Abducted Girls:Senate President,21 Other Senators To Meet With President Jonathan Today

Senator David Mark,President of the Nigerian Senate would today lead a delegation of 22 senators to a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan at 10pm inside the Presidential Villa.
Mark, on Wednesday, read out names of the 21 senators, which included those from states most affected by the Boko Haram menace which are Adamawa, Borno and Yobe.
The affected members are;  Senators Boluwaji Kunlere, Babafemi Ojudu, Zainab Kure, Alkali Jajere, James Manager, Helen Esuene, Chris Anyanwu, Ali Ndume, Ahmed Zannah, Mai’na Ma’aji Lawan, Nenadi Usman, Mohammed Magoro, and Emmanuel Bwacha
Others are; Ahmed Lawan, , Barnabas Gemade, Sola Adeyeye, Bindowo Jibrilla, Ehigie Uzamere, Bello Tukur, Bukar Abba Ibrahim, and Eyinnaya Abaribe.

Mark said, “You will all recalled that we  agreed to a suggestion by one of the distinguished senators during our debate on the motion on the abducted girls yesterday (Tuesday ) that a delegation of the senate should meet with Mr. President on the issue.

“I have called the president (Goodluck Jonathan), on phone and he said we should come by 10pm today. I will suggest that those concerned should come to my residence so that we can go to the villa in a bus or two.”

Boko Haram:Senate President Calls For Urgent Military Action

President of the Nigerian Senate,David Mark has declared that an urgent military action has to be taken in order to put an end to the menace of terrorism in the country.He made this declation in a speech on teusday at the resumption of plenary.
“The enemy has clearly and unequivocally served the nation notice of its vile intentions,”  “Therefore, a clear, unambiguous and decisive military response from the Government, beyond the imposition of a state of emergency, is urgently required in this circumstance.”
“This is an option we must consider now!” he insisted.
“The Government must do all it can to immediately identify the sponsors and the source of funds to the terrorists and the insurgents. In this connection, nobody who is implicated, no matter how highly placed, should be treated as a sacred cow,” the senate president said.

Nigerian Economy Attracted 6.48tn Investment In 26 Months-NBS

Another evidence has emerged which confirms that the Nigerian economy has been doing brilliantly well under President Goodluck Jonathan.According to the National Bureau of statistics, the Nigerian economy attracted investments of over $40.503(N.48tn)within a period of 26 months,as published by punch reports.
The Bureau stated this on teusday in its report signed by the Statistician General of the Federation,Dr Yemi Kale,which covers January 2012 to February 2014.The report stated that the country recorded an increase of $4.703bn or 28.31 percent  from $16.615bn to $21.318bn between 2012 and 2013.
For the 2014 fiscal year, the report said the economy attracted an investment of $2.57bn made up of $1.5bn in January and $1.06bn in February.

President Jonathan Terminates Gulak's Appointment

Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Alhaji Ahmed Gulak has been relieved of his duties by President Goodluck Jonathan on Teusday.The termination of his appointment is to take effect immediately according to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity,Dr.Reuben Abati.
The president thanked  Gulak for his services to his administration and wished him success in his future endeavours.The statement also said a replacement for Gulak will be made known soon.

FG Committed To Eradicating Polio-President Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan on monday emphasised the commitment of the Federal Government in ensuring the eradicaton of polio in the country.
He gave the assurance at the Nigeria Polio summit with the theme,“Polio End Game, Let Us End It Now’’.The President was represented by the Minister for Health,Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu.

“I once again reaffirm our commitment towards safeguarding the health of our children and halting the morbidity and mortality from vaccine preventable diseases.
“The time has come, indeed, for us to join hands to ensure that polio is eradicated in all our communities and our nation,” Jonathan said.
“As at the first quarter of 2014, only two cases of polio have been reported compared to 26 cases recorded same time in 2013.
“The North-West zone which used to be the epicentre of the epidemic was polio-free in 2013 except for Kano State,” he said.

PDP Recieves Another APC Federal Legislator,Says No Authomatic Ticket for Members

The Peoples Democratic Party has declared that the party will not give authomatic tickets to members who intend to contest elections.The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP Chief Olisa Metuh stated this on Monday while recieving another APC member of the House of Representatives,Mr Charles Odedo who defected to the PDP.The Party insisted that candidates for elections on the party's platform will be chosen from credible primaries.

