Exploded Ingested Cocaine forces Air plane to land in Lagos

An Emirates flight EK 262 from Sao Paulo, Brazil to Dubai, United Arab Emirates has made an emergency landing in Lagos on Saturday due to the deteriorating health condition of a suspected cocaine trafficker.

Screening by anti-narcotic officials found four passengers positive for drug ingestion who are currently under interrogation.

One of the suspects in critical health condition was immediately hospitalised as doctors battle to save his life.Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Col. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah (retd.) who said that the suspect is responding to treatment called for stiffer penalty against drug trafficking.Abdallah said that the Agency needs the cooperation of all stakeholders to send a warning to drug trafficking organisations.According to Abdallah, “NDLEA is taking necessary measures to protect and promote the image of Nigeria and will resist any attempt to undermine the gains so far recorded in the fight against drug control.” Drug traffickers must be severely punished to reduce the number of persons getting involved in the criminal act. All hands must be on deck to condemn drug trafficking in its entirety”.NDLEA commander at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos, Mr. Ahmadu Garba said that the Emirates flight left Sao Paulo, Brazil to Dubai but was forced to come to Lagos due to the health condition of a passenger on board who ingested cocaine.“A passenger complained of severe abdominal pains and later suffered three recurrent seizures thus necessitating an emergency landing in Lagos.“Upon arrival, four passengers tested positive for narcotic ingestion. They are Okeh Desmond, Ezeanya Nnaemeka, Christopher Nonso and Chibusi Promise. All the suspects are under observation” Garba stated.
It will be recalled that the NDLEA has beamed its search light on flights originating from Brazil and Dubai in recent times because of its notoriety in cocaine trafficking.

Buhari's Umet Expectations

By Bolaji Tunji

*President Buhari

 In two days time, precisely May 29, the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration of President Mohammadu Buhari would be a year old in office. Being the tradition in this clime, it’s a time to take stock, to find out how the administration has fared in the last one year. Has the administration been able to meet the hopes and expectation of Nigerians who denied the Peoples Democratic Party that continued hold on power and placed their hopes on the APC and General Buhari.

