Kaduna Attack: Over 4,500 People Displaced

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Recovered Evidence from Jihadist Group in Kano
Recovered Evidence from Jihadist Group in Kano

 

The northern Nigerian State of Kaduna continues to suffer the brunt of Jihadist influenced violence on its non Muslim residents. In an attack today, 19 people were reportedly killed by gunmen in Attakar villages while 10 others were seriously injured in  Mafang and Zilang villages.

Of which reports from the local government indicate that over 4,000 people have been displaced as a result of the attack.  The Chairman of the Local government, Kumai Badu while confirming the increasing wave of displace persons – pointed to the culprits of the attacks as Fulanis operating near the two Attakar villages. The chairman  said the attack also led to the burning of  virtually all houses and food items in the two villages. He explained that  over 200 victims of the attack were missing while over 4,500 people were taking refuge at Mifi and Fadan Attakar villages – where relief materials are being provided by the Local government.

Eyes witness said that the fighters were hired – and wore black kaftan covering their faces.

Police public relations officer,DSP Aminu Lawan said the extent of damage was yet to be ascertained as the Police headquarters was awaiting details from the DPO in Kaura.

How Airport Staff Smuggled Drug Suspect With Tarmac Jacket And Duty Tag To Boarding Tube

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adetunji oladeji joseph
adetunji oladeji joseph

 

ekene victor uchenna
ekene victor uchenna

 

peter chidiebere
peter chidiebere

NDLEA To Prosecute FAAN Driver, Cleaner, others

Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Ahmadu Giade said that the Agency has foiled a plot by some airport staff to aid and abet a suspected drug trafficker in circumventing security checks. The NDLEA boss warned members of the airport community against compromise calculated to undermine security measures at the nation’s airports.

This followed the arrest of a suspected drug trafficker, Adetunji Oladeji Joseph who wore an official tarmac reflective jacket posing as an airport staff. He ingested 100 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.350kg. Adetunji was illegally taken to the boarding gates at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos by a female cleaner.

The alleged mastermind is a driver with the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr Olatubosun Michael Olatunji. A female cleaner, Mrs Uzoma David and one Mr Ekene Victor Uchenna have been found to be part of the drug racket.

The anti-narcotic boss while describing the incident as an act of sabotage promised to prosecute all persons involved in the criminal act as deterrence to others. He however expressed disappointment over the lack of trust exhibited by the members of staff.

“It is disappointing for workers at the airport community to indulge in such high level compromise. Their action is inimical and a calculated attempt to undermine security measures at the airport. They will be prosecuted for others to see the bitter consequences of compromise. Drug barons always seek to corrupt officials through bribery but we are working to counter such acts of infiltration” Giade stated.

He thanked the management of FAAN and other security Agencies over what he described as excellent cooperation spirit. According to NDLEA boss, “I am very pleased with the support and excellent cooperation spirit of the management of FAAN and other Agencies. It exemplifies team spirit and synergy at its best. The arrest and hand over of Olatunbosun Michael Olatunji by FAAN for investigation is commendable”.

NDLEA commander at the Lagos airport Mr Hamza Umar said that the incident took place on the 7th of February 2013 but the main culprits were only arrested just this weekend. “This is a high level case of aiding and abetting so we took our time in trying to arrest all parties to the crime. Let me also appreciate the support of security agencies at the airport especially FAAN” Hamza stated.

Preliminary investigation revealed that one Mr Ekene Victor Uchenna, a staff with Avobridge who is currently at large gave his reflective jacket and on duty tag to the suspect. He also handed the suspect to a female cleaner Mrs Uzoma David who led him to the boarding gate to evade screening. The airport staff also collected an undisclosed amount of money to aid the suspect.

Mr Ekene has been declared wanted by the Agency. It was gathered that he was involved in examination fraud at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos where he is studying Mechanical Engineering at Higher National Diploma Level. Since the incident occurred, he had been on the run.

