I asked them to come down to that site and that was the place I saw them for the first time and they introduced themselves as Chidiebere and Obioma. They also asked for my name and I said David. They also asked for my native name and I said Chukwugozie and from there Chidiebere started saying that the radio (transmitter) they are asking for my permission to install in my site is to help them educate our people (Igbo) and let them know their brothers and where they come from.
They called me again to remind me of that and that was when I told them ok and we agreed that they are going to be paying N25,000 only per month which they paid six months upfront. N75,000 cash was given to me that day they came for the installation and out of that I gave N5,000 to the security woman. The balance was paid into my account at Ecobank after the First Bank (account) I gave to Obioma failed to accept the payment.
The payment of the balance was done two weeks after the installation of the radio (transmitter). On three different occasions, Chidiebere and Obioma called me to do some maintenance on the radio (transmitter). I gave them access into the site and left and when they finished, the security woman informed me that they are through and I came and locked the site.
The items Chidiebere came (with) were an electronic that looks like a decoder and a DSTV dish which was installed on the fence. The other items were installed inside the MTN site shelter. The equipment has been there for three months and on July 15 the MTN staff went to the site and called me from the site and asked me what the equipment is. The name of the MTN staff is Mr. John Ibekwe. When he was calling, I couldn’t get what he was asking due to the environment because I was driving and when I parked, I called the security woman to ask her and she told me that is the equipment that Chidiebere and Obioma installed that his asking of.
I called back the MTN man to tell him what the equipment is for, that is a Radio Biafra (transmitter) that was installed by Chidiebere and Obioma. I told him that I will like to see him which he asked be to come to Shoprite and I came and after I was taken to the MTN office by the MTN security patrol team. From the office, after telling them how the equipment came about and how I got to know about Chidiebere, I was taken to Enugu DSS office.

Mr. Mohammed Diri, the federal director of public prosecution said that the transmitters were installed for the Indigenous People of Biafra and were smuggled into Nigeria by Kanu.

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FIVE ARRESTED OVER PLANS TO KILL GOODLUCK JONATHAN

Five persons alleged to be plotting an attack on the house of former president Goodluck Jonathan in Yenogoa were apprehended in a hotel in Swali area of the Bayelsa state capital.

The Punch reports that, the suspects were caught as they were perfecting strategies to unleash terror in the home of the ex-president.

Names of the suspects, all males, were given as, Asupha Emeka, 34; Ebipre Ebebi, 25; Samuel Joe, 27; Okilo Matthew, 25; and Timiere Matthew, 25. According to the report, the suspects were thugs loyal to a candidate of one of the frontline political parties in the state ahead of Saturday’s election. However, the major reason for the alleged attack on Jonathan is yet to be ascertained, but it was gathered that the incident was part of the measures to create tension.

Confirming the report, a security source, who desired anonymity, said the planned attack on Jonathan’s residence was orchestrated in a manner as to give the impression that the opposition was after the life of Jonathan.

He said:

The planned attack on Jonathan’s house was to give an impression of violence ahead of the supplementary election in the state. What the mastermind intends to achieve through that is what I cannot fathom.
You know this is the time of politics when politicians design all manner of tricks, crisis and strategies to heat up the polity. This is one of those aspects of dangerous politics they are playing.
The ringleader of this dastardly act, we learnt is a member of Jonathan’s party. The whole plot was contrived to give the impression that the opposition is the one responsible.

But on his part, Asinim Butswat, the police public relations officer, Bayelsa state command said their apprehension was based on a tip-off.

Butswat said:

On the January 6, 2016, at about 1500hrs, based on a tip-off, detectives from the Anti-Kidnapping and Anti-Vice unit stormed a hotel premises in Swali community, Yenagoa, and arrested five suspects.
The suspects are Asupha Emeka, Ebipre Ebebi, Samuel Joe, Okilo Matthew and Timiere Matthew.

The police spokesman said the suspects were drawing a plan to launch an attack on a yet-to-be identified location, adding that the suspects were currently undergoing interrogation and that investigation was on-going.

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NLC TO EMBARK ON NATIONWIDE STRIKE OVER REMOVAL OF FUEL SUBSIDY

There are strong indications that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) might have considered the option of protest over the adoption of price modulation of pump price of fuel. The NLC was said to have started consultations with its civil society allies ahead of the planned protest.

The Guardian reported that the Trade Union Congress  may have showed interest to join the NLC in the protests.

The push for the protest, it was learnt, will be agreed upon during the National Executive Council (NE C) meeting of the NLC. The NLC president, Ayuba Wabba, in his New Year message had said that the initial reduction of 50 kobo on the litre of petrol was a trick deployed to introduce deregulation policy through the back door.

Wabba said:

What we are against is the IMF-inspired fuel price deregulation. The current 50 kobo reduction in fuel price is obviously a gimmick. The pathway of international financial institutions, which the current fuel subsidy removal act is taking will lead to increases in fuel pump price and attendant worsening of the hardships of poor working people.

The NLC boss called on the federal government to be more creative towards expanding the refining capacity by building decentralized modular refineries.

