Fresh facts have emerged on the role Leader of the Movement for Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Mr. Henry Okah played in the deadly bomb explosions in Abuja on October1, 2010. Okah is alleged to have also received $100 Million from some Nigerian Politicians to disrupt the Nigeria at 50 Celebrations.
This is even as the Nigerian Government has expressed displeasure at the South African government for not acting fast over an alleged security reports on the bomb attack obtained from the United Kingdom Intelligence and sent to the South African Government.

The attack killed about eight persons including the son of former Commissioner of Police, CP, Zakari Biu while several others were injured.

Shortly after the bomb attack, President Goodluck Jonathan spent the better part of the Nigeria’s 50 th Anniversary in series of meeting with top security chiefs. In the last meeting with heads of all the security agencies, sources told Pointblanknews.com that they “resolved to crush rising militancy and insecurity in the country.”

[b]However, Pointblanknews.com sources hinted that the presidency had received security reports about the plan by Okah who resides in South Africa since last week and had swiftly notified the South African Government with hopes that it would help pre-empt the attack by arresting the MEND leader.
But the source added that the South African Government released Okah whose house was searched and “did not consider the seriousness of the security report which was obtained from the United Kingdom intelligence.”
Part of the security report obtained by the presidency according to sources includes the sum of $100 Million gift to Okah allegedly traced to some top Politicians in Nigeria.
According to the source, "The presidency got a security report via the United kingdom (UK) intelligence unit last week that some political forces in the country had offered Mr. Henry Okah $100 million to ensure that the 50th anniversary celebration did not hold."
"From our report, the bomb blasts were to start on Tuesday and our security agencies got to know about it, contacted the South African authorities and consequently Henry Okah's house in South Africa was searched and he was later arrested."
"But the presidency was shocked when it later learnt that the South African authorities had ordered the immediate release of Okah."[/b]


The source, said that based on the obvious role of the South Africa in the terrorism act- carried out by Mr. Okah, the federal government were "seriously considering reviewing its diplomatic relationship with South Africa in the next few days or weeks.
"The South African authorities' action against Nigeria is very strange. The Federal government is determined to review its diplomatic relationship with south Africa", the top presidency source added.
Investigations revealed that the Nigerian authorities contacted the South Africans last night to register reservation about “the action or inaction” of their government.
Our correspondent gathered that but for the timely intervention of President Jonathan, the UK authorities was to issue a security alert on Thursday advising its citizens to stay away from the venue of the celebration yesterday.
Among those killed in the blasts according to a security source include a former security operative with the EFCC, Mr. Tahir Biu, an assistant director of the State Security Services (SSS), a youth corps member and some civilians.
The explosions occurred outside the ministry of Justice - about 800 meters away from the Eagle Square-where the celebration took place. One of the cars in which the bombs were planted carried a registration number Lagos CF 786 LSD. Eight vehicles were mangled in the incident. The spokesman for the Nigeria Police force, DCP Emmanuel Ojukwu, told journalists last night that the two blasts were caused by car bombs.
But in a swift reaction President Jonathan vowed to punish those behind the bomb blasts. A statement signed by his special adviser on Media, Mr. Ima Niboro, said the blasts were “dirty and wicked acts of desperation as well as the worst anniversary gifts any nation can get.”
The statement reads: "The bomb explosions, which occurred near the Ministry of Justice in Abuja, and which claimed several lives are a low, dirty and wicked act of desperation by criminals and murderers who do not wish Nigeria well.'
"Coming at a time that the world had gathered together to celebrate Nigeria At 50, these bomb attacks are the worst anniversary gifts any nation can get.

"Their purpose was to ensure that the celebration at the Eagle Square was cancelled by all means.  It is sad and unfortunate.'

The statement said the President grieved with the families that have lost loved ones in the incidents shared their consternation and understands their pains, as they mourn while the nation celebrated.

The presidential spokesman added, "The president wants these families to know that their loved ones have not died in vain. Rather they have paid the supreme price for our unity; and in their death, they have watered the tree of our freedom.'
He added that those behind the vicious acts will be found, and will pay dearly for this heinous crime.

[b]Also reacting to the incident yesterday, the Jonathan/Sambo campaign organization asked the security agencies to get to the bottom of the act of evil.
"As President Goodluck Jonathan and Vice-President Namadi Sambo led thousands of Nigerians to celebrate the nation's golden jubilee at Eagle Square Abuja and millions of Nigerians looked to the future with renewed hope, car bombs exploded near the Square killing several people and injuring many more," the director of media of the campaign groups, Mr. Sully Abu said.
"As the security agencies grapple with this affront on the nation's peace and security by cowardly elements, we as a campaign organisation wish to stress that this dastardly act only underscores the urgent need to conduct our politics in a civilised fashion in the run up to next year's election.
"Rather than engage in brickbats, accusations and counter accusations which raise the political temperature and thus create room for anti-social elements to carry out their nefarious activities, our politicians must learn to engage one another in a peaceable fashion, devoid of acrimony and incendiary language.
"We must all centre our political campaigns around issues that touch on the lives of the Nigerian people and how to ensure that before our centennial, we join the front ranks of the most developed nations on earth. This surely is far more productive than engaging in calumny and diversionary arguments that overheat the atmosphere. This has been repeatedly emphasized by the Goodluck/Sambo Campaign Organization and is the over-riding lesson of today's bomb blasts".[/b]

The president campaign organization called on the security agencies to get to the bottom of the mischievous act no matter what claims have been made by any group and fish out the perpetrators for exemplary punishment according to law saying the security agencies must also be on special alert and must strengthen security across the country.
Two hours before the blast, the MEND had issued a press release- alerting the public of the act.
The statement signed by one Jomo which was purportedly issued on behalf of the militant group reads, "With due respect to all invited guest, dignitaries and attendees (sic) the 50th independence anniversary of Nigeria being held today, Friday, October 1, 2010 at the Eagle Square, Abuja, the movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) is asking everyone to begin immediate evacuation of the entire area within the next 30 minutes. The warning expires after 10:30hrs. Several explosive devices have been successfully marked in and around the venue by our operative working inside the government security services.
"In evacuating the area, keep a safe distance from vehicles and trash bins. There is nothing worst celebrating after 50 years of failure. For 50 years, the people of the Niger Delta have had their land and resources stolen from them. The constitution before independence which offered resource control was mutilated by illegal military governments and this injustice is yet to be addressed."

The bombs went off when president Jonathan was inspecting a guard of honour in the event-attended by over 15 heads of state of different nations, former Nigerian presidents and former military heads of state saved Gen. Ibrahim Babangida , who was absent. The blasts did not prevent the event from going on. Although Jonathan was unshaken when he heard the sound of the blasts, one of his closed aides said, "He is very angry about the embarrassment."


http://www.pointblanknews.com/News/os3981.html

small ,small the whole truth go come out.

But the presidency was shocked when it later learnt that the South African authorities had ordered the immediate release of Okah.

GEJ thought SA na 9ja! where people can be detained without evidence, LOL
So they had security report dat the explosion will happen and the things still happened, what an inept goverment!
I can see the hand of Atiku and IBB in this!

Wouldn't it be better if we scrap our security forces and hire guys from the UK/US to help out.

@na2day
Exactly. Shouldn't the Nigerian FBI, whatever it is called, be on the plane swiftly to provide the evidence with which to hold Okah and get him to talk.

Instead, they outsourced our security to South Africa. They must have looked at each other down there in South Africa and laughed at the expectation that they will take care of Okah for Nigeria.

It is not just ignorance that is killing us, it is a serious lack of standards. If it was a footbal game they will all be down there before you say foo!

na2day!:

GEJ thought SA na 9ja! where people can be detained without evidence, LOL
So they had security report dat the explosion will happen and the things still happened, what an inept goverment!
I can see the hand of Atiku and IBB in this!

koruji:

@na2day
Exactly. Shouldn't the Nigerian FBI, whatever it is called, be on the plane swiftly to provide the evidence with which to hold Okah and get him to talk.

Instead, they outsourced our security to South Africa. They must have looked at each other down there in South Africa and laughed at the expectation that they will take care of Okah for Nigeria.

It is not just ignorance that is killing us, it is a serious lack of standards. If it was a footbal game they will all be down there before you say foo!

Yeah, my thought exactly, the people we call leaders have no business being in any position of power, their level of mediocrity is really alarming
Awon ode buruku!

Where were the FBI on the 11th of september 2001 ? Don't blame the security operatives who themselves are being slaughtered like chickens left, right and center cos of corruption in the center.

