OBLONG MEDIA GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE is where independent minds meet to dissect politics, society, power, and global affairs without fear or filters. This is not mainstream media.
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Electricity consumers are poised for a showdown with the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, AEDC, over its plans to increase tariff. Relying on a recent newspaper publication where the Disco placed a notice to that effect, the consumers said the firm had failed to provide efficient services and should therefore suspend any plans to increase tariff. The consumers, under the umbrella Electricity Consumers Association of Nigeria, ECAN, have written the AEDC management asking it to address “customers dissatisfaction.” A letter by National President of ECAN, Chijioke James, also accused the utility firm of failing to meter over 50 per cent of…
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Around 50 million barrels of Nigerian oil for November and December export have yet to find buyers with only around 10 days until crude due to be exported in January comes to market. However, strong refining margins for gasoline and a slight retreat in freight rates helped prevent further weakness in Nigerian crude oil differentials, traders said on Tuesday. This large surplus of oil has helped to push the differential of benchmark Qua Iboe oil to its lowest since January, and near a multi-year low reached in December. But strong gasoline margins are offering a element of support for light…
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The co-founder of the Bring Back Our Girls campaign urged world leaders on Friday to do more to help hunt down Boko Haram militants and rescue hundreds of schoolgirls abducted in northeastern Nigeria more than a year ago. Obiageli Ezekwesili, a former Nigerian education minister and World Bank vice president, said she believed the girls were safe, despite militants’ videos claiming to have converted them to Islam and married them off to their captors. “I always see hope. Hope is inexhaustible. The day we stop hoping, we all die,” Ezekwesili told delegates at the Women in the World Summit…
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Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II, says he never accused any one of stealing money when he raised the alarm, in 2014, alleging that $20 billion was missing from the federation account. He said that though he raised the alarm in good faith, he at no time said any individual had stolen the money, contrary to public perception. The Kano monarch told a team of PriceWaterhouse Coopers, who were appointed by the Federal Government to carry out a forensic audit of crude oil revenues and remittances by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation between January 2012 and July 2013, that…
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After months of recriminations and indulgence in the blame game, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) appears set to commence a journey for a new beginning to reposition itself in light of current realities. The Peoples Democratic party (PDP) penultimate Thursday began what may seem like an internal soul-searching to try and purge itself of flaws of the past in order to rediscover the path to glory. Indeed, the PDP national stakeholders conference that held in Abuja provided an opportunity for reflections on the milestones recorded by the party in the last 17 years as well as the blunders committed by…
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There is this man with a deceptive appearance from the South-east, Imo State to be precise, who pretends he has what it takes to be the president of Nigeria. In his convoluted and banal imagination, he believes he is the best thing to have come out of the South-east. His snow-white teeth and seductive smile were put to good use in the 2011 governorship election which he won. He won not necessarily because he was the best of a bad lot, but more because the people got carried away with the freshness of his candidacy and maybe his charming…
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The government of Sri Lanka has filed an appeal before the Riyadh Court in Saudi Arabia, on behalf of the Sri Lankan female domestic worker who was recently sentenced to be stoned to death after being found guilty of having a clandestine affair, the Foreign Employment Ministry said. The Ministry sources said the woman was married and having children in Sri Lanka when she was convicted for adultery with a Sri Lankan youth employed in Saudi Arabia. After she was produced before the Riyadh Court, the woman had pleaded guilty … The youth who had the affair with Lankan woman…
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As far as many pastors are concerned, the most important scripture of all is not to be found in the word of Jesus. Neither is it even in the New Testament. That scripture says: “‘Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house, and try me now in this,’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.’” (Malachi 3:10).This scripture is drummed repeatedly into Christians on Sundays. However, the…
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Chief Timipre Sylva has been nominated as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the December 5 governorship election in Bayelsa State. But Sylva had been elected twice as governor of Bayelsa State in 2007 and 2008. The 2007 election was nullified by the Court of Appeal and Sylva contested and won the re-run election whereupon he was elected the second time and served for a cumulative period of about four years and seven months as governor of Bayelsa State. He now seeks to be elected a third time as governor of the state in the forthcoming election. The…
