boko haram, fuel scarcity, armed robbery again...................

Armed robbers, today, November 19, 2015, attacked about five banks in Agbara Industrial Estate, Ogun State, reports say.

The robbers were said to have arrived the area at about 7am for the operation, according to Daily Trust.

"Some of the robbers stationed themselves in front of most of the Automates Teller Machine (ATM) located at the banks visited. They blew them open with Dynamite and carted away cash stacked inside the ATM. Others held staff of the banks hostage at gun point while they made attempt to enter the vault,” a witness told Daily Trust.

A resident of the area, Segun Olumuyiwa, in confirming the attack to The Cable, said that he was forced to lie on the ground for two hours while the robbers operated.

“I don’t know if it’s the police that engaged them in shooting but the bullets kept flying all over,” Olumuyiwa said.

“We had to lie on the floor for nearly two hours,” he added.

Images shared on social media show that a pregnant woman and at least two others were injured during the incident.

And one person has been reported dead but no official casualty figure has been released.

 

Elevated responses expected with President Buhari as Oil Minister

Just when Nigerians thought they had voted out scarcity of petroleum products and long queues at the dispensing stations, it seems they are back to square one. A situation that started tentatively and in isolated places at the beginning of November has lingered. It has also become more pervasive and widespread across the country with marketers giving indications that scarcity may be with us till Christmas.
The last petrol crisis was in the last days of the President Goodluck Jonathan administration just before the handover of government to President Muhammadu Buhari. Upon transition, the entire scarcity palaver had vanished as if the new president waved a wand. Suddenly, marketers who were whining over fuel subsidy payments seemed to reach an unspoken understanding with the new regime and pronto, fuel was everywhere in abundance and queues disappeared.
Most remarkably, the pump price normalized back to N87 per litre from as high as N300 per litre that petrol rose to at that time. Thus since June this year up until end of October, Nigerians had enjoyed a period of regular petroleum products supply at the regulated rate to the point that some people must have thought the ugly old days were over for good. Indeed, unfettered fuel supply has been noted as one of the gains of the Buhari administration and an example of his ability to make crucial changes in the polity without as much as lifting a finger – ‘body language’, it is called.
Following upon this new talisman, many had even argued that there was no subsidy after all. But the so-called subsidy was always there and was mounting in size over the past five months. Today, it is said to stand at about N413 billion and the federal government has been hit with that sum. But even though the government may be willing to pay, it is said that the time lag between payment and the next cycle of imports of products may take the scarcity to Christmas. There is also the issue of sourcing foreign exchange.
Here is how a marketer made the case: “In recent times, we have been having issues with getting enough forex for our deals. Now we have a huge sum ofN413 billion entering the system; loans will be paid in forex as well as payments for products from international suppliers.
The Central Bank of Nigeria is not giving us a clear directive in this regard. We will need forex but we do not know where to get it in this quantum. Right now, the truth is that marketers don’t know how to source forex with the recent CBN provision.”
While the prospect of Nigerians living with this grueling situation of fuel scarcity and high prices till Christmas may be dire, the real issue is that the new government of President Buhari is expected to have taken the country out of debilitating incongruence of suffering in the midst of plenty. Nigeria is among the top ten producers of crude oil in the world yet she cannot produce enough for domestic consumption.
In the last three decades or so, Nigeria has exported crude oil and  imported refined petroleum products at a huge economic cost. Nigerians will expect a lasting solution now more than ever before. It may be time to review the so-called subsidy and cut it in phases; government must set up a few modular refineries in the next two years if only to refine for domestic consumption.
Nigerians who bear the brunt of this petrol paradox must be let down that the All Progressives Congress (APC) government has allowed this return to the PDP era and with President Buhari as substantive Petroleum Minister, we urge him to devise a long-term strategic solution to this malaise immediately.

The Ooni of Ife is dead

                             

Oba Sijuwade passes on at 85 in London

FOREMOST traditional ruler Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the Ooni of Ife, is dead. He was 85.
The royal father passed on at Saint Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, London, United Kingdom (U.K), where he was being treated.
Sources close to the palace at Enuwa, Ile-Ife, Osun State, confirmed his demise last night.
He was reportedly flown out on Friday in an air ambulance for treatment at the Lodon hospital when his health reportedly suffered a relapse.
It was not immediately clear last night what may have caused Oba Sijuwade’s death.

Family members did not pick their telephone calls.

Sources close to the state government said the palace was yet to inform Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the development.
St. Mary’s is a general acute hospital that diagnoses and treats a range of adult and paediatric conditions.

The hospital is one of the four Major Trauma Centres (MTCs) in London, acting as the hub for the northwest London trauma network and a vital part of the London-wide trauma system which connects a series of trauma units and rehabilitation facilities.

It pioneered the use of robotic surgery, including the UK’s first da Vinci robot for keyhole surgery.
One of the late Ooni’s sons, Adegbite, is set for his traditional marriage with ace television presenter and actress Dolapo Oni on Sunday.

