How Nigeria can resolve power problems, by Okonjo-Iweala

Former Minister for Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has said the solution to Nigeria’s power problem lies in off-grid initiatives that are climate friendly.

Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala, who was speaking at the Conference of Parties (COP 21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Paris, said Nigeria needs to get the private sector involved in the power sector but must look at renewable and off-grid solutions like the solar power generation.


She said: “We have to get the private sector, we are looking at power, look at renewable we are not saying renewable should be everything because Africa should have a mix, we can still use gas to some extent, but we should increase the renewable. Our companies that are investing should look at off- grid solutions; let our companies get off -grid solar solutions for our people before other people come into it because that is what always happens. Instead of flaring, we can use the gas, we can convert this gas for our use and I know government has the power to do that.”

The former minister, who is also the Commissioner, Global Commission on the Economy and Climate, spoke at a session titled: Climate Change in Africa: Financing Sustainable Pathways for Development at the ongoing Climate Change talks.

  She said: “Africa should stop playing the victim game. We are not supposed to be going to the West to beg as victims, we should be telling them that the solution is in Africa. Our infrastructures are just developing we have the opportunity to build in a climate friendly way and avoid the mistakes of the developed nations.”

INEC declares Bayelsa election inconclusive

The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has cancelled the election in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area in the Saturday’s Bayelsa State governorship election and consequently declared the election inconclusive.


INEC said the decision was taken because of violence, the abduction of electoral officials and ballot box snatching.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, said going by the reports of substantial violence and irregularities received from officials and observers, “the commission has decided in the interest of the process’ integrity to cancel the governorship election in Southern Ijaw Local Government.”

He said a new date would be announced for the election in the local government, which has 120,827 registered voters and is the largest in the state.

The mainly-riverine Southern Ijaw is the biggest council in the state. It has over 120,000 voting strength, which would decide the eventual winner of the election between Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) Seriake Dickson and the All Progressives Congress’ (APC’s) Chief Timipre Sylva.

The governorship election took place on Saturday in Yenagoa, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Sagbama, Brass, Ekeremor, Ogbia and Nembe Councils. The poll in Southern Ijaw council was rescheduled for Sunday also as a result of violence and killings.

In the collated results from the seven local governments as announced by the Returning Officer, the PDP leads with 33,154 votes. The PDP polled 105,748 votes as against APC’s 72,594 votes.

Prior to the cancellation of the election in Southern Ijaw, some PDP women and youths, who wore black dresses and led by the party’s Bayelsa Women Leader Faith Opuene, protested near the collation centre, expressing displeasure over the poll in Southern Ijaw.

Barely 30 minutes after the protest, despite the police ban on demonstrations, some militants from Southern Ijaw escorted two Hilux vans, one of them with Bayelsa Government House registration number: BYGH145, into the collation centre.

The two vehicles were loaded with uncounted ballot materials, without any security escort or INEC official.

The militants, who were singing war songs, as they alighted from the Hilux vans, claimed that they escaped from Southern Ijaw with the results of three units of Amassoma in the council area, in view of the violence, but the electoral materials were not accepted by the INEC officials at the collation centre.

The Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of Training and Development, Hashimu Argungu, told the militants to give peace a chance, assuring them that INEC would address their complaints.

The results are: Brass Local Government PDP 21,755 votes, APC 6,516 votes.

Sagbama PDP: 24, 258, APC 5, 382. Yenagoa, PDP 24,258, APC 14, 563

Kolokuma/Opokuma PDP 7,619 votes, APC 6,896.

Ekeremor PDP 14,602, APC 7,918 votes.

For the results announced yesterday: Ogbia PDP 13,051, APC 9,106 and Nembe PDP 10,768 APC 6,974 votes.

From the seven local government areas, PDP polled 105,748 votes. APC had 72,594 votes, with a difference of 33,154 votes.

The police warned against plans by some people to protest in Yenagoa, the state capital.

A statement by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), Hashimu Argungu, banned all forms of procession, rally or demonstration.

The statement was circulated at INEC’s collation centre in Yenagoa, where the results of the governorship election in the state were being announced.

It was gathered that the PDP had already mobilised people to protest against the rescheduled election that was held in Southern Ijaw.

Argungu said the police were informed about plans by some “disgruntled elements” to carry out illegal rallies and demonstrations in the state.

