FG, NNPC avert payment of $125m to alleged international fraudster

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC in collaboration with officials of the Federal Government has saved Nigeria from losing a whooping sum of $125m to an international crime syndicate led by one Messrs. Ramirez and Mr Jose Salazar Tinajero and their company Samano Sa De Cv.

The refusal of the NNPC to stop FG from paying the huge sum was contained in a letter by Counsel to the NNPC, Kehinde Ogunwumiju SAN of Afe Babalola and Co.

In the letter dated July 30 and addressed to Gboyega Oyewole SAN, the NNPC denied the claim that information was provided to the Corporation or the FG which information led to the identification and recovery of 48 million barrels of stolen Nigerian Bonny Light Crude Oil stored in Peoples Republic of China.

Stating the background, Ogunwumiju, noted that Samano had contacted officials of the Federal Government of Nigeria sometime in 2015 with information in respect of 48 Million Barrels of Nigerian Bonny Light Crude Oil allegedly stolen from Nigeria and stored in various ports and terminals in the People’s Republic of China. SAMANO offered to purchase the alleged stolen crude upon its recovery.

“Even though its claim was difficult to believe given the stern procedures underpinning crude oil handling and export operations, the Federal Government in collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) set out to verify these claims and requested for evidence to that effect, which was never provided by SOMANO.

“Notwithstanding the failure to provide evidence to support its claims, relevant officials of the Government were mandated to proceed to China to verify the claims of the existence of the said stolen Nigerian Crude Oil” .

He however added that the said delegation discovered that the SAMANO’s claim was false and baseless.

“Consequently, the Government severed communications with the syndicate.

” Miffed by this, Messrs. Ramirez and Mr Jose Salazar Tinajero, acting as agents of SAMANO, resorted to the blackmail and intimidation of key officials of the Government and the NNPC threatening to make public the fact that the said 48 million barrels of stolen Nigerian Crude Oil in China had been recovered, sold and the proceeds therefrom looted by some government officials and the NNPC when it was aware that this was untrue.

“They also demanded $125,000,000:00 (One Hundred and Twenty-Five Million Dollars) from said government officials, which was conveniently and rightfully ignored.

” Thereafter, NNPC reported this case of attempted blackmail to the Department of State Security and the Nigeria Police Force.

” They, upon investigation, discovered that SAMANO and its agents were international fraudsters”.

NNPC lawyer further stated that Ramirez, for instance, was indicted by the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of Texas as the mastermind of a scheme leading to the loss of several millions of dollars through various mail and wire frauds between 2010 and 2013.

“In fact, there is a warrant for Mr Ramirez’s arrest and extradition to the United States to face criminal justice on account of the said fraud schemes. Mr. Jose Salazar Tinajero, a co-conspirator, has been in and out of jail in South America due to the involvement of SAMANO in elaborate smuggling and money laundering scams.

“Mr Ramirez is also facing two separate and unconnected criminal charges at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja in Charge No: FCT/HC/CR/147/2016 and the Federal High Court, Lagos in Charge No: ID/2763/2016.

” Both charges were preferred against Mr Ramirez by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for economic and financial crimes.

” The said Mr. Ramirez and his cohorts have since been charged to several courts in Nigeria for criminal offences ranging from fraud, forgery, extortion, blackmail, conspiracy, etc.

” The charge which relates to the attempt to fleece the Federal Government and NNPC is Charge No.: FCT/HC/BU/CR/134/2019 between the Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Marco Antonio Ramirez & 4 Others pending before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja”.

Ogunwumiju stated that, ” Accordingly, it is our client’s position that your client is not entitled to the payment of five percent of the value of the allegedly stolen crude or any amount whatsoever as compensation for information it purportedly gave to the Federal Republic of Nigeria in respect of the said stolen crude stored in the People’s Republic of China.

“Our clients furthers posits that your clients claims are not only unfounded but frivolous and of no consequence.

” With utmost respect, your clients claims are a contribution of gold digging scheme involving local and cross border fraudsters aimed at blackmailing and extorting money from out client and Federal Republic of Nigeria.

” Based on the foregoing, our client is unable to accede to and hereby rejects your clients demand that the NNPC and Federal Government pay to its five percent of the value of the purported stolen crude or any amount whatsoever as compensation for the false information it gave to the Federal Government in this matter.

“While denying your clients claims in its entirety, we have our client firm instruction to demand that your clients issue withing seven days of the date of your receipt of this correspondence, a written unequivocal retraction of these allegations which your clients know to be false, baseless and unfounded, failing which we will explore all legal remedies to enforce our client right to seek redress against your client in both civil and crimila actions arising from its attempt at harrasing, intimidating, blackmailing and defrauding out clients and officials”.
End

Nigeria Cannot Be Defeated By Evil Forces, Inter- Faith Clerics Declare At Ongoing Prayers

Clerics at the ongoing 21 days prayers and fasting for Nigeria have said the country cannot be defeated by evil forces.

The prayer session led by the National Inter-Interfaith and Religious Organizations for Peace is aimed at interceeding for the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari as well as the various security agencies in the countr

Led by the National Coordinator, Bishop Sunday, the clerics unanimously agreed that Nigeria is God’s project and no  enemy can defeat it.

He said, ” I  bring Calvary greetings to you all my beloved brothers and sisters gathered here in prayers and fasting for our dear country against the forces of evil that have conspired against it. This gathering is indeed ordained by God to rescue Nigeria in this critical point of our existence. 

