Fighter Jets and Surveillance Aircraft Deployed to Niger Delta.

The Nigerian military has deployed  fighter jets and surveillance aircraft  in some coastal communities in search of hideouts of the militant group, Niger Delta Avengers (NDA).

The deployment, which has created tension and anxiety among the inhabitants of the affected communities, as they fear likely aerial bombardments of their communities.

Military planes were sighted in some the communities in Southern Ijaw where most of the attacks on pipelines and killing of soldiers occurred recently.

Soldiers had recently invaded Gbaramutu Kingdom in Delta state allegedly in search of ‘Tompolo’who is believed to be the unseen hand driving the recent uptick in militant activities in the Niger Delta Region.

He had refused to appear in court where he is being charged with corruption.

A resident from Ondewari, a community in the council, said the sight and sounds of the jets caused tension in the area.

He said some residents were already getting ready to seek refuge in the mangrove following fears of possible bombardments when the jets disappeared.

“We noticed the jets in the morning. They were military jets. We were afraid and most people were thinking of taking cover when suddenly they flew away. We are still afraid that they may come back. We can't forget the Odi experience”, he said.

But the umbrella body of Ijaw youths, the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) immediately condemned the presence of the fighter jets in the creeks.

The IYC President, Udens Eradiri, after an emergency meeting of the council, in Yenagoa, said the jets were also sighted in some parts of the state capital and Gbaramatu in Delta State.

He urged the military to apply caution in their operations and warned against the strategy of intimidating Niger Delta residents.

Eradiri said the crisis would not be resolved by deploying fighter jets adding that intelligence was a better strategy of dealing with the activities of the militants.

He said the council was happy with the President when he said in his May 29 broadcast that he would engage the stakeholders in the region to resolve the crisis.

He said: “Ijaw people are peaceful people. Ijaw people are not avengers. These jets flying around Yenagoa and Gbaramatu, the avengers are not in these places. We just hope that they were just passing. But if it is hovering around, it means that something is about to happen.

“The military should use more of intelligence so that you don't go around destroying communities. We call on the military to withdraw its tactic of intimidation in Ijaw land.

“Jet fighters will not solve the problem. The economy is in a terrible forecast and we must do everything to save it. We are at the receiving end of the activities of these militants. Why are we also being intimidated”.

He said the Niger Delta region was not interested in pipeline surveillance insisting that only true federalism would solve the problem in the region. Source :thenigerianvoice.com

Opinion: At the event of any crisis, the innocent people, suffers. Whatever the situation is today, the Niger Delta has representatives at the National Assembly etc, and the court system through which they can channel their grievances. Resorting to arms struggle will no doubt worsen the situation. The militants should understand that violence begets violence. Dialogue is the way out.

C.V.Akuta Media UK.

Niger Delta Avengers Mock Tompolo,Whereas Tompolo Denies Knowledge of the Avengers.

The Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, yesterday, blamed former militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, over the sufferings and untold hardship soldiers have allegedly subjected innocent people of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State, particularly women and children, in the past few days .

The militant group, in a statement, by its spokesperson, Col Mudoch Agbinibo, said it had cautioned Tompolo against taking sides with the Nigerian government but he ignored them.

The group said it was going to carry out more attacks, go personal against business mogul and pipeline contractor, Captain Okunbor Idahosa and army officer, Major B. Yahaya, who is leading the assault against unarmed Gbaramatu people. Source: Daily Post.

Opinion: There seems to be some contradictions here. Tompolo wrote a letter which was widely publicized. In the letter, part of which he said, "On the other hand, some have suggested that you may be part of the multitude of characters I had catered for, from economically empowering from payment of school fees, hospital bills, and house rents and so on. And that as am out of circulation as a result of my travails in the hands of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), you might be tempted to strike out on your own for sheer survival.Whichever the case, I still maintain that I know nothing about your group and the destruction of crude oil facilities in the Niger Delta region". (see complete letter on http://www.cvakutamedia.com/2016/05/tompolo-begs-niger-delta-avengers.html) . The Niger Delta Avengers, now said it cautioned Tompolo against taking sides with the government. Tompolo denying he doesn't know them, and Avengers saying the cautioned him from taking sides with the government. Both statements do not add up.

Meanwhile,a former militant and Commander of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Victor-Ben Ebikamobowel popularly known as Boyloaf has condemned the actions of the Niger Delta Avengers. He referred to them as criminals. He specifically fingered Tompolo as the leader of the on going crises at the Niger Delta.

Bloody Protest: BIM-MASSOB Allegedly Killed 2 Policemen, Threw 2 Inside River Niger.

MEMBERS of the Biafra Independent Movement and Movement for Actualization Sovereign State of Biafra, BIM-MASSOB, allegedly killed two police officers in a clash and threw two other injured policemen into the River Niger at Asaba, capital of Delta State, on Monday.

The groups, which marked the anniversary of their agitation, Monday, purportedly made away with an AK 47 belonging to the police and damaged a police and military patrol vans. The police, however, mortally wounded four of them and arrested eight persons. Acting Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, SP Charles Muka, who confirmed the death, said: “The members of the unlawful Independent People of Biafra (IPOB)/MASSOB carried out a violent protest today at Asaba.

The command had sequel to rumours of the planned protest proactively deployed men to strategic locations in Asaba.” “To the chagrin of the Command, the obnoxious irate groups attacked our men and army patrol team at three locations, killed two policemen and injured two others at Cable and Abraka areas and made away with one AK.47 rifle and one smoke riot gunner from the killed and injured policemen. “The callous group threw two of the injured policemen into the River Niger at Cable, while one was later rescued alive. The unlawful groups also damaged Ibusa Division patrol van and a military patrol van.

“In the ensuing confrontation with the groups, four members of the illegal group were fatally wounded, while eight were arrested. The groups were successfully dispersed and Benin/Onitsha expressway and the town made free for people to move and go about their businesses. Source: Vanguard.

Opinion: Very unfortunate that the protest went bloody and hence the losts of lives. Going by the above story, the BIM-MASSOB will incur the wrath of the police. Many would likely be arrested and rot in jail by the police. Thought that MASSOB believes in non exodus and non violence.  The leaders of these groups should stop putting their vulnerable members on harms way. There are other means to protest than going on the streets.

C.V.Akuta Media UK.

Ghost Worker Syndrome: An Awful Statistics.

Ghost workers syndrome is a menace and an avenue to drain the public till. So far the following numbers of ghost workers have been discovered. At the federal level, over 34,000 ghost worker were discovered at the federal civil service, saving the government N2.29 billion naira monthly. Over 43,000 were discovered on the military payroll.

About December 2015, Kebbi State Government uncovered over 30,000 ghost workers. These figures were discovered as primary and secondary school teachers. Bauchi State, discovered over 10, 000 ghost workers on its payroll. Kano State discovered 7,626 ghost workers  after its verification exercise. Kano State Government saves N283.5 million naira monthly as a result of the disclosures. Niger State uncovered 7,000 ghost workers on its payroll. Plateau State uncovered more than 5,000 ghost workers. Still in Plateau, a total of 1832 ghost teachers were traced to one individual alone. Kaduna State government now saves N120 million monthly, hitherto paid to ghost workers.

Anambra State, made a discovery of 850 ghost workers. Ebony discovered 838 ghost workers, employed as cemetery keepers. Bayelsa State discovered 300 ghost workers on its local government payrolls. Lagos State N25 million from monies paid to ghost workers. All these discoveries were made possible due to biometric verification exercises.

Opinion: Everyone found guilty as beneficiaries of ghost workers must be prosecuted and punished. The banks that aided these frauds must be punished.

C.V.Akuta Media UK.

May 2016 Federal Allocation,Worst in 25 Years.

The Kano State governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has cried out that allocations from federation account to states in May, 2016 was the worst in the past 25 years.

“Kano State, in particular, can only sustain itself unless people pay revenue to the government”, Governor Ganduje asserted.

Speaking at a Town Hall meeting organised by the state government and held at Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano, Dr. Ganduje revealed that local governments hardly pay salaries with their monthly allocations until the state governments assist them with some funds.

In the area of tackling poverty and provision of employment, Ganduje stated that the state and the federal governments have brought together wheat farmers and buyers to agree on the price of wheat adding that government earmarked enormous funds for the successful conduct of the programme.

He revealed that about 100,000 rice farmers are being registered by the state government to benefit from the plan to boost rice farming.

Governor Ganduje disclosed that five grazing forests were selected and provided with mechanised boreholes to address Fulani herdsmen and farmers clashes and killings.

The governor said it is no longer fashionable for Fulani herdsmen to travel across the length and breadth of the nation feeding their animals.

“Over 60 people were sponsored and trained in Turkey for animal insemination and are now working at the two centres provided by the state.

“I want to believe this measure will end Fulani herdsmen crisis with the Southern Nigeria’s farmers”, says Ganduje.

Governor Ganduje maintained that the roads that are in deplorable condition are to be rebuilt, despite the shortfall in the size of revenue collected.

He noted that his administration has already embarked on major projects such as the construction of bridge along Panshekara-Challawa road, completion of Giginyu and Zoo road and major hospitals abandoned during his predecessor’s tenure as well as the road linking eight local government areas. Source:today.ng

Opinion: Time has come for states to start generating enough internal revenues, rather than depending on the monthly federal government allocations. There are a lot the states can do in this direction. Agriculture and tourism if well planned and invested on, could boost revenues for states. Weather is good for agriculture.

Tompolo Begs Niger Delta Avengers.

Former Niger Delta militant leader,Government Ekpemupolo Sunday appealed to the renegade militants involved in recent attacks on oil and Gas pipelines in the Niger Delta region to stop and return to the negotiation table with the Federal Government in order to give peace a chance in the Niger Delta Region.

In a strongly worded letter to the newly formed terror group,  the billionaire warlord, in a statement sent to SaharaReporters via email said though he is constrained to write the members of the Niger Delta Avengers group to put an end to this act of pipeline vandalism,  the attacks will not do Nigeria any good, especially in this critical period of its economic history.

High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, in the letter he personally signed, Tompolo stated:

"You members of the Niger Delta Avengers group are aware that some mischievous persons have continued to point accusing fingers at me that I am either behind you or directly carrying out the destruction of oil pipelines across the Niger Delta region. Therefore, I should be arrested by the Nigerian Military. Sadly, the military had bought this ethnic-induced and wicked accusation without a single proof to show that I am truly behind you people."

" On the other hand, some have suggested that you may be part of the multitude of characters I had catered for, from economically empowering from payment of school fees, hospital bills, and house rents and so on. And that as am out of circulation as a result of my travails in the hands of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), you might be tempted to strike out on your own for sheer survival."

"Whichever the case, I still maintain that I know nothing about your group and the destruction of crude oil facilities in the Niger Delta region. I have made it clear on many occasions that the issue I am having with the EFFC will not make me resort to violence, and the bombing of oil pipelines as my team of lawyers have already challenged the defective process of legal service on me in the Court of Appeal."


"I am a man of truth and peace, therefore, will not be involved in violent activities. That notwithstanding, for the love of country and out of patriotism, I wish to appeal to you once again to stop the bombing of oil facilities in the Niger Delta region, and embrace the path of dialogue with the Federal Government of Nigeria, as the government is ready to hear you out on whatever issues you wish to discuss with it. You guys know that I do not know you and how to reach you, except through the mass media."


" If truly as you guys claimed that you are fighting for the well-being of the people of the Niger Delta, then you must adhere to this appeal, otherwise, the World will label you as criminals. Come to think of the consequences of your actions in the region so far, particularly as it affects me and the people of Gbaramatu kingdom."


"Just yesterday, the Nigerian Army invaded the ancestral headquarters of the kingdom, Oporoza town, under the guise of looking for members of your group, particularly me, who they have wickedly linked to your group, and unleashed mayhem on the innocent people of the community. And this happened in my absence as I am currently out of Gbaramatu kingdom, but what I gathered from some of the victims of the Army invasion is unspeakable. Even pots of soup were not spared."


"The Army has massively looted resident homes, desecrated traditional places of worship, committed sacrilege, abominations and what have you. The army has continued to occupy the community till this moment. What a sad tale. One thing you should know is that government is not interested in its constitutional duty of protection of lives and the welfare of its citizens, rather it is interested in the continued flow of crude oil in the region. Therefore, it could do anything to make the oil flow, not minding the security and the welfare of the people. Remember, this same army arrested Chevron Nigeria Ltd staff and labelled them as members of the Niger Delta Avengers few weeks ago in one of the Communities in Gbaramatu kingdom."


"It took a spirited effort by the community and other well-meaning Nigerians to intervene for the release of those Chevron staff. This shows that the Nigerian Government can do anything to our innocent people in the communities in the guise of looking for members of the Avengers.

One other reason you guys must stop this new campaign of destruction is that the contractors in charge of repair works of attacked pipelines are equally culpable in the act of pipeline vandalism as they now sponsor their allays in the communities to continue to destroy pipelines to get more repair works. This is the sorry state we have found ourselves in the Niger Delta."


"To this end dear Niger Delta Avengers, you must put an end to this economic sabotage and allow the government to look into your demands now. I believe a word is enough for the wise. " Sahara Reporters.

Opinion: There should not have been violence,pipeline vandalisation in the first place, knowing that action is equal to reaction. Odi Massacre should serve as enough lesson. No doubt that the innocent people suffers at the event of any crisis. Hoping that the Niger Delta Avengers would lay down their arms. Also, hoping that Tompolo is genuinely not involved. The intelligence and security services knows better.

Charley Boy,President of Frustrated Youths Writes President Buhari.

Charles Emeka Oputa popularly known as Charly Boy, is the new president (and spokesperson) of the – ‘All Frustrated, Abandoned and Voiceless Youths’.

The entertainer’s first assignment on the job is a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari on the commemoration of his one year in office.

Read below:

“My Dear Presido,

You know how hard and for how long you have fought for this your job, now that you have it, we cant wait to see how our lives will change! People already don begin dey throw stones, but me know say many things spoil, one year no fit balance anything.

How far? You see say this matter no dey as easy as you think am, but I know say many of your yarns before you enter, Na political, rhetorical acrobatic, jingoism. Na him make I talk say I go ride my bike reach China if one dollar equal to one Naira. I know that was part of your sound bite during your campaign. Nothing spoil, na Una way.

Now, work don set. I know you understand why our expectations are high, so you can’t blame us too much, because we have been lied to, over and over again by most of our insincere leaders. By faith or design, you have become a symbol of renaissance for a nation that has been battered by mismanagement and unprecedented corruption.
Kai! Odiegwu!

Weather or not you live up to that billing, time would tell.
Many Naijas were sold on your Change Campaign, tired of the usual statuesque and many more just wanted a better life for themselves and their loved ones. All eyes are on you, I trust you know that by now. Let your actions and words demonstrate to us possibilities, hope again for the youths of this country and a channeling back to those core values which we hold sacred. Anything less will be same of the same. Shey you get? Make I no organise boys come shout for your head o.

I would want to believe that you have come to heal and fix the rot.
It will never be easy because of the wolves and sharks amongst us who benefit big time from the corruption, the poverty, the confusion and hopelessness they inflict on Nigerians.
All I ask of you, is to pay attention to the youths of this country whose future has been stolen by the fantastically corrupt leaders.
Oga me, e don set oooooo.” Source: YNaija

Opinion: Very good letter and at the right time too. More like the future of the youths have been mortgaged. Vintage Charley Boy.

C.V.Akuta Media UK.

"Missing WAEC Certificate Saga" Court Throws out President Buhari’s Application To Stop Case.

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has dismissed the preliminary objections filed by President Muhammadu Buhari in the case filed against him challenging his competence to stand election into the office of the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria when he lacks the basic educational qualifications set out in the constitution.

Justice Ademola Adeniyi on Thursday, May 26, 2016 dismissed the preliminary objections filed by President Muhammadu Buhari in the case instituted against him, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/110/2015 by an Abuja based Legal Practitioner, Barrister Nnamdi Nwokocha-Ahaaiwe.

This development was received with shock by the presidency as members of Buhari’s government had forgotten about the existence of the court case.

The Trent learnt that panic has hit Aso Rock as the court ruling took President Buhari and his aides by surprise. The source says that this ruling has posed a big distraction for government activities at the Presidential Villa.

“Nobody even knew the case was still on". The story was not even reported in the mainstream media. No paper carried the Thursday ruling. But I can tell you the Presidency is rattled and seriously hoping that the case does not resurface again in the public domain because of the huge embarrassment it could cause the President.  Source: The Trent.

Opinion: President Buhari now enjoys immunity of office, wondering what the court would do with this case. Above all, President Buhari is qualified to contest election. Except for distraction purposes or for media hype, this case will not go far. But it would interesting to hear the arguments of both sides, and what the Judge decides.

C.V.Akuta Media UK.

Former VP Atiku Praises President Buhari.

Nigeria’s former vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has assured Nigerians that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration will deliver the dividends of democracy. These remarks of the former presidential aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) came in the wake of Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration on Sunday, May 29.

According to Atiku, democracy, despite its limitations and challenges, remains the best form of government anywhere in the world, explaining further that the freedom of choice is one of the most important ingredients of the democratic system. Source: naij.com

Opinion: It's in the best interest of Nigeria that President Buhari delivers on the dividends of democracy. This was why he was elected. His primary responsibilities are to provide welfare and security to Nigerians. Currently, due to fall in oil prices, global economic problems, and economic mismanagement of the past, Nigerians are now facing hards times. Best is to support him navigate Nigeria out of the bad economic situation, that is patriotism.

C.V.Akuta Media UK.

30th May: Biafran Remembrance Day.

