22042019 - ACUTE HUNGER: Outrage as IDP children feed on onion leaves

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12—VANGUARD, MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2019 Amaechi preaches inter-party coexistence to rebuild Rivers By Egufe Yafugborhi PORT HARCOURT— MINISTER of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, like his arch political rival, Governor Nyesom Wike, h<strong>as</strong> challenged Rivers State people to rise above partisan acrimony and unite in rebuilding Rivers. Amaechi in his first key public statement after the heated Rivers elections noted the state h<strong>as</strong> endured a “tortuous political se<strong>as</strong>on which saw political parties jostle and cajole Rivers people to make choices.’’ Consequently. he said:”Our state which w<strong>as</strong> known and respected <strong>as</strong> the tre<strong>as</strong>ure b<strong>as</strong>e of the nation, is now almost always in the news for the wrong re<strong>as</strong>ons. This is not the Rivers State of our dreams. “No amount of provocation or even threats should challenge the Rivers spirit of oneness, unity, and harmony in you. We must find our way back to the path of a glorious future. :Vanguard News “I am one of you, therefore, <strong>as</strong> your father, son, and brother, I beseech you to be of good courage and join hands to build and restore the glory of our state. “One of the lessons we can take out of the E<strong>as</strong>ter experience is that despite the suffering, shame, and despair of the apostles, they were resolute in truth, bounded by love and remained a united family until the morning of the resurrection. “As Rivers people, this is a moment for sober reflection and forgiveness. I implore that we all <strong>as</strong>k God for forgiveness and mercy for all the things done or left undone and from the indigenes for the pain and anguish they have brazenly suffered which most times were unreported. “The persistence of gang violence, kidnappings, and killings in parts of the state have dealt a telling blow on the psyche of the people. People no longer feel safe or sleep with their two eyes closed." :@vanguardnews :@vanguardnews NEWS HOTLINES: 08052867023, 08052867058 Fresh oil spills in Ogoni kill 2, <strong>as</strong> Army invades community sustained bullet injuries are receiving treatment. •Oil thieves set spill site ablaze Speaking, Godswill •We didn't invade community—Army By Davies Iheamnachor PORT HARCOURT— AT le<strong>as</strong>t two persons have been killed in Kegbara-Dere Community, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, following two fresh oil spills in the area. It w<strong>as</strong> gathered that there w<strong>as</strong> a spill from an oil facility owned by the Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, in B- Dere and Kpor communities of the same LGA. It w<strong>as</strong> also gathered that Shell had tried to access the site and repair the damage before the incident occurred. However, the Chairman of Kegbara-Dere Town Council, Dornu Godswill, disclosed that one Nen- Elkpege Legbara and one other person lost their lives, while, Mr. Friday Komene and two others who expressed worries that their community is under siege by military men, who allegedly invaded the area. He said: “On April 18, 2019, I w<strong>as</strong> returning from the hospital and I saw Shell vehicles parked at Kpor trunk line. I had to find out what the problem w<strong>as</strong>. I w<strong>as</strong> informed that there w<strong>as</strong> an oil spill. “I w<strong>as</strong> worried that they did not inform the community. Immediately, I called on the president to stay with them. “I later heard that some people obstructed their IYC decries illegal mining in North, calls for resource control By Jimitota Onoyume W National ARRI—IJAW Congress IYC, h<strong>as</strong> called for the amendment of the 1999 constitution to allow states control and harness natural resources in their are<strong>as</strong>, noting that with the illegal mining activities in the north the Niger Deltans should also be allowed to drill their crude oil. National President of the body Roland Oweilaemi in a statement made available to Vanguard said given the mining of solid minerals belonging to the nation, the body would not hesitate in its drive for constitutional reform to allow states in the Niger Delta exercise control over resources in their domain. His words:”With the rather surprising news of illegal mining activities in the Northern part of the country where powerful individuals are allowed to tap the natural resources in their domains, IYC is calling on the Federal Government to commence the amendment of the constitution