Lifting Inspector

ELPER Oilfield Engineering (Nigeria) Limited specializes in engineering and technical services for the offshore oil and gas production industry including Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, Inspection and Quality Management. We support projects in Nigeria and world-wide procurement, design and construction.

We are always seeking talented new members to join our team of professionals.

Job Description

• Responsible for verification of safety and compliance of rigging and lift processes
• Oversee safety of rigging prior to lifts including compliance with client lift and safety procedures
• Oversee safety and compliance of lifts during performance, including compliance with client lift and safety procedures
• Record and report required documentation in accordance with client procedures
• Work with project and operations teams for schedule, reporting and action
• Work with lift and rigging crews to assure safety and compliance, and support operations schedule and activities.
• Assure safety in lift operations
  

Candidate Requirements

• Evidence of prior rigging safety certification
• Tec/vocational certification required.
• Minimum of five years rigging / lift safety inspection experience in the oil and gas industry
• Experience shall demonstrate knowledge of rigging and lifting safety in the oil and gas production unit practices and environment
• Must be fluent in English

Apply on company website

Lifting Inspector

Posted by Sylvester No comments

ELPER Oilfield Engineering (Nigeria) Limited specializes in engineering and technical services for the offshore oil and gas production industry including Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, Inspection and Quality Management. We support projects in Nigeria and world-wide procurement, design and construction.

We are always seeking talented new members to join our team of professionals.

Job Description

• Responsible for verification of safety and compliance of rigging and lift processes
• Oversee safety of rigging prior to lifts including compliance with client lift and safety procedures
• Oversee safety and compliance of lifts during performance, including compliance with client lift and safety procedures
• Record and report required documentation in accordance with client procedures
• Work with project and operations teams for schedule, reporting and action
• Work with lift and rigging crews to assure safety and compliance, and support operations schedule and activities.
• Assure safety in lift operations
  

Candidate Requirements

• Evidence of prior rigging safety certification
• Tec/vocational certification required.
• Minimum of five years rigging / lift safety inspection experience in the oil and gas industry
• Experience shall demonstrate knowledge of rigging and lifting safety in the oil and gas production unit practices and environment
• Must be fluent in English

Apply on company website

710 Nigerians Killed By Fulani Herdsmen In 10 Months – Igbo Youth Movement

The Igbo Youths Movement, IYM, has lamented that Fulani herdsmen have killed 710 other Nigerians excluding the 48 Agatu people in Benue State in the last 10 months without the Federal Government addressing the issue.

IYM made this known while reacting to the Monday’s killing of about 40 indigenes of Nimbo in Uzo Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State by Fulani herdsmen last night.

The statement signed by the Founder of the IYM and Leader of the South East Democratic Coalition, Evangelist Elliot Uko, entitled, ‘Ten Months of Carnage,’ read:
“Between June 2015 and April 2016, Fulani herdsmen have killed over 710 Nigerians (excluding Agatu incident) in 48 recorded incidents, the highest in recent years.

“For the first time, the nation’s Department of State Services, DSS, only interest in these avoidable blood baths, seems only to accuse one organization of killing five Fulani.

That accusation is yet to be substantiated with photographs or at least a DSS invitation to media people to the graves in order to corroborate their allegations.

“Monday morning, seven communities in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State received it hot, as usual from the rampaging Fulani warriors.

Two churches, over 100 houses, dozens dead and hundreds injured with many still missing.

“Nigerians do not expect any positive reaction from the Federal Government and the DSS, for obvious reasons.This bloodletting which began since the new government took over power is interestingly redefining how much faith, large sections of Nigeria should have in the ability or willingness of the Federal Government to protect them from this Fulani warriors, who clearly act as if they know that the Federal Government cannot (or is it, will not) save the helpless victims from their attacks.

“But above all, the ongoing war by the Fulani herdsmen, have only confirmed Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Independent People of Biafra, IPOB, a prophet and visionary, who saw tomorrow.

Mazi Kanu correctly predicted over the radio, what the Fulani would do to the Middle Belt, South East, South- South and the South West.

“The serial slaughter by the Fulani, the intimidation by the security agents and the disturbing silence of the President, who incidentally is also Fulani and life Patron of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, has put Mazi Kanu in the league of avatars, who correctly predicted events before they happened.

“This development has also greatly increased Kanu’s popularity, especially among the oppressed, suppressed and consistently attacked populations, who now see him as a hero and a legend. This has resulted in a huge sympathy towards the gospel of IPOB and its leader.”

Southern govs, monarchs must meet immediately—Ikokwu

Second Republic politician and lawyer, Chief Guy Ikokwu, said the unceasing slaughtering of people by the Fulani herdsmen in most parts of the South demands immediate meeting of the 17 governors of the South and traditional rulers.

His words: ‘’The governors of the southern states must meet immediately with their traditional rulers to discuss the issues affecting the area. Northern governors have been meeting. Southern governors must take a cue.

The ethnic organisations of the Ijaw, Itsekiri, Urhobo, Efik, like Ohanaeze, Afenifere, among others, must meet and take a common position on the issue.”

Source: Vanguard

710 Nigerians Killed By Fulani Herdsmen In 10 Months – Igbo Youth Movement

Posted by Sylvester No comments

The Igbo Youths Movement, IYM, has lamented that Fulani herdsmen have killed 710 other Nigerians excluding the 48 Agatu people in Benue State in the last 10 months without the Federal Government addressing the issue.

IYM made this known while reacting to the Monday’s killing of about 40 indigenes of Nimbo in Uzo Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State by Fulani herdsmen last night.

The statement signed by the Founder of the IYM and Leader of the South East Democratic Coalition, Evangelist Elliot Uko, entitled, ‘Ten Months of Carnage,’ read:
“Between June 2015 and April 2016, Fulani herdsmen have killed over 710 Nigerians (excluding Agatu incident) in 48 recorded incidents, the highest in recent years.

“For the first time, the nation’s Department of State Services, DSS, only interest in these avoidable blood baths, seems only to accuse one organization of killing five Fulani.

That accusation is yet to be substantiated with photographs or at least a DSS invitation to media people to the graves in order to corroborate their allegations.

“Monday morning, seven communities in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State received it hot, as usual from the rampaging Fulani warriors.

Two churches, over 100 houses, dozens dead and hundreds injured with many still missing.

“Nigerians do not expect any positive reaction from the Federal Government and the DSS, for obvious reasons.This bloodletting which began since the new government took over power is interestingly redefining how much faith, large sections of Nigeria should have in the ability or willingness of the Federal Government to protect them from this Fulani warriors, who clearly act as if they know that the Federal Government cannot (or is it, will not) save the helpless victims from their attacks.

“But above all, the ongoing war by the Fulani herdsmen, have only confirmed Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Independent People of Biafra, IPOB, a prophet and visionary, who saw tomorrow.

Mazi Kanu correctly predicted over the radio, what the Fulani would do to the Middle Belt, South East, South- South and the South West.

“The serial slaughter by the Fulani, the intimidation by the security agents and the disturbing silence of the President, who incidentally is also Fulani and life Patron of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, has put Mazi Kanu in the league of avatars, who correctly predicted events before they happened.

“This development has also greatly increased Kanu’s popularity, especially among the oppressed, suppressed and consistently attacked populations, who now see him as a hero and a legend. This has resulted in a huge sympathy towards the gospel of IPOB and its leader.”

Southern govs, monarchs must meet immediately—Ikokwu

Second Republic politician and lawyer, Chief Guy Ikokwu, said the unceasing slaughtering of people by the Fulani herdsmen in most parts of the South demands immediate meeting of the 17 governors of the South and traditional rulers.

His words: ‘’The governors of the southern states must meet immediately with their traditional rulers to discuss the issues affecting the area. Northern governors have been meeting. Southern governors must take a cue.

The ethnic organisations of the Ijaw, Itsekiri, Urhobo, Efik, like Ohanaeze, Afenifere, among others, must meet and take a common position on the issue.”

Source: Vanguard

We Are Ready To Tender 2017 Budget – Presidency

To prevent a repeat of the delay in the passage of the 2016 budget, the presidency yesterday said it was prepared to forward next year’s budget appropriation bill to the National Assembly for ratification.

A top source in the Ministry of Budget and National Planning who pleaded anonymity, told The Guardian in Abuja that President Muhammadu Buhari was ready to sign the 2016 budget as soon as the appropriation committee completes its task of addressing the grey areas pointed out in a number of sectors.

The source who said that the president was deeply upset about the delay in the passage of the 2016 budget expressed delight that the lawmakers are working on the irregularities pointed out by the executive and the lawmakers as well.

According to the source, the current delay is not caused by the executive.

The presidency was also said to have begun extensive work on the 2017 appropriation document and would be ready to transmit it to the lawmakers so as to prevent a repeat of budget delay next year.

However, the source said that the priority remained the passage of the 2016 budget before focusing on the 2017 fiscal plan.

“We are happy that the National Assembly has accepted responsibility and offered to take a look at the grey areas of the 2016 budget. Mr. President is particularly pleased with this position.

“We are not in anyway pleased that the budget has not been passed up till now. This was not our making at all. In fact, as we speak, we have begun detailed work on the 2017 appropriation document to make it ready to be forwarded to the National Assembly.

