₦airaland Forum

A Catholic priest newly posted to a church parish in Osisioma area early Wednesday, escaped from gunmen who kidnapped him.

The priest was allegedly trailed and kidnapped by the gunmen near his parish while coming to perform early morning mass.

A parish source disclosed that two male mass servants that were with the priest were pushed away from the car by the gunmen before driving him away towards an unknown destination.

Our reporter gathered that the Reverend father had attempted to force himself out of the car when he noticed that they were on the expressway, but was resisted by the gang members.

The struggle attracted the attention of other road users which reportedly forced the gunmen to allow him to jump out of the car while they drove off with the victim’s car.

The car was later recovered by policemen from Osisioma Police Division where the gunmen abandoned it.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/punchng.com/catholic-priest-escapes-from-kidnappers/amp/

Thank God.....

In a case that bears some resemblance to P&ID $9.6b claims against Nigeria, a U.S. judge on Wednesday rejected Exxon Mobil Corp’s and Royal Dutch Shell Plc’s effort to revive a $1.8 billion arbitration award against the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC.

The case stemmed from a dispute over a 1993 contract to extract oil near Nigeria’s coastline.

U.S. District Judge William Pauley in Manhattan cited public policy and due process considerations in deciding not to enforce the October 2011 award against Nigerian National Petroleum Corp (NNPC), which was subsequently set aside by courts in Nigeria.

“While this court may have inherent authority to fashion appropriate relief in certain circumstances, exercising that authority to create a $1.8 billion judgment is a bridge too far,” Pauley wrote in a 50-page decision.

The companies said last November that the award had grown to $2.67 billion, including interest.

Exxon, Shell and their respective lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

“NNPC is very pleased with the decision, and was always confident that there was no basis for a U.S. court to confirm the award,” its lawyer Cecilia Moss said in an interview.

According to court papers, the 1993 contract anticipated that Exxon and Shell affiliates would invest billions of dollars to extract oil from the Erha field, about 60 miles (97 km) off Nigeria’s coast, and share profits with NNPC.

But the affiliates, Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Ltd and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Co Ltd, accused NNPC of unilaterally “lifting” more oil than was contractually allowed, at the behest of Nigeria’s government, depriving them of billions of dollars of oil.

Pauley said Exxon and Shell still have “multiple appeals pending” in Nigeria, and rejected their argument that it might be difficult to collect there.

Exxon and Shell “executed a contract in Nigeria with another Nigerian corporation containing an arbitration clause requiring any arbitration to be held in Nigeria under Nigerian law, and it then sought to confirm the award in Nigeria,” Pauley wrote. “[They] cannot now reasonably complain that [their] efforts to collect will be frustrated in Nigeria.”

In an Aug. 7 regulatory filing, Exxon said it did not expect the case to materially affect its operations or financial condition.

The case is Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Ltd et al v Nigerian National Petroleum Corp, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 14-08445.

https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2019/09/04/nigeria-escapes-from-another-1-8b-arbitration-award/

.....

Hoodlums taking advantage of the ongoing outrage against the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa have looted an outlet of a major South African clothing retailer in Lagos.

The Surulere, Lagos, store of clothing and accessories dealer, PEP, was looted by Nigerians on Tuesday evening.

Videos and pictures of the looting were circulated by several users on Twitter Tuesday night. PREMIUM TIMES could not immediately ascertain the specific outlet of PEP that was attacked, but the background indicated it was the one along Bode Thomas Road.

The police have been responding to multiple attacks targeting South African businesses across Nigeria on Tuesday.

Other South African businesses, including retailer Shoprite and telecoms giant MTN, have been targeted in Lagos, Ibadan and Akwa Ibom.

Although the businesses are of South African origin, most of their workforce in Nigeria are Nigerians.

Many Nigerians have also bought into the businesses.

The recent disclosure of MTN Nigeria ownership structure showed many Nigerians were part owners of the company.

It was not immediately clear whether PEP has reacted to the development. A spokesperson could not be reached for comments.

The looting of PEP comes moments after the police in Lagos told PREMIUM TIMES they had intensified security arrangements at all South Africa-affiliated businesses across the commercial capital.

Soldiers have also been deployed to volatile scenes like the Shoprite outlet in Lekki, Lagos, to prevent them from being looted or set on fire.

Targeting of South African businesses only escalated on Tuesday after Nigerians on social media waged their collective rage over the deadly xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa.

Dozens of Nigerian properties and businesses were targeted in Johannesburg, Pretoria and other parts of South Africa over the past week.
https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/350401-xenophobia-south-african-clothing-store-looted-in-lagos.html

Geoffrey Onyema and whomever he works with have gone loco.....accountability?

What about the ones who are dead?

South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Bobby Moroe, has said not less than seventy suspects have been arrested over the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa.

He disclosed this on Tuesday during a Joint briefing by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama in Abuja.

Moroe also said the South African government is doing everything possible to bring the perpetrators into justice, and will protest the interest of all foreign nationals legitimately living in the country.

