TNN.ng: Jonathan

[OPINION]: The Trial Of Bishop Kukah - By Tatalo Alamu

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<b>Poor Mathew Hassan Kukah! He has had it up to the nape of his cassocks. The torrents of abuse have now transformed into a tsunami of vilification. It was just as well that the week ended with the congregation of Catholic Bishops removing the ground from under Bishop Kukah by wholeheartedly supporting President Buhari’s anti-corruption hurricane.</b></div>
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Never in Nigeria’s public history has a hitherto respected man of god tumbled so fast in public esteem. Never has a man so widely admired for his cutting intellect become a master of pompous equivocation and fatuous obfuscation. Never has the implacable Nigerian intellectual lynch mob been so fast and furious in dismembering and devouring its victim.</div>
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It is a sad spectacle, and a consuming Nigerian tragedy to boot. Many of us who consider ourselves friends and admirers of the gutsy and cerebral Bishop of the Sokoto Catholic Diocese can only watch in pained silence as the man of god appears to unravel in a drama of self-demystification. But in revolutionary situations, everybody must answer their fathers’ name and one must be ready to drop a friend because of principles rather than drop principles because of a friend.</div>
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These must be revolutionary times in Nigeria indeed. It is only in revolutionary times that people lose total respect for priestly cassocks and other symbols of traditional authority. It is only in revolutionary times that the sacred become desacralized in bitter profanity and people move from hero to zero. The man of the people becomes the enemy of the populace. The dark night does not recognize sacerdotal distinction.  As the mob brays in implacable distemper, the expiring ruling class that has held Nigeria hostage must note this development.</div>
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Bishop Kukah’s superiors in the Nigerian Catholic nomenklatura  must be clicking their tongue in sagely relish. A child can have as many new clothes as an elder, but he can never have as many rags. Many of the superiors of the Sokoto Bishop must be rubbing their palms in smirking satisfaction. Only the barely discerning would not have noticed a certain froideur, a chilly discomfort among the Catholic hierarchs as Kukah rose to secular apotheosis as a liberating theologist and friend of the rich and powerful at the same time. As the Yoruba will put it, nobody must stop a youngster from climbing the hill of Langbodo.</div>
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In retrospect, perhaps it will be said that the Sokoto bishop chose the wrong time to cross the Homeric frontline between the Nigerian powerful and the teeming powerless; and between whistle blowing against the powerful or becoming a loud and brash megaphone of its rearguard rally. Not even the most gifted and proficient trickster knows when the trick will fail, and in revolutionary situations one cannot be too careless in his choice of enemies.</div>
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The last straw, it seems, is Kukah’s stirring at the behest of the controversial Peace Committee. Let it be bluntly and baldly stated that this committee is not about peace at all. It materialized as a last ditch ruling class initiative to force General Buhari to accept dishonorable defeat and hence to stave off the revolutionary turmoil and anarchy that would have accompanied electoral miscarriage. It is a wearisomely familiar Nigerian ploy to impose “peace” in the absence of social and political justice. But they misjudged the mood of the nation and the fact that Nigerians have had it with their ilk.</div>
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Bar a few misguided ones who are glad to be dredged up from peat bog of political oblivion and the odd naïve do-gooders, most of our newly minted peaceniks are compromised scoundrels working for the old regime and traditional mischief-makers on a typical pay day. Available reports indicate that some of them were already privately gloating about the inevitability of a Jonathan victory. They came to bury Buhari and not to praise him. But it bombed spectacularly. Perhaps this is one of the “spectacular” things that Jonathan did which Kukah  referred to with deliberately oblique disingenuity.</div>
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Having failed in their core mission, they have now transformed into a “peace” council to disturb the peace of the nation, and to stalemate the inevitable sanitization of the polity. They have gone about endlessly chattering about due process and the fact that this is a democracy and not a military order. One wonders how democracy and due process would have fared had they succeeded in suborning the sovereign electoral will of Nigerians.  Let this be the last time President Buhari will give them a decent hearing.</div>
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Kukah’s attempt to defend the motive of the peace council has brought a gale of angry denunciations on the internet and social media with many of them charging the Catholic supremo with perfidy and betrayal. This columnist read about three hundred of these angry rebuttals and only a few were willing to stake their integrity on the integrity and honesty of the bishop. It was redolent of pent up fury and misgivings, as if they have been waiting for Kukah to cross the line.</div>
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Kukah’s  attempt to correct a purportedly mischievous slant that gave the impression that the council went up to President Buhari to bargain for a soft landing for the disgraced and discredited Jonathan drew even more tempestuous  tirades. And then in the unkindest cut of all, a shadowy and hitherto unknown organization going by the name of CUPS came out to directly impugn Kukah’s integrity and claims to probity in a well-detailed allegation of sleaze and corruption.</div>
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This column will refrain from publicizing the salacious and insalubrious details, but they go to show how far Bishop Kukah’s stock has fallen. It is a remarkable development and no matter his public grandstanding and defiance of the gravitational pull of seamy scandals, the plucky priest must be having some anxious private moments. Even if they remain at the level of mere allegations, that they are ever broached at all shows how public perception can be influenced by the power and putrescence of offensive associations. The bishop’s cup is full and it overflows indeed.</div>
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It may well be too late to ask the august catholic prelate to return to base. For a man of such calm and deliberate mien, such choices are not lightly made in the first instance. As we have said, everybody must answer to his patronymic in these perilous times. Like a savage hawk remarkable for its hunting prowess and ferocious precision, the Nigerian ruling class knows the particular moment to home in on its intended prey and which foibles and personal peccadilloes to zero in upon.</div>
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In a postcolonial society infamous for its political dysfunctionality , the transition from  civil society activist to state actor is a very precarious affair indeed. In Nigeria, only few people, if any at all, have been able to manage the transition without major scars. This is because inchoate and disadvantaged civil society feels abandoned and neglected by one of its own. Like vultures waiting for the ethically deceased, they bid their time waiting to take their pound of flesh or carrion and the quiet hysteria of private abandonment soon gives way to the public hullabaloo of angry and messy divorce.</div>
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The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese seems to have had it coming for quite some time. There might have come a time when a practical patriot like Kukah might have come to the conclusion that it might be better and more nation-rewarding to remonstrate with the Nigerian powers that be at close proximity than to demonstrate against them from a far distance.</div>
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As a minority scion of the most minority of ethnic formations, Kukah might have concluded that he stood no chance raising hell among the hell-bound  majority monsters—as he himself once memorably dismissed Nigeria’s major ethnic formations. It may well turn out to be a bridge too far, but in the brutal power calculus of Nigeria’s political coliseum, innocence is not a virtue but a symptom of suicidal naivety.</div>
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Who will then speak and speak up for the Nigerian minority ethnic subaltern? As a devoted watcher of Nigeria’s volatile and explosive political gymnasium, this columnist entered into a private correspondence with the father who art in Kaduna then over his seemingly seamless transition from civil society activist to state actor.  Yours sincerely wanted to know whether the transition was conscious or seemingly unconscious. It was a particularly illuminating exchange whose details must remain private and confidential.</div>
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What did it for this columnist was Kukah’s out of proportion reaction to a Soyinka piece detailing the ills and ailments of the Nigerian postcolonial state. As usual with the implacably agonistic Nobel avatar, it was a merciless and astringent critique dripping with venom and vitriol. The old literary lion does not take hostages in these matters. But anybody who has watched Nigeria’s descent into political infamy over the decades would side with Soyinka’s angst about the fate of his beloved country.</div>
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What seemed to have drawn Bishop Kukah’s particular ire was Soyinka’s damning conclusion that nothing good could come out of the Nigerian state as it was constituted. It is interesting and intriguing that Soyinka’s response to Kukah was a mixture of puckish humour and elderly irritation. Subsequent events seem to have proved the Nobel laureate right.</div>
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Thereafter, certain changes in Kukah’s public personae became noticeable as he moved closer and closer to the sanctuary of state power. An imperious swagger seems to have been added to the bouncy gait even as a pompous and pomaded puffery became the order of the day. A moody irascible brio and prickly condescension became the sine qua non of Kukah’s public engagements. The bishop’s secular beatitude was in full progress.</div>
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But such beatitudes do not beautify, and neither do they ennoble in the tumultuous and turbulent context of a postcolonial nation roiling in crisis and contradictions. In such circumstances and situations, it is the bounden duty of all men of god to speak truth to secular power and not to become carpetbaggers and reactionary rearguard rallying points for the retrogressive and anti-progress rump of a failed ruling class.</div>
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The current pope is an outstanding exemplar of this sacred moral responsibility to the powerless of the earth; and so was the old much admired and revered Polish pope, the illustrious Cardinal Karol Wojtyla. We dare say that in the last decade and a half beginning with the Oputa Panel, Bishop Kukah has been rather remiss in that historic and sacred duty. If it is not too late, this gifted priest should find his route back to public restitution and redemption.</div>
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<i><b>Culled from <a href="http://thenationonlineng.net/the-trial-of-bishop-kukah/">The Nation</a></b></i></div>
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[OPINION]: The Trial Of Bishop Kukah - By Tatalo Alamu

