₦airaland Forum

The Niger Delta Avengers early Wednesday morning blew up two oil wells located in Warri South West of Delta State belonging to Chevron Nigeria Limited. The militant group claimed responsibility for the attack of the RMP 24 and RMP 23 which are Chevron Swamp's highest producing Wells.

“With the heavy presence of 100 gunboats, 4 warships and jet bombers, NDA blew up Chevron Oil Well RMP 23 and RMP 24, 3:44AM this morning.”It said via its Twitter handle @Niger Delta Avengers on Wednesday morning, “This is to show the whole world that the Nigeria military is good in harassing innocent Nigerians.” the group said.

The latest attack comes as President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to visit the Niger Delta region on Thursday for the first time since taking office a year ago. Buhari will visit Ogoniland to launch a cleanup of areas heavily polluted by oil spills.

Read more: http://www.sofreedomains.com/2016/06/ahead-buharis-visit-avengers-blow-up.html

The Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) on Tuesday threatened to begin bloody attacks against oil companies, their personnel and the Nigerian military. The militant group in a statement signed by its Spokesperson, ‘Brig.Gen’ Murdock Agbinibo, also taunted the wanted ex-militant leader, Government Ekpumpolo aka Tompolo over the military siege in his Gbaramatu community in Delta State.

Murdock claimed that instead of going after the avengers, the military was looking for soft targets through its siege in Gbaramatu. He added that the group intelligence revealed that Capt. Okunbor Idahosa, Brigadier Commander, Benin, Maj. Farouk Yahaya and the Officer Commanding, Army Gunboat, JTF, Major M.B. Yahaya in collaboration with Ayiri Emami, were behind the travails in Gbaramatu.

Murdock said: “It is not our business what goes on in Gbaramatu Kingdom but our concern is the innocent children, women and aged people whom the Nigerian military has chased away from their homes and now taking refuge in the forest. We warned you before hand that the Nigerian Government can never be trusted.

Read more: http://www.sofreedomains.com/2016/05/militants-threaten-bloody-attacks-on.html

At least four people were killed in central Nigeria in two days of violence over an alleged blasphemy by a Christian trader against Prophet Mohammed, residents told media today. Abdullahi Sallau said a Muslim mob killed one person on Sunday and three yesterday in the town of Pandogari in Niger state "following blasphemous remarks by a Christian against the Prophet".

one of those killed was Methodus Chimaije Emmanuel, the 24-year-old who posted comments on his Facebook page, said Sallau, who lives in the town. His account was supported by another local. Emmanuel, whose parents were from Nigeria's mainly Christian south but who was born and raised in Pandogari, had gone into hiding following the post but was found.

"The crowd took the law into their hands and mobbed him to death despite the revulsion expressed by his parents over the online comments," Misbahu Malami, who lives locally, told AFP. Soldiers and police have made arrests and imposed an overnight curfew to restore calm after crowds went on the rampage, looting shops, burning a church and demanding the suspects' release.

Sallau said soldiers opened fire and killed three while three others were injured. The military said one of the dead was a member of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. Army spokesman Major NC Agwu confirmed that Emmanuel was killed by a mob "on (the) allegation of posting a blasphemous statement about Prophet Mohammad on the social media".

Read more: http://www.sofreedomains.com/2016/05/four-killed-in-niger-riots-over-alleged.html

The celebration of Biafran Day in memory of Late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu turned sour Monday in Anambra, as the military, police, members of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) clashed, killing over 30 persons and injuring many. Over 50 members of the Biafran group were arrested by the military and taking to their 302 cantonment in Onitsha.

Following the mayhem, the commercial city of Onitsha especially Nkpor axis, was locked down with the security operatives taking over the roads. Commercial activities were paralyzed as a result, with vehicular movements stopped with burn fires all over the roads.

Speaking with reporters Monday on the development, the public relations officer (PRO) of (IPOB), Emma Powerful, alleged that security operatives had killed over 30 members of the group, over 50 others arrested and taken to an unknown destination. Also, he alleged that many others were seriously injured in the mayhem, adding that the security operatives started arresting their members since 1.30 am when they began their peaceful demonstration.