That Nigerians had a lot riding on this administration was not in doubt and they had justifiable reason for that. APC had promised them what they felt they were not getting from the PDP government. A new life, a new Nigeria where fuel prices would be about N40 a litre. Where the mass of the unemployed and the aged would be paid a certain amount of money every month and school children fed at least once a day. It was an administration that fed on the hope and the desire of the people with a promise to ensure that the hopes and aspirations were met. And the Buhari administration made history, unseating a sitting government. President Buhari’s victory at the polls marked him as a dogged, consistent fighter.He had contested for the highest office in the land on three different occasions before victory eventually came. That in itself is historical. I can’t recall any serious Nigerian politician being that dogged. His tenacity endeared him to many Nigerians, his victory was thus assured especially when Nigerians had grown disenchanted with the PDP government . His victory also signaled the end of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) dominance of the political landscape. Recall that the party had boasted, in its heydays that it would rule Nigeria for 60 years. It could only rule for 16 years, losing to the progressive elements which in itself is equally historical.Incumbents, with so much at stake, hardly lose election while the conservative elements have always aligned to hold the mantle of leadership of this country. It was under this epoch that President Buhari became the president, a feat that had proved impossible until a merger of his Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) with the Action Congress of Nigeria and a faction of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) spearheaded by the Imo state governor, Rochas Okorocha. The rest is history, as it is usually said.It was on this euphoria of expectation that Nigerians welcomed the new government. The situation was further helped with what we have been told of the person of the president, a ramrod-straight military general. Straight in his dealings, without a shred of corruption in his vein. Some even said that the vote that brought APC to government was given to Buhari and not to the party per se. This was on account of the character of the presidential candidate.Days after the government was sworn in, expectations were still high. The delay in appointing ministers, though caused a little hiccup was not enough to affect the affection for the new government. Nigerians even provided a ready excuse, that the president should be forgiven as he was only looking for people of integrity to assist in carrying out his plan to make the country better.And things were working. Within the first 100 days, there was a significant improvement in electricity. I recall writing at the time and asking what suddenly changed considering the fact that the incoming government had not made any investment in the power sector. Ministries also pecked up. The nearly comatose Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) seemingly found its feet and went after everything in its radar, a radar that was nearly going opaque due to inaction. It began targeting people believed to be members of the former administration. And we asked at the time, what changed? The answer we got was, the president’s body language, which gave indications that impunity had come to an end. It was a new era in the country, so we were led to belief.It is now a year. Can we say things have been better done than President Buhari met it? Can we give the administration a pass mark for what it has done in the last one year? Is the president’s body language still having any effect today and in what way has this significantly improved the situation in Nigeria?Personally, I would not say the administration has met the expectation yet. We have been told that the roads to meeting the expectations of Nigerians and dramatically improving the country would be thorny and full of strive. We are still at a cross road whether we should accept that or still see it as propaganda?Do we continue to invest our hope in the administration or just accept that ‘The beautyful ones are not yet born’, to borrow from the title of the novel of that Ghanaian writer, Ayi Kwei Armah. What is the situation with electricity today? It has not improved in any way, rather, it has grown worse, the minister in charge, Raji Fashola who had given us confidence on his appointment that things would improve, has not met the expectation of Nigerians. What we daily get is the excuse that militants have disrupted gas pipeline which has affected power generation. Nigerians are not interested in such details, all they want is constant electricity, not rhetorics that most of the ministers are not in short supply of.The administration took its popularity down a peg when it increased the pump price of fuel from N86.50 to N145. One then ask what happened to the rhetorics of the progressives in years past when they argued then that as an oil producing country, price of fuel in the country should not be too high. That we should enjoy the advantage of being an oil producing country. What about the different oppositions to fuel subsidy removal. I recall that in spite of that, the administration equally paid subsidy at some point. So what changed? What led to the flip-flop policy? Is it a pointer to what has been said about this administration that it does not have a clear cut economic blueprint and is only swayed into decision by prevailing situation? Would that be the reason we looked towards China for economic salvation? What if China doesn’t work, where next would we be looking towards?It is important for the administration to let us have a clear cut policy and economic direction. This would help. Nigerians would then know what to expect at any point in time. There are still other areas of national life that has not been touched. Unemployment is still soaring, inflation seems to have come to stay and in spite of the efforts of the Central Bank, it is still at the two digits level. Most importantly, there is poverty in the land. It is becoming more difficult for Nigerians to meet their needs. The President should empathize with the suffering Nigerians and come up with palliatives.But I still have hope. My hope is rested on President Buhari. He is honest. He loves this country and he wants it better than it is. I don’t know about others…*Tunji is a newspaper columnist

ONE YEAR LATER : THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE AS PROMISED IN NIGERIA