The intending couples had their wedding introduction a few days ago at the Oni’s family compound in Lagos.
The late monarch mounted the throne as the 50th Oba in the ancient city in 1980, taking the regal name Olubuse II.
But he was crowned on December 6, 1980 at a ceremony that was graced by notable personalities, including the former Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, the late Oba of Benin, Omon’oba Nedo Uku Akpolopolo, the Amayanabo of Opobo and the Olu of Warri.

The Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth, sent representatives.
The late Ooni was born on January 1, 1930 in Ile-Ife to the Ogboru Ruling House. He was the grandson of Ooni Sijuwade Adelekan Olubuse I.
He studied at Abeokuta Grammar School, Ogun State and Oduduwa College in Ile-Ife.

After working for three years in his father’s business and another two-year stint with the Nigerian Tribune, the late Ooni enrolled at the Northampton College in the UK to study Business Management.
At 30, he was already a manager in Leventis, a Greek-Nigerian conglomerate and by 1963, he had become Sales Director of the state-owned National Motor in Lagos.

After spotting a business opportunity during a 1964 visit to the Soviet Union, he formed a company to distribute Soviet-built vehicles and equipment in Nigeria, which became the nucleus of a widespread business empire.
He also invested in real estate in his Ile-Ife country home. By the time Sijuwade was crowned Ooni in 1980, he had become a wealthy man.

The late Sijuwade, a Christian, attended the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Foursquare Gospel Church, where he declared himself a “full member” of the church in November 2009.

He was accompanied by 17 other traditional rulers.

Sijuwade conferred chieftainship titles on a number of politicians and their wives. The recipients include: former governors Ikedi Ohakim (Imo); Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala (Oyo); Babangida Aliyu (Niger) and Theodore Orji (Abia).
Others are: Senators Jubril Aminu and Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello as well as erstwhile military governor of the Old Western Region, Gen Adeyinka Adebayo.

hmm...19 dead, 47 injured in suicide attack

Nineteen people have been confirmed dead in a suicide attack on a market in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital.

Forty-seven were injured and hospitalised at the Gen. Sani Abacha Specialist Hospital.

One of the deceased was identified as a female vigilance group member, who was screening the people entering the market. She was said to have died when the bomb went off.

The Medical Director of Gen. Sani Abacha Specialist Hospital, Dr. Garba Fika, told our correspondent that 19 people were confirmed dead and 47 injured.

He said two of the injured were undergoing surgery, while another two were referred to the Federal Medical Centre, Nguru for advanced medical care.

Police spokesman Toyin Gbadegesin said the explosive was triggered by a teenage girl.

The attack, according to an eyewitness, was orchestrated by a female suicide bomber, who detonated the explosive on her body.

The attack occurred about 9:30am at the popular Sunday Market.

Mohammed Ali, a vigilance group member in Damaturu, said the female bomber pretended to be queuing behind a truck pusher, who was being checked into the market and in the process, detonated the explosive, which killed the female vigilance group member, who was screening the people entering the market.

He dismissed a report that the bomber was a mentally-ill woman.

Red Cross and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) officials corroborated the casualty figure.

The Northeast Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, Mohammed Kanar, told our reporter in Damaturu that a combined team of Red Cross officials, NEMA and State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) had evacuated bodies and taken the injured to the Gen. Sani Abacha Specialist Hospital.

An officer with the Explosive Ordinance Department (EOD) said five un-detonated explosives were recovered from the bag of the suicide bomber.

Governor Ibrahim Gaidam condemned the attack, describing it as callous, barbaric and unjustifiable.

In a statement by his Director of Press, Abdullahi Bego, the governor said free medical care would be given to the injured.

Presidency, Boko Haram begin talks

Hopes of freedom for the 219 Chibok girls have been rekindled, with preliminary talks between the Presidency and some Boko Haram leaders.

The new deal is being brokered by some confidants of the Presidency and the sect.

Some key commanders of Boko Haram in detention are also eager to be part of the initiative, The Nation learnt.

The new understanding came amid security reports that about 500 insurgents in a neighboring country are interested in renouncing terrorism –  in line with the reconciliatory agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari.

But the President is being cautious in rushing at the new offer from some leaders of the sect to avoid what a source described as the “costly mistakes of the past administration of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.

Buhari has asked security agents to “screen or certify” those spearheading the new negotiation to ensure that the government is dealing with the right Boko Haram leaders.

Some Boko Haram leaders are believed to have been overwhelmed by the President ‘s olive branch.

It was learnt that the President’s reconciliatory agenda made some confidants of the sect to initiate a fresh negotiation between the Presidency and some Boko Haram leaders.

It was gathered that at the preliminary level, a “cautious understanding” has been struck by both parties.

Some mileage gained so far include the following:

• likely release of some Chibok girls to underscore the readiness of Boko Haram for negotiation;
• involvement of some Boko Haram leaders, on whom the United States Government placed ransom, in the peace deal; and
• commitment of the Buhari administration to the negotiation.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The President’s appeal for peace in the Northeast is yielding dividends because a fresh facilitation of talks between the Presidency and Boko Haram has started.