On this day (30th May 1967), 49 years ago, Biafra was declared in response to the pogrom, killings and genocide against Igbos in Northern and Western Nigeria.

Biafran Republic was declared to provide Igbos,with security and safety of their lives and properties. Then Nigerian government, in collaboration with imperialistic British government and other foreign powers, declared war on Igbos. At the end of which, over 2 million of Igbos paid the supreme sacrifice. Never again will it happen to Igbos.

Kindly pause and observe a two minute silence for the fallen heroes and heroines. They laid down their lives, that we might have our today. May their souls and other faithfully departed rest in peace.

C.V.Akuta Media UK
30/5/16.

Campaign Funding: President Buhari is Ready for Probe.

President Muhammadu Buhari says he is ready for probe over his 2015 campaign funding or any corruption-related allegations at any time.

And he is not prepared to spare any suspect implicated in the $2.1billion arms deals because the cash was illegally drawn from the public funds in the custody of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

The President, in a wide ranging interview with select newspaper editors as he concludes his first year in office, vows to deal with militants in the Niger Delta and kidnappers holding the nation hostage.

To him, the National Conference organized by the Jonathan Administration, is nothing more than a waste of N9billion, and admits he has not even bothered to touch the report of the confab.

The report may end up in the archives, he says.

On the fate of the Naira, he says he has been under pressure on how to save the currency.

He prays God to continue to protect him from doing anything that will soil his image and explains that even if he has immunity from prosecution now that he is in office, nothing stops the anti-graft agencies from probing leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) suspected of abuse of campaign funds.

His words: “I don’t know whether I have some official protection. If I don’t have it, why haven’t you started the investigation? I see, very good. But then, it doesn’t extend to all the executives and party leaders and the party leaders are there.

“If anybody has received $100 million to give to the party, I think he should be asked to tell us where he got the $100 million. I know those we would eventually successfully prosecute, they wouldn’t leave it, neither will they let their friends leave it. We do not believe if we were so reckless we would get away with it. I don’t believe it.

“Do you remember the three and half years when I was in charge of the petroleum ministry, have you forgotten the $2.8 billion (issue)? If you have forgotten, I haven’t. Have you forgotten the PTF (Petroleum Trust Fund)?

“In the PTF, at one stage we had more than N53 billion at a time, we planned and spent it. It was investigated subsequently.

“So I assure you that I feel perfectly safe. But nobody is perfect, only God is perfect. But let me tell you, from being governor of the six states (the old North Eastern State) which was only for seven months, to the petroleum ministry, to Head of State, and to PTF, I tried not to expose myself, and I hope God will continue to help me.”

On the $2.3billion arms scandal, the President said his administration will not give up in fighting against graft.

He said: “How can you take $2.1 billion meant to fight insurgency and share among yourselves and think that nothing should happen? Not to talk of when political money is being raised for elections and the Central Bank of Nigeria, NNPC, Customs funds are where the funds are collected from.

“We’ve made some progress in recovering this money, which I promised I will tell the nation in the next two or three days, just to show Nigerians that we haven’t given up and have no intention of giving up. We’re giving the people the opportunity of fair trial.

“They took the money and paid into some persons’ accounts, and there are signatures of some persons who admitted that they had taken the money. Somebody comes and calls another, saying ‘you’re a member of this party?’ The other person responds by saying ‘yes’. Then, he’s told ‘take a N100 million to go and keep,’ and the other person doesn’t ask any questions. You take a N100 million and disappear, and subsequently you complain that you have received money for doing nothing?”

On militants and kidnappers he said: “Nobody would invest in an insecure environment. Those who had been in Nigeria for so many years can conduct feasibility studies. But why do they put money paying militants or paying for corruption? This means with all the goodwill we are winning, we may not be able to benefit in the long run because of the kidnapping and the actions of the militants.

“So it is a top priority for this government to address. Once we settle down to make sure that we deal with militants, we will deal with kidnappers also. We will secure this country.”

On the free fall of the Naira, he said: “I challenged Nigerian economists to tell me what benefits Nigeria has earned from the devaluation so far. How many factories have we built by killing the Naira? I have to reluctantly give up because the so-called Nigerian economists come and talk things to me, and when I raise issues they talk over my head instead of inside my head.

“For us to lose over N300 (every year we’re losing the value of the currency by N100), what for? Let them tell me how many factories they’ve built. I find myself in a very difficult state because the economists cannot tell me why we should continue to devalue our Naira. People say import, and we find out that we are just importing food! We’re now planning to stop importation of rice, wheat, maize in three years’ time.

“On the value of the Naira I’m still agonizing over it, that the Naira should be reduced to such a disgraceful level over the last 30 years. I need to be educated on this. But I’m not ruling this country alone. I’m under pressure and we’ll see how we can accommodate the economists.”

Regarding the report of the National Conference, Buhari said N9billion was wasted by the administration of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan. Source: The Nation.

Opinion: President Buhari should read the report of the National Conference. Agreed that so much money was wasted on the conference, but some recommendations of the conference should be adopted in order to reform Nigeria. On the flip side, some members of the National Assembly can introduce some portions of the conference reports, if not all, in formal of bill to the house. There might not be any need to wait for the President to initiate this process.

C.V.Akuta Media UK.

Militants and Pipeline Vandals:Army Arrest 10 Suspects.

The Commander, 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Benin City, Farouk Yahaya, while addressing journalists said the suspects were arrested during a cordon and search exercise conducted in Oporozoa community and its environs in Delta State.

Residents of the area had decried the invasion of the community since Saturday and raised alarm over alleged intimidation of innocent residents.

A resident, who simply identified himself as Raphael, said the suspects arrested were innocent people who could not run away fast enough. He said the soldiers arrested them and labelled them members of the Niger Delta Avengers while the other residents are currently taking refuge in the bush.

The Niger Delta Avengers is the group that has claimed responsibility for recent attacks on oil and gas pipelines and installations.

However, Mr. Yahaya, a Brigadier General, said the arrested suspects may have links with the Niger Delta Avengers. He said guns, ammunition and other equipment were recovered from them.

He said the operation was conducted professionally in line with the code of conduct and rules of engagement of the Nigerian Army.

The Army also reaffirmed its commitment to tackling pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta region.
The recent activities of the militants has been blamed for the worsening power situation in the country as pipelines which transport gas to power generating stations were blown up.
Their activities also led to a reduction in Nigeria’s oil production, leading to less money available for all tiers of government in a period of economic downturn. Source: Premium Times.

Opinion: First the Nigerian Army must make sure those arrested are real militants and not innocent people. Just that is a difficult situation at the Niger Delta terrain. The militants fight like guerrillas. They fight and miss up with the society. Despite the above, the security services must be professional. The communities must assist in this fight. Anyone with useful information should make it available to the security services.

C.V.Akuta Media UK.

Incredible moment : Russian family jumping from a burning building

National Broadcast By President Muhammadu Buhari On Democracy Day.

My compatriots,

 

It is one year today since our administration came into office. It has been a year of triumph, consolidation, pains and achievements. By age, instinct and experience, my preference is to look forward, to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead and rededicate the administration to the task of fixing Nigeria. But I believe we can also learn from the obstacles we have overcome and the progress we made thus far, to help strengthen the plans that we have in place to put Nigeria back on the path of progress.

We affirm our belief in democracy as the form of government that best assures the active participation and actual benefit of the people. Despite the many years of hardship and disappointment the people of this nation have proved inherently good, industrious tolerant, patient and generous.

 

The past years have witnessed huge flows of oil revenues. From 2010 average oil prices were $100 per barrel. But economic and security conditions were deteriorating. We campaigned and won the election on the platform of restoring security, tackling corruption and restructuring the economy. On our arrival, the oil price had collapsed to as low as $30 per barrel and we found nothing had been kept for the rainy day. Oil prices have been declining since 2014 but due to the neglect of the past, the country was not equipped to halt the economy from declining.

The infrastructure, notably rail, power, roads were in a decrepit state. All the four refineries were in a state of disrepair, the pipelines and depots neglected.

 

Huge debts owed to contractors and suppliers had accumulated. Twenty-seven states could not pay salaries for months. In the north-east, Boko Haram had captured 14 local governments, driven the local authorities out, hoisted their flags. Elsewhere, insecurity was palpable; corruption and impunity were the order of the day. In short, we inherited a state near collapse.

 

On the economic front, all oil dependent countries, Nigeria included, have been struggling since the drop in prices. Many oil rich states have had to take tough decisions similar to what we are doing. The world, Nigeria included has been dealing with the effects of three significant and simultaneous global shocks starting in 2014: A 70% drop in oil prices.Global growth slowdown.Normalization of monetary policy by the United States federal reserve.

 

Our problems as a government are like that of a farmer who in a good season harvests ten bags of produce. The proceeds enable him to get by for rest of the year. However, this year he could only manage 3 bags from his farm. He must now think of other ways to make ends meet.

 

From day one, we purposely set out to correct our condition, to change Nigeria. We reinforced and galvanized our armed forces with new leadership and resources. We marshaled our neighbours in a joint task force to tackle and defeat Boko Haram. By the end of December 2015, all but pockets and remnants had been routed by our gallant armed forces. Our immediate focus is for a gradual and safe return of internally displaced persons in safety and dignity and for the resumption of normalcy in the lives of people living in these areas.

 

EFCC was given the freedom to pursue corrupt officials and the judiciary was alerted on what Nigerians expect of them in the fight against corruption. On the economy, in particular foreign exchange and fuel shortages, our plan is to save foreign exchange by fast tracking repair of the refineries and producing most of our fuel requirements at home. And by growing more food in Nigeria, mainly rice, wheat and sugar we will save billions of dollars in foreign exchange and drastically reduce our food import bill.

 

We resolved to keep the Naira steady, as in the past, devaluation had done dreadful harm to the Nigerian economy. Furthermore, I supported the monetary authority’s decision to ensure alignment between monetary policy and fiscal policy. We shall keep a close look on how the recent measures affect the Naira and the economy. But we cannot get away from the fact that a strong currency is predicated on a strong economy. And a strong economy pre-supposes an industrial productive base and a steady export market. The measures we must take, may lead to hardships. The problems Nigerians have faced over the last year have been many and varied. But the real challenge for this government has been reconstructing the spine of the Nigerian state. The last twelve months have been spent collaborating with all arms of government to revive our institutions so that they are more efficient and fit for purpose:

 

That means a bureaucracy better able to develop and deliver policy That means an independent judiciary, above suspicion and able to defend citizen’s rights and dispense justice equitably.That means a legislature that actually legislates effectively and Above all; that means political parties and politicians committed to serving the nigerian people rather than themselves.

 

These are the pillars of the state on which democracy can take root and thrive. But only if they are strong and incorruptible. Accordingly, we are working very hard to introduce some vital structural reforms in the way we conduct government business and lay a solid foundation on which we can build enduring change.

 

An important first step has been to get our housekeeping right. So we have reduced the extravagant spending of the past. We started boldly with the treasury single account, stopping the leakages in public expenditure.

 

We then identified forty-three thousand ghost workers through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information system. That represents pay packets totalling N4.2 billion stolen every month. In addition, we will save Twenty-Three Billion Naira per annum from official travelling and sitting allowances alone.

 

Furthermore, the efficiency unit will cut costs and eliminate duplications in ministries and departments. Every little saving helps. The reduction in the number of ministries and work on restructuring and rationalization of the MDAs is well underway. When this work is complete we will have a leaner, more efficient public service that is fit for the purpose of changing nigeria for the good and for good.

 

As well as making savings, we have changed the way public money is spent. In all my years as a public servant, I have never come across the practice of padding budgets. I am glad to tell you now we not only have a budget, but more importantly, we have a budget process that is more transparent, more inclusive and more closely tied to our development priorities than in the recent past. 30% of the expenditure in this budget is devoted to capital items. Furthermore, we are projecting non-oil revenues to surpass proceeds from oil. Some critics have described the budget exercise as clumsy. Perhaps. But it was an example of consensus building, which is integral to democratic government. In the end we resolved our differences.

 

We have, therefore, delivered significant milestones on security, corruption and the economy. In respect of the economy, I would like to directly address you on the very painful but inevitable decisions we had to make in the last few weeks specifically on the pump price of fuel and the more flexible exchange rate policy announced by the central bank. It is even more painful for me that a major producer of crude oil with four refineries that once exported refined products is today having to import all of its domestic needs. This is what corruption and mismanagement has done to us and that is why we must fight these ills.

 

As part of the foundation of the new economy we have had to reform how fuel prices had traditionally been fixed. This step was taken only after protracted consideration of its pros and cons. After comprehensive investigation my advisers and I concluded that the mechanism was unsustainable.

 

We are also engaged in making recoveries of stolen assets some of which are in different jurisdictions. The processes of recovery can be tedious and time consuming, but today I can confirm that thus far: significant amount of assets have been recovered. A considerable portion of these are at different stages of recovery. Full details of the status and categories of the assets will now be published by the Ministry of Information and updated periodically. When forfeiture formalities are completed these monies will be credited to the treasury and be openly and transparently used in funding developmental projects and the public will be informed.

 

On the Niger Delta, we are committed to implementing the United Nations Environment Programme report and are advancing clean-up operations. I believe the way forward is to take a sustainable approach to address the issues that affect the delta communities. Re-engineering the amnesty programmes is an example of this. The recent spate of attacks by militants disrupting oil and power installations will not distract us from engaging leaders in the region in addressing Niger Delta problems. If the militants and vandals are testing our resolve, they are much mistaken. We shall apprehend the perpetrators and their sponsors and bring them to justice.

 

The policy measures and actions taken so far are not to be seen as some experiment in governance. We are fully aware that those vested interests who have held Nigeria back for so long will not give up without a fight. They will sow divisions, sponsor vile press criticisms at home and abroad, incite the public in an effort to create chaos rather than relinquish the vice-like grip they have held on Nigeria.

 

The economic misfortune we are experiencing in the shape of very low oil prices has provided us with an opportunity to restructure our economy and diversify. We are in the process of promoting agriculture, livestocks, exploiting our solid mineral resources and expanding our industrial and manufacturing base. That way, we will import less and make the social investments necessary to allow us to produce a large and skilled workforce.

 

Central Bank of Nigeria will offer more fiscal incentives for business that prove capable of manufacturing products that are internationally competitive. We remain committed to reforming the regulatory framework, for investors by improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria.

 

Meanwhile, the first steps along the path of self-sufficiency in rice, wheat and sugar – big users of our scarce foreign exchange – have been taken. The Labour Intensive Farming Enterprise will boost the economy and ensure inclusive growth in long neglected communities. Special intervention funds through the Bank of Agriculture will provide targeted support. Concerns remain about rising cost of foods such as maize, rice, millet, beans and gari. Farmers tell me that they are worried about the cost of fertilizers, pesticides and the absence of extension services. The federal and state governments are on the same page in tackling these hurdles in our efforts at increased food production and ultimately food security.

 

I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for the increasing role that our women are playing in revitalizing the agricultural sector. Modern farming is still hard and heavy work and I salute our Nigerian women in sharing this burden. In this respect I am very pleased to announce that the government will shortly be launching the national women’s empowerment fund, which I have approved to provide N1.6 billion in micro-finance loans to women across the nation to assist in rehabilitating the economies of rural communities, particularly those impacted by the insurgency and conflict.

 

With respect to solid minerals, the minister has produced a roadmap where we will work closely with the world bank and major international investors to ensure through best practices and due diligence that we choose the right partners. Illegal mining remains a problem and we have set up a special security team to protect our assets. Special measures will be in place to protect miners in their work environment.

 

For too long, ours has been a society that neglects the poor and victimizes the weak. A society that promotes profit and growth over development and freedom. A society that fails to recognize that, to quote the distinguished economist Amartya Sen “ poverty is not just lack of money. It is not having the capability to realize one’s full potential as a human being.”

 

So, today, I am happy to formally launch, by far the most ambitious social protection programme in our history. A programme that both seeks to start the process of lifting many from poverty, while at the same time creating the opportunity for people to fend for themselves. In this regard, Five Hundred Billion Naira has been appropriated in the 2016 budget for social intervention programmes in five key areas. We are committed to providing job creation opportunities for five hundred thousand teachers and one hundred thousand artisans across the nation. 5.5 million children are to be provided with nutritious meals through our school feeding programme to improve learning outcomes, as well as enrolment and completion rates. The conditional cash transfer scheme will provide financial support for up to one million vulnerable beneficiaries, and complement the enterprise programme – which will target up to one million market women; four hundred and sixty thousand artisans; and two hundred thousand agricultural workers, nationwide. Finally, through the education grant scheme, we will encourage students studying sciences, technology, engineering and maths, and lay a foundation for human capital development for the next generation

 

I would like to pay a special tribute to our gallant men and women of the armed forces who are in harm’s way so that the rest of us can live and go about our business in safety. Their work is almost done. The nation owes them a debt of gratitude.

 

Abroad, we want to assure our neighbours, friends and development partners that Nigeria is firmly committed to democratic principles. We are ready partners in combating terrorism, cyber crimes, control of communicable diseases and protection of the environment. Following on the Paris Agreement, COP 21, we are fully committed to halting and reversing desertification. Elsewhere, we will intensify efforts to tackle erosion, ocean surge, flooding and oil spillage which I referred to earlier by implementing the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report.

 

We are grateful to the international community notably France, the US, UK and China for their quick response in helping to tackle the recent Ebola outbreak in our sub-region. We also acknowledge the humanity shown by the Italian and German governments in the treatment of boat people, many fleeing from our sub-region because of lack of economic opportunity. We thank all our partners especially several countries in the EU.

 

We appreciate the valuable work that the UN agencies, particularly UNICEF, ICRC, the World Food Program have been doing. We must also appreciate the World Bank, the Gates Foundation, the Global Fund and Educate A Child of Qatar for the excellent work in our health, education and other sectors.

 

Fellow citizens let me end on a happy note. To the delight of all, two of the abducted Chibok girls have regained their freedom. During the last one year, not a single day passed without my agonizing about these girls. Our efforts have centred around negotiations to free them safely from their mindless captors. We are still pursuing that course. Their safety is of paramount concern to me and I am sure to most Nigerians. I am very worried about the conditions those still captured might be in. Today I re-affirm our commitment to rescuing our girls. We will never stop until we bring them home safely. As I said before, no girl should be put through the brutality of forced marriage and every Nigerian girl has the right to an education and a life choice.

 

I thank you and appeal to you to continue supporting the government’s efforts to fix Nigeria.

 

One Year in Office: President Buhari's Score Card.

Accomplishments made by President Buhari's administration since his inauguration one year ago.


SECURITY

Fight against insurgency:

•The relocation of the Nigerian Military Command Centre to Maiduguri, since May 2015, contributed to the success in the fight against insurgency in the North Eastern part of the country.

•As at February 2016, the total number of persons rescued by the Nigerian troops during the ongoing operations in the North East came to 11,595

•Since December 2015, the well-motivated and rejuvenated Nigerian Military have regained all Nigerian territories previously under Boko Haram control.

•Prioritized regional cooperation in the fight against Boko Haram insurgency and violent extremism, through the operations of the 8,500 strong Multi-National Joint Task Force in N’Djamena, the capital of Chad, currently headed by a Nigeria military general.

•Nigeria has provided $21million USD to the Task Force since June 2015 and is committed to an additional $79 million USD, bringing the total of Nigeria’s commitment to the Task Force to 100 million USD.

•Cohesive international support in the fight against terrorism and assistance to victims and communities affected by terrorism, following President Buhari’s meeting with G7 leaders and other world powers.

•In May 2016, Nigeria hosted a Regional Security Summit to boost military operations against Boko Haram and forge a global support for the rehabilitation of the IDPs and rebuilding of the North East.

•In June 2015, the United States announced a 5-million-dollar support for the fight against the terrorists in the sub-region.

• In April 2016, during the visit to Ms Samantha Power, the U.S Ambassador to the UN to Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad, the U.S Government further announced an additional  $40 million USD for humanitarian assistance in the sub-region.

•Recruitment of additional 10,000 persons into the Nigeria Police Force is ongoing. The recruitment will address the manpower gap which currently exists in the Nigeria Police

•Overhaul of the dysfunctional topmost hierarchy of the Nigerian military which resulted in optimal result and degradation of the Boko Haram elements.

•Was able to bring back our hitherto military allies; which saw the United States and UK governments commit their resources to the fight against the insurgents after previously backing out of negotiations with the previous administration. The Israeli government has also indicated interest in the fight against insurgency.
 
•Introduction of the motor cycle battalion (This is so that the Nigerian Army can travel to remote areas that were not accessible to cars/trucks).

•Realigned our partnership with regional allies by embarking on foreign visits which resulted in bilateral and multilateral agreements to tackle insecurity back home.

•No more roadblocks and curfews, which normally impeded free flow of movement.

•Continuous monitoring of activities in the region of war through the use of satellite images and geographical information system is helping in fighting insurgency and strategizing against the enemy.

•The trips to our neighbouring countries showed the resolve of the President to push Boko Haram elements out of existence by going for the jugular of the group, cutting their arms, food supply routes. Support has thus been mobilized through the Multinational Joint Task Force.

•Another major stride is the Trans National Organized Crime (TNOC) where the president got partnership with regional allies in the fight against the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons.

•As part of the reconfigured military partnership, the United States donated 24 mine-resistant armoured vehicles (MRAP) which had protected the Nigerian troops from the menace of Improvised Explosive Devices. Today we have less causalities.

• Reached out to the G7 countries and achieved the following: intelligence sharing; technical military training; arms deals/donations.

•Overhauling of NIMASA. A reversed policy of the past administration where national infrastructural assets were given to militia leaders to protect as against established bodies like the Nigerian Navy was stopped.

•The President Buhari government has drafted the army to partner with other security agencies in ensuring the security of our national infrastructure and this is already yielding the desired results.

•A major ring of pipeline vandals in Lagos state were captured recently in a joint operation by security forces led by the army.

•The government has renewed its fight against oil bunkering.

•The Nigerian Navy has recorded tremendous success lately in apprehending vessels used by oil thieves. This operation has improved security on our water ways and it has also helped improve the revenue of government.

•Deployment of sophisticated weapons to ensure vandalism is contained by setting up a pipeline security force in stamping out the menace.

•Effective Management of the Separatist Biafran Movement.

•Improving the technical capacity of Nigerian Police Force. We now have a forensic lab and GSM tracking device. We now have a more IT integrated Police force.

•Restructuring of Nigerian Immigration to stop cross border crimes.

•NSCDC has become more proactive in the prevention of pipeline vandalization, with arrest of several pipeline vandals.

•Joint operations involving various security outfits in curbing the menace of the herdsmen in the country has been set up.

•The use of surveys and updated mappings across the country as strategies for preventing threats among ethnic groups in Nigeria.

CORRUPTION

•Right from the moment he won the Presidential Election in 2015, the impression of the President as a ‘‘no nonsense and incorruptible leader’’ sent a signal to looters of public funds, with many of them returning funds that had been stolen under the previous administration.

•To create a frame work for prosecuting the war against corruption and institutionalize probity, President Buhari set up an Advisory Committee on War Against Corruption.

• The anti-corruption battle is gaining ground with several high profile cases already in the courts. The administration is being guided by the rule of law in the prosecution of corruption cases.

• President Buhari enlisted the support of multilateral institutions like the World Bank and IMF, security agencies, Western countries and other friendly nations to locate and repatriate stolen assets.