Poor Mathew Hassan Kukah! He has had it up to the nape of his cassocks. The torrents of abuse have now transformed into a tsunami of v...

Don't Defect To APC, Ex-President Jonathan Begs Allies In Bayelsa PDP

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<b>YENEGOA, NIGERIA - Former President Goodluck Jonathan and some top members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a last minute effort to salvage the party in the State have pleaded with members of the party planning to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) today to have a rethink.</b></div>
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The APC in a mega rally scheduled for the Samson Siasia Sports Complex and which would have in attendance Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; National Chairman, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Rotimi Amaechi, Chief Timipre Sylva and Governors elected on the party's platform is expected to receive founding members of the PDP in the Bayelsa State into its fold.</div>
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<b><a href="http://sunnewsonline.com/new/dont-defect-to-apc-jonathan-group-beg-bayelsa-pdp-bigwigs/">Saturday Sun</a></b> investigations revealed that the list of the defectors which include PDP big wigs like, Chief Timi Alaibe, former Deputy Governor Werinipre Seibarugu, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Senator Clever Ikisikpo, Hon Nadu Karibo, Hon Warman Ogoriba, Hon Gini Angaye, former Speaker Nestor Binabo, Senator John Brambiafa, Hon Stella Dorgu, former lawmakers, and former commissioners in the PDP government in the state had rattled Jonathan and the leadership of the party.</div>
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Jonathan who is said to be worried about the crisis rocking the party in the state which has forced some founding members to leave the party decided to personally intervene to stop the defection which is considered a huge loss to the party in the state.</div>
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He was said to have placed calls to some of the defectors especially his political associates to see whether he could convince them not to go ahead with their planned defection but many of them told him that they have made up their minds to join the APC.</div>
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The PDP Unity group made up of political associates of Jonathan and his wife, Patience, also pleaded with their members not to defect to the APC.</div>
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The Coordinator of the group, Mrs. Maria Ebikake in a press conference begged them not to abandon the party which they all contributed to build.</div>
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Ebikake who frowned at some PDP members hurling hate speeches at the defectors said they should desist from such act as it would not augur well for the party.</div>
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We are not oblivious of the most recent defections from our great party in Bayelsa State to the opposition party, APC. We cannot also pretend to be unperturbed by the planned cross-carpeting of more of our esteemed members today. </div>
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There is no doubt that some of these defectors are men and women of high political substance and pedigree that have contributed immensely to our past achievements. The PDP Unity groupappreciates that things had not been properly done in the immediate past within the PDP. </div>
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We recognise these seeming imperfections as reason for the decision of some of our valued members to think of shifting camp to the APC. We therefore most sincerely appeal to those who have left to return home and those about to do so to remain because truly Bayelsa is the home of PDP.</div>
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Don't Defect To APC, Ex-President Jonathan Begs Allies In Bayelsa PDP

YENEGOA, NIGERIA - Former President Goodluck Jonathan and some top members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a last minute effo...

Be Appreciative Of Jonathan, Bishop Kukah Advises Nigerians

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<b>LAGOS, NIGERIA - The Bishop of Sokoto Diocese and member of the National Peace Committee, Rev. Fr. Mathew Kukah, has asked Nigerians to be appreciative of former President Goodluck Jonathan.</b></div>
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He said that Dr. Jonathan’s act of conceding defeat in the 2015 presidential election is one that has kept the country together and so "Nigerians should be appreciative of what he did".</div>
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Speaking on <b><a href="http://www.channelstv.com/2015/08/13/nigerians-should-appreciate-jonathans-deeds-bishop-kukah/">Channels Television</a>'</b>s <i>Sunrise Daily </i>on Thursday, Bishop Kukah further stated that the committee has not been sent to beg on anyone's behalf to avoid probe. He noted that the former "President Jonathan eloquently said he was not afraid of probe."</div>
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He commended President Buhari for the work he has so far done but stated that his party (APC) was voted to govern and they should go ahead to govern because Nigerians are eager for a new nation.</div>
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He stated that the government needs to develop a communication strategy that would enable citizens understand the government's direction as he believes there has been an air of uncertainty among Nigerians who want to know where the country is heading.</div>
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Speaking on the activities of the National Peace Committee, Bishop Kukah noted that the purpose of the committee was for "moral authority" and not to replace the National Assembly, Court or Police. He refereed to them as "non-state actors who are very busy".</div>
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"The business of our committee is not to solve the problems of Nigeria but the business of the government in power, led by the APC, to resolve the problems of Nigeria."</div>
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He then urged the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to start addressing the country's challenges because the world is focusing on Nigeria, especially the international community because of the issue of Boko Haram.</div>
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Be Appreciative Of Jonathan, Bishop Kukah Advises Nigerians

LAGOS, NIGERIA - The Bishop of Sokoto Diocese and member of the National Peace Committee, Rev. Fr. Mathew Kukah, has asked Nigerians to...

