Iran claims it seized two more US drones
Iran claims to have captured two more American drones earlier this month, apart from the reportedly downed ScanEagle, local IRNA news agency reports.
Adm. Ali Fadavi of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has been cited as saying the two drones were intercepted before the ScanEagle.
ScanEagle was purportedly downed by Iranian air defense on December 4. Adm. Ali Fadavi announced copies of this drone were already roaming the skies.
Al-Alam TV channel released a video showing two Revolutionary Guards studying what they claimed to be a ScanEagle. The US Navy said none of its drones were missing.
Ibadan, Ilorin and Ore depots to get products soon, says PPMC
In its efforts to ensure steady and sufficient petroleum products supply across the country, the Pipelines Products Marketing Company (PPMC) has indicated its readiness to resume effective pumping of products to the Ibadan, Ilorin and Ore depots as soon as the on-going test-run exercise was completed.
According to a reliable source in the subsidiary of the giant Nigeria National Petroleum Cooperation (NNPC), the delays in resuming the supply to the affected depots is to ensure that no part of the pipeline network is leaking, adding that the company has commenced the pumping of products to Ejigbo and Mosimi through the System 2B pipeline, which was vandalised in August at Arepo, Ogun.
“We are assuring Nigerians that we are making frantic efforts to ensure steady supply of petroleum products across the country so that motorists can drive into any filling station and buy fuel without queuing up, especially during this period of the year that comes with a lot of holidays and festivities,” he said.
According to him, the company has increased the number of allocations and truck loadings to all the geo-political zones of the country, a measure she said would be sustained till the first quarter of next year.
“Our strategy is to make sure that there are adequate supplies to all the filling stations so that for those who are travelling and those who will return back to the cities after the festive period will not queue to buy fuel in any filling station. But for us to achieve this, we need the collaboration of all, from the marketers to the motorists.
“We implore all the independent marketers to desist from hoarding of the products as adequate arrangement has been made to ensure steady supplies and motorists to desist from panic-buying during the yuletide period. We have sufficient petroleum products in stock to take care of the nation’s demands,” he stated.
Meanwhile he also disclosed that security agencies have promised to deploy massive securities personnel to all petroleum pipelines across the country to curb vandalism.
“In other to curb incessant pipeline vandalism and to improve on fuel supply across the country, the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies have promised to beef up security on the NNPC/PPMC pipeline network,’’ he said.
Yakowa: Kaduna has lost a bridge builder, Sen Usman
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Investment, Senator Nenadi Esther Usman has described the death of late Governor Patrick Yakowa as the “end of a bridge-builder in Kaduna State.”
Yakowa died in a military chopper on his return from the burial of the father of Presidential aide, Oronto Douglas which held in Bayelsa State last Saturday.
A distraught Senator Usman, who represents Kaduna South Senatorial District, said with the death of Yakowa, Kaduna State has lost “an illustrious son who cared deeply for the people and was passionate about the socio-economic re-engineering of the state.
“The death of Yakowa is a great loss because he was passionate about Kaduna State and worked assiduously towards making the state a safe haven for all regardless of creed or religion.
“I am particularly saddened because I worked closely with him and knew his vision for Kaduna State but who are we to question God? Death is an inevitable end but we thank God for the time he was able to work for the people.”
Usman also condoled with the government of Bayelsa State over the death of former National Security Adviser, General Andrew Owoye Azazi, who died alongside Yakowa in the ill-fated crash.
Chime is Alive; I spoke with him – Gov. Theodore Orji
Abia governor, Chief Theodore Orji has debunked the rumored death of Enugu state governor, Sullivan Chime.
The governor in a statement by his chief press secretary, Ugochukwu Emezue said that Chime is hale and hearty.
According to the governor, those peddling the rumors should refrain from such act as death is not what one should wish a fellow human being.
The governor made it clear that he has been in touch with Chime, stating that he will return soon.
He urged Enugu citizens to remain calm as their governor is in good condition.
How Anambra citizen returned N1m to owner – By Muhammad Ajah
A Nigerian Muslim pilgrim who travelled the the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the purpose of Hajj under the Anambra State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Abubakar Siddique Yusuf from Awka South local government area of the Anambra State and who travelled with passport no. A03776533 was not tempted by the little money he had on him. He was very conscious of the fact that he was in the holy site of Mina and had just returned from Arafat where he believed assuredly that his sins had been forgiven by Allah and his prayers answered.