• At a London summit on anti-corruption, President Buhari announced that Nigeria will begin the full implementation of the principles of the OPEN contracting data standards.

•In the first quarter of 2016, President Buhari embarked on trips to the Middle East to sensitize the governments on the need to repatriate stolen assets and hand over the looters for trial in Nigeria. In January, Nigeria and UAE signed Judicial Agreements on Extradition, Transfer of Sentenced Persons, Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal Matters.

•In March 2016, the Federal Government and the Swiss Government signed a Letter of Intent On the Restitution of Illegally-Acquired Assets forfeited in Switzerland. Under the agreement, Switzerland will repatriate $ 321 million USD illicitly   acquired by the Gen. Sani Abacha family.

•In March 2016, the Presidential Committee set up to probe contracts awarded by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) from 2011 to 2015 announced the recovery of over N7 billion from indicted companies and individuals.

ECONOMY

• Implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) has provided greater visibility of government revenues and cash flows. Between June 2015 and April 2016, the Federal Government TSA collection clocked N3trillion.

•To further instill fiscal discipline, President Buhari directed the closure of all multiple accounts in Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government, thereby plugging loopholes for leakages with new technology.

• The opaque accounting structure of the NNPC has been reconstructed to be more transparent with the closure of more than 40 accounts. As a corporate entity, NNPC is now accountable and more transparent in operations, publishing its monthly financial reports.

• For a nimble, measurable and effective entity, the NNPC is undergoing restructuring. The restructuring of the NNPC leaves more room for competition, predictable revenue generation and compliance with global best practice of operations.

•Initially grounded before the inauguration, Port Harcourt and Warri refineries are back in operation with 60 per cent capacity and producing 7 million litres of PMS daily. The Kaduna refinery also resumed production at the end of the April, 2016.

• The President also resolved the lingering shadowy oil swap deals that had cost the country billions of dollars and left it at the mercy of a few rich Nigerians.

•To alleviate the suffering of Nigerians in September 2015, President Buhari directed the Central Bank of Nigeria to disburse N689.5 billion as bailout to 27 states of the federation to pay salaries.

•To stimulate the economy and reduce poverty, in April, 2016, President Buhari approved deferment in the payment of the bailout as states were still reeling under the burden of the fall in commodity prices.

•Records of more than 34,000 ghost workers draining the nation’s resources were expunged from the Federal Civil Service, saving N2.29 billion monthly.

•In 2015, President Buhari ruled out the appointment of a government delegation for pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. By this decision, the government saved about one million U.S dollars and N30m of local expenses.

•Enforcement of the Bank Verification Number: Also the BVN has ensured that the menace of "ghost workers" are being identified and dealt with, while looters with multiple accounts can no longer hide their loot undetected.

•Social Protection: Groundwork for social intervention/palliatives for the poor is being put in place as data is being collated by the economic planning office of the VP in conjunction with the World Bank.

OIL AND GAS.

•Reorganization/restructuring of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) into a focused, accountable and transparent institution with autonomous Units (Upstream; Downstream, Gas & Power; Refineries; Ventures and lean Group Headquarters).

•Reduction of operational deficits in NNPC by over 50% as at March 2016 as a result of Increased Transparency and Commercial focus.

•Conduct of NNPC outstanding Annual Audits from 2011 to 2014, and the publication of Monthly Financial and Operations Reports to ensure transparency.

•Introduction of third party financing in order to eliminate direct funding of cash calls by the Federal Government.

•Renegotiation of existing service contracts under Joint Venture and Production sharing contracts (PSC) Operations by about 30% leading to operational efficiency improvements and cost reductions.

•Elimination of the Offshore Processing Agreement (OPA) through the introduction of the Direct Sales and Direct Purchase (DSDP) scheme with reputable off-shore refineries thereby yielding annual savings of US$1 billion.

•Resuscitation of Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna Refineries presently producing about 7 million litres of products per/day.

•Repair of products pipe lines and the resuscitation of supply of products from Atlas Cove-Mosimi- Ibadan- Ilorin after a six year lull.

•Repairs of Escravos/ Warri and Bonny/Port Harcourt crude oil pipe lines.

•Introduction of a Price Modulation framework for downstream petroleum product pricing to encourage responsiveness to market dynamics.

•Guided deregulation of the downstream sector to allow market forces determine product price and eliminate subsidy payments.

•Introduction of the initiative on refinery co-location to increase  domestic refining capacity and minimize the drain on scarce foreign exchange  for product importation
•Commenced policy reforms for gas monetization, flare out and infrastructure development, to fast track power supply and economic diversification.

POWER

•Under President Buhari, the Federal Government agreed to a 50 million Euro (about N11.15 billion) loan agreement with French government for capacity-building and upgrade of power training facilities in Nigeria.

•Nigeria signed a $237 million agreement with World Bank to improve power.

•Chinese solar power manufacturers agreed with the Federal Government to set up solar panel manufacturing business in Nigeria.

•President Buhari has signed an agreement with the Chinese government to improve Nigeria’s power infrastructure

ENVIRONMENT.

•Presidential approval for the Implementation of United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) report 2010 for the clean-up of Ogoniland with regards to oil pollution and inclusion of stakeholders in the process of implementation.

•Continuation of the implementation of the Great Green Wall project to fight and contain desertification in Northern Nigeria initiated by past administration.

JUDICIARY

•Since assumption of office, President Buhari has maintained a clear stance on the rule of law and respect for separation of powers.

•The President has focused on the strengthening of institutions with key appointment of professionals.

•Appointment of 30 new Federal High Court Justices

NATIONAL IMAGE

•On assumption of office, the President undertook some foreign trips both within and outside Africa to re-establish Nigeria’s position in the global arena and solicit support for Nigeria and Africa.

• President Buhari has continually pushed the agenda for enhancing Nigeria’s global image by always demonstrating Nigeria’s credentials in the 2015 general elections, which saw the country scoring high on peaceful transition.

•President Buhari strongly supported the emergence of a Nigerian, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, as President of the Africa Development Bank.

Distributed from the Office of the Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity)