THE NIGER DELTA AVENGER BLEW UP TWO CHEVRON OIL WELL DESPITE NIGERA MILITARY SURVELLANCE

The Niger Delta Avengers in the early hours of Wednesday broke through the heavy military presence in the Niger Delta region, blowing up two vital Chevron oil wells in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State.
Our correspondent learnt that the incident occurred around 3:44am near Egbema, an Ijaw enclave in Warri North.

The affected pipelines were identified as Chevron Bibi Oil Well RMP 23 and RMP.

It was gathered that Chevron noticed the incident at about 4am following a drop in pressure during production. The wells have since been shut down.
A military source and a staff of Chevron who did not want their names mentioned, confirmed the incident to our correspondent, adding that the attack led to heavy spillage in the creeks.
The source also said that a team of engineers had been sent to assess the damage and to stop further spread of the spillage.
NDA also confirmed attacking the oil wells in a tweet.

NDA also confirmed attacking the oil wells in a tweet.  Nigerian Army has re affirm  that talks with the militant group, Niger Delta Avengers, which has launched unrelenting attacks on oil installations and weaken crude production in the Niger Delta, could not be an option now.

CHAD'S EX- PRESIDENT BAG LIFE SENTENCE FOR WAR CRIMES AND OTHERS

An African court in Senegal  on Monday sentenced former Chadian dictator Hissene Habre to life in prison for crimes against humanity in a landmark case that rights groups say could open the door for more war crimes convictions on the continent.

The court in Senegal found Habre guilty of crimes against humanity, rape, forced slavery and kidnapping as well as ordering the killings of 40,000 people during his rule between 1982 and 1990. Habre had denied the accusations and refused to recognize the legitimacy of the court.

The former President showed little emotion as he heard the verdict, with his face obscured partly by a turban and sunglasses.

Those who suffered under Habre's rule and their families celebrated outside the courthouse in Dakar, Senegal, as women dressed in bright traditional prints danced.

The decision makes Habre the first African former head of state to be convicted on the continent, according to Human Rights Watch. It is also the first time that a court of one country has prosecuted the former ruler of another over human rights crimes, the group said.

"This verdict sends a powerful message that the days when tyrants could brutalize their people, pillage their treasury and escape abroad to a life of luxury are coming to an end," tweeted Human Rights Watch lawyer Reed Brody, who was inside the courthouse.

Habre fled to Senegal in 1990 after his ouster. A Senegalese judge first indicted him in 2000, but the case stalled several times over the years. It wasn't until 2012 that progress was made on the trial, when Macky Sall became Senegal's President and the International Court of Justice ordered either a prosecution or extradition.

Survivors described the main forms of torture, in particular the "arbatachar," which involved tying all four of a prisoner's limbs behind the back to interrupt the bloodstream and induce paralysis, Human Rights Watch reported. Another witness brought wooden sticks to court to demonstrate how his head was squeezed as torture

WE DONT GET INTIMIDATED EASILY- BERNIE SANDERS REPLIES ANIMAL RIGHT PROTESTERS AND ATTACKERS

Five animal rights protesters jumped over barricades and rushed the podium at a Bernie Sanders rally in East Oakland, California, on Monday night, prompting the Vermont senator's Secret Service detail to intervene.

One of the protesters appeared to be hit by one of the security member's baton, while another was carried out of the venue by his arms and legs.

For his part, Sanders did not seem rattled.

"We don't get intimidated easily," he said, after the protesters had been removed.

Sanders’ campaign spokesperson, Michael Briggs, said he thought security handled the episode “professionally,” although a media spokesperson for the group organizing the protest said one of its members was “assaulted.”

Zach Groff of the grassroots group Direct Action Everywhere told ABC News that they have been targeting Sanders because of his message about caring for the most vulnerable.

“His campaign has promoted itself based on this idea of progressivism and rejecting discrimination and inequality," Groff said, "but when it comes to the animals in the United States and around the world, discrimination and violence is the name of the game every single day.”

“He claims to be a progressive, but you cannot be a progressive if you oppose animal rights," he said.

In a statement, another one of the Berkely-based group's organizers, Aidan Cook, said that “Sanders claims to oppose ‘factory farming,’ but what he hides is that virtually all farms in the United States, including farms he supports, are essentially factory farms."

"What we’ve learned in the case of human oppression applies to animals too: when we see someone as an object, all sorts of horrors, notably factory farming, are not just possible but inevitable,” Cook said.

The group is seeking an endorsement of full “personhood” for all animals and has previously disrupted Sanders' events.

BERNIE SANDERS VOW TO HEAD FOR CONVENTION EVEN IF CLINTON SWEEPS CA , NJ PRIMARIES

Bernie Sanders, reaffirmed Sunday that he is not planning to accept defeat in the primary race until the Democratic Party's  convention in July, regardless of the outcome of the June 7 primaries, which include delegate-rich California and New Jersey.

Talking to reporters before an event in East Oakland, California, Sanders preemptively rejected any declarations about Hillary Clinton  as the presumptive nominee until super delegates vote in Philadelphia at the party's convention later this summer, even if she passes the threshold for delegated needed of she may likely win

"I think you know there’s been some discussion that some of the media is going to say the campaign is over, she is the nominee on Tuesday night after the votes come in from New Jersey -- that’s not accurate,” said Sanders, who has been feverishly campaigning in California, where 475 pledged delegates are at stake.

The Sanders campaign has said for months that it intends to fight until the national party meets in Philadelphia, even if Sanders does not have a take the lead in pledged delegates. However, until recently, the Vermont senator has also consistently contended he will pass her on that front. These days the senator talks about the momentum he will have going into Philadelphia. Sanders comments today were also notable as they come so late in the game, just a week before June 7, and as Clinton stands on the verge of securing the number of delegates needed for the nomination.