Saturday, May 28, 2016

APC Lied To Get To Power And Fantastically Lying To Sustain Power

By Nwamkpa Modestus 

No doubt, this is a very tough and challenging period for many Nigerians. The past one year under this APC led government in Nigeria has been dotted with lamentations, gnashing of teeth, full of disappointments, unimaginable hardship, dashing of hopes and complete reversal of promises. Certainly, the present despicable and lamentable situation in the country was the least thing Nigerians particularly those brainwashed 15 million Voters who voted for President Buhari bargained for. Even though I can raise my head high and say that I was not among those bunch of ignoramus voters who were deceived into believing that President Muhammadu Buhari has the capacity to turn stone into bread as I never fell for those white lies that the party gushed out to Nigerians.However, much as I had expressed skepticism and have continued to be skeptical as to the party’s genuine capacity to lead the country to a safer shore but what actually baffled and keep surprising me is the level at which the party is struggling desperately to use the same lies or peddling of falsehood they used to get to power to also remain in power. Or could this be the reason why there is this maxim that one needs another lie to sustain one lie?Perhaps, unknown to them that there is this popular saying that ‘you can deceive some people some of the times but you obviously cannot deceive all the people all the times’. When in 2014/2015 the APC members and leaders were aggressively seeking to supplant former President Goodluck Jonathan and his party- the PDP accusing the former President and PDP members of being clueless, incompetent, weak and corrupt among other spurious accusations, very few discerning and informed minds knew then that APC as a party and its leaders were playing on the intelligence and psych of some vulnerable Nigerians. They promised to make light to shine across the country, water to run on dried taps, three millions of jobs to be provided yearly, 25 million unemployed Youths to receive five thousand naira stipends yearly, NYSC members to have their alowee increased, one dollar to equal to one naira, Chibok girls to be rescued within six months including the automatic stoppage of Boko Haram madness within six months.They also mesmerized us with the sweet promises that pump price of fuel would be reduced to N40 per litre, that Nigerian school Children would start enjoying one free meal every school day, that workers and pensioners would receive their pay on or before 25th of every Month and above all, that the cankerworm called Corruption would be fought to a standstill among other promises.General Muhammadu Buhari who later got ‘baptized’ by charging to President Buhari was so much repackaged to the point that the dummy was sold to Nigerians that the Daura born former Army general was the only clean and incorruptible Nigerian existing. They told us he was the ‘Messiah’ to come and the only one that has the panacea to our economic cum political travails in this country. We were told that even as a former military head of state, he had no other house anywhere in the world except the moderate bungalow in his village. They said Buhari has the magic wand to exterminate corruption in Nigeria. Funny enough, we were meant to believe that the only reason why there is huge unemployment, epileptic power supply, continued abduction none release of Chibok girls, hardship and other crimes was because Buhari was not the President. In all, they said Nigeria only needs a specie of a man in the image and likeness of Buhari and things would start working again. Surprisingly, some people believed this cart while there were few discerning minds like yours sincerely who took the entire gambit with a pinch of salt and dismissed the whole lies as balderdash.Now, the Chicken has come home to roast. The breeze has blown and Nigerians have seen the Buttocks of a foul. One year is gone and yet there is nothing to show that we are heading to the world of Eldorado. On the contrary, Nigerians are getting the direct opposite of all that were promised. Instead of employing 3 million Youths as promised, there has been millions of job lost. Instead of improving on the five thousand mega watts of electricity that the previous administration of Jonathan left it, there has been a decline in electricity generation that it now hovers around I,450 mega watts of electricity with its attendant blackout across the country even when there is a hike of about 45% of electricity tariff. Instead of buying fuel at least at N86.50 that the last administration bequeathed with the availability of the product, we are now faced with an astronomical increase of N145 per litre and scarcity of the products. Instead of enjoying a downward slope Change in the prices of food stuffs and transportation, Nigerians are faced with an upward arbitrary change in the prices of food Stuffs and transportation. Instead of finding life easier and reassuring, hardship, hunger and penury are today common realities in the country under APC led federal government.In all these, the same party is not resting on its oars as APC and its same leaders that deceived Nigerians with their lies and falsehood to get to power are still busy marshaling out more and more lies in their deceit in order to continue to divert the attention of Nigerians from the obvious failures of their party and administration. They have now found the easiest route to that deceit by consistently passing the blame on PDP whom they accused of mismanaging the economy of the country for 16 years. Curiously, every of their failure is blamed on PDP. Every of their actions and inactions, non fulfillment or reversal of promises are blamed on PDP. Every of their lack of direction is blamed on PDP. If there is scarcity of fuel, PDP is the cause. If Boko Haram strikes, blame PDP. Remove subsidy and blame PDP. Disobey court order, PDP is to be blamed. If Chibok girls are not released, PDP must be blamed. If the president spends more time abroad than in Nigeria, it is because of PDP. PDP is to be blamed for the high rising of dollar against naira and the weak nature of naira. If the budget is padded, PD is to blame. Late passage of the budget is PDP that should be blamed.The last one year has been full of lies and lies. Last time they reeled out billions of dollars and pound starlings that were said to have been recovered from some PDP ‘corrupt’ officials which APC said were starched in Dubai, London, America etc yet up till now there is no evidence to prove this. If it is actually true that such huge amounts money were recovered which on its surface value was very commendable, why did the President recently approachChina for a $2B loan? If it is true, why then did the Minister of information and Culture, the loquacious Lie Muhammad say thatNigeria is broke? How can Nigeria be broke when the President said he has blocked all the financial loop holes? How can Nigeriabe broke when all the monies that were hitherto allegedly frittered away by PDP officials are now being collected in one account called TSA where they said over 3 trillion naira has so far been realized? How can Nigeria be broke when all the international communities have agreed to do business with Nigeria because of Buhari’s incorruptible personality?You see, the problem here is that perhaps this APC people take Nigerians as Dafts who do not recognize when lies are told. Even the corruption you said you are fighting is still seen as purely selective targeted only on the opposition and political adversaries. How on Earth will they convince Nigerians that Corruption is only a property of PDP while all those whom we know that are in the same party with the president are all saints? How can you probe only the campaign funding of a rival party PDP while at the same time shying away from the campaign funding of your party simply because you were the major beneficiary and you call that fighting corruption? Again, what magic will you use to convince people that only former Governors and Ministers who are members of PDP are the only corrupt Nigerians while their counterparts in your party had no relationship with Corruption?Personally, I want corruption to be fought head long and if possible defeated but my only concern is that the current administration of APC is merely begging the issue. Again, the party inadvertently is setting up a very bad precedence in the fight against corruption in the country by making it look as if you are fighting opposition rather than fighting the real corruption. If you must fight the cankerworm of corruption, let it be holistic and it has to be fought within the ambit of the law and in line with global best practice not this falsehood induced anti corruption fight. The idea of being the prosecutor, the Judge and the Jury takes the shine out of it and makes it unserious and mere vindictiveness. You don’t pass judgment on somebody on the pages of Newspaper even before the person is taken to court in a clime where an offender is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.There is elasticity to deceit. In order words, there is a limit at which you can deceive a people. How can we live in a country where government is run on pure falsehood? Every policy of the government is shrouded in lies. You lied to us that you were going to appoint ‘Angels’ as Ministers and ended up appointing the same old known people. You told us you were going to do certain things like feeding Scholl Children, paying N500 to unemployed Youths and make one dollar to equal to one naira only to deny all those promises immediately you got to power. Government is run on the pedestal of sincerity and responsibility not on the basis of lies and continued falsehood. This is the gospel of TRUTH, thanks be to the big TRUTH.Anyway, let me pause a while here since next week is another date with you. So until then, let me once again remind you that we are still standing on the side of TRUTH. TRUTH is our life support machine. We profess it undiluted and it is only the same TRUTH that will continue to set us free. Have a pleasant working sorry striking week ahead.*Nwamkpa Modestus wrote in from Owerri, Imo State