We are against the corrupt enrichment of a few that has gone with scams in the name of fuel subsidy. But it does not have to be taken as given that corruption in oil sector cannot be tamed. Equally, while we commend efforts at getting the present refineries capacity utilization levels increased, we call on the federal government to be more creative for us to ably expand refining capacity by building decentralized modular refineries. The State of Texas alone in the United States of America has 26 refineries with a capacity of refining 4.72 million barrels per day. As a national priority, we must work to establish without any further dragging of our feet, modern refineries that will provide 100% of our national needs

 Wabba said.

The NLC further stated that its relationship with state governments may not be rosy in the new year if the non-payment of pension at state level is not taken seriously by the governors, saying:

 One of the legacies of the misrule of the preceding years is the incidence of irregular and non-payment of payments of our retired civil servants and senior citizens. While salaries were been owed for up to nine months, the situation of the pensioners were worse as many states were in arrears of pension payment for between 12 months or more.

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GROUP THREATENS TO SHUT DOWN IF BUHARI IS ASSASSINATED

A group known as the Buhari South-East Youth Movement, BSEYM, has threatened to shut down the country if anything happens to President Muhammadu Buhari as predicted by Rev. Father Ejike Mbaka.

Mbaka had during his New Year message, which he delivered before millions of worshipers in Enugu on Friday morning raised alarm over plans by some corrupt politicians to kill Buhari owing to his anti-graft stance.

The group in a statement by its leader, Mr. Nwabueze Onwuneme, in Umuahia, Abia State advised anyone or group with such evil plan to have a rethink “because such will spell doom for the country.”

Expressing its support for the President’s anti-graft crusade, the group called on anyone with any knowledge of such plot to immediately report to law enforcement agents.

The group stated that Mbaka’s prediction should not be dismissed with a wave of hands because “corruption really fights back dirty when attacked.”

BSEYM while calling on Nigerian’s to align with the effort of Buhari to sanitise the country, urged all well-meaning Nigerians to resist the evil work of “this small group that wants to kill this country,” and which had impoverished the masses.

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READ HOW AWOLOWO PREDICTED BOKO HARAM ATTACKS

The late sage and first premier of Nigeria’s western region, Obafemi Awolowo, has been credited with the first prediction of Dr Goodluck Jonathan’s emergence as Nigeria’s president.

The late Nigerian nationalist and statesman who played a key role in Nigeria’s independence, was widely known for his wise sayings and words of predictions and was also credited with predicting the emergence of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram.

PM News got a compilation of predictions made by the late sage, where many of his predictions which date back as far as 1947, have been fulfilled.

The Obafemi Awolowo Foundation produced the most popular quotes and predictions by one of the greatest Nigerians ever to come out of the western part of the country.

Awolowo on an Ijaw Presidency of Nigeria 

I look forward to the day  not in the far distant future  when an Ijaw would be President of our Republic, and a Birom his Vice or vice versa.

– Speech at the UPN’s First Campaign (1978): In Voice of Wisdom (1981)

Awolowo On Future Conflicts

The seed for a future minority problem in the North has been sown by the Government. It will grow with growing political consciousness on the part of those who settle permanently in the North.

– Path to Nigerian Freedom (1947)

Awolowo On The Risk That The Few Rich Are Running

We have in our midst about 1,000 rich Nigerians who in the past cleverly rigged the sources of the wealth of our nation, and we are now tactically poised to oligopolise all the munificent avenues of riches that may supervene now and in the future.
The rich, and the highly-placed in business, public life, and government, are running a dreadful risk in their callous neglect of the poor and down-trodden.

– Address delivered to Ondo House of Assembly (1980): Voice of Wisdom, 1981.

Awolowo's Self-Assessment As A Leader

While many men in power and public office are busy carousing in the midst of women of easy virtue and men of low morals, I, as a few others like me, am busy at my desk thinking about the problems of Nigeria and proffering solutions to them. Only the deep can call to the deep.

Awolowo on State Police

Under my proposals, Police is a residual subject, because the immediate problem of maintaining law and order can only be properly and more effectively tackled by the State Government.

– The Strategy and Tactics of the Peoples’ Republic of Nigeria, 1970.

Awolowo on Population As Basis Of Sharing Revenue

In a country where the accuracy of the census figures is so much in acrimonious dispute, it is gross and aggravating provocation to urge that population should be used as a basis of sharing what belongs to others who are much fewer in number.

-The Strategy and Tactics of the People’s Republic of Nigeria, 1970.

Awolowo On Creation of More States for Minorities

The creation of the Mid- West State will be the beginning of a journey which may be short or long but which will irresistibly bring Nigeria to the goal of true federalism and more States, and of individual freedom and happiness for all our people.

– Awolowo and Nigerian Federalism, 1988.

Awolowo On Nigeria As Created By The British

It is incontestable that the British not only made Nigeria, but also hand it to us whole on their surrender of power. But the Nigeria, which they handed over to us, had in it the forces of its own disintegration. It is up to contemporary Nigerian leaders to neutralize these forces, preserve the Nigerian inheritance, and make all our people free, forward-looking and prosperous.