9ja is one very big jungle, imagine some people on this forum hailing the act of Mend, thinking they're actually freedom fighters fighting for the oppressed people of 9ja, now we are getting to know dat its still thesame diabolic leaders behind all these!
9JA PEOPLE! NO ONE WILL FIGHT FOR YOU BUT YOURSELF, ITS A JUNGLE OUT THERE!

edoyad:

Where were the FBI on the 11th of september 2001 ? Don't blame the security operatives who themselves are being slaughtered like chickens left, right and center cos of corruption in the center.

That was sept 11th, and they were actually caught wit their pants down!
Their leaders have promised that such attack will never take place again, and any credible threat is taken seriously, just this week they launched a barrage of drones against the badlands of Northwaziristan cos of credible threats against europe and america, some of those planning dat attack were blown up to smithereens!

edoyad:

Where were the FBI on the 11th of september 2001 ? Don't blame the security operatives who themselves are being slaughtered like chickens left, right and center cos of corruption in the center.

Very silly response!

koruji:

@na2day
Exactly. Shouldn't the Nigerian FBI, whatever it is called, be on the plane swiftly to provide the evidence with which to hold Okah and get him to talk.
Instead, they outsourced our security to South Africa. They must have looked at each other down there in South Africa and laughed at the expectation that they will take care of Okah for Nigeria.

It is not just ignorance that is killing us, it is a serious lack of standards. If it was a footbal game they will all be down there before you say foo!

Are we even certain the SSS has evidence implicating Okah in anyway? It is likely the case that they do not since South Africa released him eventually.

Well the next time bokoharam and other almajiri groups carry about killing security operatives and civilians in areas in which they dominate, hope you'll all call for this same vigillance.

It is not a blame on the security operatives in person per se, it is a blame on the system - afterall if the Nigerian FBI has no protocol for quick liason with other nations then there is nothing any individual personnel can do about it.

And as for the real FBI they got most of the blame since information that could have prevented 911 was scattered all over without coordination. The issue is not that things slip by from time to time in the U.S., but you bet they assimilated the lessons of 911 and those from any mistakes since then.

In Nigeria's case the same people did the same thing in Bayelsa state exactly the same way several months ago - what is wrong with our system that it is neither anticipatory nor adaptive.

edoyad:

Where were the FBI on the 11th of september 2001 ? Don't blame the security operatives who themselves are being slaughtered like chickens left, right and center cos of corruption in the center.

Exactly the reason the South Africans were right to let him go. The below assumed that there was some evidence in the Nigerian government's possession. Then it would have be Nigeria's duty to go present that evidence - but they probably thought South Africans would hold him as would have happened in Nigeria.

Kobojunkie:

Are we even certain the SSS has evidence implicating Okah in anyway? It is likely the case that they do not since South Africa released him eventually.

I remember calling for security agencies to be on red alert in Jos, Abuja and Lagos specifically, and all Nigerian cities in general after the Bauch jail break.

These few months till the elections will not be easy - I hope President Jonathan suffers no illusion on that.

edoyad:

Well the next time bokoharam and other almajiri groups carry about killing security operatives and civilians in areas in which they dominate, hope you'll all call for this same vigillance.

edoyad:

Where were the FBI on the 11th of september 2001 ? Don't blame the security operatives who themselves are being slaughtered like chickens left, right and center cos of corruption in the center.

I'ma let u slide this time. But, the next time u compare the[b] BEST[/b] intelligence agency in the world to whatever it is yall parade around in that car-bomb infested shiyyyt-hole u were birthed in, I'll personally come down to whatever hut ur residing in and come give u a resounding slap that is sure to reverberate for miles!

Even if the SSS presented the Evidence to the govt, is there political will to carry it out. The same people who've been warning the govt on the presence of extremists receiving training and killing people in bauchi, yobe and maiduguri but nothing is done.
To make matters worse the same security people are now being
targeted possibly with the collusion of some political leaders.

$100 million , then life must be really good for militia O. ?  


I remember when I was in high or secondary school, my school was one of the best . Some of the boys who came late to school. I use to ask them to kneel down , some of this same boys. Played for the nigeria nation. or in europe and became millionaire. I really use to try to prevent them from playing  because I assume no money in it.

I do not want to name some of them. they all made more than $30 million dollar  playing . it looks like been a militia have now become the next thing in Nigeria.

bk.babe97y:

I'ma let u slide this time. But, the next time u compare the[b] BEST intelligence agency in the world[/b] to whatever it is yall parade around in that car-bomb infested shiyyyt-hole u were birthed in, I'll personally come down to whatever hut your residing in and come give u a resounding slap that is sure to reverberate for miles!

smh. its sad

@Bk barbiedoll, you make me laugh. You honestly think the Edgar Hoover cult is the most effective service in the world ? Now i know you're those dishes you wash for a living have been depriving of your ''brain recovery sleep''

edoyad:

Even if the SSS presented the Evidence to the govt, is there political will to carry it out. The same people who've been warning the govt on the presence of extremists receiving training and killing people in bauchi, yobe and maiduguri but nothing is done.
To make matters worse the same security people are now being
targeted possibly with the collusion of some political leaders.

Please stop already! Apparently there is some will now to do something since SOUTH 'FRELLING' Africa was alerted and urged to get the man. Jeezzz!!

edoyad:

@Bk barbiedoll, you make me laugh. You honestly think the Edgar Hoover cult is the most effective service in the world ? Now i know you're those dishes you wash for a living have been depriving of your ''brain recovery sleep''

This is rather too harsh now.

Knowing nigeria, that $100 million was probably plucked from thin air.
Goodluck government should be careful in handling this situation. They should not fabricate lies against MEND in other to score cheap point.

I have read most people reaction to this event and it saddens me that very few are talking about the way forward. Most people seems to be emotional and shouting insults at MEND. That is not going to solve the problem because I have a feeling that, that is the attitude those in government have too. How can we proceed to solve this problem once and for all?

About ten years ago there was a small militant group of about 50 militants in the niger delta lead by Dokubo Asari. Few of them use to carry riffles while most carried cutlass and spear. I remember how many people were laughing at them and calling them all sort of names. Instead of people to look into addressing greivance, we instead were laughing at them. But who is laghing today? It seems as a people, our greatest weakness is the lack of solution finding mentality. Most of the time we ignore the problem and hope it will just go away. Even when we try to tackle the problem, we chose the wrong option which tend to make it worse.

After a long laughter and mocking, we tried to takle the problem and OBJ roped the Asari into a treason charge. We thought by arresting the leader everything will just go away. Just like what Abacha did to Saro wiwa, we thought that once the leader is arrested or killed everything will go away. Did it? No, instead we gave birth to MEND.

Looking back now, if we had started earnestly to address the issues Asari raised, we will not have this situation today. When Asari will agitating, many of us in Abuja, Lagos etc were laughing thinking it will not come near us. We encouraged OBJ to send soldiers to Odi. But today, the kidnapping that the militant started have been taken over by the criminals in our midst. Crimnals use to carry just ordinary gun before but now they are using AK47 from the niger delta. Criminals are even now using propelled grenade from the niger delta.

Fast forward in ten years time, this monster that we have created will still be here and meaner, yet we will still be throwing insult at them as if that will solve the problem. Is addressing devolution of power and resources control an abomination? is this not what the west and all progressive have been crying for? Why is everyone chickens suddenly?

The way I see MEND, they are for the long haul. They will not go away. The sooner we get a grip of things the better.

@osama(interestin name by the way), but what do you say to some one who thinks the FBI is the most effective in service ?

@kobojunkie, how does arresting Henry in SA stop bombs from exploding in abuja ? For your info, you didn't remember mentioning the efforts the "political will" took to checkmate the religious extremists i mentioned

Ehoi:

Knowing nigeria, that $100 million was probably plucked from thin air.
Goodluck government should be careful in handling this situation. They should not fabricate lies against MEND in other to score cheap point.

I have read most people reaction to this event and it saddens me that very few are talking about the way forward. Most people seems to be emotional and shouting insults at MEND. That is not going to solve the problem because I have a feeling that, that is the attitude those in government have too. How can we proceed to solve this problem once and for all?

About ten years ago there was a small militant group of about 50 militants in the niger delta lead by Dokubo Asari. Few of them use to carry riffles while most carried cutlass and spear. I remember how many people were laughing at them and calling them all sort of names. Instead of people to look into addressing greivance, we instead were laughing at them. But who is laghing today? It seems as a people, our greatest weakness is the lack of solution finding mentality. Most of the time we ignore the problem and hope it will just go away. Even when we try to tackle the problem, we chose the wrong option which tend to make it worse.

After a long laughter and mocking, we tried to takle the problem and OBJ roped the Asari into a treason charge. We thought by arresting the leader everything will just go away. Just like what Abacha did to Saro wiwa, we thought that once the leader is arrested or killed everything will go away. Did it? No, instead we gave birth to MEND.