“This gathering that consists of our brothers and sisters from both faiths is indeed a testimony that Nigeria is on the path of greatness, and we shall overcome the forces of darkness that have conspired against us.

“My brethren, I stand here before you not to preach the gospel of Christ, but rather to give a message of hope from the Most High God to all of us here as we continue in our fasting and prayers. 

“There is indeed a statement from God that Nigeria is His project and therefore no matter the amount of conspiracy against it, it shall not succeed and Nigeria shall never be defeated. Those planning evil against the country would have their selves to blame because God has sent His angels to guard over the affairs of Nigeria. 

“The promise of God concerning Nigeria was revealed to us in the Book of Psalms 125:2 “Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people, both now and forever.” This is the promise of God towards Nigeria. God indeed revealed that he would cause the mountains to surround Nigeria both now and forever, and no harm shall befall us.

“This was further revealed in the Book of Psalm 91:7 wherein the Bible stated that “A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.” 

“My brothers and sisters, no harm can come near Nigeria regardless of the evil conspiracies against us. They will gather, but the Lord shall scatter them in Jesus name. I tell you, my brothers and sisters, that our gathering here shall never be in vain.  

“Our prayers and supplications have indeed gone ahead to the Host of Heaven to open the doors of blessings for our dear country Nigeria. My joy knows no bound because from the revelations from God; indeed, something good is about to happen in Nigeria.

“My brothers and sisters, in line with the biblical injunction of touch not my anointed and do my prophets no harm, is indeed applicable to Nigeria because President Muhammadu Buhari is God sent to Nigeria to lead us to the promised land. All those that are planning against his noble desires for the country shall be consumed by the fire of the Holy Ghost.   

“I  have a message for those that are fuelling acts of violence in Nigeria to undermine the efforts of our military. They should have a rethink and retrace their steps because the wrath of God is about to be visited on them in truckloads.

“They must indeed realize that with this revelation from God, all their efforts shall be null and void because God is not a man that he should lie. His words are yes and amen and what God has decreed concerning Nigeria shall come to past in Jesus name. 

“My brothers and sisters, this great intercession that we have embarked on behalf our dear country is not by any stretch of the imagination an endeavour that would not yield the much-desired outcome because we have cried unto God. He has promised to grant us our heart desires”he said

Garuba said the desires of the group for Nigeria are simple; all those that want to see the end of Nigeria shall meet their waterloo in the fullness of time. The wrath of God shall visit all those that want to rise against our peace and progress. Those that want to undermine and distract our military shall never succeed because ours is the Lord’s army devoted to ensuring that all threats posed by the Boko Haram group and other criminal groups are neutralized. 

“Nigeria is the apple of Gods eyes, and as such nothing, evil shall befall it. Even though they plan and plan against our peace and development, we shall come out unscathed and in praise and adoration for God almighty the author and finisher of our faith. 

“My brothers and sisters, I declare today by the anointing of God upon my life that in the coming weeks, there shall be a massive revelation in the country that would expose all those conspiring against the peace and progress of the country. 

“Hear me, my brothers and sisters, I stand before you under the authority of God to declare that no enemy can defeat Nigeria. God would indeed fight our battles and put our enemies to shame. All their evil plots shall be null and void. 

“I  want to encourage us to continue to pray and fast throughout this 21-day fasting and prayer session because at the end of the day we shall all lift our voices in appreciation to God almighty for His great deeds in the life of our dear country.

“We must also commit our military into Gods hands because of the level of conspiracy against it. Our military have continued to push and push in the preservation of the territorial integrity of the country.

“The efforts of our military are indeed commendable. We owe them a duty to continue to put them in our prayers for God to continue to grant hem victory in all of their operations till we see the end of Boko Haram and other militant groups in the country. 

“My brothers and sisters, I want to thank you all for your patience and perseverance during this programme. I prophesy that at the end of the 21-day prayer and fasting programme, we shall all sing out loud in appreciation to God almighty for his great and wondrous deeds in Nigeria. 

“Our prayers must also remain with President Muhammadu Buhari as he pilots the affairs of our great country to the glory of God. 

I thank you all for your great sacrifice. The God of Isaac, Abraham and Jacob would grant us our heart desires and led us to a new Nigeria where peace and tranquillity shall reign supreme”he added

Buhari, Service Chiefs: Lawyers vow to render pro-bono service

Some legal practitioners have pledged to defend Nigeria’s constitution and sovereignty for free against persons attempting to undermine the powers of the President and efforts of the Service Chiefs. 

The groups, under the aegis of Patriotic Nigerian Lawyers (PNL) and Concerned Citizens made this vow on Thursday at a World Press Conference in Abuja, warning paid sabotuers to stop taking Nigeria for a ride. 

Speaking at the press conference on behalf of the groups, PNL’s Executive Secretary, Barrister Abdulmalik Alfa, described the suit by the spokesperson of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) Ikenga Ugochinyere calling for the sack of the Service Chiefs as an “exercise in futility”. 

He added that Ugochinyere’s actions isn’t surprising owing to his known alliance with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and utter desperation with other “enemies” of the country. 

The legal practioners, however, welcomed the CUPP spokesperson to meet them in court and assured that neither Mr. President nor the Security Chiefs would be distracted by his paymasters’ antics. 