He further stated that the South African High Commission will be meeting with the students leaders over the issue to prevent reprisals in Nigeria.

Reacting to the High Commissioner’s comments, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, promised that Nigerian government will push for accountability and compensation for Nigerians that suffered losses.

https://tvcnews.tv/70-suspects-arrested-over-xenophobic-attacks-on-nigerians-high-commissioner/

After 15 days of intensive competition, the curtain will fall on the 12th African Games tonight in Rabat.

Team Nigeria was conveniently occupying the second spot on the medals table at the close of events on Friday night.

Only two events are yet to be completed.

The position will certainly not change, but there would be additional medals for events not concluded.

Team Nigeria ended Day 15 of the ongoing African Games on a high as its medal haul increased to 126 (46 gold, 33 silver and 47 bronze medals) at the end of proceedings.

Egypt occupied first spot with 102 gold medals while South Africa was third with 36 gold medals.

Sade Olatoye was Nigeria’s only individual gold medalist on the last day in athletics as she emerged victorious in the women’s Shotput. Her first-round attempt of 16.61m was good enough for the gold. It was Olatoye’s second medal of the Games, having won bronze in the Hammer Throw.

In men’s Javelin, Nnamdi Chinecherem won bronze, throwing a distance of 73.24m.

On the track, Divine Oduduru failed to meet the expectations once more as the sprinter once again finished 2nd with a 20.54s clocking in the men’s 200m final.

Nigeria’s other representative, Ogho-Oghene Egwero, was 6th in 21.00s. Zambia’s Sidney Siame won the race with 20.34s.

Nigeria’s only athlete listed to run in the women’s 200m final, Rosemary Chukwuma, did not take part in her race.

In the women’s 400m Hurdles, Abasiono Akpan rallied her way back into contention as she was able to claim bronze for her efforts. She clocked 57.66s.

Nnamdi Chinecherem won bronze in men’s Javelin, throwing a distance of 73.24m. It is his first senior medal, having won gold at the African junior championship in April.

Nigeria women’s 4x400m made up of the quartet of Patience Okon-Geroge, Blessing Oladoye, Kemi Francis and Favour Ofili combined to run a time of 3:30.32s which fetched them gold.

For the men, they settled for bronze in 3:03.42s.

After her earlier heroics, Ayomide Bello showed how good she is in the C1 200m Women Final of Canoeing. She returned a time of 50.51s to win the event. She also teamed up with her compatriot Foloki to win the doubles in the event.

Nigeria on the last day of action in weightlifting got more medals. Obeyi Joseph was the first to clinch the medal as she settled for bronze in the women’s +87kg (245kg), Snatch (105kg) and Clean-Jerk (130kg) classification. In the same vein, Olawale Barde won bronze in the men’s 102kg (343kg), Snatch (158kg) and Clean-Jerk (185kg).

Also, Tijani Abdul secured bronze in the men’s +109kg (323kg), Snatch (180kg) and Clean-Jerk (143kg).

Wrestling

Finally, Nigeria scooped two gold and two silver medals in weightlifting. Daniel Amaas proved too strong for The Gambia’s Mbal Cumba as he edged him 3-1 to win gold in the men’s Freestyle 65kg Finals. Also, Emmanuel John pipped Sami Mustapha 3-1 to claim gold in the men’s Freestyle 74kg final.

Soso Tamurau lost to Egypt’s Hosam Meghany 3-1 to win the men’s Freestyle 97kg final, while Ebikewemimo Wilson was overpowered by Algeria’s Abdelhak Khebache in the men’s Freestyle 57kg final.

On a rather dissaponting note, Nigeria’s wait for a first gold medal since 1973 in the men’s football event continues as the Flying Eagles, who represented the country, lost to Burkina Faso 2-0 in the final.

Nigeria also finished second at the last edition of African Games in Congo Brazzaville albeit with 47 gold medals.

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/sports/nigeria-sports-news/349719-2019-african-games-nigeria-finishes-second.html/amp/
Dominique
Lalasticlala
MissyB3
Fynestboi

"For your information, the state Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Sani, has ordered that your church should be demolished before his arrival in this town tomorrow. So, we shall carry out this directive tomorrow morning."

On October 10, 2003, the Rev. Seth Saleh, then pastor of St. Peter's Anglican Church in Bakura town in Zamfara state, received a Bakura town councilor as an unexpected guest in his house with the above message.

The following day, the local government demolished St. Peter's Anglican Church.

The demolition of that church in Bakura marked the beginning of an assault by Islamic fundamentalists in Zamfara under the leadership of Gov. Sani through imposition of sharia (Islamic law). In Gusau town alone, 14 churches have been marked out for demolition.

Those 14 churches have already received demolition notices, according to Rev. James Obi, pastor of Channel of Blessings Church and secretary of the Zamfara state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria. They include Eternal Life Bible Church, Christian Faith Bible Church, Chapel of Grace, Christian Evangelical Fellowship of Nigeria, National Evangelical Mission, Assemblies of God Church, Channel of Blessings and Living Faith Church.