by allowing states to harness and control the resources in their domains. “This call is becoming imperative due to the fact that Niger Delta people want to control the resources in their lands since solid minerals in the north are now reduced to individual ownership in spite of the enabling laws in the country vesting ownership of natural resources on the federal government. “It is either the government restructures the country by allowing states to harness and control the resources in their domains or we will take every step necessary to exercise control over the resources in our fatherland. ‘’Despite the fact that illegal mining activities are causing a bloody crisis in the North, the government h<strong>as</strong> not deemed it necessary to set up a military joint t<strong>as</strong>k force to checkmate the illegal mining activities because the solid minerals in the country are seen <strong>as</strong> privately owned by ownership to the feudal lords.’’ activities. They invited us to give them access to the spill site.” Godswill noted that oil thieves had set the spill at Kpor ablaze, adding that three of the thieves died at the spot. He, however, said the military that escorted Shell to the area attacked their community when the spills were not in their community. “On the 18th of April, around 10 pm, we heard a sound and we later got information that the oil spill at Kpor w<strong>as</strong> on fire. It w<strong>as</strong> not our boys that did it. We only heard that some oil bunkerers that were cooking products around that area caused it.” When contacted the spokesman of Shell, Mr. Michael Adande, said the firm would respond to the allegations raised against it at the appropriate time. Army denies invading community Meanwhile, the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, h<strong>as</strong> denied reports that its men invaded K- Dere community, saying the boys in the area attacked the military personnel. The spokesman of the Division, Col. Aminu Iliy<strong>as</strong>u, in a statement in Port Harcourt yesterday said: “The community w<strong>as</strong> at no time invaded. The bad boys who set fire on the TNP and infracting the lines, attacked the SPDC technical crew by firing fiercely for more than three hours from the evil forest <strong>as</strong> they call it, which can only be accessed through the community from the direction the firing w<strong>as</strong> coming from.’’ LOCAL CONTENT: A-Ibom indigenous oil firm drags NCDMB, others to court By Chioma Onuegbu UYO—AN indigenous oil servicing firm in Akwa Ibom State, Pioneer Divers International Limited, h<strong>as</strong> dragged Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, to a state High Court, Eket Judicial Division, for alleged breach of the local content laws. In the suit number HEK/ 96/2019, filed by its lead counsel, Nwabueze Onukogu, the indigenous firm alleged that the NCDMB breached the provisions of Nigerian Oil and G<strong>as</strong> Industry Content Development Act, 2010. Joined in the suit <strong>as</strong> defendants are International oil firms ExxonMobil Producing Nigeria, Boron Oil and G<strong>as</strong> Ltd of the United States of America and Subtech company from South Africa. Pioneer Divers International Ltd alleged that NCDMB conspired with the International Oil firms to shortchange Nigerian oil companies from benefiting in contract award which could help indigenous firms to acquire the needed skill to take over operations in oil and g<strong>as</strong> industry sector <strong>as</strong> envisaged in the local content Act, 2010. The plaintiff claimed that Mobil producing Nigeria had awarded a contract titled “Diving, Topside and ROV’s in their operations field in Akwa Ibom to Boron Oil and G<strong>as</strong> Ltd of United States of America in partnership with Subtech in South Africa at the rate of $90 million. The firm argued that the services would have been executed by indigenous companies, but the first defendant, NCDMB, had recommended that Boron oil of United States and Subtech of South Africa, third and fourth defendants respectively to ExxonMobil producing Nigeria for the award. The plaintiff said such recommendation by NCDMB w<strong>as</strong> a violation of local content laws of Nigeria which they were supposed to protect, safeguard and implement for the benefit of local companies operating in the oil industry to protect them against foreign competitors. In the writ of summons made available to newsmen yesterday in Uyo, the Pioneer Divers International Limited is seeking for the declaration that the defendants have breached the provisions of the Nigerian Oil and G<strong>as</strong> Industry Content Development Act , 2010.