– The Peoples’ Republic, 1968.

Awolowo on Self-Seeking African Leaders

Africa has produced more self-seeking leaders than public-spirited ones. But, thank goodness, the masses of the people remain largely unspoiled and uncorrupted, and are developing fast the technique of differentiating gold from lead and real metal from dross. What is more, they have begun to show their preparedness for very rough action against any political leader who may be caught in the game of public trickery and fraud.

– The People’s Republic, 1968.

Awolowo On “The Courage To Look”

The gloom of the world is but a shadow, and there is radiance in the darkness, if we could butsee. To be able to see this radiance, all you need to do is to cultivate the courage to look, and the-insight to apprehend the light which shines, at all times and in all places, for those who make Truth the object of their daily pursuit.

Speech to University Graduands (1967): In Voice of Courage, 1981

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HOW N5,000 MONTHLY ALLOWANCE WILL BE PAID

Nigeria’s vice president, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, has shed more light on the proposed N5,000 monthly allowance for unemployed Nigerians, The Punch reports.

In a statement issued on Sunday by Laolu Akande, the senior special assistant on media and publicity to the vice president, the federal government would not import food for its school feeding programme. The statement read:

One of the major differences here is that the social intervention programme such as the Conditional Cash Transfer would be a direct transfer of N5,000 monthly to the extremely poor among us.
This is a safety net that several advanced nations have put in place long time in their history often at times of economic challenges.The money would be paid directly to the people concerned on the condition of school enrollment and immunization.
This way, we are expanding school enrollment and also assuring physical well-being.
Homegrown school feeding programme will commence in public primary schools in the New Year providing adequate nutrition to schoolchildren, promoting local farming, boost agriculture and create jobs and wealth locally.
We have experts working in the Presidency, collaborating with experts from global bodies who together will bring to bear international best practices working on how best to implement these programmes.
I can tell you that no sooner had President Buhari resumed work than many of these experts have been meeting and planning on how best to implement these plans.
We are not talking here of something hurriedly put together or a programme where some consultants would take the huge chunk of the resources.
We have experts working in the Presidency, collaborating with experts from global bodies who together will bring to bear international best practices working on how best to implement these programmes.

It also added:

There will also be the provision of affordable, very low cost loans to market women and artisans to enable them to enlarge and expand their trades.

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WHY NNAMDI KANU APOLOGIZED TO NIGERIA - LAWYER

A lawyer to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra and founder of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, Mr. Vincent Obetta, has explained why his client apologized to Nigerian government.

Obetta said “there is nothing irregular” about the apology tendered by his client to President Muahammadu Buhari, former President Goodluck Jonathan and Igbo elders for his “uncomplimentary” comments against them.

The lawyer had earlier denied that his client tendered such apology to the Nigerian government.

However, Obetta in a statement explained that what he denied on behalf of his client was speculation that Kanu had written letters of apology to Buhari, Jonathan and Igbo elders.

He confirmed that Kanu tendered the apology in his statement to the Department of State Service on realizing that some of the things he said against Buhari and others were uncomplimentary considering the culture and values of the African society.

He said,

I denied the ruse making the rounds that my client apologised via a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, former President Goodluck Jonathan and some Igbo elders.
I also challenged any reporter to forward to me a copy of the written letter addressed to the President et al. I still maintain my ground that my client Mazi Nnamdi Kanu did not address any letter of apology whatsoever to Buhari, Jonathan and Igbo elders.
However, I am aware that in the course of making his statements to the SSS (DSS), he acknowledged the fact that certain words he used on these persons/elders during his broadcast were ‘uncomplimentary’ considering the culture and values of the African society to which he belongs.

He further stated that he might write a letter of apology to the President to express his regret over the use of such words on him. But up until this moment, such letter, to my knowledge, has not been written. And I challenge anybody that has a copy of such to make it public.

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FIVE PROMINENT NIGERIAN LEADERS WHO MAY BE JAILED IN 2016

Nigeria had to deal with so many scandals in 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti graft war opened numerous cans of worms. Within the course of the year, a couple of prominent Nigerians were found to be part of some very hideous crimes (mostly financial). These top-shots in the society have been charged on various counts, their cases are still pending in the various courts and one can only but fear that if their defense does not hold water, then they might be headed to jail in 2016.

Here are five prominent Nigerians who need to have very strong advocates as to ensure that they do not end up in jail this year.

1. Lamido and sons

The coinage “Lamido and sons” sounds like the name of an enterprise, however, it refers to the former Jigawa state governor and his sons (Aminu and Mustapha) who are accused of fraud and were remanded in prison custody in Kano till September 28, 2015.

Aminu Sule Lamido had earlier been arrested on his way to Cairo, for failing to declare $50000 which he had on him.

Further investigations went on to show that the former governor and his sons had funneled into the accounts of companies owned by the family, billions of naira from the Jigawa state treasury.