Other Zamfara state churches earmarked for demolition are the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Christ Embassy, Church of Christ in Nigeria, Mountain of Fire and Miracles Church, Colgate Church and Deeper Life Bible Church.

The government demolished Rev. Obi's Channel of Blessings church in 1997, and it has marked his rebuilt church for destruction as well.

"We have been served with demolition notices and even then, there have been announcements over the radio and television on the churches to be demolished," Rev. Obi lamented. "It is just a matter of time, and these churches will be no more."

Champion of Jihad

John Garba Danbinta, Anglican bishop of Gusau, said the demolition of St. Peter's Anglican Church in Bakura came on Gov. Sani's orders.

"The governor is from Bakura, and because he is the champion of Islamic jihad in Nigeria, he felt it will be unwise for a church to be seen in his hometown," Bishop Dabinta said.

The bishop pointed out these arbitrary demolitions to refute those in Nigeria who declare Christians face no opposition from the state.

"The news outside Zamfara state is that everything is okay with Christians here," he said. "Some claim that the governor is good and treating Christians well, that Christians do not have problems - but this is false. The problem of persecution of Christians here is a reality. It is a major problem facing us today in Zamfara state."

St. Peter's Rev. Saleh, now pastor at St. John's Anglican Church in Kaura Namoda, recalled how officials often had promised that sharia would only be applied to Muslims. Sharia had long been in effect in civil matters, as in all of Nigeria, but its imposition in criminal matters in 12 northern states has thrown the country into a constitutional crisis.

"When sharia was introduced by the government of Zamfara state, we were told that it is meant to guide Muslims in their faith and that it has nothing to do with us Christians," Rev. Saleh said. "Surprisingly, sharia is now a weapon being used against the church in Zamfara state."

Killing Infidels

Sharia as a weapon has been particularly sharp on Kabiru Lawal, a former Muslim who four months ago received Christ. The Hisbah Commission, Zamfara state's agency for the enforcement of the sharia, is gunning for his life.

In late December and early January, agents of Hisbah invaded the Lawal family's house three times looking for the 29-year-old man. Agents told family members that whenever Lawal is found, he should be prepared to pay the supreme price of abandoning Islam - death.

Each time the Hisbah arrived, Lawal was at the Federal Medical Centre in Gusau town due to illness.

He is now in hiding, no longer free to walk the streets of Gusau. His father, Mallam Lawal, comes from a family of Islamic clerics.

In 2002, Lawal read in the Quran about the second coming of Jesus into the world. Lawal, who holds a diploma in business administration from Kaduna Polytechnic in northern Nigeria, said his decision to investigate the life of Christ was informed by his desire to know whether "Jesus was coming as a Muslim or a Christian."

Tunde Adebayo, a relative, gave Lawal a pocket size New Testament in 2003, which he hungrily read.

Lawal said the Holy Spirit revealed to him that Jesus is coming back not as a Muslim, as Muslims believe, but to take those Christians who believe in Him. He began to attend church services. Last September 3, he went to the Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA) church in Gusau town and asked to receive Christ into his life.

"The Bible clearly presented who Jesus Christ is and provided answers as to why he will be coming back into the world," Lawal said. "The Spirit told me that unless I receive Christ into my heart, I will perish with other Muslims because they do not know the true God.

His family stiffly opposes his conversion, but Lawal said there is no returning to Islam.

"Nothing on earth will make me turn away from Christ," he said, "not even if I will be slaughtered like a ram."

Draconian Decrees

Since the introduction of the sharia in January 2000, Zamfara authorities have banned Christians from sharing their faith or building churches, said Anglican Bishop Danbinta.

Officials are keeping Christians from building churches, he said, by making it impossible for them to acquire land. "We cannot get land, because there is a deliberate government policy to deny Christians land to build churches," Bishop Danbinta said.

There are about 4,000 Anglicans in Zamfara, yet Bishop Danbinta said that in almost all parts of the state the government has refused to allow the church land to build places of worship.

"Sharia, it would seem, is being implemented to curtail Christianity, since it is only targeted at Christians," he said.

70 Mosques, 0 Churches

The Rev. Barnabas Sabo, pastor of the ECWA church in Gusau town, concurred that local governments are using sharia to deny churches land.

Towns denied lands for building churches include Mada, from which Rev. Sabo's church members have to trek more than 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) to Talata Mafara to attend worship services.

Other towns and villages where the ECWA church has been denied land are Kasuwa Daji, Dansadau, Tsibiri in Talata Mafara, and in the Bakura area.

"Gov. Sani, in six years of introducing sharia in the state, has used public funds to build well over 70 mosques," Rev. Sabo said. "Yet no single church has been built by this same government. How fair is this?"

