News / Oil & Gas / politics

Nigeria’s outgoing OPEC Secretary-General dies hours after meeting with Buhari

Nigeria’s Dr. Mohammed Barkindo, the Secretary-General of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, is dead.

Mele Kyari, Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Company, confirmed the development on Wednesday.

Kyari spoke in a statement posted on his official Twitter page in the early hours of the day.

He tweeted: “We lost our esteemed Dr Mohammed S Barkindo. “He died at about 11.00 p.m. on Tuesday.

“Certainly a great loss to his immediate family, the NNPC, our country Nigeria, the OPEC and the global energy community.

“Burial arrangements will be announced shortly.”

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Barkindo, who is the outgoing OPEC Secretary General, was in Nigeria where he delivered the Chairman’s Keynote Address at the ongoing Nigerian Oil and Gas Conference in Abuja on Tuesday.

At his last official outing at the NOG, Barkindo was given a standing ovation by industry stakeholders for his outstanding contributions to the Nigerian and global oil and gas industry.

He had earlier in the day visited President Muhammadu Buhari in the Presidential Villa (see photograph used for illustration), where he was hailed by the President for being a “worthy ambassador to Nigeria.”

Born on April 20, 1959 in Yola, Adamawa State, Barkindo served as the Secretary General of OPEC since August 1, 2016 and would have bowed out on July 31, 2022 following the completion of his tenure.

He completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria in 1981 and Masters of Business Administration degree from Washington University in 1991.

Prior to the MBA, in 1988 he earned a Post Graduate Diploma in Petroleum Economics from Oxford University.

Also, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from the Federal University of Technology Yola.

Barkindo previously served as the acting Secretary-General in 2006 and represented Nigeria on OPEC’s Economic Commission Board from 1993 to 2008.

He also led the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation from 2009 to 2010 and headed Nigeria’s technical delegation to United Nations climate negotiations since 1991.

Barkindo will be replaced by Haitham Al-Ghais, a veteran of …

Law / News / politics

Breaking: Supreme Court dismisses Buhari’s request to alter amended Electoral Act

The Supreme Court has struck out the suit by President Muhammadu Buhari and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami seeking to void the provision of Section 84(12) of the amended Electoral Act 2022.

A seven-member panel of the apex court, headed by Justice Musa Dattijo Mohammed, was unanimous in holding in its ruling Friday that Buhari, having participated in the making of the law by assenting to it, could not turn around to fault its provisions.

The court, which upheld the objections raised by the National Assembly (NASS) and other defendants against the suit, declined to determine it on the merit but declared that the Supreme Court lacked the jurisdiction to hear it and that the suit was an abuse of court process.

Justice Emmanuel Agim, in the lead judgment, held that it was an attack on the democratic principle of Separation of Powers for the President to seek to direct/request the Legislature to make a particular law or alter any law. The jurists held: “The President lacks the power to direct the National Assembly to amend or enact an act that violates the principle of separation of powers. “There is no part of the Constitution that makes the exercise of legislative powers subject to the directive of the President”.…

News / Oil & Gas / politics / Uncategorized

Substandard fuel: Producers, MRS, Oando, others must be held accountable – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered that producers and providers of consumable products be held accountable for substandard services and or products sold by them.

The President has also given directives to the relevant government agencies to take every step in line with the laws of the country to ensure the respect and protection of consumers against market abuses and social injustices.

The President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in a statement on Thursday, said Buhari gave the directive while reacting to the issue of petroleum product shortages linked to the inadvertent supply of products of foreign origin into the Nigerian market.

According to the President, the protection of consumer interests is a priority of the present administration and is ready to take all necessary measures to protect consumers from hazardous products, loss or injuries from the consumption of substandard goods. Buhari, therefore, directed that in line with the law, service providers must make full disclosure of relevant information with respect to the consumption of their products and that dissatisfied consumers are entitled to a proper redress of their complaints.…

News / politics

Buhari leaves Nigeria for S/Arabia on Monday to participate in investment summit

President Muhammadu Buhari will on Monday depart for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to participate in the investment conference organised by the Future Investment Initiative Institute.

