Biafra Agitation: Nnamdi Kanu is Wasting His Time - Presidency

A Presidential aide, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, has said the demand for a referendum on a separate state of Biafra is constitutionally impossible.

According to him, Biafra seized to  exist on the January 15, 1970 and the agitators are only wasting their time.

On the issue of restructuring, he noted that it would not solve the myriad of problems confronting the nation.

The senior special assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on prosecution, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, has said the calls for referendum by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu and others, was a waste of time as it was constitutionally impossible. Speaking with The Sun, Obono-Obla described Kanu’s demands as “a nonsensical demand” He added that restructuring would not solve the myriad of problems Nigeria is facing. 

He further said there is no provision in the constitution of the country or any other law that provides for a part of the country to break away. It is a nonsensical demand. 

According to him, the renewed agitation for disintegration in the country was because some people are still angry that President Muhammadu Buhari won the 2015 presidential election and their access to making big money has been blocked. He said these are the people who want to destabilize the country. 

“When Jonathan was in power, all the major positions were taken by the South East. Then, they were not talking and they were not asking for Biafra. 

Why did they have to wait until Buhari came to power before the agitation. It is the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) who are sponsoring these people,” he added. Obono-Obla noted that restructuring is not a new thing as it was the manifesto of the All Progressives Congress (APC). 

He stated that the party was trying to put the country together first before it would begin to look at restructuring. 

The presidential aide applauded the Buhari-led government saying it has done very well considering that the country was on the brink of collapse. 

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Nnamdi Kanu Storms Anambra, Amidst Election Saga, Received By Huge Crowd

The Leader of pro-Biafra group - IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, has visited Obugad village, Umume - Umueri town in Anambra state, the ancestral land of the Igbo people to say Prayers on behalf of the Igbos.

Kanu who was recently accused by APGA, the ruling party in Anambra of heating up the polity through his "no referendum - no election" order in the south east was welcomed by a massive crowd of supporters from the state.

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CANDIDATES ARE ADVISED TO READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE COMPLETING THE APPLICATION

The Nigerian Navy wishes to inform the general public and all interested candidates that the online registration for 2017/2018 Nigerian Navy Recruitment Exercise is now OPEN from today,1st July 2017 and ends on July 31st, 2017.

CANDIDATES ARE ADVISED TO READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE COMPLETING THE APPLICATION.

APPLICATION GUIDELINES FOR NIGERIAN NAVY 2017 RECRUITMENT EXERCISE

Applicants should possess any of the following educational and/professional qualifications:

West African School Certificate/Senior Secondary School Certificate.

General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level.

WAEC City and Guilds or London City and Guilds.

Ordinary National Diploma (OND).

Any other educational qualification equivalent to those mentioned above.

All applicants must produce their primary school leaving certificate.

Applicants are to note that entry requirement into the following categories is SSCE or equivalent: B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, C1, D1, D2, D4, D5, D6, E1, E2, E3, E4, F1, G, H. Any other additional qualifications in these categories can only serve as an added advantage for selection into the branch and not for advancement. See the guide for details.

Any applicant possessing higher educational/professional qualification, i.e. HND, BA/BSc, etc other than those stated in Paragraph 1 (a-g) should not apply. Candidates are therefore warned that it is an offence to declare false educational/professional qualification. This attracts outright withdrawal or dismissal and hand over to Civil Police for prosecution.

Any certificate or qualification not declared or tendered and accepted during the recruitment exercise is not acceptable after recruitment and cannot be tendered for the purpose of change of branch or advancement while in the Naval service. Only qualifications obtained through proper service provisions are tenable after joining.

Applicants must be between the ages of 18 - 22 years at the time of entry into the Training School for school certificate holders, while 24 years of age is the acceptable limit for those with higher qualifications e.g. Nurses, NCE Holders, ICT Professionals, etc.

Applicants must not be married or have children before joining.

Applicant is required to print out Parent/Guardian Consent Form and Local Government Attestation Form.

