NIGERIA: Six Years After, FG Renews Chevron’s Licence for 20 Years

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Read Time:3 Minute, 53 Second

Exactly six years after the operating licence for Chevron’s Oil Mining Leases (OMLs) 83, 85, 88, 89, 90, 91 and 95 expired in December 2008, after 40 years of issuance, the federal government has renewed the licence for these seven leases for another 20 years, THISDAY has learnt.

Chevron Nigeria Limited operates these seven acreages and five others – OMLs 49, 51, 52, 53 and 55, under a joint venture with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), with Chevron having 40 per cent interest, while the national oil company holds 60 per cent.

Before the renewal, Chevron had commenced the divestment of its 40 per cent stake in five of these 12 acreages.

THISDAY gathered that Chevron applied for the renewal of the license since 2006, two years before the expiration.

It was however, not clear why the federal government delayed the approval for six years after the expiration; neither was it clear why the recent approval by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, was kept out of the public glare, unlike the renewal of the Mobil license for 20 years, which was signed in full public glare in February 2012.

Chevron’s General Manager in charge of Policy, Government and Public Affairs (PGPA), Mr. Deji Haastrup, declined to comment on the matter, despite several e-mails and text messages.

But a top official of the company, who did not want to be quoted, confirmed the renewal to THISDAY but declined to give details on the reserves capacity of the seven acreages, as well as the financial commitment of Chevron to the federal government, with regards to the renewal, citing “charged political atmosphere.”

He stated that the renewal would inspire the confidence of Chevron and other International Oil Companies (IOCs) in Nigeria’s operating environment, which has been characterised by uncertainty due to the non-passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

The relevant officials of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) also declined to comment on the matter when contacted by THISDAY.

Chevron’s earlier attempt to divest its 40 per cent stake in OMLs 52, 53 and 55 to encourage indigenous companies was stalled in protracted litigation as one of the bidders, Brittania-U Nigeria Limited dragged the company to court, seeking among other reliefs, a declaration that its final bid offer of $1,015,000,000.00 should be accepted by Chevron.

Controversy had also trailed the clinching of Chevron’s 40per cent stakes in OMLs 83 and 85, by First Exploration and Production (First E & P), as another Nigerian independent company, Petroleos De Geneve (PDG) was said to have protested against alleged manipulations, appealing to the government not to approve the deal.
Petroleos De Geneve was said to have claimed that it submitted higher bids than First E & P in the OMLs 83 and 85 transactions.

By the terms of the bidding process, the bidders were required to provide stand-by Letters of Credit (LC).

But Chevron was said to have notified Petroleos De Geneve that it did not receive written confirmation from a South African bank on the Letters of Credit issued by the bank to PDG.

However, PDG had claimed that contrary to Chevron’s position that it did not receive confirmation from the South African bank, the bank actually confirmed their LC to Chevron.

Though its performance results for 2014 are not yet available, Chevron is Nigeria’s third largest producer after Shell and ExxonMobil, with net daily production averaging 233,000 barrels of crude oil, 182 million cubic feet of natural gas and 5,000 barrels of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in 2013.

Alison-Madueke had promised as far back as in May 2012 that Chevron’s license would be renewed in June the same year but the promise was not fulfilled.

Speaking in May 2012 at the “Ministerial Platform” in commemoration of Nigeria’s Democracy Day, Alison-Madueke said the federal government would renew Chevron’s license in June 2012, as a follow-up to the renewal done in favour of ExxonMobil earlier in February.

“In order to ensure our commitment in the vibrant upstream sector, we have had to provide security for investors and we have started the renewal of leases in good faith; firstly with the NNPC/Mobil Producing Nigeria joint venture which was done a couple of months ago in respect of OMLs 67, 78 and 70 in our shallow waters.
Other renewals which have to do with Chevron and Shell are expected to be concluded by June at the latest.”

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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NEMA Advocates Installation of Hi-tech Speed Monitoring Gadgets

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Read Time:3 Minute, 56 Second

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has called for the deployment of high-tech speed monitoring gadgets on Nigerian highways, expressing fears that road traffic accidents  might become the fifth most frequent cause of death worldwide.

The NEMA Director-General, Alhaji Muhammed Sani-Sidi, made the call at a workshop on basic emergency response management for members of major transport unions, held at the Red Cross Secretariat Hall in Benin City, Edo State.