Considering Clinton’s resounding lead among the party’s super  delegates, the former Secretary of State currently needs only 73 more delegates to clinch the nomination. She has 2,310 pledged and super delegates committed to her, out of the 2,383 needed in total.

If Clinton wins roughly 50 percent of the pledged delegates available in contests this weekend in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, then she will only be 39 delegates shy coming into June 7.

"She has received obviously a whole lot of super delegate support, no question about that," Sanders said. "A lot more than I have. But super delegates don’t vote until they’re on the floor of the Democratic convention .That’s when they vote. Sanders added that "starting yesterday" his job was to convince super delegates of his electability against presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump ,

Sanders has been feverishly campaigning up and down California hoping for a landslide victory in the far west state where 475 pledged delegates are at stake.

DONALD DONALD TRUMP TO BE PROSECUTED FOR FRAUD, ALLEGE JUDGE OF PRE- EMPTIVE BIAS

Hundreds of internal documents from Trump University are set to be released as part of a lawsuit filed against the billionaire's defunct real estate school.

The release is believed to include 'playbooks' instructing Trump University staff how to upsell expensive courses to prospective students.

Trump has slammed the Hispanic judge sitting on the case as a 'hater' and said the 'Mexican' - who was born in the United States - had a vendetta against him because of his immigration policy

The internal documents from Trump University will be released following a request from the Washington Post .

The failed institution is being sued for $40million in New York by students who claim they were defrauded, as well as the separate class-action lawsuit in San Diego that is being overseen by Judge Gonzalo Curiel. Instead going strictly Campaigning, the Republican presumptive nominee spent 12 minutes during a campaign rally in San Diego laying into the judge, boring thousands of supporters with intricate details of the case.

'The trial is going to take place sometime in November. There should be no trial. This should have been dismissed on summary judgment easily,' Trump said. 

'Everybody says it, but I have a judge who is a hater of Donald Trump, a hater. He's a hater. His name is Gonzalo Curiel.'

'Curiel is not doing the right thing. And I figure, what the hell? Why not talk about it for two minutes?

'We're in front of a very hostile judge,' Trump continued. allege

'The judge was appointed by Barack Obama, federal judge. Frankly, he should recuse himself because he's given us ruling after ruling after ruling, negative, negative, negative.'

Trump also told the audience, that Judge Curiel is 'Mexican', despite the fact that he is an American.

'What happens is the judge, who happens to be, we believe, Mexican, which is great. I think that's fine,' Trump said. 

He said the case should have been thrown out 'but because it was me and because there's a hostility toward me by the judge - tremendous hostility - beyond belief.' 

Its seems Donald trump is being defensive as he accused the Judge of bias even before the judge final verdict.

THE PRICE OF JUDGING PEOPLE BY MERE APPEARANCE

By Olaitan Adedigba

How our inner Ego sometimes misjudges a PERSON

A lady in a faded grey dress and her husband, dressed in a home-spun suit walked in timidly without an appointment into the Harvard University President's outer office. The secretary could tell in a moment that such backwoods, country hicks had no business at Harvard and probably didn't even deserve to be in Harvard.

"We want to see the President "the man said softly.

"He'll be busy all day "the secretary snapped.

"We'll wait" the lady replied.

For hours the secretary ignored them, hoping that the couple would finally become discouraged and go away. They didn't and the secretary grew frustrated and finally decided to disturb the president..

"Maybe if you see them for a few minutes, they'll leave" she said to him. The President, stern faced and with dignity, strutted toward the couple.

The lady told him "We had a son who attended Harvard for one year. He loved Harvard. He was happy here. But about a year ago, he was accidentally killed. My husband and I would like to erect a memorial to him, somewhere on campus."

The president wasn't touched....He was shocked. "Madam "he said, gruffly, " we can't put up a statue for every person who attended Harvard and died. If we did, this place would look like a cemetery."

"Oh, no," the lady explained quickly” We don't want to erect a statue. We thought we would like to give a building to Harvard."

The president rolled his eyes. He glanced at the gingham dress and homespun suit, and then exclaimed, "A building! Do you have any earthly idea how much a building costs? We have over seven and a half million dollars in the physical buildings here at Harvard."

For a moment the lady was silent. The president was pleased. Maybe he could get rid of them now. The lady turned to her husband and said quietly, "Is that all it costs to start a university ? Why don't we just start our own?"

Her husband nodded. The president's face wilted in confusion and bewilderment. Mr. and Mrs. Leland Stanford got up and walked away, traveling to Palo Alto, California where they established the University that bears their name: Stanford University, a memorial to a son that Harvard no longer cared about.

Most of the time we judge people by their outer appearance, which can be misleading. And in this impression, we tend to treat people badly by thinking they can do nothing for us. Thus we tend to lose our potential good friends, employees or customers.