Another suspected member of the drug cartel, Peter Chidibere a trader at Trade Fair Complex, Lagos has been arrested by the NDLEA. He is currently being interrogated by narcotic officials. It was gathered that necessary arrangements for Adetunji Oladeji Joseph to smuggle the drugs.

Meanwhile, Giade said investigation is on-going and more arrests are expected.

 

Open Letter To Professor Tam David West: Respect The Office Of The President And Retrace Your Step [Part 2] – Chief Jones Abiri, JP

_David_West
_David_West

First and foremost I am disappointed by your everlasting criticisms
which have become so popular in recent times. Not long ago you
invested a positive wave of venomous criticisms in respect of what you
personally referred to as “the unconstitutionality of the advisory
council established by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2010 and voiced
caution against government unreservedly opening its doors to United
States intelligence”.
It is most ludicrous and insulting to our collective intelligence for
a “cold-impotent-ash” to bestride the world like a colossus. I can
see this as something silly, virtual nonsense, intellectual rot. I
love to inform you that the United States is intelligent to know that
Nigerians educated in America are Americans in the way they do certain
things. President Goodluck Jonathan is not responsible for the influx
or concentration of United States intelligence in Nigeria.
You should have known that wherever there is American Embassy the
Central Intelligent Agency (CIA) is not far from the structure. All
nations have in their respective embassies a mutual link with their
various national intelligent agencies. Intelligence is a credential
for the successful development of diplomatic alliance.
Most of your statements in the world media are contradictory, self
poisoning and thereafter, back to the sender. The American Congress
including your sympathizer when you were in prison, Edward Kennedy Jr.
was dumbfounded when you voiced caution against Government
unreservedly opening its doors to United States intelligence.
Remember, United State Intelligence is all over the world.
What of the Middle East? Who invited them? Sometimes they walk into
a country when there is genocide, terrorism and human rights violation
without invitation. American actions are derived from her foreign
policy to liberate mankind from want, ignorance and slavery.
Sometimes this is done in collaboration with the United Nations (UN).
Reflecting your imprisonment by General Ibrahim Babangida and
Professor Jubril Aminu, is it morally justifiable as someone who
studied in America to fly a blow at the CIA and condemn US role in the
fight against global terrorism? I will lend you eyes to see clearly
that your spontaneous utterances are thoughtless and absurd.