Metuh said, “Most of all, we are going to be very open in this year, that is a crucial year of nomination. The party has decided that we will not have any automatic ticket.

“So I am happy that you are coming to the party with your eyes wide open knowing full well that we will not have automatic ticket to returning members and other people that are coming in.
“No matter what it is, if you have any ambition, let the people decide. The people will decide, the people will decide whether you are good for them or whether they want any person. And whatever it is, the will of the party prevails.”
The party spokesman said, “We do not want to talk about your other party, but it is good that we mention it, just like you have rejected APC and come to the PDP. I want to inform you that you are not alone.

“Responsible, Nigerians are rejecting APC. APC is being rejected in North, in the South, in the East and in the West. The Moslems have rejected APC, the Christians have rejected APC, the people of Nigeria have rejected APC. So, you are not alone.

“Our doors are wide open.  So we expect a lot of people to start coming to the PDP. That is the party that accommodates all interest irrespective of religion or tribe.”

Vice President Namadi Sambo's Younger Brother Dies

This are indeed sad times for Vice President Namadi Sambo who lost his immidiate younger brother,  Captain Yusuf Sabo Sambo in a ghastly motor accident along the Airport road in Abuja on Sunday.
Captain Sambo who died at 58 years was a qualified pilot who worked with former Nigerian Airways and Presidential Air Fleet before his retirement.
He had since been buried at the Apo cemetary,Abuja according to Islamic rites.He is survived by his wife and three daughters.
President Goodluck Jonathan visited Vice President Sambo and expressed his condolence and sympathy to the family.
May his soul rest in peace and may God grant Vice President Sambo the strength to bear the loss.


   

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Edo State:2,100 Defectors From APC and LP Join PDP

Happy days have continued unabated in the Peoples Democratic Party as the party has once again recieved huge number of defectors from the opposition parties in Edo State to its fold.
News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) has reported that not fewer than 2,100 members of the APC and LP yesterday ditched their parties for the all-inclusive party,the PDP.

This is what Edo North Senatorial Chairman of LP, Mr. Onasa Momoh, who led defectors from the party to the PDP had to say,“We must put an end to cartels and individuals who have perfected the culture of greed and selfishness. We have chosen to join a party that is focused on creating jobs within a moral economy, a party that responds to the needs of the vulnerable,” he said.

Similarly, Chief Lance Momodu, who led the APC members that decamped, said they were PDP members who went on sabbatical to APC.

“Instead of one man, one vote, what we are experiencing is one man, no vote. APC is disorganised and running a one man show and also playing the politics of exclusiveness,” he said.

Most interesting is the fact that these mass defections took place in  Auchi,the Local Government Area of the present governor,Adams Oshiomhole.

President Jonathan Makes Pledge To Build Biggest Seaport In Badagry,Lagos State

President Goodluck Jonathan on saturday pledged that the Federal Government was making plans to build the biggest seaport in Badagry,Lagos State.He made the pledge at the 37th coronation anniversary of the Akran of Badagry,Aholu Menu-Toyi 1,at his palace in Badagry.The President who was represented by the Minister of Information,Mr Labaran Maku said the decision to establish the seaport was in line with the Federal Government's transformation agenda.
"Badagry is a historic town and it is the cradle of tourism,so we hold it in high esteem.
"For over 100 years,Badagry was the exporting point in Nigeria,but back then,it was slave that was being exported out of the country.
"We are making plans to build a seaport in Badagry which will be bigger than the one in Ijebu-Lekki.
"The reason for this is to ensure that Badagry exports everything from Nigeria to the whole of Europe.
"With this,Badagry will be redeemed of its lost glory,and also,we are not going to marginalise Badagry because it is important to the country,"Jonathan said.

The Masterminds Of Nyanya Bomb Blast Will Not Go Unpurnished-President Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan has declared that the masterminds of the Nyanya bomb blast which left several people dead must pay for their actions.Mr.President made the promise on saturday at the Fourth Presidential National Prayer Breakfast held inside the Presidential Villa,Abuja.