Till date, over N10 billion remains unaccounted for. According to the Vanguard, the EFCC has tendered evidence against Lamido and sons. The case still lingers on as the ex-governor and his sons are still answering to an amended 27-count criminal charge bothering on corruption, money laundry, breach of trust and illegal diversion of funds.

2. Colonel Sambo Dasuki

He is the embattled former National Security Adviser to the immediate past president, Goodluck Jonathan.

A committee set-up by President Muhammadu Buhari to probe into an alleged embezzlement of $2billion supposedly meant for the procurement of military wares; found Dasuki liable to answer for certain misappropriations.

On Tuesday, December 1, Dasuki was arrested for allegedly stealing the $2billion, he was further accused of awarding phantom contracts to buy 12 helicopters, 4-jets, and ammunition meant for Nigeria’s military campaign against the insurgent sect- Boko Haram.

Dasuki has ever since his first arrest the DSS been in and out of custody, with his arrest leading to a series of unprecedented revelations. Interrogations have led to the naming of other prominent Nigerians who tasted of the pudding.

The former NSA remains in custody, though he has attempted giving a breakdown of how the missing funds were spent. An Abuja High Court has granted bail to the ex-NSA and four others, but they will be remanded in prison until their bail conditions have been perfected.

Dasuki and others have pleaded not guilty, but you can be sure that the last is yet to be heard of this case that threatens to shake Nigeria to the root of its foundation.

3. Attahiru Bafarawa

This former Sokoto state governor’s case is linked to the Dasukigate. Though he has maintained that he did receive any piece of the “national cake” that was shared, still, Bafarawa has a case to answer for.

It would be recalled that the ex-governor was named as one of the beneficiaries of N100 million shared by Sambo Dasuki.

Bafarawa is one of the four people which the EFCC has been probing. Despite the duress of the anti-graft body, the ex-governor of Sokoto has sworn to stand by Dasuki and will not abandon the ex-NSA in his trying times.

4. Gabriel Suswam

The immediate ex-governor of Benue state was arraigned by the EFCC,  before a court in Abuja on Wednesday, November 4. He was charged with with fraud totaling over N3billion.

What seemed a mere baseless accusation tends to have gathered momentum, as Janet Aluga, the Benue government house accountant has disclosed that she took millions of naira to the ex-governor’s lodge in Makurdi. Aluga noted that she took the sums to him from the ministry of finance, without following due process.

Channels TV reports that at a hearing of Suswam’s case on Tuesday, December 8, Junaidu Sa’id the prosecuting witness and a detective with the EFCC, said an investigation by his team revealed that the ex-governor requested that shares owned by the Benue Investment and property company be sold off to the sum of N10billion.

A Federal High Court in Abuja, has earlier granted the embattled ex-governor bail to the sum of N100 million with one surety who is not less than a director, grade level 12.

Suswam said on Wednesday, December 9, that he is ready to face the EFCC, but disclosed that he will not appear before a probe panel that was set up in Makurdi.

The people of Benue state and indeed Nigerians will be keeping an eye on the Suswam case, to know what the final verdict will be.

5. Dr Haliru Bello Mohammed

The Dasukigate arms deal has this former PDP chairman and ex-defense minister in its web.

Haliru Mohammed and his son- Abbah, are to be prosecuted for their alleged participation in diverting funds meant for procuring arms.

According to Premium Times, Abbah Mohammed reportedly received N600 for the ex-NSA in the name of Bam properties.

It would be recalled that Bello was former campaign director to Goodluck Jonathan. He is said to be a man who loves bribes. Premium Times reports that the former minister was once indicted by a German court.

Bello was due in court on Wednesday, December 30, however, the hearing was stalled due to ill-health.

It is pertinent to note that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has said the party will disassociate itself from anyone involved in the theft of the $2.1billion arms deal.

President Buhari has said he will stop at nothing to ensure that Nigeria gets back all that has been stolen from the nation’s coffers. The president’s anti-graft campaign is still ongoing, with the Judiciary having a key role to play. There are numerous cases still undecided in court, however, Nigerians are eager to know the outcome of the case highlighted.

The stakes are very high and all those linked to the alleged crimes reviewed, can be sure that if they are found guilty, they will be made to pay dearly, as the federal government has vowed to set up a formidable legal team to take on the war against corruption in courts across the country.

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NLC SPEAKS ON BUHARI, FUEL SUBSIDY DEREGULATION

The All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has been accused by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) of playing puppet to forces of fuel subsidy and deregulation. The NLC in its new year message to its teeming members and Nigerians, said 2015 witnessed a year where President Buhari shifted ground from his campaign promises and has now become a captive of forces of fuel subsidy removal and deregulation.

According to the body, President Buhari’s earlier assurance that there was no rationale for subsidy removal has now been over taken by discordant tunes with the president now in full support of tinkering with the removal of subsidy.

