Buhari Rejects Alison-Madueke's Plea to Refund Looted $250m

Controversial former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has offered to refund the sum of $250 million dollars to the Nigerian government in return for immunity from investigation and possible prosecution, Sahara Reporters has learned.

But her overtures has reportedly been rejected by the no-nonsense President Muhammadu Buhari.

Buhari was unimpressed by Mrs. Alison-Madueke’s offer. “Mr. President considers the $250 million as ridiculous considering the amount of money Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke is suspected to have diverted into her pocket and those of others.”

A source in Aso Rock and a ranking member of the APC revealed that the former minister has been reaching out to influential government and ruling party officials, in and outside Abuja, to prevail on President Buhari to accept her offer and let bygones be bygone. According to our sources, Mrs. Alison-Madueke had enlisted the support of several figures close to Mr. Buhari, including Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State, to intercede with the incumbent president.

Mrs. Alison-Madueke was one of the closest ministers to former President Goodluck Jonathan, and is reputed to have anchored and facilitated numerous money-laundering scandals and deals that characterized the era of the just-ended Jonathan administration. The former Petroleum Minister oversaw several oil swap deals, the disposition of oil wells handed over by Shell Petroleum to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and the direct looting of funds through the NNPC. Former Central Bank Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, was forced out of office after he revealed that the NNPC had failed to remit more than $20 billion in oil revenues with the CBN.

The former Petroleum Minister is the latest of several officials who served under Mr. Jonathan’s government that are currently negotiating “soft landing deals” with the Buhari administration. The incumbent president, who was sworn in on May 29, 2015, has vowed to probe various questionable financial actions taken by his successor or officials of his government. Mr. Buhari is reportedly determined to recover billions of dollars in stolen funds.

One source said Mrs. Alison-Madueke’s latest offer to refund at least $250 million to the government came after she learned that President Buhari’s scheduled meeting with US Attorney General, Loretta Lynch, would include a discussion of ways that the US government could facilitate the investigation, arrest and prosecution of some officials of the Jonathan administration implicated in the theft of billions of dollars and a variety of frauds that resulted in the loss of significant sums of public funds in Nigeria.

Sahara Reporters exclusively reported earlier in the week that the former Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has been cooperating with the Buhari administration’s ongoing, if quiet, probe of a series of questionable financial transactions by the Jonathan administration.

The sources revealed that Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala had given the Buhari administration documents that expose a number of shady financial deals executed by the Jonathan administration.

Buhari is intent on ordering a full audit of deals and transactions done by the former Petroleum Minister and her cohorts in the various agencies that reported to her.

In addition, the  president is reportedly focused on looking further at the extensive embezzlement of security funds by appointees of the former president. Buhari has approved an investigation of how more than $3 billion in Nigeria’s defense budget was spent. Security agents who searched the homes of former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, reportedly carted away some revealing documents.

Sambo Dasuki Caught with Armored Cars & High-Grade Rifles

Nigeria’s Department of State Security has made revelations, detailing the reason they invaded several houses owned by former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd). The statement signed by Tony Opuiyo stated that Mr. Dasuki initially resisted a legitimate attempt to search his official residence, using soldiers to barricade himself inside. 

The refusal of Mr. Sambo to allow a thorough search created a tense standoff between the SSS team went to his home with a search warrant and the military guards, protecting his house against the law.

SSS also detailed how Mr. Sambo kept high-grade rifles at his official residence and how he lined his parking lot with at least 5 luxurious armored cars ostensibly purchased with stolen government funds.

Read the full text of the SSS statement below:

Gentlemen of the Press, good evening.
2. On 16th July, 2015, about 1650 hours, based on credible intelligence linking the immediate past NSA, Mohammed Sambo DASUKI (Col Rtd) with alleged plans to commit treasonable felony against the Nigerian State, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) conducted a search on the properties belonging to the former NSA, Mohammed Sambo DASUKI (Col Rtd). The properties are on Nos. 13, John Khadya Street, Nos. 46, Nelson Mandela Street, both at Asokoro, Abuja, and Nos. 3 Sabon Birni Road, Gwiwa Area, Sokoto, Sokoto State.

3. The search operations was planned to be simultaneously conducted, but DASUKI, refused the operatives entry into his main residence located at No. 13 John Khadya Street, Asokoro, despite being presented with a genuine and duly signed search warrant. Consequently, what was to last not more than two (2) hours, lasted more than ten (10) hours, up till the early hours of 17th July, 2015. Indeed if not for the sense of maturity and professionalism of the officers and men assigned this task and the very good understanding and timely intervention of the new Chief of Army Staff, Tsukur Y. BURATAI (Maj Gen), there would have been a clash between the Army operatives guarding the house and Service operatives, as SAMBO directed the soldiers on duty not to allow any movement into his house, despite the subsisting court order. SAMBO thereafter raised a false alarm to the military authorities to come to his aid as he failed to correctly tell the military that his property was about to be legitimately searched.