The DIG said: “This form of conduct will jeopardise the ongoing electoral process. Therefore, the command warns all intending perpetrators to desist from such acts, as it will deal decisively with any person or group of persons who wish to engage in any conduct that will compromise the existing peaceful atmosphere.

“Members of the public are advised to go about their normal businesses, as security agencies are poised to guarantee the safety of lives and property.”

Earlier, Dickson was live on the state-owned Radio Bayelsa, protesting the electoral process, at the time he was leading with over 28,000 votes.

Dickson asked residents to hit the streets at 2p.m. for a rally to protest what was happening at the collation centre and he vowed to lead the protest.

The Bayelsa governor, who fielded questions from listeners, said: “There will be a rally to resist what is happening now. It is clear to me that security services have become an army of occupation.”

Security was strengthened in the state capital, with four Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) deployed round the state collation centre.

Detachment of anti-bomb squad, riot policemen and soldiers took over some strategic areas in Yenagoa, to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

Jonathan was inexperienced, not incompetent — IBB

Ex-military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, has disagreed with critics of former President Goodluck Jonathan who described him as incompetent saying Jonathan was rather “inexperienced” rather than “incompetent.”

General Babangida who spoke with The Interview magazine in the December 2015 edition which is currently on sale argued that Jonathan who lost his re-election bid in March “is a very pleasant person” and that he believed the former president meant well for the country.

Asked about the perception that Jonathan is a good person but was “incompetent”, Babangida replied: “If you use inexperience, I will buy that.”


The retired general spoke on a wide range of issues, including the botched coup of 1990 and how his late wife, Maryam, woke him up in the middle of the night to alert him about the movement of troops at Dodan Barracks, which was the seat of power then. He denied that his life was saved by Sani Abacha, who was then the chief of army staff, and also denied reports that he hid in a bunker while the coup plotters were looking for him.

“They obviously didn’t have a lot of experience,” Babangida recalled. “It was during the fasting period. We were still in Dodan Barracks then. My wife got up from sleep and said she had noticed very unusual movement of troops from one end to the other. So she woke me up and said I should look through the window.

”I found troops moving from one end to the other. The next thing I heard was shooting going on. We tried to put a small party together. It was about 1.30am. Then the guards, the bodyguards said let’s check out of this place. I was a bit stubborn. I told them I was not leaving. It didn’t occur to me that we had a bunker at Dodan Barracks. We had, but it didn’t occur to me to use it. And so, they came. I said the only thing I would concede to, I would evacuate my family. My wife had her last born, who was just a few months old, with her. So they evacuated them to a safe house.

“So, I remained with a few bodyguards. We decided to get out and move around. We went to a safe house around Surulere. I had a bodyguard, Omuah. We just moved in there. From there, we established communication. I later established communication with Abacha, Raji Rasaki (who was governor of Lagos then) and the other. They had mobilised their troops.”

He maintained that “Abacha didn’t save my life in the Orkar coup. We worked together to crush Orkar’s coup.”

Nigeria Urges US, Israel To Help With Boko Haram Fight

 

The federal government in a bid to defeat Boko Haram has asked the United States and Israel to help in the fight against the extremist group.

The Nation reports that this plea was made by Lt- Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau (retd), the minister of interior when he received Mr. James F. Entwistle and Mr Uriel Palti ,the ambassadors of the US and Israel in his office in Abuja.
The minister said the fight against Boko Haram was not Nigeria’s problem alone but a war against terrorism that the whole world should support.

“As you know, this is the hub of internal security arrangement in the country. With five strategic security institutions, there is no doubt that the ministry has a major challenge of dealing with internal security.
“Out of the three legs of the criminal justice system, we have two in this ministry – the police and prison. All of them are strategic institutions as far as internal security is concerned.
“We know that you emphasised on partnership, collaborative efforts and security as it affects not only us but globally. We are ready to partner and collaborate with you to ensure that we achieve some level of security in Nigeria and all over the world. We are going to embark on holistic inter-agency collaborative efforts towards capacity building for the security challenge.
“As you also know, there is an increase in world activities that border on threat to security. So, every nation has a role to play, it is not a responsibility of just one country.
“Even in our case, where we are dealing with Boko Haram, it has now become a regional problem. It is no longer a problem that Nigeria alone can deal with, but one that affects four other countries including Nigeria.”
Both countries confirmed the willingness of their countries to support Nigeria in the fight against Boko Haram.
Entwistle noted that Nigeria and the US had a long standing relationship and a project was already on to train Nigeria security personnel.
“We are here in particular to discuss the situation in the northeast in line with the problem of insurgence in the world. We are concerned about how we can help in organising particular kind of trainings. We are very happy to identify with Nigeria in that area.

“Another area we have equally discussed with the minister is how we can contribute in government’s watchdog and Security Governance Initiative (SGI) and this ministry has been patient on this issue, but I am pleased to say that we have a team and it is a very interested idea as an attempt to approach the need to reform democracies to improve securities. It is an exciting possibility.
“As I always say, the USA is not going to do anything for Nigeria, we are going to do things with Nigeria. We are two equal democratic partners working together to make the world a better place.”
Meanwhile, France has joined in the fight against Boko Haram and assured Nigeria that it was committed to end global terrorism.

I Don't Want My Children To Be Lonely - Atiku

Former vice-president and All Progressive Congress (APC) chieftain, Atiku Abubakar has revealed why he married more than one wife, DawntoDusk reports.

Atiku Abubakar married Amina Titi Atiku Abubakar at the young age of 25 secretly in December 1971, at the Ikoyi registry in Lagos, because her family was initially opposed to the union.
In January 1979 he married Ladi Atiku Abubakar. He married his third wife, Princess Rukaiyatu Atiku Abubakar, daughter of the late Lamido of Adamawa in 1983.

Atiku Abubakar’s 1st wife, Titi

The former vice president married Fatima Atiku Abubakar his fourth wife in 1986. He later divorced Ladi, allowing him to marry, as his fourth wife, Jennifer Iwenjora, who then became Jamila Atiku-Abubakar.

Atiku Abubakar’s children include Shehu, Mohammed, Ahmed, Adamu, Aminu, Halima, Fatima, Rukaiya, Walida, Mustapha, Jamila, Lamido, Asmau, Laila, Mustapha, Aisha, Zara, Faisal, Abdul Malik, Amina, Ama, Zainab, Abba, Hauwa, Atiku, Maryam.

Atiku and his fourth wife, Jamilah

In the book titled ‘Atiku – The Story Of Atiku Abubakar’, the former vice president explains why he opted for polygamy as a young man. Atiku said: “I wanted to expand the Abubakar family. I felt extremely lonely as a child. I had no brother and no sister. I did not want my children to be as lonely as I was. This is why I married more than one wife. My wives are my brothers, my sisters, my friends and my advisers and they complement one another”.
Meanwhile, Atiku has claimed he would continue supporting democracy and education in the country by using his experience and fortune.
The APC chieftain stated this  to mark his 69th birthday on Wednesday, November 25. His media adviser, Paul Ibe, in a statement said Atiku has provided scholarship both in Nigeria and abroad to thousands of needy Nigerian students and had also built several schools across the country.

Sergio Aguero Has Disclosed The Right Date When He Leaves Manchester City

 

 

Manchsester city striker Sergio Aguero has revealed that he is going to leave Manchester City to re-join Independiente.
The player was born in Argentina. In 2003 he joined his first club – Independiente. The striker became the youngest player to debut in the Argentine Primera Division (15 years and 35 days). Aguero was playing for the club from 2003 till 2006. In 2006 he was signed by Atletico Madrid. In 2011 Aguero was bought by Manchester City. The forward has scored 116 goals in 176 appearances for City.
And now he says that he wants to return to his childhood club at the age of 31. His contract with ManCity expires in 2019.

Aguero said: “I have always said that I want to return to Independiente and I will do just that. I will return to Independiente when my contract with City expires. I do not want to make my comeback when I am too old. If everything goes well, I will return to the club of my heart at the age of 31.”
The 27-year-old is currently one of the best EPL strikers.

First Bank Partners With Eventful To Host Food And Beverage Fair

In keeping with our ‘You First’ promise to Nigeria, First Bank is supporting the entirety of the agriculture value chain, from food production to transportation, retailing and consumption.