He said, “Today, our prayers are with the victims of Boko Haram and their
families and loved ones. The last tragedy of these heinous ideology
occurred while we were preparing to mark the resurrection of our Lord
at Easter, bringing sorrow to many families.
“The government is offering all assistance to support the affected families as the security agencies work tirelessly to unravel the scourge of this evil and to forestall further senseless desecration of our homeland.
“And of course, no matter what the government does, we cannot recover
the dead but one thing we promise is that all those who took part in
that act will surely pay for it.”

For Uniting Against Terrorism,PDP Hails Political Class

The Peoples Democratic Party has hailed political leaders in Nigeria for uniting and speaking with one voice against terrorism irrespective of political differences and party affiliations.The party said this was a clear message to those who were sponsors of terrorism in the nation.

This was contained in a statement issued by the PDP National Publicity Secretary,Chief Olisa Metuh.

 

Metuh said“Our political class has shown its commitment to the unity and greatness of our dear country, it has shamed doomsday prophets.’’

“The challenges facing the nation are transitory and cannot defeat the collective spirit of the Nigerian people and their proven determination to live as one.
“The PDP believes in Nigeria and Nigerians. We believe that our country will emerge out of these challenges a renewed, stronger and more united Nigeria.
“The time has therefore come for all citizens to look ahead and join hands in love to build a prosperous country where all will live in peace and unity irrespective of ethnic, religious and political differences,’’ Metuh said.
He also called on Nigerians to always be vigilant and guide against actions that encourage terrorism and violence.

President Jonathan Performs Ground-Breaking of 100 Billion Cement Project In Gombe

Truely President Goodluck Jonathan is a builder.He displayed this one more time on Friday when he performed the ground-breaking of 100 billion expansion project for Ashaka Cement Company in Gombe State.The expansion is to give the company a new 2.5 metric-tonne capacity.The project will be completed in three years time.The President was represented by the Minister of Industry,Trade and Investment,Mr Olusegun Aganga.

 During the ceremony,the President said “The cement industry is a perfect example of the transformation that can happen in an industry based on the focused implementation of a well-thought out policy and a continuous partnership that harnesses the expertise of the private sector and the capacity of the public sector.
“The commencement of the capacity expansion of AshakaCem Plc’s cement production project further buttresses the confidence that global investors have in the Nigerian economy, which is now the largest economy in Africa.”
The President added, “As at 2002, the local cement industry had the capacity to barely produce two million metric tonnes per annum. By the year 2013, this had grown to 28.5 million metric tonnes and we expect the installed capacity to be about 39 million metric tonnes by the end of this year.

“Today, the Nigerian cement industry has attracted $8billion in both local and foreign investments and supports approximately 1.6 million jobs. The industry also serves as the fulcrum of the housing and construction sectors. These sectors now contribute 11.13 per cent to Nigeria’s forecast Gross Domestic Product for 2013.”

Boko Haram:40 Terrorists Killed In Battle Near Sambisa Forest-DHQ

The Nigerian military on Friday announced  that ‘over 40 terrorists’ were killed in a battle between troops and the terrorists in Bulanbuli, near the deadly Sambisa Forest. The military also said 4 soldiers were killed in the battle with the terrorists, believed to be members of the Boko Haram.

According to Defence Headquarters spokesperson,Maj.Gen. Chris Olukolade,the battle was caused by the arrest of suspected leaders of the sect.

“The capture of a number of terrorists believed to be the ringleaders of those operating around Alagarmo, has sparked off a major fight in the outskirts of Bulanbuli, Borno State last night,” Mr. Olukolade, a Major General, said. “Over 40 terrorists died in the encounter while 4 soldiers lost their lives and 9 were wounded.”
“more than 16 rifles and a substantial number of assorted calibres of ammunitions, Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) materials, SIM Cards and electronic items have so far been recovered.”
Mr. Olukolade said, “Two of the terrorists were earlier arrested at a local market two days ago while trying to procure foodstuff while others were spying on the military base in the area. Others still being trailed include a terrorist medic who was on a mission to procure drugs for use by his colleagues.”