Niger Delta Avengers Blows Up Agip Plus Others

– The Niger Delta Avengers have blown up trunk lines belonging to shell and Agip – NDA’s latest attack was carried out in the early hours of Saturday, May 28 – The group has threatened to continue their vandalism until their demands are met There is tension in the Niger Delta, the Niger Delta Avengers in their determination to get the government to meet their demands, have blown up trunk lines belonging to Agip and Shell.

 Niger Delta Avengers attacked Agip and Shell in the early ours of Saturday,May 28. NDA struck early Saturday, May 28, in Bayelsa state, blowing up trunk lines belonging to the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) and Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).

Vanguard reports that the group in a tweet revealed that its strike teams, in the early hours of today blew up trunk lines belonging to NAOC and SPDC. “At About 2.15am on Saturday the @NDAvengers blow up Nembe 1, 2 and 3 Brass to Bonny Trunk Line belonging to Agip and Shell,” the NDA stated in a tweet. The NDA has threatened to do something that will shock the whole world. In a series of tweets, the militants revealed that they blew up another oil pipeline belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on Thursday, May 26, which they claimed was heavily guarded by the Nigerian military.

The group also blasted the Niger Delta stakeholders over the meetings they held in the region, stating that they want a sovereign state and not pipeline contracts. In a related development, soldiers invaded Oporoza, the traditional headquarters of Gbaramatu kingdom, at about 1.52 am, this morning and were still laying siege to the community as at 8am. The soldiers, who came in no fewer than seven gunboats, allegedly beat up residents, including an octogenarian community leader, Chief Atiti Mala, with the butt of a gun. “They were asking the helpless villagers to produce former militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, and members of the Niger Delta Avengers,” a youth leader told the newspaper on phone.