They also vowed to rise up in “defence of the letters of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and other laws of the land, defend our selfless men and women who on daily basis risk their life whilst we are asleep”. 

Read full statement below:

Gentlemen of the press, we welcome you to this press conference and we thank you for coming. We are glad that you honored our invitation to be here today because of the magnitude of the matter we are raising for the attention of Nigerians.  

You must be aware by now that one Ikenga Ugochinyere, speaking for and on behalf of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), ostensibly to dramatize the failed suit that the coalition filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja. The suit, which is practically a futile attempt at judicial spearfishing, is seeking to coerce President Muhammadu Buhari to sack his Military Service Chiefs. The suit therefore joined he Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin; Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai; his Air Force and Navy counterparts, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar; and Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas as respondents.

In taking this step, we sense confusion on the part of CUPP. They apparently decided to develop selective amnesia about the extent of powers the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). Had they as much as educate themselves to the provisions of the grand norm they would have realized that their journey to the Federal High Court is an exercise in futility since they are in essence asking the court to usurp the roles of the legislature by rewriting the law on the bases of the declarations they are asking the court to make.

We beg to deviate from the processes of the court and address the other serial deficits that is around the character running CUPP even though the designation he awarded himself is that of a spokesperson, ostensibly to cater for his attention seeking disposition. 

If Ugochinyere’s case, which he presents as CUPP’s case has a plank to stand on, why does he have to pass a vote of confidence on President Buhari and the Service Chiefs? We see this action as constituting himself into a parallel court and his organization into an arm of government. Passing a vote of no confidence on them is akin to him saying he has sacked them; which we know he has no powers to do.

The bizarre became ridiculous when the same Ugochinyere/CUPP that has approached the court for various declarations and a directive admitted that President is constitutionally empowered to hire and fire security heads. The expectation is that such admission will provoke profound contrition that should have made Ugochinyere retrace his steps. On the contrary, he persisted in sliding down the wrong path by exposing the political motivation for his actions by a jaundiced pronouncement that men who have given their best to the country were failures.

It is pertinent to question the CUPP’s spokesperson’s sense of patriotism considering his decision to further congest already choked dockets of the courts with his spurious suit. Gentlemen of the press, you can imagine how people like this man regularly compound the plight of awaiting trial inmates by slowing down court processes by matters that will not entertain even village union meetings. What is playing out here is an attempt to hamper Nigeria’s democracy by dragging the judiciary into the government baiting that has become the staple of the opposition. 

In this regard, we want to refresh the minds of Nigerians to the period preceding the 2019 General Elections and how the opposition at the time was angling for “alternate” routes to power. This gentleman calling for the heads of the Military Chiefs was in the thick of this alternate plot. Provoking security breaches, undermining the military and overwhelming the courts were among the strategies that the opposition reportedly planned at that time with some entities making references to plans A, B, C and D. Now that Ugochinyere, a well-known opposition factor in the 2019 Elections, is maligning the Service Chiefs perhaps Nigerians should be worried about the fate and safety of their democracy.   

Whilst one can ignore Ugochinyere who is a known drug addict, his sponsors such as Dumebi Kachukwu, a businessman who allegedly aided American Congressman Jefferson to defraud Nigeria. He is also in cahoots with Uche Secondus of the PDP. These are known state enemies. These are people smarting from loss of access to the government of the day so we may not expend energy trying to understand the CUPP’s spokesman’s source of inspiration. 

Patriotic Nigerian Lawyers assure Ugochinyere that Nigerians will meet him in court to ensure that neither Mr. President nor the Security Chiefs are distracted by the antics of his paymasters and will neither be stampeded by him.

Nigerians already know them him and his associates. The looters of Nigeria’s treasury have seen a pliant agent in Ugochinyere, who claims to be a lawyer but knows scant about Nigerian legal system and cannot be bothered to even understand judicial terms. If he knew, he would have been told that he who must come to equity must do so with clean hands. 

He can be assured that very selfless and patriotic Nigerian lawyers will rise up in Defence of the letters of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and other laws of the land to defend our selfless men and women who on daily basis risk their life whilst we are asleep. 

$2.5bn stolen crude: Frank accuses Buhari of silence, vows mass protest

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank on Thursday described the graveyard silence of the President, General Muhammadu Buhari-led regime’s silence over the $2.5billion stolen crude oil as evidence of complicity.

Documents recently unearthed showed how 48 million barrels of Nigeria’s Bonny Light Crude, valued at $2.5 billion was stolen and sold in China by some officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in connivance with top functionaries of the Buhari’s regime.

Frank who made the assertion in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja said that the failure of the presidency to condemn the heinous crime and act to bring the conspirators to book can only point to tacit support by the Federal Government.

He wondered why history seems to have repeated itself under General Buhari as Minister of Petroleum Resources in the last five years.

He recalled the missing “53 suitcases” saga in 1984 when Buhari was Military Head of State. Again, $2.8billion oil money disappeared in similar circumstances when Buhari was federal commissioner in charge of Petroleum under the Olusegun Obasanjo regime in 1978.

He added that now another $2.5billion has again been allegedly stolen under the watchful eyes of Buhari as President in a democratic setting, “making it seems as if he has a penchant for missing money whenever he is in charge.”

The activist lamented that his earlier call on General Buhari to sack, arrest and prosecute government officials responsible for the reprehensible act fell on deaf ears.

He insisted that the silence of Buhari and the Group Managing Director (GMD) of the NNPC, Mele Kyari, over the international embarrassment is a direct insult on Nigerians.