But we can’t do that just yet because the 2016 budget is being awaited. Final work is currently ongoing before it is brought to the president for assent,” the presidency source said.

On the relationship between NASS and the presidency, the source said that it was cordial, noting that much of what appeared as misunderstanding between the two arms of government was escalated by the media.

“The presidency and NASS are in constant touch. We have a very cordial relationship. I believe what happened was that the press did so much speculation and got the lawmakers to be responding to media reports.

We have an understanding and we are confident that the two arms of the legislature would fully harmonise and come up with the 2016 budget that the executive can defend,” the source said.

Meanwhile, a former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, has cautioned both parties in the budget impasse to bring it to an urgent end in the overall national interest.

He spoke as the Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, endorsed President Buhari’s stance not to sign the budget until he sees all the details of the document.

Speaking to State House correspondents after a private meeting with the president at the Presidential Villa, Abuja yesterday, Nnamani would, however, not dispute or confirm media reports that he had pitched his tent with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) after having recently decamped from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Nnamani, who visited the Villa with Masari, expressed concern about the budget face-off, saying that the differences arising from the matter between the executive and the legislature should be resolved.

He added that the issue of budget should be a joint responsibility of both the legislature and executive as no arm of the government could do it without the other.

His words: “The issue of budget is an area where we practise what we call co-management between the National Assembly and the executive branch of government, both of them co-manage the economy through the budget.

It is a peculiar area where both of them will have to cooperate and collaborate for a proper budget to be passed, and once it is passed, it becomes law.”

Also, the Senate Leader, Mohammed Ali Ndume, has said that the “distortions and misallocations” of budgetary proposals to Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are preventing Buhari from signing the 2016 budget into law.

The distortions and budgetary misallocations, according to him, are also contrary to Section 54 of the 1999 Constitution that spells out clearly the “conditions and terms” on which a budget proposal from the executive could be passed by legislature and signed into law.

Ndume, who spoke on Sunday at his Government Reservation Area (GRA) residence, Maiduguri at an interactive session with journalists on the delay in the signing of the budget, said that with the identified distortions and misallocations, the leadership of the National Assembly would sit with the president to correct or amend the distortions before the Appropriation Bill would be assented to.

His words: “If you’re working on a national budget, you have to scrutinise each and every budgetary allocation to the various MDAs, including the National Assembly.

This will enable the lawmakers in the upper and lower chambers to process it sector by sector, as it affects and improves on the performances of various sectors of the economy of the country.

“Contrary to enunciations in some quarters, we have no disagreements with the president on the 2016 budget that is yet to be assented into law for implementation.”

We Are Ready To Tender 2017 Budget – Presidency

Posted by Sylvester No comments

To prevent a repeat of the delay in the passage of the 2016 budget, the presidency yesterday said it was prepared to forward next year’s budget appropriation bill to the National Assembly for ratification.

A top source in the Ministry of Budget and National Planning who pleaded anonymity, told The Guardian in Abuja that President Muhammadu Buhari was ready to sign the 2016 budget as soon as the appropriation committee completes its task of addressing the grey areas pointed out in a number of sectors.

The source who said that the president was deeply upset about the delay in the passage of the 2016 budget expressed delight that the lawmakers are working on the irregularities pointed out by the executive and the lawmakers as well.

According to the source, the current delay is not caused by the executive.

The presidency was also said to have begun extensive work on the 2017 appropriation document and would be ready to transmit it to the lawmakers so as to prevent a repeat of budget delay next year.

However, the source said that the priority remained the passage of the 2016 budget before focusing on the 2017 fiscal plan.

“We are happy that the National Assembly has accepted responsibility and offered to take a look at the grey areas of the 2016 budget. Mr. President is particularly pleased with this position.

“We are not in anyway pleased that the budget has not been passed up till now. This was not our making at all. In fact, as we speak, we have begun detailed work on the 2017 appropriation document to make it ready to be forwarded to the National Assembly.

But we can’t do that just yet because the 2016 budget is being awaited. Final work is currently ongoing before it is brought to the president for assent,” the presidency source said.

On the relationship between NASS and the presidency, the source said that it was cordial, noting that much of what appeared as misunderstanding between the two arms of government was escalated by the media.

“The presidency and NASS are in constant touch. We have a very cordial relationship. I believe what happened was that the press did so much speculation and got the lawmakers to be responding to media reports.

We have an understanding and we are confident that the two arms of the legislature would fully harmonise and come up with the 2016 budget that the executive can defend,” the source said.

Meanwhile, a former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, has cautioned both parties in the budget impasse to bring it to an urgent end in the overall national interest.

He spoke as the Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, endorsed President Buhari’s stance not to sign the budget until he sees all the details of the document.

Speaking to State House correspondents after a private meeting with the president at the Presidential Villa, Abuja yesterday, Nnamani would, however, not dispute or confirm media reports that he had pitched his tent with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) after having recently decamped from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Nnamani, who visited the Villa with Masari, expressed concern about the budget face-off, saying that the differences arising from the matter between the executive and the legislature should be resolved.

He added that the issue of budget should be a joint responsibility of both the legislature and executive as no arm of the government could do it without the other.

His words: “The issue of budget is an area where we practise what we call co-management between the National Assembly and the executive branch of government, both of them co-manage the economy through the budget.

It is a peculiar area where both of them will have to cooperate and collaborate for a proper budget to be passed, and once it is passed, it becomes law.”

Also, the Senate Leader, Mohammed Ali Ndume, has said that the “distortions and misallocations” of budgetary proposals to Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are preventing Buhari from signing the 2016 budget into law.

The distortions and budgetary misallocations, according to him, are also contrary to Section 54 of the 1999 Constitution that spells out clearly the “conditions and terms” on which a budget proposal from the executive could be passed by legislature and signed into law.

Ndume, who spoke on Sunday at his Government Reservation Area (GRA) residence, Maiduguri at an interactive session with journalists on the delay in the signing of the budget, said that with the identified distortions and misallocations, the leadership of the National Assembly would sit with the president to correct or amend the distortions before the Appropriation Bill would be assented to.

His words: “If you’re working on a national budget, you have to scrutinise each and every budgetary allocation to the various MDAs, including the National Assembly.

This will enable the lawmakers in the upper and lower chambers to process it sector by sector, as it affects and improves on the performances of various sectors of the economy of the country.

“Contrary to enunciations in some quarters, we have no disagreements with the president on the 2016 budget that is yet to be assented into law for implementation.”

Fulani Herdsmen Caused Fatal Accident In Ogun | Photos

A group of Fulani herdsmen on Sunday reportedly caused an accident along the old Lagos-Abeokuta expressway in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital.
The accident, which left two persons dead, happened at about 2 am.

 The incident involved two trucks, a wine coloured DAF truck and a green coloured Austin Tipper.
PM News reports that the herdsmen, in their attempt to cross over to the other side of the expressway with their cattle, ignored incoming vehicles.
fulani accident2 The driver of the sand filled Austin tipper truck only sighted the herdsmen and their cattle on the expressway at the last minute and while attempting to apply the break lost control and collided with the other truck.

The trucks collided at Obada Oko area in the Ewekoro Local Government Area along the expressway.
fulani accident3The driver of the tipper truck and his motor-boy, whose identities are yet to be known, died on the spot after their green coloured truck veered off the expressway and crashed into the bush.
Source:Dailypost

Fulani Herdsmen Caused Fatal Accident In Ogun | Photos

Posted by Sylvester No comments

A group of Fulani herdsmen on Sunday reportedly caused an accident along the old Lagos-Abeokuta expressway in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital.
The accident, which left two persons dead, happened at about 2 am.

 The incident involved two trucks, a wine coloured DAF truck and a green coloured Austin Tipper.
PM News reports that the herdsmen, in their attempt to cross over to the other side of the expressway with their cattle, ignored incoming vehicles.
fulani accident2 The driver of the sand filled Austin tipper truck only sighted the herdsmen and their cattle on the expressway at the last minute and while attempting to apply the break lost control and collided with the other truck.

The trucks collided at Obada Oko area in the Ewekoro Local Government Area along the expressway.
fulani accident3The driver of the tipper truck and his motor-boy, whose identities are yet to be known, died on the spot after their green coloured truck veered off the expressway and crashed into the bush.
Source:Dailypost

EFCC Seizes Diezani’s Houses And Wristwatch Worth £600,000

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has uncovered $12.9billion more arms deals fraud during the administration of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, it was learnt yesterday.

The development has brought arms funds, which were diverted to other uses, to $15billion as the initial probe covered only $2.1billion.

As part of the ongoing investigation of the arms deals, the EFCC yesterday froze an account with $500million. The owner of the account was not immediately known.

The anti-graft commission has seized houses from a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke.
Besides, a wrist watch worth £600,000 and jewelry in gold and diamond have been confiscated from Mrs Alison-Madueke, a source said.

These details are contained in an update on the ongoing investigation of the arms deals by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) under the former NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd).

There are indications that many military officers may be questioned.

A source, who spoke in confidence on the investigation, said: “From our findings so far, the amount involved in the arms deals was over $15billion. The $2.1billion which you have written so much about is just one transaction into an account in the First Bank of Nigeria in New York.