According to him, “they were moving around in their hilux vehicle with a native doctor, when we are celebrating Biafra without any form of weapon, does it mean that we have no right for our fundamental rights,” Emma asked. When the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), in the state Ali Okechukwu was contacted yesterday at about11.55am, he said there was no room to discuss causality figures, adding that they were still busy trying to clear the roads for easy movement.

Read more: http://www.sofreedomains.com/2016/05/anambra-mayhem-ipob-military-police.html

The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has said he will devote the rest of his life to the defence of democracy in Nigeria. He said Nigeria must keep perfecting its democracy despite the daunting challenges.

The former governor of Lagos State said this in a statement, titled, “We must not take our democracy for granted,” on Sunday. According to him, the country needed an unrivalled fiscal policy to weather the economic storm.

Tinubu said those that looted the national treasury in the last administration were trying to use the backdoor to continue their corrupt acts. He said the country could not afford to fall into their deceit in order not to forfeit the nation’s future.

He said, “I have devoted most of my life to the struggle for Nigerian democracy. I would be more than happy to devote the rest of my days so that democracy can thrive and erase the unjust imbalances that have for too long been a heavy surcharge against the lives of most of our people.

Read more: http://www.sofreedomains.com/2016/05/i-will-defend-democracy-for-life-tinubu.html

British Airways has refuted media report that it is planning to stop operations to Nigeria over its $100m trapped in the country. The foreign carrier stated that the publication that it had concluded plans to exit the country was untrue, stressing that it never issued any statement to the media indicating such.

A United States based carrier, United Airlines had disclosed last week that it would leave Nigerian route next month over inability to repatriate its ticket proceeds trapped in Central Bank of Nigeria. This has, therefore, fuelled speculations that other carriers might follow suit with a foreign media suggesting in a report at the weekend that British Airways is considering to leave the Nigeria.

But the airline clarified in a statement that it has a long history in Nigeria, having begun operations in the country 80 years ago as Imperial Airways. It stated that Nigeria remains a strategic market for the airline, adding that its operations locally are very strong. "We have not issued any statements at any time indicating that we are on the verge of terminating operations in the country. We will continue daily operations into Nigeria", it said.

Read more: http://www.sofreedomains.com/2016/05/british-airways-denies-plan-to-leave.html

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has promised to “re-engineer” the Niger Delta amnesty programme for former militants. The programme was designed to stem attacks that have slashed oil exports but set to be scrapped.

The announcement, made in a televised speech marking his first year in office, is an apparent reversal from earlier this year when his government pledged to end the scheme by 2018. “On the Niger Delta, we are committed to implementing the United Nations Environment Programme report and are advancing clean-up operations. I believe the way forward is to take a sustainable approach to address the issues that affect the delta communities. Re-engineering the amnesty programmes is an example of this. The recent spate of attacks by militants disrupting oil and power installations will not distract us from engaging leaders in the region in addressing Niger Delta problems. If the militants and vandals are testing our resolve, they are much mistaken. We shall apprehend the perpetrators and their sponsors and bring them to justice,” said Buhari.

Read more: http://www.sofreedomains.com/2016/05/buhari-promises-to-re-engineer-amnesty.html

On Children's Day in Nigeria, a militant group targeting energy groups in the Niger Delta said it would deliver more to the nation's youth than the government. A group calling itself the Niger Delta Avengers said the children of Nigeria have been sidelined by successive Nigeria governments. The group, which has been critical of the Nigerian government's policies in the Niger Delta, said childhood should be a time of opportunity.

"This is what the Nigeria government has refused to give you the children of the Niger Delta," spokesman Mudoch Agbinibo said in a statement. "But what they have refused to give to you is what we are promising you." A report from UNICEF finds Nigerian data on children reveal a "shocking" amount of violence. About half of all children in Nigeria are exposed to violence, including sexual violence, at some point in their lives. That data prompted the government in Abuja to declare a year of action meant to end violence against children.

The Niger Delta Avengers have launched a steady string of attacks on energy infrastructure in the region, issuing a manifesto earlier this month that warned oil companies the attacks marked only a beginning. The group said it was frustrated by what it saw as a lack of attention to the region paid by Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari. Nigeria's oil-dependent economy has struggled under the strains that have emerged since crude oil prices first dropped below the $100 per barrel mark in 2014.