Boko Haram: Jonathan Should Be Commended For Shekau's Death

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPSzeTWYLJRGp87sxTZ6BaCC0up4yR4tTzzYyjvNP9RYvUogKHpqdVFzPVyHt1PhFlbcSJKOqmPTJzatfTEJeuTixxeoR5zmfpXSFh5qG0iiKBxWGTyLMD8sP0yj69MXt3s4BiV-rIov2m/s1600/Shekau.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPSzeTWYLJRGp87sxTZ6BaCC0up4yR4tTzzYyjvNP9RYvUogKHpqdVFzPVyHt1PhFlbcSJKOqmPTJzatfTEJeuTixxeoR5zmfpXSFh5qG0iiKBxWGTyLMD8sP0yj69MXt3s4BiV-rIov2m/s640/Shekau.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA - Though yet unconfirmed, the reported death of Abubakar Shekau, leader of the blood-thirsty Boko Haram sect brings to focus the largely unacknowledged efforts of the immediate past Federal Government, led by Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.</b></div>
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Shekau had been reported dead in battles with troops numerous times, only for him to resurface and taunt the government and wreak more havocs.</div>
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However, towards the tail end of the Jonathan administration, especially the six weeks of routing by the military shortly before the last general election, reports also filtered in that the cat with nine lives had finally been killed.</div>
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From that period to date, the leader of the insurgents is yet to make a public appearance.</div>
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On Wednesday this week, the Chadian leader Idris Derby disclosed that Shekau may have indeed been killed and that the insurgents have already appointed a new leader, Mahamat Daoud, who he said is ready for talks with Nigeria.</div>
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Even if he resurfaces, Shekau is already a damaged leader for the group – credit for which should richly go to the outgone Jonathan administration.</div>
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This is because the outgone administration had accomplished almost 95 percent of the anti-terror job in the fight against the insurgents.</div>
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It is on record that Jonathan’s administration spent a whopping ₦4.62 trillion on national security in five years.</div>
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<b><a href="http://dailytimes.com.ng/shekaus-death-credit-jonathans-govt/">Daily Times</a></b></div>
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Boko Haram: Jonathan Should Be Commended For Shekau's Death

MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA - Though yet unconfirmed, the reported death of Abubakar Shekau, leader of the blood-thirsty Boko Haram sect brings ...

Buhari Reinstates Abdullahi Sacked By Jonathan As NPA MD

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<b>ABUJA, NIGERIA - President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday reinstated Mr. Habibu Abdullahi as the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority.</b></div>
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He therefore relieved Alhaji Sanusi Ado Bayero of his appointment as the MD.</div>
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Bayero's appointment was one of the late hour decisions taken by former President Goodluck Jonathan shortly after he lost his re-election bid in the March 28 presidential election.</div>
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Jonathan had on April 29, exactly one month to his handover date, sacked Abdullahi and replaced him with Bayero without giving any reason for his action.</div>
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But the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, in a statement on Thursday, said Buhari had ordered Abdullahi's reinstatement with immediate effect.</div>
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Adesina said Bayero had been ordered to hand over the NPA and all government property in his possession to the reinstated MD.</div>
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The statement read: </div>
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President Muhammadu Buhari has terminated the appointment of the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Alhaji Sanusi Ado Bayero. </div>
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The termination of Alhaji Bayero's appointment is with immediate effect. </div>
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He is to hand over the management of the NPA and all government property in his possession to Mr. Habibu Abdullahi who has been reinstated as Managing Director of the NPA by President Buhari. </div>
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President Buhari wishes Alhaji Bayero well in his future endeavours.</div>
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<b><a href="http://www.punchng.com/news/buhari-reinstates-sacked-npa-md/">The PUNCH</a></b></div>
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Buhari Reinstates Abdullahi Sacked By Jonathan As NPA MD

ABUJA, NIGERIA - President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday reinstated Mr. Habibu Abdullahi as the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Author...