Sani-Sidi said though the federal government was concerned about how to curb the  rapidly increasing impact of disasters in the country, among the list is  “human-induced hazards including and in this case, road traffic incidents.’’

Sani-sidi was represented by Mr. Benjamin Oghenah, NEMA South-south zonal coordinator

The DG said the incidents of road accidents was on the increase, quoting the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) statistics as saying “about 3,500 traffic accident deaths occur daily, nearly the same as those of tuberculosis deaths and higher than the number of malaria deaths.

“Road traffic accidents is recognised as the 10th most frequent cause of death overall. If we don’t take action, injuries from road traffic accidents will be the fifth most frequent cause of death in the world by 2030.’’

Sani-Sidi, however, said: “Half of these accidents can be avoided if we succeed in revising the global trend and reduce the number of annual traffic deaths immediately.’’
The DG was quick to say that road safety management in Nigeria was faced with multiple challenges which range from road infrastructure, law enforcement and institutional capacity.      

In his speech, the Edo State FRSC Sector Commander, Oluwasusi Familoni, while corroborating Sani-Sidi’s observations, implored all road users to abide at all times, with road traffic laws for their safety on the roads.

Familoni, who acknowledged reckless driving and misuse of sirens by some government officials, attributed the lack of political will on the part FRSC to apprehend such offenders.

Although he said there were certain categories of government personnel permitted to use the siren, the FRSC commander, however, urged Nigerians to be safety conscious at all times and to take advantage of FRSC free-toll numbers of either 112 or 122 on emergency situations.

Some of the stakeholders who participated in the workshop included representatives of major transport companies, FRSC, Edo State Traffic Management Agency, Red Cross and members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) safety club while the officials of the NEMA rescue unit shared some rescue strategies with the participants.

Meanwhile, NEMA said it has delivered 540 metric tonnes of  assorted relief  items approved by the federal government  to Nigerian refugees in the Republic of Niger who are taking shelter in  different locations in the Diffa region.

The refugees fled to the country as a result of attacks by Boko  Haram’s insurgency  in  Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States.

A statement issued by a Senior Information Officer with NEMA,  Mr. Sani Datti, said the items which included foods and non foods were meant to provide succour to Nigerian refugees, were handed over to the Governor of Diffa Region for  onward distribution to beneficiaries.

The statement said the DG of NEMA,  Sani-Sidi,  in accompany  with the Nigerian Ambassador to Republic Niger, Alhaji Aliyu Sokoto, Director General National Orientation Agency NOA), Mike Omeri,  Secretary General Nigerian Red Cross, Bello Dharam, handed over the items through   the Nigerian ambassador to Diffa Governor, Yakouba Saumana Gao.

Speaking during the presentation of the items, the Nigerian envoy, Sokoto, said as a result of unprecedented activities of Boko Haram in the North-eastern  Nigeria, many Nigerian citizens from Borno and Yobe States especially those living close to the Nigeria-Niger border had crossed into Diffa region of Republic of Niger to seek for safety and protection of their dignity.

The ambassador said the government  of Niger and its  people  had received them even at the detriment of their personal convenience and risk of the depleting their means of livelihood.

The NEMA DG said the Nigerian government was responding to the humanitarian crisis while at the same time working assiduously to end terrorism.

He said the president had directed NEMA to provide humanitarian relief to Nigerian refugees.

According to him, NEMA will continue to liaise with government of the Republic of Niger to ensure that all Nigerian refugees are living in better condition.

He thanked the Republic of Niger on behalf of the federal government for hosting and providing them with protection.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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NIGERIA: Lagos Protests FG’s Ban on Advertisements on Federal Roads

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Read Time:3 Minute, 17 Second

A coalition of the Lagos State Government, outdoor practitioners and human rights activists on Thursday protested the decision of the federal government to suspend all approvals for the use of its right of way for advertisements on federal roads in the state.

The protest, led by the Managing Director of Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA), Mr. George Noah, began at about 12p.m. at Ikeja, matched through Mobolaji Bank Way and terminated at Maryland.

The protest brought together thousands of aggrieved outdoor practitioners and workers of different advertising agencies from the state, thus demanding the reversal of the federal government’s ban on federal roads in Lagos.

The protesters comprising engineers, architects, painters, printers and dryers among others displayed diverse placards with such inscriptions as “No to FG’s intimidation; don’t destroy outdoor business; enough of impunity; we say no to lawlessness; the law must be obeyed; outdoor business is dying and enough is enough.”