The President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, confirmed this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

According to the presidential aide, the President will be joined at the 5th edition of the flagship investment event by business executives from Nigeria, bankers, captains of industry and energy experts to discuss issues on the future of investments across the globe.

”The three-day event, with the theme: INVESTMENT IN HUMANITY, which will host global executives and asset managers, will deliberate on progress and prosperity with energy; true final frontiers in investments; science in action; and impact of climate change on communities among others,” he said.

He also announced that the president would perform the lesser Hajj in Madina & Makka before returning to the country on Friday.

He said the president would be accompanied on the trip by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Zubairu Dada and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva.

Others to be on the trip are: National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen Babagana Monguno, Director-General of National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, Managing Director of Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, Uche Orji and Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

Participants from the private sector will include: Alhaji Mohammed Indimi, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Tope Shonubi , Wale Tinubu, Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, Hassan Usman, Omoboyode Olusanya, Abubakar Suleiman, Herbert Wigwe and Leo Stan Ekeh.

…
Agriculture / News / politics

Open Grazing: Obaseki storms Abuja, meets Buhari

The governor made the call when he addressed State House correspondents after a closed door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday.

Obaseki said that the people of Edo had resolved that ranching was a private business and should be treated as such.

He said: “Our people say that as far as they are concerned, ranching is a private business just like every other agricultural venture, therefore, those involved should provide the land. “As you already know, it is expensive to run and manage ranches.

“So I came to discuss with the President that since the people of Edo would rather invest privately.

“Then, the National Livestock Transformation Programme, which is now being implemented by the Federal Government, should acknowledge our model.

“It should also be able to help Edo people benefit from the funding that is now being made available for people who want to go into the livestock business and have made investments in ranches and other similar livestock programmes,”.

According to Obaseki, the state government is yet to promulgate a law banning open grazing because it sees the venture as private business.

“As you know, most Southern States have passed laws relating to open grazing but Edo State has not. Because we want to ensure that whatever laws we pass are laws that we can enforce.

“We have had extensive consultations with our people to deal with the issue that yes, we do not want open grazing because it is out modelled and out dated; however, what are the options?

“If we are asking that we should now have ranches and these cows should be constrained to specific areas such as ranches, then who provides the land?,” he queried.

On politics, Obaseki commended the Senate for joining their House of Representatives counterparts in approving the transmission of election results electronically.

He said: “Definitely if not for God and the technology utilized by INEC, I may not be governor today.

“So, I am one of those people who believe that we should not …

News / politics

Buhari arrives Ethiopia, driven to dinner by Prime Minister

President Muhammadu Buhari has arrived in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, on Sunday for the inauguration of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for another five-year term in office.

The News Agency of Nigeria monitoring the President’s visit reports that the presidential aircraft carrying Buhari and some members of his entourage landed at the newly built VIP Terminal of Bole International Airport at 5:06pm (Nigerian time).

The Nigerian leader, who was accorded a full guard of honor by the Ethiopian National Defense Force on his arrival, was received by Prime Minister Ahmed.

NAN reports that after the inspection of the guard of honor, the Prime Minister gestured the President into a waiting SUV, took control of the wheels, chauffeuring him straight to the newly built expansive friendship park for a private dinner. The dinner was attended by the President of Ethiopia, Sahle-Work Zewde, and the President of Senegal, Macky Sall.

While in Addis Ababa, the Nigerian leader is expected to deliver a goodwill message at the inauguration event scheduled to hold at the historic Meskel Square.

President Buhari will join other African leaders, who will be attending the event in person, including the Presidents of Djibouti, Kenya, South Sudan, Senegal, Somalia, Uganda and the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

A statement by Femi Adesina, the President’s spokesman, on Saturday said Buhari would also attend a State Dinner at the National Defense Headquarters, Addis Ababa.