Applicants must be of Nigerian origin by birth.

Applicants with any of the following problems are NOT to apply: short sight, ear problem, previous orthopaedic operation, flat foot, below the required height (Male 1.70, Female 1.67), fracture, stammering or any natural disability.

Applicants must be free from any previous conviction by court of law on criminal charges.

METHOD OF APPLICATION

Step 1. Simply Visit Nigerian Navy Recruitment

Exercise Portal at https://www.joinnigeriannavy.com/

Step 2. Create an account on this portal by

providing a valid Email Address (which will be used

as your User Name) and Password. Note: You will

need your Email Address (User Name) and Password

to log in next time.

Step 3. Complete the Ratings Application form.

Make sure you review your data carefully before

submitting. You may log in at anytime before

application closes to make changes after

submission.

Step 4. Download and print a copy of your completed Application form which must include the following parts:

a. Applicant’s Declaration and Certification by Parent/Guardian form.

b. Local Government Area Certification Form.

c. Police Certification Form.

d. Guarantor Form.

Note: You must come along with the printed Nigerian Navy Application form.

Applicants must come to the recruitment centres with the following documents:

Photocopies of Birth Certificate or Age Declaration.

Photocopies of Credentials.

Duly completed identification form to be signed by Chairman or Secretary of the candidate's LGA or by an officer of the rank of Commander, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) or Equivalent and above from candidate’s State of Origin.

Duly completed Parent Consent form to be signed by Applicant’s Parent or Guardian.

Four passport photographs duly signed and stamped by any of the persons mentioned in Sub-Paragraph (c) above.

Candidates are advised to bring the scratch cards of their NECO and WAEC results to the recruitment centres.

Applicants are to bring the following to the Aptitude Test Centres:

Parents/Guardian Consent Form.

Local Government Attestation Card.

Acknowledgment Form.

Photocopies of Certificates including NYSC Discharge Certificate.

The completed application form is to be submitted online.

Applicants will be required to produce original of all copies of credentials listed in Paragraph 1 before recruitment.

Any applicant suspected to have impersonated, forged or submitted false document(s) shall be disqualified from the recruitment exercise. Such applicant shall also be handed over to the Civil Police for prosecution.

The date for the Recruitment Aptitude Test is 7 October 2017.

Please note that any attempt to inundate the Naval Headquarters with letters from any quarters by any applicant will be viewed as a ploy to undermine the enlistment process and will lead to disqualification of such applicants. In addition, applicants are to note that the entire enlistment process is free and they should refrain from giving money to any individual under any guise.

SUBMISSION OF FORM

On completion of the application form, applicants are advised to click SUBMIT on the portal and generate the applicant’s Application ID. Applicants are advised to print out a copy of the Application Summary. 

For technical support call 08159999011 between 0900 and 1600 only. Available weekdays only between 0900 and 1600. Not available on weekends and public holidays.

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Breaking: Etisalat Chairman Hakeem Belo-Osagie Resigns As A Result of Recent Banks’ Takeover Moves.

Mr. Hakeem Bello Osagie

The Chairman of Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Hakeem Bello Osagie, has resigned his appointment following the approval of a restructuring plan for the telecommunications firm.

The resignation is effective immediately, according to an insider source. “Although the chairman had planned to leave immediately the banks made the take-over move, he opted to tarry until a road map for the company was finalized. 

The timing of the resignation was strategically delayed till now when stakeholders have agreed to a plan and comes more than a week after Mubadala Development Company directors tendered their resignation.”

The source also said that, “The development also reflects Mr. Bello-Osagie’s deep commitment to protecting the interest of all stakeholders. 

It is now expected that Etisalat Nigeria under its new shareholding structure will navigate through its current loan repayment challenge with minimum impact.” “Over the last several months, the chairman has worked extensively with critical stakeholders to prepare clearly articulated strategies and robust road maps that will mitigate the impact of the new shareholding restructuring and realignment on the operations and management of the 4th largest telecoms player in Nigeria.” “With this development, the new board will assume control of Etisalat.