4. Gentlemen, please recall that SAMBO retired from the Army as a Colonel, and therefore not entitled to have military guards, if not for the fact he was NSA. Even as NSA, such guards should have been withdrawn after his removal as NSA since he would not have been entitled.

5. The search was thoroughly conducted, and several items recovered, among which were some incriminating items. These include seven (7) high caliber rifles, (high assault weapons), several magazines and military related gears.

6. The team also recovered twelve (12) new vehicles, out of which five (5) were bullet proofs. These vehicles which are all exotic vehicles were retrieved from SAMBO’s residence having failed to produce evidence of ownership. For instance, what could he be doing with five (5) bullet proof cars as a retired NSA?. These cars which from all available evidence were purchased with tax payers money, were being kept for possible sinister enterprise.

7. The Service would want to state categorically that this search operation is not a witch hunt. The Service decided to move at this time in line with current management resolve to be proactive and pre-empt individuals with penchant for impunity and lawlessness from putting back the nation to the dark days. The Service is also aware that the lethal arms and the vehicles recovered were not reflected in SAMBO’s handover notes or what could a former NSA be doing with destructive weapons and bullet proof cars which put together could disrupt the peace of any city in Nigeria for a while.

8. On the search of his three (3) properties, including the Sokoto residence, the Service is aware that in his capacity and given his antecedents, he might decide to use any of his residences for such diabolical plans, rather than his main residence.

9. Gentlemen of the press, the Service Management would want to assure members of the public that it would not trample on the freedom of individuals or groups as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution and emphasized by the current administration’s position on transparency, and probity underlined by justice and equity for all Nigerians. This is the driving force for all DSS operations.
However, the Service would not hesitate to go after any person or group of persons, no matter how highly placed once such individual (s) breach or attempt to breach the laws of the Federation. The days for impunity and indecisiveness in the face of unpatriotic acts by individuals operating against the State are over. 

The Service hereby appeal to all Nigerians to be law abiding and partner with it in ensuring a peaceful and secured nation. In the same vein, those that are bent on breaking the rules governing our peaceful co-existence due to either the huge ill gotten wealth they have acquired or imaginary hold they think they have on our nation’s survival, are being warned to rethink. The DSS will use all constitutional means as defined by its mandate to deal decisively with such unpatriotic individuals.

10. The Management want to seize this opportunity to appreciate Nigerians for the tremendous acts of goodwill that is being extended to the new dispensation. The Management also wish to assure Nigerians that the gesture and confidence being expressed will be reciprocated with more dedication and service to our dear country Nigeria.

Thank you. 

signed: Tony OPUIYO

I'm still open to marriage if it's right – Actress Ayo Adesanya

Big and beautiful actress Ayo Adesanya has rightly made an entrance into the Nollywood hall of fame as she celebrates her 20th anniversary in the industry at the age of 45. The entire month of July, has been about accolades and ovation for the talented actress. 

Ayo, who had a tumultuous marriage and messy divorce saga with her former husband, Goriola Hassan, told Potpourri that rate of deceit and marriage break ups is really an issues for her. 

She was asked if she could still marry again. Read her reply below:

"When people ask me that question, they just get me confused. Fine, God said we should come to the world, get married and multiply but you know what? I’m beginning to think marriage is not for the whole world. It’s not everybody that agrees to that because these days, people are getting so hostile. People fall in love; it’s not as if you don’t find love but does it really last?

You keep wondering that today they’ve broken up, tomorrow they’ve broken up; it’s not a good thing really. When you’re asking me if I’m going to get married again, I’m not God because you really can’t play God when it comes to what is going to happen.

Tomorrow, I might just meet somebody that would sweep me off my feet, so it’s not as if I’m closing the door totally. God is the owner of my life, so if he says okay, this is what he wants. But then, it doesn’t mean you cannot be happy if you’re not married.

I want the coming generation to be happily married, I want them to settle, I want them to believe in love, I want them to have a peaceful life and a peaceful home; I encourage it. Because I’m not married does not mean that I do not understand what love is, I know what love is, I know what romance is, I understand it so well."

First Photos: Yemi Alade, D’banj, Don Jazzy, Bonang Matheba & More at the 2015 MTV Africa Music Awards

Bonang, Yemi Alade & D’banj

The 2015 MTV Africa Music Awards has just rounded up and while we are bringing you the full list of winners, here are the first photos from the event.
From Seyi Shay to Jhene Aiko to D’banj, the best African acts put on their very best for the MTV Africa Music Awards.
Check out the first photos from the events.

