Business

How Goodluck Jonathan, Wike, Dokpesi, others allegedly formed Niger Delta Avengers

Published

8 years ago

August 11, 2016

THE Reformed Niger Delta Avengers, RNDA, yesterday, released more details of how sponsors of Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, formed the militant group in Bayelsa State and shared US dollars to ex-militants at one of the meetings. It will be recalled that RNDA had, last week, released a 22-member list, made up of top Niger Delta indigenes, which it said were sponsors, members or sympathizers of the Avengers.

Prominent names on the list, although all of them have denied the allegation, were former President Goodluck Jonathan, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State; media mogul, Chief Raymond Dokpesi; ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo; his media consultant, Mr. Paul Bebenimibo; former Director-General of Nigeria Maritime Administration Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Patrick Akpobolokemi; Niger Delta activist Annkio Briggs, among others. Spokesperson of RNDA, Cynthia Whyte, in a statement, yesterday, said: “To cut a long story short, NDA was formed to counter Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger-Delta, MEND, but it failed. “It, therefore, did not come to us as a surprise that the grand patron of Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, has distanced himself from the NDA. “Like every sponsor, sympathizer and operative earlier mentioned, who has equally denied links with the Avengers, we can understand the wisdom behind their decision, as their participation was always meant to be covert. “After a clandestine meeting in 2014 between the grand patron and several unidentified persons, ahead of the Presidential election campaign of 2015, it was agreed that the Okah brothers should be contacted to reach out to MEND to endorse former President Jonathan and work with the group of persons to ensure victory for the PDP and President Jonathan. “At the time, because MEND was the suggested tool, the NDA as a body was not yet formed,” the group alleged. RNDA said the meeting of some select top government officials was convened to visit Charles Okah and they “reported back that they had visited Okah in Kuje prison at night with the promise of his release, along with others should he cooperate to get MEND to endorse Jonathan. “It therefore, came as a shock when MEND did the opposite and endorsed Buhari. Dr. Jonathan was livid with anger and swore that the Okahs would rot in prison.” Cynthia Whyte added that following the failure to get MEND’s endorsement, they agreed that ex-militant leaders should put up a show of force in Yenagoa and “threaten war should the electorate vote in Buhari’s favour.”

According to RNDA, NDA was conceived around that time and the name ‘Avengers’ was chosen by one of the leaders. Cynthia White said further: “As election day approached, certain stakeholders were mobilised to form a force to ensure total anarchy in the South-South and South-East within 24 hours if the election results were not favourable to Jonathan. “It took everyone by surprise to learn that Jonathan had conceded defeat, even before the results were released. The standby force, which was to attack specific targets were told to stand down. They were all compensated in US dollars, cash. “The Niger Delta Avengers was born from the failure at the polls and would now be used as an organ to make the Buhari government inactive, bring economic hardship and cause hatred for the administration towards failure at the 2019 general election. “MEND was aware of this plot through a spy that would not be identified, and the group began its campaign to counter every effort of the NDA and the Biafra agitators to this day. “MEND has been a thorn in the flesh because MEND’s successful propaganda has caused the split in our ranks today.” He said if the sponsors and operatives of NDA provoked the group further with denials of this revelation, more sordid details would be revealed. Former President Jonathan could not be reached, last night, as his Media Adviser, Mr. Ikechukwu Eze, said the former President was not in the country and could not react. “We’re not in the country at the moment. Therefore, we cannot respond now,” he told Vanguard.

It was learned that the former President is currently in Zambia, monitoring the elections there on behalf of the African Union. New militant group blows up NPDC/Shorelines trunk line in Delta Meanwhile, barely 24 hours after it threatened to bomb oil installations in the Niger Delta region, if the Federal Government did not stop its alleged one-sided talks with the Ijaw ethnic nationality, Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate, NDJM, yesterday, blew up a major trunk delivery line in Delta State. The trunk line conveying crude from Isoko to the Eriemu manifold in Urhobo belongs to the National Petroleum Development Company, NPDC and Shoreline Resources. NDJM in a statement by its spokesperson, self-styled ‘General’ Aldo Agbalaja, said the “Central Operational Command of the group had approved the commencement of demolition and evacuation of uplands tagged ‘Operation Zero’ to correct the wrongs that have afflicted our people for years.” The group had, Tuesday, warned the Federal Government to stop parleying with the Ijaw ethnic nationality alone, as it was not the only tribe in the region that its militants could blow pipelines. Vanguard could not confirm the authenticity of the claim from industry sources. The group said: “As a mark of our seriousness and to prove we are people of our words, at 2 hours of Wednesday, our operatives brought down a major trunk delivery line from Isoko to the Eriemu Manifold in Urhobo, belonging to the NPDC/Shoreline Resources. “We would also want to use this medium to give a very strong warning to the operatives of the asset NPDC/Shorelines not to commence repairs pending when they get signals from us, otherwise the inevitable may occur to their personnel, as we have earlier warned them to begin evacuating the uplands. “This is just a glimpse of what is to come. There are several assets already penned down for destruction. This line of action has been made inevitable by an unjust system, which only responds to violence to the detriment of the peaceful and law abiding.”

