₦airaland Forum

Browsing through Thehill which along with Politico are the most popular American political news sites hoping to read some reports on Trump and Clinton et al when I noticed this How embarrassing

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari admitted to plagiarizing from a President Obama speech during an address last week, Al-Jazeera reported Saturday.


"It was observed that the similarities between a paragraph in President Obama's 2008 victory speech and what President Buhari read in paragraph nine of the 16-paragraph address ... are too close to be passed as coincidence," Buhari's office wrote in a statement Friday.

"President Buhari urges Nigerians to look beyond this incident and focus on the message of change which the country needs in order to restore our cherished value systems," the office later tweeted.

The line in question was Buhari's call for Nigerians not to fall back on "the same partisanship, pettiness and immaturity that have poisoned our country so long."
Buhari's speech was part of a new anti-corruption initiative titled "Change begins with me."

His address focused mainly on combating the corruption that led to Nigeria being ranked 136 out of 168 countries in Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index in 2015.

Buhari's office promised that those who were responsible for the plagiarism mistake would be punished and noted that a deputy director took responsibility for the error.
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/296459-nigerian-president-admits-plagiarizing-obama#

lalasticlala frontpage since

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SenseiVoyles:
This was at Jonathan's last Council of State meeting as President in May 2015 after he lost to Buhari, he looks so forlorn and alone. Power is indeed fleeting

yeah, correct

The 97% and the 5%

lalasticlala

The NJC should soonest bring down the hammer on this disreputable corrupt buffoon of a Judge, Abang

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said it generated N385.7 billion revenue from January to June this year.This was against the N438.2 billion generated in the same period in 2015.

So they generated less than the previous year sef, after all their boasts about improving duties collection

Abba Kyari, the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari has been contributing substantially to the persistent feud between the Executive and the Legislature. This, I can say, with all authority. A concrete pointer to this effect emerged during the events leading to the president’s visit to Chad for the inauguration of President Idris Derby on Monday. I need to meticulously explain what happened for Nigerians to understand why I came to this conclusion on Kyari. According to a very competent source in the Presidency, few days to his departure, Buhari sent a message to the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara to each nominate a lawmaker to accompany him on the trip to Chad.

The source said Saraki nominated Senator Baba Kaka Garbai representing Borno Central while Dogara nominated Hon. Mohammed Tahir Monguno. The president evidently approved these nominations as seen from the pre-departure press statement issued by the Presidential Spokesman, Femi Adesina. In it, Adesina specifically listed Garbai and Monguno as the lawmakers on the trip to Chad. The statement was also aired on the Nigerian Television Network news two days before the departure. But surprisingly, no contact was made with Garbai and Monguno on departure plans. At the last minute, mighty Kyari simply threw away the president’s approval and brought in Senator Monsurat Sunmonu and Hon Nkiru Onyejeocha for the trip to Chad. Of course, Saraki and Dogara were shocked. I was reliably informed that, in the interest of harmonious working relationship with the president, Saraki and Dogara allowed the infraction to go unchallenged.



Those who know the president’s Chief of Staff say this has always been his style. He is persistently fueling the crisis between the Executive and the Legislature. Some even say that he has seized Aso Rock from Buhari. Even when President Buhari is around, most ministers report to this colossal Chief of Staff. Another source in the office of the Vice President remarked that when the president travels out, Kyari becomes the ‘acting president’. This Chief of Staff, unmistakably, loves to play the role of a kingmaker always, at all levels. He heads the Aso Rock cabal. The Secretary to the Federal Government, Babachir David Lawal is the cabal’s deputy leader. Another key member is Justice Minister, Abubakar Malami. When it comes to his native Borno State, Kyari loves to decide who gets what, when and how, at all times.