On Saturday 27th October, 2012 corresponding 11th Dhul-Hijjah 1433 H, Alhaji Yusuf went to the public convenience and alas, there he saw a package in one of the bathrooms. Not knowing what it contained and yet feeling reluctant to pick it, it could be a divine intervention for the owner that convinced him to take it and quickly to the Executive Secretary of Anambra State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (MPWB), Alhaji Sani Ejor.
Alhaji Ejor was very happy with this development and he quickly called on some of his aides to view the content of the package. SR23,430, N20,750 and 10 Rupees were found inside the bag. Furthermore, he contacted the Zonal Coordinator of Port Harcourt and explained to him how the huge sum of money was found by one of his pilgrims, and received pieces of advice accordingly.
The next step taken by the Executive Secretary was to constitute a 4-man committee from his pilgrims headed by an ACG in the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Alhaji Nasiru M. Umar, to take custody of the amount until the owner is discovered. Then, the neighbouring State Board and Agency, Yobe and Armed Forces were contacted respectively and they were asked to make the announcement to their pilgrims.
Shortly after, the owner of the lost and found money, Alhaji Isa A. Musa, passport no. A03815978 of the Nigerian Armed Forces contingent came with the Secretary of the Armed Forces, Lt. Col. Abubakar Sadique with three other senior officers of the Armed Forces and gave enough evidence beyond doubt that the money belonged to him. And in the presence of all of the committee members, the leadership of the Armed Forces Hajj Agency, the same amounts were handed over to the owner.
This is a very good example of a Muslim in the Holy Land of Makkah. A pilgrim should never be overcome by the lust for worldly things while in the purest portion of the earth where he has gone to seek Allah’s mercy, favour and forgiveness. Apart from displaying the spirit of Islam especially on the rules guiding lost and found things by bringing it to the notice of the leadership for onward return to the owner if possible, Alhaji Yusuf has exhibited the spirit of patriotism and has proved to be worthy ambassador of Nigeria in the anti-corruption campaign.
The money on him when he found this huge amount was less than five percent of the SR23, 000, but he was contented with his own and did not wish the owner to feel the anguish of loss in the Islamic Holy Land. The Satan of lust, greed and pride was ignored and the angel of sympathy, faith and humility prevailed on Alhaji Yusuf. He did not even consider the tiff that ensued earlier between their neighbours who occupied and later reluctantly vacated the tents supposedly allocated to Anambra State contingent at Mina. The spirit of Islamic brotherhood was stark in him.
Commenting on the matter, the Executive Secretary of Anambra State MPWB, Alhaji Sani Ejor, expressed happiness that his enlightenment programmes for the state’s 2012 Hajj contingent yielded fruits. He described the act as honesty and uprightness on the part of the pilgrim who saw the money and brought it to their notice without being tempted by the heavy content of the bag.
Said he, “This act is commendable. I am happy with the pilgrim because it is the result of the enlightenment and orientation programmes that I gave to them at home. I repeatedly advised them to give Anambra State and Nigeria a good image while in Saudi and to be good example to others. I thank Allah for this my pilgrim and pray Allah reward him for his goodness”.
May Allah grant him the best of all that his heart desires and bless all those who facilitated the return of the money to its owner, as well as those who made his journey to Saudi Arabia a reality.
Press Statement: Saturday Helicopter Crash: A Sad Statement on Our Air Transport
The All Nigeria Peoples Party [ANPP] received the news of the crash of a naval helicopter in the forest of Okoroba, Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, on Saturday, which killed Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State and the former National Security Adviser, Retired General Andrew Azazi and four others, with deep shock and concern. Needless to say, this is a great loss to the whole nation, and a sad statement on the nation’s air transport.
We join the good people of Kaduna State, Bayelsa State, and the family and friends of the deceased to mourn at this hour of sorrow. This is indeed a sad moment for Nigeria.
At this distressing hour for the bereaved families, there could be nothing more comforting to them than a thorough investigation into the cause or causes of the accident, and the unraveling of the mystery behind the Navy Agusta helicopter crash and other plane crashes in the country. As human beings it will go a long way in giving them vent for their pain and a sense of equanimity that such disaster would not happen again.
The ANPP calls on the appropriate authorities to use this moment to reflect on its air navigation operation and best practices, with a view to plugging any lapse in the sector to avoid future mishaps. Therefore, a quick and conclusive job by the investigative panel just set up by the Nigerian Navy into the Saturday tragedy will help to restore confidence in the masses and also blaze the trail for aviation operations’ best practices in the country.