“They moved the money into the FBN account from where they were disbursing and re-routing the cash. Our priority is to recover these funds but we will still prosecute the individuals and companies involved.

“Most of these companies were incorporated by serving military officers and these officers were the sole signatories into the accounts of these companies.

“All these suspects are not showing remorse, they think that they can go away with the fraud but we won’t allow them.

“Yet when we interrogate them, you see them wearing pampers and cannot stand or walk in public for a long time. Then, you are tempted to ask why they have to steal all these funds meant for public projects.

“The Trauma Centre at the National Hospital with a helipad was built with N1.8billion; you can imagine how many of such centres and schools these looted funds can provide.”

The source also explained that the EFCC yesterday intercepted about $500million in an account and blocked it.

The source added: “Just some few hours ago, our investigators today (Tuesday) blocked an account with about $500million. We are already looking at all clues on how the cash was wired.

“What we have recovered in just one year is more than the total recovery by the EFCC since inception. There was huge looting which will affect the coming generation if the funds are not recovered.”

The source gave insights into the probe of a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke and businessman Jide Omokore.

”We have seized many houses belonging to Diezani and Omokore on Banana Island and other places. Also, a wristwatch of about £1.4million was seized from Omokore’s wife.

“From the former minister, we have retrieved a choice wrist watch worth £600,000 and jewelry in gold and diamond. We will soon show Nigerians all these items for them to appreciate what we have done and to learn some lessons.”

He explained that at the time the wrist watches were seized, the price tags were there.

Source: Vanguard

EFCC Seizes Diezani’s Houses And Wristwatch Worth £600,000

Posted by Sylvester No comments

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has uncovered $12.9billion more arms deals fraud during the administration of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, it was learnt yesterday.

The development has brought arms funds, which were diverted to other uses, to $15billion as the initial probe covered only $2.1billion.

As part of the ongoing investigation of the arms deals, the EFCC yesterday froze an account with $500million. The owner of the account was not immediately known.

The anti-graft commission has seized houses from a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke.
Besides, a wrist watch worth £600,000 and jewelry in gold and diamond have been confiscated from Mrs Alison-Madueke, a source said.

These details are contained in an update on the ongoing investigation of the arms deals by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) under the former NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd).

There are indications that many military officers may be questioned.

A source, who spoke in confidence on the investigation, said: “From our findings so far, the amount involved in the arms deals was over $15billion. The $2.1billion which you have written so much about is just one transaction into an account in the First Bank of Nigeria in New York.

“They moved the money into the FBN account from where they were disbursing and re-routing the cash. Our priority is to recover these funds but we will still prosecute the individuals and companies involved.

“Most of these companies were incorporated by serving military officers and these officers were the sole signatories into the accounts of these companies.

“All these suspects are not showing remorse, they think that they can go away with the fraud but we won’t allow them.

“Yet when we interrogate them, you see them wearing pampers and cannot stand or walk in public for a long time. Then, you are tempted to ask why they have to steal all these funds meant for public projects.

“The Trauma Centre at the National Hospital with a helipad was built with N1.8billion; you can imagine how many of such centres and schools these looted funds can provide.”

The source also explained that the EFCC yesterday intercepted about $500million in an account and blocked it.

The source added: “Just some few hours ago, our investigators today (Tuesday) blocked an account with about $500million. We are already looking at all clues on how the cash was wired.

“What we have recovered in just one year is more than the total recovery by the EFCC since inception. There was huge looting which will affect the coming generation if the funds are not recovered.”

The source gave insights into the probe of a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke and businessman Jide Omokore.

”We have seized many houses belonging to Diezani and Omokore on Banana Island and other places. Also, a wristwatch of about £1.4million was seized from Omokore’s wife.

“From the former minister, we have retrieved a choice wrist watch worth £600,000 and jewelry in gold and diamond. We will soon show Nigerians all these items for them to appreciate what we have done and to learn some lessons.”

He explained that at the time the wrist watches were seized, the price tags were there.

Source: Vanguard

Soldiers Kill Notorious Boko Haram Kingpin “The Albani Of Monguno”

In their continuous efforts of clearing the remnants of Boko Haram in various hideouts and enclaves, troops of 7 Brigade, 8 Task Force Division, have also embarked on clearance operations, since yesterday in which they cleared Boko Haram hideouts ahead of Gratte in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

During the clearance operation, the troops killed 7 Boko Haram terrorists including a notorious kingpin popularly known as the Albani of Monguno.

The troops also recovered 2 Vehicles, 7 motorcycles 1 AK-47 rifle, 2 Boko Haram terrorists hoisted flags, 3 vehicle tyres, 1 vulcanizing machine, 1 solar panel and bundles of chewing stick (Aswaki), which the terrorists believed has spiritual and medicinal values.

It is gratifying to report that the troops’ morale remains high as they dominate the general area with a robust fighting patrol in continuation with the clearance operations.

Soldiers Kill Notorious Boko Haram Kingpin “The Albani Of Monguno”

Posted by Sylvester No comments

In their continuous efforts of clearing the remnants of Boko Haram in various hideouts and enclaves, troops of 7 Brigade, 8 Task Force Division, have also embarked on clearance operations, since yesterday in which they cleared Boko Haram hideouts ahead of Gratte in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

During the clearance operation, the troops killed 7 Boko Haram terrorists including a notorious kingpin popularly known as the Albani of Monguno.

The troops also recovered 2 Vehicles, 7 motorcycles 1 AK-47 rifle, 2 Boko Haram terrorists hoisted flags, 3 vehicle tyres, 1 vulcanizing machine, 1 solar panel and bundles of chewing stick (Aswaki), which the terrorists believed has spiritual and medicinal values.

It is gratifying to report that the troops’ morale remains high as they dominate the general area with a robust fighting patrol in continuation with the clearance operations.

Cool FM OAP, Freeze: ‘Fulani Herdsmen Are Not After the Igbo People’

The very controversial Cool FM OAP, Freeze has written an article on what he thinks about the ongoing clash between Fulani Herdsmen and farmers in a post on Instagram.

Freeze yesterday, April 26, 2016 expressed his disgust at the recent tragedy in Enugu where scores of people were reported to have been killed.

He wrote: –

“I hereby offer my deepest condolence to my brothers and sisters, the Igbo people. The slaughter in Enugu was heinous to say the least, and to imagine that such an act could occur in 2016 is sickening. However, the Fulani herds men are not after the Igbo people, like some are trying to insinuate, by whipping up sentiment to incite and instigate people. They are against anyone who doesn’t rear cows. They are a menace and should be stopped by all means necessary, including a ‘shoot at sight’ military order if the situation requires. Nonetheless, we should take into cognizance that not every Hausa or Fulani man is our enemy, and even they are at the mercy of these cattle herdsmen.

On Sunday March 16, 2014, marauders believed to be Fulani herdsmen attacked several communities under Maroa Chiefdom in Southern Kaduna killing over 200 persons mostly women and children, burning many houses, farms and food barns.”

The report by Adeyiga Adebayo sheds light on two potent issue, one being that the herdsmen are not against Igbo people as many are claiming and the other is that the menace is not new as Pres. Goodluck Jonathan was ‘clueless’ when it came to this same matter, evidence of which can be found in the premium times in an article by Professor Iyorwuese Hagar.

Let us keep it in perspective, that a Yoruba elder states man Chief OLU Falae was allegedly kidnapped by these same herdsmen. So the war is not against the igbos it’s against Nigeria as a whole. This is the opportunity some people have been waiting for to divide Nigeria, and with sentimental manipulation through propaganda, they are slowly but surely getting there. However, if our search is for a solution instead of whom to blame, then we MUST stand together as a country to fight this menace!“

The Cool FM presenter has aired his views on major talking points since the beginning of the year.

Cool FM OAP, Freeze: ‘Fulani Herdsmen Are Not After the Igbo People’

Posted by Sylvester No comments

The very controversial Cool FM OAP, Freeze has written an article on what he thinks about the ongoing clash between Fulani Herdsmen and farmers in a post on Instagram.

Freeze yesterday, April 26, 2016 expressed his disgust at the recent tragedy in Enugu where scores of people were reported to have been killed.

He wrote: –

“I hereby offer my deepest condolence to my brothers and sisters, the Igbo people. The slaughter in Enugu was heinous to say the least, and to imagine that such an act could occur in 2016 is sickening. However, the Fulani herds men are not after the Igbo people, like some are trying to insinuate, by whipping up sentiment to incite and instigate people. They are against anyone who doesn’t rear cows. They are a menace and should be stopped by all means necessary, including a ‘shoot at sight’ military order if the situation requires. Nonetheless, we should take into cognizance that not every Hausa or Fulani man is our enemy, and even they are at the mercy of these cattle herdsmen.

On Sunday March 16, 2014, marauders believed to be Fulani herdsmen attacked several communities under Maroa Chiefdom in Southern Kaduna killing over 200 persons mostly women and children, burning many houses, farms and food barns.”

The report by Adeyiga Adebayo sheds light on two potent issue, one being that the herdsmen are not against Igbo people as many are claiming and the other is that the menace is not new as Pres. Goodluck Jonathan was ‘clueless’ when it came to this same matter, evidence of which can be found in the premium times in an article by Professor Iyorwuese Hagar.