Apart from denial of lands to churches in Zamfara state, Christians have encountered difficulties in other sectors, such as education, where discriminatory school fees have been forced on Christian students and pupils, and there is no teaching of what is known in Nigerian schools as Christian Religious Knowledge.

There is no employment for Christians in the public service, and a ban has been placed on Christian radio and television programs.

The imposition of sharia in criminal matters in 12 northern states has resulted in numerous conflicts bringing death to thousands of persons, most of them Christians.

"If there is anything anybody can do to hurt me, it is for such a person to stop me from serving God the way I want and to stop me from sharing my faith," Bishop Danbinta said. "This is precisely what we as Christians are experiencing in Zamfara state."

https://www.christianheadlines.com/news/nigerian-churches-marked-for-demolition-in-zamfara-state-1376026.html

The Northern West zone of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, on Saturday raised alarm over alleged plot to annihilate the Christian community in the region through continuous demolition of churches.

The alarm was raised by the zonal Chairman of CAN, Bishop David Bakare.

Worried by the continuous demolition of churches, Bakare asked, “Do we still have rights to exist as a church in northern Nigeria? Is religion still part of the fundamental human rights guaranteed by the United Nations and our own Nigerian constitution? Do we have any right to practice our religion where we live?

“We need to be told all these things for us to know what is illegal and legal.”

Bakare claimed that on January 11, 2017, “two churches were demolished in Jigawa State capital, Dutse. They included The Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, and The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Renewal Ministry. These are big churches.

“The reason for the demolition was that the buildings were located in residential areas though the said buildings have been on that same position for well over 17 years.

“Besides that, there are also mosques in these same locations. How come the churches were demolished and the mosques were not demolished? Beyond this, it is important to note that five more churches have been marked for further demolition in the same location.

“The worst part of the matter is that the churches were not notified either in writing or any other form for an intended demolition. They were simply there to see caterpillars which began to demolish their churches.”

The clergy man, while dismissing‎ claim that the church buildings were pulled down because they were located on residential areas, wondered why the residential houses attached to the churches were also demolished.

He said, “There are even personal houses attached to these buildings, like the Chosen Church has three bedrooms flats. The Redeemed had another one.

“The churches were demolished alongside the residential houses. All these issues beg for answers, particularly issues that have to do with religion at a time like this in Nigeria. The Christian Association of Nigeria, particularly in the North West is worried because this same time last year, churches were demolished in Zamfara. Anglican churches, Catholic churches were demolished for similar excuses and nothing has happened and barely one year after, another set is being demolished in Jigawa.

“There is crisis going on in Southern Kaduna; who knows where and what is going to happen to who next and where. CAN in North West Nigeria is asking that should the churches in the region go extinct because we are Christians? Do we still have rights to exist as a church in northern Nigeria?

“How come nobody is giving answers to these matters? How come its now a yearly ritual to demolish churches built with hard earned money for years. In any case, is religion still part of the fundamental human right guaranteed by the United Nations and our own Nigeria constitution? Do we have any right to practice our religion where we live?

“We need to be told all these things for us to know what is illegal and legal.

“It is time to stop this yearly ritual of demolishing churches in the north west Nigeria.

“We are peace loving people. We want to live in peace and we need somebody to tell us what we have done wrong. As citizens we need to know what exactly is the reason why before demolition, during demolition after demolition, nobody is told what is happening.

“Uptill now, the government of Jigawa State has refused to meet the Christian leaders to discuss the matter in any form.

“These things are begging for questions and they are becoming too worrisome for us in North West Nigeria. We appeal to the authority to note that these are dangerous times that can worsen the situation that Nigeria is already going through and everybody responsible for these need to be called to order.”


https://www.google.com/amp/s/dailypost.ng/2017/01/22/northern-state-governors-persecuting-christians-demolishing-churches-can/amp/

About eight soldiers have been confirmed dead and five others missing after suspected Boko Haram insurgents ambushed troops of the Sector Three in Lake Chad area on Friday, a security source said. The incident happened around Gasarwa general area on Gajiram-Monguno road.

The troops were coming from Monguno and heading to Maiduguri on Friday morning.

According to the source, the insurgents used rocket-propelled grenades to engage the troops. The source added before the arrival of the troops backup from Monguno and air support, the insurgents had withdrawn with lots of weaponry and arms.

“Unfortunately, eight soldiers were killed and five others were missing in action, arms and ammunition carted away by insurgents group,” the source stated. They burnt three gun trucks belonging to the troops of sector three of Operation Lafiya Dole.

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/insurgents-ambush-troops-kill-8-and-others-missing.html

They want to build an advanced medical diagnostics centre to prevent those leaders who have a permanent bed outside the country to bed-rest here. But will Ajala agree?
Your guess is as good as mine....

They signed a deal for life with regards to an Assembly plant in Ghana, that Toyota, i mean that same Toyota coy...is this now a case of copycat?


no be me talk am ooooo

..as Buhari woos Toyota to set up Assembly plant in Nigeria

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday held investment talks with top officials of Japan Bank for International Cooperation, and Toyota Group.