This is coming following interventions, which have been roundly applauded, from regulatory agencies, including the Nigeria Communications commission (NCC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other stakeholders to ensure that the best decisions are taken in the interest of the subscribers, employees and the Nigerian economy.” 

The source conclude by saying that , “Further announcements on the composition of the new board are expected from the stakeholders.” 

Recall that in just less than four months, telecom company, Etisalat Nigeria survived two alleged take-over attempts by a consortium of 13 banks it borrowed money from in 2013 to fortify its network and expand its operations in Nigeria. 

On each occasion, interventions by the telecom sector regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission, (NCC), its counterpart in the banking sector, the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN), were all it took to avert the impending doom such an action could unleash on the burgeoning telecom sector. 

Etisalat and $68bn Market: However, industry practitioners are complaining that the impact of the attempts alone could threaten the strength of Nigeria’s telecom sector, considering that Etisalat Nigeria contributed immensely to the over $68bn market it has become. 

Part of the reasons that informed their fears included the pulling out of the two biggest investors, Emirates Telecommunications service of UAE and Mubadala Development Company, who together have divested their 70 percent holding in the company. 

To them, these pull-outs could lead to a loss of jobs, poor network maintenance, loss of foreign investor confidence and the corresponding domino effect on the other operators, subscribers and the sector itself, if adequate measures are not taken. 

Takeover, a bad precedence A telecom sector analyst Dr. Thompson Ona said: “what has been happening to Etisalat over the past three to four months on this loan saga should be of concern to every Nigerian. 

If the precedent of allowing the banks to take over a telecommunications company is created, Nigeria may not be able to deal with the domino effect on many fronts. 

What expertise do the banks possess to run a telecommunications company?  Where is Mobitel today after a bank took it over? “Remember, Etisalat has employed a lot of Nigerians who are bread winners in their respective homes. 

If this situation leads to loss of jobs, can you imagine the number of people that would be affected? Most importantly, how can we convince a foreign investor to come and invest in the sector which we incidentally are positioning to take over as the mainstay of the economy from oil? These are the critical factors the two regulators, particularly the NCC should consider and do everything humanly possible to forestall this anomaly about to happen.” 

EMTS, trading as Etisalat Nigeria, is a Nigerian company duly incorporated under the laws of Nigeria in partnership with Mubadala Development Company and Etisalat of the United Arab Emirates. It acquired the Unified Access Licence from the Federal Government in January 2007. The licence includes a mobile licence and spectrum in the GSM 1800 and 900 MHz bands. 

Etisalat acquired a 40 per cent stake in EMTS and became the operator of the Unified Access Licence.  

NCC vows to protect Etisalat Meanwhile, the NCC has sounded a clear warning that a takeover may have complications due to the provisions of the Nigerian Communications Act.

Director Public Affairs of NCC, Mr Tony Ojobo, in a statement, said: “The commission has drawn the attention of the banks to provisions of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003 Section 38: Sub section 1: The grant of a licence shall be personal to the licencee and the licence shall not be operated by, assigned, sub licensed or transferred to another party unless the prior written approval of the commission has been granted; Sub section 2:  A licencee shall at all times comply by the terms and conditions of the licence and the provision of this act and its subsidiary legislation. 

The NCC wishes to reassure the over 21 million Etisalat subscribers that it will do all within its regulatory power to ensure that Etisalat subscribers continue to enjoy the services provided by the operator.” 

Loan impact, minimal on banks: Just as NCC was cautioning on takeover, a research based and emerging markets investment firm in the United Kingdom, Exotix Capital, has asked the banks to manage the debt as it only has minimal impact on their operations. 

The firm in a research report entitled ‘Nigeria Banks’, said the impact of the $1.2bn syndicate loans out of which about 42 per cent ($504m) has been repaid, was modest. Head of Equities Financials Research, Rahul Shah and Equity Research Analyst, Jumai Mohammed, disclosed that “we estimate a modest impact on banks. 