On the significance of President Buhari’s visit to the country, the Ambassador of Nigeria to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, Victor Adeleke, told reporters: “Nigeria and Ethiopia enjoy warm cordial relations, they are equally the two largest democracies in Africa, in this wise, the attendance of President Buhari at the inauguration ceremony of Prime Minister Ahmed is an indication of the President’s commitment to strengthening democracy in Africa.”

The Ambassador, who holds concurrent accreditation to Djibouti and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, explained that the visit would also afford President Buhari the opportunity to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Ethiopia.…

News / politics

UNGA 76: Buhari gets date to present Nigeria’s statement

President Muhammadu Buhari, who arrived in New York on Sunday to participate in the ongoing 76th Session of the UN General Assembly, is to present Nigeria’s statement to the General Assembly on September 24.

Buhari would be the second speaker on the fourth day and would deliver his address at 9am, which is 2pm in Nigerian.

He had earlier attended the opening of the General Debate of the 76th session of the General Assembly.

Buhari was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the UN, Prof. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande; and Head of Chancery of the Permanent Mission, Muyiwa Onifade. No fewer than 100 heads of state attended the General Debate in person in New York, while others spoke through pre-recorded videos, the UN correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria reports.…

News / politics / Production

Borrowing for recurrent expenditure foolish — Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has opposed the continuous borrowing of the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari for recurrent expenditure.

Obasanjo made his position known when he spoke with Channels Television on the sideline of an event in South Africa.

He told Channels TV: “If you want to build a commercial house and you go and borrow money, and you have 50 per cent of your own money and you borrow 50 per cent and in five years, you pay the 50 per cent that you borrowed, that is a wise thing to do.

“But if you have to go and borrow money for you to be able to feed yourself and your family, that is a stupid thing to do. “So, if we are borrowing for recurrent expenditure, it is the height of foolery.

“If we are borrowing for development that can pay itself, that is understandable.

“Then how long will it pay itself?

“But we are borrowing and accumulating debt for the next generation and the next generation after them.

“It is criminal, to put it mildly.

“What are we borrowing for?

“When I came into government and was elected President, we were spending $3.5 billion to service debt.

“And even with that, our quantum of debt was not going down.”…

News / politics

Why I was in Abuja to see President Buhari — Gov. Umahi

The Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, has offered reasons for his visit to President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday.

The Governor offered the reasons in a chat with newsmen after the visit to the President on Monday at the Presidential Villa.

Unahi said he met with President Buhari to thank him for the “mega projects” his administration is implementing in the South East, adding that the people of the region are grateful to him.

He said: “One is to thank him very highly for a number of mega projects that he is doing in the South East. “The Second Niger bridge is fast and fast becoming a reality.

“Each time we visit that bridge, it is always like a dream.

“So, we the people of South East are very grateful to Mr. President for this.

“We also thank him for the award of this Eastern corridor of the railway line.

“This is a project that is going to fast track the commercial activities of our people.

“I recall that when I was in school, I used to join train from my state, Ebonyi, and then get up to Maiduguri, where my brothers were staying, for my holidays.

“Mr. President is about restoring that hope.

“We are deeply very grateful.

“But I also reminded Mr. President that one of his cardinal objectives is to integrate into the South East or the state capitals, but in putting together the project through South East that the capital of Ebonyi State, which is Abakaliki, and capital of Anambra State, which is Awka, were omitted.

“And I reminded Mr. President that the South East governors had requested that I write, which I did, but not yet approved to the Honorable Minister of Transport, which Mr. President said he will find out why they were omitted in the first place.

“I am very, very hopeful that Mr. President is going to give approval to those two locations.

“And also the limestone granules to fast track the fertilizer presidential initiative, which has helped the country Nigeria so much …

News / politics

PDP to Buhari: You, not Ortom, are spreading division, hate

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asserted that the Muhammadu Buhari Presidency is responsible for spreading division and hatred among Nigerians and not the Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom, as claimed in the Presidency’s press release.

The party was reacting to the hate statement issued by the Buhari Presidency in a bitter personal attack on Governor Ortom on Wednesday, in which the Presidency made allusions to genocide in Rwanda.

The PDP recalled how the Buhari Presidency has been planting seeds of discord in the country with hate language, divisive tendencies and unconcealed nepotism, to the extent that the nation has become widely divided along all fault lines.

“Nigerians have not forgotten how President Buhari, ahead of the 2011 general elections, declared that ‘if what happened in 2011 should again happen in 2015, by the grace of God, the dog and the baboon would all be soaked in blood’.

“Moreover, Nigerians can recall how Mr. President tagged those whom he believed did not vote for him; how he described citizens as ‘dot in a circle’, as well as the hate language that attracted sanctions by Twitter.

“It is rather alarming that instead of taking steps to address the killings in Benue state as well as the worsening insecurity, carnages, banditry, terrorism and imminent humanitarian crisis in the country, the Buhari Presidency is thinking of Rwandan genocide while exposing its deep-seated detestation for Governor Ortom.

“Governor Ortom is a highly principled and forthright leader, who is loved not only in Benue, but also across the nation. The PDP urges Nigerians to hold the Buhari Presidency responsible should any harm come to him or his family members.”

The party asked the Buhari Presidency to come clean on its handling of insecurity in the country, particularly against the backdrop of its manifest failure to battle and rout out terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and marauders that have taken over the highways, forests, pillaging communities and killing Nigerians on a daily basis.

Kola Ologbondiyan, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, said in a statement: “Under President Buhari’s lethargic …

Crime / Military / News

Africa needs more than US military aid to defeat terror, by Muhammadu Buhari

Though some believe the war on terror winds down with the US departure from Afghanistan, the threat it was supposed to address burns fiercely on my continent. Africa is the new frontline of global militancy. Yet few expect the outlay expended here to be as great as in Afghanistan. The fight against terrorism begun under the George W Bush administration was never truly global.

Despite rising attacks across Africa in the past decade, international assistance has not followed in step. Mozambique is merely the latest African state in danger from terrorism. The Sahel remains vulnerable to Boko Haram, 20 years after its formation, and other radical groups. Somalia is in its second decade fighting the equally extreme al-Shabaab. Many African nations are submerged under the weight of insurgency.

As Africans, we face our day of reckoning just as some sense the west is losing its will for the fight. It is true that some of our western allies are bruised by their Middle Eastern and Afghan experiences. Others face domestic pressures after the pandemic. Africa was not then, and even less now, their priority. But the threat cannot be ignored. Covid-19 has been like oxygen for terrorism, allowing it to gain in strength while the world was preoccupied. Sooner or later, the reverberations will be felt beyond Africa. If extremist groups are able to hold territory, it can inspire disillusioned people living in the west to commit heinous acts of terror in their own countries. The self-proclaimed caliphate of Daesh in Iraq and Syria fulfilled that propaganda function, boosting transcontinental recruitment.

We must not complacently assume that military means alone can defeat the terrorists. If Afghanistan has taught us a lesson, it is that although sheer force can blunt terror, its removal can cause the threat to return.

The US and its western allies cannot be expected to underpin the security of others everywhere and indefinitely. Africa has enough soldiers of our own. However, more can be done to help with technical assistance, advanced weaponry, intelligence and ordinance. The US …

News / Oil & Gas / politics

PIB: Buhari approved 5% for host communities, Minister changed it — Senator

A former Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Henry Dickson, has exposed how the Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, allegedly proposed 2.5 per cent operating surplus to Host Communities while President Muhammadu Buhari proposed 5 per cent in the Petroleum Industrial Bill.

The Senator made the revelation when he spoke with newsmen on the contentious issue on Thursday in Abuja.