The meeting was held on the sideline of the Seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development, TICAD 7, in Yokohama, Japan and was contained in a statement signed and forwarded to DAILY POST by his Media Aide, Femi Adesina.

Led by its Deputy Governor, Mr Nobumitsu Hayashi, the Japan Bank for International Cooperation indicated its interest in supporting projects in which Japanese companies are involved in Nigeria.

The bank said it had lots of resources dedicated for that purpose and would be interested in oil and gas, and investments in infrastructure.

President Buhari welcomed the bank, informing the team that Nigeria had introduced the Ease of Doing Business, and bureaucratic bottlenecks were being cleared off the way.

At a bilateral meeting with Toyota Tsusho, a part of the Toyota conglomerate, President/CEO of the group, Ichiro Kashitani, indicated interest in sectors like energy, healthcare and automobiles, saying Toyota would be delighted to have presence all over Nigeria.

Kashitani said Toyota Tsusho wishes to also build an advanced medical diagnostics centre, which would foreclose need for foreign travel to obtain cutting edge medical diagnosis.

President Buhari urged the group to also consider setting up a car assembly plant, noting that Nigeria had the capacity to absorb the investment for positive returns.

At another meeting with the Prime Minister of Algeria, Noureddine Bedoui, President Buhari counseled that the political programme in the country be faithfully executed, which would lead to general elections as soon as possible.

“Algeria is a good pan-Africanist nation, with a lot of influence over the continent,” the President said.

Prime Minister,Bedoui said dialogue was in progress with all stakeholders leading to elections, hopefully by end of the year.

https://dailypost.ng/2019/08/30/details-buharis-investment-meeting-japan-bank-toyota-emerges/

Video of the signing.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARl70N3FCa8

Ichiro Kashitani, president and chief executive officer of Toyota Tsusho Corporation, has announced that the company will start assembling its vehicles in Ghana from August 2020.

Speaking on Thursday during the signing of memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ghanaian government for the establishment of a Toyota and Suzuki assembly plant in the country, Kashitani said the project will last for life.

“We consider the project of the assembly plant a marriage. It lasts for life, and it is a long-term project,” he said.

President Nana Akufo-Addo, however, stated that the signing of the MoU with Toyota Tsusho falls in line with the vision of making Ghana an automotive hub for West Africa and the larger African market.

The president noted that Ghana is the base to reach the larger African market with the coming into force of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

We are attaching a great deal of importance to the initiative and development,” the president said.

“We want to assure you that, whatever it is we can do on the side of the Ghana Government to provide you with the necessary support and assurance that the investment you are going to make in our country will be worth your while, you can count on us to do that.”

On his part, Imai Toshimitsu, chief operations officer in charge of the Africa division of Toyota, said the decision to set up in Ghana has been necessitated by the favourable economic climate prevailing in the country.

“We are willing to participate in the automotive industry in Ghana,” he said.

“I am very happy that we have reached the consensus and principal agreement to start the Toyota and Suzuki assembly plants. We are planning to kick-off the project immediately, and, hopefully, we will have first car made in Ghana this time (August) next year. Thank you very much for your support.”

Toshimitsu said the decision to assemble Suzuki vehicles in Ghana is sequel to the acquisition of 4.9% stake in Suzuki by Toyota Tsusho, on Wednesday, making the company a principal shareholder in Suzuki.

“The products to be assembled in Ghana include the Toyota Hilux pickup, which is already popular in Ghana. Since it will be locally produced, I hope it will be more popular. We are also planning to introduce small passenger cars, with two Suzuki brands,” he stated.

“So, Suzuki products will be assembled and sold in Ghana. The cars which will be produced in Ghana are our core models for Africa and Ghana customers.”

https://www.thecable.ng/video-toyota-seals-deal-to-site-assembly-plant-in-ghana

Pathetic.....

May God rest his soul.

He said, "I'm pleased to have reduced the height of El-Rufai from a dwarf to a leper who was rejected by the Governors forum.

Jesu

Men of the Nigerian Customs, Kwara state command have been accused of carrying out unlawful arrest, detention and seizure of rice believed to be locally produced from a warehouse in Ilorin.

The accusation led to a protest by the chairman of Mount Olive Nigeria Ltd and his staff at the popular Oja Tuntun market on Thursday in Ilorin.

Speaking during the protest, chairman of Mount Olive Nigeria Ltd, Pharm. Ademola Adebola Julius, said in the last four years he has been supporting the cause of manufacturing local rice to grow the economy but unfortunately men of the Nigerian Customs have been threatening his business.

According to him, “Men of the Nigerian Customs Services came to my warehouse around 2am in the night, broke my door, tied my security man down and carted away my rice. 704 bags of Nigerian rice.

I have over ten trailers of the rice inside my warehouse that are purely Nigerian rice. “Ask any producer of rice in Nigeria, Mount Olive Nigeria Ltd, have been supporting them because I am the distributor of Nigerian rice in the whole South West and Nigerian Customs just came to frustrate me.