Looking back now, if we had started earnestly to address the issues Asari raised, we will not have this situation today. When Asari will agitating, many of us in Abuja, Lagos etc were laughing thinking it will not come near us. We encouraged OBJ to send soldiers to Odi. But today, the kidnapping that the militant started have been taken over by the criminals in our midst. Crimnals use to carry just ordinary gun before but now they are using AK47 from the niger delta. Criminals are even now using propelled grenade from the niger delta.

Fast forward in ten years time, this monster that we have created will still be here and meaner, yet we will still be throwing insult at them as if that will solve the problem. Is addressing devolution of power and resources control an abomination? is this not what the west and all progressive have been crying for? Why is everyone chickens suddenly?

The way I see MEND, they are for the long haul. They will not go away. The sooner we get a grip of things the better.

You have spoken the truth and nothing more to follow over & out.

Ehoi:

Knowing nigeria, that $100 million was probably plucked from thin air.
Goodluck government should be careful in handling this situation. They should not fabricate lies against MEND in other to score cheap point.

I have read most people reaction to this event and it saddens me that very few are talking about the way forward. Most people seems to be emotional and shouting insults at MEND. That is not going to solve the problem because I have a feeling that, that is the attitude those in government have too. How can we proceed to solve this problem once and for all?

About ten years ago there was a small militant group of about 50 militants in the niger delta lead by Dokubo Asari. Few of them use to carry riffles while most carried cutlass and spear. I remember how many people were laughing at them and calling them all sort of names. Instead of people to look into addressing greivance, we instead were laughing at them. But who is laghing today? It seems as a people, our greatest weakness is the lack of solution finding mentality. Most of the time we ignore the problem and hope it will just go away. Even when we try to tackle the problem, we chose the wrong option which tend to make it worse.

After a long laughter and mocking, we tried to takle the problem and OBJ roped the Asari into a treason charge. We thought by arresting the leader everything will just go away. Just like what Abacha did to Saro wiwa, we thought that once the leader is arrested or killed everything will go away. Did it? No, instead we gave birth to MEND.

Looking back now, if we had started earnestly to address the issues Asari raised, we will not have this situation today. When Asari will agitating, many of us in Abuja, Lagos etc were laughing thinking it will not come near us. We encouraged OBJ to send soldiers to Odi. But today, the kidnapping that the militant started have been taken over by the criminals in our midst. Crimnals use to carry just ordinary gun before but now they are using AK47 from the niger delta. Criminals are even now using propelled grenade from the niger delta.

Fast forward in ten years time, this monster that we have created will still be here and meaner, yet we will still be throwing insult at them as if that will solve the problem. Is addressing devolution of power and resources control an abomination? is this not what the west and all progressive have been crying for? Why is everyone chickens suddenly?

The way I see MEND, they are for the long haul. They will not go away. The sooner we get a grip of things the better.

FINALLY! Someone who does a lot more than merely lob a few insults at MEND from the safety of their couches in London and America.

edoyad:

@osama(interestin name by the way), but what do you say to some one who thinks the FBI is the most effective in service ?

@kobojunkie, how does arresting Henry in SA stop bombs from exploding in abuja ? For your info, you didn't remember mentioning the efforts the "political will" took to checkmate the religious extremists i mentioned

Grow up already and at least contribute something meaningful instead!

@kobojunkie, May be you should show me how to be grown up by telling how Henry's arrest could have stopped the bombing ?

Oh, my gosh, it continues !!!

Then may be you could end it by going to sleep.

Osama10:

Wouldn't it be better if we scrap our security forces and hire guys from the UK/US to help out.

We have been importing them to train our men for well over a decade(at least) now . . . not much has changed since then.

We really have an Arse as a president. Where is the proof, just turns up and makes stupid allegations. I have said it before and I will not mince words Goodluck cannot lead Nigeria, he is just not able.

I think people are looking at this issue as an isolated incident, it is not. The country really has big problems, far beyond goodluck, who in my opinion does not represent change. So let us stop kidding ourselves and start having meaning conversations on how to choose an alternative to pdp

edoyad:

@Bk barbiedoll, you make me laugh. You honestly think the Edgar Hoover cult is the most effective service in the world ? Now i know you're those dishes you wash for a living have been depriving of your ''brain recovery sleep''

Name ONE Service in that whole God-Forsaken Africa that is better than the FBI!