According to Dickson: “Nigerians should ask the Minister of State for Petroleum why (late President Umaru) Yar’Adua proposed 10 per cent, Buhari proposed 5 per cent, but he came to the National Assembly to propose 2.5 per cent.”

The representative of Bayelsa West Senatorial District explained that before the passage of the bill, Sylva and the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Mele Kyari, told the Senators that it is either they agreed to 2.5 percent or no investment. He said: “Senator (George) Sekibo and I were mandated to reach out to other senators who are not in our region and we did.

“We spoke to lot of them and they all supported us for the 5 per cent.

“Before we took that deliberation and the vote, the Minister of State for Petroleum and the GMD of NNPC were invited to give us the executive perspective.

“I don’t know why it was done, but it was not parliamentary, but it was a decision the leadership took and they came supposedly to enlighten us on the technical  aspect of the bill.

“They told us that it is either we agree to 2.5 percent or no investment.

“So, I can feel how most members who had earlier given us their commitment felt when they heard the tough position by the executive.

“The minister said there won’t be investment inflow if we approve anything higher than the 2.5 per cent.…

Health / News / politics

Nigerians are starving, Kano Emir tells Buhari

Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, has said the present economic situation in the country is inflicting untold hardship on Nigerians, urging the government to urgently find a lasting solution.

The monarch, who raised the concern yesterday while receiving President Muhammadu Buhari at his palace, said: “Nigerians are suffering from perpetual hunger coupled with security challenges.”

Citing the high cost of food and consumables in the country, occasioned by hyperinflation, urged the Federal Government to ease the economic crunch impoverishing the masses.

He equally drew Buhari’s attention to security challenges across the country, urging the government to intensify efforts to restore peace.

“We want to commend the President for the infrastructure development across the country, particularly those sited in Kano, just as the governor listed some of such projects despite the shortfalls in the globally economy.

“We hope the presidential aides would continue to advise the President on the condition and wellbeing of the poor masses, especially in those aspects where he would need to be informed on certain development for necessary action. This is a responsibility upon us, which we need to discharge accordingly,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to sustain prayers for the leaders and for God to heal the land from the Coronavirus Disease.

While assuring Buhari of the emirate’s continued prayers for his administration, the royal father applauded the President for finding Kano worthy of citing the Federal Government’s critical infrastructure.

Buhari, in return, congratulated the monarch on his recent coronation as the 15th Emir of Kano.

He expressed satisfaction for the warm reception received in Kano and commended the developmental stride of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje’s administration.…

News / politics

Kalu speaks on report he discussed IPOB with UK at meeting

The Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has debunked reports circulated on the social media that he paid a private visit to the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, where he allegedly discussed the affairs of the Indigenous People of Biafra.

The former Governor of Abia State spoke on the development in a statement on Monday.

This was even as he snapped at individuals and groups to desist from antagonizing his person.

In the statement by Emeka Nwala, Kalu explained that the British High Commissioner visited him (Kalu) in his Abuja residence on May 13 in company of the Political Counsellor, British High Commission, Jonathan Bacon, and Stuart Gardner, the First Secretary, Political.

“To put the records straight, I neither visited nor discussed IPOB with the British High Commissioner as reported.

“Those behind this repeatedly shameful act will live to regret their actions as their efforts will not only fail but turn around to favour me.”

The fake story circulated in the media with Kalu as the author read: “I visited the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Her Excellency, Mrs Catriona Laing with my brother Senator Chris Ngige to express gratitude over her contributions in silencing the issues of insecurities and attacks on the Nigerian force personnel championed by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as the issue of insecurity and killing has been defeated totally in the Eastern region.

“We also made it known to her that the entire Igbo elites strongly believed in one Nigeria and very much in support of President Muhammadu Buhari led government.”

 …

News / Production

There won’t be petrol subsidy after Buhari signs PIB – Minister

Nigeria will no longer operate the subsidy system to regulate the cost of Petrol once President Muhammadu Buhari signs into law the Petroleum Industry Bill, recently passed by the National Assembly.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, announced this on Monday.