Addressing the aggrieved practitioners at Maryland, the Managing Director blamed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the federal government’s suspension of all approvals for the use of its right of way for advertisements in the state, which he described as an absolute act of impunity.

He said the federal government’s impunity was what aggrieved practitioners to protest the illegalities, which he said, existed in outdoor business in Lagos State, thereby condemning the suspension in absolute terms.

Noah said: “It is unfair. It is inconsiderate. It is illegal. We represent the people of Lagos State by virtue of the fact that the law gives LASAA the authority to control and regulate outdoor business in this state. We shall continue to fight for the right of all practitioners and all those who are involved in outdoor business in Lagos State.

He said the protest was the beginning of the battle against impunity and illegalities against the people of Lagos State, noting that the federal government could not come “to Lagos State with impunity and disrupt the business of honest hardworking people. They toil day and night to make sure they make a decent living.”

He added that the state government had decided to seek redress in the law court, insisting that the matter would be pursued “to a logical conclusion. If we need to settle it in the law court, we will. If they have sense, they should retrace their steps and the outdoors business in Lagos alone.

“There are outdoor agencies in Lagos State that we regulate. We have lost more than N350 million as a result of this impunity being perpetrated by the PDP. The outdoor practitioners are opposed to impunity in Lagos State. They are opposed to people that will cause unemployment in this state.

“Lagos residents are opposed to people that will disrupt their business. The firms that were affected are Huawei, the Chinese telecom giant and Globacom. They have cancelled the contract on Third Mainland Bridge because one political party went and placed its advert side by side with their adverts after they have paid for those streetlight poles.

“It is bad business. It is at a time when we are trying to encourage foreign investments into this country. They are sending bad signals to foreign investors because what they are trying to tell them is that they can come to Nigeria and even when you sign contracts, a government can come or a political party can come and decide that it is not about the contract you signed.

“They are opposed to people that will disrupt their business in this state. Some of the affected companies are Huawei, the Chinese telecoms giant and Globacom. They have cancelled the contract on Third Mainland Bridge because one political party went and placed its advert side by side with their adverts after they have paid for those streetlight poles.”

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Moro: Buhari’s Certificate Saga, a Constitutional Requirement

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Read Time:3 Minute, 5 Second

The Minister of Interior, Mr. Abba Moro, has said that the certificate saga involving the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Maj-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, is not a personal attack on him but a constitutional requirement by law which must be made known by any person vying for the office.

Moro disclosed this on Thursday at a press conference in Abuja where he X-rayed some of the mechanism being put in place by the ministry to ensure  free and fair elections next month.

He said: “We must be mindful of the legitimacy of the election and governance. If for any reason there are question marks from certificate presented by individuals presenting themselves for elections, these are certainly some salient issues that must be addressed before the elections, and I think we must take proper cognisance of this.

“The minimum requirement for some of these elections is just school certificate and so if you don’t possess that certificate, then you know that your credibility is in question and the outcome of the election, in the likely event that you are winning certainly will not be legitimate.”

“I think that we should be concerned about debating this issue, about finding answers to the questions that are right, because if you are talking about a certificate that was obtained in 1961 and questions and issues are raised about that certificate, it is very important, the school still exist, the examining body still exist, and so I don’t think it is any big deal asking any of these agencies to provide a copy of that certificate that was issued in 1961,” the minister stated.

Moro added further that, “when you begin to  issue a modern statement of result for examination that took place in 1961, then some questions must be asked. When a day after discussing the whereabouts of the certificate, the same school issues a modern day SSCE headed paper, when we are talking about WASC/ Cambridge examination, certain questions must be asked and answered”

“We are talking of certain result that was issued in favour of one Mohammed and we are talking about Muhammadu here, then certain questions must be answered, when you are talking about certificate issued with the photograph of a 72 year old person, and we are talking about a certificate issued in 1961”

“It is not an issue we must wish away all because another person is involved, even if it is the president of this country that is involved, he must be asked questions and he must proffer answers”

“They are not personal attacks like the certificate we are talking about, it’s a requirement by law, so we must know that who ever is going for the election has it,” Moro stressed.

He added that it was normal to expect hypes during elections, but assured that the anxiety been expressed in some quarters are unwarranted.

Despite the anxiety, Moro noted that government was determined to ensure security of lives and property of citizens before, during and after elections.

The minister emphasised that there was no need for movement by Nigerians away from states where they resides, to their states of origin, due to the fear of violence, stressing  that the arrest of foreigner with PVC and interception of ballot boxes are in response to steps that government has taken to ensure security of the electoral materials.

Moro categorically stated that the comments credited to the Bauchi State governor, against the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were out of context because a person cannot attack himself.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Ibadan Agog as Buhari Pledges to Rebuild Nigeria, Tackle Corruption

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Read Time:3 Minute, 6 Second

Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, literally stood still on Thursday as the presidential campaign train of the All Progressives Congress (APC) arrived the city, with its presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), pledging to rebuild the country from the near-precipice he claimed the ruling Peoples Democratic Party had plunged it into.

Buhari also re-echoed his commitment to tackle corruption headlong, rebuild the nation’s infrastructure and empower the people by providing them with good governance and adequate electricity.

The crowd of APC supporters that converged within the precinct of the sprawling Mapo hall was unprecedented as Buhari himself attested to the love shown him by the people of the state with a promise to keep the memory alive and reciprocate their kind gesture.

Buhari arrived in the city on an helicopter at exactly 4:07p.m. and eventually torched down 17 minutes later with the crowd waving the party’s logo, broom, ceaselessly in ecstasy unto his helicopter which hovered around the venue to the admiration of the surging crowd for several minutes.

Buhari lashed out at the PDP government, saying despite the heavy investment in power, the sector could still not provide the masses adequate electricity supply, stressing that the official corruption of the PDP government has been legendary.

His running mate, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, prayed against the return of the PDP, saying the needed change is coming on February 14.

Senator Bola Tinubu appealed to those who are yet to collect their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) to go and collect it now, saying only the APC has the answers to myriad of problems confronting the nation.

The former Governor of Lagos State and one of the national leaders of APC described Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi’s achievements as unprecedented in Ibadan and every part of the state, urging the electorate to re-elect the governor for them to continue to enjoy his government and dividends of democracy.

Tinubu added: “We won’t be suffering the way we are suffering now if the PDP had provided us with quality leadership. You must vote. Vote for your governor, vote APC, change will come on February 14. I can assure you that by the grace of God, when APC wins, there will be change in your houses.”

The APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, asked the crowd what and who they want and they chorused: “Change, Buhari and Ajimobi.”

Oyegun thereafter presented the flag to the governor as the party’s standard bearer in the state.

The colourful event also witnessed the first rain of the year as people defied the torrent which lasted for few minutes.

The Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, said he lived in Ibadan many years ago and could see changes in the city.

He assured the people that Buhari would change Nigeria and stop corruption, alleging that “PDP killed all the industries in many states of the federation, stressing that: “As a former head of state, Buhari will change the nation. When they came to power in 1999, petrol was N20 likewise many other sectors of the economy were bubbling but today, what do we have, ruins everywhere.”

Both Ajimobi and his Osun State counterpart, Rauf Aregbesola, said change was inevitable at the centre as they called on the people to get ready to vote out the umbrella party in the next month’s general election.

Others on Buhari’s entourage were Senator Bukola Saraki, Kayode Fayemi, Chief Bisi Akande, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori, the campaign Director-General, Governor Rotimi Amaechi; Chief Segun Oni, Chief Adeniyi Adebayo, among other national and state officers of the party.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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NIGERIA: PDP Lifts Suspension on Tukur

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Read Time:39 Second

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday announced the lifting of the five-week suspension slammed on the former national chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

The lifting of the suspension on Tukur was confirmed to THISDAY by the National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Olisa Metuh.

Metuh told THISDAY that the decision was taken by the NWC and announced yesterday in Yola during the President Goodluck Jonathan’s presidential campaign rally in the Adamawa State capital.

Metuh also said the party commended and appreciated Tukur for mobilising Nigerians for the president’ re-election bid.

Tukur was suspended on December 12 2014, for his attempt to unseat the incumbent national chairman of the party, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu though the courts.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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NIGERIA: PDP Accuses APC of Inciting Violence

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Read Time:5 Minute, 4 Second

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Organisation has slammed the All Progressives Congress (APC) for whipping up sentiments and inciting violence ahead of the scheduled February 14 and 28 general elections.

Director of Media and Publicity of the PDPPCO, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, said in a statement on Thursday in Abuja that the APC’s penchant for propaganda and threat of violence was mind-boggling.