No wonder, he single-handedly gave the ministerial slot of Borno State to Mustapha Shehuri, Minister of State, Power. Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima was left gasping for breath. At the national level, Kyari solely picked seven of the ministers in Buhari’s cabinet; Shehuri inclusive. Often, he imposes his cronies on Buhari. Many will find it very interesting to know that Kyari was the Best Man of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, during his wedding, years back. So, when I said that Kyari brought his cronies into the cabinet, readers can understand what I mean.

Kyari’s other cronies in the cabinet are Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelemah; Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment: Aisha Abubakar, Minister of Budget and Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma and Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Hajia Khadija Bukar Ibrahim.

The Chief of Staff has also been throwing his weight around in the appointment of permanent secretaries. Jalal Arabi, Permanent Secretary, State House; Louis Edozien, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of power; Mahmoud Isa Dutse, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance and the Head of service, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita were “appointed” by this powerful chief of staff. In those days, Dutse was Kyari’s colleague on the board of UBA. Those who know Dutse’s story say he has no business remaining in the service because of his age. He claims to be less than 60 years but facts available are to the contrary.

It is thought-provoking to note that Senator Danjuma Goje, who is now 64 years old, was Dutse’s classmate at Ahmadu Bello University. It seems Dutse has been economical with his true age. Thanks to powerful Kyari, he is still in service. The Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Elias N. Mbam also got his reappointment, courtesy of Kyari.

At the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Kyari did not only impose Maikanti Kacalla Baru as the Group Managing Director (GMD), he also ‘appointed’ himself on the Board. What’s the business of Kyari on the Board of NNPC? Very simple: It is to protect his interest in the NNPC. The truth is that Kyari is the one now running NNPC through his proxy, Baru.

This cabal, led by Kyari, has taken so many selfish actions, to the detriment of the nation. They are responsible for the parochial appointments of Buhari; an action that has greatly divided the nation. They are responsible for all the court cases against Saraki and Ike Ekweremadu. They are also largely responsible for the economic woes of the country, as they claim to know more than every other person, when it comes to economic issues. In real terms, they are behind the warped economic policies of this administration. If this country is going to move forward, real patriots must stand up against this cabal in the Presidency. This is the only way forward for this great country. May Allah continue to protect our great nation against this cabal as their actions are causing a lot of acrimony.
http://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2016/08/13/the-frightening-influence-of-abba-kyari-in-aso-rock/

Jeez....How did we get here....We voted demons into govt. ? Thank God its coming from Premium Times, they won't say it's PDP propaganda. Worst government ever.
lalasticlala this should be on front page

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Jonathan left a polio free Nigeria, Buhari has brought it back.. APC Change

Two fresh infections of wild polio virus have emerged in Borno state, threatening Nigeria's progress toward a polio free status.

 It was due to be declared polio free by the World Health Organisation if it made it to July 24 next year without a new case.

 The last known infection was July 2014.

 Health authorities have been silent about the new cases in Gwarzo and Jere local government areas of Borno.

 There had been concern about children on camps for displaced people in Borno missing immunisation as Nigeria struggled to prevent a flare up.

 The National Primary Health Care Development Agency which coordinates immunisation nationwide cannot respond. Instead officials directed questions to the Federal Ministry of Health.

 Health minister Isaac Adewole also declined speaking to Daily Trust, when approached at Family Planning Stakeholders Meeting at Aso Villa Banquet Hall Thursday morning.

 It is uncertain how the WHO will handle the resurgence.

 WHO and Rotary, which co-funds polio eradication, warned against relaxing surveillance and maintaining commitment.

 Last week, a number of civil society organisations raised concern about N12.8 billion immunisation fund yet to be released only four months to the end of 2016.

 "We have less than five months to the end of 2016 yet nothing has been released for immunization, for procurement of vaccines and other logistics," said Dr Aminu Magashi, project director for Community Health and Research Initiative, part of the coalition Partnership for Advocacy for Child and Family Health, PACFaH.