According to UNICEF, the decline in crude oil prices has hampered the Nigeria economy, pushing public sector salaries lower. "As efforts to restructure the economy away from over-reliance on oil is medium term, the economic situation in 2016 remains bleak," it said.

Read more: http://www.sofreedomains.com/2016/05/nigerian-militant-group-marks-childrens.html

Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo has said that winning the Champions League would be worth more than the two titles Barcelona have just won. The 31-year-old has been troubled by a thigh strain through recent weeks and missed the first leg of the Champions League semifinal against Manchester City, but on Wednesday assured his fans that he will be "at 100 percent" for Saturday's final against Atletico Madrid.

Ronaldo, speaking on Jugones LaSexta in the second part of an interview taped on Tuesday, said: "If we win the Champions [League] it is worth much more than Barca's Double. The Champions is a dream. There are elite players who have never won Champions League. I am speaking from my heart, I would not trade places ever."

Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid meet in the third Champions League final between Spanish clubs and the second between teams from the same city. The only previous final between two teams from the same city pitted these two teams against each other just two years ago.

Barcelona bowed out of Champions League contention in the quarterfinal to Atletico Madrid but went on to win both La Liga and Copa del Rey titles. Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid finished second and third in La Liga with 90 and 88 points, respectively.

Read more: http://www.sofreedomains.com/2016/05/cristiano-ronaldo-champions-league-win.html

Nigeria’s ex-president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed that the refusal of international oil companies, IOCs, to convert to power the gas they were flaring contributed to the deteriorated state of electricity in the country. Obasanjo lamented that rather than building power plants for Nigerians to benefit, the IOCs preferred to burn the gas because such projects did not add to their profitability.

Obasanjo made this revelation at a high-level session on “Africa’s, Energy: What’s the New Deal?” at the ongoing 2016 annual meetings of African Development Bank, AfDB, in Lusaka, Zambia. “When I was president, I asked all the international oil companies producing crude oil in Nigeria not to burn gas and use it for electricity, only Agip responded and build a power plant of only three megawatts, the others ignored my call,” he said.

Read more: http://www.sofreedomains.com/2016/05/obasanjo-blames-ol-companies-for.html

Brent oil futures climbed above 50 dollars a barrel on Thursday for the first time in nearly seven months. This is an indication that the global supply glut that plagued the market for nearly two years is showing signs of easing.

Oil prices had rallied in recent weeks after a string of outages due mainly to wildfires in Canada and unrest in Nigeria and Libya. The outages had knocked out nearly four million barrels per day of production. Above 50 dollars a barrel, oil was seen by many market players as breaching a psychological barrier that could lead producers, particularly among U.S. shale companies to revive operations scrapped in recent years.

Global benchmark Brent crude oil LCOc1 was up 36 cents at 50.10 dollars a barrel, the highest in nearly seven months. The upsurge was due to a larger-than-expected draw in U.S. crude oil inventories last week indicated buyers are starting to mop up spare supply. U.S. crude futures CLc1 were up 29 cents at 49.85 dollars a barrel, after touching 49.97 dollars, the highest since mid-October.

Read more: http://www.sofreedomains.com/2016/05/nigeria-militants-attacks-push-oil.html

A black Virginia student was handcuffed and charged with stealing a 65-cent pack of milk, which he already had the right to procure for free. Police applied larceny charges anyway, because he allegedly “concealed” the milk.

According to rt.com, after the May 10 incident, the student named Ryan was also suspended from Graham Park Middle School in Triangle, Virginia. That day Ryan, who is entitled to the school’s free lunch program, went back to the lunch line to get his milk, according to his mother Shamise Turk. Later, a Prince William County Police Officer accused Ryan of stealing the milk and charged him with larceny. Ryan has since been ordered to appear in juvenile court.

"I'm angry, I'm frustrated, I'm mad. It just went too far. They are charging him with larceny, which I don't have no understanding as to why he is being charged with larceny when he was entitled to that milk from the beginning,” Turk told WTVR news. "This is ridiculous ... this is beyond embarrassing ... he's at home for 65 cents."