Remember
In our Life, we seldom get people with whom we want to share & grow our thought process. But because of our inner EGO we miss them forever

JUDGING BY MERE APPEARANCE

20 of 38

 

 

By Olaitan Adedigba 8/29/15 How our inner Ego sometimes misjudges a PERSON A lady in a faded grey dress and her husband, dressed in a home-spun suit walked in timidly without an appointment into the Harvard University President's outer office. The secretary could tell in a moment that such backwoods, country hicks had no business at Harvard and probably didn't even deserve to be in Harvard. "We want to see the President "the man said softly. "He'll be busy all day "the secretary snapped. "We'll wait" the lady replied. For hours the secretary ignored them, hoping that the couple would finally become discouraged and go away. They didn't and the secretary grew frustrated and finally decided to disturb the president.. "Maybe if you see them for a few minutes, they'll leave" she said to him. The President, stern faced and with dignity, strutted toward the couple. The lady told him "We had a son who attended Harvard for one year. He loved Harvard. He was happy here. But about a year ago, he was accidentally killed. My husband and I would like to erect a memorial to him, somewhere on campus." The president wasn't touched....He was shocked. "Madam "he said, gruffly, " we can't put up a statue for every person who attended Harvard and died. If we did, this place would look like a cemetery." "Oh, no," the lady explained quickly” We don't want to erect a statue. We thought we would like to give a building to Harvard." The president rolled his eyes. He glanced at the gingham dress and homespun suit, and then exclaimed, "A building! Do you have any earthly idea how much a building costs? We have over seven and a half million dollars in the physical buildings here at Harvard." For a moment the lady was silent. The president was pleased. Maybe he could get rid of them now. The lady turned to her husband and said quietly, "Is that all it costs to start a university ? Why don't we just start our own?" Her husband nodded. The president's face wilted in confusion and bewilderment. Mr. and Mrs. Leland Stanford got up and walked away, traveling to Palo Alto, California where they established the University that bears their name: Stanford University, a memorial to a son that Harvard no longer cared about. Most of the time we judge people by their outer appearance, which can be misleading. And in this impression, we tend to treat people badly by thinking they can do nothing for us. Thus we tend to lose our potential good friends, employees or customers. Remember In our Life, we seldom get people with whom we want to share & grow our thought process. But because of our inner EGO we miss them forever

ON HIROSHIMA AND NAGASAKI ATOMIC BOMB, OBAMA MADE A HEART TOUCHING LONG DUE RESTITUTIONS

Its no longer a news when Barrack Obama being the first seating American President to visit Hiroshima since after the devastating impact of the Bomb dropped in 1945
World War II was nearing its end. The Allies had already defeated Hitler’s Germany, but Japan, Germany’s ally, was determined to keep fighting.
On August 6th, a US military plane dropped and atomic bomb on Hiroshima, destroying 90% of the city and killing 80,000 people on the spot. Another bomb dropped on Nagasaki three days later, killing another 40,000. Survivors lived through a horrific aftermath of severe burns and radiation sickness
The bombings became one of the most hotly contested decisions in history. Did President Harry Truman have no choice? Did those bombings prevent further deaths? Or was it a horrific act that caused ridiculous amounts of suffering? Could it have been prevented? Is it ever OK to bomb civilians on purpose?
Seventy-one years later, America and Japan are friends now, and Obama is the first President  to show up in person in Hiroshima. America has never apologized for dropping the bombs, so everyone wondered what Obama would say when he visited the site, now a memorial to those who died in the bombings Obama attended the Hiroshima Peace Park, he, he may have not apologize openly as widely speculated by the white house but his body language and what he wrote at the ark speaks much volume of humanitarian and compassionate apologies that has nothing to do with either against or not against American value as claimed by the New York Post the President wrote,
“We have known the agony of war. Let us now find the courage, together, to spread peace, and pursue a world without nuclear weapons.”

He then laid a wreath on the memorial mourning the deaths caused by the bombs, and gave a passionate speech commemorating the dead.
The New York Post wrote
"An American president’s highest moral, constitutional and political duty is protecting his fellow citizens from foreign threats. Presidents should adhere to our values and the Constitution, and not treat America’s enemies as morally equivalent to us.
If they do, they need not apologize to anyone.
The White House says that President Obama won’t apologize as he visits Hiroshima Friday. But who believes his press flacks?
His penchant for apologizing is central to his legacy. He may not often say “I apologize” explicitly, but his meaning is always clear, especially since he often bends his knee overseas, where he knows the foreign audiences will get his meaning. It is, in fact, Obama’s subtlety that makes his effort to reduce America’s influence in the world so dangerous."

Am sure the editor and the critics of New York Post Perhaps would have see it differently if his entire family was among the victims an him being a survival, I wonder if any value being talked bout actually worth anybody life how much more such devastating impact of such bombing where several life were cut short if President Obama will compel  Prime Minister Shinzo Abe feel  to offer his own apology for Japan’s wartime atrocities, including the "Rape of Nanking" in China and massacres of ethnic Chinese in Malaysia and Singapore, well so be it for the sake of unification against the looming and possible outrage from the North Korea
 its seems that Obama apologizing would bring up the issue of Japan apologizing, which is something Mr. Abe desperately wants to avoid according to a Professor of one of Hiroshima university

Obama visit has been refers to be different opinion  some sees it as  right step in the right direction, you can call it a sympathy visit call it an insult to American value and status in the international politics but we at veritus see the visit as a long over due restitutions which American ought to have done long time ago  if for nor reason but to heal the wound of the survival and console the diseased its a long over due restitution either genuine or counterfeit God bless Barrack Obama God Bless the United State of maerica 

UNWIND AND EXPLORE THE COMFORT AND SERENITY OF LA VIDA BELLA LOUNGE/BAR AT LEKK PHASE 1 LAGOS NIGERIA

THE ACHITECTRAL EDIFICE EXCLSIVELL LA VIDA BELLA LOUNGE AND BAR IN ITS SRENITY

Have you ever been to Africa, have you ever been to Lagos in Nigeria and if you have ever been to Lagos and have never been to LA VIDA BELLA LOUNGE/BA the amazing all in all lounge situated in the serene environment of the Lekki Coliseum  on Providence Street at Lekki Phase 1. a well architecturally structured will remind you of the ancient Egyptian architectural design but in a more contemporary and modernized manner, well lighted and welcoming inviting  first impression look with ever smiling and friendly personnel that makes you really at home