In the message  signed by the NLC president, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, the congress, quoting the president, said:

According to Buhari: ‘What I understand that Nigeria should charge Nigerians is the cost of one barrel at the wellhead and then the cost of transportation to the refinery, the cost of refining it and its cost at the pump. If anybody says he is subsidizing anything, he is a fraud. So all these people talking about subsidy, who is subsidizing who?’
During his maiden visit to the United States shortly after his inauguration as president, while addressing Nigerians in diaspora, President Buhari had emphatically explained in detail: ‘When people ask you to remove subsidy, ask them to define it. Who is subsidizing whom? Let me make it clear. These people are gleefully saying, “remove subsidy”, they want petrol to cost N500 per litre. If you are working and subsidy is removed, you can’t control transport, you can’t control market women, the cost of food, the cost of transportation…if you are earning N20,000 per day and living in Lagos or Ibadan, the cost of transportation to work and back, the cost of food.You cannot control the market women. They have to pay what transporters charge them. But I’m thinking more than half of the population of Nigeria virtually cannot afford to live, where will they get the money to go (to) work? How can they feed their families? How can they pay rent?

The NLC’s message touched various issues that affect the Nigerian people, more details from the communique can be found on This Day.

The NLC has described the planned deregulation in the price of premium motor spirit (PMS) as a “propaganda targeted at confusing Nigerians.”

In a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday, December 29, in Abuja, the general secretary of the NLC, Peter Ozo-Eson said the move would be resisted by all means. Ozo-Eson added that affiliate unions under NLC were already being mobilized against the planned deregulation.

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BUHARI ACCUSES JONATHAN OF SOLDIERS' REBELLION

Muhammadu Buhari has accused the government of the former president Goodluck Jonathan of the mutiny which took place in the Nigerian military.

The Nigerian president in an interview granted to the Hausa Service of the BBC said the past government, while fighting the Boko Haram insurgents, sent soldiers to the battlefield without weapons and ammunition.

Buhari said:

We investigated and discovered how funds that were penciled down for arms procurement were diverted and shared by government officials who served the last administration. The government at that time sent the soldiers to the battlefield without arms and ammunition to prosecute the war. That was what led some of them to mutiny. They were arrested and detained because of this.

President Buhari, who recently stated that Nigeria has already defeated the insurgency, accepted that the country might not win the war completely by the end of the December.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian leader said a lot of progress had been made by the army.

If people are going to be fair to us, they themselves know that the army is winning the war. You can no longer find any huge number of Boko Haram members in Adamawa and Yobe; only may be, in about three local governments of Borno in the area around our borders with Chad Republic. They are no longer in position to threaten the country, so we have won,

he added.

Meanwhile, Jonathan in his recent reaction stated that he did not plan to lose the Boko Haram war as implied by Buhari’s comments. The ex-president said he tried to protect the constitution, which he said he pledged to defend when he took office.

The Nigerian minister of information Lai Mohammed said that the deadline given by Buhari to crush the insurgency has been met. However, Nigerians criticized Buhari’s government and asked if Boko Haram knows that it has been defeated.

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HEAVEN WILL STRIKE IF NNAMDI KANU IS NOT RELEASED - PROPHET

President Muhammadu Buhari has been asked to release Radio Biafra director, Nnamdi Kanu or the heavens will strike. This, according to Vanguard, was made known by Prophet Anthony Nwoko of the Church of God when he addressed a crowded press conference at the end of a prayer summit organized by 24 pastors in Enugu.

He said:

I cannot find any clean political leader from the South East. The governors are selfish, self centered, and have never pursued any action that will uplift the overall well-being of Igbo nation. Buhari must release Nnamdi Kanu with immediate effect, otherwise the heavens will strike.

While posing a challenge to the southeast religious leaders, the cleric said they have to step forward now and fulfill God’s mandate for the Igbo nation.

The religious leaders saw the glory in the country but could not deliver the message to the nation, the judgment will be upon them for denying Christ, his glory. I was spiritually crowned for the nation and the world and was sent on a special mission for the glory of God.
They should allow this light to materialize, if not crisis will overrun the nation as a whole, Prophet Nwoko is a chosen prophet, Igbos should seek for the prophet. The truth is finally here, but Nigeria finds it difficult to believe, the nation refuses to recognize the presence of the anointed savior of the world because of tribalism.

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TWIN BLASTS STORM MAIDUGURI

A twin-blast has reportedly occurred  in Maiduguri, Borno state capital this morning, Monday morning, December 28. The blasts were said to have occurred at the Polo area of Maiduguri with one of them in a mosque.

An hospital source at the General hospital told that many dead bodies were brought in early in the morning, along with injured persons.

Premium Times reports that at least 20 persons were killed. A fleeing was said to have left an improvised explosive device in the area during Sunday night’s attack on the city.

A police officer said the victims had gathered to investigate if a bomb was truly abandoned in the mosque.

I have never seen such foolishness when people would go peeping into a mosque to find out if truly there was an explosive deposited in a place. But sadly, the bomb went off and over 20 persons were killed and many injured.

But the a primary school teacher, Malam Suleiman, gave a separate account. He said:

The people normally sit down around the mosque in the morning. The place is like a meeting point where neighbors converge to relax. After the morning prayers they just sat down outside the mosque as usual and then the bomb went off. It was not suicide bombing like that of last night. It may have been planted.