 "As a nation we cannot continue to depend on development partners to buy the vaccines we need in the country yet we have funds for such purposes in our budget."


http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/news/general/breaking-two-fresh-polio-infections-stun-nigeria/158629.html#0drukpeIStcvvJPI.99

Premium Times and Sahara Reporters Columnist Bamidele Ademola-Olateju joins the bandwagon of Buharists giving up on his administration
Excerpts from her Facebook post
https://mobile.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10153596481545810&id=554680809

As an avid reader of Feyi's Aguntasolo blog and his medium page, I always wondered why someone like him who believes firmly in the free market policies the PDP so clearly espouses chose to back a party of outdated socialists that is the APC, the PDP for all its corruption had competent economic managers. Can't say the same for these clowns. Come 2019, my vote would go to only those who have valid free market based solutions to our economy and nor archaic socialist ideas and who also believe in restructuring of this country. Atiku for all his flaws is the most plausible option for now.
An Atiku/Peter Obi, Atiku/NOI or Atiku/Soludo ticket would be suitable, someone with relevant economic experience should be on the ticket.

Cc lalasticlala, obinoscopy, mynd_44

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said he needed to do more to reconcile aggrieved members of the party and bring the two factions in it together.

He said though he had been doing it silently without the media knowing, he nevertheless promised to be more committed to get the warring factions to sheath their swords.

The former President said this after members of the Board of Trustees of the former ruling party had a meeting with him at his residence in Abuja on Wednesday night.



It was the first time he would be openly meeting with any organ of the party since he was defeated during the 2015 general election.

The crisis in the party has polarised it, and split it into two factions with Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff leading a faction and Sen. Ahmed Makarfi leading another.

Also, while Makarfi has announced August 17 as the date for the national convention of the party, Sheriff has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission not to monitor the convention.

The former President said he was aware of the split in party.

He said he had been receiving briefings on the state of the party from its members since he left office.

Jonathan commended the Chairman of the BoT, Sen. Walid Jibrin, for allegedly leading the Board on the right party.

He told the BoT members, “I have been talking to individuals (members of the party) but not in a way that is exposed to the media but I believe I should do more.

“Unfortunately we have been challenged, but I don’t think you should not be discouraged. Challenges are part of life; even in families there are challenges.

“There are challenges even in the church more than what may be happening at political level. So you should not be discouraged, and I believe, collectively, we can solve it.

“This should not be beyond us but I believe the collectively, we can resolve it. Any sincere PDP members should know that PDP is bigger than an individual. And many members have sacrificed their interest for the party.”

The former President, in a solemn voice, regretted the conflicting court orders that has continued to increase the crisis in the party.

He appealed to members to sheath their swords for the interest of the party, saying that Nigerians need strong opposition party, and urged members of the party to unite for quick resolution of the crisis.

Earlier, Jibrin had told the former President that the BoT members’ visit was in recognition of Jonathan’s position as a former president and to also interact with him and explain the state of the party to him.

He said that the party was undergoing a lot of difficulties and challenges, disclosing that there are about 15 court cases seeking to stop the PDP national convention.

He said, “We abide by provisions of the party, article 10 of the constitution, which provides for internal resolution of crisis. This provision is abandoned with various court cases.

“There is court judgement in Port Harcourt, and there are court judgements and orders in Abuja.

“We have realised that we need reconciliation. Some many committees have been set up for reconciliation. ‎The BoT decided to form a special committee to pursue reconciliation. Some members of the party is concerned.

“That is why we appeal to former president that he be party to the reconciliation; it is your intervention that is very important for a way forward for the party.

“We have great respect for you despite the fact that you have not been appearing in our activities.

“We have embarked on programme of visitations to our founding fathers; we have visited the National Assembly. We are satsifed with level of cooperation between PDP and other members in the National Assembly.

“They have played the opposition very well and have embarked on policy of issues not on personalities,” Walid told Jonathan.