Vanguard, MONDAY, APRIL 22 , 2019 — 13 :Vanguard News :@vanguardnews :@vanguardnews NEWS HOTLINES: 08052867023, 08052867058 Air strikes in Dumburum killed only criminals — Gov Yari Z A M F A R A — GOVERNOR Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State, h<strong>as</strong> said his government will not apologize over the alleged killing of villagers in the state during bombardment of suspected bandits camps in Dumburum village in Zurmi local government area of the state. The governor, who made the statement when a 7-man investigation team on the matter visited him at his Talata-Mafara private residence, said Dumburum village had served <strong>as</strong> hideout for criminals over the l<strong>as</strong>t three years. The state’s Council of Chiefs had a fortnight ago alleged that innocent citizens were recently bombarded through air strikes in the area by personnel of the Nigeria Air Force, NAF. “As far <strong>as</strong> I am concerned and <strong>as</strong> the head of government in the state, l haven’t seen anything wrong done by the air force, l have not received any brief on such matter. Dumburum h<strong>as</strong> been a criminal hideout for over three years and the Emir of Zurmi h<strong>as</strong> once <strong>as</strong>ked me to go and wipe out the area saying all those residing there were bandits, so l am surprised that the emir will be part of those saying innocent people were killed in an encounter in the area,” he said. The governor who said some powers were working against the state, maintained that “some people will stay in Abuja and fabricate things against the operations in Zamfara to distract the operation, this we must not be allowed. “All security agencies especially the air force should continue with their usual constitutional duties and the state government will offer all the support to facilitate your concentration in trying to restore peace which h<strong>as</strong> eluded the state since 2007. You should continue with fire power to show the criminals that there is a government in place and we won’t negotiate with them again because when we did that in the p<strong>as</strong>t, the leaders pretended <strong>as</strong> if all w<strong>as</strong> well while they allowed their boys to continue to lay siege on the communities.” Handing over a letter of condolence to the governor from the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Sadique Abubakar, the team leader, AVM Idi Lubo said it w<strong>as</strong> part of the chief’s concern in c<strong>as</strong>e the allegations were true. PRESENTATION: From left—Former Governor Akwa Ibom State, Senator Godswill Akpabio, President Campaign for Democracy (CD) Comrade Raji R<strong>as</strong>heed, Comrade Ol<strong>as</strong>upo Ojo of the Centre for Rule of Law and Executive Director, Crime Victims Foundation, Comrade Gloria Egbuji, when Akpabio w<strong>as</strong> presented with the “Reach for the Stars” award by 25 Human Rights Organisations for his uncommon transformation exploits <strong>as</strong> Akwa Ibom state governor in Abuja. Election fallout : Aisha Buhari wants Adamawa people united •Seeks trust fund to fight poverty, devt challenges By Umar Yusuf YOLA—WIFE of the President, Mrs Aisha Muhammadu Buhari h<strong>as</strong> called for the establishment of a trust fund to curb rising poverty and other development challenges facing Adamawa state. This came <strong>as</strong> she pleaded with the people of the state irrespective of their political, religious, ethnic and other differences to forge ahead for a rebirth of new Adamawa Mrs Buhari spoke weekend in Yola at a town hall meeting of concerned citizens of the state held at the banquet hall in government house. She said “We are all aware of the division the l<strong>as</strong>t general election h<strong>as</strong> done to our dear state. We will not close our eyes and see the division getting wider and wider, so the earlier we put our heads together for a new Adamawa state the better for us and generations yet unborn.I would like to advocate the establishment of Adamawa Development Trust Fund through which prioritized developmental projects can be financed. “With the rampant security challenges, interethnic conflicts, poor educational enrolment of <strong>children</strong> in schools, poorly functioning health system, annual flood being experienced, and continued influx of displaced people, our hope and solution <strong>as</strong> a people lie in our ability to join hands and form a coalition towards uplifting the state from its present predicament.” Earlier, Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Dr Umar Bindir, said poverty level in the state w<strong>as</strong> high . Tiv/Jukun attacks: Gov Ishaku sues for peace, wants end to killings By Femi Bolaji J A L I N G O — GOVERNOR Darius Ishaku of Taraba State, h<strong>as</strong> pleaded with the warring parties in the Tiv and Jukun tribes of Benue and Taraba states to embrace peace and end the wanton killing of innocent lives in border communities. The governor in an E<strong>as</strong>ter message to the people of Taraba State, lamented that the state had recorded many conflicts in recent times and suffered many loses, insisting that peace and unity w<strong>as</strong> a collective responsibility. The governor in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Bala Dan Abu said “we have had too many crises and conflicts, and lost too many innocent lives and valuable properties in the p<strong>as</strong>t and these should stop. “This E<strong>as</strong>ter is an occ<strong>as</strong>ion for us in Taraba State to resolve to work much harder for peace and unity among our people. Peace is the greatest need of the state