According to Fani-Kayode, “We are not, at all, surprised about the false alarm raised by the All Progressives Congress (APC) that the PDP-controlled Federal Government is planning to declare a six-month state of emergency across the land.  It is characteristic of the opposition to make spurious allegations in the build-up to the scheduled February general elections.

“The APC’s penchant for propaganda and threat of violence is mind-boggling.  The narrative weaved together by the opposition party is disingenuous and it shows how desperate it has become in its impossible bid to dislodge the PDP-controlled Federal Government.

“It is clear that the APC now knows full well that a crushing defeat awaits it at the February 14 presidential election; otherwise why would it embark on this flight of illusion about a purported plot by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to precipitate violence (as a) prelude to the declaration of a state of emergency?

“We state categorically that the PDP is ready for the February 14 presidential elections and all subsequent elections; and is therefore not party to any imagined ploy to postpone or cancel the election.

“At no time has the PDP ever had the power to postpone or cancel elections.  Moreover, the PDP has been consistent in stating its readiness for the forthcoming elections.

“We urge our numerous supporters and indeed all Nigerians to discountenance the panic-driven shenanigans of the APC.

“The inalienable right of every eligible Nigerian to participate in the political process of our great country is guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution as amended and the relevant Electoral Laws.”

He added that: “The PDP has neither the right nor inclination to dictate to anyone, including members of the opposition party, how he or she participates in the electoral process.

“If the APC is afraid that its presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), has fallen foul of the laws of the land, instead of crying wolf, he should submit himself to the nearest police for interrogation and prosecution.

“We call on all Nigerians to be vigilant, because by issuing this outlandish statements, the APC has unwittingly exposed its plot to whip up sentiments and incite the people to violence.

“The forthcoming election is not and should not be a do-or-die affair. We must state clearly that we are not impressed or in the least bit intimidated by their constant, boastful and empty threats. All the promises of violence in the world will not stop us from shaming them on February 14.

“The PDP is battle-ready and we are confident of victory in a free, fair and credible election on February 14 and 28.”

Also, the national leadership of the PDP said it had observed a deliberate plot by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to disenfranchise its members and supporters in Lagos State by refusing to release their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) to them.

The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, in a statement yesterday, said the party had observed that officials of INEC are working hand in gloves with the APC in the state to frustrate the distribution of the PVCs in PDP strongholds as well as to non-indigenes in the state.

The PDP described the development as “unacceptable, illegal and part of the criminal plot by the APC to hold on to power in the face of its dwindling popularity among the people who are now eager to vote en masse for the PDP and end APC’s dictatorial rule in the state.

“While we restate our commitment to peaceful and credible elections on February 14, we will not accept any attempt to scheme us out in any state or states controlled by the APC,” the PDP noted.

The party said the APC had been jittery over the increasing popularity of President Goodluck Jonathan and the PDP governorship candidate in the state, Mr. Jimi Agbaje and now seeks to compromise the electoral process by manipulating the distribution of the PVCs.

Stating that INEC had refused to check the trend despite repeated concerns raised by its state chapter and other well meaning Nigerians, the PDP said the onus now lies with the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, and the leadership of the commission to prove their innocence by immediately intervening and ensuring that all eligible voters in the state received their PVCs accordingly.

The PDP also demanded that INEC thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure that all those involved are sanctioned in order to restore confidence in the electoral process in the state.

The PDP has also described APC claims that it is plotting to scuttle the general election as  unfounded.

The party further said the APC claims of plots to scuttle the 2015 general election as a clear confirmation that the opposition party is not ready for the polls.

Metuh said the APC and its presidential candidate, Buhari are now frustrated that they could not present an alternative to the PDP and President Jonathan and as such, have resorted to fabrication of baseless stories in an attempt to heat-up the polity and divert attention from their failure.

According to PDP, “Having run a superior campaign with its record of achievements and road map for a more prosperous Nigeria, the PDP reassured that it is ready for the elections and urged Nigerians to turn out enmasse and vote for it on February 14.
It also advised the APC to concede defeat noting that its campaigns have already exposed its emptiness and lack of integrity to Nigerians.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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NIGERIA: Agbaje Dismisses Fashola’s Allegation on Tax Evasion

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Read Time:2 Minute, 0 Second

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, has described the allegation by the Lagos State Government that his company was owing the state tax as “false” and “desperate.”

Agbaje, in a statement made available to THISDAY and signed by his media aide, Felix Oboagwina, stated that he was surprised “at this rather personal and unprovoked attack against his person by Governor Babatunde Fashola.”

According to the statement, the same state government this month sent a personal letter to Agbaje, through the states Commissioner for Finance, commending him for his faithfulness in paying taxes relating to his residence.

“We have a letter signed by Ayo Gbeleyi, the State Commissioner for
Finance where Agbaje received commendations for fulfilling his tax obligations. The letter from the ministry says: “A review of our payment records from 2011 shows that you have been consistent with the payment of Land Use Charge on the above property (Agbaje’s residence in Apapa).

“The Lagos State Government wishes to express its appreciation to you on your consistent fulfillment of your civil responsibility and your singular contribution towards the development of the state. We look forward to your continued cooperation in this regard.

“It is a curious contradiction that several days later, the governor himself would express sentiments clearly in contradiction to the spirit and letter of that voluntary and unsolicited commendation from the state.

“Are they feeling the heat of Agbaje and PDP’s impending victory in the state, or how does one explain this recourse to personal attacks recently embarked upon by chieftains of APC?
“Although he founded JayKay Pharmaceuticals, Agbaje left the directorship of the company in 2006, and this is on record with the state. He is no longer involved in the running of the company. And today, he is not even an Executive Director.”

According to Oboagwina, “It will be recalled that the governor only about two weeks ago, said that Agbaje was too old to be governor, although the PDP candidate , only 57.

“This fresh outburst amounts to another futile attempt at mudslinging
by a desperado group that is up against a formidable opponent, and it has only succeeded in staining the source. Lagosians should be wary of APC and its bag of tricks,” the statement read.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Buhari in Edo, Urges Nigerians to Vote Out PDP

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Read Time:5 Minute, 40 Second

The All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally berthed on Thursday in Benin City, the Edo State capital, with a call on the people to use their constitutional powers to vote out the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led federal government.

Speaking to a crowd of supporters at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, venue of the rally, the APC standard-bearer, General Muhammadu Buhari, who promised to bring genuine transformation devoid of cosmetic realities, reiterated his commitment to fight insecurity, create jobs for the teeming unemployed youths and rehabilitate infrastructure across the country.

His words: “I do not think I have absolutely anything new to tell you except what other party leaders have articulated. APC’s intention is to tackle the fundamental problems confronting the country.”

Buhari, who listed the priority areas as insecurity, unemployment, elimination of corruption and improvement in the education sector, said the party would as from May 30, make sure it removes insecurity from the North-east and all other parts of the country.

  On poverty, he said the quickest means the party hopes to drive away poverty from the land is through investment in agriculture.

“We will improve education standards and will also work to rebuild infrastructure and take measures to remedy the erosion sites ravaging many communities.

“We are going to make sure we rehabilitate the power infrastructure. When PDP came into power, the PHCN of blessed memory, we were producing 3,000 to 4,000MW of electricity. Today after the PDP government has spent $20billion, we are producing less without any amount of accountability. Before they kill Nigeria and kill us, we better vote out the PDP. You should make sure you get your voters’ cards so that we can constitutionally vote out the PDP from office,” he said.

Earlier, the Director General, Buhari/Osinbajo Campaign Organisation, and Governor of Rivers State, Hon Chibuike Amaechi, in his opening address, asked the people of Edo State to vote for the APC because President Goodluck Jonathan who is from the South-south while campaigning in Rivers, admitted that he had done nothing for the region.

“Our president, our son, has spent six years and has done nothing, so we will look for a president that will do something for us because the refineries that we have in Port Harcout was built for us by the Hausa/Fulani and not our son.

“One thing about trust is that once it is broken, it becomes difficult to repair. We have decided to vote for another capable person who will be able to work for us in 2015,” Amaechi declared.

Also in his speech, Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, recalled the difficult situation the state had gone through under the  past administration, saying that APC has since revived the things in the state.

He said the APC has succeeded in totally liquidating the rigging machinery which has turned the former election fixers in the state into an over cooked vegetable. He said power generation has dropped to 2,600MW from slightly over 4,000MW.

On hi part, the APC national leader, Senator Bola Tinubu, said the APC was very proud of what Oshiomhole was doing  in the state.

He noted that in the last six years the APC came into power in the state, a lot had change in the physical development of the state.

Tinubu said Buhari and Osinbajo have been put forward for presidency so that light would replace darkness.

Tinubu, who spoke about the revolution to be engineered by the poor in the country, said the people of Nigeria are definitely not ready to take excuses for failing in the education sector, in job creation and poverty alleviation.

He accused the PDP-led federal government of churning out unreliable economic statistics without commensurate impact on the lives of the common Nigerians. “This has to change,” Tinubu stated.

Furthermore, the National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, said the PDP should be changed because it has failed in several areas to satisfy the yearnings of the people.

Oyegun described Buhari as a man of principle and a credible leader who would rescue the country from bad governance.

Meanwhile, the APC Presidential Campaign Organisation (APCPCO) has alleged of dastardly plot by the ruling PDP and the President Jonathan-led federal government to stop Buhari using the guise of the court that he  lied under oath that the military had his certificate.

The APC said the calculation is that this wicked pronouncement of disqualification of the APC candidate shall precipitate spontaneous violent protests across the country that will eventually scuttle the 2015 general election.

In a statement  signed by Director of Media and Publicity of the campaign, Mallam Garba Shehu, the party said under the plot,  the counter arguments by the APC’s candidate’s counsel would not matter because the particular Federal High Court judge has been prepared to do a dirty hatchet job.

APCPCO said the campaign has it on good authority that the kernel of the plan is to use the subterfuge of the frivolous litigation by some people to get a court pronouncement (from one of the presidency’s pliable judges).

According to Shehu, this scenario shall then make President Jonathan, the PDP candidate in the 2015 general election, to declare a six-month state of emergency across the land.
He disclosed that the three-week long strike action by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) was embarked upon on the prodding of the PDP-led federal government as a way to stymie any higher court upturning of the lower court pronouncement which ruled on President Jonathan’s eligibility to contest the February 14 election.

Similarly, the APC campaign said the same trade union had been procured to open the court to allow for this court pronouncement in disqualifying Buhari from contesting the election.

“We are aware of the intense desperation of the PDP-led federal government of President Jonathan in desiring to retain political power at all costs despite his and his party’s overwhelming rejection by the Nigerian people, ahead of the general election.

“We have brought this wicked plot of the PDP-led government to the attention of Nigerians, from whom any government derives its legitimacy. Nigeria cannot be thrown into chaos because of the selfish and callous desire of a tiny cabal to goad the Nigerian people into its destructive path. The governance of the Nigerian people by any person or group of persons must have the assent of the Nigerian people,” Shehu said.

The APC campaign called on the international community to prevail on presidency not to plunge the Nigerian state into avoidable intractable crisis.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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NIGERIA: APC Youths in Road Show for Buhari

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Youths in the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday organised a road show in Abuja where they sought to bring to the front burner the need to give insecurity, corruption and unemployment priority if elected into office.

Addressing the rally, the national youth leader of the APC,  Ibrahim Dasuki Jalo Waziri, said Nigerians especially the youths have every reason to support and vote for the party’s presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, in next month’s general election.

He said t the road show was to sensitise and inform people about their candidate and canvass more votes for him as the election is just days away.

“We are actually canvassing for votes for our presidential candidate, Buhari and his running mate, Professor Yemi Osinbajo and other candidates of the party in the country for the February elections.”

He said Nigerians had since 1999 been shortchanged as the government had failed to address the nation’s major problems like insecurity, corruption and unemployment which had subjected them to untold hardship and affected their lives.

Jalo maintained that Nigerians especially the youths who were the most affected must use their votes to effect a change by voting for Buhari and all the other candidates of the party so that the country will be better for the generations to come.

“Nigerians deserve change out of their present predicaments. The youths are the drivers of this change. Our presidential candidate have promised us jobs, he promised to tackle insecurity, corruption and other challenges which we believe we have every reason to support them,” he said.

The APC youth leader promised that all the youths and other Nigerians would be mobilised to vote for the party in the elections, adding that the party will defeat the PDP with a landslide to win the election.

He noted that the party’s candidate has gained acceptance in all parts of the country because of his excellent past records as a man of integrity and impeccable character.
He said Buhari had proven everywhere he held positions from being the Head of State to all the other positions he held in the country.

He said the sensitisation programme by the APC and other Nigerian youths would be carried out in other parts of the country in the coming days.

“We intend to replicate this road show in the zones to mobilise people to vote for the candidates for the party,” Jalo said.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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