IN THE HEAR OF ITS COMFORT, ONE OF THE NEMEOUS BAR AT  LA VIDA BELLA

La vida Bella Lounge with well professionals in the field of hospitality and fun obviously, an haven of Crème de la crème in the society is no wonder always very busy because of its professionalism with arrays of trained employees in well conducive and serene environment ,  it was indeed a memorable experience during my last visit to Lagos, I have never had it like I did. Reluctantly honored a friend invite to the highland where I was expecting a usual put off but surprise and excitement was the case I was hosted to superlative night out in a comfort of that of the best comfort zone on the globe that  actually change my impression of Nigeria Night life Business with the ever renewing experience at the La vida Bella Lounge

La vida Bella Lounge has a tradition of hosting quest with a red carpet atmosphere and an unmatched choice of entertainment. Are you craving to see Nigeria and Africa Celebrities?  Famous for celebrity sightings, Availability of all sort of exotic and signature drinks, world class DJs and intimate VIP areas, La vida Bella Lounge have it all. Dance the night away during all forms of labelled nights, what a more sophisticated relaxation in a sophisticated stylish and seductive of Lavida Bella Lounge facilities.folks explore other Night Club and Bar in Lagos and its environment and see why Lavida Bella Lounge is the best of all ,You must have done hundred songs from life to fantasy, La vida Bella/Bar  lounge makes start counting from number one its indeed next to none as far as Nigeria Night out is concern

CRAVING HOOKAH AND SHISHA. ENJOY THE LUXIRIOUS PARLOUR WITH ALL KIND OF FLAVOUR

The Tall building  La vida Bella Longe/Bar , located in the heart Lekki Phase 1, offers 30,000 sq. ft. of upscale ambiance. Offering several distinct rooms , several Restaurant games rooms  and several bars  each with a unique environment. La vida Bella Lounge/Bar  is always the place to be seen in town.  Whether you are looking for a night on the town, or a place to host a private party or exclusive reception the Lavida Bella Longe is of course the ultimate destination in the city of Lagos. Equipped  and ever reedy kitchen offering all sort of local and intercontinental dishes

CELEBRITIES SIGHTING AND MEANGLING. VISIT BELLA VIDA

At Lavida Vella Loumge/Bar, let the music rolls on From hip-hop and rock to Naija Hip Hop, Highlife, Fuji and Juju  everything in between, Lavida Bella Longe,Bar  live music venues keep the music flowing every night of the week.

It is no doubt  an intimate venue packed with hipsters in flannel? They ve got it. is it all about  a rock show that takes over an entire arena? Perhaps  a breath of fresh air while catching some great tunes, we have outdoor and the Olympic size  pool side of that  venue  venues as well. this is no doubt   a live music lover’s haven

BELLA VIDA LOUNGE OF ASSORTED AND EOTIC DRINKS

Get in the Game at Lavida Bella Lounge, Need Suggestion for anyone to explorer the serenity of Lagos Night Social Life and Night out ? You would have hited  it  so hard on the head when you would have suggested Lavida Bella Lounge. either formal or informal  No matter your style, La vida Bella Longe/Bar   got it
. 

Ladies enjoying the comfort and Naturality  of the Olympic Size Pool Arena

ITS NIGRIA DEMOCRACY DAY, PRESIDENT BUHARI DEMOCRACY DAY FULL SPEECH

PRESIDENT BUHARI'S DEMOCRACY SPEECH.MAY 29,2016.

MY COMPATRIOTS,

IT IS ONE YEAR TODAY SINCE OUR ADMINISTRATION CAME INTO OFFICE. IT HAS BEEN A YEAR OF TRIUMPH, CONSOLIDATION, PAINS AND ACHIEVEMENTS. BY AGE, INSTINCT AND EXPERIENCE, MY PREFERENCE IS TO LOOK FORWARD, TO PREPARE FOR THE CHALLENGES THAT LIE AHEAD AND REDEDICATE THE ADMINISTRATION TO THE TASK OF FIXING NIGERIA. BUT I BELIEVE WE CAN ALSO LEARN FROM THE OBSTACLES WE HAVE OVERCOME AND THE PROGRESS WE MADE THUS FAR, TO HELP STRENGTHEN THE PLANS THAT WE HAVE IN PLACE TO PUT NIGERIA BACK ON THE PATH OF PROGRESS.

WE AFFIRM OUR BELIEF IN DEMOCRACY AS THE FORM OF GOVERNMENT THAT BEST ASSURES THE ACTIVE PARTICIPATION AND ACTUAL BENEFIT OF THE PEOPLE. DESPITE THE MANY YEARS OF HARDSHIP AND DISAPPOINTMENT THE PEOPLE OF THIS NATION HAVE PROVED INHERENTLY GOOD, INDUSTRIOUS TOLERANT, PATIENT AND GENEROUS.   

THE PAST YEARS HAVE WITNESSED HUGE FLOWS OF OIL REVENUES. FROM 2010 AVERAGE OIL PRICES WERE $100 PER BARREL. BUT ECONOMIC AND SECURITY CONDITIONS WERE DETERIORATING. WE CAMPAIGNED AND WON THE ELECTION ON THE PLATFORM OF RESTORING SECURITY, TACKLING CORRUPTION AND RESTRUCTURING THE ECONOMY. ON OUR ARRIVAL, THE OIL PRICE HAD COLLAPSED TO AS LOW AS $30 PER BARREL AND WE FOUND NOTHING HAD BEEN KEPT FOR THE RAINY DAY. OIL PRICES HAVE BEEN DECLINING SINCE 2014 BUT DUE TO THE NEGLECT OF THE PAST, THE COUNTRY WAS NOT EQUIPPED TO HALT THE ECONOMY FROM DECLINING.