Seyi Shay

Seyi Shay

Paul Okoye

Iyanya

Bonang Matheba & D’banj

Davido

Cassper Nyovest & Boity

Jhene Aiko & Noble Igwe

Don Jazzy & D’banj

Neyo

PSquare

D’banj & Bonang Matheba

D’banj & Bonang Matheba

D’banj & Bonang Matheba

Yemi Alade

D’banj, Bonang Matheba & Noble Igwe

Darey Art-Alade

Noble Igwe

Joselyn Dumas

Yemi Alade

Flavour, Phyno

Ubi Franklin & Iyanya

Stephanie Coker

D’banj

Maria Okan

Yemi Alade Wins Best Female Act at 2015 MAMA Awards

Efizzy baby, Yemi Alade is the lady of the moment as she won the award for Best Female act. Congrats!

WOW! D’banj Wins MAMA Award, Dedicates It To Don Jazzy

You just have to love D'banj. The singer and businessman, has won the maiden MAMA Evolution awards and to the surprise of many, he dedicated the prestigious prize to his former business partner and popular producer, Don Jazzy.

The MAMA Evolution Award is meant for established artistes who have made a huge impact on the music scene, taken African music to new heights around the world, pushing the boundaries of creativity.

D’banj beat fellow Nigerian representatives Asa, P'Square and 2Face to win the award.

Ex-NSA Dasuki Was Planning A Treasonable Felony – SSS

A new twist has emerged in the saga between ex-NSA to former president Goodluck Jonathan, Col Sambo Dasuki and the the Department of State Service (DSS), following claims by DSS that the siege to his houses followed alleged attempts by Dasuki to commit treasonable felony against the country.

The DSS said the siege to the residences was to prevent the planned attempt.

The service, in a statement late Saturday night, signed by Tony Opuiyo, Dasuki resisted DSS operatives from carrying out their constitutional duty even when he was presented with a search warrant.

Recall that SSS operatives Thursday stormed three of the residences of the former NSA in Abuja and Sokoto state, during which incriminating items including arms were found in his possession.

The SSS statement titled ‘Preventing attempts to commit treasonable felony: the search on the residences of Mohammed Sambo Dasuki’ reads in part, “On 16th July, 2015, about 1650 hours, based on credible intelligence linking the immediate past NSA, Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (Col Rtd) with alleged plans to commit treasonable felony against the Nigerian state, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) conducted a search on the properties belonging to the former NSA, Mohammed Sambo DASUKI (Col Rtd). The properties are on Nos. 13, John Khadya Street, Nos. 46, Nelson Mandela Street, both at Asokoro, Abuja, and Nos. 3 Sabon Birni Road, Gwiwa Area, Sokoto, Sokoto State.

“The search operations was planned to be simultaneously conducted, but DASUKI, refused the operatives entry into his main residence located at No.13 John Khadya Street, Asokoro, despite being presented with a genuine and duly signed search warrant. Consequently, what was to last not more than two (2) hours, lasted more than ten (10) hours, up till the early hours of 17th July, 2015.

"Indeed if not for the sense of maturity and professionalism of the officers and men assigned this task and the very good understanding and timely intervention of the new Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Y. Buratai (Maj. Gen.), there would have been a clash between the Army operatives guarding the house and Service operatives, as Sambo directed the soldiers on duty not to allow any movement into his house, despite the subsisting court order. Sambo thereafter raised a false alarm to the military authorities to come to his aid as he failed to correctly tell the military that his property was about to be legitimately searched...

“The days for impunity and indecisiveness in the face of unpatriotic acts by individuals operating against the state are over,” DSS warned.

The DSS, in the statement, recalled that Sambo retired from the Army as a colonel and was therefore not entitled to have military guards if not for the fact he was NSA, pointing out that even as NSA, such guards should have been withdrawn after his removal as NSA since he would not have been entitled.

Standing Order Used for Saraki Election Is Fake, say Senators

           

Senators who served in the 7th Senate, on Saturday, disowned the 2015 edition of the Senate Standing Orders as amended under some very suspicious circumstances.

The senators who are from different political parties, said they were not aware of any amendments to the 2011 Senate Standing Orders.

The ‘forged’ orders were used in the election of Bukola Saraki and Ike Ekweremadu as senate leaders.

Acting on a petition by Senator Sulaiman Hunkuyi (All Progressives Congress, Kaduna State), the police had on July 6 quizzed the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ekweremadu, and the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Salisu Maikasuwa, over an alleged forgery of the standing orders.

The petition alleged that some parts of the 2015 Senate Orders were different from the one ratified by the 6th Senate in 2010, which was used by the 7th Senate as Standing Orders 2011.

It has been observed that in the 2015 Senate orders, Rule 3 as contained on page four of the standing rule, which has to do with the election of presiding officers, is different from the 2011 Senate Order.

Rules 3(e) (I) and (ii) have been included in the 2015 document to accommodate electronic voting and secret ballot, whereas secret ballot and ballot papers were not specifically mentioned in the 2011 Standing Orders.

The Senate Order 3 (E ii) of 2011 states, “Voting shall be conducted by the Clerks-at-the Table, using the Division List of the Senate with the Tellers in attendance. The Clerk of the Senate shall submit the result of the division to the Clerk of the National Assembly.

“(iii) The Clerk shall then declare the Senator-elect who has received the greater number of votes, elected as President of the Senate.”

The same section in the 2015 Senate Order however reads, “Voting by secret ballot which shall be conducted by the Clerk-at-Table using the list of the Senators-elect of the Senate, who shall each be given a ballot paper to cast his vote with the proposers and seconder as Teller. The Clerk of the Senate shall submit the result of the voting to the Clerk of the National Assembly who shall then declare Senator-elect who has received the highest number of votes as Senate President-elect.”

The open ballot procedure was adopted by the Senate to produce the past Senate President, David Mark and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu. Senators were called, one after the other, and they openly identified with the candidate of their choice.

Apart from ‘alteration’ to the procedure for election, the order 95 of the 2011 rule on the chairmanship and membership of the Committees is also different in the 2015 version.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Rules and Business in 7th Senate, Senator Ita Enang, explained that the Standing Orders that should have been used for the inauguration of the 8th Senate is the Standing Orders that was used and closed within the 7th Senate.

Enang was in the PDP when he was in the Senate, but he later defected to the APC.

He said, “I made proposal for amendments between 2011 and 2015, I laid the report on the floor, but we did not consider the report. We did not amend the Standing Orders.

“Before we left, I had approved the reprinting of the Standing Orders and the reprinting did not include inserting anything which was not in the old one. Reprinting is, simply reproduce what we have because there are no more copies,” he added.

Also commenting on the development, Senator Babafemi Ojudu (APC), who represented Ekiti Central in the 7th Senate, said, “There were no amendments at all. I spoke with Senator Ita Enang, who was the custodian of the rules and he expressed shock.

“Any amendments done to the Senate Rules which we used in the 7th Senate is criminal and perpetrators should be charged for forgery.”

Same Sex Marriage: The World Is Challenging The Church —- Monsignor Osigweh

Catholic priest, Rev. Monsignor Sylvester Osigweh has condemned same sex marriage currently being promoted by the West, including the United States, which recently voted in favour of the anti-social behavior, arguing that the world is gradually challenging the Church.

Monsignor Osigweh of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ifo in Ogun State, who recently celebrated his 81st birthday anniversary, in his pre-birthday sermon, wondered why America that is known as ‘God’s own country’ should contradict morality with self gratifying excesses.

His word: “The world is now challenging the Church which is the central controller of morality in the world. The introduction of these things; man marrying man, woman marrying woman…I say, it is against God’s recommendation. But they are trying to control and condemn God’s recommendation.”

He encouraged those who are steadfast in the belief that God had instituted marriage to be between one man and one women should not be swayed by current wave of un-Godly doctrines, stressing “anything that has to do with a man marrying another man is immoral and criminal. It is against God’s rules.”

Rev. Osigweh who is also the Spiritual Director of ‘Jesus is Love and Power Catholic Healing Ministry’, went ahead to stress the need for Christians to remain steadfast in the Lord.

“The world is full of evil people who are promoting evil. All these things belong to the world. They are trying to recruit you into their immoral life with all manner of gimmickry into the world. Jesus, in one of his sermons said, ‘the road that leads to heaven is narrow and rough while the one to hell fire is broad and alluring. All they are looking for is earthly pleasure, merriment, freedom which they abuse,” he stated.

He sympathized with President Barrack Obama who, he said, found himself in a leadership position among very powerful and influential Congressmen.

President Buhari Wants to Imprison Goodluck Jonathan

A civil rights organisation, Vanguards of Nigeria’s Democracy, has raised the alarm over clandestine moves they claimed President Muhammadu Buhari is making to “investigate, malign and imprison” former President Goodluck Jonathan on alleged trumped-up charges.

The VND accused the President and the APC-led administration of “unsavoury and patently repugnant action,” which it said, were anti-Niger Delta and against the Ijaw ethnic nationality.

The group believed Jonathan was the target of the controversy surrounding some alleged missing funds from the nation’s treasury during the tenure of the immediate past administration.

But the special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, wondered why people would dwell on speculations when nothing concrete had been established against Jonathan.

He said, “All these are speculations and I cannot react to speculations because there is nothing concrete yet against the former President.”

The spokesperson of VND, Osaghae Ogiemudia, in a statement in Abuja on Saturday, claimed that anti-Niger Delta and anti-Ijaw posturing of the Buhari government had been demonstrated in several ways.

According to him, all Niger-Deltans, especially those from the Ijaw ethnic nationality, should support and rally round Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson, “the only Ijaw governor.”