Oba Of Benin Urges President Jonathan To Seek Re-election

President Goodluck Jonathan's undeclared 2015 ambition recieved a boost on Friday with the Oba of Benin,, Omo n'Oba n'Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Erediauwa calling on him to contest the 2015 Presidential elections in order to continue his transformation of Nigeria.He made the call when he paid a courtesy visit to the President at the Villa.The Oba was represented by his son Prince Eheneden Erediauwa.
The Prince said"Unbehalf of my father who sent me here to convey this message to Mr. President that he has been following the things that have been happening in this country.
"All these disturbances,the distractions Mr.President has been having that Mr. President being his own son, he considers Mr. President as his son and he has asked me to present this special message to Mr President to tell Mr President that he is praying for him in the Benin Kingdom.
"He is praying fervently for him to be able to withstand the pressure,to go through the pressure.
"And also to pray that the oppurtunity will come for him to continue the good work he is doing in Benin and other parts of South-South at least for another term.
"I believe that is the commitment we have in this kind of special prayer,coming from the Oba of Benin,my father,"Prince Eheneden said.

Ogun State:PDP Recieves 50,000 Defectors in 6 Months

The Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State has recieved not less than 50,000 members from other political parties into its fold in the last six months.This is according to a statement issued by the State Chairman of the party,Mr Bayo Dayo in Abeokuta.He stated that the defectors were mainly members of the All Progressive Congress(APC)and the Labour Party(LP).
Mr Dayo said"After all reconciliatory efforts was sufficiently exausted and all ensuing legal litigations desposed off with and resovled in clear unmistakable directions,I am pleased to inform you that Ogun PDP is now united,strengthened and repositioned to perform creditably in the forthcoming general elections.
Speaking further,he said"We are glad to report that not only have our members remained intact despite our challenges,we have also recieved over fifty thousand members of the opposition parties that have decamped to PDP from various local governments in the last six months."

World Economic Forum On Africa:Jonathan Reassures International Community Of Security

President Goodluck Jonathan has reassured members of the International Community that all the participants taking part in next month's World Economic Forum on Africa in Abuja were safe.The President said the security challenges currently affecting Nigeria would not threaten the safety of participants.

President Jonathan said“I am quite pleased that the Premier of the People’s Republic of China has confirmed that he is coming. 

“We will be addressing the World Economic Forum on Africa together. We will also sit down together to discuss shared national interests.
“We will give all participants a good reception in Abuja. We have faced challenges in the area of security, but we will overcome the situation so that our economy can move forward faster.
“Participants will not have a problem with security during the summit”, Jonathan added.

Okonjo-Iweala,Dangote On Time Magazine Most Influential Persons On Earth

Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and President of the Dangote Group,Aliko Dangote have been named among the 100 Most Influential Persons on earth by Time Magazine.
While Dangote was classified in the Titans category, which boasts of eminent world personalities such as the former United States Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton; Jeff Bezoz, Tony Fadell and Janet Yellen,Okonjo-Iweala was classified in the Leaders category with the likes of Jerry Brown,John Kerry and Angela Merkel.
The Time 100 is an annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world assembled by the American news magazine.
Congratulations to these distinguished Nigerians.

Security Meeting:Nyako's Memo Recieves Unanimous Condemnation

Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State has continued to recieve knocks as a result of his memo written to northern governors in which he accused the President and Federal Government of carrying out genocide attacks against northern Nigeria.In an all-inclusive Security meeting which held on thursday, with the President,thirty-six State governors,Service Chiefs and a few selected Ministers in attendance,Nyako's memo was unanimously condemned.It was also resolved that those in positions of authority needed to watch their utterances bothering on security considering the security challenges facing the nation.

Some governors including governor Theodore Orji of Abia State spoke to the press after the crucial meeting.Speaking to Punch,Orji said, “The memo that was written by one of our colleagues, that is Governor Nyako of Adamawa State was discussed and there was a very unanimous condemnation of that memo.

“All officers and people in positions of authority were advised to be cautious of what they say, that what they say should at least enliven every person and make us to know that this country belongs to all of us and not something that will demoralise us, not something that will excite of incite people to go the negative way,”Orji added.