THE INFRASTRUCTURE, NOTABLY RAIL, POWER, ROADS WERE IN A DECREPIT STATE. ALL THE FOUR REFINERIES WERE IN A STATE OF DISREPAIR, THE PIPELINES AND DEPOTS NEGLECTED. 

HUGE DEBTS OWED TO CONTRACTORS AND SUPPLIERS HAD ACCUMULATED. TWENTY-SEVEN STATES COULD NOT PAY SALARIES FOR MONTHS. IN THE NORTH-EAST, BOKO HARAM HAD CAPTURED 14 LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, DRIVEN THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES OUT, HOISTED THEIR FLAGS. ELSEWHERE, INSECURITY WAS PALPABLE; CORRUPTION AND IMPUNITY WERE THE ORDER OF THE DAY. IN SHORT, WE INHERITED A STATE NEAR COLLAPSE.

ON THE ECONOMIC FRONT, ALL OIL DEPENDENT COUNTRIES, NIGERIA INCLUDED, HAVE BEEN STRUGGLING SINCE THE DROP IN PRICES. MANY OIL RICH STATES HAVE HAD TO TAKE TOUGH DECISIONS SIMILAR TO WHAT WE ARE DOING. THE WORLD, NIGERIA INCLUDED HAS BEEN DEALING WITH THE EFFECTS OF THREE SIGNIFICANT AND SIMULTANEOUS GLOBAL SHOCKS STARTING IN 2014:

A 70% DROP IN OIL PRICES.

GLOBAL GROWTH SLOWDOWN.

NORMALIZATION OF MONETARY POLICY BY THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL RESERVE. 

OUR PROBLEMS AS A GOVERNMENT ARE LIKE THAT OF A FARMER WHO IN A GOOD SEASON HARVESTS TEN BAGS OF PRODUCE. THE PROCEEDS ENABLE HIM TO GET BY FOR REST OF THE YEAR. HOWEVER, THIS YEAR HE COULD ONLY MANAGE 3 BAGS FROM HIS FARM. HE MUST NOW THINK OF OTHER WAYS TO MAKE ENDS MEET.

FROM DAY ONE, WE PURPOSELY SET OUT TO CORRECT OUR CONDITION, TO CHANGE NIGERIA. WE REINFORCED AND GALVANIZED OUR ARMED FORCES WITH NEW LEADERSHIP AND RESOURCES. WE MARSHALED OUR NEIGHBOURS IN A JOINT TASK FORCE TO TACKLE AND DEFEAT BOKO HARAM. BY THE END OF DECEMBER 2015, ALL BUT POCKETS AND REMNANTS HAD BEEN ROUTED BY OUR GALLANT ARMED FORCES. OUR IMMEDIATE FOCUS IS FOR A GRADUAL AND SAFE RETURN OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS IN SAFETY AND DIGNITY AND FOR THE RESUMPTION OF NORMALCY IN THE LIVES OF PEOPLE LIVING IN THESE AREAS.

EFCC WAS GIVEN THE FREEDOM TO PURSUE CORRUPT OFFICIALS AND THE JUDICIARY WAS ALERTED ON WHAT NIGERIANS EXPECT OF THEM IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION. ON THE ECONOMY, IN PARTICULAR FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND FUEL SHORTAGES, OUR PLAN IS TO SAVE FOREIGN EXCHANGE BY FAST TRACKING REPAIR OF THE REFINERIES AND PRODUCING MOST OF OUR FUEL REQUIREMENTS AT HOME. AND BY GROWING MORE FOOD IN NIGERIA, MAINLY RICE, WHEAT AND SUGAR WE WILL SAVE BILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND DRASTICALLY REDUCE OUR FOOD IMPORT BILL. 

WE RESOLVED TO KEEP THE NAIRA STEADY, AS IN THE PAST, DEVALUATION HAD DONE DREADFUL HARM TO THE NIGERIAN ECONOMY. FURTHERMORE, I SUPPORT THE MONETARY AUTHORITY’S DECISION TO ENSURE ALIGNMENT BETWEEN MONETARY POLICY AND FISCAL POLICY. WE SHALL KEEP A CLOSE LOOK ON HOW THE RECENT MEASURES AFFECT THE NAIRA AND THE ECONOMY. BUT WE CANNOT GET AWAY FROM THE FACT THAT A STRONG CURRENCY IS PREDICATED ON A STRONG ECONOMY. AND A STRONG ECONOMY PRE-SUPPOSES AN INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTIVE BASE AND A STEADY EXPORT MARKET. THE MEASURES WE MUST TAKE, MAY LEAD TO HARDSHIPS. THE PROBLEMS NIGERIANS HAVE FACED OVER THE LAST YEAR HAVE BEEN MANY AND VARIED. BUT THE REAL CHALLENGE FOR THIS GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN RECONSTRUCTING THE SPINE OF THE NIGERIAN STATE. THE LAST TWELVE MONTHS HAVE BEEN SPENT COLLABORATING WITH ALL ARMS OF GOVERNMENT TOREVIVE OUR INSTITUTIONS SO THAT THEY ARE MORE EFFICIENT AND FIT FOR PURPOSE: 

THAT MEANS A BUREAUCRACY BETTER ABLE TO DEVELOP AND DELIVER POLICY

THAT MEANS AN INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY, ABOVE SUSPICION AND ABLE TO DEFEND CITIZEN’S RIGHTS AND DISPENSE JUSTICE EQUITABLY.

THAT MEANS A LEGISLATURE THAT ACTUALLY LEGISLATES EFFECTIVELY AND

ABOVE ALL; THAT MEANS POLITICAL PARTIES AND POLITICIANS COMMITTED TO SERVING THE NIGERIAN PEOPLE RATHER THAN THEMSELVES.