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In 1999, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu was elected Governor of Lagos State. His then party, the Alliance for Democracy (AD) produced all the governors of the South West. By 2003, Tinubu was the only governor left in the AD. He was under pressure to decamp but he stayed. He built the party and it became stronger. For the eight years that he ruled Lagos, he hired several guys to work with him. I think he carefully picked them. Apart from using them to work in his government, he also groomed them for the future. Eight years down the line, see…
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A medium (plural media) is a carrier of something. A medium may provide transmission or storage of information, or both. The industries which produce news and entertainment content for the mass media are often called “the media” (in much the same way the newspaper industry is called “the press”). In the late 20th century, it became commonplace for this usage to be construed as singular (“The media is…”) rather than as the traditional plural. By covering news, politics, social and current affairs, entertainment, and vital events, OBLONG MEDIA aims to shape the dominant social and political picture of society. Beyond…
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Fully armed soldiers, yesterday afternoon, visited Okuta in Baruten Local Council of Kwara State to confirm alleged annexation of 16 villages in the area by the neighbouring Benin Republic. This came on a day that the Kwara State government denied that any of the villages was annexed as the Defence Headquarters raised a panel to investigate the matter and said it would explore diplomatic means to resolve the issue. Saturday Vanguard gathered that the soldiers, who arrived Okuta at about 3pm had a brief meeting with the Emir of Okuta and his traditional chiefs and went to visit the affected…
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Economic reform begins with a crackdown on corruption, says Muhammadu Buhari, president of Nigeria. In 2014, before the election that saw the first change of power in Nigeria by peaceful democratic means in our history, the then government rebased our country’s GDP. Now, by internationally recognised metrics, we possess the largest economy in Africa. While this should be a source of pride for Nigerians, it goes no way to addressing the deep structural challenges our economy faces; nor does it put more money in the pockets or more food on the table of millions of our citizens who go without,…
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President Muhammadu Buhari will depart Abuja Sunday for Tehran, Iran, where he will participate in the 3rd Gas Exporting Countries’ Forum (GECF) opening in the Iranian capital on Monday, November 23, 2015. A statement issued in Abuja on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina said Buhari and the leaders of Iran, Russia, Qatar, the Netherlands, Venezuela, Oman, Algeria, the United Arab Emirates, Bolivia and other member-countries of the GECF would eview the current market outlook on gas and discuss strategies for boosting gas production during their meeting in Tehran. Adesina…
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The problems of illicit/narcotic drugs in the country have been compounded and the drug war terribly compromised by those appointed/employed and remunerated to combat illicit drugs. Paul Audu, Chief Superintendent of Narcotics, NDLEA, stated this in his petition to President Muhammadu Buhari, titled ‘Re: N.D.L.E.A.’S Chairman/Chief Executive’s (Alhaji Ahmadu Giade’s) Fraternity With Drug Barons; How I Am Being Persecuted For Waging War Against Drug Barons.’ When we called Giade to get his response to the allegations, he neither picked his call not called back. Audu, a lawyer, said he had earlier sent the petition dated 24th July, 2015 to former…
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With a recent definitive statement by Kremlin, Russia’s seat of power and government, that country confirmed that a bomb was actually used to bring down its charter jet over the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt more than two weeks ago. The horrendous attack killed all 224 people on board. The Islamic State, also known as ISIS or ISIL, claimed responsibility for the attack within hours, although it did not provide any proof. But relying on their intelligence networks, both Britain and the United States, almost hours later, established that it was the handiwork of terrorists. Russia’s pronouncement lays to rest speculations…
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Immediate-past President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, debunked allegations that his administration awarded contract for arms procurement to the tune of $2 billion. Jonathan, who spoke in Washington DC, on “Presidential elections and democratic consolidation in Africa: Case studies on Nigeria and Tanzania,” a conversational forum, co-hosted by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), stated categorically that “I did not award any $2 billion contract for procurement of weapons.” Jonathan queried, “Where did the money come from? “I did not award a contract of $2billion for procurement of weapons,” reports Premium Times. At the…
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On May 13, 2015, President Goodluck Jonathan signed the Administration of Criminal Justice Bill into law. Both chambers of the national assembly had passed the bill to modernise our criminal justice system. In particular, the law has abolished stay of proceedings and interlocutory appeals by merging all preliminary objections with the substantive case in any criminal case instituted in a federal court in the country. The revolutionary intervention of the law was occasioned by the unending trial of politically exposed persons in corruption cases. In fact, the last straw that broke the carmel’s back was the case of Mohammed…