Obasanjo In Aso Villa To Puncture Jonathan's Move For Leniency

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<b>ABUJA, NIGERIA - Former military Head of State General Abdulsalam Abubakar (rtd) and other members of the National Peace Committee for the 2015 general elections were rattled by the stubborn posture and utterance of President Muhammadu Buhari during a meeting with him on Monday. </b></div>
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Mr. Abubakar had led members of the National Peace Committee in yet another mission to plead with Mr. Buhari not to probe the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.</div>
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However, several participants at Monday's meeting told <b><a href="http://saharareporters.com/2015/08/11/corruption-probe-peace-committee-shocked-meeting-president-buhari">SaharaReporters</a></b> that the president remained obstinate and made no secret of his determination to proceed with the probe. </div>
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<i>SaharaReporters</i> learnt that Monday's meeting was a stepped up version of previous failed attempts to sway Mr. Buhari from his determination to probe acts of corruption by officials of Mr. Jonathan's administration. <i>SaharaReporters</i> had revealed that former Commonwealth Secretary General Emeka Anyaoku visited President Buhari to press the case for letting bygone be bygone shortly before the latter’s departure for an official visit to the US. Our sources had disclosed that Mr. Anyaoku had undertaken his mission to the president at the behest of Mr. Jonathan. </div>
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After Mr. Buhari's return from the US, President Jonathan stepped up maneuvers to talk him into discontinuing the probe of his administration. </div>
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A source close to the former president told <i>SaharaReporters </i>that Mr. Buhari's pronouncements that his government would probe his predecessor had contributed to a major health crisis that beset former First Lady Patience Jonathan. </div>
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"Madam [Mrs. Jonathan] has been suffering from serious depression," said a source. Ms. Alison-Madueke has also had a share of ill health apparently triggered by being the focus of global attention for symbolizing the pervasive corruption of the past administration. A source close to her in the UK stated that she collapsed in her posh apartment in London due to "exhaustion" and had to be hospitalized for two days. </div>
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Last week, former President Jonathan reached out to former military Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, and urged him to arrange a one-on-one meeting with Mr. Buhari to discuss his concerns. President Buhari agreed to a secret meeting with the former president last Thursday in the dead of the night. A source familiar with the meeting told <i>SaharaReporters </i>that Mr. Jonathan appeared jittery at the meeting and was unable to articulate the case against probing his government. Instead, the former president reportedly asked mundane questions about how Buhari was coping with governing the country and offered to help in any way.</div>
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The meeting was over in less than 30 minutes. </div>
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Meanwhile, former President Olusegun Obasanjo was so incensed on hearing about Mr. Buhari's meeting with Mr. Jonathan that he called at the Presidential Villa 24 hours later to meet with Mr. Buhari behind closed doors. </div>
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A source at the Presidency revealed that Mr. Obasanjo, whose record of corruption as president was equally monumental, urged Mr. Buhari to send former President Jonathan to jail. </div>
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Another source stated that Mr. Obasanjo volunteered to use his international contacts to help trace the funds stolen during Mr. Jonathan's administration, adding that much of the funds were laundered through arms deals as well as shady oil sales and swaps.</div>
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On learning of former President Obasanjo's ominous mission to Aso Rock, Mr. Jonathan reportedly contacted General Abubakar (rtd) again, this time pleading with the retired general to intercede with Mr. Buhari. </div>
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Monday, Mr. Abubakar and fellow members of the National Peace Committee first met with President Buhari in a closed-door session before appearing before the media. A member of the committee revealed that their team first told President Buhari that they had come to discuss how to "wind up' and to check if there was a new national assignment they could undertake.</div>
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The source also revealed that, even though the committee did not mention former President Jonathan by name during their interaction with Mr. Buhari, the committee members cautioned against leaving the impression that the government was targeting "anybody". They also appealed to Mr. Buhari to tarry a little before deciding on probing anybody. </div>
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A source at the Presidency stated that Mr. Buhari was well aware of the committee's secret mission, hence his decision to speak forthrightly in response. Among the committee's members is a controversial President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ayo Oritsejafor, a loyalist of Mr. Jonathan. His private jet was involved in an arms deal scandal after South African authorities discovered, and confiscated, $9.3 million in cash inside the aircraft. The Jonathan administration then stated that the funds were meant for the purchase of arms to prosecute the war against Islamist insurgents, Boko Haram. </div>
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Officials of the Buhari administration disclosed that the Presidency had already identified and was investigating acts of corruption involving former National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd) and former Petroleum Minister, Alison-Madueke. In addition, our sources said the new administration was pursuing leads about huge corrupt deals involving former First Lady, Patience Jonathan, former Attorney general, Mohammaed Bello Adoke, the Amnesty Office, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and the Federal Capital Territory. In one instance, more than $1 million dollars in cash was found at the residence of Gordon Obuah, a former Chief Security Officer to Mr. Jonathan. </div>
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"We are also looking at properties purchased in Ghana, Dubai, UK and US by various officials of the immediate past administration," one source disclosed.</div>
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He added that one of the biggest means of money laundering was the reckless purchase of private jets by former cohorts of Mr. Jonathan. </div>
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At the end of the meeting yesterday, President Buhari made it clear to members of the committee that his government would soon commence trial of Nigerian treasury looters.</div>
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Obasanjo In Aso Villa To Puncture Jonathan's Move For Leniency

ABUJA, NIGERIA - Former military Head of State General Abdulsalam Abubakar (rtd) and other members of the National Peace Committee for ...

Follow Due Process In Fighting Corruption, Peace C'ttee Advises Buhari

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSK27Ns-X_67qrQDIM1-z9nlLwPIty-wcoWtZG7GYebi4PAoWz8AQT7FS79cBq0mxrKPDryjLrTdGGrfloha_2-oAJEVVzeVfTwEkTuQbYPfremizNPOQJ5L4isQs7JCNhOn12GDwLDSnm/s1600/Peace+Committee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSK27Ns-X_67qrQDIM1-z9nlLwPIty-wcoWtZG7GYebi4PAoWz8AQT7FS79cBq0mxrKPDryjLrTdGGrfloha_2-oAJEVVzeVfTwEkTuQbYPfremizNPOQJ5L4isQs7JCNhOn12GDwLDSnm/s1600/Peace+Committee.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>ABUJA, NIGERIA - The resolve of President Muhammadu Buhari to probe the administration of the ousted former President Goodluck Jonathan may have stirred a cold war between him and the former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee for the 2015 General Elections, General Abdusalami Abubakar (rtd).</b></div>
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Abdusalami Abubakar-led Peace Committee on Monday visited President Muhammadu Buhari at Aso Rock Presidential Villa.</div>
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According to <b>DAILY TRUST</b>, the committee says it is concerned about the process of the anti-corruption war of Buhari's administration.</div>
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Addressing State House journalists after the meeting, a member of the committee, Bishop of Sokoto Diocese Hassan Kukah said the position of the committee was that Nigeria was no longer in a military regime.</div>
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Kukah said:</div>
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It (Buhari's anti-graft war) is not heating up the polity. In our conversation with former President Jonathan and members of the parties, I don't think any Nigerian is in favour of corruption or is against the president’s commitment to ensuring that we turn over a new leaf. </div>
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I think what we are concerned about is process. It is no longer a military regime, and under our existing laws, everybody is innocent until proven guilty. Again, our own commitment is not to intimidate or fight anybody. The former president’s commitment and what he did still remains spectacular, and I think that President Buhari himself appreciates that. So, our effort really is to make sure that the right thing is done.</div>
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Other than Kukah and Abdusalami, others present at the meeting included Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar III; the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor; Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Revd. Nicholas Okoh; Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan; a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mrs. Priscilla Kuye; and Senator Ben Obi among others.</div>
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Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has vehemently stated that it would not be business as usual in various corrupt practices before his administration, especially in the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). The President explained that a single treasury account had been established for all federal revenue to ensure greater probity, transparency and accountability in the collection, disbursement and utilisation of national funds.</div>
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President Buhari, who vowed to break the vicious cycle of corruption, unemployment and insecurity in Nigeria, stated that his administration would not only ensure that stolen monies stashed in foreign bank accounts were returned but that the looters must be tried. He disclosed that he was gathering documents which would serve as evidence against suspected culprits in the anti-corruption war.</div>
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The meeting between President Buhari and the committee, it was gathered, followed an earlier meeting with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during which committee members were told of the persecution that members of the PDP were facing in the hands of the new governing party.</div>
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"Nigeria has to break this vicious cycle before we can make progress," the President said.</div>
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The President, who regretted the sorry state of the country's finances also told the committee that as part of his actions to address the national problems he inherited, he has ordered the reorganization of Nigeria's revenue generating institutions.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
His words: </div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We have really degenerated as a country. Our national institutions, including the military, which did wonderfully on foreign missions in the past, have been compromised. But we are doing something about it. The military is now retraining and morale has been resuscitated. </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As Petroleum Minister under Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo in the 1970s, I could not travel abroad until I had taken a memo to the Federal Executive Council asking for estacode. Now, everybody does what he wants. That is why security-wise, and economically, we're in trouble. Those who have stolen the national wealth will be in court in a matter of weeks and Nigerians will know those who have short-changed them.</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The National Peace Committee, then asked him to follow due process in the anti-graft war.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
They also reminded the President that Nigeria is not under a military regime, stressing that everyone suspected to have committed any crime was assumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Rising from the meeting held behind closed-doors in the Presidential Villa, the committee remarked that though corruption was not to be condoned, the process of prosecuting suspects has to be constitutional.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Speaking to State House Correspondents on behalf of the committee, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, who confirmed the meeting with former President Goodluck Jonathan, however, said the former president never begged for their intervention.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
According to him, the meeting was a hearing-out process.</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We gave a bit of update about the relevance of the Peace Committee itself and how we can help to nurture what God has given to us. Anybody is free to come to our committee but President Jonathan never by telephone or another means talked to the committee. We went to see him, but that was after we had already seen members of the political party, members of the civil society; we plan to see the Speaker because we couldn't see him yesterday. </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is a very planned series of interventions essentially just to hear out everybody and I think the good news is that Nigerians are committed to a new nation. They are committed to ensuring that the gains and blessings God has given us come to fruition.</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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Follow Due Process In Fighting Corruption, Peace C'ttee Advises Buhari