‎‎He added that despite all that is happening, “PDP is alive,” praying that “anybody who wants to destroy PDP will not succeed.”

Also speaking at th occasion, a former National Deputy Chairman of the party, Chief Bode George, said he was optimistic that the outcome of the meeting would bring to an end to the leadership crisis.

George, who is one of the aspirants for the office of the national chairman, said, “We are at a point where we cannot afford to allow the party to go under. And this is the most appropriate time as BoT to come to him to say we want you to intervene. It was a very warm meeting and very encouraging.

“The meeting was perfect. I feel completely elated. When we were in power for 16 years all these crisis would have been resolved by the Villa.

“Now there is no villa, it looks like a community where there is no headship. Suddenly the spirit of discussion and camaraderie that evolves gave me this personal happiness.”

A former Minister of Education, Prof. Tunde Adeniran, said he was happy with the outcome of the meeting.

Among members of the Board who were at the meeting were
Abba Gana, Hajia Inna Ciroma and Shuab Oyedokun END.
http://punchng.com/reconcile-pdp-members-jonathan/

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has congratulated former Delta State Governor, James Ibori as he turns 58 years today August 4th.
Part of the congratulatory message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu reads
"Okowa extolled the enigmatic political prowess of his former boss, astute administrator and leader of impeccable disposition.
Ibori is currently in the UK serving jail term for money laundering and stealing from the Delta state treasury while he was governor of the state.
According to Okowa, the sterling contributions of Ibori to the development of Delta State and Nigeria is legendary, and will remain a subject of discuss by contemporary political watchers.
Okowa said "On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I wish to felicitate with a leader par excellence, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, on the occasion of his 58th birthday on Thursday, August 4th 2016.
My distinguished leader, that Oil producing states of the Niger Delta are enjoying 13% Derivation today is unarguably due to your indefatigable role as a champion of Resource Control and Fiscal Federalism.
Deltans and Nigerians cannot forget in a hurry how you laboured to the build the most virile, potent and undefeatable political force in Delta State, even as your legacies still dot the nooks and crannies of the State. In a life that has seen you clocked 58 years amidst your achievements in public service and political endeavours, there is great cause for you, members of your family, your many associates, protégés and well-wishers to thank Almighty God forHis benevolence upon you. As you deservedly celebrate this birthday, it is my prayer that Almighty God continues to bless you with robust health and many more years of happiness. I join your family, friends and well-wishers to thank Almighty God for His continued guidance, protection and provision for you in the past 58 years of a life of outstanding contribution to humanity".

http://www.lindaikejisblog.com/2016/08/delta-state-governor-ifeanyi-okowa.html

Daura has turned the DSS into a vandals chasing agency, the DSS which under Ita Ekpenyong and it's predecessors was Nigeria's sole competent security agency has been bastardized

NavierStokes:
I never knew shell was doing these low volumes. Probably this isn't the aggregate production of SCIN but SPDC.

Exactly this is way too low, SNEPCO which handles their offshore fields produces way more, even Bonga field produces way more than this. This must be just SPDC especially since they've sold most of their onshore assets.

lalasticlala How is this not on front page?

The consumer price index (CPI) measuring inflation in the Nigerian economy rose to its highest point since former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s days as the first citizen of Nigeria.

The inflation report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that inflation for the month of June spiked to its highest point since October 2005 — 11 years.

Inflation rose from 15.6 percent in May 2016 to 16.5 percent in June 2016, as energy and food prices weigh in heavy on inflation for the month.

Goldman Sachs, an American multinational banking and investment firm, forecasts that Nigeria’s inflation will not rise above 20 percent in 2016, before it takes retreats to lower levels.

https://www.thecable.ng/just-in-inflation-hits-highest-point-since-obasanjos-presidency#.V4yFJnp7xUA.twitter

Can Buhari equally show his certificate? http://www.ajol.info/index.php/tzool/article/view/52080

Wike still loyal
Lalasticlala

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