At a headline level, loans to Etisalat Nigeria represent 1.9 per cent of aggregate bank loans. Likewise on our sensitivity analysis, the Etisalat loans would on average have a -12 per cent, -2 per cent and -0.3bp impact on our FY17f net profit, equity and capital adequacy ratios for the banks, respectively. 

We believe the banks should easily be able to absorb a shock of this magnitude.” Geometric growth: 

The telecom company made the first official call on its network on March 13, 2008 in the presence of officials from the Nigerian Communications Commission, (NCC), and the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

In September of same year, it kicked off commercial operations with the 0809 uchoose campaign which enabled Nigerians choose numbers special to them as their mobile numbers. The company since then has grown in geometrically accumulating over 21 million subscribers on its network, over 5000 on its employment and well over 13 percent market share. 

It has also made investments in network infrastructure, roll out expansion, mobile broadband and other Corporate Social Responsibility and development initiatives, including the Etisalat prizes for innovation and Literature. 

Its partner, the Etisalat of UAE has been the telecommunications service provider in the United Arab Emirates since 1976 and has footprints in 18 countries traversing the Middle East, Asia and Africa. In its many years of operations, it has built up state-of-the-art telecom infrastructure and taken a leadership position of innovation, and quality service delivery among regional and international operators. 

This gave Nigerians hope that despite being about the last entrant in the Nigerian telecom sector, it has all it takes to help EMTS weather the storm. 

To actually prove this, the three investors making up Etisalat Nigeria unfolded their investment plans to make the brand a strong competition to already existing operators. Network rehabilitation: 

In April 2013, the company announced it would invest over $500 million to expand its network, enabling further potential market growth of 17 per cent and went ahead to obtain a medium term loan of $1.2bn from a consortium of 13 banks, which it used to refinance an existing $650 million loan and fund a modernization of its network. 

The loan, which involved a foreign-backed guaranty bond, was for it to finance a major network rehabilitation and expansion of its operational base in Nigeria.  

However since 2016, the consortium of banks has been having a running battle with the mobile telephone operator over repayment of the loan facility. 

Meanwhile, Etisalat said that it had consistently serviced the debt until when it began to experience cash flow problems following the steep depreciation of the naira and the impact on its foreign currency denominated exposure. 

It, however, revealed that the outstanding loan sum to the consortium stands at $227m and N113bn, a total of about $574m if the naira portion is converted to US Dollars. 

This in essence means almost half of the original loan of $1.2bn has been repaid. Following breakdown in negotiations, the company’s two foreign investors, Emirates Telecommunications Service and Mubadala withdrew their interest in the concern, compounding the problems of EMTS. 

Now, it appears a takeover is most likely but Etisalat Nigeria said some options, including restructuring of the shareholding and change in ownership are being considered even as final arrangements regarding ownership and board structure are still in development stage.

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Wheelchair Distributed by National Youth Service Corps(NYSC) to Residents of Ose and Owo Local Government Area.

The residents of Ose and Owo Local Government Area who are physically challenged have benefited respectively from the distribution of the wheelchair by National Youth Service Corps(NYSC).

The event which took place earlier at the Owo local Government Secretariat witnessed a large turnout of people of the area who could not hold back their appreciation for the scheme’s gesture towards their people.

Speaking at the event,the Chairman of Owo Local Government, Hon. Durodola Omoluka who was represented by the Director of Administration of the Local Government, Barr. Dare Onipede described N.Y.S.C as one of the good things in the country that keep the hope of the people alive. 

He further stated that the distributed wheelchairs will go a long way to ease the mobility of the beneficiaries. He therefore enjoined the beneficiaries to make good use of the A-class chairs to justify the purpose for which they were provided.

