₦airaland Forum

ikwere militant: visit deem for what.

But the Rivers State Commissioner for Information, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, told The PUNCH that Dokubo-Asari was entitled to his opinion.

She said, “I am sure those are Asari-Dokubo’s views. It is a democracy and so everybody has a right to abuse; whether those views are right or wrong is irrelevant.

mekaboy: The finance minister NOI will manage the finances of the new country, with soludo. Then Ihegirika will handle the army and police. The first female pilot who is igbo will handle aviation.

NEBO and bath NNaji will handle power.

Aliyu said he was misquoted when he was reported as saying [size=14pt]“anybody who thinks, whether at the party or presidential level, can clip the wings of the governors is wasting his time.” [/size]
Speaking in Minna when he received last year’s hajj report from the leadership of the state pilgrims’ commission, the governor said what he said was [size=14pt]“nobody can clip the wings of the governors.” [/size]

“None of us is fighting Mr. President and if any governor is fighting Mr. President on personal matter, we the governors are capable of dealing with that particular person at every level of our associations.

mekaboy: Just wondering, Since Nigeria depends on oil. If SS and SE that have oil unite and break out of Nigeria. What will happen to the rest?

War Start. Lol

By SaharaReporters, New York
Numerous US-based indigenes of Anambra State are questioning the decision of Governor Peter Obi to make a trip to the US in whatthe governor described as an attempt to resolve disputes betweensome members of the Anambra State Association of USA (ASA-USA) and four officials of the association.
Aggrieved members have filed a lawsuit in a California court accusing the president of the association, Allison Anadi, and three other officials of conspiring to convert and misappropriate the association’s funds. The three other defendants are Jonathan Okafor, Victor Nwanso, and Olisa Oraelosi.
The plaintiffs, Chris Ikeanyi and Pius Okafor, allege in the lawsuit that Mr. Anadi, a former professor of criminal justice, and his fellow defendants conspired to convert various sums belonging to the association, including a $60,000 donation made to ASA-USA by Ifeanyi Uba, a controversial businessman who is one of many candidates aspiring to become the next governor of Anambra.
In an email to 31 members of the association residing in different parts of the US, Governor Obi invited them to a peace meeting scheduled for 8:30 p.m. today, May 3, 2013 at the Hilton Newark Airport Hotel in Newark, New Jersey.
The governor’s letter, sent on his behalf by special assistant Valentine Obienyem, offered invitees $500 each to cover their flight tickets. In addition, the governor disclosed that the state government would cover hotel and feeding expenses for one nightfor each invited guest.
The full text of the governor’s email, obtained by SaharaReportersfrom several of the invited guests, read:
PROBLEMS AND CHALLENGES IN ASA-USA
The above subject matter which has been brought to my attentionrefers.
As the Governor of Anambra State, I am saddened by the challenges in ASA-USA. ASA-USA is one of the progressive associations of Anambra people in the Diaspora. Over the years, your concern and readiness to partner with us in the development of our State has been applauded. Your yearly medical mission is an innovation other States are now emulating.
It is disheartening to learn of the division among you, which has led to what can be described as INTERNET war, as well as court actions.
As the Governor of Anambra State, who has been close to you, and bearing in mind that no meaningful development can take place in the atmosphere of disunity, I appeal to you that it is about time we sat together as brothers and sisters and discuss the problems facing ASA-USA and see ways to amicably resolve the misunderstanding.
Though this may be difficult for you and me, considering everybody’s tight
schedule, I plan to come to the USA on May 3rd, 2013 for this purpose and wish to extend the invitation to you to be part of the meeting as follows:
Venue: Hilton Newark Airport Hotel, 1170 Spring Street, Elizabeth, New Jersey, Phone 908-351-3900
Time: 8:30pm
Date: Friday, 3rd May, 2013
Please note that there will be a flat rate of $500 refund for the local flights of all those invited. The one night room and board will also be covered.
Kindly accept assurances of my highest regards as we work together for peace and progress of our State.
Contacted by SaharaReporters, five of the invited members indicated their readiness to travel to New Jersey to meet with the governor, even though most of them questioned its wisdom. “I will go despite the short notice,” said one of them. Asked whether theywould accept the $500.00, they all answered in the affirmative. One of them jokingly said the payment was “part of my national cake.”
Several of them agreed that Governor Obi’s visit and the expense of hosting the talks constitute wasteful expenditure of scarce public funds. “The matter should be left in the hands of the court in California that is handling it,” one said.