Your humorous analysis…in-depth in scope in respect of the ongoing
scandal of “Church Gift” to President Jonathan by the Italian Gitto
General Construction Company. You said, “That the President of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria, infact personally solicited for the face
lifting of his village Church.
I will not be surprised if President Jonathan’s “Boy Friday”, Reuben
Abati, jumps up to “educate” us that the press “misquoted” or lifted
“out of context” what President Jonathan actually said at the
dedication ceremony of the church project”. Again, “I am totally
ashamed as a devout Anglican (105 years of family Anglicanism) for the
clergy of the said church to ever attempt to defend the clearly
indefensible with any decent person. A moral rot.
This is a clear and good example of how some of our contemporary
so-called servants of God, Clergy, corrupt the faith with the
expediency of material advantage. Any wonder why some of the
contemporary churches have lost their high moral ground and so can no
longer give the expected exemplary moral leadership.
There are even several reports of “Pastors” or “Prophets” praying for
armed robbers to rob well so as to give donations or gifts to their
“Churches”. I sometimes wish for the visitation of the Old Testament
God. I honestly do”. Let me say that it is a serious crime to
assault our Western Christian style of life and try to change it into
something else. You have done something so virtual nonsense and
vampire.
Nigerians have sealed their ears. Old age and “old – jokes” have no
input in the Nigeria of our time. You must be a renegade. Not a true
Anglican. Christians are expected to organize fund raising to build
the churches and help the poor and needy in the society. In some
countries, government and its officials including philanthropists and
humanitarians assist the clergy in building the house of God. I will
send my greetings to any organization, government or individual that
is interested in the word of God. Christians all over the world are
on the watch-out. Moslem leaders have built uncountable mosques.
Hindus and Buddhists have done the same. Do they criticized
themselves?
What is wrong if an Italian company assisted Christians in Nigeria to
face lift a church building? You wanted the clergy to say “No”. Why?
You have fallen short of the glory of God and there will be a
visitation of God of the Old Testament. Works of righteousness are
not evil.
You as an Anglican – a Professor, former Commissioner and Minister,
what remarkable contributions have you made to ensure that Christians
are properly taken care of ? Christians are shocked. The pain you
inflicted on them is been received with sorrow and grief. The Bishop
of Port Harcourt you know very well, the clergy, orphanages home of
the aged and the rehabilitation centres had no food to eat, no drugs,
no clothes, no care, no funds, no money to build new Cathedrals when
you were a Commissioner/Minister of the Federal Republic.
The churches built by Europeans long ago were damaged. The wealthy
Christians were exceptionally greedy, selfish, proud and unkind and no
renovations were made. Why must you say helping in the work of God is
a “bribe” or a “personal gift” to President Jonathan and not the
church?
I believe that you were confused when this was said. There is a way
that looked like good and right unto man but the end thereof is the
way that led to death. It is unreasonable and “wolf-like” to condemn
the Holy Ghost fathers when there is no genuine reason to do so unless
there is intention at the back of your mind to throw them into shame
and abuse.
You also condemn our Ijaw compatriots who see nothing wrong with any
of Jonathan’s actions, or antagonize other Nigerians with silly
counter – productive baseless geo-ethnic slurs, I say be wary. These
are essentially bunches of revolving professional sycophants with no
marrow-deep loyalties and emerge like mushrooms on field conveniently
adorning themselves with all sorts of acronyms.
They are pure and simple time-servers”. This is wrong. Is there any
sufficient reason to persuade the Ijaws not to support their brother
and son when an overwhelming majority of Nigerian citizens great and
small voted for him and are solidly behind him? It is not an offence
if we are called mushroom sycophants because of our son who is the
first President from the South/ South geo-political zone? I promise
you we will continue to support him under rain and sun.
It is also insensitive to publicize the words of Asari Dokubo who said
something like an “Ibo President come 2015” at Ojukwu’s funeral but
later says 2015 “Jonathan or no other”. This is also wrong in its
entirety. Intelligent critics don’t rely on statements made by
warriors during a crisis situation because such statements may have a
short period of survival and should not be taken as sacrosanct.
NATIONAL SECURITY
On national Security, you exalted President Goodluck Jonathan as a
leader who “has conscience. So he should know the honourable thing to
do under the circumstance. That is, honourably leave Aso Rock to save
the Presidency from desecration”. This is a low-down thing to do.
That’s not the way a human being behaves. Anyone would think you were
speaking to a dumb beast.
It’s wicked to want to shame the President. Are you better than Dr.
Goodluck Jonathan and his wife? Doesn’t the same pride as a former
Minister flow in your vein? What a petty way to behave! How petty to
expend so much energy. You have acted like the kraken from internal
exile (Ibadan, not Port Harcourt Okrika or Yenagoa).
Except the National Assembly and the Electorate, no individual has
what it takes to cause the resignation of an elected president.
Instead of reconciling with your brothers and sisters – the Ijaws, you
represent the interest of Boko Haram by extending the call for
Goodluck’s resignation.
No doubt you were illuminated by a self-propelled anger, envy,
hatred, greed and jealousy. May the Lord forgive what you said. Dogs
are said to have frightened monkeys on tree-tops with delicate barking
and the animals jumped down to be eaten by the dogs. I would advise
you to educate all Nigerians if not our President has no
constitutional right to step down.
Also on security you confirmed that “President Goodluck Jonathan
scored less than two percent. Nigeria has the worst security situation
now. Nigeria is more insecure today than any other time in our
history”. This assessment is one sided. It does not assert a
critical and documentary analysis of Nigeria’s security situation from
independence.
I prove you wrong. What happened in Nigeria between 1966 and 1971?
Was there any security in 1976 when General Murtala Mohammed was
assassinated? Was there any security when Afenefere, Bakassi Boys,
MOSOP, MOSIEND and several militant groups were violently demanding
for political freedom, social equality and economic security? Was
there security when the Nigerian Civil War came into being? Is this
the first time in Nigerian history when Moslems and Christians started
killing one another? Join me to assess this analysis and see if
“Nigeria is more insecure today than any other time in our history”.
ON BAYELSA STATE COAT OF ARMS OR RESIGNATION
You urged President Goodluck Jonathan to reject the introduction of a
coat of arms for Bayelsa State. And that “if the President fails to
condemn the coat of arms, he should resign because it means he cannot
defend the constitution”. You described the legislation of the coat
of arms and anthem for a federating state as “the declaration of
secession”. That “the Bayelsa State Government action is worse than
the attempt by the late Emeka Odumegu-Ojukwu to secede Biafra from
Nigeria”.
You noted that by legalizing the two state symbols, Governor Seriake
Dickson has violated the constitution he swore to defend.” You also
added that “President Goodluck Jonathan, on whose influence Dickson
got to office should condemn the action. Failure to do so is
tantamount to violating the constitution”.
You were surprised that “notable Nigerians and groups have not spoken
against the Bayelsa State treason”. Nigeria is a glorious heritage
with taste and likes of diverse proportions. It is nonsensical to
feed the literary world with mushroom instead of beef. The
constitution permits the fullest attainment of our utmost desires
within the provisions of the concurrent list. Sometimes, you are
totally dislocated with our constitution.
Nigerian Elites have disassociated themselves from the angle from
whence your mischievous conclusion was gathered as laws made by a
State Assembly are not considered as an attempt to secede in respect
of the fact that if such laws are inconsistent with the laws of the
federation, the constitution will prevail and the laws enacted by the
state will be deemed null and void.
It is ungodly to dial a mouse code when there is no upheaval unless
you desire that the people should concentrate on sabotage or
secession. Governor Dickson is right when he explained that his
“administration’s decision to have the symbols and songs was because
of our belief in true federalism as a cardinal cornerstone of Nigerian
Nationhood and it is in exercise of our inalienable rights as a
federating unit”. He added that “this is a right, which we cannot be
denied of, since several other states with the same rights have
equally exercised them”.
What of Cross Rivers, Ondo, Ekiti, Lagos, Osun, Niger,Ogun and other
states that have their coat of arms and flags? Why have you described
that of Bayelsa State as the “height of political rascality” or
preparations towards secession? You are as healthy as a living human
being and I thought you felt faint for loving Bayelsa so much but now
I can see that you are the arch-traitor, destroyer and a stooge.
I want you to believe that you are a Demagogue and a rabble rouser.
You once sensitized the Niger Delta youths to violently demand for
their rights. You told our people that the Niger Delta Oil is
controlled by the Kaduna Mafia while we have no food to eat. You also
made a frightful statement when delivering as guest lecturer in memory
of Late General Murtala Mohammed at Kano that “It is written in the
holy Koran that somebody from another tribe should not be a Governor
of another state unless there is no one qualified to be Governor in
that state”.
This statement in your book titled” Philosophical Essays: Reflections
on the Good life” edited by Chief Amakiri, so angered the Ijaws that
they condemned all military Governors that served in Old Rivers State
including Zamani Lekwot and Suleiman Saidu. They wanted somebody from
Rivers State to be the Governor immediately.
The illustrations in the book are pictures and rough cartoons of
Karate, Kunfu and Shaolin Masters kicking and dribbling one another in
so many styles associated with gymnastics. It is clear that you are
proud of being a capricious beneficiary of a superstitious process of
divine intervention. When you were imprisoned, nemesis caught up with
those responsible. Justice Gusau was dismissed. Chief Prosecutor,
Adebale, was shuffled out of the Justice Ministry. The Permanent
Secretary retired. Ibrahim Babangida and Jubril Aminu are waiting
their turn.
Finally, the Okrikas have voted themselves into existence as a people.
Jonathan’s wife is from Okrika. There exist a state of competition,
hatred and discrimination between the Kalabaris and the Okrikas who
are immediate neighbours in Rivers State. There was eclipse in
Kalabari land when an Okrika woman became Nigeria’s first lady.
Remember, the wound and pain will remain deep in their hearts until
they break through an opportunity that would transcend the glory of
the Okrikas. Telling President Goodluck Jonathan to resign means
telling the enemy (Patience Jonathan) to come down from the high
place. The Okrika Community is not happy with Tam David – West for
urging their daughter’s husband to step down immediately.
In conclusion, you have not served any civilian government as a
professor except military regimes. Don’t pose as the most intelligent
scholar in Africa South of the Sahara. You were unconscious of
certain intelligent implications inherent in the making of a military
constitution.
You were a member of the fifty-person constitution drafting committee
for the Federal Military Government of late General Murtala Mohammed.
Later the Army sent you to jail when you were found guilty of
corruption.
Let me say that you should not criticize the President or Bayelsans
with the intention to make them stupid in a country like Nigeria where
we produce more than 75% of the nation’s income.
Wait for part three (3) series in no distance time.


Chief Jones Abiri, JP
Veteran Journalist & Public Affairs Analyst based in Yenagoa.
+234(0)8037509913, Email:cji34459@gmail.com

 

Fayemi’s aide, six others arrested with guns

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Kayode-fayemi1

Secretary to the Ekiti West Local Government  Caretaker Committee and immediate past Special Assistant (Political) to Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, Mr. Tai Oguntayo has been arrested over the fracas between his faction of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Okemesi-Ekiti and that of Hon. Kayode Fashakin, a member of the State House of Assembly.

Oguntayo was arrested alongside six others at Local Government Guest House, Aramoko.

Five guns were allegedly found at his official residence at the Local Council Guest House, Aramoko Ekiti.
More details soon.

Multiple sources said they are now being interrogated at the Aramoko police station.

Oguntayo was alleged to have led thugs to unleash terror on supporters of Hon Fashakin, with three people said to have sustained serious injuries.

Dangerous weapons like cutlasses, axes, knives and charms are being used freely with one of the injured identified as Ibidapo Taiwo is being treated at the General Hospital, Okemesi-Ekiti as at press time.

1st All Africa Athletic Youth Championships in Warri Concludes, Nigeria tops list

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247 breaking news

Information reaching 247ureports.com through official sources in Delta State indicates that the 1st All Africa Athletic Youth Championships in Warri in Delta State – with Nigeria topping the list of medals – followed by Egypt and then Ethiopia.

The results are as follows –

Nigeria (1st) Gold 13, Silver 10. Bronze 12:

Egypt (2nd) Gold. 8, Silver 6, Bronze 2:

Ethiopia (3rd) Gold 6, Silver 13, Bronze 6.

Stay tuned

Enter King Nwankpo, Jonathan’s Aide-a harvest of honors and 70 endorsements

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This is surely a memorable period for Chief Akachukwu Nwankpo, one of the few known member of the prestigious kitchen cabinet of President Goodluck Jonathan, as his rumoured governorship ambition in his Anambra home state continued to get quality endorsements.

He was last weekend conferred with a chieftaincy title alongside his wife, Lolo Obiageli, by the 70 communities that make up the Olu Clan in the state, during a civic reception in his honour.

The occasion which was tactically planned as a way to say ‘thank you’ to him for coming to their aid during the 2012 flood disaster that enveloped majority of the areas, later turned into a kind of political rally.

It was held at the Ofala-Ground of the traditional ruler of Igbariam, Anambra East council area of the state, Igwe Nzekwe Nkelly Kelly, the Okalakwu-Igbariam. It was earlier scheduled to hold at the township stadium of the council at Otuocha but they were forced to relocate it to Igbariam by some political exigencies.