Read more: http://www.sofreedomains.com/2016/05/virginia-teen-handcuffed-charged-with.html

For several months, the new Ojota pedestrian bridge was almost 'begging' for 'patronage' due to peoples' preference for 'short cut' to use the deadly express road. They gave various excuses, ranging the steep climb to the time it take to come down the other end for 'abandoning' the footbridge.

But last month the state government constructed an iron-fenced barricade to prevent recalcitrant pedestrian from crossing the express road as well as stationed combined teams of security men at the facility in order to monitor compliance. Hithertho,Governor Akinwunmi Ambode's campaign for the use of footbridge,especially in the ever-busy Ojota is paying off as scores of passers-bye now use the facility with some measure of discipline.

For instance it is now a norm to queue when using the foot bridge,whose stairs have now been demarcated with iron to aid movement of pedestrians and prevent stampede. But the current arrangement in Ojota is now a brisk business for the business-inclined ones as they now use the long queues to either sell or advertise their wares in late hours of the day when security operatives might have left.

Read more: http://www.sofreedomains.com/2016/05/nigeria-ojota-foot-bridge-traders.html

The Inspector-General of Police (IG), Mr Solomon Arase, has approved the deployment of a helicopter and more policemen to Kogi to checkmate the increasing rate of kidnapping and armed robbery in the state.

The Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, while addressing newly deployed policemen in Lokoja on Tuesday, said the helicopter was for aerial surveillance.

Among the deployed policemen are members of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad and four detachments of mobile policemen and trackers.

He said the police had been provided sophisticated security equipment and that the helicopter had since commenced aerial surveillance of suspected criminal hideouts in the state.

Bello said that it was hoped that the incidence of kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes in parts of the state would soon be history.

He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and the IG for their intervention in the situation in the state.

The governor said that kidnappers and other criminals would not be allowed to operate in the state as the security agencies had been directed to go after criminals and smoke them out from their hideouts.

Read more http://www.sofreedomains.com/2016/05/kidnapping-ig-deploys-helicopter-mobile.html

Nigerians love tomatoes. They are a non-negotiable ingredient in a number of traditional dishes, most notably in jollof rice — arguably the country’s most famous and delicious meal.

But across the country, the price of a basket of tomatoes has increased more than 30-fold in the past few months. The culprit? A fruit-eating moth known as the “tomato leaf miner,” or tuta absoluta, that has destroyed some 80 percent of tomato farms in the country’s northern Kaduna state.

On Monday, the Kaduna government declared a state of emergency over the tomato shortage. By Tuesday Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh, had announced the central government would send experts north to address the crisis.

Agriculture Commissioner Daniel Manzo Maigari said at a news conference in Kaduna Monday that 200 farmers have lost $5.1 million in the past month alone. In some parts of the country, a basket of tomatoes can run upwards of $40. A few months ago, it would have cost $1.20. That means fewer customers — and less money for Nigerian tomato farmers.

Read more: http://www.sofreedomains.com/2016/05/nigerias-latest-enemy-tomato-eating.html

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) released its 2013 audit reports on Monday, analysing the returns in solid minerals, oil and gas exploration in the country.

The reports, which were categorised into oil and gas, and solid minerals, had a number of interesting revelations for the Nigerian state and the state of her mining industry.

Here are five lessons learnt from NEITI’s reports:

FOCUSING MORE ON SAND THAN GOLD
Gold is one of the most expensive commodities on the international market. As at Tuesday afternoon, gold was trading at $1241.70 per ounce (28 grams).

Sand on the other hand sells around $70 for a truckload. But the NEITI results shows Nigeria is largely underutilising its gold reserves, and focusing on other minerals like limestone and sand.
According to its 2013 solid mineral audit report, 5.8 percent of solid minerals production came from sand, while about 0.0 percent to 0.4 percent came from gold.

Going by the value of royalties paid, Nigeria makes more money from sand, than it does from gold.
PRODUCING LIMESTONE THAN 51 OTHER MINERALS PUT TOGETHER
NEITI says Nigeria has about 52 solid mineral resource across all states of the federation, with every state possessing at least two mineral resources.