Let us keep it in perspective, that a Yoruba elder states man Chief OLU Falae was allegedly kidnapped by these same herdsmen. So the war is not against the igbos it’s against Nigeria as a whole. This is the opportunity some people have been waiting for to divide Nigeria, and with sentimental manipulation through propaganda, they are slowly but surely getting there. However, if our search is for a solution instead of whom to blame, then we MUST stand together as a country to fight this menace!“

The Cool FM presenter has aired his views on major talking points since the beginning of the year.

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With this plan you can actually make money from day one, create a significant residual income and be generously rewarded as your team grows and develops.
The safe fact is that,as a global community, we simply are not giving our bodies the minerals, vitamins,and phytonutrients that they require. Intelligent supplementation has become a necessity for a health lifestyle.
http://trevo.life/goodhealthinyou/
Trevo provides our body with the intelligent nutrient supplementation that needs for optimum health,creating the ideal combination of elements that add up to more energy, a healthier body, and a good mental attitude. You can place order now online or contact me right away. http://trevo.life/goodhealthinyou/

Trevo: A Life In A Bottle

Posted by Sylvester No comments

Trévo is a revolutionary, liquid formula made from 174 of the finest and most astonishing ingredients that nature has to offer, providing your family with a quick, delicious and easy way to restore, renew and revive your bodies. Our mission is to be more than just another successful company. 

It is our goal, our passion, to help you open your life to the world of opportunity and possibility that is before you.
 By joining the network marketing Trévo family, our amazing compensation plan will empower you towards financial freedom which includes eight unique and powerful ways to make money.
 http://trevo.life/goodhealthinyou/

With this plan you can actually make money from day one, create a significant residual income and be generously rewarded as your team grows and develops.
The safe fact is that,as a global community, we simply are not giving our bodies the minerals, vitamins,and phytonutrients that they require. Intelligent supplementation has become a necessity for a health lifestyle.
http://trevo.life/goodhealthinyou/
Trevo provides our body with the intelligent nutrient supplementation that needs for optimum health,creating the ideal combination of elements that add up to more energy, a healthier body, and a good mental attitude. You can place order now online or contact me right away. http://trevo.life/goodhealthinyou/

Lagos Gunmen Attack Commercial Bus, Kill Passenger

Commuters on a bus on the Ikorodu Road, Lagos State, were shell-shocked after some gunmen in a Camry blocked their path and killed a passenger.
It was gathered that the four men, wielding guns, cutlasses and daggers quickly made their way into the vehicle immediately they waylaid it.

A 40-year-old passenger, identified as Olusola Bamidele, was said to have been dragged down from the bus and butchered.

The men reportedly left him in a pool of blood and drove off in their car.
We learnt that other passengers took to their heels, while the driver and the conductor took the victim to the Ikorodu General Hospital where he was confirmed dead on arrival.

It was learnt that policemen from the Owode Onirin division later deposited the corpse in a mortuary.

When our correspondent visited Thomas bus stop end of the Ikorodu Road, where the incident happened, he was told that the police had taken custody of the bus.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the victim was killed around 10pm on Friday.

He said, “There was confusion here that night. The driver was coming from Mile 12 and going inward Ikorodu. When he got to Thomas bus stop, the Camry, which had been trailing the bus, waylaid it. Four men came out of the car and entered the vehicle through the back door.

“They brought out their target and stabbed him in the neck and chest. When they were sure he was dead, they entered their car and drove away. There was a lot of blood on the road.”

A source said the driver and his conductor thought the victim could still make it, hence the decision to take him to the hospital.

“But he could not make it. They were told he was dead,” he added.

The driver was said to have taken the deceased to the Owode Onirin Police Station.

The family of the victim were later contacted and invited to the station.

A source said, “It was the same night that the corpse was taken to the mortuary. After the family members were contacted, they said they were not interested in pursuing a case. They said the police could carry on with investigations, but they wanted to bury their corpse in accordance with Islamic rites.

“The following morning when the wife of the man showed up, she was not aware he was dead.

“So, the police just told her that he had an accident and he was receiving treatment at a hospital. The family took her away to break the news to her.”

Another source said the police could have arrested the suspects that night if the matter was reported on time or the number plate of the vehicle noted.
We gathered that the same ash-coloured Camry might be the one used in the killing of another resident a few weeks back.

The source said, “That same Camry carried out a similar operation three weeks back and a resident was killed.

“The man that was killed that time and this man, lived in Ikorodu. The manner of their death suggested it had something to do with cultism.

“It is also probable that there was someone in that bus giving information to the guys in the Camry on the movement of the bus and that was why they were able to double cross them at that point.”

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident, adding that the police were making efforts to arrest the suspects.

She said, “From the report we have, the four men waylaid the vehicle and entered the bus. They stabbed the man to death.

“We visited, examined and photographed the scene before depositing the corpse at the Ikorodu General Hospital morgue. Investigations are ongoing and very soon, we will get the culprits.”

Source: Punch

Lagos Gunmen Attack Commercial Bus, Kill Passenger

Posted by Sylvester No comments

Commuters on a bus on the Ikorodu Road, Lagos State, were shell-shocked after some gunmen in a Camry blocked their path and killed a passenger.
It was gathered that the four men, wielding guns, cutlasses and daggers quickly made their way into the vehicle immediately they waylaid it.

A 40-year-old passenger, identified as Olusola Bamidele, was said to have been dragged down from the bus and butchered.

The men reportedly left him in a pool of blood and drove off in their car.
We learnt that other passengers took to their heels, while the driver and the conductor took the victim to the Ikorodu General Hospital where he was confirmed dead on arrival.

It was learnt that policemen from the Owode Onirin division later deposited the corpse in a mortuary.

When our correspondent visited Thomas bus stop end of the Ikorodu Road, where the incident happened, he was told that the police had taken custody of the bus.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the victim was killed around 10pm on Friday.

He said, “There was confusion here that night. The driver was coming from Mile 12 and going inward Ikorodu. When he got to Thomas bus stop, the Camry, which had been trailing the bus, waylaid it. Four men came out of the car and entered the vehicle through the back door.

“They brought out their target and stabbed him in the neck and chest. When they were sure he was dead, they entered their car and drove away. There was a lot of blood on the road.”

A source said the driver and his conductor thought the victim could still make it, hence the decision to take him to the hospital.

“But he could not make it. They were told he was dead,” he added.

The driver was said to have taken the deceased to the Owode Onirin Police Station.

The family of the victim were later contacted and invited to the station.

A source said, “It was the same night that the corpse was taken to the mortuary. After the family members were contacted, they said they were not interested in pursuing a case. They said the police could carry on with investigations, but they wanted to bury their corpse in accordance with Islamic rites.

“The following morning when the wife of the man showed up, she was not aware he was dead.

“So, the police just told her that he had an accident and he was receiving treatment at a hospital. The family took her away to break the news to her.”

Another source said the police could have arrested the suspects that night if the matter was reported on time or the number plate of the vehicle noted.
We gathered that the same ash-coloured Camry might be the one used in the killing of another resident a few weeks back.

The source said, “That same Camry carried out a similar operation three weeks back and a resident was killed.

“The man that was killed that time and this man, lived in Ikorodu. The manner of their death suggested it had something to do with cultism.

“It is also probable that there was someone in that bus giving information to the guys in the Camry on the movement of the bus and that was why they were able to double cross them at that point.”

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident, adding that the police were making efforts to arrest the suspects.

She said, “From the report we have, the four men waylaid the vehicle and entered the bus. They stabbed the man to death.

“We visited, examined and photographed the scene before depositing the corpse at the Ikorodu General Hospital morgue. Investigations are ongoing and very soon, we will get the culprits.”

Source: Punch

Soldiers Arrest 92 Armed Herdsmen in Abuja

The soldiers of the Guards Brigade of the Nigeria Army have arrested 92 Fulani herdsmen in Abuja.

The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations of the Guards Brigade, Capt. Bashir Jajira, said that 36 of the suspects were arrested by the troops at a military checkpoint between the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa State.

The suspected herdsmen were said to have told the soldiers that they were on a mission to recover their stolen cows.

He said that 56 others who were also armed were arrested by the soldiers at a military checkpoint at Dantata, along the Abuja Airport Road.

He said that the troops recovered ‘one pump action gun, 19 cartridge dane guns, 118 cartridge ammo, 28 cutlasses, 3 jack knives, 14 sticks, 7 torch lights, certificate of occupancy, assorted charms and hard drugs.’

He said, “A group of 36 herdsmen in Diana Truck and Toyota Camry car with registration number Abu Kuje 994 FX and Niger SUL 541 XA were intercepted and arrested at 177 Guards Battalion location by Keffi checkpoint.

“During the interrogation by troops at the checkpoint, they claimed to be going to Nasarawa Local Government in Nasarawa State.”

He said that the arrested herdsmen would be handed over to the police for prosecution.

This came just as President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the deployment of military to all parts of the country currently witnessing bloody clashes between herdsmen and farmers.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, disclosed this while featuring on a breakfast programme of Channels Television, Sunrise Daily, on Monday.

The programme was monitored by one of our correspondents in Abuja.

Shehu said there was no truth in the claim that Buhari had been largely silent on the issue of the clashes.

He recalled that the President had taken the issue before the National Council of State with a view to getting state governors’ inputs to the solutions.

In the meantime, he said the government was contemplating carving out of grazing reserves for cattle rearers.

Meanwhile, no fewer than 23,000 Internally Displaced Persons in the Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State are battling with the problem of shelter as the rains set in.

The Chairman, Caretaker Committee, Agatu Local Government Area, Mr. Joseph Ngbede, stated this on Monday when Governor Samuel Ortom visited Ugbokpo, Ojantele and Ataganyi communities of the Apa Local Government Area, where the camps of the IDPs are located.

The IDPs are Benue indigenes displaced during the clashes involving Fulani herdsmen and Agatu people.

Ngbede said that only the LGEA Primary School at Ayila was standing in the over 20 villages destroyed in Agatu by herdsmen, maintaining that some of the displaced persons insisted on going to their farms to see what was left of their crops.

On the feeding of the displaced persons, the chairman said the items donated by individuals, government and non-governmental organisations as well as emergency management agencies at the state and at federal levels were being distributed to them on a daily basis.

He said those not displaced were also contributing towards the upkeep of the IDPs.

He explained that the three villages of Ocholonya, Abugbe and Odugbeho that were occupied by herdsmen had been secured by soldiers.

Meanwhile, the state’s deputy governor, Benson Abounu, has said that Agatu people have been rescued by soldiers.

Soldiers Arrest 92 Armed Herdsmen in Abuja

Posted by Sylvester No comments

The soldiers of the Guards Brigade of the Nigeria Army have arrested 92 Fulani herdsmen in Abuja.

The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations of the Guards Brigade, Capt. Bashir Jajira, said that 36 of the suspects were arrested by the troops at a military checkpoint between the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa State.

The suspected herdsmen were said to have told the soldiers that they were on a mission to recover their stolen cows.

He said that 56 others who were also armed were arrested by the soldiers at a military checkpoint at Dantata, along the Abuja Airport Road.

He said that the troops recovered ‘one pump action gun, 19 cartridge dane guns, 118 cartridge ammo, 28 cutlasses, 3 jack knives, 14 sticks, 7 torch lights, certificate of occupancy, assorted charms and hard drugs.’

He said, “A group of 36 herdsmen in Diana Truck and Toyota Camry car with registration number Abu Kuje 994 FX and Niger SUL 541 XA were intercepted and arrested at 177 Guards Battalion location by Keffi checkpoint.

“During the interrogation by troops at the checkpoint, they claimed to be going to Nasarawa Local Government in Nasarawa State.”

He said that the arrested herdsmen would be handed over to the police for prosecution.

This came just as President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the deployment of military to all parts of the country currently witnessing bloody clashes between herdsmen and farmers.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, disclosed this while featuring on a breakfast programme of Channels Television, Sunrise Daily, on Monday.

The programme was monitored by one of our correspondents in Abuja.

Shehu said there was no truth in the claim that Buhari had been largely silent on the issue of the clashes.

He recalled that the President had taken the issue before the National Council of State with a view to getting state governors’ inputs to the solutions.

In the meantime, he said the government was contemplating carving out of grazing reserves for cattle rearers.

Meanwhile, no fewer than 23,000 Internally Displaced Persons in the Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State are battling with the problem of shelter as the rains set in.

The Chairman, Caretaker Committee, Agatu Local Government Area, Mr. Joseph Ngbede, stated this on Monday when Governor Samuel Ortom visited Ugbokpo, Ojantele and Ataganyi communities of the Apa Local Government Area, where the camps of the IDPs are located.

The IDPs are Benue indigenes displaced during the clashes involving Fulani herdsmen and Agatu people.

Ngbede said that only the LGEA Primary School at Ayila was standing in the over 20 villages destroyed in Agatu by herdsmen, maintaining that some of the displaced persons insisted on going to their farms to see what was left of their crops.

On the feeding of the displaced persons, the chairman said the items donated by individuals, government and non-governmental organisations as well as emergency management agencies at the state and at federal levels were being distributed to them on a daily basis.

He said those not displaced were also contributing towards the upkeep of the IDPs.

He explained that the three villages of Ocholonya, Abugbe and Odugbeho that were occupied by herdsmen had been secured by soldiers.

Meanwhile, the state’s deputy governor, Benson Abounu, has said that Agatu people have been rescued by soldiers.

Group wants law to check budget Delays

The Centre for Social Justice on Monday called on the Federal Government to commence the process of enacting a new Public Finance Management Act to address the incessant delays that had characterised the country’s budgeting process.

The Lead Director, CSJ, Mr. Eze Onyekpere, said this while addressing journalists in Abuja on the negative impact, which the delay in signing the 2016 budget, was causing the country.

Nigeria has been experiencing delays in its budget process since the return to democratic rule in 1999 owing to power tussle between the executive and the legislature.

For instance, the 2011 budget was passed on March 25, 2011, while that of 2012 was passed on March 14 of the same year.

For the 2013 budget, it was passed by the lawmakers on December 20, 2012 and signed into law by former President Goodluck Jonathan in February 2013, while the 2014 and 2015 budgets were also signed by Jonathan in the month of May of the respective years.

But Onyekpere said the proposed Act would guide the timely approval of the budget estimates by the National Assembly, set the ground rules for budgeting, including timeframes, and when a project or activity would be due for inclusion in the budget.

The proposed law, according to him, will also define the framework for the engagement of stakeholders in the budget preparation as well as approval processes.

He said, “Lessons need to be learnt from this budget fiasco and this challenge will now be converted into an opportunity.

“There is a need for effective legislative collaboration in the preparation and approval of the budget, which may necessitate the amendment of Section 81 of the 1999 Constitution, and enactment of a new Public Finance Management Act, which sets the rules for budgeting timeframes.

“In the legislature, it is also imperative that the ground rules for the approval of budgets be streamlined and modified so that no set of members of the National Assembly should be in a position to alter the consensus of the majority.”

Onyekpere also called on the executive to prepare a coherent policy framework and strategy across the sectors to guide future budgeting, since according to him, the country “seems to be lacking a policy direction.”

Group wants law to check budget Delays

Posted by Sylvester No comments

The Centre for Social Justice on Monday called on the Federal Government to commence the process of enacting a new Public Finance Management Act to address the incessant delays that had characterised the country’s budgeting process.

The Lead Director, CSJ, Mr. Eze Onyekpere, said this while addressing journalists in Abuja on the negative impact, which the delay in signing the 2016 budget, was causing the country.

Nigeria has been experiencing delays in its budget process since the return to democratic rule in 1999 owing to power tussle between the executive and the legislature.

For instance, the 2011 budget was passed on March 25, 2011, while that of 2012 was passed on March 14 of the same year.

For the 2013 budget, it was passed by the lawmakers on December 20, 2012 and signed into law by former President Goodluck Jonathan in February 2013, while the 2014 and 2015 budgets were also signed by Jonathan in the month of May of the respective years.

But Onyekpere said the proposed Act would guide the timely approval of the budget estimates by the National Assembly, set the ground rules for budgeting, including timeframes, and when a project or activity would be due for inclusion in the budget.

The proposed law, according to him, will also define the framework for the engagement of stakeholders in the budget preparation as well as approval processes.

He said, “Lessons need to be learnt from this budget fiasco and this challenge will now be converted into an opportunity.

“There is a need for effective legislative collaboration in the preparation and approval of the budget, which may necessitate the amendment of Section 81 of the 1999 Constitution, and enactment of a new Public Finance Management Act, which sets the rules for budgeting timeframes.

“In the legislature, it is also imperative that the ground rules for the approval of budgets be streamlined and modified so that no set of members of the National Assembly should be in a position to alter the consensus of the majority.”

Onyekpere also called on the executive to prepare a coherent policy framework and strategy across the sectors to guide future budgeting, since according to him, the country “seems to be lacking a policy direction.”

Shell Revieled: We Paid FG $42bn In Five Years

 

The Netherlands-based Royal Dutch Shell Plc on Monday said the economic contribution from Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited joint venture partners to the Federal Government was $42bn from 2011 to 2015.

The oil giant said it paid the sum of $4.95bn to the Nigerian government last year as production entitlement, taxes, royalties and fees.

Shell’s ‘Report on Payments to Governments for 2015’ showed that Nigeria received the biggest share of payments from the company out of 24 countries. It was followed by Malaysia, which received $4.41bn; Norway, $4.16bn; Philippines, $2.11bn, and Iraq, $1.36bn.

According to Shell, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation was paid $3.61bn for production entitlement, while the Department of Petroleum Resources was paid $378.5m and $200.6m for royalties and fees, respectively.

It said it paid $717.9m to the Federal Inland Revenue Service as taxes; $291,115 to the Federation Account with the Central Bank of Nigeria as fees; and $46.9m to the Niger Delta Development Commission as fees.

Shell, in its Sustainability Report 2015 released on Monday, said its share of royalties and corporate taxes paid to the Nigerian government in 2015 was $1.1bn (SPDC $0.6bn; and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company, $0.5bn).

It said 93 per cent of contracts by Shell Companies in Nigeria were awarded to indigenous companies, with $0.9bn spent on local contracting and procurement.

It put the SPDC JV and SNEPCo contribution to the NDDC in 2015 at $145.1m, while $50.4m was spent directly by the SPDC JV and SNEPCo on social investment projects in the year.

The Chief Financial Officer, Royal Dutch Shell, Simon Henry, said by fulfilling the mandatory disclosures in line with the new United Kingdom legislative requirements, the firm had demonstrated that extraction of natural resources could lead to the opportunity of government revenue, economic growth and social development.

He, however, said the report excluded payments related to refining, natural gas liquefaction or gas-to-liquids activities as these were not in the scope of the UK regulations.

“Revenue transparency provides citizens with an important tool to hold their government representatives accountable and to advance good governance. Shell is committed to transparency as it builds trust,” Henry said.

Shell said the theft of the SPDC JV crude oil on the pipeline network amounted to around 25,000 barrels per day in 2015, adding that the reduction from around 37,000bopd in the previous year was partly due to continued surveillance efforts and implementing anti-theft protection mechanisms on key equipment.

It stated, “Since 2012, the SPDC has removed more than 850 illegal theft points. The number of sabotage-related spills in 2015 declined to 93 compared with 139 in 2014. This decrease was due to divestments in the Niger Delta and increased surveillance and security by the government of Nigeria.

“However, theft and sabotage are still the cause of around 85 per cent of spills from the SPDC JV operations.”

Shell Revieled: We Paid FG $42bn In Five Years

Posted by Sylvester No comments

 

The Netherlands-based Royal Dutch Shell Plc on Monday said the economic contribution from Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited joint venture partners to the Federal Government was $42bn from 2011 to 2015.

The oil giant said it paid the sum of $4.95bn to the Nigerian government last year as production entitlement, taxes, royalties and fees.

Shell’s ‘Report on Payments to Governments for 2015’ showed that Nigeria received the biggest share of payments from the company out of 24 countries. It was followed by Malaysia, which received $4.41bn; Norway, $4.16bn; Philippines, $2.11bn, and Iraq, $1.36bn.

According to Shell, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation was paid $3.61bn for production entitlement, while the Department of Petroleum Resources was paid $378.5m and $200.6m for royalties and fees, respectively.

It said it paid $717.9m to the Federal Inland Revenue Service as taxes; $291,115 to the Federation Account with the Central Bank of Nigeria as fees; and $46.9m to the Niger Delta Development Commission as fees.

Shell, in its Sustainability Report 2015 released on Monday, said its share of royalties and corporate taxes paid to the Nigerian government in 2015 was $1.1bn (SPDC $0.6bn; and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company, $0.5bn).

It said 93 per cent of contracts by Shell Companies in Nigeria were awarded to indigenous companies, with $0.9bn spent on local contracting and procurement.

It put the SPDC JV and SNEPCo contribution to the NDDC in 2015 at $145.1m, while $50.4m was spent directly by the SPDC JV and SNEPCo on social investment projects in the year.

The Chief Financial Officer, Royal Dutch Shell, Simon Henry, said by fulfilling the mandatory disclosures in line with the new United Kingdom legislative requirements, the firm had demonstrated that extraction of natural resources could lead to the opportunity of government revenue, economic growth and social development.

He, however, said the report excluded payments related to refining, natural gas liquefaction or gas-to-liquids activities as these were not in the scope of the UK regulations.

“Revenue transparency provides citizens with an important tool to hold their government representatives accountable and to advance good governance. Shell is committed to transparency as it builds trust,” Henry said.

Shell said the theft of the SPDC JV crude oil on the pipeline network amounted to around 25,000 barrels per day in 2015, adding that the reduction from around 37,000bopd in the previous year was partly due to continued surveillance efforts and implementing anti-theft protection mechanisms on key equipment.

It stated, “Since 2012, the SPDC has removed more than 850 illegal theft points. The number of sabotage-related spills in 2015 declined to 93 compared with 139 in 2014. This decrease was due to divestments in the Niger Delta and increased surveillance and security by the government of Nigeria.

“However, theft and sabotage are still the cause of around 85 per cent of spills from the SPDC JV operations.”

Gas Scarcity:Loading Improves At Depots

The scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) on Monday continued to take a toll on motorists who had to stay in queues for hours at the few filling stations selling the product in Lagos and Ogun states.
Our correspondent, however, gathered that loading at depots in Apapa had improved following the arrival of two more vessels, which conveyed about 50 million metric tonnes of petrol.
In Lagos, many filling stations did not sell the product on Monday, while black marketers had a field day as they sold the product for as much as N300 per litre.

Some filling stations belonging to independent marketers in parts of Lagos and Ogun states also cashed in on the situation by raising the price of the product, as they sold it for between N140 and N180 per litre.

A source, who is an official of an independent marketing outfit, told our correspondent in a telephone interview, “The level of loading is getting high and the third-party ex-depot price is reducing. It is N130 per litre today (Monday), from N140 to N150 in recent days.

“Supply is getting better. There are new vessels. Alexia came in with about 24 million metric tonnes, and there is one other vessel, with about 25 million metric tonnes. Alexia came in on Saturday and it is still discharging.

“We worked on Saturday and Sunday, and were able to load over 200 trucks; and today (Monday), we are still trucking out. In about two weeks’ time, the queues should have vanished if the supply is sustained.”

He, however, said the marketers were still complaining that the dollars they were promised would be made available to them for product importation had not been given to them.

The National Operation Controller, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Mike Osatuyi, said many of the members did not have petrol to sell.

“The supply problem is still there. We expect that when more vessels arrive, the situation will improve. The NNPC needs to do more to boost the supply of the product. With the major marketers now making efforts to import, the queues are expected to disappear in the coming weeks,” he explained.

The NNPC, had in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Mr. Garba-Deen Mohammed, assured Nigerians that it was doing all within its powers to make sure that the queues disappeared.

The PUNCH had on Sunday reported that about 228, 073 million metric tonnes of petrol would be delivered at the Lagos ports in the next five days, according to information obtained from the Daily Shipping Position on the website of the Nigerian Ports Authority.

Gas Scarcity:Loading Improves At Depots

Posted by Sylvester No comments

The scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) on Monday continued to take a toll on motorists who had to stay in queues for hours at the few filling stations selling the product in Lagos and Ogun states.
Our correspondent, however, gathered that loading at depots in Apapa had improved following the arrival of two more vessels, which conveyed about 50 million metric tonnes of petrol.
In Lagos, many filling stations did not sell the product on Monday, while black marketers had a field day as they sold the product for as much as N300 per litre.

Some filling stations belonging to independent marketers in parts of Lagos and Ogun states also cashed in on the situation by raising the price of the product, as they sold it for between N140 and N180 per litre.

A source, who is an official of an independent marketing outfit, told our correspondent in a telephone interview, “The level of loading is getting high and the third-party ex-depot price is reducing. It is N130 per litre today (Monday), from N140 to N150 in recent days.

“Supply is getting better. There are new vessels. Alexia came in with about 24 million metric tonnes, and there is one other vessel, with about 25 million metric tonnes. Alexia came in on Saturday and it is still discharging.

“We worked on Saturday and Sunday, and were able to load over 200 trucks; and today (Monday), we are still trucking out. In about two weeks’ time, the queues should have vanished if the supply is sustained.”

He, however, said the marketers were still complaining that the dollars they were promised would be made available to them for product importation had not been given to them.

The National Operation Controller, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Mike Osatuyi, said many of the members did not have petrol to sell.

“The supply problem is still there. We expect that when more vessels arrive, the situation will improve. The NNPC needs to do more to boost the supply of the product. With the major marketers now making efforts to import, the queues are expected to disappear in the coming weeks,” he explained.

The NNPC, had in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Mr. Garba-Deen Mohammed, assured Nigerians that it was doing all within its powers to make sure that the queues disappeared.

The PUNCH had on Sunday reported that about 228, 073 million metric tonnes of petrol would be delivered at the Lagos ports in the next five days, according to information obtained from the Daily Shipping Position on the website of the Nigerian Ports Authority.

Hypocrisy: Buhari’s 16-Year-Old Daughter Flew First Class To London Today, PDP Alleges

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has alleged that a 16-year-old daughter of President Muhammadu Buhari, whose name it gave as Hanan, flew first class on Monday from Abuja to London.
The opposition party said the president’s daughter flying first class smacked of hypocrisy considering the fact that there is a directive banning all cabinet ministers and certain categories of federal government officials from traveling first class.
The PDP made the claim in a series of tweets via its official Twitter handle @PDPNigeria.

Hypocrisy: Buhari’s 16-Year-Old Daughter Flew First Class To London Today, PDP Alleges

Posted by Sylvester No comments

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has alleged that a 16-year-old daughter of President Muhammadu Buhari, whose name it gave as Hanan, flew first class on Monday from Abuja to London.
The opposition party said the president’s daughter flying first class smacked of hypocrisy considering the fact that there is a directive banning all cabinet ministers and certain categories of federal government officials from traveling first class.
The PDP made the claim in a series of tweets via its official Twitter handle @PDPNigeria.

Today in Nigerian/African History: 19th April

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo

On this day in 2003: Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, a former military ruler turned civilian statesman.

He sought a second term against some twenty (20) other candidates. Obasanjo won 62% of 42 million votes. Opponents denounced the elections as fraudulent and claimed serious rigging in 16 of 36 states.