“I have 480 staff under me. I don’t know what they want from me. I pay my tax regularly. If they are saying I’m not doing my business in the orderly way, what is the orderly way they want me to follow?.”

Julius however said, “I have reported to the police. Customs men attacked my company unlawfully and that is why I’m protesting with all my staff for Nigeria government to come to my aid.

“They said I should come and see the AGC and when I got to their office they said he was not around. Three of my staff were locked up and they collected N50,000 from me before they were released. One of my friends who also came was locked up.”

While calling on the federal government to intervene, he demanded for the unconditional release of his 704 bags of rice.

“Nigerian Customs Service, Kwara state command should release all my rice unconditionally. Presidency should look into the matter. I have branches all over the country, my company is in 23 locations across the country they should come and investigate. We are ready to cooperate with whoever want to come and investigate us.”

"When I got to Olam farm in Nasarawa state in 2014, I was surprised with what I saw there and I resolved in my mind to support Nigerian rice because it will assist in tackling the issue of unemployment in the country. But here I am been frustrated by the men of Nigerian Customs. They should stop frustrating legitimate business owner like me,” he said.

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/protests-rock-ilorin-over-seizure-of-nigerian-rice-by-customs.html

Following the allegation of N1.6bn fraud, a Lagos Federal High Court on Thursday discharged and acquitted former President, Goodluck Jonathan’s ex-aide, Dr Waripamo Owei-Dudafa of an alleged involvement.

Justice Mohammed Idris in his judgment held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, failed to prove any of the 22-count charges levelled against Owei-Dudafa beyond reasonable doubt.

In the 190-page judgment, Justice Mohammed said EFCC’s case was “based on suspicions” and suspicions “cannot take the place of legal evidence”.

The judge also observed that the anti-graft agency failed to call vital witnesses, including Jonathan and former NSA Sambo Dasuki, who could have helped its case.

“Why did the prosecution fail to call Sompre Omiebi to testify?” the judge queried.

The court also dismissed the EFCC’s claim that the bags delivered by Dudafa to Jonathan contained dollars.

Justice Idris held that there was no proof for that.

“How did the prosecution know that the bags contained dollars?” the judge wondered again.

https://dailypost.ng/2019/08/29/jonathans-ex-aide-dudafa-defeats-efcc-court/

The Village Head of Wurma in Kurfi Local Government Area of Katsina State, Alhaji Mustapha Muhammed, yesterday narrated how heavily armed bandits in their hundreds attacked the community and abducted 49 people. Speaking with journalists, Muhammed said.

“They [the bandits] came with guns. They didn’t kill anyone, but took 49 people with them.”

“Eleven were later released and I was just told of another one being released,” he added.

He said “We are calling on the governor of Katsina to help us with security personnel that can assist us, even if it is only with their presence to scare away these bandits.

"When they tried to attack, our neighbours from Tsakiya village used to alert us that an attack is imminent be it small or large. Even this one they informed us that the bandits were coming and in large numbers.”

Speaking further, the village head said he was sleeping when he began to hear sounds of gun shots. “Even my house was broken into, seven of them entered my room demanding that I give them money or they will kill me.

“I told them I had no money, they ransacked the room and carried what they wanted. Up till now I have not returned to the room to see the extent of what they did.

"Even my clothes were taken because I saw them carrying two of them, one of them drew the attention of the other. He asked him why he would carry such clothes which can lead to their arrest. He dropped them and left.”

He said “I had to leave for Dutsinma town where I passed the night and returned this morning entertaining sympathisers; my family members are now scattered with some in Katsina, Dutsinma and Rimi towns.”

Another resident Badamasi Wurma, whose wife and three children were abducted, said “I was with friends, six of us, around 11.30pm when we heard a gunshot fired at us. As we begin to rise the second was fired. We all ran for our lives.

“We did not see each other until the next day,” he said, adding that the bandits were over 300.

"They entered my house which was yet to be locked as I was still outside, they met my family, carted away whatever type of property they needed and took my wife away. They broke into my room and carried several valuables,” he said.

He said those abducted were over 45 people “but some have returned. One of my daughters was among those that returned. Between eight and 10 children were released as at now, one married and the rest children,” he said.

“Our wives and children are still with them as I’m talking to you; we don’t know what will happen later. The bandits were attacking house to house, between five and six bandits moving between the houses after they had cordoned off the whole village, there is virtually no house that wasn’t ransacked,” he added.

When contacted the spokesman of the state police command ASP Anas Gezawa said “at about 0015hrs, unknown gunmen in large numbers invaded Wurma village of Kurfi LGA and abducted 15 women including the daughter and daughter in-law of the village head Mustapha Mohammed.

“Hours later, police were able to rescue 10 of the abducted and have since reunited them with their families as efforts ongoing to rescue the rest.”