THESE ARE THE PILLARS OF THE STATE ON WHICH DEMOCRACY CAN TAKE ROOT AND THRIVE. BUT ONLY IF THEY ARE STRONG AND INCORRUPTIBLE. ACCORDINGLY, WE ARE WORKING VERY HARD TO INTRODUCE SOME VITAL STRUCTURAL REFORMS IN THE WAY WE CONDUCT GOVERNMENT BUSINESS AND LAY A SOLID FOUNDATION ON WHICH WE CAN BUILD ENDURING CHANGE.

AN IMPORTANT FIRST STEP HAS BEEN TO GET OUR HOUSEKEEPING RIGHT. SO WE HAVE REDUCED THE EXTRAVAGANT SPENDING OF THE PAST. WE STARTED BOLDLY WITH THE TREASURY SINGLE ACCOUNT, STOPPING THE LEAKAGES IN PUBLIC EXPENDITURE.

WE THEN IDENTIFIED FORTY-THREE THOUSAND GHOST WORKERS THROUGH THE INTEGRATED PAYROLL AND PERSONAL INFORMATION SYSTEM. THAT REPRESENTS PAY PACKETS TOTALING N4.2 BILLION STOLEN EVERY MONTH.  IN ADDITION, WE WILL SAVE TWENTY-THREE BILLION PER ANNUM FROM OFFICIAL TRAVELLING AND SITTING ALLOWANCES ALONE. 

FURTHERMORE, THE EFFICIENCY UNIT WILL CUT COSTS AND ELIMINATE DUPLICATIONS IN MINISTRIES AND DEPARTMENTS. EVERY LITTLE SAVING HELPS. THE REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF MINISTRIES AND WORK ON RESTRUCTURING AND RATIONALIZATION OF THE MDAS IS WELL UNDERWAY. WHEN THIS WORK IS COMPLETE WE WILL HAVE A LEANER, MORE EFFICIENT PUBLIC SERVICE THAT IS FIT FOR THE PURPOSE OF CHANGING NIGERIA FOR THE GOOD AND FOR GOOD.

AS WELL AS MAKING SAVINGS, WE HAVE CHANGED THE WAY PUBLIC MONEY IS SPENT. IN ALL MY YEARS AS A PUBLIC SERVANT, I HAVE NEVER COME ACROSS THE PRACTICE OF PADDING BUDGETS. I AM GLAD TO TELL YOU NOW WE NOT ONLY HAVE A BUDGET, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, WE HAVE A BUDGET PROCESS THAT IS MORE TRANSPARENT, MORE INCLUSIVE AND MORE CLOSELY TIED TO OUR DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES THAN IN THE RECENT PAST. 30% OF THE EXPENDITURE IN THIS BUDGET IS DEVOTED TO CAPITAL ITEMS. FURTHERMORE, WE ARE PROJECTING NON-OIL REVENUES TO SURPASS PROCEEDS FROM OIL. SOME CRITICS HAVE DESCRIBED THE BUDGET EXERCISE AS CLUMSY. PERHAPS. BUT IT WAS AN EXAMPLE OF CONSENSUS BUILDING, WHICH IS INTEGRAL TO DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT. IN THE END WE RESOLVED OUR DIFFERENCES.

WE HAVE, THEREFORE, DELIVERED SIGNIFICANT MILESTONES ON SECURITY, CORRUPTION AND THE ECONOMY. IN RESPECT OF THE ECONOMY, I WOULD LIKE TO DIRECTLY ADDRESS YOU ON THE VERY PAINFUL BUT INEVITABLE DECISIONS WE HAD TO MAKE IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS SPECIFICALLY ON THE PUMP PRICE OF FUEL AND THE MORE FLEXIBLE EXCHANGE RATE POLICY ANNOUNCED BY THE CENTRAL BANK. IT IS EVEN MORE PAINFUL FOR ME THAT A MAJOR PRODUCER OF CRUDE OIL WITH FOUR REFINERIES THAT ONCE EXPORTED REFINED PRODUCTS IS TODAY HAVING TO IMPORT ALL OF ITS DOMESTIC NEEDS. THIS IS WHAT CORRUPTION AND MISMANAGEMENT HAS DONE TO US AND THAT IS WHY WE MUST FIGHT THESE ILLS. 

AS PART OF THE FOUNDATION OF THE NEW ECONOMY WE HAVE HAD TO REFORM HOW FUEL PRICES HAD TRADITIONALLY BEEN FIXED. THIS STEP WAS TAKEN ONLY AFTER PROTRACTED CONSIDERATION OF ITS PROS AND CONS. AFTER COMPREHENSIVE INVESTIGATION MY ADVISERS AND I CONCLUDED THAT THE MECHANISM WAS UNSUSTAINABLE. 

WE ARE ALSO ENGAGED IN MAKING RECOVERIES OF STOLEN ASSETS SOME OF WHICH ARE IN DIFFERENT JURISDICTIONS. THE PROCESSES OF RECOVERY CAN BE TEDIOUS AND TIME CONSUMING, BUT TODAY I CAN CONFIRM THAT THUS FAR: SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF ASSETS HAVE BEEN RECOVERED. A CONSIDERABLE PORTION OF THESE ARE AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF RECOVERY. FULL DETAILS OF THE STATUS AND CATEGORIES OF THE ASSETS WILL NOW BE PUBLISHED BY THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND UPDATED PERIODICALLY. WHEN FORFEITURE FORMALITIES ARE COMPLETED THESE MONIES WILL BE CREDITED TO THE TREASURY AND BE OPENLY AND TRANSPARENTLY USED IN FUNDING DEVELOPMENTAL PROJECTS AND THE PUBLIC WILL BE INFORMED.

