NJTF denies death of 18 soldiers in Boko Haram attack

The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) on Friday denied any recent attack on its troops and killing of 18 soldiers in its area of responsibility.

Spokesman of the task force, Col. Timothy Antigha, said in a statement on Friday in Abuja, that online media report on the purported attack was false.

The online reports had claimed that 18 soldiers were killed when a faction of Boko Haram affiliated to Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) attacked a military formation.

According to Antigha, the reported attack and killing are falsehood being orchestrated by the media arm of ISWAP in its desperate attempt to revamp it parlous and deplorable image.

He said that the desperation followed several weeks of devastating operational losses the group suffered in the Lake Chad Area.



“It has been widely reported and it is now common knowledge that sustained offensive actions by MNJTF troops and national forces have resulted in over 200 ISWAP personnel casualties and defections as well as numerous equipment seizures and destruction.

“The claim of killing 18 MNJTF personnel in an unnamed location is, therefore, very strange and completely untrue.

“Consequently, the general public is advised to disregard the ISWAP falsehood in its entirety, ” Antigha said.

He urged the media to remain vigilant in order to frustrate attempts by terrorists to spread falsehood and propaganda in a bid to disrupt public order, peace and civility.

Police launch Operation Puff Adder to battle bandits, kidnappers

The Inspector General of Police M.A Adamu on Friday launched a security action plan tagged ‘Operation Puff Adder’ to combat criminality in the country.

The Operation will be executed in collaboration with the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Department of State Services (DSS).

It involves massive deployment of well-trained, well-equipped and well-motivated personnel and combined operational assets from the various security agencies, is tailored towards ridding the Country of all forms of crimes and criminality.

Under prime focus are Kaduna – Abuja Expressway, Kogi, Katsina, Niger and Zamfara States.

During the launch which took place at katari Bishin District, Abuja – Kaduna Expressway, Acting IGP Adamu appealed for public support.



He said no Police Agency anywhere in the world, no matter how well-trained, equipped or motivated, can solely achieve its community security and safety mandate without the support of the community.

He called for the full support and cooperation of the civil populace, particularly, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth associations, market bodies, cultural associations and professionals among others in the fight against criminals especially kidnappers, armed robbers, cattle rustlers amongst others.

The IGP also made a special appeal to drivers, commuters and indeed all citizens that may come in contact with Police officers deployed for the Operation to cooperate with them and show understanding in the interest of public safety.

The IGP however, sounded a note of warning to persons who engage in criminal activities, especially along the Abuja – kaduna Expressway, to give-up their nefarious activities and embrace other legitimate means of livelihood or be prepared to face the full consequences of their actions.

The representative of the Village Head of katari, Bishin District, Kaduna State, Gambo G. Gambo commended the IGP for the launch of ‘Operation Puff Adder’ in the area.

Gambo noted that the operation has already begun to yield positive results with the arrest of five (5) armed criminals in the area on 4th April, 2019.

He thanked the IGP and enjoined the officers deployed to the area to ‘‘do good to the good and do bad to the bad’’.

Onnoghen’s lawyer confirms resignation of suspended CJN

The lawyer to the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) on Friday confirmed the resignation of his client.

According him, Onnoghen resigned in the interest of the judiciary.

“I have just spoken with him. He confirmed to me that he resigned yesterday. He said he resigned in the interest of the Judiciary,” Awomolo explained.

As head of the Supreme Court, Onnoghen could have ruled on any disputes relating to the election, which saw Buhari, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), win a second term of office.

Atiku Abubakar from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has launched a legal challenge to the result, after calling the election a “sham”.



Onnoghen’s resignation came a day after the regulatory body for judges, the National Judicial Council (NJC), recommended he should be compulsorily retired from service.

Onnoghen was charged with failing to declare foreign currency bank accounts, in contravention of rules governing declaration of assets for public officials.

Buhari then suspended and replaced him, prompting accusations of executive over-reach and even an attempted “coup” against the judiciary. Lawyers protested on the streets.

A request to remove the chief justice normally has to be approved with a two-thirds majority in the Senate.

Kolade Johnson: Police arraign dismissed killer cop in Lagos

Lagos State Police Command on Friday said the officer who shot Kolade Johnson to death on Sunday has been arraigned in court.

“Today 5th April 2019 … our Criminal Investigation Department, Panti has arraigned dismissed Inspector Ogunyemi Olalekan in Ebute Meta Magistrate Court and remanded in prison custody,” Lagos State police spokesman Bala Elkana said in a statement.

Nigeria Police on Thursday said it dismissed Olalekan for shooting Kolade Johnson in Lagos.

Johnson was hit by a stray bullet shot by the men of Anti-Cultism Squad on Sunday while watching the English Premier League match between Liverpool and Tottenham.

“At the conclusion of the trial, the first defaulter, Inspector Ogunyemi Olalekan was found guilty of Discreditable conduct by acting in a manner prejudicial to discipline and unbecoming of members of the Force by shooting and killing Kolade Johnson,” Police spokesman Bala Elkana said in an earlier statement.



“The Adjudicating Officer, CSP Indyar Apev awarded the punishment of dismissal from service and prosecution to the First defaulter.”

The Nigerian police Tuesday said Inspector Ogunyemi Olalekan and Sergeant Godwin Orji were “suspected to have carried out the shooting.”

“The men suspected to have carried out the shooting of Kolade Johnson have been apprehended and subjected to internal disciplinary procedures,” the police tweeted on Tuesday.

After the trial, police said only Olalekan was guilty of the offence and subsequently ordered his dismissal.

The police spokesman said Olalekan’s action was “Unlawful and Unnecessary exercise of authority by using unnecessary violence, by using AK 47 rifle on the deceased in total neglect to the provisions of Force Order 237 on the use of Firearms.”

The second officer that was apprehended and subjected to internal disciplinary proceedings alongside Inspector Olalekan was discharged and acquitted due to a lack of evidence linking him to the killing of Kolade Johnson.

“There was no evidence linking the second defaulter, Sergeant Godwin Orji to the shooting, he was therefore found not guilty and discharged and acquitted.”

BUHARI ADMINISTRATION REMAINS COMMITTED TO DEVELOPING NIGER DELTA - VP OSINBAJO

Press Release
7th April, 2019



*Says Maritime University poised to become Centre of Excellence, as Institution celebrates 1st Matriculation ceremony

The Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State, is proof of the unwavering commitment of the Buhari Administration to the development and progress of the Niger Delta.

This was stated by Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, during the University's maiden Matriculation ceremony, which held on Saturday, April 6, at its take-off campus in Okerenkoko, Kurutie, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.

Prof. Osinbajo, who was represented at the event by Mr. Edobor Iyamu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President, on Economic matters, Office of the Vice President, noted that President Muhammadu Buhari "is a man of his words and he has made that clear over and over again with regards to the Niger Delta, in the last four years."

It would be recalled that the take-off of the Maritime University was actualized under the Buhari administration following the commencement of its operations in 2017.

The take-off of the Maritime University is in fulfilment of the Buhari administration’s commitment to develop the Niger Delta in line with its New Vision for the region.

The Vice President's speech, which was delivered by Mr. Iyamu, highlighted the determination of the Buhari administration to change the narrative of a region that had been neglected in the past.

He said, "The seriousness with which we view the Niger Delta informed the series of unprecedented engagements that resulted in the comprehensive development Plan known as the New Vision for the Niger Delta; with the goal of ensuring that the huge resources of the Delta are put to work for the good of the people of the region.

"That New Vision has guided us every step of the way, and is what has helped propel the Ogoni Clean Up to fruition, and helped birth this University in which we are gathered today."

Congratulating the management and staff of the University in his speech, Vice President then urged students of the institution to become excellent ambassadors of this University.

"I congratulate you all on the commemoration of this milestone occasion, the inaugural matriculation ceremony. Congratulations also to all of the matriculating students. As the pioneer set of students of this landmark institution, you are all standing on the threshold of history, and we rejoice with you," he noted.

"We have a vision that the Maritime University will come to be known around the world as a Centre of Excellence in Maritime matters, and a repository of expertise and knowledge on the Niger Delta," he added.

The Vice President further noted that the Federal Government is focused on developing the human capital of the Niger Delta in different sectors, noting that in the near future, the region would not only be known for its oil and gas potential, but also in the quality of its human capital resources.

"These and more are examples of how we are walking the talk in the Niger Delta region, which we view not in terms of its past, but in terms of its potential. And this is a potential that is not limited to oil and gas, but is actually focused more on the development of human capital. We are confident that the Niger Delta will sooner than later come to be defined, not by crude oil, but by the quality of its human resource, the abundance of its agriculture, its rich cultural potential, and so on," he added.

He also noted the ongoing Ogoni Clean-up/remediation efforts, the establishment of modular refineries in the Niger Delta and the Presidential Amnesty programme that has helped to maintain the peace and stability on the region, and the Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme, aimed at ending gas-flaring in the region.

"And while the remediation is ongoing, there are also a lot of efforts aimed at ensuring that affected communities enjoy basic amenities like clean water, and that jobs and training opportunities are extended to them.

"Our Modular Refinery Programme is another important cornerstone of the New Vision for the Niger Delta. There are currently four modular refineries at different levels of completion, across the region.

"The Amnesty Programme has continued to receive funding and support from the Buhari Administration, because we understand just how important it is for the young people of the region. We will continue to ensure that it delivers on its mandate and responds fully to the needs and yearnings of the beneficiaries.

Prof. Osinbajo noted that the long-term impact of the administration's Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme, would not just improve health and the environment, but also increase economic opportunities as it would "create jobs and wealth for citizens and communities in the region."

The Nigeria Maritime University commenced full academic activities for the 2017/2018 academic year in April, 2018, with a total of 370 students spread across 13 undergraduate programmes in three Faculties, namely: Transport, Engineering and Environmental Management.