Food is the new oil, providing jobs, increasing self and community reliance and fostering economic growth. As the bank of millions of Nigerians, First Bank aims to be the driving force and partner of first choice in facilitating this growth and building the future of the nation.
For small and medium enterprises who are active right from the start of the value chain, First Bank provides necessary financing and advisory support that is essential to their stability and that facilitates their success. More affluent and upwardly mobile customers have worked hard to turn their passion and flair for food Into a viable career option. Chefs are the new celebrities! The Bank supports that passion and provides unique retail financial products that meet their career and lifestyle needs. Finally, food is adventurous and exciting and a focal point for building friendships and communal relationships. The Bank provides this value too by sponsoring events that bring us together and provide opportunities to enjoy food as a community.
These are the reasons First Bank has partnered with Eventful on Fiesta of Flavours; a world class Food and Beverage fair holding at Harbour Point, Victoria Island Lagos from December 4th to December 6th 2015. It will bring together hundreds of food and beverage enterprises, offering an opportunity for attendees to experience foods from Africa and the world.
There will be various training and seminars for food service professionals and hospitality providers, five course dinners, three-course lunches, children’s food exhibitions, cooking classes and a live band among others. Internationally acclaimed Chefs such as Chef Coco, Chef Tiyan, Chef Reuben and Chef Fregz will be available to mentor customers who have worked hard to turn their passion and flair for food into a viable career option. Most important, it will be a platform through which you can engage with First Bank and explore the various ways we support your business, career and lifestyle needs and put You First.
It is the season of food, family and fun, so for a chance to win tickets to the fair, follow FirstBank on any of the platforms below:
Facebook- www.facebook.com/firstbankofnigeria
Twitter – www.twitter.com/firstbankngr
Instagram – www.instagram.com/firstbanknigeria
For more information about Fiesta of Flavours, visit www.fiestaofflavours.com
Join us in supporting a diversified economy. See you at the fair!
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Check Out New Photo Of Mikel Obi's Twin Girls

The Super Eagles and Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel’s girlfriend, Olga has shared adorable photos of their twin girls.

Mikel Obi took to his Instagram on Friday, September 18 to announce that he had welcomed twins with revealing the details.

 “My whole world in my arms Welcome to the world my angels,” Mikel wrote alongside the photo.

Olga started dating Mikel in 2013 after reportedly meeting him in London where her millionaire father runs a chain of businesses.
Mikel is also a secret father of two children with different women.

Judge Convicts Oscar Pistorius Of Murder

                                                                       Oscar Pistorius
The case of the South African sprinter, Oscar Pistorius, who was originally convicted of manslaughter, or culpable homicide, for shooting Reeva Steenkamp, has taken a new turn as a judge has ruled that Pistorius should have been charged and convicted of murder and must be re-sentenced.

Metro.co.uk reports that the appeals court in South Africa had been asked to review the conviction and conclude whether it should be upgraded from manslaughter to murder.
According to Judge Eric, Pistorius had criminal intent and he is guilty of murder.
He said: “Guilty of murder, with the accused having criminal intent. The matter is referred back to the trial court to consider an appropriate sentence.”
The law code in South Africa stipulates 15 years imprisonment as the minimum sentence for murder cases.

A South African parole board has approved the placement under house arrest and correctional supervision for four years of Oscar Pistorius.
Pistorius was sentenced to five years in jail by a South African judge for killing his model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine’s day in 2013.
He was sentenced for culpable homicide as he said he mistook her for an intruder when he shot her through a bathroom door in a home they shared together. 

PDP advises members to be vigilant during Bayelsa governorship election

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Wednesday in Abuja called on its members in Bayelsa to remain vigilant, focused and fearless throughout the election the State’s governorship election of Dec. 5.

The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, gave the advice at a news conference in Abuja.


Metuh said the National Working Committee of the PDP had rallied people of Bayelsa and its members to combat anybody or group planning to rig the election.

He advised all, especially INEC officials, both regular and ad hoc, not to allow themselves to be used for manipulation of the poll.

Metuh also called on security operatives not to engage in any attempt to rig the Saturday’s election.

“Our members and supporters in Bayelsa state are not afraid and cannot be intimidated by guns.

“They will come out in their numbers to exercise their franchise and to defend their votes fully.

“We, therefore, caution the military and other security forces to keep to the dictates of their constitutional role of peripheral security in elections.

Metuh, who said that Bayelsa was a core PDP state, added that anything short of the will of the people as evidenced in a transparent process would be vehemently
resisted.

“The PDP insists that for a guaranteed free and fair election, all votes must count; they must be collated and announced at individual polling units and all security agencies and electoral officers must play by the role.

“Expecting INEC to conduct a free, fair and credible election is not an impossibility considering the record of the PDP in ensuring credible polls in eight elections in the last five years.’’ .