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PDP Governors Condemn DSS Invasion Of A/Ibom Govt House

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PDP Governors Condemn DSS Invasion Of A/Ibom Govt House
Olusegun Mimiko, Ondo state governor and Chairman, PDP Governors Forum
Olusegun Mimiko, Ondo state governor and Chairman, PDP Governors Forum

Governors of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Tuesday condemned in strong term last Friday’s invasion of Akwa Ibom Government House by operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS.

The governors, under the aegis of the PDP Governors Forum, said the action of the DSS was capable of undermining the country’s fledgling democracy and called on the international community to call the federal government to order.

The governors’ position was made known to journalists after a meeting hosted by the Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson, in Yenogoa, the state capital, and led by Ondo state governor, Olusegun Mimiko.

“We insist that the trend must stop henceforth. No democracy survives without a viable opposition in any part of the world and we must also remember to remind the APC that they are the real beneficiaries of the liberal democratic ethos of the PDP,” the communiqué, read by Mimiko, stated.

The DSS raided the Akwa Ibom state government house based on security a tipoff, according to Premium Times, but the PDP governors said the agency was acting a script by the All Progressives Congress, APC, -led government.

“We once more advise the DSS to preoccupy itself with the task of ensuring internal security and desist from daily harassing and intimidating members of the opposition.

“We implore the international community, the civil society organisations and human rights activists to call the All Progressives Party led Federal Government to order,” Mimiko said.

Apart from Mimiko and Dickson, the governors of Delta, Abia, Ebonyi, and Kogi were represented by their deputies while the governors of Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Cross River, Gombe, Ekiti and Taraba states were absent and did not send any representatives.

NEMA Warns Communities Along Flood Prone Areas to Relocate

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NEMA Warns Communities Along Flood Prone Areas to Relocate
Director General, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Sani Sidi
Director General, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Sani Sidi

The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, has issued another warning on the need for states and local governments to relocate residents in flood-prone areas to prevent the loss of lives and properties.

The Director General of NEMA, Sani Sidi, gave the warning in a statement issued by the agency’s spokesperson, Sani Datti.

“This warning become indispensible as result of heavy rains and the devastating effect of floods that have been witnessed in most of the communities along rivers, waterways and flood prone areas in the recent time,” the statement said.

Last Friday, the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency, disclosed that a six-year old boy died from the flood that submerged more than hundred communities and ravaged 12 of the 21 local governments in the state when water was released from dams in Guyuk and Madagali in the state and Lagdo dam in Cameroon.

There are fears that more floods may be witnessed in some states as rainfall increases and more water is released from the Cameroonian dam.

NEMA has advised states and local governments to act early by introducing flood control programmes such as “clearing of drainages and canals to ensure free flow of water, construction of new drainages where necessary, preventing buildings on waterways and relocating those living along flood plains to safer areas.”

Army Raises Alarm Over False Claims on Human Rights Abuses

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Army Raises Alarm Over False Claims on Human Rights Abuses

Army spokesperson, Sani Usman Kukasheka

The Nigerian Army has raised concerns that there is an impending campaign of human rights infractions against it as it strives to quell the Boko Haram insurgency.

According to a statement issued by the army spokesperson, Usman Sani, some foreign media, civil organisations and their Nigerian counterparts, who he referred to as unscrupulous and unpatriotic, are driven by pecuniary and material gains and are not happy with the army’s success against the insurgents.

“It has come to our knowledge that some foreign media, Nongovernmental and Civil Society Organizations in collaboration with some of their Nigerian affiliates and Civil Society Organizations for reasons best known to them are about to start making false claims of alleged human rights violations by the Nigerian Army,” Sani said.

“It is clear that these groups of people and their collaborators are not happy with the progress made on the efforts to solve the security problems bedevilling our nation as manifested in the terrorists’ activities. These unscrupulous and unpatriotic elements are far less concerned about the general wellbeing of our citizens.”

The Nigerian military and other security agencies have been tainted in the past by reports of severe human rights violations and these contributed to the inability of the government to secure military aids from countries like the U.S.

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President Muhammadu Buhari has made it clear he will not tolerate human rights abuses and the army has said it is committed to respecting human rights, adding that it would investigate any reports of abuses and punish offenders.

“We would not condone any Human rights abuses. Where there are allegations of human rights violation by any individual or group, this would be thoroughly investigated and those found guilty would be brought to book in accordance with extant laws,” the army said.

The army, however, said it is not deterred in its efforts to safeguard the lives and properties of Nigerians and would not be distracted or succumb to blackmail.

Police Arrests 21 Members Of MOSSAB, IPOB

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Police Arrests 21 Members Of MOSSAB, IPOB

Biafra

Following the order issued by the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Solomon Arase, 22 members of the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign States of Biafra, MASSOB, and the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, in some parts of the country.