Business

FIRS ANNOUNCES AN ONGOING RECRUITMENT

Published

3 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Sahara Weekly

FIRS ANNOUNCES AN ONGOING RECRUITMENT.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has rolled out an exciting opportunity for experienced professionals to join its team.

In a public notice via its X handle, the agency announced job openings for positions like Assistant Manager, Deputy Manager, and Assistant Director in fields such as Tax, Public Relations, Legal, ICT, and Risk Management.

Interested candidates are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and apply via the official portal at careers.firs.gov.ng before January 11, 2025. This recruitment drive is aimed at bolstering public service efforts and maximizing national development.

Business

UBA GMD Calls for Public-Private Collaboration, Joins Aviation Minister to Commission New MMIA Departure Section

Published

20 hours ago

December 22, 2024

Sahara Weekly

UBA GMD Calls for Public-Private Collaboration, Joins Aviation Minister to Commission New MMIA Departure Section

The newly renovated departure section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, refurbished by United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, was officially commissioned on Friday, December 20th, 2024.

The laudable project, which marks a transformative moment in Nigeria’s aviation sector, underscores UBA’s unwavering commitment to national development and highlights the immense value of strategic public-private partnerships (PPPs).

The ceremony was graced by distinguished stakeholders, including the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN; the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; other Directors, and Heads of Agencies operating at the Airport.

Speaking at the event, UBA’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba,lauded the collaboration that brought the project to fruition as he emphasised the need for public and private institutions to come together to build and revamp the nation’s assets.

“This renovation is a testament of UBA’s belief in the transformative power of investing in national assets. By modernising our airports, we not only enhance infrastructure but also position Nigeria as a global hub for tourism, trade, and investment,” he stated.

Alawuba took time to highlight the broader economic impact of such initiatives, urging increased private-sector participation in national development. “Public-private partnerships like this demonstrate what can be achieved when we unite for a shared vision of progress and investing in infrastructure catalyses economic growth, improves travel experiences, and creates opportunities across various sectors of the economy,” he added.

Alawuba reflected on the power of unity and collaboration, quoting Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” The commissioning of the renovated departure section serves as a reminder of what strategic partnerships can achieve in driving national development and elevating Nigeria’s global standing.”

While commissioning the project, Keyamo commended UBA for executing the project, a feat he termed a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s aviation sector. “This renovated departure section exemplifies the bank’s commitment to elevating aviation infrastructure, improving passenger experiences, and fostering international partnerships. It is a proud moment for the ministry and all stakeholders involved, and I thank the management of UBA for pioneering this initiative,” he remarked.

The minister highlighted other key achievements of his ministry, including compliance with the Cape Town Convention, the launch of a consumer protection portal, and advancements in major infrastructure projects such as the second runway at Abuja Airport and solar energy integration in airport operations.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, commended UBA and other stakeholders for their contributions, adding, “This project reflects FAAN’s dedication to delivering world-class aviation infrastructure. The enhanced departure section not only elevates passenger experiences but also strengthens Nigeria’s competitive position in global aviation,” she said.

She called for more private-sector participation, emphasising that “partnerships like these are essential to transforming the aviation sector into a beacon of excellence.”

The newly renovated departure section boasts cutting-edge facilities designed to enhance efficiency and passenger comfort. This upgrade reaffirms the Murtala Muhammed International Airport’s status as a critical gateway to Nigeria and a major hub for international travel in Africa.

United Bank for Africa is Africa’s Global Bank. Operating across twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology. UBA is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally.

Business

Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

…As Dangote Refinery partners MRS to sell PMS at N935 per litre nationwide at its retail outlets

Sahara Weekly Unveils That The Foremost entrepreneur and President of the Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the positive impact of the naira for crude swap deal on the Nigerian economy, which has led to reduction in prices of petroleum products in the country.

To provide succour to Nigerians, Dangote recently reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N970 to N899.50 at its Refinery loading gantry and provided generous credit terms to marketers.

“To ensure that this price reduction gets to the end consumer, we have signed a partnership with MRS to sell petrol from its retail outlets nationwide at N935 per litre” he added. This price has already commenced in Lagos, and it will be offered nationwide from Monday.

In his statement, he called on other oil marketers such as the NNPC Retail and all other marketers, “to work with us to ensure that Nigerians enjoy high-quality petrol at discounted prices.”

According to him, “The Dangote Refinery is for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians. We will therefore continue to work with various value chain players to deliver high quality petrol at cheaper prices. Our aim is for all Nigerians to have ready access to high quality petroleum products that are good for their vehicles, good for their health, and good for their pockets.

Recall that in September, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) under the leadership of Mr. President approved the sale of crude to local refineries in Naira and corresponding purchase of petroleum products in Naira. The move, which commenced on October 1, led to reduced pressure on the dollar and ensured the stability of the local currency.

Dangote thanked Nigerians for their unwavering support and the government for creating an enabling environment for the domestic refining industry.