Another invited guest said, “Governor Obi has said this is a peace mission, but I think it is nothing more than a jamboree.” Even so, he said he decided to attend the meeting in order to “watch and see what the governor is up to and to be able to expose the way our funds are squandered.”
We also spoke to two invitees who said they have no plans to attend today’s meeting with Governor Obi. “The case in court is going well,” one said yesterday. He added, “Just today, the judge gave a temporary order restraining Dr. Anadi and his fellow defendants not to utilize the funds of ASA-USA in paying their attorneys and not to use our funds to travel again. I don’t think the governor’s intervention at this point will serve any purpose.”
Both sources opined that Governor Peter Obi should have used themoney he voted for this trip to solve some of the serious problemsfacing the people of his state. “The governor spoke about our medical mission in his email. Why not save the money he is wasting and spend it on buying equipment for one or two hospitalsin our state?” one source asked.
The source said it was likely the governor’s peace initiative would cost Anambra people more than $100,000 dollars. He said his calculation was based on the governor’s first class tickets as well as the flight tickets of his aides, their hotel and limousine expenses in addition to what the governor promised to offer to those who attend the meeting. “I know that peace is important. But in this day and age, there are other ways of achieving peace without the governor leaving important state matters to journey toAmerica. And does it mean that the governor has solved all the quarrels at home in Anambra? If not, why is he coming here to address us on something that is already in court?” The source dismissed the possibility of the governor’s mediation resulting in the withdrawal of the lawsuit against Mr. Anadi. “It’s impossible to withdraw the lawsuit at this point,” said the source. “The case will go on until we get a full account of what happened to the association’s funds,” he added.
Yesterday, the California court ruled in favor of Chris Ikeanyi and Pius Okafor who are suing to prevent what they claim are further damages and injury to the association through stealing.
In a decision that many aggrieved members regard as a “saver,” the court ordered Anadi, Jonathan Okafor, Victor Nwanso and Olisa Oraelosi never to use any money from the ASA-USA to pay for their attorney’s fees. The judge also ordered them never to use ASA-USA funds to travel again and not to destroy or attempt todestroy the association’s financial records in any cover-up scheme.
In a report that rankled many members. Mr. Anadi claimed that hespent $12,000 of the association’s funds on trips within a space of three months. Jonathan Okafor, the association’s secretary, published an ostensible “comprehensive financial statements” that was widely rejected by members who described it as a “panic” measure and inadequate. Another defendant, Victor Nwanso, who is the association’s financial secretary, then reportedly issued his own accounting records. Confused by the conflicting reports, many of the association’s branches began to distance themselves from the activities of the umbrella organization.
Prior to yesterday's court ruling against them, Mr. Anadi and other defendants had also lost a bid to stop the lawsuit against them. The judge insisted that on proceeding with their case, dismissing their plea to have the case thrown out on the grounds that they reside outside of California.
Some of the sources said they were wondering why Governor Obi decided to dabble into a case where people are accused of havingstolen funds. “It’s poor judgment on the governor’s part,” said a member of the association, a lawyer.
Several sources are expected to provide SaharaReporters with updates about the outcome of Governor Obi’s meeting.

alfaman2: Jonathan Informed.

News coming from Aso Rock says the Presidency have been officially informed of the ailment affecting the governor of Enugu State. Seven delegates from the governor's office went to Abuja today to make the federal executive aware that the deputy governor of Enugu state, Mr Sunday Onyebuchi, is now handling all the official affairs of the state.


Stay tuned for more.

NPDC Responds To Alleged N59 Trillion Oil Deal Scandal Of Diezani by Orikinla(m): 2:25pm
NPDC Responds To Petroleum Minister’s Alleged N59tr Oil Deal

The attention of the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company Limited (NPDC) a wholly owned subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has been drawn to publications in which five (5) alleged Oil Communities in Delta State led by Chief Emami Ayiri made spurious and unfounded allegations against the Honourable Minister of Petroleum Resources (HMPR), Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke. These allegations , which include the underlisted, are untrue:

1. Deliberate exclusion of indigenous rights to preemption and/ or first refusal on the four oil blocks

2. HMPR allegedly, quietly, improperly and illegally assigned 55% FGN interest to Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts (AEDC);