“The bandits also carted away unspecified number of cattle, the DPO led a patrol team of policemen to the scene but the hoodlums had already escaped. Efforts are on to arrest the culprits,” he added.

Daily Trust learnt that an enlarged security stakeholders’ meeting will be chaired by Governor Aminu Masari today in Katsina as part of efforts to address the insecurity in parts of the state.

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/how-bandits-abducted-49-in-katsina-by-village-head.htmsaid.
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Dominique

Pictures when he attended the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana in 1981. At this time, the first coup took place but was quelled down after he enlisted the Senegalese army. About 500-800 people lost their lives.


Adama Barrow (current President) and D.K.Jawara earlier this year.

iPhoneRepairer:
What legacy did he leave behind

An interesting read but long.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dawda_Jawara

Dawda Jawara, the first president of The Gambia following independence from Britain, died Tuesday at the age of 95, officials said.

Current President Adama Barrow, in online comments, described Jawara’s death as “a great loss to the country in particular and humanity in general”.

Fisheries Minister James Gomez told AFP that “the former head of State Sir Dawda Jawara died this afternoon. Flags would fly at half mast” and the body will lie in state for mourners to pay their respects.

Jawara, a Glasgow-trained veterinary doctor, led the former British Colony to Independence on 18th February 1965 until July 1994 when his reign was brought to an end by a bloodless military coup led by Yahya Jammeh, who went on to rule the tiny West African state for 22 years.

The Gambian presidency, in a statement on Twitter announced that a state funeral would be held on Thursday.

“In honour of his enduring legacy, President Barrow has ordered that the former president be accorded a befitting state funeral and that flags at all public institutions to fly at half-mast.

“Sir Dawda has lived a life that epitomises peace, tolerance, respect, and patriotism. His time as president has put the country on the path of development at both human and institutional standards. His legacy as the father of the nation shall forever live on.”

Jawara was born in 1924 into a Muslim family in central Barajally, where his father was a tradesman.

He worked as a vet and it was not until 1960 that he decided to enter politics, joining the Protectorate People’s Party in 1960 while the country was still under British rule..

His party, which later changed its name to the People Progressive Party (PPP) won the elections in 1962 and he became the country’s prime minister.

That was the post Jawara held when The Gambia gained its independence in 1965, ending British colonial rule which begun in 1888.

It was not until 1970 that he assumed his post as the country’s first president.

Jawara resisted post-independence pressure to become part of neighbouring Senegal, which surrounds the whole country with the exception of its Atlantic coastline.

Following his 1994 ouster, Jawara sought refuge in Britain where he lived with his family until 2002 when he returned home after President Jammeh granted him amnesty and returned his assets to him.

While in power his regime was considered one of the most democratic on the African continent.

https://punchng.com/the-gambias-first-president-dawda-jawara-dies-aged-95/

Four people have been feared killed and 12 others missing in the aftermath of Boko Haram attack on a town in the northern part of Borno State.

Boko Haram struck at remote Gajiram, headquarters of Ngazai Local Government Area of the state at the weekend, firing heavy artillery into the town, security sources said. It was the third attack on the town by the insurgents this year

“The attack occurred at about 8.20pm. The insurgents came in 4-wheel vehicles, looted houses and shops, carted away foodstuffs and livestock,” a local government official, who preferred anonymity, told Daily Sun.

The source also said the insurgents burnt some of the vehicles at the local government secretariat. Four people were killed while the insurgents fired sporadically.

https://www.sunnewsonline.com/4-killed-12-women-missing-as-boko-haram-attacks-borno-2/

Ever since I began my #RenoMoni initiative, Pastor Yemi Osinbajo has been feeling uncomfortable. I can understand his discomfiture. As the proverb goes, a short man is always uncomfortable when the conversation centers around dwarfism.

I receive too many emails from poor, broken-hearted and suicidal Nigerians and I cannot just sit by doing nothing. I am a follower of Christ and being a Christian is a verb. It is an action word. I can’t see my fellow Nigerians suffering as the world headquarters for extreme poverty and do nothing. That is why I started #RenoMoni.

And now, Osinbajo is threatened because I not only send money to Nigerians, but they come on my profile to share screenshots of the alerts they received from me. In his mind, Osinbajo feels I am competing with his deceitful Tradermoni scheme, which he started during the elections and abandoned immediately he and General Buhari were rigged back to power.

For those who defended Pastor Osinbajo against claims that Tradermoni is vote buying, how would you explain the fact that his office announced on August 9 that pastor Osinbajo would resume Tradermoni, but this time only in Bayelsa? Do not take my word for it. Google it. Why Bayelsa? Because an election is scheduled there in November.

In a land ravaged by poverty, only the truly wicked would exploit people’s poverty in such a cruel way and with public funds.

And now, Pastor Osinbajo has sponsored people to write anonymous articles in various papers slandering me and accusing me of having made money by selling my #FreeLeahSharibu T-shirts and pocketing the money.