Signed:
Hon Emma Eneukwu
National Publicity Secretary
ANPP
Helicopter Crash: “We lack the equipment to investigate cause” – SSS
The spat of high profile assassinations and rampant kidnappings laying siege over the many regions of the federal republic of Nigeria may have found a suitable loophole to continue its siege over the country owing to the maladministration of resources earmarked to the security agencies of the nation.
Information available to 247ureports.com obtained through competent sources within the State Security Services [SSS] revealed that the helicopter crash is being treated as a probable sabotage by the investigators of the crash. As gathered, the SSS agent indicated that there is ample evidence pointing away from the incident being a mere natural accident.
The agent stated that as the funeral event ended at Okoroba, Bayelsa State – at Douglas Oronto’s father’s compound, the governor of Kaduna State, Sir Patrick Yakowa and the former National Security Advisor [NSA] to President Goodluck Jonathan, General Andrew Azazi – along with their two aides rose to depart the event – escorted by three other SSS operatives assigned to cover the funeral event. The three SSS operatives escorted the four persons to the helicopter [AgustaWestland AW109] – where they boarded and then took off. Before boarding, Yakowa shared money to the three SSS operatives and bided them adieus.
The security source revealed that as the helicopter took off – air-bound, they observed what appeared to be thick black smoke existing the exhaust of the copter. The lift-off was abnormal – resembling a false lift-off. The source indicated that the copter appeared to have problems gaining altitude – when the operator of the copter – decided to maneuver the copter back to the take-off pad. As the copter attempted to turn, one of its blades struck a palm tree – and lost control. The copter descended and exploded upon impact burning the entire occupants of the copter to beyond human recognition.
The source laments that as that the various affected agencies have launched a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the crash, the unavailability of forensic materials to enable the investigator conduct a credible valued added investigation – is not available. He lamented that the SSS was not equipped to investigate the cause of the crash – while adding that the copter was built to handle the rigor of repetitive trips – even though it was designed for light utility usage. He added that they lack the ability to decipher the damage caused by natural mechanical failure from human made mechanical error. “We need standard forensic equipment to carried this investigation realistically. And we do not have anything resembling that at the moment“. He however hoped the involvement of the Navy will make a needed difference.
He mentioned also that the two aides lost in the crash were officers of the SSS.
The crashed copter was an Italian designed machine – [AgustaWestland AW109]. It is a light-weight, twin-engine, eight-seat multi-purpose helicopter built by the Anglo-Italian manufacturer AgustaWestland. Nigeria Navy has eight of the model copter currently service while the Nigerian Air force has seven. In 2009, Nigeria Navy commissioned two additional AgustaWestland AW109 copters – after having lost a copter in 2007.
Helicopter Crash: We Are Eagerly Awaiting Outcome Of Investigation …Gov Dickson
The Bayelsa State Government says it is eagerly awaiting the outcome of the investigation into the crash of the ill-fated Naval helicopter that claimed the lives of six persons including the Kaduna State Governor Mr. Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa and former National Security Adviser, General Andrew Owoye Azazi (Rtd).
Governor Seriake Dickson made this known while receiving the investigative team from the Federal Government led by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba, in Government House Yenagoa.
Describing the incident as a monumental tragedy, the Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment and support for the investigation.
He commended the Chief of Naval Staff and the team for their prompt response by visiting the State to carry out an assessment tour of the crash site at Okoroba community in Nembe Local Government area of the state.
Hon. Dickson expressed the heartfelt condolences of the Government and people of the state over the death of former Governor Patrick Yakowa, noting that he was a guest of the state building relationships.
Eulogising late General Owoye Azazi, he said “here we have lost one of our best who means so much to the state and has contributed towards nation building”.
Similarly, the Governor described the Naval Officers who were among the dead as diligent officers who had served in the state during the flood period and commended their sense of duty and professionalism.
“I condole with the entire military as well as their families for their tragic loss. We are all in mourning with the loss of these great patriots “, Hon. Dickson noted.
Commending the sense of duty of the Navy, the Governor remarked that they had been a critical pillar of support to the state to ensure peace and stability.
He said government has already declared three days of mourning in the state while all formal government activities stand suspended.
Hon. Dickson assured the Chief of Naval Staff that government would continue to play its constitutional role and called for more interactions to discuss issues of common interest.
Earlier, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba called for the country to remain united in spite of the difficulties encountered as a result of the national loss.
According to him, despite all, we will continue to give thanks to God.
The CNS informed Governor Dickson that President Goodluck Jonathan has directed a detailed investigation of the helicopter crash, assuring that, all necessary steps would be taken to unravel the problems that led to the incident.
Business Terrorism against Capital Oil &Gas Is Inimical To Economic Growth: By Rev. Dr Okechukwu K. Anozie
Anozie Served Three Governments In Anambra State, A Pdp Chieftain, Author Of Goodluck Nigeria Needs, Co Convener, Political Summit Group, Executive Secretary Move Nigeria And A Public Affairs Analyst
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Business Terrorism Against Capital Oil And Gas Limited And Chief Ifeanyi Ubah Is Inimical To Attracting Foreign Direct Investment And The Transition Agenda Of President Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan
One of the cardinal programs of President Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR is the provision of employment to Nigerians. Those of us who supported and campaigned for the President throughout Nigeria marketed such programs; and we even highlighted it especially in our book; THE GOODLUCK NIGERIA NEEDS, which was published and circulated more than 200,000 copies all over the country during the Presidential campaign.
Capital Oil and Gas Limited is one of the major oil marketers in Nigeria that has brought innovation and style in the downstream sector of the Oil industry in Nigeria; and has demonstrated tremendous capacity in the downstream structure of the oil industry. The company started its’ operation in Nigeria in 2007 and within a space of less than six years it became a major player in the industry; accounting for more than 35% of importation, storage, trading, retailing and distribution network in Nigeria of PMS, AGO and DPK.
One of the outstanding innovation of CAPITAL OIL AND GAS LIMITED is the DIRECT KERO project it launched with the collaboration of NNPC to ensure that millions of Nigerians enjoy Kerosene at the government controlled price of N50.00 per litre. This program has gone round the 36 states of the federation and has wiped the tears of women who find it difficult to obtain this important product at controlled price.
The company has a state-of-the-art facility, which has an excellent deep water berth, enabling the company to discharge products from up to 4 large mother vessels, either to their own tanks or any of other 20 depots that use the Ibru Jetty. The company’s loading facility is fascinating and can load 18 trucks of 33, 000 litres capacity within an hour; or 360 trucks in a 24 hour shift. This is just mind boggling. This is what Capital and Gas is capable of, and suddenly!
The company is building simultaneously 6 state of the art Depots in Suleija, Niger State; Funtua, Katsina State; Kano, Kano State; Emene, Enugu State; Onitsha, Anambra State; and 4 others are on the pipeline with a target of covering the entire states within the next 10 years. This is just amazing and happening in Nigeria, developed and managed by a young Entrepreneur with a knack for innovation and excellence, Chief Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah; with 20,000 direct and indirect employees.
These are what some business terrorists want to wipe out in a matter of weeks. Terrorism is not only when bombs are planted; but when a conspiracy is hatched to destroy the livelihood of thousands who are just struggling to make it; and strangulate the company who has made it possible for such people to enjoy happiness. These are people Capital Oil and Gas gave opportunity to take care of their lives and those of their families by giving those opportunities to work hard; which is the hallmark of the average Nigerian.
Now that the court has directed AMCON to defreeze Capital Oil and Gas business, vide the court’s judgement of 11th December, 2012 it is trite at this point to call on all interested parties to come to the negotiating table and work out an acceptable mode of repaying whatever is an obligation on the part of either Capital Oil and Gas Limited or the Federal Government, which is owing Capital oil almosy 20 billion naira in subsidy payments through the DPR; which to all intents and purposes Capital oil and Gas can handle given the volume of their business.
Your more than passing interest on Nigeria Political and Economic development have necessitated that we bring this issues to your attention. The Nigerian government for 13 years now has mounted spirited efforts to attract foreign direct investment to ensure solid economic growth; which in turn will generate massive employment that the nation badly needs at this point in time. Capital Oil and Gas Limited has done a lot in providing employment to more than 20 thousand people directly and indirectly. Families are happy, the Nigerian economy is benefitting from their state-of-art facility even other major marketers are using to ensure constant flow of petroleum products into the country.
The English court gave order freezing the assets of Capital Oil and Gas Limited and Chief Ifeanyi Ubah for the reason of a petition by Asset Bank, a Nigerian wholly owned bank. From all intents and purposes, Mr Cosmas Maduka, President of Coscharis Motors, a Nigerian company and a director of Asset bank used his influence over the bank to obtain a loan of 20 Billion Naira on 7th of September, 2012. Mr. Maduka decided to enter into a business deal with Chief ifeanyi Ubah/ Capital Oil and gas Limited for their mutual benefits; a relationship Mr Maduka has tremendously benefited from in his past business relationship with Chief Ubah which he, (Mr. Maduka) copiously admitted at various interviews.
Mr Maduka is accusing Chief Ifeanyi Ubah and Capital Oil and Gas Limited of not using the money properly or for the purpose for which Mr. Maduka originally obtained the money and entered into business deal with Chief Ifeanyi Ubah. However, this could just be summed up in what we call Vulture culture. A lot of interests have suddenly risen in this transaction and other interests have manifested including political issues as there is a strong rumour that Chief Ifeanyi Ubah wants to run for the governor of Anambra State in 2014. His strides in this venture are already creating political ripples and have unsettled some political deities. This is ridiculous.
How can a loan obtained just in September of 2012, barely 4 months ago suddenly be termed a bad debt or be “called” when the maturity period of the loan is 10 years. Whose interests are being served in this terrorist act against Capital Oil and Gas Limited and Chief ifeanyi Ubah? Is Capital Oil and Gas Limited look like a company going under; when in actual fact it is enjoying tremendous growth and has the capacity to pay off its obligations?
AMCON should understand that they are not undertakers-that conduct funeral ceremonies for firms, rather it is an agency that revives dying ones. And they have done this very creditably in their rescue operation in what is now known as Mainstreet Bank, Enterprise Bank and Keystone Bank. Why do they want to keep terrorizing Capital Oil and Gas Limited? There must be a human face to their dealings with Chief Ifeanyi Ubah and Capital Oil and Gas Limited.
Chief Ifeanyi Uba strongly believes that there is a grand plan to take over his company through grand conspiracy of either his competitors or political opponents or both. Both forces are quite formidable. However, at this point there must be reason and understanding in the whole process. An Igbo adage says that when a man is encumbered by myriad of enemies, he seeks peace by taking drink to some while others will receive kola while others yet will receive oral pleas. I plead on behalf of thousands of employees in Capital Oil and Gas Limited, the masses of Nigerians who are enduring the pain of fuel scarcity caused by the continuous closure of Capital Oil and Gas facilities, and Chief Ifeanyi Ubah whose sweat and blood have being devoted in building this monumental company within a space of 5 years.
Sometimes I feel very terrible that it took a British Activist, Ms Juliet Breen to remind Nigerians that this altercation between these parties are very inimical to the nation’s quest to attract Foreign Direct Investment; and building of confidence in our economy by local entrepreneurs. Nigerians are worst off in these crises. AMCON and the Federal Government lose nothing if they both work out modalities of terms of settlement with Capital Oil and Gas Limited. Access Bank Plc should act as a good corporate entity that it is and not join the multitude to commit evil.
Every war at the end of the day ends at the negotiation level. It is time to do this. Continued business terrorism against Capital Oil and Gas Limited and Chief Ifeanyi Uba is a whirl wind that will blow nobody any good. We must never allow occupiers disrupt the good intentions and hard work of Chief Ifeanyi Ubah. At this point Mr. Aig-Imokhuede and the Presidential Committee on Verification and Reconciliation of Fuel Subsidy Payments should treat Chief Ifeanyi Ubah and Capital Oil and Gas Limited as good and responsible corporate entity and not an opposition political party that must be crushed and defeated at all cost.
Why is it that with plethora and preponderance of evidence available that indicates that Capital Oil and Gas Limited is a responsible organization with the nation’s interest at heart; doing whatever is necessary to ensure the availability of petroleum products at government price; yet the company is being subjected to all sorts of business terrorism?
It is time President Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan, GCFR personally intervene and call the government agencies fuelling these crises, and carrying on as garrison commanders to order. Our business environment will never thrive if this culture of impunity against a well-established, responsible company providing jobs to more than 20,000 people with gainful employment directly and indirectly is not abrogated forthwith. As the author of THE GOODLUCK NIGERIA NEEDS, with my convictions in a human, peaceful, progressive forward looking president, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, and a believer in this union called Nigeria, I and millions of Nigerians look forward to the immediate intervention of the President to end this mudslinging and terrorist acts against Capital Oil and Gas Limited.
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God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Rev. Dr. Kenneth Anozie
Executive Secretary