at this point in time and we must commit ourselves to the search for it.” Meanwhile, the Tiv Cultural and Social Association, Taraba state, h<strong>as</strong> credited renewed attacks in some border communities of Taraba and Benue States <strong>as</strong> the handiwork of hoodlums, who it said were bent on causing disaffection between the Tiv and Jukun tribes residents in both states. The group said the latest attacks by the hoodlums after a peace meeting w<strong>as</strong> convened by the government of Taraba and Benue States l<strong>as</strong>t Monday w<strong>as</strong> purely an act of criminality, and stated that those fanning the embers of war between the two tribes are enemies of both states. President General of the Group, Goodman Dahida who spoke at a briefing at the weekend in Jalingo, reiterated that the Tiv were not at war with the Jukun tribe, adding that the unprovoked attacks after a peace meeting were a ploy by the miscreants to frustrate the peace effort. Shut mobile network in Rugu forest to checkmate banditry — Village head By B<strong>as</strong>hir Bello He spoke during an Kvillage ATSINA—KATSINA head, Muhammed Bello h<strong>as</strong> called for the shutting down of mobile network services in Rugu forest, hideout of criminals and the affected villages of Katsina, Zamfara and Birnin Gwari in Kaduna neighbouring forest to dislodge criminals from the forest. Bello, the village head of Guzurawa, Safana local government area and one of the front line are<strong>as</strong> of Katsina State, called on the government to partner with the service providers to shut down the service networks to barricade communication between the kidnappers, bandits and their informants in order to end the ugly trend. interactive session programme tagged Katsina Forum facilitated by the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Capacity and Capability rehabilitation center held over the weekend in the state. According to him, “Many people have been killed by bandits and most of the survivors don’t sleep in their houses <strong>as</strong> a result of banditry activities in their are<strong>as</strong>. “There is a village under my watch with more than 200 households, they have sacked from the area. The village is now empty because you won’t find anybody there. People have deserted their homes because of the series of attacks. We are in the villages, we know what is happening." Buhari's refusal over Ajaokuta Bill disappointing — Ogembe By Boluwaji Obahopo L OKOJA—SENATOR representing Kogi central senatorial district, Ahmed Ogembe h<strong>as</strong> expressed disappointment over the refusal of President Muhammadu Buhari to <strong>as</strong>sent to the Ajaokuta Iron and Steel bill. The bill recommends that $1billion should be sourced from excess crude account to revitalize the Ajaokuta steel complex. Senator Ogembe who spoke while addressing journalists said the re<strong>as</strong>ons the president adduced for rejecting the bill were not sufficient considering the importance of the Ajaokuta Iron and steel complex to the industrialization, economic growth and development of the country. According to him, “Few days ago, the Minister of Transportation said the Federal Government needs about $40billion to interconnect Nigeria rail system and my position is that, we will not need anything close to that if we had invested in Ajaokuta Steel Company to produce steel needed for the rail tracks and coaches. The advantages of Ajaokuta steel complex cannot be over emph<strong>as</strong>ized <strong>as</strong> it is capable of generating 3 million job opportunities for our army of unemployed youths including over 12 thousand engineers and generate foreign exchange for the country in excess of $4billion annually thereby reducing pressure on Naira value. “Some of the re<strong>as</strong>ons the president gave in rejecting the bill which include the need for him to consult with the National Economic Council since the excess crude account belongs to the federating units w<strong>as</strong> not done but the president h<strong>as</strong>tily rejected the bill. Again, I must say that the inability of the president to convoke a National Economic Council meeting where the Ajaokuta bill will be discussed cannot be said to be a legislative error and hence there w<strong>as</strong> no need to reject the bill out rightly." Sweet sensation reopens Opebi outlet with special E<strong>as</strong>ter promo S W E E T — SENSATION will be reopening its Opebi outlet this E<strong>as</strong>ter to continue serving her esteemed customers in that axis of Lagos. The outlet which w<strong>as</strong> temporarily shut down h<strong>as</strong> been upgraded to keep to the company’s promise of delivering quality service and live up to its reputation <strong>as</strong> one of the top quick service restaurants in Nigeria. The Outlet now features a lounge, a yippee outlet <strong>as</strong> well <strong>as</strong> a funsation outlet for <strong>children</strong>. The reopening comes with a special E<strong>as</strong>ter promo that will culminate into a a lucky draw which will take place on E<strong>as</strong>ter Monday, April 22, 2019. To qualify, customers will need to purch<strong>as</strong>e real deal meal throughout the E<strong>as</strong>ter period.
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Page 3 and 4: Vanguard, MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2019
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Page 21 and 22: FINANCIAL Credit to economy rises t
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22042019 - ACUTE HUNGER: Outrage as IDP children feed on onion leaves

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