But of all 52, limestone was exploited more in 2013, than 51 others put together. Limestone, which is used for making cement, was responsible for 52 percent of solid mineral productions.
Granite, Laterite, and sand were responsible for 27.8, 11.3 and 5.8 percent respectively.
Forty-eight other minerals were responsible for only 3 percent of the country’s solid mineral productions.

DANGOTE’s SOLID MINERAL REVENUE HIGER THAN THE REST OF NIGERIA
Dangote Group, owned by Aliko Dangote, generates more mineral resource revenue for the government, more than the rest of the nation put together.
In 2013, the group was responsible for 53 percent of the government revenue, that is, N15.9 billion of the total N33.86 billion accrued that year.
WAPCO, Ashaka and UNICEM, which are cement making companies, were responsible for N5.6 billion N2.9 billion and N2.06 billion respectively.
Of the 619 registered companies in the sector, only five companies accounted for 93 percent of Nigeria’s earnings in solid minerals.

Read more: http://www.sofreedomains.com/2016/05/nigeria-generating-more-revenue-from.html

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday assured Nigerians that the country was on the path of economic recovery, saying that the hardship aggravated by the recent hike in fuel price would soon be over. The president gave this assurance at Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos during the commissioning of projects and security vehicles and equipment provided by Lagos State Government in support of the Nigeria Police.

The president, who is on a one-day official visit to the state, but is represented by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the well-attended event, however, asked for the support and understanding of citizens. Buhari commissioned the newly built Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Rescue Unit at Cappa, Oshodi and Ago Palace Way in Okota,.

He was received by Lagos State governor Akinwunmi Ambode, along with the minister for power, works, and housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; Governor of Kebbi State, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, and members of the state executive council. The president said his government is fully aware of the present economic hardship being experienced by Nigerians and is ready to alleviate the impact within the shortest possible future.

Buhari pointed at the federal government's N500 billion social investment plan as part of measure to tackle the myriad economic problems as well as provide palliatives to the citizenry. He said the investment plan would address the challenges of unemployment, industries, manufacturing and agriculture, among others.

According to him, there are plans to create 500,000 employment opportunities for graduates, with another 370,000 for non-graduates, in addition to the provision of micro loan facilities for market women. "We are aware of the difficulties Nigerians are going through but the future is certain, abundance and prosperity are assured. A lot of readjustment will be done.

Read more: http://www.sofreedomains.com/2016/05/nigeria-economic-hardship-will-soon-be.html

Contrary to claims that President Muhammadu Buhari had “scheduling difficulties” by the Presidency and could not make the planned 2-day visit to Lagos state on Monday, he instead hosted Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun state at the presidential villa. Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo was rather drafted to make the Lagos state visit and has been commissioning projects in the state.

Presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, had said in a statement on Sunday that “The president is faced with scheduling difficulties and that is the reason for the postponement of the visit. He needs more time for Lagos and for Edo which had earlier been stepped down,” Shehu told state house correspondents on Sunday. “As a result of this, the visit has been scaled down and he is being represented by His Excellency the vice-president, who is going to Lagos to commission a few projects, leaving the rest for Mr. President.

: http://www.sofreedomains.com/2016/05/buhari-shuns-lagos-visit-but-hosts-ogun.html

I haven’t forgotten that vandalism was initially given as the reason for the fuel scarcity. We were meant to believe vandals and saboteurs plunged us into this mess.

I haven’t forgotten that upon assumption of office, Mr President promised that our refineries would be fully up and running by the end of August 2015.

I have also not forgotten that in November last year, the sum of N413bn was approved as payments for oil marketers and the Group General Manager, Public Affairs division of the NNPC, Mr Ohi Alegbe told us it was in consonance with the zero tolerance policy of the government towards fuel queues nationwide. He also hoped at that time that the payment would ensure marketers joined hands with the NNPC to ensure the country stays wet with petroleum products all year long.

http://www.sofreedomains.com/2016/05/nigerians-as-lab-rats-for-buharis-fuel.html

Serah Luka is one of 219 girls abducted from their school in Chibok more than two years ago. The student, who is believed to be a Christian pastor's daughter, said she was "at the school at the time they were abducted" and that she was from Madagali, in neighboring Adamawa state.