Frank vowed to mobilize both local and international mass protests against the federal government if it refuses to act, to ensure that “this crime against the Federal Republic of Nigeria, perpetuated by influential members of the present regime is not swept under the carpet as usual.”

Frank said: “It is almost a month since this international scandal against top officials of the present administration became public knowledge, yet, no action or reaction from the Federal Government as to seeking redress and sanction against perpetrators and their collaborators.”

He, however, called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), other labour unions and prominent Civil Society Organisations to speak up against what he described called looting of public treasury in the country.

“It is appalling to note that the Federal Government recently borrowed $3.4billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), yet it appears to see nothing wrong with a few officials pocketing $2.5 billion stolen oil cash.

“Buhari, in his capacity as the ‘African Union (AU) anti-corruption champion’ cannot afford to keep quiet over this mind-boggling rape on the nation’s common patrimony, an organized criminal activity that has further ruined the reputation of the country in the comity of nations.

“Those who committed this daylight robbery must of necessity be brought to immediate justice so as to deter other criminally-minded appointees out to make the world believe that anywhere you turn under Buhari’s administration you see corruption.

“I dare say that Nigerians and future generations will not forgive Buhari and his cabal, if the humongous amount involved in this open plunder is allowed to go without lawful investigation, arrest, prosecution and appropriate punishment served on the perpetrators and their collaborators – including the full recovery of the amount now cooling in the pockets of few fraudulent officials.

“The Chinese Government cannot also afford to be silent on this continental malfeasance which appears to have been coordinated and consummated in their domain.

“They must also ensure that any of their official found to have fraudulently aided the theft and sale of the $2.5billion Nigerian crude oil is made to face the law.

“I hereby call on Nigerians, wherever they are domiciled on the face of the earth, not only to condemn this brazen criminality but to demand urgent action from their elected representatives at all levels.”

He urged them to organize mass demonstrations if the Federal Government neglects to act to recover the $2.5billion now fraudulently cornered by the officials entrusted with the exploitation and sale of the nation’s natural endowments – meant for the overall development and benefit of the masses of this country.

Insecurity and our guilty elites

By Philip Attah

The Holy scriptures admonishes us in Matthew 5:9 that “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” It is a sacred charge on all humanity to be partakers in the process of restoration of peace anywhere it is punctured. God Himself acknowledges the inevitability of wars and conflicts, precipitated by crisis among people, which culminates into what we generally categorize as insecurities.

But the King of the universe and King of Kings has told us through His messengers that “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing,” Ecclesiasticus 3:1-22.

Nigeria is facing dire and very serious resurgent insecurity situation in parts of the country. From Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorism to armed banditry, herdsmen marauders, ethno-religious and communal clashes to acts of kidnapping, armed robberies among others. The severity of the insecurity dilemma is well known to every Nigerian.

We have indulged in this self-destruction for too long and it is time to heal and reconcile ourselves and the nation. But some Nigerians are shirking on this divine command for egotistic interests.

President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian Military have battled this insecurity menace in the last five years with an exceptional determination and commitment. For reasons best known to the actors of this illegal warfare on the Nigerian state, all entreaties and pleas to their conscience to drop their arms and ammunitions against their compatriots have failed to touch their hearts. Every day, fresh plots of horrendous atrocities on the Nigerian people are hatched and delivered on the country by these devils and their veiled paymasters.

For a country desirous of peace, its citizens collectively unite to confront insecurity threats. Peace cannot just descend from the skies; we must consciously work to have it.

But the thinking in Nigeria is ironic and different. All Nigerians erroneously think, the responsibility of blighting the fires of insecurities which have engulfed our land is the sole burden of Mr. President, the Service Chiefs and the troops on the battlefield. The rest of Nigerians are apathetic to it and have only assigned to themselves the infantile and inglorious role of wailing over the killings and blaming other leaders.

Some of those who blame Mr. President and disparage the Service Chiefs for not doing enough are also leaders in their respective capacities who have a role to play in the entrenchment of peace and security in the country. But they have unrepentantly ignored it.

We have forgotten that there is nowhere wars or conflicts are settled through military might alone. The dialogue table is the most fertile and potent weapon of resolving issues of war than guns. That’s why Malvin Gaye has told us that “War is not the answer, for only love can conquer hate.”

But we are all accomplices in failing ourselves. Everyone is guilty for failing our people and the nation. No matter how much we pretend or try to conceal this reality, but it smoulders with the flames of our guilt. All the stakeholders or leaders of Nigeria are guilty in same decree we delight in blaming the President or anyone else.

How long shall we continue with this dodgy posture on rising in unison to assail the insecurities besieging us? Depending on Mr. President to tackle it alone is like waiting for a tomorrow that may never come. Why have other leaders relinquished their basic and crucial roles of intervention in the respective capacities they preside over the people.

A few days ago, I was extremely cold, upset and astonished with the blitzkrieg of media criticisms of President Buhari when he jetted out to the Republic of Mali to officially mediate in the crisis in that country generated by electoral dispute. Buhari did not decide to busy himself with internal matters of another African country because he has finished solving all the problems of Nigeria. But the President had to act under the banner of ECOWAS and officially as demanded of him.

But some Nigerians deridingly scolded President Buhari and described his actions as abandoning crisis in his country to mediate on the same issues in another country. It is the loud confirmation of our posture of abandoning the entire insecurity crisis in Nigeria to the President alone. This is foolhardy.

None of the critics gave a thought to the symbolism of the President’s actions, which signifies collective actions to solve crisis of monumental proportion. His actions sent the message that leaders are not left alone to handle conflicts of such dimension and magnitude.

Unfortunately, in Nigeria, we have abandoned insecurities to Mr. President. Some simpletons even feel the President should again wear his military uniform and jump into the jungle to personally battle the armed criminals terrorizing Nigeria because he is the leader of the nation.

Therefore, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and activists are silent. When they find it necessary to voice out, they are lamenting or protesting the insecurities in the country. It means these Nigerians can’t think beyond these actions by working on initiatives which can assist government solve the problem of insecurities in Nigeria?

The religious leaders and clerics have also adopted the sit-down look attitude. In fact, some of them even preach inciting sermons in worship places to embolden or lure fresh Nigerians into such crimes against their compatriots, instead of peace. They hardly condemn the actions of the criminals and their sponsors who are dragging our country into this mess or ruination.

And the politicians only exploit the insecurities for politicking advantages. Some are beneficiaries of the insecurities, by using it for commercial value or as a means to grab and permanently hold unto to power. They arm the youths during elections. In the last general elections in the country, some aggressive votes catchers invaded IDPs camp in different parts of the country, manipulated the traumatized and helpless victims of violence to snatch votes.

Traditional rulers have been most disappointing. It is hard to belief that some of them have not only lost their voice, but no initiative of dialogue with subjects or stakeholders to explore ways of complementing government efforts in the fight against insurgencies, armed banditry and other crimes. Regrettably, some of them are even agents of these armed criminals and tormentors of Nigeria.

Bureaucratic bottlenecks are another pain in the neck. For the President to have the National Assembly (NASS)approve budgets for the purchase of weapons for the military to battle insurgencies and insurrections as well as carter for their welfare is usually a tug of war or a combat itself. NASS has refused to grant many requests from the Military to assist them win the war.

Time has come for us to either face the truth or continue with the hellish experiences in our communities. We must begin to collectively act now; we must come together to defeat Boko Haram and the ideology of our killers to appease those the criminals have sent to untimely grave. Excluding ourselves from the battle confronting us is a wrong perception.

Every one of us has a role to play and let’s begin to exercise it now. It is not the responsibility of Mr. President or Service Chiefs exclusively. If we continue with this inclination, it implies that we have all failed ourselves and country. And passing the buck to someone else like Mr. President or the military will do us no good neither can it rescue this nation. For now, we are all guilty. Let’s stop licking our wounds and whining, but embark on appropriate actions.

Attah is a pastor and Christian evangelist based in Abuja.

NDDC: Pondei’s aide on Special Duties, Micheal resigns

A Senior Special Assistant Special Duties 1 to Prof. Kemeberadikumo Pondei acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Olomu B. Micheal, has resigned from the commission.

In a letter dated 20th July 2020, addressed to the NDDC acting MD, a copy made available to newsmen on Wednesday, Micheal said the decision to bow out of the commission was in his best interest.

The resignation letter apreciated the acting MD for the opportunity to serve under him.

The statement reads: “I wish to formally inform you of my decision to resign as Senior Special Assistant Special Duties 1, following my appointment with effect from the 2nd Day of March,2020.

“In executing the responsibilities of my office, I have in my best capacity served the interest of the Commission and carried out my obligations to her diligently.

“I have resolved that it is in my best interest to take a bow at this point in time.

“I wish to appreciate you for the privilege of service provided me and I wish the Commission all the best as I move forward in my sojourn of life.

“Be assured of my highest esteem and regards always.”

Yoruba group in pro-unity rally, warns against calls for a military coup

The Concerned Yoruba Patriots (CYP) have warned politicians calling for a military coup that the unity of Nigeria is “sacrosanct and non-negotiable”. 

The South-West group pledged its total support for one indivisible Nigeria in a peaceful rally on Wednesday in Lagos against disintegration, mutiny and destabilization of the country. 

It also demonstrated solidarity with President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian Armed Forces in a letter received by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. 

Speaking on behalf of the group, Converner, Elder Bankole Johnson, disclosed that these disgruntled politicians have already recruited foot soldiers, whipping up ethnic sentiments and portraying a particular tribe as against the interest of the country. 

The Concerned Yoruba Patriots further denounced some persons claiming to represent the interest of the region, affirming that the “Yoruba Nation is on the side of one strong and indivisible Nigeria”. 

Amidst the conspiracy, the CYP declared absolute faith and trust in President Buhari and vowed to ensure that those engaged in acts aimed to destabilize the country are exposed and brought to shame. 

The group further hailed the current administration for its giant strides in entrenching peace and security in the South-West and across the country.

It, however, advised those on a mission to undermine these gains, clamouring for a military coup that they will meet with strong resistance. 

Read full address below:

Ladies and gentlemen of the press gathered here. I want to crave your indulgence to stand on all existing protocol.

The exigencies of time indeed require that we must be guided in our public utterances in the interest of peace and sustainable development. For Nigeria, it neither east nor south, north or west, but one Nigeria bonded in love and strength. 

The recent happenings in the country have indeed brought out some of the salient issues affecting our growth and development. This fact if we must admit would ultimately constitute a clog in the wheels of our progress, and as such we must do all within our powers to address it from its very source.

We the members of the Concerned Yoruba Patriots know for sure that the unity of Nigeria is sacrosanct and non-negotiable and that is why we have elected to undertake this rally against disintegration, mutiny and destabilization in Nigeria. 

 Do we need a soothsayer to tell us that the enemies of Nigeria have conspired to see the country go up in flames? I am not convinced we need to look too far to see the handwriting on the wall. They have had nocturnal meetings, they have received illicit funding, they have recruited foot soldiers all in fulfilment of their nefarious plot against Nigeria.  

They have also started whipping up ethnic sentiments and portraying a particular ethnicity as against the interest of the country. This is indeed uncharitable and sad, but our consolation rest in the fact that the Yoruba Nation is on the side of one strong and indivisible Nigeria. 

This is regardless of the ignoble position taken by some characters pretending to be representing the Yoruba nation wherein they made fallacious and unsubstantiated allegations that are capable of causing an uprising in the country.

We know for certain that the sons and daughters of Oduduwa are not known for causing disaffection in the society. And consequently, we won’t allow a group of selfish politicians that know nothing but how to take care of themselves alone jeopardize the future of Nigeria just because they want to score political goals.  

The Concerned Yoruba Patriots rebuke such posturing as it is not only self-serving; it is also capable of presenting the Yoruba nation in a bad light and against the unity of Nigeria.  

We wish to state that this rally is to set the record straight and put issues in proper perspectives as regards where the Yoruba Nation stands with regards to the unity of Nigeria. 

The position of the Concerned Yoruba Patriots is crystal clear, and the fact that our absolute faith and trust is with the unity of Nigeria. We shall do all within our means to ensure that those that have elected to engage in acts that would destabilize the country are exposed and brought to shame. 

The Concerned Yoruba Patriots stand firmly with Nigeria and state that those that have been spreading inciting messages are not representing the interest of the Yoruba nation but rather the interest of their paymasters that have ganged up against the soul of Nigeria. 

We are in absolute commitment with the efforts of the government towards making Nigeria safe and secure for all regardless of our ethnicity, religion or geographical locations, which has remained the hallmark of the present administration since 2015. 

Our support remains unflinching despite the gang ups and conspiracies against the country by those that have benefited from the rot in the system. Since it is no longer business as usual, they have thus constituted themselves as clogs in the wheels of our progress.

We the Concerned Yoruba Patriots are in solidarity with President Muhammadu Buhari for his giant strides in entrenching peace and security in South-West Nigeria. Our gratitude knows no bounds but for his rare display of sincerity of heart and purpose, the South-West would have been turned into a killing field by politicians and those who do not wish well for the country and the South-West region. 

The Concerned Yoruba Patriots as a reputable association of patriots in South-West Nigeria would do all within its limits to ensure that the noble objectives of President Muhammadu Buhari towards the peace and security of South-West Nigeria are fully implemented. 

Our gratitude knows no bounds, and that is why we have come out in our numbers to push forward our message for the whole country to know that indeed any negative news coming from groups and associations of South-West origin is not the reflection of the generality of the people of the South-West region. 

This is especially so because the people of the South-West region are not ingrates. We are appreciative people with a rich history of identifying with progressive policies and ideas towards making Nigeria the country of our dreams. 

As members of the Concerned Yoruba Patriots, it is inexcusable for any group from the South-West region to attempt to undermine the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari towards peace and security in South-West Nigeria. The Concerned Yoruba Patriots would resist such dispositions as well as mobilize the peace-loving people of the South-West region to the streets in solidarity with the federal government.

The stakes are high, and the unity of Nigeria is sacrosanct and non-negotiable. This fact remains our position now and in the future, because we shall not entertain any form of politicking with the security of lives and properties in the South-West region. The interest of the people of the South-West region remains the top priority of the Concerned Yoruba Patriots, and this supersedes any personal or organizational interest.   

The Concerned Yoruba Patriots believe that this is not the time to play politics with the lives of the people to attain political goals. This much the people of the South-West region must come to terms with and realize that indeed some individuals and groups are out to undermine the peace and security in the region for their political advantage through the instrument of whipping up unnecessary ethnic sentiments. 

The South-West region is in safe hands with President Muhammadu Buhari at the helm of affairs in this country. Our solidarity today is to thank and also pledge our support to the government’s efforts towards ensuring that peace and security reign supreme in the South-West region. 

The Concerned Yoruba Patriots is a partner in progress, and we are known to speak power to truth. This peaceful rally is just one instance as we shall be monitoring events as they unfold to chart a course that would ultimately be beneficial to the generality of the people of the South-West region.

I thank you all for coming out in droves in defence of our nascent democracy. We desire that indeed those that have conspired against the interest of the peace and loving people of the South-West region are put to shame.

This really is just a first step as we have marshalled out strategies to ensure that the hopes and aspirations of the people of the South-West region are translated into tangible realities.

We thank President Muhamamdu Buhari in this regard and wishes to plead with him to continue his good deeds towards the people of the South-West region in Nigeria. 

Thank you all, and God bless. Please let us endeavour to keep the flag flying in the overall interest of Nigeria.

N-Power: Beneficiaries takes ‘Thank You Rally’ to Aso Villa

… task Minister to sustain Buhari, masses’ confidence in her stewardship

No fewer than 2,000 Nigerians, on Wednesday, held a ‘Thank You Rally’ to the Presidential Villa over the success of the N-Power scheme and other Social Intervention Programmes in the country. 

Led by the Concerned Citizens/ N- Power Forum with participants drawn across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT, they expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Farouq, for the numerous interventions “targeted at the vulnerable and less privileged groupings in the country”. 

In his address, president of Concerned Citizens, Ibrahim Kabiru Dallah, extolled President Buhari as a leader with the interest of the people at heart who has displayed ” an unalloyed commitment to the entrenchment of sustainable growth and development”. 

Dallah recalled how the National Home Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP), National Cash Transfer Programme (NCTP), Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) and N-Power, in particular, have affected the common Nigerian. 

According to the groups, the feat recorded has been made possible by the commitment, dedication and transparency of Hajiya Farouq. 

The Concerned Citizens and N-Power Forum, however, advised the minister not to relent in her service to the country, sustaining the trust of Mr President to ensure total implementation of the various SIPs. 

While thanking President Buhari for the N-Power Batch A, B and incoming C, the groups pleaded that the number of intended intakes is increased from 400,000 to one million. 

The groups further assured the president and minister of their total support.

Read the full statement below:

I bring warm greetings to everyone here on behalf of the Concerned Citizens/N-Power Forum on this exceptional day and occasion that has seen to the converging of like minds in appreciation to God for the gift of President Muhammadu Buhari to Nigeria. 

Our joy knows no bounds. Words alone are not sufficient to express our gratitude to a man that has distinguished himself as a leader of repute in service to the country through the introduction of the various social intervention programmes targeted at the vulnerable and less privileged groupings in the country. 

The Concerned Citizens/N-Power Forum is not oblivious of these numerous interventions that has indeed brought about the much-needed relief in the lives of these group of individuals that dots the nook and cranny of Nigeria.  

Mr President, to say you haven’t done well would be a sin against God because in all sincerity, your passion towards uplifting the plight of the masses has been well articulated and this indeed gave birth to the various National Social Investment programmes suited to overcome the failings of the past and to enshrine the values and vision of the current administration for graduating its citizens from poverty through capacity building, investment and direct support.

Mr President, the Job Creation and Youth Employment (N-Power), National Home Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP), National Cash Transfer Programme (NCTP), and Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) have all proven to be invaluable in the lives of our citizens in the sense that the testimonies from these social interventions from the various states in the country are not in short supply.  

Mr President, we have come here to inform you that the National Home Grown School Feeding Programme is feeding over 9 million pupils in 24 states in Nigeria. It has also engaged and empowered over 100,000 cooks across the country.

We wish to state that this is indeed phenomenal when we considered the multiplier effect the National Home Grown School Feeding Programme has had on the ecosystem in Nigeria. This is indeed strategic and a manifestation of foresight displayed by you in steering the ship of Nigeria to greatness.  

Mr President, the implementation of the National Cash Transfer Programme (NCTP) has been a huge success with the payment of beneficiaries in 20 States, to 297,973 caregivers; being trained by 2,495 Community Facilitators. This is also aside from the conditional cash transfer of N20, 000 to the vulnerable households during the COVID 19 Pandemic lockdown. 

Mr President, the joy that radiates in our hearts can be felt in all parts of the country because you have proven yourself as a leader with the interest of the people at heart. You have displayed an unalloyed commitment to the entrenchment of sustainable growth and development, you have also matched your words with actions, and the generality of Nigerians are better for it.

Mr President, the N-Power scheme is another way you have touched the lives of many citizens of Nigeria. This suffices to mention that the Batch A and Batch B streams accommodated 516,600 beneficiaries from various parts of the country. These individuals have benefitted immensely as evident in the contributions they have made towards the success of the programme as well as the skills and knowledge they have gathered throughout the duration of their enlistment in the programme. 

We cannot thank you enough for this significant intervention that has catered for the needs of a large chunk of the youthful population in Nigeria. This is also strategic and a display of sound leadership acumen to understand the critical role of the youths in the socio-economic development of Nigeria. 

Mr President, while we are still thanking you for the Batch A and B streams, the introduction of the Batch C stream is indeed soul-lifting for the members of the Concerned Citizens/N-Power Forum. This is so because of the enormous impact the commencement of the Batch C stream would have in the polity.

Mr President, as a father and a leader, we cannot be afraid or shy to ask for favours from you. Consequently, we are using the occasion of this rally to extend our endorsement of the Batch C stream of the N-Power Programme and also to plead that the number of intended intakes is increased from 400,000 to one million to be able to accommodate more youths and touch more lives in the country.

Mr President, this plea is with the best of intents because as a group, we are witness to the enormous impact the N-Power initiative has had on the lives of the youths in the country. We are not by any stretch of the imagination in denial that if the number of intake for the Batch C stream is increased to the one million marks, the youths of Nigeria would be eternally grateful to you and other members of your administration that have made the N-Power initiative a huge success.

Mr President, in as much as we are gathered here to thank you immensely, we must not fail to bring to your notice that the success of the various Social Intervention Programmes of your administration has been made possible by the commitment, dedication and transparency of some of your lieutenants in the person of the Honorable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajia Sadiya Umar Farouq.    

The Honorable Minister has been outstanding in the discharge of her duties, and her level of transparency and accountability has seen to the display of confidence in the various social intervention programmes of your administration. 

The Concerned Citizens and N-Power Forum wishes to encourage her not to relent in her service to the country as the supervisory minister of the various Social Intervention Programmes and to continue to uphold the confidence and trust of Mr President to ensure that there is 100% implementation of the various Social Intervention Programmes in the country. 

Mr President, We thank you once again. It is our earnest prayers that God in His infinite mercies would continue to grant you the grace and the wisdom to lead Nigeria in the right path towards attaining sustainable growth and development.

Mr President, you can always count on the support of the Concerned Citizens/N-Power Forum at all times as we march towards greatness in Nigeria.

Thank You, Mr President and God Bless.  

Group uncovers plot to unseat Malami, efforts to petition Buhari

A leaked document and email from one Olarewaju Suraju who claimed to be the Chairman of a Civil Society Against Corruption indicates a desperate move to cast aspersions against the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN.

The Chairman of Integrity Group Against Corruption, Mr Bello Gambo Iliya showed the leaked email to reporters in Kano on Tuesday.

The leaked email titled “Complaint Against Malami” was dated Monday 27th July 2020 and signed by one Lanre. The email was intended to garner support from civil society organisations.

The letter reads” Dear Colleagues, Iam checking to know if you and your organisation will be interested in jointly signing this document and any other Comrades you know. Please kindly revert ASAP

Thanks

Lanre”.

The writer of the email (Lanre) was demanding support to petition President Muhammadu Buhari against the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, SAN.

It could be recalled that Olaruwanju Surajo, claimed to be the Chair of Human and Environment Development Agenda in 2018 when he addressed a press conference on relevant matter and now he chairs Anti-corruption NGO.

Recall that for days, it appears their efforts to get people to own the document failed as he resorted to emailing some NGOs to achieve their sinister motive.

It was clearly verified that the said man was busy struggling to get support from civil society organisations against the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

Mr Bello, therefore, appealed to Malami to remain resolute in the fight against corruption, adding that “peoples like Lanre are survivalists trying to revive themselves through sponsorship against authorities fighting corruption in the country”.

Insecurity: Yoruba group accuses Falana of double speak

The Progressive Yoruba Youths, a cicvil society group has in strong terms condemns in its totality a statement credited to the Alliance for Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB), suggesting that the federal government has shown lack of capacity to deal with the violence in the north.
The new coalition, which was launched ahead of May 1, which is Workers Day named human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), as its interim chairman.

The group had claimed that authorities in Nigeria had failed to link the spread of the pandemic to failure of an effective public health system, the absence of social security and health insurance for the masses, while governments had no preference for provision of the essentials of life like housing and food security.

Reacting to the development, the Yoruba group said Falana does not have the moral standard to lead or speak for any group as he speaks from both sides of his moth and protects the interest of the Boko Haram sect.
The Progressive Yoruba Youths, in a statement by its President, Kola Salau, therefore, asked Femi Falana to put his acts together and face his legal practice, rather than being the jack of all trades, and the master of none.
The statement reads below.
“The Progressive Yoruba Youths is aware that Femi Falana is as ignoble as the group he presides over, and it is naturally expected that Nigeria should view any statement signed by Femi Falana with a pinch of salt. It is no longer news that his stock in trade is to seek attention by issuing press statements that are in most cases, a gimmick to curry patronage from clients.
“The Progressive Yoruba Youths wishes to inform members of the general public that Femi Falana speaks from both sides of his mouth and in most instances, his ultimate goal is for the attainment of his monetary gains.
“We also wish to state that if the above is not the case, there is no moral justification for Femi Falana to attempt to discredit the efforts of the federal government in addressing the security issues in Northern Nigeria, when the same Femi Falana has been rendering legal services to militant groups in Northern Nigeria such as the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN).
“The pecuniary gains attained by Femi Falana for representing IMN in court are indeed a lucrative one such that his sense of reasoning was blinded when he described the proscription of IMN as immoral and illegal.
“The Progressive Yoruba Youths wishes to advise members of the general public to be cautious whenever Femi Falana contributes to issues of national concern as most times it is not in the best interest of the country.
“Femi Falana must come to terms to the reality that the unity of Nigeria is non-negotiable. As such he must be guided in his utterances and public outings so as not to jeopardize the efforts of government in dealing with the threats posed by the Boko Haram and other militant groups that he has been representing.
“Femi Falana has continued to protect the Boko Haram group through his public statements and appearances in court, yet, behind the curtain, he would ask the federal government to kill them. This act is indeed dishonourable, and he must desist from such moving forward.
“The Progressive Yoruba Youths wishes to use this medium to caution Femi Falana to be guided with his utterances and desist from playing the devil’s advocate in this critical point of our existence.
“It is expected that at this stage, Femi Falana must display decorum in his conduct and postulations of government policies and other areas of national concern. This is also not the time to play to the gallery.
“The Progressive Yoruba Youths wishes to educate Femi Falana that indeed unguarded statements such as his, has the potential of leading to a round of national crises that may threaten the fabric of democracy in the country.
“The era of attempting to hide under cover of being a lawyer to constitute a nuisance to the country must stop. The era of delving unnecessarily into issues outside his knowledge must also end because such disposition is an indication of ineptitude in the thought process which ultimately results in discordant tunes.
“Even though we are aware that such display is a marketing strategy for his law firm, however, given the effect of the Coronavirus pandemic in the country, Femi Falana should know better that this is not the time for outright insinuations and illogical conclusions. That is also premised on whether the group he is promoting “The Alliance for Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB) does not only exist in his head and nowhere else.”