According to a statement issued by police spokesperson, Olabisi Kolawole, the suspects were arrested in Anambra, Imo, Delta, and Abia states for inciting violence and disorder.

“The IGP further warns that all persons so arrested for inciting violence, irrespective of their class or status in the society would be charged to court accordingly,” the statement read in part.

There have recently been worrying signs that MASSOB may pose serious concerns for security operatives in the country, with the organisation gaining more ground in the South east of Nigeria.

Not long ago, Radio Biafra, the propaganda arm of the organisation, caused the government some embarrassment with some inciting broadcast and it took some effort before it shut out of the nation’s airwaves.

War Against Boko Haram Has Exposed Flaws In Nigerian Army, COAS Says

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War Against Boko Haram Has Exposed Flaws In Nigerian Army, COAS Says
COAS Major General Tukur Buratai
COAS Major General Tukur Buratai

By Musdapha Ilo, Maiduguri

The Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, a Lieutenant General, has said the war against Boko Haram insurgency has exposed major flaws in the army.

Buratai spoke at the 2015 Regimented Sergeant Major, RSM, Convention themed “Enhancing the Capacity of the RSMs to be Professionally Responsive in the Discharge of their Roles,” taking place in Maduguri, Borno State capital.

“We are all aware of the ongoing operations which the Nigerian Army is engaged in, especially Op Lafiya Dole. The counter insurgency operations have exposed some flaws in our discipline, regimentation and professionalism as well as the general conduct of officers and men of our Army,” Buratai said.

“This underscores my vision on assumption of office which is to have a professionally responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional roles.”

According to the army chief, the focus of his military leadership is the refocusing of the army and restoration of the above three cardinal principles to enable it perform its role of defending the country’s territorial integrity.

Buratai also highlighted the important roles played by the RSMs in the army.

“As the most important link between the officers and soldiers, as well as the custodians and repository of unit regimentation, it is pertinent to re-emphasize that my vision cannot without a well-disciplined, knowledgeable and highly motivated crop of RSMs who are ready to willingly and effectively discharge their responsibilities at all times,” the army chief stated.

The special guest of honour, Kashim Shettima, governor of Borno State, who praised the military for its efforts in bringing peace to the northeast, announced a cash donation of N50, 000 each to the RSMs.

 

Ex-Chadian Dictator Throws Tantrums At Trial

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Ex-Chadian Dictator Throws Tantrums At Trial
Hissene Habre ruled Chad from 1982 to 1990 and is standing trial at the Extraordinary African Chambers in Senegal, where he has been in exile. Photo: Human Rights Watch
Hissene Habre ruled Chad from 1982 to 1990 and is standing trial at the Extraordinary African Chambers in Senegal, where he has been in exile. Photo: Human Rights Watch

Former Chadian dictator who ruled between 182 and 1990, Hissene Habre, attempted to play the victim at the resumption of his trial at the Extraordinary African Chambers, a special court inaugurated by Senegal and the African Union in 2013 for the prosecution of persons responsible for international crimes in Chad during that period.

Habre is standing trial on charges of crimes against humanity, torture and war crimes committed while he was in power.

At Monday’s resumed trial after a 45 day break so that Habre’s courted-appointed lawyers would familiarise themselves with the case, the former Chadian dictator refused to enter the court, forcing the judge to order that he be brought in by force.

After some minutes of suspense, he was bundled into the court by Senegalese guards who forced him into a chair and held down.

“He stood up, he shouted, he waved his arms about… but everything he did just reminded everyone in the courtroom that he’s not in charge anymore and doesn’t call the shots,” Reed Brody, counsel and spokesperson for Human Rights Watch, said.

“Habré’s ranting is apparently an attempt to play the victim. He wants people to think that he’s somehow been wronged, that a dark conspiracy is plotting against him,” Broody observed.

Habre’s trial, which will see 70 survivors testify before the court in the next few months, is the first time in the world that a former ruler of a country would be tried by the courts of another country for human rights offenses.

It is also the first universal jurisdiction – a system in international law where the most serious crimes are committed abroad by a foreigner and against foreign victims – case to lead to a trial in Africa.

If found guilty, the Chambers, headed by Gberdao Gustave Kam of Burkina Faso, can sentence Habre to life, order him to pay a fine or forfeit proceeds, property or assets acquired directly or indirectly from the crimes.

 

Immigration Withdraws Diplomatic Passports From Ex-Governors, Ministers, Others

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Immigration Withdraws Diplomatic Passports From Ex-Governors, Ministers, Others
Nigerian Passports: Official, Standard and Diplomatic. Photo: Premium Times
Nigerian Passports: Official, Standard and Diplomatic. Photo: Premium Times

 

The Nigeria Immigration Service has directed all unauthorised holders of diplomatic and official passports to hand them over to the Service, failure of which would earn sanctions under the Immigration Act 2015.