Serah is one of 219 girls abducted from their school in Chibok more than two years ago. The student, who is believed to be a Christian pastor’s daughter, said she was “at the school at the time they were abducted” and that she was from Madagali, in neighboring Adamawa state.
http://www.sofreedomains.com/2016/05/meet-rescued-second-chibok-girl-serah.html

A Texas teen killed his girlfriend's parents when he was thirteen. Now, after five years in prison, he is getting released. Here's what you need to know about the juvenile's crime.

According to Washington Post, when police arrived at the yellow-brick house in Garland, Tex., on the afternoon of Aug. 17, 2010, they found Alan Nevil lying near death in a neighbor’s yard. He had been shot five times. One bullet was lodged in his throat. His wife, Darlene, was found dead inside the house, shot in the back and head. Despite the blood in his mouth, Alan managed to gargle the name of their attacker.
It was his stepdaughter’s 13-year-old boyfriend, he said. Minutes later, police pulled up outside the boyfriend’s house, just a few blocks away. There, they found Darlene’s 12-year-old daughter and her boyfriend — having celebratory sex.

When Alan Nevil succumbed to his injuries 16 days later, the young couple was charged with capital murder. Adults convicted of the charge can be executed. Charged as juveniles, though, the youths faced a maximum of 40 years in prison. The boyfriend and girlfriend both pleaded guilty and were sentenced to 28 years and 20 years, respectively. Neither has been publicly named because they were juveniles.

“I feel nothing but disgust for you,” Alan’s sister, Fran Nevil Cawley, said to the girl in court.
Less than six years later, the Nevil family’s disgust has suddenly deepened.

On Wednesday, a Dallas judge ordered the boy released when he turns 19 next month, the Dallas Morning News reported.

The ruling was an astonishing — and for the Nevil family, terrifying — twist on the 2010 double murder. Had the boy been a year older at the time of the crime, he could have faced the death penalty. Even still, Judge Andrea Martin could have transferred him to adult prison for 10 years. Instead, he will now face nothing more than parole and anger-management classes.
http://www.sofreedomains.com/2016/05/teen-killed-his-girlfriends-parents-and.html

Nigeria's Senate President Bukola Saraki, on Wednesday issued a statement on celebrating the return of Amina Ali Nkek, one of the kidnapped Chibok Girls.

"Amina’s return should strengthen our collective belief that our missing daughters and sisters from Chibok that are still held hostage will eventually be returned," he said.

"As we join the Nkek family to celebrate Amina today, we must also remember and continue to pray for the remaining families that are still yet to see, hear from, or locate their daughters," he enjoined Nigerians.

"The 8th Senate is determined to provide appropriate legislation to protect lives and properties of every Nigerian," he added.

http://www.sofreedomains.com/2016/05/saraki-speaks-about-rescue-of-chibok.html

The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, says Nigeria can generate 12,000 megawatts of electricity, once the challenges confronting the power sector are addressed. Fashola said this at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Abuja on Wednesday.

He said that in spite of the challenges, the nation’s power sector still had the ability to advance its power generation, transmission and distribution through other sources.

“There are many perspectives to do this; we have today the capacity to generate at least 12,000 megawatts.
`If we fix all what is not working; let us even say that we are not building any new power plant, anything close to 12,000, we can do.

“But we won’t do it because out of over one hundred and forty turbines, only about half can get gas.“

He explained that the nation’s power generating capacity had reached 5,000 megawatts before the recent vandalism of gas pipelines.
“The only reason I announced 5,000 this year that we have reached this bus-stop; because I was already heading to another bus-top, until we had the outages and blow up at the Chevron platform.
“Just as we were hoping that will soon be completed and we will get back on, that took us back to 3000.
“Then we were looking at ways to bypass and evacuate our condensates, so that we can get more gas, we had reached about 3,800.

“Then they hit again the Chevron pipeline in Escravos, the oil platform and also now the gas pipeline, the Excravos Lagos pipeline system, deliberate sabotage, took us down to 2,500 megawatts.

Fashola, however, said that significant progress was being made to proffer solution to the challenge of electricity generation in the country.

“Now, a lot of progress has been made in the last eight to nine months in terms of automating and strengthening the system.