ABUJA, NIGERIA - The resolve of President Muhammadu Buhari to probe the administration of the ousted former President Goodluck Jonathan...

Obasanjo Was Right Calling You a 'Wine Connoseur', Daniel Slams Soyinka

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij92O7ahQ_pjrFV0R6QLAu9iLh7wl2ylt_ioyX3csOe3iMyQdMG365llTIkGFLaYbWQqXjPL4SJR1u7Zk2zzXUnq0wT-1JbPsJz5T-KfsoQPLaDqJJmT8tGrbQfe2kg-DZulT8w_wWXu7m/s1600/OGD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij92O7ahQ_pjrFV0R6QLAu9iLh7wl2ylt_ioyX3csOe3iMyQdMG365llTIkGFLaYbWQqXjPL4SJR1u7Zk2zzXUnq0wT-1JbPsJz5T-KfsoQPLaDqJJmT8tGrbQfe2kg-DZulT8w_wWXu7m/s640/OGD.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>LAGOS, NIGERIA - The former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel has responded to the allegation of Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka that he (Daniel) closed down the State House of Assembly for almost one year with the aid of the police.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
According to <b><a href="http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/08/daniel-replies-soyinka-your-comments-betray-your-repute/">Vanguard</a></b>, Otunba Daniel said the comment of Soyinka against him was prejudicing and belittle the repute of the  Africa's first Nobel Prize winner for literature.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Soyinka during an interview with <i>Zero Tolerance </i>magazine, a publication of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) berated former President Goodluck Jonathan for appointing Daniel as a campaign manager.</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
What about somebody like Gbenga Daniel who closed down a legislature for almost a year? When I heard this, I called Jonathan, I asked him: "Is this your understanding of democracy". A governor closes down an assembly with the aid of the police and the place is under lock with 'Mopol' guarding it. When Jonathan selected this person as his campaign manager in Abuja, I telephoned him; I said does this support democracy that you choose this person. It is not a question of this person is a governor therefore come to my party, I can work with him. No, when a president picks somebody for a particular duty it means you are pointing that person out as an aspect of government so you see, it is impossible for me to pick Jonathan as a candidate, Soyinka noted in the interview.</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Otunba Daniel took to his Twitter handle, @JustusOGD to deny the allegation, noting that he prays that the Laws of diminishing returns do not sometimes catch up with some of our Elder Statesmen.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgByjkGxOnXlcrDbCmh5onxz2QIw6xr33ciDYTa9yx7azEmS1k7Te7aEPzaxncxM2uPUXs2aYpmubKDSDc86AR6RWScvKVbKPGe8HZ4okyfRJIDlMDl5G_uQFqpV64_d8g9Zz5UM1XrUvQj/s1600/OGD+vs+Soyinka.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgByjkGxOnXlcrDbCmh5onxz2QIw6xr33ciDYTa9yx7azEmS1k7Te7aEPzaxncxM2uPUXs2aYpmubKDSDc86AR6RWScvKVbKPGe8HZ4okyfRJIDlMDl5G_uQFqpV64_d8g9Zz5UM1XrUvQj/s640/OGD+vs+Soyinka.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Daniel, however, might have pulled down the tweet as a check by <i>The Nigeria Newsroom</i> on @JustusOGD showed his most recent tweet serially numbered as 14 without any trace of tweets 1 to 13. See the tweet embedded below:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote align="center" class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
14. I have personal respect for Prof Wole Soyinka, a true Icon of our race (this was why we celebrated him at 70 while I was at the helm).</div>
— Justus O. Daniel (@JustusOGD) <a href="https://twitter.com/JustusOGD/status/631356459670990848">August 12, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></div>
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Obasanjo Was Right Calling You a 'Wine Connoseur', Daniel Slams Soyinka

LAGOS, NIGERIA - The former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel has responded to the allegation of Nobel laureate, Wole Soyink...

Ex-President Jonathan Visits Aso Rock: Read What He Discussed With President Buhari

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDSIyeJup0bWmSxjNR5sEwY_NrmcLtx6UyzzwwYX6V3r6ayAMdEwAt1erWRw0lFX52WPCVO3Uy9Cu8HZONtMal46myjTtrJn4JmRcjRb8GxEp8UVbQpN5Nmed63XxBWEHgPk1-o0Tb7yb6/s1600/GEJ+GMB+06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDSIyeJup0bWmSxjNR5sEwY_NrmcLtx6UyzzwwYX6V3r6ayAMdEwAt1erWRw0lFX52WPCVO3Uy9Cu8HZONtMal46myjTtrJn4JmRcjRb8GxEp8UVbQpN5Nmed63XxBWEHgPk1-o0Tb7yb6/s1600/GEJ+GMB+06.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>ABUJA, NIGERIA - Former President Goodluck Jonathan has met with President Muhammadu Buhari, the first between the two since May 29, 2015 when the former handed over power to the latter.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
News of the secret meeting, which held on Thursday, filtered out on Sunday, and took place at Buhari's official residence in Aso Rock.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The meeting which was confirmed to newsmen by presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, was said to have lasted for not more than 30 minutes.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Interestingly, it held just <a href="http://nigerianewsroom.blogspot.com/2015/08/photos-obasanjo-visits-buhari-at-aso.html">a day before Buhari similarly met with former President Olusegun Obasanjo at the Aso Rock Villa</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While confirming the two meetings, Adesina declined to divulge details of the two meetings.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jonathan's meeting raises more curiosity as Buhari has lately upped his actions towards probing major financial transactions, especially in the military and petroleum sectors of the immediate past administration.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Before leaving office, Jonathan had cried out that any such probe should go beyond his administration, but Buhari has opted to restrict it to Jonathan's.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Already, two of Jonathan's top aides, chief security officer, Gordon Obuah, and National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, were ingloriously detained and queried by security agents.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Although they have been released, they are still being investigated by security agencies.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While Jonathan may be worried by these developments, it is not yet known if his visit to the Villa was at his instance or he was invited by Buhari.</div>
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Ex-President Jonathan Visits Aso Rock: Read What He Discussed With President Buhari

ABUJA, NIGERIA - Former President Goodluck Jonathan has met with President Muhammadu Buhari, the first between the two since May 29, 20...