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2016 WILL BE A TOUGH ONE FOR NIGERIANS - OSHIOMOLE

Adams Oshiomhole, the governor of Edo state has predicted that the year 2016 will be a tough one for Nigerians, considering the crisis currently rocking the economy. Speaking yesterday, December 22, at a meeting with traditional rulers from Edo central senatorial district, the governor said the continued decline in national revenue was an indication that the people would be facing difficult times in the coming year, Vanguard reports.

He said:

It is clear from all indicators that the coming year is likely to be very tough with the continued decline in revenue and rising expectation on the part of our people and with many state governments, local governments, and perhaps, even some federal agencies defaulting in the payment of salaries and allowances to workers.
The level of strike activities in the economy is going to be very high and of course, the level of unemployment is already unacceptably high and it could get even higher if we are not careful. So, we have a lot of challenges ahead.

Oshiomhole however, expressed optimism that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government would do what needs to be done to ensure that the country stays stable and safe.

The rest of us as state governments have responsibilities, working with the local governments and your good selves, the traditional rulers, to ensure that there is peace

he added.

2015 is coming to an end and predictions for 2016 have started rolling in. Five days ago, Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti state gave his own predictions of what will be in the coming year. According to him, corruption under Buhari will be on the increase and poverty in the nation will be at its highest in history.

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INSTEAD OF BLAME GAME, SWALLOW YOUR PRIDE AND WORK - BEN BRUCE TELLS FG

Senator Ben Murray-Bruce has reacted to the recent statement made by Lai Mohammed, the minister of information, blaming former president Goodluck Jonathan’s administration for the present fuel scarcity. Briefing journalists after the Federal Executive Council, the minister said that Nigerians are paying for the sins of the last administration.

In a swift reaction, the chairman of Silverbird Group took to his Twitter handle to express indignation and discontent.

Ben-Bruce wandered why the federal government did not commend Jonathan in June, when electricity improved, but now when there’s fuel scarcity, it blames the ex-president.

He called on the APC-led government to follow the example of President Barack Obama who inherited the worst economy ever but succeeded in reducing unemployment and petrol prices without blaming his predecessor.

His Tweets below:

So, let me get this right: The fuel scarcity we are facing today is the fault of an administration that was voted out 9 months ago? Issorai!

— Ben Murray-Bruce (@benmurraybruce) December 21, 2015

This same Jonathan wanted to remove subsidy, you resisted him, now you have guts to blame him, what's more you now want to remove subsidy!

— Ben Murray-Bruce (@benmurraybruce) December 21, 2015

How ridiculous! Are we going to be told Jonathan is responsible for harmattan and my neighbor's wife's miscarriage? #acceptresponsibility!

— Ben Murray-Bruce (@benmurraybruce) December 21, 2015

When electricity improved in June it wasn't Jonathan's fault but when there's fuel scarcity in December it's his fault #acceptresponsibility

— Ben Murray-Bruce (@benmurraybruce) December 21, 2015

Obama inherited the worst economy ever yet has succeeded in reducing unemployment and petrol prices without once blaming his predecessor!

— Ben Murray-Bruce (@benmurraybruce) December 22, 2015

The reason Nigerians elected this administration is because our electorate wanted to hold them responsible for running Nigeria not Jonathan.

— Ben Murray-Bruce (@benmurraybruce) December 22, 2015

Instead of blame game, swallow your pride and work towards political collaboration to get us out of this no fuel, no power, no FX situation!

— Ben Murray-Bruce (@benmurraybruce) December 22, 2015

Imagine that Govt is a relay race, how can this Govt expect to win when it has spent the first relay of the race blaming instead of working?

— Ben Murray-Bruce (@benmurraybruce) December 22, 2015

You mean I caused all these? pic.twitter.com/HD2nvs1eUp

— Ben Murray-Bruce (@benmurraybruce) December 22, 2015

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BUHARI DISCLOSES JONATHAN'S ROLE IN FUEL SCARCITY, ARMS PROCUREMENT

More revelations have emerged as regard the roles played by the former president Goodluck Jonathan in arms procurement and the lingering fuel scarcity in the country. President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday December 21, disclosed how former president Goodluck Jonathan’s administration sought to procure arms to fight Boko Haram by simply stuffing dollars in suitcases, Daily Sun reports.

At a meeting with the British secretary of state for defense, Michael Fallon, the president lamented that the procurement of equipment for Nigeria’s Armed Forces did not follow due process and as a result, became a shady deal during the last administration.

They just put foreign ex- change in a briefcase and traveled to procure equipment for the military. That is why we have found ourselves in the crisis we are now facing,

 the president lamented.

Terrorism has become very sophisticated now. If developed nations can be attacked, and hundreds of lives lost, how much more developing countries? In the West African sub- region, Nigeria is the main battleground of the Boko Haram insurgency. We have made a lot of progress against the terrorists, but we will welcome more assistance from our friends and the international community,

 he said.

Banking on the collaboration of the British government to assist Nigeria in defense procurement, intelligence gathering and training, Buhari  is bent on combating  terrorism in the country.