The minister said that it was practically possible to restore the 5,000 megawatts and improve the electricity situation in the country.

“So let us understand that power can be delivered today. If pressure returns to our system, we will go back to over to 5,000, but that will not be enough for everybody, but the situation will improve drastically.“
He said that the adoption of renewable energy sources, regular maintenance of power plants and repair work done at the transmission stations were processes needed to improve electricity in the country.

On what has been described as crazy billing by Distribution Companies(DISCOs)to consumers, the minister advised consumers to pay for what they actually consumed and demand for metering, while also urging on the DISCOs to meter the consumers.

“You are not obliged to pay for power that you do not use; those who have meter do not have problem.
“If you get a crazy bill, you must pay what you think you consumed.

“Once you do that, the new tariff protects you from being disconnected; it is the burden of the service provider to prove that you used the power.

“How do you prove that you used the power, you have to measure the power; for you to measure the power you must give me a meter.

“That is the incentive we put to protect the citizens so that the DISCOs can increase their metering.’’
He said it was important to accelerate gas production in the country.

This, the minister said, could be achieved by giving access to private companies involved in the business of gas production.

“We need to open up more access, there are companies who are interested in producing gas for our domestic economy and I think we should give an opportunity.

“There are companies interested in harnessing gas that is being flared on constructive arrangement with joint venture and on profit sharing on wells where there is oil production and gas production.

Fashola also urged leaders at the community and state levels to support the government in tackling issue of gas pipeline vandalism. (NAN)
http://www.sofreedomains.com/2016/05/nigeria-can-generate-12000mw-of.html

Nigerian workers have defied the directive given by the Labour leaders to commence indefinite strike effective Wednesday, May 18, tvcnews.tv reports.

Our correspondents who monitored the level of compliance across country report that workers resumed their duty posts as early as 8:00am in various ministries, agencies and other parastatals visited contrary to the labour directives.

Similarly, bank workers, schools and transporters are also carrying out their normal duties without fear as at the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, one of the two factions of the Nigeria Labour Congress rose from a meeting with the government Tuesday night with a resolve not to down tools.

The President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Justice Babatunde Adejumo had earlier yesterday granted an interim order restraining the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), from embarking on indefinite strike slated for Wednesday to protest the hike in the price of petrol.
The Judge granted an interim order of injunction restraining the defendants, Organised Labour from embarking on industrial action.

The federal government was represented by the Attorney General Of The Federation Abubakar Malami, who submitted that if the reliefs sought in the motion paper is refused, an irreparable damage will be done to the country’s economy.

In his ruling, Justice Adejumo held that he has jurisdiction to hear the application.
He added that threats by the defendant as contained in the communique issued by NLC on May the 15th, to shut down the economy has proven that there’s a reason to be protected.

The Judge granted an interim order of injunction restraining the defendants, Organised Labour from embarking on industrial action.

The new pump price was announced last week by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu.
http://www.sofreedomains.com/2016/05/nigerian-workers-shun-labour-industrial.html

The passport of Nigeria's former Aviation Minister, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode, has been confiscated by the EFCC as part of his bail conditions, Punch reports.

Mr. Fani-Kayode has been in EFCC detention since last week Monday when he honored an invitation from the agency. He was to be quizzed on funds he received to campaign for ex President Goodluck Jonathan. Mr. Fani-Kayode was Jonathan's Campaign Manager.

According to spokesman for Fani-Kayode, Mr. Jude Ndukwe, EFCC still refused to release the outspoken PDP chieftain despite meeting the bail conditions.

“The EFCC gave him two bail conditions. The first condition was that he would hand over his passport while the second condition was for him to provide two sureties. The two sureties must be at least directors in the civil service and must have properties in AMAC (Abuja Municipal Area Council).

“Five days after meeting the conditions, the EFCC has refused to release him," he reiterated.

Last week, the EFCC said it had secured a warrant that allows it to detain Mr. Fani-Kayode for two weeks.

http://www.sofreedomains.com/2016/05/efcc-fani-kayode-meets-bail-conditions.html

The federal government of Nigeria has implored labour unions in the country not to go ahead with its planned strike for Wednesday, 18th May 2016.