“This latest negotiation, which is at the preliminary stage, is being promoted by some mutual confidants of the Presidency and Boko Haram.

“The new deal may lead to the release of some Chibok girls to set the tone for a comprehensive negotiation by both sides.”

Responding to a question, the source added: “The President is extremely cautious on this offer of negotiation.

“ Buhari has ordered security agencies to screen or certify those Boko Haram commanders interested in facilitating this latest negotiation to ensure that they are bonafide leaders of the sect.

“The position of the President is that why he is not averse to a peace deal, the Federal Government must avoid the costly mistakes of the past which led to a waste of time and huge resources.

“The President wants the release of the Chibok girls and quick restoration of peace to the Northeast; he is ready to negotiate with the right people for sustainable results.”

But there are strong indications that the leader of the sect, Imam Abubakar Shekau, is yet to be involved in the new deal.

“I think we are still at the preliminary stage. At the right time, there is a way the negotiation offer will be forwarded to their leader.

“But the fact that some Boko Haram commanders, whom US placed ransom upon, might be part of the negotiation shows that the crisis can be resolved, if all hands are on deck, “ another source added.

The defunct Joint Task Force(JTF) in the Northeast on November 23, 2012 placed ransom on 19 leaders of Boko Haram.

The list had comprised five members of the Shurra Committee (the highest making body of the sect) and 14 Boko Haram commanders.

But one of the Shurra Committee members, Mohammed Zangina (a.k.a Mallam Abdullahi/Alh. Musa) was allegedly killed in a shoot-out with the Joint Task Force(JTF) in Maiduguri.

With Zangina out, those still wanted are four members of the Shurra Committee of the sect, Imam Abubakar Shekau (N50million); Habibu Yusuf (a.k.a Asalafi) N25million; Khalid Albarnawai (N25million); and Momodu Bama (N25 million).

The fate of Momodu Bama was also unknown as at press time, following conflicting reports on whether he is alive or dead.

The Boko Haram Commanders being sought for by the JTF are Abu Saad (N10million); Abba Kaka (N10million); Abdulmalik Bama (N10million) Umar Fulata(N10million); Alhaji Mustapha (Massa) Ibrahim (N10million); Abubakar Suleiman-Habu (a.k.a Khalid) N10million; Hassan Jazair N10million; Ali Jalingo (N10million); Alhaji Musa Modu (N10million); Bashir Aketa (N10million); Abba Goroma (N10million); Ibrahim Bashir (N10million); Abubakar Zakariya (N10million); and Tukur Ahmed Mohammed (N10million).

Buhari’s “peace agenda” has motivated 500 Boko Haram members in a neighboring country to signify interest in renouncing terrorism.

A third source said: “These 500 insurgents said they were specifically encouraged by the rapprochement of the President.

“They have offered to surrender in return for integration by the administration of the President.”

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said: “If the President gets the right partners in doing a deal, he will consider a peaceful resolution. He has said that unambiguously in the course of the visit to the U.S. If that doesn’t work out, the President has the will and willingness to crush terror using the army.”

Bobbi Kristina dies at 22

After six months of hanging on the brink, Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown’s daughter, Bobbi Kristina has died at the age of 22.
She passed away in the hospice care facility where she’s been since June 24 when her family decided to take her off all meds.

The family says Bobbi Kristina was surrounded by family and, “she is finally at peace in the arms of God.” As has been reported, a specialist had told them there was no chance of recovery.
Kristina was found submerged in her bathtub on January 31, and police believe she was underwater for anywhere between 2 and 5 minutes. Paramedics were able to resuscitate her, but she was in a medically induced coma and placed on life support.

Ultimately, Pat Houston and Bobby, co-guardians for Bobbi Kristina, had to make the decision to withdraw medications. It was a rare moment of agreement for the Browns and Houstons who had battled about Bobbi’s condition throughout her hospitalization.

Reports say that the District Attorney has been gearing up for a murder case, and her boyfriend Nick Gordon would be their first person of interest. Police said there were bruises on Bobbi Kristina’s face and body after Gordon and a friend, Max Lomas, found her in the tub.

Whitney died from a drug overdose in 2012 while sitting in a bathtub at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

OAU declares indefinite mid-semester break

The authorities of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) has declared an indefinite mid-semester break for students.

This was the outcome of an emergency Senate meeting held on Sunday.
According to the public relations officer of the school, Mr Abiodun Olanrewaju, the students are to go home and rest.

According to him, the indefinite mid- semester break for students has nothing to do with the on-going strike by the Non Academic Staff Union (NASU), OAU chapter which has shut down the school.

Members of NASU, are currently at loggers-head with the school management over their unpaid 64 months arrears and have shut down provision of essential services on campus since last week’s Wednesday.

According to a source, the management took the decision at the senate meeting because of information that the strike might get intense from Monday as NASU members from all other universities will be storming OAU as early as 6am to solidarise with their OAU counterpart.

“There is also a possibility of police getting drafted into campus anytime soon,so as to prevent total breakdown of law and order on campus,” the source said.