Author Archives: All African News Network

A group under the aegis of Oil Industry Transparency Solidarity League ( OLTRASOL) has expressed satisfaction with ongoing reforms by the NNPC management led by Malam Mele Kyari.

Chairman of the group Ibrahim Garba Gombe who made this known in a media statement at the weekend said only politicians with hidden agenda would fail to see the good in the ongoing reforms of the oil giant.

The group said the anti-NNPC and Kyari campaigners were unsettled by “the massive interventions of the Company in the educational, health sectors and the funding of infrastructural development projects”.

The statement explained that the current media campaign against the NNPC and Kyari were therefore designed by “persons scheming for Kyari’s seat as the GCEO of the NNPC, ignorant of the fact that it is a tenured appointment”.

The group said the ongoing reforms at the NNPC has led to exposing illegal refineries in strategic locations of the South-South.

The statement said ” the massive policing of oil pipelines in the Niger-Delta, with the cooperation of security agents has helped greatly in security the national assets of the oil giant.

A political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has raised the alarm on the need to invite both the Managing Director of Access Bank and his counterpart at the Guaranteed Trust Bank (GTB) following the arrest and the ongoing probe of the erstwhile Governor of the Central Bank, Godwin Emefiele.

Frank said the probe of the two bank leaders was necessary based on allegations that the duo were allegedly main accomplices in aiding the atrocious acts of subversion and misappropriation of public funds meant for the welfare of the Nigerian people.

In a statement signed and released Friday in Abuja, Timi Frank also appealed to the government of United Kingdom (UK) to cooperate with Nigeria security agencies to immediately invite the duo for questioning.

Frank claimed that invitation for probe had been sent to the two managing directors.

According to him, this key information also discloses that even when invitation from the Department of State Service has been extended to these individuals to report and answer to allegations bordering on their involvement with the erstwhile Governor of the CBN, active plans are underway to undermine the invitation extended to them whilst resorting to taking refuge in the UK specifically.

“It is important to note that even when invitations have been extended to these individuals to report on Monday the 3rd of July for questioning, the MD Gtbank who was sighted today chilling in the streets of the UK had repeatedly reaffirmed his unwillingness to return to the country for any such cross examination by the DSS.

“We are also aware that four other Managing Directors of tier one banks in the country have been fingered as direct accomplices and conduit for Mr. Emefiele with the Access and Gtbank MD’s playing the greater roles in aiding to defraud and fleece the nation fraudulently.

“Therefore, I’d like to call on the UK government to kindly assist the Nigerian government by disallowing any form of extended stay for these individuals who are currently in the UK for personal purposes.

“The UK government must be seen in aiding the Nigerian government by disallowing any corrupt individual, whether Private or Public servants by making the UK a haven for corrupt officials.

“As stakeholders in fighting for a corrupt free nation, we’re determined to do all we can in assisting the FG eradicate all forms of corruption in the Nigerian society.

“We must also note the acquisition of two private jets by the Gtbank Managing Director with a value of over $80million which is not officially captured anywhere in their books. This fraudulent acquisition must also be properly ascertained to determine the genuineness of such largesse.

Frank also called on the State Security Service (DSS) “to do all within its powers in fishing out and bringing the enemies of Nigeria to book. We have had enough of individuals taking the country for a ride and benefitting solely for personal agrradisement.

“I am convinced that the Department of State Service will take this information seriously and act accordingly in compelling these individuals to answer to their fraudulent roles in line with the provisions of the law.

“We have other key information at our disposal should the DSS oblige.”

Forum blasts Ex-Senator Shehu Sani for meddling in the Affairs of Kaduna state

The Kaduna State chapter of the Truth and Justice Defenders Forum has reacted to a media report questioning the handling of security in Kaduna State by Governor Uba Sani, saying it is paid job, lacking in merit and professional depth.

Sahara Reporters, an online news portal, in its publication of June 27 accused Governor Uba Sani of abandoning some parts of the state to the fate of criminals and blamed former Governor Nasir El-Rufai for still being in charge and for meddling in the affairs of the state by taking key decisions for the incumbent governor at the expense of the state.

The report also accused Governor Uba Sani of being insensitive to the security situation in the state by traveling for Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
In reaction, the Truth and Justice Defenders Forum described the report as warped, unprofessional, unfounded and sponsored by a “frustrated, disgraced politician” in the state.
Sabo Abbah Anas, Chairman of the Forum, in a strongly-worded statement said, they are quite aware of the identity of the main sponsor of such mischievous stories aimed at heightening tensions in the state.
“We shall not hesitate to name the discredited frustrated, and dejected opposition Senator in the state who persists in such desperate attempt to review and falsify the facts using some unscrupulous media to mislead and misinform the public,” said Anas.
Anas noted in the statement that, without the need to give detractors more reasons to feel important, the Forum warned politicians, especially “the publicity-hungry blogger”, to desist from attempts to manipulate the truths about state security.

“We note especially that a section of the media has not been extremely careful in their reportage of the security situation in Kaduna State and end up fanning greater unrest.

“Notwithstanding this well-known bias of that section of the media, the state government never made a habit of denouncing them at every occasion or on the slightest of breaches of decorum and etiquette.
“We were all along hoping that they would change to being more restrained in reporting on matters that affect the credibility of electoral process and popular will of the people without resorting to partisan overkill.

“We expected the proprietors of these unnecessarily unfriendly media outfits to regulate themselves and abide by their own rules and etiquette regarding the dissemination and reportage of news.
“Alas! The position remains unchanged that whenever matters affecting or arising from the security situation such as this one are reported or commented upon, the intrinsic bias of these media houses keeps becoming apparent; moreso when they get continuously influenced by an ex-Senator mad about publicity.

“We are today calling on professional bodies like NUJ, Nigerian Guild of Editors and NPAN to call such poor media operators to order in their reporting of all political situations in the state, and to eschew the slanted reporting of events with greater bias on issues of national security.

“We warn that editorial policies and restraints imposed by ordinary decency and sanity must not be abandoned by the media establishment for sensational and often biased reporting that only inflame tensions in the state,” Annas said.

The Forum wondered why the report would single out Kaduna State for such attacks and irreverent treatment whereas the security situation is as well or even more pervasive in other northern states like, Zamfara, Katsina, Niger than it is in Kaduna State.

Forum blasts Ex-Senator Shehu Sani for meddling in the Affairs of Kaduna state

The Kaduna State chapter of the Truth and Justice Defenders Forum has reacted to a media report questioning the handling of security in Kaduna State by Governor Uba Sani, saying it is paid job, lacking in merit and professional depth.

Sahara Reporters, an online news portal, in its publication of June 27 accused Governor Uba Sani of abandoning some parts of the state to the fate of criminals and blamed former Governor Nasir El-Rufai for still being in charge and for meddling in the affairs of the state by taking key decisions for the incumbent governor at the expense of the state.

The report also accused Governor Uba Sani of being insensitive to the security situation in the state by traveling for Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
In reaction, the Truth and Justice Defenders Forum described the report as warped, unprofessional, unfounded and sponsored by a “frustrated, disgraced politician” in the state.
Sabo Abbah Anas, Chairman of the Forum, in a strongly-worded statement said, they are quite aware of the identity of the main sponsor of such mischievous stories aimed at heightening tensions in the state.
“We shall not hesitate to name the discredited frustrated, and dejected opposition Senator in the state who persists in such desperate attempt to review and falsify the facts using some unscrupulous media to mislead and misinform the public,” said Anas.
Anas noted in the statement that, without the need to give detractors more reasons to feel important, the Forum warned politicians, especially “the publicity-hungry blogger”, to desist from attempts to manipulate the truths about state security.

“We note especially that a section of the media has not been extremely careful in their reportage of the security situation in Kaduna State and end up fanning greater unrest.

“Notwithstanding this well-known bias of that section of the media, the state government never made a habit of denouncing them at every occasion or on the slightest of breaches of decorum and etiquette.
“We were all along hoping that they would change to being more restrained in reporting on matters that affect the credibility of electoral process and popular will of the people without resorting to partisan overkill.

“We expected the proprietors of these unnecessarily unfriendly media outfits to regulate themselves and abide by their own rules and etiquette regarding the dissemination and reportage of news.
“Alas! The position remains unchanged that whenever matters affecting or arising from the security situation such as this one are reported or commented upon, the intrinsic bias of these media houses keeps becoming apparent; moreso when they get continuously influenced by an ex-Senator mad about publicity.

“We are today calling on professional bodies like NUJ, Nigerian Guild of Editors and NPAN to call such poor media operators to order in their reporting of all political situations in the state, and to eschew the slanted reporting of events with greater bias on issues of national security.

“We warn that editorial policies and restraints imposed by ordinary decency and sanity must not be abandoned by the media establishment for sensational and often biased reporting that only inflame tensions in the state,” Annas said.

The Forum wondered why the report would single out Kaduna State for such attacks and irreverent treatment whereas the security situation is as well or even more pervasive in other northern states like, Zamfara, Katsina, Niger than it is in Kaduna State.