The Chairman also assured security of the corps members in the area. He said the area is relatively peaceful but nevertheless “we are going to make sure corps members enjoy maximum security…you have nothing to worry about“ He added

Meanwhile,the State Coordinator of NYSC Ondo state, Mr Sunny Aroni disclosed that the scheme deemed it fit to cater for the well being of the people. He said;

“It has been imperative on NYSC to see to reach out to indigent members of the society who might find it difficult to access medical attention…this is evident in Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers(H.I.R.D) of N.Y.S.C championed by the Director General, Brig Gen S.Z Kazaure.

The programme is designed mainly by the scheme to cater for the health needs of the people in the rural areas across the country. Hence, the one we are witnessing today should be considered extension of the HIRD.”

The N.Y.S.C State coordinator further encouraged people who are facing one health related challenges or the other not to lose hope for there is always solution for those who keep their hope alive. He added that the beneficiaries should not see the gesture of the scheme in giving the wheelchair as one done out of pity, but rather to identify with them through a special show of love.

Mr Aroni however availed the avenue to solicit for improved welfare for the Corps Members in the State. The coordinator who likened his yearning for better package for Corps Members to the proverbial Olivier twist appreciated government for her effort toward the running of the scheme in the state. He added that it would be a pillar up if there could be improvement on the welfare to make them feel more at home.

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BIAFRA: NNAMDI KANU Is Too Small To Fool Us- ANAMBRA Group

The Anambra Peoples Assembly (APA) has denounced the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu and his struggle for Biafra.

Coordinator of the group, Mazi Nnamdi Okorafor in a statement described Kanu as a ‘confusionist’ acting the script of some paymaster.

The group also advised BIAFRA agitators in Anambra state to leave adding that ‘a small boy like Kanu’ cannot lead the Igbo nation.

“I will assume that there are no men in Igbo land, if we allow a small boy to drag all of us into war against Nigeria through hate speech,” Okorafo said.

”Nnamdi Kanu is making a fool of himself, very soon his paymasters will distance themselves from him. He and his illiterate followers will be dancing alone in the market square naked. Being Igbo does not mean you are an IPOB member, neither does being an IPOB leader makes you the leader of the Igbos.

“But with due respect to the right thinking and illustrious sons and daughters of Abia state. Let me ask these questions; when did an Abia man become wiser than the Anambra man to warrant a confusionist like Nnamdi Kanu to order Anambra people not to vote while his Abia governor is still on seat?

"Why would the good, wise and hard-working Anambra sons and daughters listen to a man who kept his wife and kids in London and come here to suggest what is capable of destroying the lives of young Anambra youths. 

Anambra people should not allow anybody to toy with their future and destiny.

“We agree that self-determination is the right of every person or group in Nigeria, that being said. We hereby declare that Anambra state has distanced self from Biafra struggle.

"All BIAFRA activists and agitators are warned to leave Anambra and return to their various states of origin. We are too big to be dragged along by any person or group of persons. Anambra state indigenes and lawful residents will register and participate fully in the forthcoming governorship elections of November 2017 in the state,” he added.

Similarly, Governor of Imo state, Rochas Okorocha has described Nnamdi Kanu as a young man looking for relevance.

This is coming following Kanu’s call for a total boycott of the upcoming Anambra state governorship election.

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Kanu Meets Former Aviation Minister Amechi in Nnewi

Nnamdi Kanu received a warning from the Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo on Thursday, June 29 against making further provocative comments.

Despite this however, Kanu, who leads the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) met Chief Mbazulike Amechi.

Nnamdi Kanu has continued with his visits to prominent Igbo indigenes despite a stern warning from the Ohanaeze Ndi-igbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation in Nigeria. 

This time, Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), visited Chief Mbazulike Amechi, the first aviation minister in Nigeria.

Reports say the visit on Thursday, June 29 was in continuation of consultations by the IPOB leader for actualization of BIAFRA. 

Kanu reportedly met the former minister in Ukpor, Nnewi South local government area of Anambra state and received prayers from the Elderstatesman. 