ON THE NIGER DELTA, WE ARE COMMITTED TO IMPLEMENTING THE UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME REPORT AND ARE ADVANCING CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS. I BELIEVE THE WAY FORWARD IS TO TAKE A SUSTAINABLE APPROACH TO ADDRESS THE ISSUES THAT AFFECT THE DELTA COMMUNITIES. RE-ENGINEERING THE AMNESTY PROGRAMMES IS AN EXAMPLE OF THIS. THE RECENT SPATE OF ATTACKS BY MILITANTS DISRUPTING OIL AND POWER INSTALLATIONS WILL NOT DISTRACT US FROM ENGAGING LEADERS IN THE REGION IN ADDRESSING NIGER DELTA PROBLEMS. IF THE MILITANTS AND VANDALS ARE TESTING OUR RESOLVE, THEY ARE MUCH MISTAKEN. WE SHALL APPREHEND THE PERPETRATORS AND THEIR SPONSORS AND BRING THEM TO JUSTICE. 

THE POLICY MEASURES AND ACTIONS TAKEN SO FAR ARE NOT TO BE SEEN AS SOME EXPERIMENT IN GOVERNANCE. WE ARE FULLY AWARE THAT THOSE VESTED INTERESTS WHO HAVE HELD NIGERIA BACK FOR SO LONG WILL NOT GIVE UP WITHOUT A FIGHT. THEY WILL SOW DIVISIONS, SPONSOR VILE PRESS CRITICISMS AT HOME AND ABROAD, INCITE THE PUBLIC IN AN EFFORT TO CREATE CHAOS RATHER THAN RELINQUISH THE VICE-LIKE GRIP THEY HAVE HELD ON NIGERIA.

THE ECONOMIC MISFORTUNE WE ARE EXPERIENCING IN THE SHAPE OF VERY LOW OIL PRICES HAS PROVIDED US WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO RESTRUCTURE OUR ECONOMY AND DIVERSIFY. WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF PROMOTING AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCKS, EXPLOITING OUR SOLID MINERAL RESOURCES AND EXPANDING OUR INDUSTRIAL AND MANUFACTURING BASE. THAT WAY, WE WILL IMPORT LESS AND MAKE THE SOCIAL INVESTMENTS NECESSARY TO ALLOW US TO PRODUCE A LARGE AND SKILLED WORKFORCE.

CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA WILL OFFER MORE FISCAL INCENTIVES FOR BUSINESS THAT PROVE CAPABLE OF MANUFACTURING PRODUCTS THAT ARE INTERNATIONALLY COMPETITIVE. WE REMAIN COMMITTED TO REFORMING THE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK, FOR INVESTORS BY IMPROVING THE EASE OF DOING BUSINESS IN NIGERIA.

MEANWHILE, THE FIRST STEPS ALONG THE PATH OF SELF-SUFFICIENCY IN RICE, WHEAT AND SUGAR – BIG USERS OF OUR SCARCE FOREIGN EXCHANGE – HAVE BEEN TAKEN. THE LABOUR INTENSIVE FARMING ENTERPRISE (LIFE), WILL BOOST THE ECONOMY AND ENSURE INCLUSIVE GROWTH IN LONG NEGLECTED COMMUNITIES. SPECIAL INTERVENTION FUNDS THROUGH THE BANK OF AGRICULTURE WILL PROVIDE TARGETED SUPPORT. CONCERNS REMAIN ABOUT RISING COST OF FOODS SUCH AS MAIZE, RICE, MILLET, BEANS AND GARI. FARMERS TELL ME THAT THEY ARE WORRIED ABOUT THE COST OF FERTILIZERS, PESTICIDES AND THE ABSENCE OF EXTENSION SERVICES. THE FEDERAL AND STATE GOVERNMENTS ARE ON THE SAME PAGE IN TACKLING THESE HURDLES IN OUR EFFORTS AT INCREASED FOOD PRODUCTION AND ULTIMATELY FOOD SECURITY.

I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS MY APPRECIATION FOR THE INCREASING ROLE THAT OUR WOMEN ARE PLAYING IN REVITALIZING THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR. MODERN FARMING IS STILL HARD AND HEAVY WORK AND I SALUTE OUR NIGERIAN WOMEN IN SHARING THIS BURDEN. IN THIS RESPECT I AM VERY PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL SHORTLY BE LAUNCHING THE NATIONAL WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT FUND, WHICH I HAVE APPROVED TO PROVIDE N1.6 BILLION IN MICRO-FINANCE LOANS TO WOMEN ACROSS THE NATION TO ASSIST IN REHABILITATING THE ECONOMIES OF RURAL COMMUNITIES, PARTICULARLY THOSE IMPACTED BY THE INSURGENCY AND CONFLICT.

WITH RESPECT TO SOLID MINERALS, THE MINISTER HAS PRODUCED A ROADMAP WHERE WE WILL WORK CLOSELY WITH THE WORLD BANK AND MAJOR INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS TO ENSURE THROUGH BEST PRACTICES AND DUE DILIGENCE THAT WE CHOOSE THE RIGHT PARTNERS. ILLEGAL MINING REMAINS A PROBLEM AND WE HAVE SET UP A SPECIAL SECURITY TEAM TO PROTECT OUR ASSETS. SPECIAL MEASURES WILL BE IN PLACE TO PROTECT MINERS IN THEIR WORK ENVIRONMENT.

FOR TOO LONG, OURS HAS BEEN A SOCIETY THAT NEGLECTS THE POOR AND VICTIMIZES THE WEAK. A SOCIETY THAT PROMOTES PROFIT AND GROWTH OVER DEVELOPMENT AND FREEDOM. A SOCIETY THAT FAILS TO RECOGNIZE THAT, TO QUOTE THE DISTINGUISHED ECONOMIST AMARTYA SEN “ POVERTY IS NOT JUST LACK OF MONEY. IT IS NOT HAVING THE CAPABILITY TO REALIZE ONE’S FULL POTENTIAL AS A HUMAN BEING.”