The National Rescue Movement (NRM) is urging Nigerians to use this year’s Eid-el-Kabir to imbibe life of total trust in the Almighty God in all spheres of life.

The Eid-el-Kabir celebrations offered man great lessons on selflessness and absolute trust in God, as exemplified in the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

We hereby call on all compatriots to use the occasion to pray for our party NRM, the nation, reach out and share with the less privileged, the deprived as well as victims of escalated insecurity in various parts of the country. and the recent flood victims.

Also charges leaders in all walks of life, including public office holders, faith-based and community leaders, captains of industry and employers of labour to note that their positions are bestowed on them by God for service to humanity, and for which they must give account.

Its necessary to use this medium to inform all NRM members across the globe that the 2023 General Election Review is on going at the level of National Management Committee (NRM – NMC) whereby every complaint and allegation concerning some of our candidates and majorly what transpired during the Presidential election is been scrutinised.

Be rest assured that justice will be served accordingly as no matter shall be swept under the carpet. We are also looking into every action and inaction within the ranks and files of the party.

This is the best way to redirect our party NRM to the parth of greatness.

Let us continue to pray for the unity, peace, stability and development of the nation, while wishing Nigerians, particularly the Muslim community, a happy Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

Sola Afuye
National Publicity Secretary
National Rescue Movement (NRM)

Happy Eid el Kabir  to all Muslim faithful in Nigeria and all around the World. This is a time to remind ourselves of the need for love for one another and the need to seek peace with all men and, most importantly, to look after one another. Especially in our nation that so many citizens have been going through a lot lately. From poor new Naira notes rolled out, to poor subsidy removal, from hikes in standard of living, and of course a high expense of daily  survival.

As citizens of the great nation called Nigeria, we must do our best to be our brothers helpers in the face of these hostilities, inflation, high cost of living, poverty in the land, hardship, joblessness. Cashlessness and hunger; like Nigerians have never seen before.

Our country is a nation where we have everything but we lack everything, a nation of oil but has the highest price of gas in her country, a nation of so much human resources but the people struggle in the midst of it all. A nation of love, but hatred overtakes the land,  a nation of giants, but giants struggle like weakling, a people that work like lions but eat like ants.

Those in our government, especially our newly elected leaders starting from the President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu down to the Senators, Honourables in House of Representatives and State House of Assemblies, State Governors, Local Government Chairmen and every elected officials; must do so much to change the narrative of African giants that is crawling to eat, struggling to feed, a hungry nation. Nigeria today is one of the poorest nations on earth. A  nation that was once feeding neighbouring countries and beyond. A nation the world once used to come to, but now turned to a nation its citizens are daily looking for a way to escape.

This Eid-el-Kabir celebration must remind us of the basis for religion, to bring hope to the hopeless and life to the  lifeless, to bring help to the needy and peace to to the troubled citizens.

Those in government in the past have so much mismanaged the resources of the nation, and it is time to turn the table and change the narrative.

It is time for Nigerians to for once to say, “yes we have a government”, this administration is still new and there is not much yet to say about it.

But I want to use this festive period to appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that Nigerians are going through a lot, the president must do his best to come to the rescue of Nigerians, he must do all it takes to bring hope back to Nigerians again. We must start rebuilding our dilapidated nation, bad roads, insecurity, kidnapping; as a result of hunger must be tackled not with guns but with jobs, and enabling environment to survive, that will turn the players away from those evil acts, a hungry man will steal, a hungry man will kill, will do anything to survive. It’s the survival instincts that makes many commit havoc in our nation. And if government can create jobs and better life for Nigerians; all these anomalies are definitely going to drop to bearest  minimum.

President Tinubu must not allow corruption to continue in public office. A nation that must succeed must fight corruption and bring it to the lowest minimum. A nation that wants to fight corruption must punish offenders and not reward them with medical treatments abroad. Until people start paying for corruption and we start  punishing offenders, our dear nation won’t move forward and people won’t have faith in the government

. 

Every elected officials must take governance seriously and not just seen as a place to enrich themselves, but call to service. 

Our nation has been destroyed by corruption. Those we trusted with our treasury have looted it all, those we trusted with power have overpowered us and it is time for this next generation of leaders to start rising up to rebuild our nation. We must be sincere to fight poverty and bring better life to Nigerians once again. We must create suitable environment for business to strive.

Youths must be made a priority with the government creating jobs that reduced unemployment and getting our able youths back to the workforce. Our working force is daily migrating away in millions. 

Every policy of this government must be geared towards alleviating poverty for Nigerian people, reducing and totally eradicating hunger in the land. 