Troops Capture Self Confessed Boko Haram Members

 

Insurgents who disguised themselves as herdsmen have been captured by the Nigerian Military.Various types of weapons were also recovered from the men who confessed to being members of Boko Haram.
The disclosure was made by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade in a statement issued by him which read thus;

“A group of terrorists operating under the guise of herdsmen from a camp in the outskirt of Wukari have been arrested, while others died after an attack on military check point at Gindin Dorowa, a suburb of Wukari in Taraba State”.
Other members of the group were sighted in the course of air surveillance and later trailed to their camp where they engaged the troops in a battle.
The terrorists were clad in the usual pattern of dress of their counterparts operating in Borno and Yobe States”.“One of the apprehended armed men confessed that he had been fighting for the terrorist group in Borno State and was recently brought to Wukari area in furtherance of their mission”.“Assorted arms and ammunition were recovered from them.
Meanwhile, the curfew imposed on Wukari and its environs is expected to be relaxed as normalcy returns to the town. Troops have maintained patrol of the area while a house-to-house search for arms is ongoing”.“In another development, troops on patrol of the Lake Chad Islands have made some arrests”.“Among those arrested was a boat operator who ferries terrorists across the Lake Chad while another confessed to being a supplier of hard drugs to the terrorist groups in the area.
In the meantime, the search for the abducted students of Government Girls’ Secondary School, Chibok is also being intensified”.

FG Secures $152 Million ADB Loan To Boost Agriculture And Create Agro-Allied Jobs

The Federal Executive Council (FEC), on Wednesday, approved a $152.12 million loan and a grant of $385,000 from the Africa Development Bank (ADB) to boost agricultural investment and create more agro-allied jobs in the country.
Minister of Agriculture, Akinwumi Adesina, explained that the ADB loan will specifically assist the Federal Government to create Staple Crops Processing Zones in seven states within which 27 local councils will be covered.
The Minister said“As a government, we are determined to do import substitution by making sure that all what we are producing, rice, cassava, maize, soya beans and others, are processed in the zones of high production.
“The Staple Crop Processing Zone is an area of high production to which we are putting in the enabling environment to attract private sector food processing companies to come in to and process and add value to our commodities.
“It is a big game changer for agriculture and the ADB and the World Bank are so excited about it that they have asked other African countries to copy Nigeria.
“Infrastructure is very important for the private sector, they need power, water, roads and rail for transportation and you can not invest that everywhere because it is expensive to do”, explained Adesina.

Nyako's Incitement Against Government Irresponsible-FG

The Federal Government has referred to Murtala Nyako's inciting letter to northern governors as an act of irresponsibility.The government also called on Nigerians especially those in positions of authority to desist from make statements capable of affecting the morale of troops battling insurgents.
The Federal Governments position was made known on wednesday by the Minister of Information,Mr.Labaran Maku.
Maku said“Each time the security people strike at targets, there is a lot of public uproar and propaganda, weakening our national resolve to fight terror. This nation deserves security at this time, even in the heat of it, you hear some irresponsible comment coming from highly placed people, including a governor.
“It’s regrettable when those statements come from people we believe should be leading the course of unity, appreciating the great job the security personnel are doing. If only Nigerians understand that as we sit in this hall, our security people are out there in the bush, sleeping there day and night and getting killed in the course of maintaining the security of this country.
“But what we see is that people who have little knowledge on how security services are rendered will just open their mouths and make statements that create panic in the country and this is very unfortunate.
“To hear the kind of things being said by the governor of Adamawa State at this period is very unfortunate.
Nyako is a former Chief of Naval Staff, someone that has worn uniform before.To publicly incite the people against the security forces of this country is the height of irresponsibility.”

APC Will Not Win Elections In Adamawa State-Buba Marwa

A former Lagos State Military Administrator,Gen.Buba Marwa has declared that the All Progressive Congress lacks the capacity to win the 2015 elections in Adamawa State.He stated that Adamawa State APC had lost those who were the pillars of the party.Marwa made the declarations yesterday in Yola,the State capital.
"Nyako and his APC cannot and will never form the next government in Adamawa State.We were the roots,trunk,branches and leaves of the APC and now we are gone.Nyako only has the shell.Believe me,in a matter of weeks,even the shell will be gone,leaving him with nothing except the letters APC,''Marwa said.

President Jonathan Approves NFF World Cup Budget

Ahead of the World Cup which is due to commence in Brazil in few months time,President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the budget of the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF)for the showpiece.The NFF President,Aminu Maigari made this disclosure.
"Our preparation are very much on track and we have received the president’s approval for the World Cup funding," Maigari said.
“We are not under any form of pressure and it us our belief that the Eagles will do well at the World Cup and we need everybody’s input to actualise it.”
Maigari further assured that the Federation will not interfere with coach Stephen Keshi’s selection process as his administration reposes utmost faith in the tactician.

Nyako Should Shut up-Buba Marwa

Former Military governor of Lagos State,General Buba Marwa has berated governor of Adamawa State,Murtala Nyako over his memo sent out to the northern governors.Marwa said Nyako was setting a bad example for the younger generation.He described Nyako's statement as reckless and an embarrassment to the Military under which he once served.
Marwa said“of recent, Admiral Nyako has embarked on a single minded and self-appointed misadventure of being the enfant terrible of Nigeria’s elected political class.
“I find it necessary at this point in time to respond to the Admiral in my personal capacity and also as a retired military officer, a politician, a former military administrator and an indigene of Nyako’s home state, Adamawa state.”

President Jonathan Hails Buhari's Condemnation of Terrorists Activities

President Goodluck Jonathan on wednesday hailed former military Head of State,Muhamadu Buhari for his outright condemnation of the activities  of terrorists in the country.Buhari had condemned terrorists activities and urged Nigerians to be united in the fight against terrorism.
The President spoke through a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity,Dr.Reuben Abati.According to the statement, "President Jonathan believes that the position taken by General Buhari is that of a true patriot, respected former Head of State, revered elder statesman and nationalist.
"The President welcomes General Buhari’s call on all Nigerians to remain steadfast and work in unity to overcome terrorists and other merchants of death who currently threaten national security.
"President Jonathan fully shares General Buhari’s view that a minority must never be allowed to “bring the nation to its knees through terror.
"He (Jonathan) has noted General Buhari’s recommendation that the nation’s counter-terrorism strategies be further fine-tuned and welcomes his kind offer of support and co-operation in dealing with the challenge of terrorism."

Power:Nigeria Now Generates 4,105.9 Megawatts

The Ministry of Power has announced that power generated across Nigeria has reached 4,105.9 megawatts.This clearly shows that President Goodluck Jonathan's decision to unbundle the Power Sector is yielding fruits.

With this figures,the Ministry has dismissed insinuations that power generation droped below 2,000MW.

The ministry in a statement attributed the increase to a reduction in system collapses, which have plagued power supply in recent years. 

Nyako Out To Incite Northerners Against Jonathan-Col. Umar

A former military governor of Kaduna State,Col.Abubakar Umar(Retd) has lambasted governor of Adamawa State Murtala Nyako over his senseless memo sent to the northern state governors in which he alleged that President Goodluck Jonathan and the federal government were carrying out genocide against the northern part of Nigeria.The former military officer expressed his disappointment over such comments credited to a serving governor and also a retired top brass military officer.

Umar said, “The statement of Governor Murtala Nyako; coming from a retired military officer, is shocking and worrisome, and I hope people like him should not put the nation on fire and should desist from making wild allegation.
“What is his aim? Does he wants northerners to pick up arms against the Federal Government or what? These are comments that should not come from leaders who want the nation to progress and move forward; moreso, like a state governor and a retired military officer.
“How can he prove the allegation he made against President Goodluck Jonathan that he is encouraging genocide in the country? Doesn’t he realise the implication of this kind of statement? And that the statement can set Nigeria on fire; does it augur well for national stability and unity of the country?”

President Jonathan Has Done Well-Cleric

The General Overseer of Resurrection Praise Ministries for Africa, Lagos, Samson Benjamin, has declared that the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan has done well in service delivery.Mr Benjamin urged Nigerians to ensure President Jonatharn was re-elected for a second term.

“I urge Nigerians to return him to office because he is the best among the candidates,” the cleric said.

“For the first time, Nigerian economy has been rated to be the best in Africa, our GDP has grown high and Nigeria has also become a member of UN Security Council. All these good things are happening during the administration Jonathan,” he said.

He commended Jonathan for his humane disposition, which prompted him to cancel his scheduled visit to Ibadan last week to commiserate with the victims and families of Nyanya bomb blast on Monday.

I Did Not Deploy Soldiers To Stop Lagos Project-Senator Obanikoro

Minister of State for Defence,Senator Musiliu Obanikoro has debunked rumours making the rounds that he depolyed and mandated soldiers to stop an ongoing project in Lagos State.He said as a Minister,he had no such mandate to deploy troops with the purpose of stoping any project in any part of the country.

The Minister said“By the grace of God, I am a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I cannot take the military to stop any project. I don’t have such mandate and I cannot go beyond my bounds.

“I reside in Lagos State. I am a stakeholder in Lagos State. I cannot do anything stupid,” he said.

The minister condemned the location of the estate, as well as the cost at which citizens would acquire the accommodation.

“Governor Fashola said ‘low cost’, it is not low cost. You cannot build a low cost housing estate on water, it’s not done anywhere in the world.

“How can a Governor in good conscience tell me that a N16 million 2-bedroom flat is low cost?” Obanikiro asked, adding that as a minister whose annual salary is N2 million, he cannot not even have afforded that.

“When Alhaji Jakande was Governor, I bought a form for N1.50k; I was a clerk working in Union Bank, he actually built for the poor. I bought a form, I bought a flat, and you paid N1,500 to be a house owner at that time.”

Presidency Describes Nyako's Letter As An Unmitigated Leadership Disaster

Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State on friday sent out a letter to the 19 governors of the northern States.In the letter,the governor accused President Jonathan of carrying out genocide attacks on the northern part of Nigeria.He sadly preached hatred and disunity by attempting to pitch the north against the Federal Government and other parts of Nigeria.The Presidency has therefore swiftly reacted to its contents.In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs,Dr.Doyin Okupe,the Presidency described the letter as"an unmitigated leadership disaster and a sad betrayal of trust by a major beneficiary of the Nigerian nation".

The statement read, “Governor Nyako claims
that President Goodluck Jonathan is from the Eastern region which according to
him was responsible for the killing of Northern political elites on the 15th of
January 1966!

“This is a very disgraceful remark by the governor and a
pathetic embarrassment to the Nigerian Military from where Nyako derives his
career antecedents. It is certainly a reflection of the Governors  ignorance and
unpatriotic inclinations.
“Similarly, the Adamawa state governor referred
to the Boko Haram terrorist group as a ‘phantom organization’ which he believes
does not exist! How hypocritical!?
“In his unwise and desperate attempt
to demonise the Federal Government, Governor Nyako likened the military
operations against insurgents to the activities of German dictator, Adolf
Hitler!
“In his befuddled mind and apparent hallucination, the Federal
Government should be held responsible for the activities of insurgents in the
North East and the sad killings,wanton destruction, murder and kidnapping of
school children as well as other horrendous activities of Boko Haram should be
hung on the neck of the Federal Government!
“He therefore invited his
colleague northern governors to join him to sue the Federal Government. This
definitely defies common sense and portrays Mr Nyako as unfit for the hallowed
position of a State Governor.”
 
“It is obvious that Governor Nyako’s opposition to the declaration
of a State of Emergency in three affected states of the North East as well as
his repeated calls for the withdrawal of the Military from troubled states
without any credible alternative or security road map, is an open endorsement of
the activities of the insurgents which is meant to provide them unrestricted
opportunity to further unleash terror on innocent citizens in order to
precipitate chaos, further instability, mayhem and anarchy ; a situation which
they intend to exploit to undermine the administration and truncate our growing
democracy. This, Nigerians will surely not allow to happen.

"The Federal Government assures Nigerians of its continuos determination to defeat terror and
restore peace to every part of northern Nigeria so that every law abiding
Nigerian citizen can go about with his/her socio economic pursuit without let or
hindrance in all parts of the country,” the statement added.
Okupe went further to say the purpose of the letter was to cause disaffection among Nigerians.He further recalled how governor Nyako was attacked by youthsfrom his state as a result of his failure to cateer for or support victims of terrorists attacks in the state.

Culled from Punch