3. There was no recourse to due process in the aforementioned transactions;

4. Selection of Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts (AEDC) not through transparent process;

5. HMPR has pecuniary interest in Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts (AEDC), hence her approval of the deal;

6. Nigeria would lose four trillion cubic feet of gas asset worth $15.72 trillion.


Allegation No. 1: Deliberate exclusion of indigenous rights to preemption and/ or first refusal on the four oil blocks
It is the Petitioner’s (Delta State Oil Producing Communities) contention that being an indigenous body, they have first right of refusal or preemptive right to what they perceive to be the Honorable Minister of Petroleum Resources’ (HMPR) assignment of 55% of the Federal Government of Nigeria’s (FGN) equity in OMLs 26, 30, 34 and 42 to Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts (AEDC). The fact of the matter is that AEDC was NEVER assigned such equity. The 55% equity interest in those blocks were assigned to NPDC, which is our National Oil Company and is an exploration and production (E&P) subsidiary of NNPC.

In line with the governing provision regulating divestment or transfer of participatory interest in any oil block, the Honorable Minister after due consideration, approved the assignment of NNPC’s interest to NPDC.
Needless to say, the Honorable Minister’s action is within the scope of her statutory oversight responsibility and in essence for the greater benefit of the nation. We must also point out that NPDC, as a subsidiary of NNPC, is as indigenous as any community can claim to be and represents a much wider scope of indigenous rights than the Delta State Oil Producing Communities.

The allegation of deliberate exclusion of indigenous rights is in contrast with the established pro-indigenous position of the Minister as demonstrated in her administration of the Oil and Gas Sector.

Allegation No. 2: HMPR allegedly, quietly, improperly and illegally assigned 55% FGN interest to Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts
At the risk of sounding repetitious, the basic fact of this matter is that International Oil Companies (IOCs), who are partners in the NNPC/SPDC JV, divested their 45% equity interest in the aforementioned OMLs to FHN, NECONDE, ND WESTERN & SHORELINE; whereupon, NNPC also assigned its 55% equity interest in those OMLs to the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), the National Oil Company, a wholly owned NNPC subsidiary.

Thereafter, NPDC entered into a Strategic Alliance Agreement with AEDC, in order to meet its critical funding obligations in the OMLs. These types of funding arrangements have been in existence since the late 1990s.

They are not new to the industry. It is therefore false to say that the FGN’s 55% equity interest and/or any FGN equity interest has been sold to AEDC. There was never such a sale.

Allegation No. 3: There was no recourse to due process in the aforementioned transactions
As indicated earlier, there was never any sale of equity involved but merely a transaction between NNPC and its subsidiary, NPDC, in compliance with the provisions of the Joint Operating Agreement (JOA). The transaction at issue was not an acreage allocation exercise neither did it involve the issuance of a prospecting license. As in all previous funding arrangements such as Modified Carry Arrangements (MCA), Project Financing, etc; NNPC negotiates the most competitive financing terms for itself.

Allegation No. 4: Selection of Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts not through transparent process
This statement is deliberately confusing the transaction undertaken by the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Parties which sold their 45% equity interest to FHN, NECONDE, ND WESTERN & SHORELINE as against NNPC’s assignment of its 55% equity to NPDC. Neither NNPC nor its subsidiary NPDC is selling or has sold its equity interest in the four (4) OMLs. As such, there is no need for a bidding process as no government equity interest was sold to any third party, be it local or foreign.

Allegation No. 5: HMPR has pecuniary interest in Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts, hence her approval of the deal
As part of NNPC policy, a thorough background check was carried out on Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts, and there is no evidence indicating that the Honourable Minister of Petroleum Resources has any direct or indirect pecuniary interest in the company. This allegation is therefore false, unfounded, and malicious and aimed at defaming the character of the person of the HMPR.

It is expected that in issues as profound as these, the Delta State Oil Producing Communities should undertake a thorough, incisive, comprehensive investigation before making spurious allegations that are intentionally meant to tarnish the image of the Honourable Minister.

Allegation No. 6: Nigeria would lose four trillion cubic feet of gas asset worth $15.72 trillion
The quoted reserves of 5 billion barrels corresponding to 60% of NPDC 55% equity is obviously a calculated attempt to mislead the National Assembly and indeed the people of Nigeria as the entire 100% equity of the 4 blocks is not up to 5 billion barrels.