   Ijaw leader, Chief Godspower Gbenekama, who confirmed the attack on Oporoza, said: “Information available to me is that the military invaded Oporoza again in the early hours of today. As I am speaking to you, they are still there molesting people.” “They have arrested many persons and villagers have fled into the bush. This is wrong, they are going to worsen issues with what they are doing. I posted on Facebook that they invaded Oporoza and a military man called me to tell me that they would deal with me. “We are not safe, we have said it over and over that Gbaramatu people are not synonymous with Niger Delta Avengers, they should leave my people along. If they want to kill me, let them go ahead, but I will continue to say the truth, why are they harassing my people, they should harass the militants whose activities we condemn,” he added.

List of President Buhari's Achievements In His First Year In Office...Presidency

In a statement it titled “Factsheet On President Muhammadu Buhari’s First Year In Office”, the Office of the Special Adviser to the President (Media and Publicity) has listed the President Muhammadu Buhari‘s achievements in his first year in office.
Read below:

Security•

The relocation of the Nigerian Military Command Centre to Maiduguri, since May 2015, contributed to the success in the fight against insurgency in the North Eastern part of the country.

•As at February 2016, the total number of persons rescued by the Nigerian troops during the ongoing operations in the North East came to 11,595

•Since December 2015, the well-motivated and rejuvenated Nigerian Military have regained all Nigerian territories previously under Boko Haram control.

•Prioritized regional cooperation in the fight against Boko Haram insurgency and violent extremism, through the operations of the 8,500 strong Multi-National Joint Task Force in N’Djamena, the capital of Chad, currently headed by a Nigeria military general.

•Nigeria has provided $21million USD to the Task Force since June 2015 and is committed to an additional $79 million USD, bringing the total of Nigeria’s commitment to the Task Force to 100 million USD.

•Cohesive international support in the fight against terrorism and assistance to victims and communities affected by terrorism, following President Buhari’s meeting with G7 leaders and other world powers.

•In May 2016, Nigeria hosted a Regional Security Summit to boost military operations against Boko Haram and forge a global support for the rehabilitation of the IDPs and rebuilding of the North East.

•In June 2015, the United States announced a 5-million-dollar support for the fight against the terrorists in the sub-region

.• In April 2016, during the visit to Ms Samantha Power, the U.S Ambassador to the UN to Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad, the U.S Government further announced an additional $40 million USD for humanitarian assistance in the sub-region

•Recruitment of additional 10,000 persons into the Nigeria Police Force is ongoing. The recruitment will address the manpower gap which currently exists in the Nigeria Police

•Overhaul of the dysfunctional topmost hierarchy of the Nigerian military which resulted in optimal result and degradation of the Boko Haram elements.

•Was able to bring back our hitherto military allies; which saw the United States and UK governments commit their resources to the fight against the insurgents after previously backing out of negotiations with the previous administration. The Israeli government has also indicated interest in the fight against insurgency.

•Introduction of the motor cycle battalion (This is so that the Nigerian Army can travel to remote areas that were not accessible to cars/trucks)

•Realigned our partnership with regional allies by embarking on foreign visits which resulted in bilateral and multilateral agreements to tackle insecurity back home.•No more roadblocks and curfews, which normally impeded free flow of movement.

•Continuous monitoring of activities in the region of war through the use of satellite images and geographical information system is helping in fighting insurgency and strategizing against the enemy.

•The trips to our neighbouring countries showed the resolve of the President to push Boko Haram elements out of existence by going for the jugular of the group, cutting their arms, food supply routes. Support has thus been mobilized through the Multinational Joint Task Force

.•Another major stride is the Trans National Organized Crime (TNOC) where the president got partnership with regional allies in the fight against the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons.

•As part of the reconfigured military partnership, the United States donated 24 mine-resistant armoured vehicles (MRAP) which had protected the Nigerian troops from the menace of Improvised Explosive Devices. Today we have less causalities.• Reached out to the G7 countries and achieved the following: intelligence sharing; technical military training; arms deals/donations

•Overhauling of NIMASA. A reversed policy of the past administration where national infrastructural assets were given to militia leaders to protect as against established bodies like the Nigerian Navy was stopped.