In September and October 2015, not less than $15million belonging to Nigeria was seized in two installments by South African government

Monies meant for arms procurement were taken illegally into that country. On September 5, 2014, when border authorities seized $9.3 million allegedly meant for the procurement of arms from two Nigerians and an Israeli who arrived the country in a private jet linked to the leader of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, The Nation reports.

The money stashed in three suitcases was discovered by customs officers according to South African National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

The NPA said it found an invoice for a helicopter and armaments meant for Nigeria with the suspects.
A month later in October, South African authorities seized another $5.7 million transferred by Societe D’Equipments Internationale of Nigeria to South African arms company, Cerberus Risk Solutions, for the procurement of arms, 

the report reads.

Meanwhile, the federal government has vowed to recover a total sum of N350.33bn said to have been misappropriated in the public sector as part of its revenue drive in the 2016 fiscal year.

The Punch reports that the details of the amount to be recovered, which had already been captured in the Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper for 2016-2018, are expected to be unveiled on Tuesday by President Muhammadu Buhari during the presentation of the 2016 budget to the National Assembly. Similarly, the document stated that the sum of N162.43bn would be recovered through the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation while the balance of N50bn would come from what the document described as ”Recovery of other misappropriated funds”.

Out of the reconciled amount, the sum of $277m had been recovered in lieu of products and the recovery efforts are still ongoing,

 Shehu,the presidential spokesman had said.

Findings revealed that the N350.33bn to be recovered next year would form part of the expected revenue that would accrue to the Federal Government for the funding of its N6.07tn budget for 2016.

Apart from receipts from oil and taxes, the document also listed other sources of government revenue for next year to include privatisation proceeds, where the sum of N10bn is expected to be realised; sale of government property, N25bn; and FG’s share of signature bonus, N740m.

As fuel scarcity lingers across the country, the federal government has blamed Jonathan’s administration for its inability to make adequate provision for fuel subsidy in the 2015 budget, Vangard reports.

Speaking to state house correspondents on Monday, after the rescheduled emergency Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by president, minister of information, Lai Mohammed, alongside minister of budget and planning, Udoma Udo - Udoma, also confirmed it.

One of the reasons for the fuel scarcity was the inability of the last government to make adequate provision for fuel subsidy, 

they said.

As Nigerians battle with the effect of the ongoing scarcity, Nigerians might need to brace up to pay more for electricity.
Despite last week’s call by the House of Representatives asking the federal government to stay action on any review, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on Monday unveiled a new tariff regime for consumers. An analysis of the tariffs showed that consumers would witness different levels of increase across the country but would no longer pay the monthly fixed charge, Guardian reports.

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ARMY WARNS NIGERIANS OF NEW BOKO HARA BOMBING TACTICS

The defense headquarters has warned Nigerians that Boko Haram militants have devised new tactics of inflicting harm on innocent people. Vanguard reports that the warning was contained in a statement made by Colonel Rabe Abubakar, the defence spokesperson, on Monday, December 21.

According to the military, the new tactics that terrorists are using include crying, feigning pain and shouting to attract sympathy from unsuspecting members of the public before bombing them.

When a lot of people of goodwill gather to render help in the process, the suicide bomber detonates bombs which they conceal under their clothes. The recent suicide bombing in Damaturu is instructive.
Similarly, suicide bombers used monetary incentives and other inducements especially in crowded places to lure innocent citizens in order to cause colossal damage to both lives and property. Yola suicide incident is fresh in our memory,

 he said.

Colonel Abubakar further advised Nigerians to be wary of such tactics of the militants who are now desperate and want to perpetuate fear in the minds of the populace by using any means.

The Defense Headquarters also warns citizens to be extra vigilant and wary of terrorist malevolence in such places as parks, worship centers and recreation spots particularly in this festive period. Citizens are advised to report suspicious persons or objects to security agencies for prompt action,

 he added.

The Nigerian army has informed citizens that a child suicide bomber attacked Benisheikh in Borno state, killing nine people.

Confirming the attack, the army spokesperson, Sani Usman, revealed that 24 others were injured. He also called for security consciousness among citizens especially during the festive period.

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N1.4TRN FINE: FG CALLS MTN BLUFF, SAYS DEC 31 DEADLINE STILL PERSISTS

The Federal Government, yesterday, said it would neither be cowed nor threatened by MTN’s court action against the N1.4trn fine which was later reduced to N780 billion, insisting that the telecommunications company risks another fine if it fails to pay on deadline.

Minister of Communications, Mr Adebayo Shittu, made the statement yesterday in reaction to the suit instituted by the telecom operator at a Lagos High Court, weekend.

The minister, who spoke through his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Victor Oluwadamilare, however, admitted that MTN had the right to seek court’s interpretation if it feels unsatisfied with the action of the regulator but made it clear that nothing would stop the government from imposing additional fine on the operator, at the expiration of the deadline.

According to the minister,

it is the right of MTN to approach the court but there was an infraction, which MTN admitted to have committed before it pleaded for leniency that led to the reduction of the fine from N1.4 trillion to N780 billion and the subsequent December 31, 2015 deadline to  pay.
If it has decided to go to court, it is still within the ambit of the law. I will not intervene, since they have gone to court, we will allow the court to decide if it is right for MTN to commit those infractions and breach the laws of the land.