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N-Power-Releases List of Processes For Selection of 2017 Applicants

The N-Power 2017 application is expected to close on Thursday, July 13, 2017.

Only applicants whose BVN records match their applications will move to the assessment stage.

A new process for recruitment was rolled out by N-Power, the employment scheme of the federal government on Friday, June 30 via its Twitter handle. 

The tweet read: 

"To avoid some of the issues of the 2016 applications, 2017 applicants will have to go through the process listed below. #NPowerNG".

Application 
BVN Validation.
Test.
Device Selection.
Pre-selection.
Physical verification.
Selection 
And finally, Deployment.

Furthermore, the N-power Twitter handle also disclosed that only applicants who will move to the assessment stage are those whose BVN records match their applications. 

The 2017 applicants have also been advised to stay tuned to the various N-Power social media handles. 

The portal for N-power, the employment scheme of the federal government, was recently re-opened for fresh intake of applications from candidates for 2017. 

The application is expected to close on Thursday, July 13.

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Joint Security Agents Raid Kaduna Home of Former Vice President Namadi Sambo

The EFCC had allegedly raided the Kaduna home of former Vice President Namadi Sambo. 

Sambo is being investigated by the EFCC in connection with the arms deal scam.

The anti-graft agency had last year raided Sambo’s office and seized $50,000 found in his safe.

Heavily armed security operatives from various arms of the security services led by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on Wednesday stormed the Kaduna residence of former Vice President, Namadi Sambo in Kaduna State. 

Vanguard reports that the operation which lasted several hours saw the operatives cordoning off the No 1 Alimi Road residence of the former number 2 man while some of the operatives went into the residence ostensibly to carry out a search. 

Vanguard gathered that the operatives came in two vehicles, a Coaster Bus and Toyota Hilux Van while a third vehicle, a Toyota Corolla car was used to block the entrance to the street where the house is located. 

An eye witness, a residence of the area told journalists that the operatives were aggressive as they threatened to shoot any unauthorized person that got close to the residence. “They came at about 3.00pm and left at about some minutes to 5:00pm. 

As they came they warned that anybody that moves would be shot,” the resident said. 

It was further gathered that the operatives came in with equipment, ostensibly to overcome any challenge they may face. 

“When they came out, they look so rough; evidence that maybe they break into some areas (ceiling) in the house. We saw police, SARS, DSS and we are trying to confirm from them their mission and they told us that they are here to search. “They threatened to shoot us. 

They blocked the entire road leading to this place,” a resident told our correspondent. He continued, “this is their fifth time in three months that they came to this house.” 

An attempt by journalists to find out the motives of the Security agents was resisted as they threatened to shoot anybody that came close to the house. 

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WALE AND WIZKID PICTURED ON SET OF "MY LOVE" VIDEO SHOOT

American Rapper of Nigerian Descent, Wale who recently shot the video for his "Fine Girl" song featuring Nigerian Artistes, Davido and Olamide has summoned Starboy Act, Wizkid for another video shoot.

Wizkid and Wale have a song on Wale's Shine Album which dropped early this year titled "My Love" with features from Dua Lipa and Major Lazer. The visuals to the song is being shot by Nigerian and Konvict Music Director, Patrick Elis.

Wale is certainly keeping this all Nigerian.

NEWS VIA: http://www.jamienaija.com

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Nnamdi Kanu’s IPOB Drops Another Bombshell, Insists No Elections Will Hold in Igbo Land

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has dropped another bombshell over next general elections 

The group’s leader, Nnamdi Kanu had told people of Igbo land to boycott the next elections starting from this year’s gubernatorial election in Anambra state 

The IPOB emphasized that except the federal government meets its demand, the election would not hold in the region 

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has again reiterated its call for referendum, stressing that until the Nigerian government meets its demands, there will be no election in the South East starting from the upcoming Anambra state governorship election. 

247LIVEUPDATE gathered that IPOB said should its call for referendum is not met, it will use the November 2017 governorship election in Anambra state to set example for what is to come in the future. 

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