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Nigeria’s Immediate Past President Goodluck Jonathan In Washington DC Faulted Former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s Claim That He Did Not Actually Push A Third Term Bid. Instead, Jonathan Said The Former President Agitated For A Third Term In Office But Failed To Actualise It. Jonathan Was A Guest Of The U.S National Democratic Institute (NDI) In The United States On Wednesday. According To Him, The Strong Resistance Of The National Assembly At The Time (Between 2006 And 2007), Made The Bid To Fail. “Of Course, I Was A Governor At That Time, But Due To Strong Resistance From The National Assembly,…
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The immediate past Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Lamorde, has approached a Federal High Court, Abuja, seeking an order restraining security agents from arresting him. According to court documents made available by Festus Keyamo, his lawyer, Mr. Lamorde is also seeking an order setting aside all letters of invitation issued against him by the National Assembly to appear before them. “An order of injunction against the 1st and 2nd Defendants restraining them from issuing any Warrant for the arrest of the Plaintiff without first issuing a Summons to the Plaintiff,” read Mr. Lamorde’s originating summons. Joined…
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Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole yesterday backed the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC ahead of their protest on the issue of minimum wage, the governor while speaking at the meeting held at the Labour House, he said nobody would question the wisdom behind the payment of minimum wage to workers in the country should not be questioned as it was not imposed on the government, rather it was a product of agreement between government and labour. Oshiomhole said; “I am a labour man, I have been clear with my colleagues in seeking to find solution to the problem we face. We…
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Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe’s wife Thursday denied harbouring ambitions to succeed her husband, pledging instead to support the 91-year-old’s next presidential bid. “I am standing here as the wife of the president as well as the person you chose to lead the women’s league. It ends there,” she told ruling party supporters at a rally in the capital. “I do not need any other position.” Grace Mugabe, 50, said her focus is on leading the ZANU-PF women’s wing and that she would support Mugabe when he seeks re-election, even if he is wheelchair-bound by then. “Some have laughed at…
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THE law was laid down for Nigeria’s ministers when they were sworn into office last week. No corruption, their austere president, Muhammadu Buhari, told them. Obey the law and work together, because expectations are high. Behave in keeping with the times. Refrain from gaudy displays of wealth (“Not that some of us have much to display,” one appointee laments). It has taken almost six months for the former dictator, now elected, to install his cabinet, but for those who made the cut his message is simple: winning high office is no longer a licence to rob the public…
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Former President Goodluck Jonathan at a forum in Washington DC, Thursday, waded into the arms procurement scandal surrounding the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, saying his government never awarded any contract in the range of $2 billion dollars. “I did not award any $2 billion contract for procurement of weapons” Mr. Jonathan stated categorically querying, “Where did the money come from?” and repeating emphatically that “I did not award a contract of $2billion for procurement of weapons”. A presidential investigations committee into arms procurement under the administration of President Jonathan revealed in its interim report that it found extra-budgetary…
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Kemi Adeosun, Nigeria’s finance minister, is poorly qualified to manage the country’s economy, according to English newspaper, The Economist. In its review of President Muhammadu Buhari’s ministers, the newspaper described Okechukwu Enelamah, the minister for trade and investment, as “a respected businessman”, but noted that he “may lack the clout to stand up to the president”. “Africa’s biggest economy, which relies on oil for 70% of its revenue, is sputtering as prices fall. Economic policy has been adrift since Mr Buhari came to power, and investors complain about the central bank’s use of trade controls and import restrictions,” The Economist…
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I am a strong and unrepentant believer in a united and indivisible Nigeria. The strength in unity can never be over emphasized. There are many ethnic nationalities seeking the dissolution of Nigeria inwardly and outwardly. I only have pity for them. I pity them because they are misguided, opportunistic and utterly mischievous individuals without a definite roadmap to their quest as well as living in delusion that their imaginary republics will offer anything better than the present Nigeria. I am convinced that the northern political elites have continued to provide the greatest alibi to the mischief makers in guise of…
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Was the ultimate recourse to Biafra inevitable? This is a debatable point, what is not contestable is that there was sufficient justification for the secessionist option. Given the enormity of the cost in human and material devastation and the futility of the aspiration, it is compelling (in the aftermath of the monumental tragedy) to argue against its inevitability and that perhaps the chief Biafra protagonist, Emeka Ojukwu, should not have held on to the maximalist position. The characteristic flaw of this retrospection is the liability to the valid accusation of being wise after the event. Such wisdom was indeed…