The directive was issued by the Comptroller General of Immigration, Martins Kure, who said “unauthorized possession will be impounded at our control posts on arrival or departure.”

“These categories of persons are hereby informed that these passports which were previously held by them have been revoked and should return them to the Nigeria Immigration Service Headquarters, Sauka, Abuja with immediate effect,” Kure said.

Among those affected former governors, ministers, legislators, commissioners, special advisers/assistants, heads of parastatals, public servants, etc. who were issued these official documents to aid their travels while in office.

However, despite leaving office, many of these officials do not bother to surrender their passports and the NIS directive is part of efforts to checkmate illegal activities by holders of these documents.

 

Bayelsa Govt Tasks Oil Companies On Safety, Spills Response

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Bayelsa Govt Tasks Oil Companies On Safety, Spills Response
Oil workers and regulators examining pollution at Shell well in Bayelsa. Photo: newsexpressngr.com
Oil workers and regulators examining pollution at Shell well in Bayelsa. Photo: newsexpressngr.com

Determined to prevent disasters occasioned by oil spills and other exploration activities by oil companies, the Bayelsa State government has urged companies operating in the state to comply with the guideline for oil spill response or be sanctioned.

In a letter to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and its partners such as Nigeria Agip Oil Company, Chevron Nigeria Limited, and Shell Petroleum Development Company, the state Commissioner for Environment, Iniruo Wills, stated that the LIVES BEFORE OIL document issued by the government on August 18, which is aimed at safety of lives in oil field operations, should be strictly followed.

“We request that you and your organization adhere strictly to the sequence contained in the attached guidelines in responding to and managing oil spill and gas leak incidents in or affecting any part of Bayelsa State,” the letter read in part.

“This is in furtherance of our determination to re-intensify enforcement of globally acceptable environmental and safety standards in all industrial operations in the State, and to ensure that lives are placed in priority before oil.”

The government released the guidelines following the July 9 explosion at Agip’s oil in Azuzuama that killed 14 people. A week later, there was a huge fire resulting from an oil spill at the same company’s facilities at Okpotuwari-Ondewari area of the state.

“These are two examples of the fatal threat posed by the oilfield practice and manner of oil spill management prevalent in the State, despite repeated efforts by Government and regulatory authorities to compel improvements,” Wills said.

 

Buhari Sets September 15 Deadline For TSA Compliance

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Buhari Sets September 15 Deadline For TSA Compliance

Buhari office

The federal government has set a deadline of September 15 for all its agencies to implement the Treasury Single Account, TSA, directive issued earlier in August. This follows the discovery that some agencies are yet to comply with the order.

According to a circular issued by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Danladi Kifasi, defaulting agencies will be sanctioned.

“In this regard, His Excellency, Mr. President has directed that all MDAs are to comply with the instructions on the Treasury Single Account (TSA) unfailingly by Tuesday, September 15, 2015.

“Heads of MDAs and other arms of Government are enjoined to give this Circular the widest circulation and ensure strict compliance to avoid sanctions,” part of the circular read.

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On August 9, Laolu Akande, spokesperson to Vice President Yemi Osibanjo, issued a statement directing that government revenues be paid into the TSA, “a bank account or a set of linked bank accounts through which the government transacts all its receipts and payments and gets a consolidated view of its cash position at any given time.”

The statement said that the directive applies to all “fully funded organs of government like the Ministries, Departments, Agencies and Foreign Missions, as well as the partially funded ones, like Teaching Hospitals, Medical Centres, Federal Tertiary Institutions.”

It added that even agencies like the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Security and Exchange Commission, SEC, Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA, Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, and such others are equally affected.

Kaduna Refinery Reaches 60 Percent Production Capacity

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Kaduna Refinery Reaches 60 Percent Production Capacity

Kaduna Refinery

The recently completed second phase rehabilitation work at the Kaduna Refinery and Petro-Chemical Company has enabled it achieve 60 percent production capacity, the managing director of the firm, Saidu Mohammed, has said.

According to Mohammed, who spoke to Channels Television, the company will soon commence the third of four phases of repairs, adding that the target is to reach 80 to 90 per cent production by the second quarter of 2016.

“We have carried out overhaul of all major compressors in the plant. Others are awaiting the arrival of some spare parts, but they are all in order to increase the capacity,” Mohammed said.

“Today, we can confidently run 60 per cent. But we have to improve the reliability of the plant.”

The 60 per cent production capacity means the company refines about 1.6 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit, also known as petrol, per day.

 

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