•The President Buhari government has drafted the army to partner with other security agencies in ensuring the security of our national infrastructure and this is already yielding the desired results

.•A major ring of pipeline vandals in Lagos state were captured recently in a joint operation by security forces led by the army. •The government has renewed its fight against oil bunkering

•The Nigerian Navy has recorded tremendous success lately in apprehending vessels used by oil thieves. This operation has improved security on our water ways and it has also helped improve the revenue of government.

•Deployment of sophisticated weapons to ensure vandalism is contained by setting up a pipeline security force in stamping out the menace.

•Effective Management of the Separatist Biafran Movement•Improving the technical capacity of Nigerian Police Force. We now have a forensic lab and GSM tracking device. We now have a more IT integrated Police force

.•Restructuring of Nigerian Immigration to stop cross border crimes.•NSCDC has become more proactive in the prevention of pipeline vandalization, with arrest of several pipeline vandals.

•Joint operations involving various security outfits in curbing the menace of the herdsmen in the country has been set up.

•The use of surveys and updated mappings across the country as strategies for preventing threats among ethnic groups in Nigeria.Corruption•Right from the moment he won the Presidential Election in 2015, the impression of the President as a ‘‘no nonsense and incorruptible leader’’ sent a signal to looters of public funds, with many of them returning funds that had been stolen under the previous administration.

•To create a frame work for prosecuting the war against corruption and institutionalize probity, President Buhari set up an Advisory Committee on War Against Corruption.

• The anti-corruption battle is gaining ground with several high profile cases already in the courts. The administration is being guided by the rule of law in the prosecution of corruption cases.

• President Buhari enlisted the support of multilateral institutions like the World Bank and IMF, security agencies, Western countries and other friendly nations to locate and repatriate stolen assets.

• At a London summit on anti-corruption, President Buhari announced that Nigeria will begin the full implementation of the principles of the OPEN contracting data standards

.•In the first quarter of 2016, President Buhari embarked on trips to the Middle East to sensitize the governments on the need to repatriate stolen assets and hand over the looters for trial in Nigeria. In January, Nigeria and UAE signed Judicial Agreements on Extradition, Transfer of Sentenced Persons,Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal Matters•In March 2016, the Federal Government and the Swiss Government signed a Letter of Intent On the Restitution of Illegally-Acquired Assets forfeited in Switzerland. Under the agreement, Switzerland will repatriate $ 321 million USD illicitly acquired by the Gen. Sani Abacha family.

•In March 2016, the Presidential Committee set up to probe contracts awarded by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) from 2011 to 2015 announced the recovery of over N7 billion from indicted companies and individuals.Economy

• Implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) has provided greater visibility of government revenues and cash flows. Between June 2015 and April 2016, the Federal Government TSA collection clocked N3 trillion.

•To further instill fiscal discipline, President Buhari directed the closure of all multiple accounts in Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government, thereby plugging loopholes for leakages with new technology.

• The opaque accounting structure of the NNPC has been reconstructed to be more transparent with the closure of more than 40 accounts. As a corporate entity, NNPC is now accountable and more transparent in operations, publishing its monthly financial reports.

• The President also resolved the lingering shadowy oil swap deals that had cost the country billions of dollars and left it at the mercy of a few rich Nigerians.

•To alleviate the suffering of Nigerians in September 2015, President Buhari directed the Central Bank of Nigeria to disburse N689.5 billion as bailout to 27 states of the federation to pay salaries.

•To stimulate the economy and reduce poverty, in April, 2016, President Buhari approved deferment in the payment of the bailout as states were still reeling under the burden of the fall in commodity prices.

•Records of more than 34,000 ghost workers draining the nation’s resources were expunged from the Federal Civil Service, saving N2.29 billion monthly.•In 2015, President Buhari ruled out the appointment of a government delegation for pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. By this decision, the government saved about one million U.S dollars and N30m of local expenses

•Enforcement of the Bank Verification Number: Also the BVN has ensured that the menace of “ghost workers” are being identified and dealt with, while looters with multiple accounts can no longer hide their loot undetected.

•Social Protection: Groundwork for social intervention/palliatives for the poor is being put in place as data is being collated by the economic planning office of the VP in conjunction with the World Bank.

•Reorganization/restructuring of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) into a focused, accountable and transparent institution with autonomous Units (Upstream; Downstream, Gas & Power; Refineries; Ventures and lean Group Headquarters)

•Reduction of operational deficits in NNPC by over 50% as at March 2016 as a result of IncreasedTransparency and Commercial focus

•Conduct of NNPC outstanding Annual Audits from 2011 to 2014, and the publication of Monthly Financial and Operations Reports to ensure transparency

•Introduction of third party financing in order to eliminate direct funding of cash calls by the Federal Government•Renegotiation of existing service contracts under Joint Venture and Production sharing contracts (PSC) Operations by about 30% leading to operational efficiency improvements and cost reductions

•Elimination of the Offshore Processing Agreement (OPA) through the introduction of the Direct Sales and Direct Purchase (DSDP) scheme with reputable off-shore refineries thereby yielding annual savings of US$1 billion

•Resuscitation of Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna Refineries presently producing about 7 million litres of products per/day

•Repair of products pipe lines and the resuscitation of supply of products from Atlas Cove-Mosimi- Ibadan- Ilorin after a six year lull

•Repairs of Escravos/ Warri and Bonny/Port Harcourt crude oil pipe lines•Introduction of a Price Modulation framework for downstream petroleum product pricing to encourage

responsiveness to market dynamics •Guided deregulation of the downstream sector to allow market forces determine product price and eliminate subsidy payments

•Introduction of the initiative on refinery co-location to increase domestic refining capacity and minimize the drain on scarce foreign exchange for product importation

•Commenced policy reforms for gas monetization, flare out and infrastructure development, to fast track power supply and economic diversification.Power

•Under President Buhari, the Federal Government agreed to a 50 million Euro (about N11.15 billion) loan agreement with French government for capacity-building and upgrade of power training facilities in Nigeria.

•Nigeria signed a $237 million agreement with World Bank to improve power.

•Chinese solar power manufacturers agreed with the Federal Government to set up solar panel manufacturing business in Nigeria.

•President Buhari has signed an agreement with the Chinese government to improve Nigeria’s power infrastructureEnvironment

•Presidential approval for the Implementation of United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) report 2010 for the clean-up of Ogoniland with regards to oil pollution and inclusion of stakeholders in the process of implementation.

•Continuation of the implementation of the Great Green Wall project to fight and contain desertification in Northern Nigeria initiated by past administration.Judiciary

•Since assumption of office, President Buhari has maintained a clear stance on the rule of law and respect for separation of powers.

•The President has focused on the strengthening of institutions with key appointment of professionals.

•Appointment of 30 new Federal High Court JusticesNational Image

•On assumption of office, the President undertook some foreign trips both within and outside Africa to re-establish Nigeria’s position in the global arena and solicit support for Nigeria and Africa.

• President Buhari has continually pushed the agenda for enhancing Nigeria’s global image by always demonstrating Nigeria’s credentials in the 2015 general elections, which saw the country scoring high on peaceful transition.

•President Buhari strongly supported the emergence of a Nigerian,Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, as President of the Africa Developement.

‘Jay Jay’ Okocha intimidates all with skills as Nigeria fans want legend out of retirement

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At the height of his prowess, Bolton Wanderers fans used to sing that Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha was so good they named him twice.

More than a decade after he last played for the Super Eagles, Nigeria fans want the former midfielder recalled from retirement after he dazzled at Friday’s testimonial for Joseph Yobo in Port Harcourt.

Even Cameroonian super star Samuel Eto’o was intimidated by his array of skills that he asked for the Nigeria legend to be substituted before half time.

Okocha set up two goals for Team Nigeria with some piercing passes from midfield which left everyone stunned by his vision. His feints and turns left opponents lost as he took viewers down memory lane.

Fans took to social media in appreciation of his vintage skills which looked as fresh as it was in youth despite not having played professional football for more than a decade.

If the wish of Nigeria fans comes true, Okocha might be lacing his boots once again for the Super Eagles who have failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations on two consecutive editions.

He won’t be the only legend coming out of retirement though as Brazilian legend Pele has also said he would be warming up to play at the Olympics in August.

Who knows, Nigeria U23 coach Samson Siasia might have found the magic player for his final over-23 slot for the summer.