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The Nigerian Army on Friday said soldiers who disappeared after a fierce encounter with Boko Haram insurgents at Gudumbali area of Borno State have rejoined their unit. The Army’s admission that the missing troops have rejoined their unit has further validated an exclusive media story that at least 105 soldiers attached to the 157 battalion went missing after they came under intense attack from Boko Haram insurgents on Wednesday. But in attempts to cover up the setback suffered by its troops and discredit exclusive reports on the matter, senior officials of the Nigerian Army made at least four contradictory statements…
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Edo State Police Commissioner, Mr. Chris Ezike, on Thursday confirmed that a shoot-out between Fulani Herdsmen and members of a vigilante group in Owan East local government area of the State, left one person dead and another seriously injured. The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday between Ivbiaro and Ihiebve in Owan East. It was reliably gathered that the Fulani herdsmen who had earlier kidnapped someone in the area, were moving their victim from one point to another when the members of the vigilance group were informed. They were said to have moved in to confront the herdsmen leading to the…
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The Petroleum Profits Tax collection for the year has dropped by N390bn from a target of N1.48tn to N1.09tn, the Acting Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Mr. Babatunde Fowler, has said. According to him, over 200 oil and gas companies operating in the country have not filed their tax returns for the year. Due to the significant drop in oil prices, he said that a huge gap existed between the revenue generated by the FIRS and the total revenue by other government agencies like the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Department of Petroleum Resources and the Nigeria Customs Service…
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Towards a “New” Buharinomics At the end of this century, Nigeria is projected to be the country with the highest gain in its population (close to one billion and third most populous country) and has the potentials to become one of the largest 10 economies in the world. But it could also unravel. The time is now, and the choice is ours. Again, history beckons on PMB— as the president who came “at the wrong time” according to him but one who seized the opportunity to make history. This year, 2015, is the first year of our second 100 years…
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How a small, open market economy responds to terms of trade shocks and not trivial debate on ‘devalue’ or ‘not devalue’: Unfortunately, the debate around the issue has been wrongly trivialized as whether to ‘devalue’ or ‘not to devalue’ the Naira. Much of what I have read have little basis in theory or empirical evidence or even counterfactual analysis but a rehash of the sterile but polemical diatribe between ‘neo-liberals’ and ‘neo-socialists’, or simply selective partial analysis. This is not helpful and diverts attention from an otherwise serious policy issue. The issue basically is how a small, open economy…
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Nigeria desperately needs the moral force/Spartan discipline and leadership of PMB at this time to fight corruption, terrorism, and hopefully begin to reconstruct the values of a people gone astray. On the economy, it is not going to be an easy transition for PMB. Igbos have a proverb that one does not learn to use the left hand at old age, but my prayer is that for the sake of Nigeria, he would have to do so and quickly too. Many great world leaders have had to undergo this personal transformation to adapt and exploit the levers provided by how…
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Every team serious about ‘change’ starts with a clear identification of the baseline from which it measures deviations/progress. Nigeria has had 16 uninterrupted years of democracy with the PDP controlling the federal government as well as majority of the states. APC is now in charge at both the centre and majority of the states. A minimum standard for measuring ‘change’ is the extent to which APC government beats the record of the PDP in measurable terms. As the saying goes, if you can’t measure it, you can’t improve/change it! Government must strengthen the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and preserve…
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In the aftermath of the unfortunate bombings and sporadic attacks that took place in Damaturu the Yobe State capital and environs on the last Sallah Day, the Embassy of the United States in Nigeria hastily put out a public statement declaring that such like bombings should be expected in three well known hospitality establishments in Abuja the nation’s capital. To discerning observers not only did that score high marks for bad manners as that was hardly what a nation still grieving and coming to terms with its losses expected from a supposedly friendly nation, but that the US embassy was…
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Nigerian governors under the auspices of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) on Wednesday evening said, more states may be unable to pay workers’ salaries if the revenue of the country continues to be on the decline. Chairman of the Forum, Governor Abdul’aziz Yari of Zamfara made the disclosure while briefing reporters on the resolutions of the forum at its meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, The Cable reports. He said the forum discussed the economy and resolved to look for means to enhance states’ internally generated revenues as well to cut overhead cost, especially the salaries of political office holders. Governor…
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Funnily, these two presidents were born in the same year. Spooky.