Earlier, in her address, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Ongoebi Maureen Etebu, described the occasion as an epoch-making moment, praising the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration for providing the fertile environment for the institution to come into being.

Etebu said the university is a ship set to sail, as the school now boost of three vibrant faculties.

The matriculation ceremony was held for all in-takes from the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 academic sessions.

The occasion was attended by the Acting Governor of Delta State, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro; representative of the Hon. Minister of Education; the Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of the Governing Counciil, Nigeria Maritime University, Chief Timipre Sylva, Director-General/CEO, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, top government officials, traditional rulers from Gbaramatu Kingdom, amongst others.

Another highlight of the well-attended ceremony was the presentation of cash awards to some high-flying students, who have excelled in their respective course of studies, since the inception of the institution, with CGPA of 4.5 and above.

Released by:

Arukaino Umukoro
Special Assistant to the President,
Communication Projects/Niger Delta,
Office of the Vice President,
Federal Republic of Nigeria

7th April, 2019

NWAOBOSHI ON WAR PATH WITH NIGERIAN JUDICIARY.

By Femi Okenhla.

The embattled Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District and Senate committee chairman on Niger Delta, Barr. Peter Nwaoboshi, is on a war path with the Nigerian judiciary.

Barr. Nwaoboshi who on Wednesday this week lost a case at the Federal High court, Abuja where his nomination by the PDP as their candidate was challenged by a former member of the House of Representatives and multi-billionaire politician, Hon Ned Nwoko, blamed the judiciary for his loss.

In a press conference addressed by the Senator who has multiple cases in different courts in the land especially those that bothers on murder, embezzlement and abuse of office, accused the judiciary of "judgement racketeering". He stated that the judgement against him was bought and vowed to deal decisively with the Judge.

Our source from top Judges who spoke on condition of anonymity stated that group of judges were clearly unhappy with the accusation leveled against the judiciary by a senator that carries huge moral burden. According to him, "the judges have vowed to followup with every case involving Senator Nwaoboshi to ensuring that justice is served within the shortest possible time.

It was further stated that it was Senator Nwaoboshi who actually made attempt to bribe the Judge few days to the judgement, if not for the principled and incorruptible stand of the Judge in question.

One of the Judges who does not want his name in prints frowned at the allegation levelled against them by Nwaoboshi and vowed that the judiciary will not fold their arms and allow desperate politicians to ridicule them to serve their evil agenda. "A responsible citizen who is not satisfied with a particular pronouncement of the court has the option of seeking redress through a higher court and not to throw mud at an institution for carrying out its constitutional duties". He also drew the attention of politicians to the fact that Judges cannot be intimidated neither will they succumb to their antics.

THE GLORIA OKON STORY

In 1984, the Muhammadu Buhari-led military government issued Decree 20 which stated that:

"any person who, without lawful authority deals in, sell, smoke or inhale the drug known as cocaine or other similar drugs shall be guilty…….and liable on conviction to suffer death sentence by firing squad."

Therefore, on April 22, 1985, a certain Gloria Okon, whose real name was Chinyere, was about to board a Nigeria Airways flight at the Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano when she was apprehended and arrested with substances suspected to be heroin which weighed about 57 grammes and other drugs as well as local and foreign currencies.

Gloria Okon was said to be a drug courier for Babangida and his wife. In an exclusive interview with Sahara Reporters published on June 8, 2009, Dr Taiyemiwo Ogunade described the event thus:

“Gloria Okon is actually Chinyere, that’s her real name. She married Charles "Jeff" Chandler, the fellow who killed Nzeogwu and was killed a day later. Chinyere, Maryam and Princess Atta were young friends who hung out together. They all married into the military, because the military was a proud and respectable profession then. Charles Chandler, who was Tiv, married Chinyere who I think is from Imo State.

"IBB married Maryam from Asaba and Mamman Vatsa married Princess. So Chinyere became a widow and resorted to trading between UK and Nigeria. And then she was caught with drugs; Mamman Vatsa was the person who put Chinyere on the next available flight from Kano to London – and then claimed that she was dead by parading a dead woman picked out of the mortuary. Dele Giwa later found out that she was in London having delivered a baby by another man.

"He sent a French photographer to the place and they saw Maryam Babangida at the event. Kayode Soyinka brought back the photographs. Dele was sitting across the table from Kayode examining the photos taken of “Gloria Okon” (Chinyere, Chandler’s wife) at the naming ceremony in London. Maryam Babangida was there.”

After the whole ruse, General Muhammadu Buhari, on August 5, 1985, set up a judicial commission of enquiry to investigate the arrest and death of Gloria Okon. The report of the investigation was expected to be brought in at the end of the month, but it was a fruitless journey. It never saw the light of the day as Buhari was toppled by Ibrahim Babangida in a military coup 22 days later on August 27, 1985.

So end of the investigation, end of the case.