Considering that the transaction at issue is not a sale of assets, it is inconceivable to arrive at any loss, not to mention the $15.72 trillion being propagated.

The revenue accruing from approximately 75% of the total reserves that is due to the Federal Government remains unchanged and has not been eroded. Royalty and tax accruable to the federation account will be paid based on production.

In conclusion, NPDC, as the National Oil Company and a flagship subsidiary of NNPC is always seeking to expand its opportunities in the upstream oil and gas sector. In pursuing this growth strategy, NPDC has adopted funding mechanisms to secure production capacity of 250,000 barrels per day by 2015.
This strategy is essential if the National Oil Company (NOC) is to be a major player in the upstream sector in Nigeria and provide National Energy Security for the Nation. A strong National Oil Company is sine qua non for National Security as practiced by all other oil producing countries.

The support of FGN in ensuring NPDC’s expanded operations by seeking additional asset base and funding outside the normal Government funded Joint Venture (JV) cash call, is therefore an imperative. It is interesting that the laudable actions of the Honourable Minister of Petroleum Resources who has consistently fought to support and grow the National Oil Company, NPDC, against competing interests is being parodied and vilified by certain groups.

These concerted actions have already yielded desired results as NPDC production has grown from 60,000 bbl/day to 138,000 bbl/day. Currently, NPDC is the major gas supplier to the domestic market in the western Niger Delta with over 450 mmscf/day which will further increase to over 550 mmscf/d by the end of 2013. We therefore urge all Nigerians to support the development of our own National Oil Company, to enable it compare with its peers (Petrobras, Saudi Aramco and Petronas) and to allow it compete favourably with other International Oil Companies (IOC).

The Delta State Oil Producing Communities and news media owe a duty to the nation to verify information before going public

MANAGEMENT

DatNiggaAk: I was having a discussion with a friend & he told me Dangote does not have a wife or children. Can it be true?

As to whether I will go into government again, I am very unequivocal that I will not and it’s not because of my past experience or anything but rather because I believe I have been fortunate to have held the highest political appointment any journalist could aspire to in his country

visalo: Nairaland forum is becoming some thing else. So OBJ have turn hero just over night. Haters keep ethnicity aside and live up to the reality on ground. Gej goverment is just relatively close to 2yrs and he has done more than enough what obj couldn`t achieve for 8yrs. obj awarded east west road and for 4yrs ,he only gave 2billions naira to the contractors out of a project of 230billion naira. work on the road came to an end because of obj poor funding. today thesame east west road project is almost 60% completed by gej goverment that every tom and jerry from west is citicizing. Thesame obj syphone over 16billion dollars power project fund, which would have better nigeria youth and no one is complaining. Thesame obj unable to complete sango-ota bridge, and today haters are celebrating him as a hero. Even the moral aspect of this man is next to nothing, a man who was boldly dating his son wife. Haters grow up and live upto reality on ground. Gej may not be the best but he has done what no other have achieve within the few yrs has spent so far. today am sure that even haters can testfy with me that nigeria road networks are changing for good. Gej i heal you sir. ride on

dddaaayyyooo: .
U get am, How many of them r Nigerians, if u drop out in nigeria gbagbe o, u got tendency to surfer wela

THE Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, said the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan has no plan to probe Obasanjo.

Okupe, who spoke on the phone last night, said: “I am not aware that there is a plan to probe the former President.”
Asked about the issues he joined with Mrs. Ezekwesili on the $67 billion in Foreign Reserves and the $22 billion in Excess Crude Account, Okupe said: “I did not join issues with Oby.

“I did not accuse Oby of embezzling any money. She didn’tget her facts right on the amount left in the Foreign Reserves and the Excess Crude Accounts and I set the records straight.”

On the pipeline protection plans by Jonathan administration, he added: “I am out of Abuja; I won’t be able to respond to that immediately now.”

tomakint: Obasanjo is definitely a clown on this one! His display of shameless boldness is laughable. If I may ask what happened to the $16 billion spent on power? Over 200 million units of shares he and his cronies owned in Transcorp? The over N6 billion fraud he called Presidential library? The many allegations levelled against him by El-Rufai (a serving minister in his cabinet)? The Ministry of Petroleum he illegally served as the de facto minister for 8 years and many more. Kai, this Baba Iyabo can lie