Sylva, who spoke at: “Nigeria/Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries: 50 Years of Partnership,” press conference in Abuja, said it was best for Nigeria that the Federal Government discontinued subsidy on petrol, stressing that the recently passed PIB had no provision for subsidy.

He said: “This (subsidy removal) is desirable for the interest and growth of Nigeria.

“Of course, everybody will have their perspectives, but from where I sit, I believe that subsidy removal is the best thing for Nigeria, not just the industry.

“So far, the discussions with stakeholders are still ongoing.

“But I will also bring it to your attention that today, when the President assents to the PIB, subsidy will become a matter of law because it is already in the PIB that petroleum products will be sold at market determined prices.

“The removal of subsidy has the potential of unlocking a lot more funds for deployment to development.

“Unfortunately, what we are doing by way of subsidy is like cutting our nose to spite our face.”

 …

Military / News / politics

Buhari has mismanaged Nigeria’s diversity, says Col Abubakar Umar

Former military governor of Kaduna State, Colonel Abubakar Dangiwa Umar (ret), has accused President Muhammadu Buhari’s government of exhibiting poor skills in managing the diversity in the country.

In a statement, yesterday, entitled, ‘‘Nigeria: A nation challenged,’’ he said it was quite strange and disturbing that the Federal Government was according undue attention to the threats of separatist movements in contrast to the more daunting ones posed by bandits, kidnappers and insurgents in the Northwest, some parts of North Central and Northeast.

The former governor, who is also the leader of Movement for Unity and Progress (MUP), a civil rights group, said the arrest and prosecution of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is not Nigeria’s problem, rather “the inability of government to put an end to insurgency, banditry and kidnapping, while injustice, lack of equity and fairness is giving rise to the agitation by separatist groups in the country.’’

The former Governor called on President Buhari to exhibit the traits of uniting all the component parts of Nigeria together, instead of dividing the country, and subsequently, leading it to disintegration.

Recall that the respected critic had in an open letter dated May 30, 2020, warned the President that his knack for appointing people from his section of the country will ruin Nigeria.

Umar is renowned for opposing the annulment of the June 12 election in 1993 by the government in which he served. He was military governor of Kaduna between 1985 and 1988 under the regime of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.

In his statement, Umar said: “The recent re-arrest of the IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, was greeted with a loud sigh of relief and celebration in some sections of the country. It also elicited congratulatory messages to the Federal Government, which appears overwhelmed by the intractable security challenges and in dire need of any redeeming act.

“Activities of those criminals have resulted in the evacuation of over 20 per cent of the villages in Northwest and Northeast. Hundreds are being murdered and maimed every …

News / politics

Obasanjo is wondering why anyone would believe that Buhari is dead

The tale was first spun and given oxygen by Nnamdi Kanu who heads the proscribed secessionist Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

It is not uncommon to hear Nigerians sharing the story of a ‘Buhari body double in Aso Rock’ on the streets, in the marketplaces, at the malls and in offices, as loudly as they can.

And now former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has described the tale as the most ridiculous and insane stuff he’s ever heard.

Obasanjo has also cited the Jubril-from-Sudan clone tale as one of the ills of social media in the modern era.

Obasanjo says he was approached by one highly placed person on the Jubril-from-Sudan clone tale.

“Somebody came to me, a very high hub person, saying tell me about this talk of Buhari not being Buhari.

“I said ‘do you believe them?’ He said, ‘well, it is in the social media’. I said ‘how will Buhari die and we will not know that Buhari has died and they will bring us somebody from Sudan to be Buhari?’

“It’s ridiculous to the extreme. But you have it in the social media and you see people believing it,” Obasanjo says.

The former president would go on to lecture on responsible use of social media platforms.

“Social media is good, but it can be abused. We have to train our youths and our children about the dangers of the social media,” he submits.

In 2018, President Buhari laughed off rumors that he is dead and has been replaced with a body double.

“One of the questions that came up today in my meeting with Nigerians in Poland was on the issue of whether I‘ve been cloned or not.

“The ignorant rumours are not surprising — when I was away on medical vacation last year a lot of people hoped I was dead,” he said.

The president added that: “I can assure you all that this is the real me. Later this month I will celebrate my 76th birthday. And I’m still going strong!”

…
Football / Sports / Stories

Buhari snubs Yekini, Siasia, allocates houses to ‘94 Super Eagles

 

Late Rashidi Yekini’s name was conspicuously missing as President Muhammadu Buhari approved allocation of three-bedroom houses to the Super Eagles Squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunis, Tunisia in 1994, making real a promise by the Federal Government.

The late gangling striker, also known as the Goalfather, scored Nigeria’s first goal at the World Cup.

He also played a vital role in Nigeria’s qualification for the mundial.

Other top stars missing on the list are Samson Siasia, Dan Amokachi, Chidi Nwanu and Uche Okechukwu.

Meanwhile, following a memo by Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, the President approved the allocations in their states of preference, noting that six players and three technical crews received their houses already.

The players are: Peter Rufai, Alloy Agu, Ike Shorounmu, Uche Okechukwu, Samson Siasia, Efan Ekoku, Sunday Oliseh, Benedict Iroha, Isaac Semitoje, Mutiu Adepoju, Emmanuel Amuneke, Victor Ikpeba, Austin Eguavoen and Wilfred Agbonavbare (Deceased).

Others are: Uche Okafor (Deceased), Thompson Oliha (Deceased), Stephen Keshi (Deceased), Christian Chukwu, Dr Akin Amao, Stephen Edema, Col. A Asielue and B. Aromasodun.

 …

Crime / News

Buhari constitutes EFCC Board

President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed George Abang Ekpungu as the Secretary of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The appointment is for a fresh tenure of five years.

Also appointed as Board Members of the EFCC are Luqman Muhammad (South South), Anumba Adaeze (South East), Alhaji Kola Raheem Adesina (North Central) and Alhaji Yahya Muhammad (North East).

This appointment was in line with Section 2 (1) and Section 4 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act, 2004.

According to the statement, EFCC has been operating without Board Members since 2015.

President Buhari has already directed that the names be forwarded to the Senate for confirmation.…

News / politics

Borrowing money is not your only responsibility: Wike to Buhari

The Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has told President Muhammadu Buhari to stop shifting security responsibilities to State Governors.

The Governor, who spoke in a statement on Wednesday by his Media Aide, Kelvin Ebirim said it is unconstitutional for Buhari to shift his constitutional responsibility of securing lives and property of Nigerians to state governors.

Wike, who spoke at the inauguration of the 21km Odufor-Akpoku-Umuoye Road in Etche Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday, said such a position suggested that the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government lacked strategies on how to tackle insecurity in the country.

He said: “Mr President, you are the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“You appoint the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, the Commissioners of Police, the Director of Department of State Services and other heads of security.

“Which one do we appoint?

“How can people appointed by Mr. President be under me?

“It is not only to borrow money for Nigeria that you’re in charge.

“You must, also, be in charge of other things including security.

“Who signed Order 10?

“Is it the governors?

“It is not when things are going bad concerning security, and you say you’re not in charge, and it becomes governors’ responsibility.”

Wike advised the APC-led Federal Government to agree that it could no longer fulfil promises made to Nigerians.

The governor said Nigerians should begin to compare the performances of the Peoples Democratic Party governors with their APC counterparts.

He said: “Mr. President was short of calling names of those governors who run to Aso Rock when they are supposed to stay in their states to see the needs of their states and people.

“Mr. President should have come out openly and said, ‘my APC governors, stop worrying me. Go back to your states and do your work.’

“On that, I support him.

“Thank God, Mr. President knows that I am not one of those that go to visit him over one problem or the other.

“I, as …