Yes, we can 

Yes, it is possible .Yes, we can achieve this if we put our might at it.

We Must look for the good of our nation. We must all as citizens too, play our part as all of us have a role to play if this Nation must succeed. every where we find ourselves we must do things with the consciousness of God who sees us even when no one sees us. We must love our country and think of what we can do for it to succeed, not just what only our country can do for us: every Nigerian, both home and in diaspora, must seek the success of our nation, and we must all contribute to its survival. I believe that someday Nigeria will still be great again. 

Happy Eid-el-Kabir to all Muslim faithful in Nigeria and all around the World.

And May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Signed:

Faduri Oluwadare Joseph 

Former Presidential Aspirant Labor Party Leader

Rescue Movement for New Nigeria (RMNN)

Obekwu Agaba

Our Society Been Eaten Up By Drug Abuse – NGO

A non governmental organisation (NGO), has lamented that Nigeria’s society is at a dangerous slide of drug abuse,which requires urgent action.

Founder of Godly Prosperous Souls Outreach Centre, Sabon Tasha, Kaduna, Pastor Adenike Ojofowowe expressed this when speaking to newsmen as part of activities to mark this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, on Monday June 26, 2023.

“The society is been eaten up by drug abuse. We go out, we don’t just see adults, but minors and even pregnant women in the jungles.

“There are some societies when you go out it is filled with bars and where they smoke,” she said .

According to her, she feels the pain of mothers and family members when addiction is taking their loved one away.

“Drug addicts are being stigmatised in the society, not knowing that they need to be loved and channelled to proper paths to fulfil their destinies,” she added.

According to her, in their quest at ending the drug abuse menace, they go to secondary schools and hold pre drugs campaign to catch them young and disabuse their mids from indulging in drugs.

“We show them the dangers of drug abuse. We let them know they must not allow themselves to be hooked.

“It is better you catch them before they start the act.

“We also go to jungles, take their permission and talk to them before you know, you see some of them come for our meetings on Tuesdays.

“We do career talks and put them on the part of God. We go to keke bus stops and talk to them because most of them use drugs.

“We have people that have been reformed for up to six months and a year. We thank God for the success and pray for more grace,” she explained.

Pastor Ojofowowe said that they decided to invite the press to mark International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, to touch more lives.

“We have started this for over a decade, but we put this foundation here for two years at this centre.

“Plus or minus, we have affected hundreds of people but our contact with people runs into thousands,” she revealed.

She commended Dr. Joseph Maigari, the Director General of KADBUSA, who she said been supportive.

“He usually comes and give talks to our reformers and encourages them.

“The DG KADBUSA said that they would put up more centres in Kaduna for us to refer those who need treatment,” she added.

Speaking further, she said that they have some of their team members as psychiatric nurses, “for those that need treatment, in our own little way we facilitate that.”

She blamed ignorance, environment, genetics as some of the factors that lead to drug addiction and abuse.

“Other factors leading to addiction are peer pressure and lack of jobs. What is happening in life is putting pressure on so many people. Even adults, who are under pressure try to cool off and before you know, they become addicts,” she said.

She explained that some of the dangers of drug addiction include broken homes, street children and a vice filled society.

“When you leave your children in the streets and they get hooked up, it poses more dangers to the society.

“Then the pregnant women, when they do drugs, it affects the child,” she said.

The founder of the centre advised that in view of the dangers inherent in drug abuse, traffickers should be kept away from the public for a long time.

“When the traffickers are arrested, they should not be set free easily,” she stressed.

We don’t get findings till now, our own personal finances, and support from team members is how we are doing this. We have staff we pay, we print handbills and others.

On how they get funds to run the centre, she explained that it has not been easy, but appreciated the support of volunteers.

“As you reform your reformers and they don’t have something to do, there is a chance of relapse. We are looking for people who can help such, we have one or two willing to do that, by engaging them into apprenticeship or job offers.

“We want to say thank you to our doctors and nurses, they have been very helpful in lecturing our reformers.

“We are using this medium to solicit for support from the governor, corporate organisations and public spirited individuals,” she said.

In his remarks, her husband, Pastor Mike Ojofowowe explained that as part of efforts to rid the society of drug addiction, they have held several rallies, with all of our reformers and loud speakers were used at flash points, sending out their messages.

“We have done outreaches in Sabo Bus stop, we have done in Gonin Gora, we have done in Maraban Rido,” he added.

One of the reformers, Morris Wheymen said that the programme has impacted his life positively.

He said that he has in turn, started inviting his friends that are addicts to come and join so that they can lead a meaningful life, by giving up drugs.