Akachukwu whose governorship ambition got a big boost and endorsement at the occasion was honoured with a chieftaincy title of ‘Ogo Bu Chi’, along with his wife, who was conferred with ‘Di Bu Ndo’

Addressing the mammoth crowd of enthusiastic supporters who thronged the arena to catch a glimpse of the couple and their close associates, Nwankpo said he was humbled. He admitted he was not given to too much crowd or publicity but have been forced by circumstances of public service and the series of reception to come out. He said he would put more effort and zeal in ensuring that confidence of Nigerians, especially the citizens was once again reposed in government and government business.

He lamented that the initial plans by the event organizers to hold the function at Otuocha was thwarted by some paid agents of destabilization, he thanked the 70 communities who he described as his in-laws, for considering him worthy of their daughter and the chieftaincy title.

He said that he strongly believes in politics without bitterness, and wondered why his rising profile and popularity was causing intense discomfort to other politicians who appear to be basking in old school politics.

One of the leaders of Thought from the area, Chief Ikechukwu Onwudiwe thanked God for a successful event. He praised the wise choice of the 70 monarchs from the area who honoured Akachukwu as a worthy son-in-law.

Chairman of the occasion and former Minister of Health, Prof Alphonsus Nwosu described Akachukwu as a man of integrity and humility who never allows the glamour of working very closely with the President to get into his head or attitude. That he is worthy to be trusted with any serious and challenging responsibility.

Igwe Kelly who led other notable monarchs including Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo, Osuofia of Nawfia, Njikoka council to the event described Chief Nwankpo as a man of honour and integrity.

The presidential aide has since last year been received and conferred with chieftaincy titles from among the top monarchs spread in all the 3 senatorial zones of the state. This latest was in appreciation of his indomitable role in helping and resettling all those affected by the recent submerging of some areas in the state by flash floods. He was reported to be at home with people of the state, little wonder they have continued to lure him to run for the governorship of the state, come Nov 2013.

 

Islamic extremists attack Malian army in city of Timbuktu in northern Mali

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mali al quada

BAMAKO, Mali — Mali army officials say Islamic extremist fighters have attacked Timbuktu in northern Mali.

Capt. Samba Coulibaly, spokesman for the Mali military in Timbuktu, said Sunday there is continuing gunfire between the army and jihadist fighters linked to Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, or AQIM. He said the Islamic radicals sneaked into the city’s military camp.

Coulibaly said the fighting started Saturday night at about 10 p.m. when a jihadist suicide bomber blew himself up at a Malian military checkpoint at the western entrance to Timbuktu. He said one army soldier was slightly injured in the explosion.

He said that since the bomb attack, the jihadists have fired upon the Mali army from hidden positions and so far the French military in Timbuktu has not been involved in the fighting.

Kano: 14 Jihadist Gunned Down in a raid

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Fourteen Islamist were killed today when the Nigerian Army stormed a compound in Ungwan Uku Kano – a compound believed to be housing Jihadists of Boko Haram. The raid as 247ureports.com gathered resulted in heavy gunfire between Jihadists group and the Nigerian security forces. It lasted for four hours.
The Nigeria security forces sustained one casualty. A soldier lost his life. About 14 Jihadists were estimated to have been gunned down while several sustained injuries and others captured.

According to the Army vehicles laden with bombs primed to go off were also blown up during the fire fight and bodies of dead militants littered the surroundings.

Spokesman of the JTF, Captain Ikedichi Iweha confirmed the inciedent, saying that 14 terrorists were killed, while 14 AK-47 and other arms and ammunitions were recovered during the raid.
Captain Iweha also added that one soldier was killed during the gun duel, while another one sustained injuries, noting that the area has been combed by the security agents in the early morning of Sunday.
He further disclosed that several ammunitions and IEDs were also recovered and a house identified as the hide out of the terrorists demolished during the raid.
“We are working very hard and security will not relent in their effort to ensure peace and stability in the state, while appealing to the people to continue supporting the security agencies in the effort to provide peace in the state,” said Captain Iweha.

Abuse of SURE-P: ACN vindicated as sharing of largesse tears Lagos PDP apart

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The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) said the crisis that is now
tearing apart the Lagos PDP, over the sharing of SURE-P funds among PDP members in the state, has vindicated its (ACN) stand that the funds meant to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal have now become a 2015 campaign war chest for President Jonathan.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Sunday by its National Publicity
Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said when it alerted the nation to the abuse of the SURE-P funds in a statement on Feb. 3rd 2013, the FG as well as SURE-P managers rushed to deny any abuse of the funds and called the party
(ACN) unprintable names.

”Today, the truth has prevailed as the PDP members themselves have
confirmed that the SURE-P funds are being shared among them across the federation.

”Thanks to the alleged hijacking of the SURE-P funds meant for the
PDP members in Lagos State by the Bode George faction and the crisis that it has generated, the nation can now see that the Jonathan Administration has willfully converted the money accruing from SURE-P to campaign funds.

”This is a very serious violation of the constitution, because the State Implementation Committee (SIC), a body not recognised by law, has been set up to distribute the SURE-P largesse to PDP members in all the states. Recall that money being spent on fuel subsidies was in the past taken out of the Federation Account, hence its is money that would have been divided among the three tiers of government in accordance with the revenue allocation formula.

”But by virtue of the SURE-P arrangement,  part of the funds are now available
for the FG to share freely by approving contracts, programmes and activities in accordance with its whims and caprices. The PDP-controlled FG has now seen the accruing huge funds as money which may well be spent with special favour for its cronies and party affiliates, without regard to the constitution. For
President Jonathan, this is an impeachable offence,” ACN said.

The party said in order to buttress its point on the abuse of the
SURE-P funds, most – if not all – state coordinators for President
Jonathan’s campaign in 2011 are also the current state coordinators
for SURE-P, adding that this is not a mere coincidence but a
well-orchestrated attempt to give the Jonathan campaign an unfair
head-start ahead of 2015 – with public funds!!!

It listed some of the coordinators as Alhaji Bode Oyedele (Lagos); Mr.
Joseph Ishekpa (Nasarawa); Alhaji Garba A. Kurfi.(Katsina): Alhaji Aliyu Mamman (Niger); Alhaji Adamu Yaro Gombe (Gombe); Hon Femi
Akinyemi (Ekiti); Jarigbe Agbom Jarigbe (Cross River); Chief Abdullahi Ohioma (Kogi); Dare Adeleke (Oyo); Alhaji Al-Kasim Madoka (Kano) and Alhaji Kolo Bukar (Borno).

On the crisis in Lagos PDP over the SURE-P largesse, ACN said a public
statement by a faction of the PDP in Lagos has let the cat out of the bag.

The PDP factional statement said, inter alia; ”Bode Oyedele cannot
coordinate Sure-P in Lagos State. We reject him. He has packed all
Bode George’s agents as Sure-P beneficiaries. Is this the objective of
Sure-P? Some local governments like Eti-Osa, Ajeromi, Lagos Islands
etc. Please find out how they got the beneficiaries.

”In Eti-Osa there are names of criminals as beneficiaries, especially
Ward HI. This is a waste of Subsidy money and defeating the objective
of the programme. There are responsible eminent citizens who should be
contacted to verify and screen the submission of names for beneficiaries
but Bode George’s loyalists are putting names of touts and miscreants
for his own personal agenda. We won’t allow this to happen. We intend
to go to court to obtain an order to dissolve the state Exco if the
Caretaker Committee won’t do it.”

ACN said from the statement above by members of the PDP themselves, no
one should be left in any doubt that the SURE-P funds have now become campaign funds for President Jonathan and his party ahead of 2015.

”On the basis of this, we are now calling for an independent investigation into how the money accruing to SURE-P has been disbursed since the
inception of the programme, with a view to establishing to what extent
the funds have been abused, and in order to prescribe the appropriate
sanctions for those found culpable,” it said.