Probe: Remove The Log in APC's Eyes Before Removing The Speck From Others' - PDP Tells Buhari

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0bJX6JZ87fdI69JID-SQ62zSMVvNrYNhe1u3wInlkImA_5IWHJHnVuc42rQC8zZNyiV-U_MEApdR6wrGkwpEAVlnSzm3js_eCXWOT1EBJ4KFIbQ4mcJKjkozK6Gs1h3Ns4lfaV4klm906/s1600/Metuh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0bJX6JZ87fdI69JID-SQ62zSMVvNrYNhe1u3wInlkImA_5IWHJHnVuc42rQC8zZNyiV-U_MEApdR6wrGkwpEAVlnSzm3js_eCXWOT1EBJ4KFIbQ4mcJKjkozK6Gs1h3Ns4lfaV4klm906/s1600/Metuh.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: ''; text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: ''; text-align: justify;">
<b>ABUJA, NIGERIA - The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said it was on the same page with Buhari in the fight against corruption, but that due process must be followed.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: ''; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: ''; text-align: justify;">
The PDP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, in Abuja on Tuesday, said the clarification became necessary so as to remove any misconception that it was against the decision of the present administration to probe some past officials of government because they were PDP members.</div>
<div style="font-family: ''; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: ''; text-align: justify;">
Metuh said: </div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="font-family: '';">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The PDP supports the decision of the Federal Government to fight corruption in our country. </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="font-family: '';">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
However, we make bold to state that it should not be disguised to victimise innocent citizens. Democracy has come to stay in Nigeria and no citizen, irrespective of political, religious or ethnic affiliation, should be denied access to due process and the rule of law in the process. </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="font-family: '';">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Furthermore, we make bold to state that he who comes to equity must come with clean hands. In that regard, therefore, we advise members of the APC blowing the horn ahead of the cart to keep quiet because many of them have been major beneficiaries of corruption and sleaze associated with themselves and their allies, especially one of them who as a disguised errand boy of a well-known APC leader is a major beneficiary of the largesse of perpetrators of corruption. </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="font-family: '';">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Apart from Mr. President, who for now, is not associated with any sleaze or corrupt activity in this democracy, most APC leaders are still those who as governors, ministers and labour leaders have been the worst corrupt set of Nigerians ever to bestride the political landscape of the country. </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="font-family: '';">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is a great miscarriage of perception therefore for the APC leaders who are perpetrators of sleaze and corrupt acts to attempt to deceive Nigerians with imaginary holiness in this anti-corruption war by the President.</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="font-family: ''; text-align: justify;">
Consequently, he called on the President, as the leader of the APC to remove the log in the eyes of his party while "we support his commitment to remove the speck from the eyes of others."</div>
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Probe: Remove The Log in APC's Eyes Before Removing The Speck From Others' - PDP Tells Buhari

ABUJA, NIGERIA - The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said it was on the same page with Buhari in the fight against corruption, but that ...

Why We Denied Patience Jonathan's Convoy Access To The Tarmac - FAAN

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1HiQx3kCm004_MlGRv1AkXoEHqMKe6jgqWP7lT6imj11pr4noV_JuJpM_bhyl_OzJ6UtdTwhCbpLjdyLKsnHeENAnYzNnB4GW95xBsIcCqiVKD56QbJhScvVIFokc2mD_Dp9ls-l_4bf/s1600/Patience+GEJ1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1HiQx3kCm004_MlGRv1AkXoEHqMKe6jgqWP7lT6imj11pr4noV_JuJpM_bhyl_OzJ6UtdTwhCbpLjdyLKsnHeENAnYzNnB4GW95xBsIcCqiVKD56QbJhScvVIFokc2mD_Dp9ls-l_4bf/s1600/Patience+GEJ1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA - The convoy carrying the wife of the former President, Dame Patience Jonathan, was stopped from taking her to the foot of the aircraft on the tarmac of the Port Harcourt International Airport, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has said.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The former First Lady was reportedly stopped from using the VIP lounge of the airport. But the FAAN said it was not so. It was learnt that Dame Jonathan had gone to Port Harcourt on a private visit.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sources at the airport also alleged that the former First Lady was denied access to the lounge by security operatives of FAAN, who reportedly said they were working based on orders from above.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But reacting to the report, FAAN, in a statement on Tuesday, described it as misleading and mischievous, stressing that the wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan was not denied access to "the VIP lounge at the Port Harcourt International Airport on July 27, 2015."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
However, the authority was quick to state that what its security officials did was to stop the former First Lady's convoy from gaining access to the tarmac where her aircraft was parked.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Yakubu Dati, said the security officials explained to Dame Jonathan's team why her convoy was stopped, adding that the officials were only abiding by international safety standards.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
FAAN said: "The former First Lady's convoy was only denied access to the foot of the aircraft during boarding formalities at the airport in line with international aviation best practices, strictly for safety reasons, as prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation. Our security officials explained this fact to details of the former First Lady.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"We wish to recall that former President Goodluck Jonathan, in his recent trips from the same airport, had had to walk to the aircraft from the protocol lounge, in recognition of this ICAO regulation."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
FAAN went on to explain that family members of former Presidents were officially entitled to use the VIP lounge, adding that Dame Jonathan would not be denied that right, <b><a href="http://www.punchng.com/news/we-only-stopped-patience-jonathan-from-being-driven-to-tarmac-faan/">The Punch</a> </b>reports.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It said: "We wish to state that no such thing happened as Dame Jonathan, like other family members of former Presidents and other designated principal officers of government, are officially entitled to the usage of airport VIP and protocol lounges under the management of FAAN."</div>
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Why We Denied Patience Jonathan's Convoy Access To The Tarmac - FAAN

PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA - The convoy carrying the wife of the former President, Dame Patience Jonathan, was stopped from taking her to t...