Godly Prosperous Souls Outreach Centre has as part of its messages, saying, “No to drug addiction, no to broken homes/marriages, no to lives defectiveness, yes to prosperity of souls.”

By Habiu Yola

Group to Tinubu: Don’t be distracted by NNPC, anti-Kyari media hogwash

A group under the auspices of Tansparent Leadership Advocacy (TLA) has advised President Bola Tinubu not to be distracted by what the group described as “well-funded disinformation against the current NNPC management led by Malam Mele Kyari”.

A media statement signed by the group’s Chairman Dr. Musa Adam revealed that a politically-motivated media campaign has been launched by “interests operating from the shadows, since the inglorious exit of CBN’s governor Godwin Emefiele from the management of the apex bank”.

Adam, in the statement, noted that the new media plot against NNPC and Mele Kyari was “first hatched when news of successful oil discovery and its official presidential commissioning started in Kolmani River Field( Bauchi-Gombe axis) on November 22 followed closely by drilling in Obi/Keana of Nasarawa State on the 21st of March 2023.”

The statement also pointed out that “some unpatriotic elements, operating from the shadows have been unsettled by the transparent culture introduced into the new-look NNPC by the Kyari management, as well as policing of the oil pipelines to check theft”.

The group then stated this: “Kyari introduced the Roadmap to Global Excellence, anchored on TAPE Agenda, which means Transparency, Accountability, Performance and Excellence and it has remained the guiding rubric of his era. Every month, the NNPC publishes all its transactions in the conventional and new media platforms – something that has never happened in the economic history of this nation.”.

The TLA, in the statement also described the NNPC GCEO as a man of strict principles, an exceptionally devout Muslim in his private life, who has committed to using his personal earnings in the service of the weak and the poor in the society.

The group urged President Bola Tinubu to “ignore the rantings of unpatriotic elements working hand-in-hand with fifth columnists in the oil and gas industry to spread falsehood massively in the media and create bad blood between the President and NNPC GCEO, at a critical juncture in Nigeria’s economic history”.

*Says Nigerians awaiting arrest, prosecution of ex-serving top officials under Buhari

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Comrade Timi Frank on Tuesday, pleaded with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to allow former and serving top officials appointed by ex-President Muhammadu Buhari alleged to have abused their offices to escape justice.

Frank who made the call in a statement in Abuja, listed those that deserve to be guests of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to include former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, former Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, former Attorney- General for the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami and Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari.

Others are former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman (now appointed Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Policy Coordination), former Comptroller general of the Nigeria Customs Service, Col. Hammid Ali, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Bashir Jamo, former Managing Directors and Sole Administrators of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) as well as former and immediate past Service Chiefs appointed by Buhari.

Frank, who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, said: “Nigerians know how agencies managed or still being managed by these former and present government officials were run in the most opaque and corrupt manner. The President has no choice but to demand accountability on behalf of the people.

“The suspension and arrest of the Governor of Central bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele and Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), AbdulRasheed Bawa have been hailed by Nigerians but this is just a tip of the iceberg; the President must not let his anti-corruption drive stop with these two individuals.

“Those that must be investigated and prosecuted are still running free out there and the earlier they are rounded up and made to face the law for economic sabotage, the better for this country. Besides, some of them have already found their way into the present administration like Ms. Hadiza Bala-Usman.

“There is further intelligence that others like her are currently lobbying cabal around Tinubu to get a soft landing or better still find their way into the administration by way of appointment.”

Frank, who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, insisted that failure to arrest and prosecute these suspects known to have used their offices for selfish gain would show that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is only out to witch-hunt Emefiele and Bawa now under DSS custody.

He insisted that that ex-officials like Sylva need to answer questions on alleged identity theft, sale of oil blocks, marginal oil fields and refineries. Siriki needs to tell Nigerians the whereabouts of Air Nigeria and monumental funds spent on it so far.
On her part, Sadiya Umar Farouq needs to tell the DSS and EFCC how money voted for social investment programme especially school feeding were expended.

He urged the EFCC and DSS to extend that probe actives to cover former Service Chiefs and Inspector General of Police from the administration of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai up to the ones recently retired by the President administration.

He further urged Tinubu to be wary of former Governors especially of the PDP who are now pretending to support his administration.

He described their motive as selfish while warning that Tinubu not to allow his administration to be a dump site for known corrupt elements.

He said despite the pendency of the presidential election petitions at the tribunal that will determine the true outcome of the last presidential election, Nigerians will commend Tinubu if he is doing well and also call him out if he goes wrong.