He, however, said that

it is unwise for MTN to go to court after the Federal Government had magnanimously reduced the fine. It will surely be fined for violating the rule at the expiration of the deadline, should it fail to pay the initial fine.

Why we  are in court - MTN

Meanwhile, MTN, yesterday, also insisted that its action was induced by commitment and belief in the long term sustainability of its business.

According to the company’s Human Resources & Corporate Services Executive, Amina Oyagbola,

the N780 billion fine has potentially dire consequences for the company, its employees, partners, stakeholders as well as the entire Nigerian telecommunications industry.
Being a significant contributor in Nigeria, MTN has an obligation to protect the interests of its ecosystem of millions of Nigerians who are directly and indirectly affected by its business operations and continuity.
According to Oyagbola, “the decision to seek judicial determination was reached after careful consideration of all factors, including extensive attempts at a sustainable resolution. It is important to state that seeking judicial determination was a last resort. We hold the Nigerian Government, its national objectives, laws and regulations in the highest regard.

She, however, added that notwithstanding the action, the company will continue to engage with the Nigerian authorities in an effort to reach an amicable resolution in the interest of all stakeholders.

The NCC sanctioned MTN for refusing to remove over 5.1 million unregistered telephone subscribers from its network.

The regulator fined the telecoms operator N1.04 trillion, but later reduced it by 25 per cent after the intervention of President Muhammadu Buhari, amid pressure and negotiations from the company’s parent body in South Africa.

The NCC also reviewed the deadline from November 16 to December 31, 2015.

Ahead of that date, the MTN Group, last Thursday, said in a statement from Johannesburg, South Africa, that it was taking legal action over the matter and subsequently filed the suit at the weekend, lining up about six Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SANs.

According to the firm, since its previous advice to its shareholders on December 4, 2015 that all factors relating to the sanctions were thoroughly and carefully considered, including a review of the circumstances that led to the fine and subsequent reduction by NCC, there were enough grounds upon which to challenge the fine in court.

Claiming to act on legal advice, MTN queried the manner the fine was imposed, describing it as “not in accordance with the NCC’s powers

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I HAVE EVIDENCE OF RECOVERED $4BN ABACHA LOOT - FEMI FALANA

Popular human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (S.A.N) has stated that he has a major revelation about the disputed recovered loots of former military president, Late General Sani Abacha. Speaking on Sunrise, a morning breakfast show on Channels Television today, December 21, Falana said he has evidence that the former military dictator stole over $4billion during his time as a military president.



Giving more insight on the issue, Falana said:

The Abubakar junta set up a panel of inquiry that came up with a report to the effect that the late military president, General Sani Abacha, stole about $5billion from the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The government identified about $1billion largely removed in cash that they recovered a billion billion dollars and gazetted it.

Making reference to former president Olusegun Obasanjo recent book, "My Watch" Falana said:

Obasanjo stated in his book that by the time he was leaving office in May 2007, he had recovered $2billion, £100million and N10billion.
When the case of the $446m theft came up, the repatriation of the recovered loot abroad under the Jonathan administration and we were told N930million has been recovered. Excluded is the $458million that had been seized by the United States government.
Even madam Okojo-Iweala have now confessed that in one fell swoop, she released $22million to the then National Security Adviser, Colonel Dasuki and that $700million expected.

Falana also challenged the Muhammadu Buhari government to develop the political will to fight corruption, adding that all former files of corruption cases should be reopened.

He also canvassed for a dedicated account opened to lodge all recovered loots, so that according to him,

we can be able to identify projects that have been completed with those funds.

Meanwhile, Benue state governor, Samuel Ortom recently disclosed that former president Goodluck Jonathan reportedly left N13.6 billion loot recovered from Abacha in the Nigerian treasury.

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NERC INCREASES ELECTRICITY TARRIFS

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, on Monday finally released a new electricity tariff regime that has various rates of increase in energy charges for consumers across the country.
It also announced the removal of fixed power charges for all classes of electricity consumers, stressing that power users would henceforth only pay for what they consume.

Announcing the tariffs increase on Monday, NERC stated that from the next billing period, power distribution companies would no longer charge their customers monthly fixed charges that requires electricity consumers to pay an approved amount of money not minding whether electricity is consumed during the billing period.

NERC, while outlining the rates of increase in tariffs for various customer classes in selected locations across the country, said, “For instance, residential customer classification (R2) in Abuja Electricity Distribution Company will no longer pay N702 fixed charge every month. Their energy charge will increase by N9.60.

Also, residential customers (R2 customers) in Eko and Ikeja electricity distribution areas will no longer pay N750 fixed charges. They will be getting N10 and N8 increase respectively in their energy charges. Similarly, the burden of N800 and N750 fixed charges would be lifted off the shoulders of Kaduna and Benin electricity consumers. These consumers will see an increase of N11.05 and N9.26 respectively in their energy charges 

the commission stated.

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