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Chief of Army staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai has waved aside reports that about 105 soldiers prosecuting the war against Boko Haram terrorists met their untimely death when they failed to return in a bid to annihilate the terrorists in the North East. The media had been awashed with news that about 100 plus Nigerian soldiers were missing after Boko Haram attacks in the epicenter of the battle. But General Buratai in a telephone conversation with Vanguard said, “It is not true that our soldiers are missing. The soldiers went on a mission for the Nigerian nation and they have…
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Amid rising tension in the South-East over the activities of pro-Biafran groups, the South-East Governors Forum met in Enugu on Tuesday, calling on members of the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, and the Independent People of Biafra, IPOB to maintain peace in the interest of the zone. On the activities of MASSOB/IPOB, the governors said they would consult widely with the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, National Assembly members, ministers and other stakeholders from the zone towards achieving peace. The meeting, which lasted for several hours, was attended by governors Chief Rochas Okorocha, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu and Rt.…
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Former United States President Jimmy Carter has poured encomiums on Nigeria’s former President Goodluck Jonathan. The 39th US President described Jonathan as a symbol of democracy on the African continent. He made the remark while receiving Jonathan at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum located at the Carter Center in Atlanta. They were said to have held a fruitful meeting at the Carter Center where they held a wide-ranging discussion on global issues and shared views on how to promote peace, democracy and good governance in Africa and the world. Speaking on Jonathan’s time in office, Carter said: “President…
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…It is jaw-dropping, its alarming, its humongous and unimaginable. Every court of conscience has already condemned him. But then, there is a procedure laid down which must be adhered to by constitutional law and natural law. A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is “putting on its shoes”. Till they meet, issues remain unresolved. We once thought that Hamza Mustapha and Sgt Rogers were so obsessed to shoot any anti-Abacha , until Oputa Panel separated the facts from the fictions.We knew who did what. The President can make any orders for his arrest but that…
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Former United States President Jimmy Carter has poured encomiums on Nigeria’s former President Goodluck Jonathan. The 39th US President described Jonathan as a symbol of democracy on the African continent. He made the remark while receiving Jonathan at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum located at the Carter Center in Atlanta. They were said to have held a fruitful meeting at the Carter Center where they held a wide-ranging discussion on global issues and shared views on how to promote peace, democracy and good governance in Africa and the world. Speaking on Jonathan’s time in office, Carter said: “President…
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The Nigerian Governors Forum said they have not seen prospects in the oil industry in the near future. Chairman of the Governors Forum and governor of Zamfara state, Abdulaziz Yari Read the communique issued at the end of the meeting He said: “We resolved that we must look at ways to enhance revenue generation and at the same time look at ways to cut our overhead costs more especially the political office holders’ salaries and other overhead expenses. “The situation is no longer the same when we were asked to pay N18,000 minimum wage, when oil price was $126 (per barrel)…
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Palpable tension has enveloped the border town of Okuta in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State over the alleged invasion of 16 villages by the authorities of Benin Republic. Already, the authorities of the neighbouring country have gone ahead to construct Gerdarmes Office (Police station) in the affected Nigerian communities and also hoist their national flag at the affected Nigeria villages. The development, according to THISDAY investigations, has disregarded the boundary delimitation of 1914 between Britain and France which the two countries had respected. The affected Nigerian villages, according to THISDAY checks, include Ogomne, Bwin, Gandasunon, Kpuru and Woru…
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November 8 2015 Some leaderson the 8th November 2015 in Ibadan warned that the Yoruba will reconsider her membership of the Nigerian federation if the cultural and political marginalization continues unabated. The summit is not impressed by the slogan of renaissance renting the air, saying that the country has merely slid into the firm grip of another self-serving ethnic cabal intent on pinning the country down in her historic state of control my vested interests. Presided over by former Governor of the Western Region, General Adeyinka Adebayo the summit warn that the Yoruba will no longer tolerate the sustenance of…