Labour unions had threatened to embark on a strike action if the federal government doesn't reverse the 67% hike in pump price of petrol. There were also talks about increasing the N18,000 minimum wage for government workers.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, in a statement assured that government will guarantee the safety of workers and their work places, and expects that normal work will continue in the interest of the nation.
Mr Lawal added that acts of intimidation, harassment, including barricading of gates, locking up of offices and preventing workers from carrying out their lawful duties will be met with appropriate response by security operatives.

The federal government has also directed all ministers, permanent secretaries and heads of government agencies to invoke the provision of “no work no pay” in respect of any staff who is absent.

The Ayuba-led faction of the NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, had decided to embark on a nationwide strike after meetings with the government deadlocked. The Ajaero-led faction of the NLC however sheathed its sword.
http://www.sofreedomains.com/2016/05/presidency-issues-statement-on-nlcs.html

The Stand Up Nigeria (SUN) and a coalition of 50 other civil society organizations have commended Nigerian workers for shunning the strike being called upon by a faction of NLC describing it as a needless venture that was arranged to service the interest of a few minority.

National Coordinator of (SUN), Comrade Philip Agbese while reacting to the outcome of the meeting between the federal government and labour, he said it is obvious that patriotic Nigerians have resolved to support the current administration deregulation policy.
He said the action of the Federal Government at the first instance is in the best interest of the larger population of the people and no amount of intimidation should cow the President into submission.
According to Agbese, Nigerians have since realised that a strike action is not in their best interest, adding that the anti-deregulation proponents are economic saboteurs who are working against the interest of the generality of Nigerians.

Agbese said by standing on the side of the people and supporting the deregulation policy, Ajearo has shown that he is the true leader of the NLC and should lead the labour movement in Nigeria without any further delay.

He accused the Ayuba Wabba faction of not doing anything to protect workers rights. Saying “workers are being owed several months salaries and the NLC did not go on strike.”

He argued that subsidy only enrich a few and impoverished the larger population. According to him, the N1.2 trillion paid out as subsidy in 2015 budget, if properly invested in other sectors could have built more infrastructures and created jobs.

He said, “As I speak to the press tonight, we have received the casket that signifies the final death of “subsidy” which has been used to milk the resources of this country by a certain minute minority and it shall be formally interned by 2pm today in the full glare of the Nigerian media for all to see that this epidemic will never visit us again in the nearest future.”

He also commended the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) who he said saw reasons and pulled out of the strike. According to him, more Nigerians trust the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to judiciously use the funds realised from removal of the corrupt subsidy regime to improve their welfare.
He however urged the federal government to quickly ensure that the palliative put in place to cushion the effect of the price increment are disbursed transparently so as to ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerians.
http://www.sofreedomains.com/2016/05/csos-hails-tuc-nlc-faction-for-shelving.html

There were fireworks in Senate President Bukola Saraki's fraud trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, on Tuesday according to a report from The News.

Chairman of the Tribunal, Mr. Danladi Umar had to ask the defence counsels, led by Mr. Kanu Agabi (SAN) to be more tidy in the cross examination of the witness, Micheal Wetkas, the report said.

"The defence has been cross examining the witness for four weeks now. But this did not stop the defence from continuing with the long drawn cross examination, an action which forced Jacobs to stand up to interrupt the proceedings many times," the report said.
When Paul Usoro, SAN who was doing the cross examination was going on dwelling on the description of the houses, Jacob intervened arguing that Usoro have already spent two days on this description.

“He is over burdening the witness. I will call a witness who know about it to come and give evidence,” Jacobs objected.

However, Usoro said his cross examination was to show that the No 15 McDonald which the prosecution claimed is one property is actually four different buildings.

According to him, there was no 15A and 15b McDonald, Ikoyi bought by the defendant in year 2000, different from No 15 and Block 15 flats 1-4 which were sold by FG in 2006. Rotimi however replied that if there is any confusion, it was caused by Saraki himself who described it in various ways in his Assets Declaration Form.
http://www.sofreedomains.com/2016/05/fireworks-in-sarakis-trial-defence.html

Mr Falz, sorry Falana, remains one of the voices of the masses remaining in this country.