SO, TODAY, I AM HAPPY TO FORMALLY  LAUNCH, BY FAR THE MOST AMBITIOUS SOCIAL PROTECTION PROGRAMME IN OUR HISTORY. A PROGRAMME THAT BOTH SEEKS TO START THE PROCESS OF LIFTING MANY FROM POVERTY, WHILE AT THE SAME TIME CREATING THE OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE TO FEND FOR THEMSELVES. IN THIS REGARD, FIVE HUNDRED BILLION NAIRA HAS BEEN APPROPRIATED IN THE 2016 BUDGET FOR SOCIAL INTERVENTION PROGRAMMES IN FIVE KEY AREAS. WE ARE COMMITTED TO PROVIDING JOB CREATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND TEACHERS AND ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND ARTISANS ACROSS THE NATION. 5.5 MILLION CHILDREN ARE TO BE PROVIDED WITH NUTRITIOUS MEALS THROUGH OUR SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAMME TO IMPROVE LEARNING OUTCOMES, AS WELL AS ENROLMENT AND COMPLETION RATES. THE CONDITIONAL CASH TRANSFER SCHEME WILL PROVIDE FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR UP TO 1 MILLION VULNERABLE BENEFICIARIES, AND COMPLEMENT THE ENTERPRISE PROGRAMME – WHICH WILL TARGET UP TO 1 MILLION MARKET WOMEN; FOUR HUNDRED AND SIXTY THOUSAND ARTISANS; AND TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND AGRICULTURAL WORKERS, NATIONWIDE. FINALLY, THROUGH THE EDUCATION GRANT SCHEME, WE WILL ENCOURAGE STUDENTS STUDYING SCIENCES, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHS, AND LAY A FOUNDATION FOR HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

I WOULD LIKE TO PAY A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO OUR GALLANT MEN AND WOMEN OF THE ARMED FORCES WHO ARE IN HARM’S WAY SO THAT THE REST OF US CAN LIVE AND GO ABOUT OUR BUSINESS IN SAFETY. THEIR WORK IS ALMOST DONE. THE NATION OWES THEM A DEBT OF GRATITUDE.

ABROAD, WE WANT TO ASSURE OUR NEIGHBOURS, FRIENDS AND DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS THAT NIGERIA IS FIRMLY COMMITTED TO DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES. WE ARE READY PARTNERS IN COMBATING TERRORISM, CYBER CRIMES, CONTROL OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AND PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT. FOLLOWING ON THE PARIS AGREEMENT, COP 21, WE ARE FULLY COMMITTED TO HALTING AND REVERSING DESERTIFICATION. ELSEWHERE, WE WILL INTENSIFY EFFORTS TO TACKLE EROSION, OCEAN SURGE, FLOODING AND OIL SPILLAGE WHICH I REFERRED TO EARLIER BY IMPLEMENTING THE UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME (UNEP) REPORT. 

WE ARE GRATEFUL TO THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY NOTABLY FRANCE, THE US, UK AND CHINA FOR THEIR QUICK RESPONSE IN HELPING TO TACKLE THE RECENT EBOLA OUTBREAK IN OUR SUB-REGION. WE ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE THE HUMANITY SHOWN BY THE ITALIAN AND GERMAN GOVERNMENTS IN THE TREATMENT OF BOAT PEOPLE, MANY FLEEING FROM OUR SUB-REGION BECAUSE OF LACK OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY. WE THANK ALL OUR PARTNERS ESPECIALLY SEVERAL COUNTRIES IN THE EU.

WE APPRECIATE THE VALUABLE WORK THAT THE UN AGENCIES, PARTICULARLY UNICEF, ICRC, THE WORLD FOOD PROGRAM HAVE BEEN DOING. WE MUST ALSO APPRECIATE THE WORLD BANK, THE GATES FOUNDATION, THE GLOBAL FUND AND EDUCATE A CHILD OF QATAR ARE FOR THE EXCELLENT WORK IN OUR HEALTH, EDUCATION AND OTHER SECTORS.

FELLOW CITIZENS LET ME END ON A HAPPY NOTE. TO THE DELIGHT OF ALL, TWO OF THE ABDUCTED CHIBOK GIRLS HAVE REGAINED THEIR FREEDOM. DURING THE LAST ONE YEAR, NOT A SINGLE DAY PASSED WITHOUT MY AGONIZING ABOUT THESE GIRLS. OUR EFFORTS HAVE CENTRED AROUND NEGOTIATIONS TO FREE THEM SAFELY FROM THEIR, MINDLESS, CAPTORS. WE ARE STILL PURSUING THAT COURSE. THEIR SAFETY IS OF PARAMOUNT CONCERN TO ME AND I AM SURE TO MOST NIGERIANS. I AM VERY WORRIED ABOUT THE CONDITIONS THOSE STILL CAPTURED MIGHT BE IN. TODAY I RE-AFFIRM OUR COMMITMENT TO RESCUING OUR GIRLS. WE WILL NEVER STOP UNTIL WE BRING THEM HOME SAFELY. AS I SAID BEFORE, NO GIRL SHOULD BE PUT THROUGH THE BRUTALITY OF FORCED MARRIAGE AND EVERY NIGERIAN GIRL HAS THE RIGHT TO AN EDUCATION AND A LIFE CHOICE.

I THANK YOU AND APPEAL TO YOU TO CONTINUE SUPPORTING THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS TO FIX NIGERIA.