But even if these were true, how is that a crime? I custom-made the shirts with Armani and Top Man with my money, if I choose to sell them, is that a crime?

But it is not true. Yes, I custom-made some #FreeLeahSharibu T-shirts, but not even a dime has been paid to me. I advertised that if anyone was interested in the T-shirts, they should make a donation of ₦50,000 DIRECT to Nathan Irmiya Sharibu’s account (of which I provided his account number).

Nathan is Leah Sharibu’s father. Once money is paid into his account, I asked all those who donated to confirm with the Christian Association of Nigeria Chairman for Kaduna state by sending him proof of payment. Once this is done, we then send them the T-shirts.

I have spent a fortune of my own money on those shirts and I have not made a dime and I do not want to make a dime. It is an act of charity. By God’s grace, I have raised money for Leah’s parents. Why? The money cannot free Leah, but it enables them pursue the cause of #FreeLeahSharibu.

Also, I persuaded the British Prime Minister, Mr. Boris Johnson, to wear the T-Shirt while standing by my side and the picture was published on the front page of ThisDay, to raise awareness for #FreeLeahSharibu. I also persuaded award winning R and B singer, Howard Hewitt, to do the same.

Rather than sponsor people to write articles falsely accusing me, Osinbajo, who claims to be a pastor, should appreciate me. If there is anyone or institution that has paid me, directly or indirectly, for my #FreeLeahSharibu T-Shirts, or any aspect of my #FreeLeahSharibu campaign, I challenge them to expose me.

If Pastor Osinbajo has proof that I am making money from my #FreeLeahSharibu campaign, he should publish it. He can pay for the publication with Tradermoni.

His anonymous writers claim I am broke. Really? After the February Nigerian Presidential elections were postponed, I singlehandedly provided buses to ferry Nigerian voters to their polling units IRRESPECTIVE OF WHO THEY WERE VOTING FOR.

I have been providing financial support to Nigerians after the elections through #RenoMoni. I have also visited 36 countries in 2019 alone, campaigning for #FreeLeahSharibu. Are these the actions of a broke man.

Okay, since Osinbajo’s stooges say I am broke, I will now double the #RenoMoni financial stipends I give to the poor from ₦10,000 to ₦20,000. And I urge Pastor Osinbajo to partner with me and learn how to help the poor without using it as a cover to prepare for election rigging!

Reno Omokri Thinker. #1 Bestselling author of Facts Versus Fiction: The True Story of the Jonathan Years. Avid traveller. Table Shaker. Buhari Tormentor. Sharer of the Gospel, not the gossip.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/08/osinbajo-should-appreciate-me-reno-omokri/

A member representing Denge/Shuni State Constituency at the Sokoto state House of Assembly, Aminu Magaji Bodai has been kidnapped by suspected hoodlums.
A close relation of the victim revealed to newsmen that his brother was kidnapped by yet to be identified persons on his way to his village in Bodai from Dange town.

He says the legislator was abducted around 1:15am on Thursday morning.

TVCNEWS contacted the state police public relations officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police Mohammed Sadiq Abubakar who confirmed the kidnap of the legislator but says detail on the abduction is still sketchy.
He promised to furnish us with details at the conclusion of investigation.

Details later.
https://tvcnews.tv/breaking-suspected-hoodlums-abduct-house-of-assembly-member-in-sokoto/
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Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has approved new energy tariff for the electricity distribution companies (DisCos) in the country.

The commission made this known on Wednesday in a series of publications tagged ‘2016-2018 minor review of the 2015 multi year tariff order’ (MYTO) for each DisCo.

According to the documents, the order became effective from July 1, 2019.

The DisCos had cited lack of cost-reflective tariff as its major challenge on the sector, which has also prevented them from investing in their networks.

In 2018, the DisCos claimed they are incurring huge losses as they buy electricity at N80.88 and sell to consumers at N31.50, recording a shortfall of N49.38 per kilowatt.

“The objectives of this Order are to reflect the impact of changes in the Minor Review variables for the period 2016 2018 to determine the cost reflective tariffs for the relevant years; and to ascertain revenue shortfalls in view of the differential between such tariffs and allowed tariffs in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (“NESI”),” NERC said.

“Determine and recognise the historical (2015 2018) tariff deficits pursuant to the obiective of resolving the impairment of the financial records of DisCos arising as a consequence of the deficits.

“This Order has taken into consideration the actual changes in relevant macroeconomic variables and available generation capacity in updating the operating MYTO 2015 Tariff Order for the period January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2018 in line with the provisions of the MYTO Methodology (Amended). Projections were made for macroeconomic variables for the year 2019 and beyond based on best available information.

“The Commission shall make necessary adjustments to reflect actual values at the time of the next minor review that will take effect on 1 January 2020.”

https://www.thecable.ng/customers-to-pay-more-as-nerc-approves-new-electricity-tariff-for-discos

Government should wade in, we have a lot of mad men/women walking on the streets already.