US Told Us Jonathan's Minister Stole $6Billion - Oshiomhole

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRN45KK-X4i0hTbKjA8fcwYxjEYb5CTOhG1vDnl5mViuazicYs9xUmbMsMiPOk9vdGEYY2xL7pejKMTXM-5B_Wya62Hpry7loR1xgvM1vd7zO08idwRMt1dtGXKb4dG10ruidK9xZiJ3z_/s1600/PMB+Kerry004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRN45KK-X4i0hTbKjA8fcwYxjEYb5CTOhG1vDnl5mViuazicYs9xUmbMsMiPOk9vdGEYY2xL7pejKMTXM-5B_Wya62Hpry7loR1xgvM1vd7zO08idwRMt1dtGXKb4dG10ruidK9xZiJ3z_/s1600/PMB+Kerry004.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>ABUJA, NIGERIA - Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, on Monday, said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government of former President Goodluck Jonathan had destroyed the country.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Oshiomhole, who was on the entourage of President Muhammadu Buhari to the United States, said Nigeria had in Buhari a President who talked with confidence unlike "a President that is blabbing and is not sure of what the issues are."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The governor spoke with State House correspondents shortly after meeting with Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He said: </div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The PDP destroyed the country. I mean from the lips of American officials; senior officials of the State Department said one minister under PDP cornered as much as $6bn. </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The man said even by Washington's standard, that is earth-shattering. </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, the PDP is a party that presided over the liquidation of our nation, destroyed all our institutions, converted the Armed Forces commanders to use them as if they were political thugs, converted the Nigerian Television Authority to a party megaphone, destroyed the Department of State Services, went after opposition as if we were rabbits to be pursued into our holes, compromised even student unions and destroyed everything that you can think of, and elevated religion to a state affair. </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Under the party, Israel became a place you visit every week; they placed pastors against mallams, placed the North against the South, the East against the West, just to retain power; elevate Obas and Obis with dollars. </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You guys (journalists) were reporting dollars that were changing hands; when the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation was spending much more money than is available to the Federation Account. </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We are a very patient people. If we were not a patient people, anybody wearing the tag of PDP ought to feel very unsafe because you are all victims - all of us here. </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mr. Johnnie Carson, who was the Assistant Secretary of State, when we visited him in company with Senator (Bukola) Saraki, then as the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum - that was at the eve of President Obama’s first visit to Africa - and we went to complain, "why is Nigeria not on the list?" </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What he said, for me, was quite instructive compared to what he said last week. Then I was present when he said: <b>"you know, we, who see ourselves not just as friends of Nigeria, each time we think there is light at the end of the tunnel and it is time to encourage Nigeria to build on it, you would wake up the following day under President Jonathan to find out that even the tunnel had been removed."</b> </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Those were the words of Mr. Carson. Now last week, this same Carson chaired the President's address at the Institute of Peace and he said: <b>"we now have a man of enormous integrity; one that has shown so much faith in the democratic process; one that refused to be frustrated even in the face of massively rigged elections. He submitted to the judicial process and even when that was compromised he never gave up. America has done its check and we are convinced that this President is the one that Nigeria needs at this time to regain its leadership of the African continent"</b>.</div>
</blockquote>
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US Told Us Jonathan's Minister Stole $6Billion - Oshiomhole

ABUJA, NIGERIA - Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, on Monday, said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government of former Presiden...

Jonathan Making Efforts To Stop Probe Of Ex-Ministers, Aides

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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqZ03_T9WkBkUEb59BSgo7LJTuvIfp4YwOnSnwDU70NL-uIzMJDUJdHxgZN9NTuHlOz2XLgMFtRw4ECkeNpD2vSiRKP4R8j5NROJ5U4lhnVFfWIY9O2MFCOCm7OYhYb6XfE6fDsH0MN9g/s1600/GEJ+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqZ03_T9WkBkUEb59BSgo7LJTuvIfp4YwOnSnwDU70NL-uIzMJDUJdHxgZN9NTuHlOz2XLgMFtRw4ECkeNpD2vSiRKP4R8j5NROJ5U4lhnVFfWIY9O2MFCOCm7OYhYb6XfE6fDsH0MN9g/s1600/GEJ+004.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>ABUJA, NIGERIA - Former President Goodluck Jonathan may have failed in his bid to shield some of his former aides and ministers from being probed.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was learnt that the Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar  Peace Committee has been unable to have audience with President Muhammadu Buhari with whom Dr. Jonathan would like the committee to put in a world.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jonathan had anticipated a peace session between him and the President at the instance of the Abdulsalami Committee, which played a major role in ensuring peace during the general elections.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Gen. Abdulsalami was said to have tried to reach out to the President about five times but state duties did not allow a meeting.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jonathan, who arrived in the country about a week ago, is said to be worried about the fate of his former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col.  Sambo Dasuki (rtd.) and detention of his ex-Chief Security Officer (CSO), Mr. Gordon Obuah.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There were reports yesterday that his former Aide-de-Camp, and later Chief Personal Security Officer, Mr. Moses Jitoboh, had been picked up by security agents, but <i><a href="http://thenationonlineng.net/jonathan-fails-to-shield-ex-ministers-from-probe/">The Nation</a> </i>could not confirm this.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Initially, the arrest of Jitoboh was linked to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) but a source in the anti-graft agency denied knowledge of such.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Many of Jonathan's ministers have relocated abroad.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
According to sources, Buhari has decided not to compromise his focus to "retrieve" ill-gotten wealth from some top officials in Jonathan's administration.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A source said: </div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jonathan had approached the Abdulsalami Committee to intervene and prevail on Buhari to stop scandalising his administration and haunting his former aides/ex-ministers. </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jonathan has been saying that Buhari's attitude so far was not yet in line with the peace agreement the two leaders entered into before the 2015 general elections. </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But the committee members, especially Abdulsalami, have not been able to have audience with the President due to the President's tight state duties or commitments. </div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The President hosted ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo to a dinner to break the Ramadan fast. But the two leaders could not talk much on the state of the nation as Obasanjo insisted on going back to Abeokuta at 9pm, <b><a href="http://thenationonlineng.net/jonathan-fails-to-shield-ex-ministers-from-probe/">The Nation</a> </b>learnt.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"So, Jonathan has really run into a brick wall in his plans to seek soft-landing for some of his aides and ex-ministers," the source said.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The pre-election agreement between Buhari and Jonathan does not cover shielding corrupt suspects from prosecution, the source added.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A source in the Presidency said: </div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We really do not know what agreement Jonathan and his group are talking about. The Abuja Accord and the Peace Agreement border on peaceful conduct of the 2015 elections, free and fairness of the process, acceptance of the outcome and the preservation of the nation's unity. </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There is nowhere it is stated that those who looted the treasury should either not be questioned or legally arrested by the relevant agencies. </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is important to clear the air on this matter. What the President promised was not to witch-hunt. And he even said ex-President Jonathan had nothing to fear.</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was learnt that some former ministers with sensitive portfolios where funds were mismanaged have relocated overseas.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Although most of these ex-ministers promised to return home any time they are invited, only two or three of them have been coming to Nigeria.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A former minister said: "I have been around. I have not gone anywhere. I am trying to earn my legitimate living.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"The former President said he was in a cage while in power. I have also realized that we were all in a cage. We have to support the present administration to succeed."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another former Minister said: "Some of us have tried to lie low because we have paid our dues. We only need to rally round the new government."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The March accord, which was fostered by the National Peace Committee on 2015 Elections, was read by Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah at Ladi Kwali Hall, Sheraton Hotel, Abuja.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The joint statement by Jonathan and Buhari, said: </div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You may recall that on 14th January, 2015, both of us, along with nine other party leaders, signed what has now come to be known as the Abuja Accord. </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The substance of that Accord was our commitment to free, fair and credible elections in our dear country. </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the accord, we agreed to, among other things, run an issue-based campaign and pledged that our electoral campaigns will not involve any religious incitement, ethnic or tribal profiling, both by ourselves and all agents acting in our names. </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now that the campaigns have come to an end, we meet today to renew our pledge for peaceful elections. </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We therefore call on all fellow citizens of our dear country, and our party supporters, to refrain from violence or any act that may in any way jeopardise our collective vision of a free, fair and credible election. </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In addition, we call on INEC and all security agencies to ensure strict adherence to their constitutional roles. </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We also pledge to respect the outcome of free, fair and credible elections. </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today (Thursday), we again renew our commitment to a united, democratic and prosperous Nigeria. We want to urge all Nigerians to stand together at this critical phase of our nation's history.</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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Jonathan Making Efforts To Stop Probe Of Ex-Ministers, Aides