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I have noticed some miscommunication and misconceptions about what the Biafra movement is about. Here are 9 key facts about the NEW BIAFRA that everyone should know: (1) Biafran agitation has nothing to do with hydrocarbon crude oil deposits in Niger Delta. Imo, Abia, Anambra are currently oil producing states in Nigeria, with huge natural gas reserves not forgetting the enormous untapped coal deposits in Enugu. (2) Biafra is not land-locked. It has numerous access to the sea, including through the River Niger. (3) Biafra entire population is about 35 million people which is greater than the population many advanced…
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This is a story like no other and it cannot be told like any other. It is a tale from the super highway of power and the fast lane of confusion. Nothing is sweeter than power and money, in no particular order, as long as you have both you are in the rarefied company of national decision-makers. And nothing is sadder than having both and falling from grace to grass or from fame to infamy. Mrs Alison-Madueke had the world not just at her feet but firmly in her palm. She could apparently turn a certified pauper into a certificated…
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The immediate past National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd) has given his side of the story on the arms procurement saga which has pitted him against the incumbent federal government led by President Muhammadu Buhari. In a statement on Wednesday, Dasuki insisted he was never invited to appear before an Investigative Panel on the Procurement of hardware and munitions in the armed forces. The full statement reads: “In a theatrical manner, the Presidency fed the public with many allegations against my person and yet to be named former public officers. “To draw sympathy, the presidency quoted some absurd findings…
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In just six months, the government’s anti-corruption policy has gone off the rail. During the election, candidate Buhari made this pledge: “Whoever that is indicted of corruption between 1999 to the time of swearing-in, would be pardoned. I am going to draw a line, anybody who involved himself in corruption after I assume office, will face the music.” At the time, cynical observers insisted this was designed to reassure corrupt members of his APC party who were campaigning for him that he would not come after them after the election but would let sleeping dogs lie. But once in office,…
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The Department of State Services, DSS, continued siege to the residence of former National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (Rtd) is as a result of the agency wanting to lay their hands on the tape of the secret meeting former INEC chairman Professor Attahiru Jega held with Northern leaders in Dubai which is in Dasuki’s possession. The DSS had on July 9, 2015, on a Thursday, raided Dasuki’s Abuja and Sokoto homes which the agency claimed to be based on credible intelligence linking the immediate past NSA, Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (Col rtd) with alleged plans to commit treasonable felony against…
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OF late, two Ijaws citizens have come under the light of the agents charged with corruption: Mrs. Diezani Allison-Maduekwe, and Chief D. S. P Alamieyesiegha. One was arrested in London plushest address at No.1 Park Lane; another one was being sought out by the British police to answer charges of money laundering. This piece in no way condones alleged corrupt practices and no one should read it as such. For the benefit of doubt, Mrs. Deziani Allison-Madueke was charged with corruption; the NNPC over which she presided was the Sodom and Gomorrah of corruption and the stories about how allegedly…
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Russian President, Vladimir Putin, said on Monday that funding for the extremist group, Islamic State, comes from sources in 40 countries, including several members of the G20. These undisclosed countries need to do more to prevent such funding as well as the sale of oil and other resources by Islamic State, Mr. Putin said. “I provided examples based on our data on the financing of different Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) units, by private individuals. “This money, as we have established, comes from 40 countries and, there are some of the G20 members among them,” Mr. Putin told journalists. Mr.…
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PRAY FOR MBAKA: Since we are in the mood of prayer and fasting, I urge all of you to add Father ejike Mbaka to your prayer points. Before I go into details, I would want us to look at these quotes from the scriptures. 1Corinthians 14:33 ” For God is not the author of confusion but of peace,as in all the churches of the saints” Exodus 20:7 “Thou shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain,for the Lord will not leave unpunished (guiltless)that taketh his name in vain” Matthew 7:15-16b “Beware of false prophets,who come to…