Also on this day in 2006: Militants killed two people in a car bomb attack on an army barracks in the city of Port Harcourt.

Equally, on this day in 2001; South Africa Aids Drugs Profit Before The Lives Of Millions 2001 : The world’s biggest pharmaceutical companies took up legal action to fight legislation which would allow generic versions of their patented drugs being made in or imported to South Africa. Following uproar around the world and the pharmaceutical industry was accused of putting profit before the lives of millions of people in the developing world. They have backed out of the court battle over cheap, non-branded anti-Aids drugs and also after dropping the case, agree to sell Aids drugs at cost price in developing countries – a discount of up to 90%.

Today in Nigerian/African History: 19th April

Posted by Sylvester No comments

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo

On this day in 2003: Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, a former military ruler turned civilian statesman.

He sought a second term against some twenty (20) other candidates. Obasanjo won 62% of 42 million votes. Opponents denounced the elections as fraudulent and claimed serious rigging in 16 of 36 states.

Also on this day in 2006: Militants killed two people in a car bomb attack on an army barracks in the city of Port Harcourt.

Equally, on this day in 2001; South Africa Aids Drugs Profit Before The Lives Of Millions 2001 : The world’s biggest pharmaceutical companies took up legal action to fight legislation which would allow generic versions of their patented drugs being made in or imported to South Africa. Following uproar around the world and the pharmaceutical industry was accused of putting profit before the lives of millions of people in the developing world. They have backed out of the court battle over cheap, non-branded anti-Aids drugs and also after dropping the case, agree to sell Aids drugs at cost price in developing countries – a discount of up to 90%.

BREAKING:Buhari In Serious Problem, Caged By 8 Powerful Men – See What Amechi Revealed…

President Muhammadu Buhari may be in serious problems as there are 8 powerful men within his cabinet — Mbazulike Amechi.

An elder statesman as said President Muhammadu Buhari may be in serious problems as there are 8 powerful men within his cabinet and his party, All Progressives Congress, APC who may act as a hindrance to his plans and administration.

Chief-Mbazulike-Amechi

This was stated by Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, a frontline nationalist in an interview he granted The Daily Sun Newspaper at his country home in Ukpor, Anambra State.

Amechi while speaking on the state of the nation stated that Nigeria is at war and should be in a “declared or undeclared state of emergency” in order to confront the looming war.

The first republic Minister of Aviation he doubted the capacity and ability of President Buhari to change Nigeria further saying that his administration may lead to “imminent total collapse of the nation.”

The still erudite and bright nonagerian also stated that the major cog in the wheel of progress in the fight against corruption is that “there is corruption in Buhari’s government.”

This elder statesman further went on to make a revelation that there are at least 8 powerful cabals within the Buhari Administration who could crush Buhari if he fails to do according to their bidding.

Asked what he would tell Buhari if he ever met him in person, he said, “I will tell him, my dear General, sorry Mr president, are you not worried about the state of the country, which we handed over to you on a platter of gold in May last year? What I will tell him depends on his at-titude to the situation. I am not near enough to know how free he is because you may have a president who is shackled by lieutenants and colleagues in the party. And he, being a military man more than a politi¬cian may not understand the game very well. There are some people who get rich in the midst of crisis. ”

“There are people who are empowering themselves by the present chaotic situation in the country. And if such people encircle a president, that president is in serious trouble. I don’t know if Buhari is in that state now. But there are some people even outside his cabinet who are very powerful.”

He continued, “They have stolen so much money in this country that if he doesn’t take care they might even do something to him. There are such people. There are eight of them in his govern¬ment; in his political party, who are so powerful in every way that if he doesn’t take their way they will do something to him.”

BREAKING:Buhari In Serious Problem, Caged By 8 Powerful Men – See What Amechi Revealed…

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President Muhammadu Buhari may be in serious problems as there are 8 powerful men within his cabinet — Mbazulike Amechi.

An elder statesman as said President Muhammadu Buhari may be in serious problems as there are 8 powerful men within his cabinet and his party, All Progressives Congress, APC who may act as a hindrance to his plans and administration.

Chief-Mbazulike-Amechi

This was stated by Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, a frontline nationalist in an interview he granted The Daily Sun Newspaper at his country home in Ukpor, Anambra State.

Amechi while speaking on the state of the nation stated that Nigeria is at war and should be in a “declared or undeclared state of emergency” in order to confront the looming war.

The first republic Minister of Aviation he doubted the capacity and ability of President Buhari to change Nigeria further saying that his administration may lead to “imminent total collapse of the nation.”

The still erudite and bright nonagerian also stated that the major cog in the wheel of progress in the fight against corruption is that “there is corruption in Buhari’s government.”

This elder statesman further went on to make a revelation that there are at least 8 powerful cabals within the Buhari Administration who could crush Buhari if he fails to do according to their bidding.

Asked what he would tell Buhari if he ever met him in person, he said, “I will tell him, my dear General, sorry Mr president, are you not worried about the state of the country, which we handed over to you on a platter of gold in May last year? What I will tell him depends on his at-titude to the situation. I am not near enough to know how free he is because you may have a president who is shackled by lieutenants and colleagues in the party. And he, being a military man more than a politi¬cian may not understand the game very well. There are some people who get rich in the midst of crisis. ”

“There are people who are empowering themselves by the present chaotic situation in the country. And if such people encircle a president, that president is in serious trouble. I don’t know if Buhari is in that state now. But there are some people even outside his cabinet who are very powerful.”

He continued, “They have stolen so much money in this country that if he doesn’t take care they might even do something to him. There are such people. There are eight of them in his govern¬ment; in his political party, who are so powerful in every way that if he doesn’t take their way they will do something to him.”

I’ll Not Stop Talking About Chibok Girls Until They Get Justice – Ezekwesili

The co-convener of the Bring Back Our Girls movement and former World Bank Vice President, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, has declared that justice must be done in the case of the abducted Chibok girls because the abduction reflected the failure of governance.

Last Thursday made it exactly two years since 276 Chibok girls were abducted by Boko Haram from their school in Borno State but 57 of the girls were able to escape, leaving 219 schoolgirls still unaccounted for.
Speaking in Lagos yesterday, Mrs. Ezekwesili stressed that the abduction was treated with levity by government.

Speaking as a guest at the Daystar Christian Centre, the former World Bank top shot said the girls would have been rescued if they were children of the elite.

She said: “Absolutely nothing is going to make me stop talking about the Chibok girls until justice is done for them. Why must justice be done for them? Justice must be done for our Chibok girls because they symbolize the failure of governance in a nation that does not understand that God absolutely looks at government as an institution that exists because of the needs of the poor. The rich and mighty can do without government. But government exists that the poor may be cared for”.

“For us, we stand to declare that our Chibok girls represent a turning point in our nation, and the reason is simple. A nation can afford to ignore its citizens when it sees no value in them. Nations that have made economic progress and achieved development are the ones that dignify the lives of their citizens. Citizens’ lives mean nothing. The likelihood is because there is something that substitutes for the citizens’ lives. In our own case, that something is called oil”, she said.

I’ll Not Stop Talking About Chibok Girls Until They Get Justice – Ezekwesili

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The co-convener of the Bring Back Our Girls movement and former World Bank Vice President, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, has declared that justice must be done in the case of the abducted Chibok girls because the abduction reflected the failure of governance.

Last Thursday made it exactly two years since 276 Chibok girls were abducted by Boko Haram from their school in Borno State but 57 of the girls were able to escape, leaving 219 schoolgirls still unaccounted for.
Speaking in Lagos yesterday, Mrs. Ezekwesili stressed that the abduction was treated with levity by government.

Speaking as a guest at the Daystar Christian Centre, the former World Bank top shot said the girls would have been rescued if they were children of the elite.

She said: “Absolutely nothing is going to make me stop talking about the Chibok girls until justice is done for them. Why must justice be done for them? Justice must be done for our Chibok girls because they symbolize the failure of governance in a nation that does not understand that God absolutely looks at government as an institution that exists because of the needs of the poor. The rich and mighty can do without government. But government exists that the poor may be cared for”.

“For us, we stand to declare that our Chibok girls represent a turning point in our nation, and the reason is simple. A nation can afford to ignore its citizens when it sees no value in them. Nations that have made economic progress and achieved development are the ones that dignify the lives of their citizens. Citizens’ lives mean nothing. The likelihood is because there is something that substitutes for the citizens’ lives. In our own case, that something is called oil”, she said.

Troops Recover Large Cache Of Arms, Ammunition In Borno, Engage Boko Haram In Fierce Battle

The Nigerian Army Monday announced that troops of Operation Lafiya Dole and some Civilian JTF on a clearance patrol to Brogozo-Alagarno general area, discovered large cache of arms and ammunition concealed by Boko Haram Terrorists.

The discovery, the Army said, was based on a tip off.
In a statement by its spokesperson, Sani Usman, the Army said the patrol team also cleared remnants of the terrorists dislodged from Alagarno Forest but who were taking refuge at Kadari, Camp Abu Fatima and Gursum.
“The troops discovered large cache of arms and ammunitions that include 36 boxes of .51mm caliber, 5 x 20 Lyra beefcake mixture of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition, large quantity of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition and one 81mm mortar tube”, Mr. Usman, a colonel, said.

In addition, he said troops recovered 1 Toyota Hilux, 1 Generator and several motorcycles.
The statement reiterated the Nigerian Army’s appeal to all Nigerians especially residents of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States, which are worse affected by the insurgency, to continue to provide useful information to troops in order to facilitate the final routing of the remnants of Boko Haram insurgents hiding in their localities.

Meanwhile, the Army said troops of 113 Battalion at Kareto, northern Borno, came under attack early hours of today.
However, the troops are currently engaged in a fierce battle with members of the sect.
The Army issued the alert on its verified Twitter handle some few hours ago.

Troops Recover Large Cache Of Arms, Ammunition In Borno, Engage Boko Haram In Fierce Battle

Posted by Sylvester No comments

The Nigerian Army Monday announced that troops of Operation Lafiya Dole and some Civilian JTF on a clearance patrol to Brogozo-Alagarno general area, discovered large cache of arms and ammunition concealed by Boko Haram Terrorists.

The discovery, the Army said, was based on a tip off.
In a statement by its spokesperson, Sani Usman, the Army said the patrol team also cleared remnants of the terrorists dislodged from Alagarno Forest but who were taking refuge at Kadari, Camp Abu Fatima and Gursum.
“The troops discovered large cache of arms and ammunitions that include 36 boxes of .51mm caliber, 5 x 20 Lyra beefcake mixture of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition, large quantity of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition and one 81mm mortar tube”, Mr. Usman, a colonel, said.

In addition, he said troops recovered 1 Toyota Hilux, 1 Generator and several motorcycles.
The statement reiterated the Nigerian Army’s appeal to all Nigerians especially residents of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States, which are worse affected by the insurgency, to continue to provide useful information to troops in order to facilitate the final routing of the remnants of Boko Haram insurgents hiding in their localities.

Meanwhile, the Army said troops of 113 Battalion at Kareto, northern Borno, came under attack early hours of today.
However, the troops are currently engaged in a fierce battle with members of the sect.
The Army issued the alert on its verified Twitter handle some few hours ago.

President Buhari Expresses Satisfaction Over Outcome Of China Visit

President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed satisfaction with the outcome of his visit to China, which has yielded additional investments in Nigeria exceeding $6 billion.

President Buhari believes that the several agreements concluded with the Chinese during the visit will have a huge and positive impact on key sectors of the Nigerian economy including power, solid minerals, agriculture, housing and rail transportation.

In the power sector, North South Power Company Limited and Sinohydro Corporation Limited signed an agreement valued at $478,657,941.28 for the construction of 300 Mega Watts solar power in Shiriro, Niger State.

In the solid minerals sector, Granite and Marble Nigeria Limited and Shanghai Shibang signed an agreement valued at $55 million for the construction and equipping of granite mining plant in Nigeria.

A total of $1 billion is to be invested in the development of a greenfield expressway for Abuja-Ibadan-Lagos under an agreement reached by the Infrastructure Bank and Sinohydro Corporation Limited.

For the housing sector, both companies also sealed a $250 million deal to develop an ultra modern 27-storey high rise complex and a $2.5 billion agreement for the development of the Lagos Metro Rail Transit Red Line project.

Other agreements announced and signed during the visit include a $1 billion for the establishment of a Hi-tech industrial park in Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone in Igbesa, Ogun State.

Furthermore, the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone and CNG (Nigeria) Investment Limited also signed an agreement valued at $200 million for the construction of two 500MT/day float gas facilities.

An agreement valued at $363 million for the establishment of a comprehensive farm and downstream industrial park in Kogi state was also announced at the Nigeria-China business forum.

Other agreements undergoing negotiations include a $500 million project for the provision of television broadcast equipment and a $25 million facility for production of pre-paid smart meters between Mojec International Limited and Microstar Company Limited.

About 100 Nigerian businesses and 300 Chinese firms participated in the Nigeria-China business forum which took place a day after President Buhari began his visit to China.

President Buhari Expresses Satisfaction Over Outcome Of China Visit

Posted by Sylvester No comments

President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed satisfaction with the outcome of his visit to China, which has yielded additional investments in Nigeria exceeding $6 billion.

President Buhari believes that the several agreements concluded with the Chinese during the visit will have a huge and positive impact on key sectors of the Nigerian economy including power, solid minerals, agriculture, housing and rail transportation.

In the power sector, North South Power Company Limited and Sinohydro Corporation Limited signed an agreement valued at $478,657,941.28 for the construction of 300 Mega Watts solar power in Shiriro, Niger State.

In the solid minerals sector, Granite and Marble Nigeria Limited and Shanghai Shibang signed an agreement valued at $55 million for the construction and equipping of granite mining plant in Nigeria.

A total of $1 billion is to be invested in the development of a greenfield expressway for Abuja-Ibadan-Lagos under an agreement reached by the Infrastructure Bank and Sinohydro Corporation Limited.

For the housing sector, both companies also sealed a $250 million deal to develop an ultra modern 27-storey high rise complex and a $2.5 billion agreement for the development of the Lagos Metro Rail Transit Red Line project.

Other agreements announced and signed during the visit include a $1 billion for the establishment of a Hi-tech industrial park in Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone in Igbesa, Ogun State.

Furthermore, the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone and CNG (Nigeria) Investment Limited also signed an agreement valued at $200 million for the construction of two 500MT/day float gas facilities.

An agreement valued at $363 million for the establishment of a comprehensive farm and downstream industrial park in Kogi state was also announced at the Nigeria-China business forum.

Other agreements undergoing negotiations include a $500 million project for the provision of television broadcast equipment and a $25 million facility for production of pre-paid smart meters between Mojec International Limited and Microstar Company Limited.

About 100 Nigerian businesses and 300 Chinese firms participated in the Nigeria-China business forum which took place a day after President Buhari began his visit to China.

N/Delta Militant Group Dares Buhari, Vows Further Attacks On Oil Pipelines

Less than a week after President Muhammadu Buhari vowed to deal with pipeline vandals and saboteurs frustrating his administration’s programmes and policies, a militant group in the Niger-Delta, which claimed responsibility for a major attack on a pipeline in the region, said it will carry out more strikes.
The group, the Niger Delta Avengers, said it carried out the attack on a Shell underwater pipeline in February which interrupted oil flows and forced the company to shut down its 250,000 barrel-a-day Forcados export terminal for weeks.
Daring the president, who urged those behind destruction of critical oil and gas assets to continue with their “madness” until he deals with them same way he dealt with Boko Haram, the militant group in a statement on Sunday and made available to Reuters, said it would not be cowed by Mr. Buhari’s threat to unleash the full strength of the Nigerian Armed Forces on vandals and saboteurs.

“We are not deterred by such threats as we are highly spirited and shall continue blowing up pipelines until the Niger Delta people are no longer marginalized by the Nigerian actors”, said the Niger Delta Avengers.

The oil-rich Niger-Delta, which contributes not less than 70 per cent of state income in Africa’s biggest economy, has been left devastated by years of neglect and environmental degradation due to activities of oil exploration and lack of political will to bring development to the area.
This has resulted in militants demanding a greater share of crude revenues to the area as well as agitations for resource control.
Unheard of before the Forcados attack, the Niger Delta Avengers say they want to ensure that local people enjoy a quality of life which reflects the region’s contribution to the national purse.
“We take no pleasure in claiming innocent lives hence our struggle is geared toward attacking the oil installations in our region and not the people. And we shall stop at nothing until our goal is achieved”, the group added in its statement.
(Reuters)

N/Delta Militant Group Dares Buhari, Vows Further Attacks On Oil Pipelines

Posted by Sylvester No comments

Less than a week after President Muhammadu Buhari vowed to deal with pipeline vandals and saboteurs frustrating his administration’s programmes and policies, a militant group in the Niger-Delta, which claimed responsibility for a major attack on a pipeline in the region, said it will carry out more strikes.
The group, the Niger Delta Avengers, said it carried out the attack on a Shell underwater pipeline in February which interrupted oil flows and forced the company to shut down its 250,000 barrel-a-day Forcados export terminal for weeks.
Daring the president, who urged those behind destruction of critical oil and gas assets to continue with their “madness” until he deals with them same way he dealt with Boko Haram, the militant group in a statement on Sunday and made available to Reuters, said it would not be cowed by Mr. Buhari’s threat to unleash the full strength of the Nigerian Armed Forces on vandals and saboteurs.

“We are not deterred by such threats as we are highly spirited and shall continue blowing up pipelines until the Niger Delta people are no longer marginalized by the Nigerian actors”, said the Niger Delta Avengers.

The oil-rich Niger-Delta, which contributes not less than 70 per cent of state income in Africa’s biggest economy, has been left devastated by years of neglect and environmental degradation due to activities of oil exploration and lack of political will to bring development to the area.
This has resulted in militants demanding a greater share of crude revenues to the area as well as agitations for resource control.
Unheard of before the Forcados attack, the Niger Delta Avengers say they want to ensure that local people enjoy a quality of life which reflects the region’s contribution to the national purse.
“We take no pleasure in claiming innocent lives hence our struggle is geared toward attacking the oil installations in our region and not the people. And we shall stop at nothing until our goal is achieved”, the group added in its statement.
(Reuters)