ABUJA, NIGERIA - Former President Goodluck Jonathan may have failed in his bid to shield some of his former aides and ministers from be...

EFCC To Begin Probe Of Jonathan's Ministers, Aides

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBeAh3mQ9GIHLQnXdqukSJNp9auCPYBi1a7IKC_dvPXqFZOyndh0d4SMvBjLUCjwvfTvoXKU4zQGHFTXGvCLNaUp4sTLeARxrYlrKr9FwIweZszHmhQVUqqoqSe9ufFDJPc89dkRUDmiR/s1600/EFCC+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBeAh3mQ9GIHLQnXdqukSJNp9auCPYBi1a7IKC_dvPXqFZOyndh0d4SMvBjLUCjwvfTvoXKU4zQGHFTXGvCLNaUp4sTLeARxrYlrKr9FwIweZszHmhQVUqqoqSe9ufFDJPc89dkRUDmiR/s1600/EFCC+Logo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>ABUJA, NIGERIA - The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has concluded plans to commence the probe of the former President Goodluck Jonathan with investigations into the financial transactions of his ministers and aides.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><a href="http://www.punchng.com/news/efcc-set-to-probe-jonathans-ministers-aides/">The PUNCH</a></b> learnt that the Chairman of the commission, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, had already directed that all petitions against former public officers at the federal level should be forwarded to him to be acted upon.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Findings showed that former ministers, special advisers, heads of parastatals and those of other Federal Government agencies would be invited for interrogation by the EFCC in few weeks from now.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Our correspondents learnt that the anti-graft agency would focus on those whose establishments attracted huge allocations from the Federal Government when Jonathan was in power.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Such ministries and agencies, it was learnt, included defence, petroleum resources and power.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Three top sources in the anti-graft agency confided in one of our correspondents that Lamorde was "determined to expose any corrupt act during the administration of the former President."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of the sources, who confided in one of our correspondents, explained that anti-graft operatives had yet to arrest any of the former ministers, special advisers and heads of agencies who served under the former President.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The source said, “I am not aware of anybody who has been summoned or interrogated by the commission. Those to be interrogated would be determined by the gravity of the allegations against them as contained in the petitions.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"What happened last week was that a directive was issued to move all petitions against public office holders under the former President to the office of the Chairman.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"The files will be studied and assigned to units to handle the investigations. It is based on the petitions that people will be summoned.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Most likely next week, action would be taken on those petitions…"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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But the Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwajaren, denied knowledge of such a directive when one of our correspondents contacted him on the telephone on Monday.</div>
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"I am not aware of the directive you are talking about. It is not to my knowledge," the agency's spokesman said.</div>
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Reacting to the development, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Abdullahi Jalo, said the party was not afraid of a probe.</div>
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According to him, the party and former President Goodluck Jonathan have nothing to hide, saying all the party is asking for is that any probe must be within the ambit of the law.</div>
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Jalo said the PDP as a political party discharged its duty of providing leadership for Nigeria for 16 years and that it did so transparently.</div>
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He said: "I am sure Nigerians still remember that it was because of PDP's desire to deal with the scourge of corruption that our government under the leadership of President Olusegun Obasanjo established the EFCC and the ICPC. The records are there.</div>
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"All we are asking for is that there must be fairness and justice, whatever probe they want to carry out must have respect for the rule of law, good conscience and the fear of God.</div>
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"Such a probe must not be carried out based on vendetta or simply because somebody does not like the name or the face of somebody."</div>
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Jalo also advised the All Progressives Congress-led administration to pay more attention to providing leadership to Nigeria, "rather than dissipating energy in the pursuit of trivialities."</div>
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The Senior Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, had in an interview last week, said <a href="http://nigerianewsroom.blogspot.com/2015/07/interview-buhari-will-probe-jonathan.html">President Muhammadu Buhari would probe Jonathan's government</a>.</div>
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He had said that the present administration would recover billions of dollars, adding that "the world is too small a place for anybody to hide if you are running from justice."</div>
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"It doesn't mean that anybody that has ill-gotten wealth will not regurgitate it. They will. Remember when he (Buhari) went to Germany for the G7 summit, he met with President Obama and Obama told him to just give us information on where the loot is hidden and we will help you recover it and the government has been working on that. So, that shows that looters will never go free," he had said.</div>
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Operatives of the <a href="http://nigerianewsroom.blogspot.com/2015/07/alert-sss-operatives-surround-ex-nsa.html">Department of State Services had invaded the houses of Jonathan's National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.)</a> on Friday forcing the former NSA to a house arrest for 24 hours.</div>
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The security agency in <a href="http://nigerianewsroom.blogspot.com/2015/07/why-we-searched-ex-nsa-sambo-dasukis.html">a statement the following day accused Dasuki of felony, misuse of power and possession of destructive weapons</a>.</div>
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It said it recovered from Dasuki's home seven high calibre rifles (high assault weapons), several magazines, military related gear and 12 new vehicles, including five bulletproof cars.</div>
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A top officer of the DSS had confided in one of our correspondents that Dasuki would face further interrogations this week.</div>
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Also, the <a href="http://nigerianewsroom.blogspot.com/2015/07/dss-arrests-detains-cso-to-ex-president.html">ex-President's Chief Security Officer, Gordon Obua, was being detained as part of investigations into the security spending at the Presidential Villa during his time</a>.</div>
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A lawyer to Obua has raised the alarm about the detention of his client.</div>
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The lawyer, Onochie Onwuegbuna, said in a statement that Obua had been in detention since July 16 without being told what offence he committed.</div>
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EFCC To Begin Probe Of Jonathan's Ministers, Aides

ABUJA, NIGERIA - The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has concluded plans to commence the probe of the former President ...

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