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When the 12 northern states opted for Sharia law against the constitution, it was business as usual, no body went to jail for subverting the constitution. When they formed Para-military organization, called Hezbollah in Kano to enforce Sharia. it was not subversion.. When the enforcers went into Sabongari,an area that was created for settlers, destroying their businesses, burning, beating and even killing the settlers, there was calm in the polity. We are one country. Nobody went to jail. None of the victims were compensated. We still remain one country. It was not political. The media kept quiet. The victims are…
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The International Society for Civil Liberties & the Rule of Law (Intersociety) has accused President Muhammadu Buhari of unleashing state terror on Nigeria, using the instrumentality of the Department of State Security Service (DSS or SSS). The leading rights group made the allegation in a letter it wrote to the United Nations and eleven other influential members of the international community – US, UK, EU, Vatican, France, Germany, Australia, Brazil, India, Japan and Canada. Dated 13th November, 2015, the letter was signed by Intersociety Board Chairman Emeka Umeagbalasi, Head, Campaign & Publicity Department, Uzochukwu Oguejiofor-Nwonu, Esq., and Head, Civil Liberties…
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When the 12 northern states opted for Sharia law against the constitution, it was business as usual, no body went to jail for subverting the constitution. When they formed Para-military organization, called Hezbollah in Kano to enforce Sharia. it was not subversion.. When the enforcers went into Sabongari,an area that was created for settlers, destroying their businesses, burning, beating and even killing the settlers, there was calm in the polity. We are one country. Nobody went to jail. None of the victims were compensated. We still remain one country. It was not political. The media kept quiet. The victims are…
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I. Introduction A new nation has been born. Fourteen million people have taken their destiny into their own hands and embarked on the task of building a nation free from fear, bitterness and hate. Their sole aim is to develop their innate capabilities and rear their children in an atmosphere of peace and security. They stretch their hands of fellowship to all nations and appeal for understanding, friendship and co-operation. We, Biafrans, opted for self-determination after a long period of heart-searching and after making desperate efforts to save the Federation of Nigeria from disintegration. More than any other people…
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The can of worms opened by Senator Dino Melaye on the fraud perpetrated under watch of President Muhammadu Buhari in the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA), may be deeper than explained as the consultants have explained to the President how the 1% percent fee it charged for processing the payments, was shared. Though Sen. Melaye had alleged that the consultant, using a payment platform known as Remita, pocketed a princely N25 billion within a few days implementing the TSA order, the consultants however claimed that only N3 billion had entered its coffers as earnings from its services. Dismissing…
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The gullible average Nigerian conflates ‘change’ with ‘progress’ or ‘positive transformation,’ without realising that the objective processes which lead to change are dependent on the blending of several variables and that positive or progressive change is quite different from mere change. Ordinarily, change in itself is an inherent feature of reality at all levels of being. But progressive change, which is value-impregnated, is utilitarian and consequentialist in character, since it signposts a transition from one state of being to another judged to be beneficial for a certain purpose determined by an individual or group. Hence, there are different ways of…
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In about three weeks from now, precisely on November 29, 2015, it would be six months since Muhammadu Buhari, flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last presidential election, assumed office as President. The fundamental slogan or catch phrase of his party during the electioneering campaigns was “change.” Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari arrives at Indira Gandhi International Airport for the Third India-Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi on October 27, 2015. India is hosting an unprecedented gathering of Africa’s leaders as it ramps up the race for resources on the continent, where its rival China already has…
OBLONG MEDIA GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE 