Nigerian Army: Deployment of troops not based on sentiments

The Nigerian Army says deployment of troops to various theatres of operation is not based on religion or ethnic lines rather strict adherence to rules of engagement, code of conduct and respect for the fundamental human rights of the citizenry.

This is coming as popular Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi is alleging that Christian soldiers are the ones killing bandits.

The Army in a statement signed by the Director, Army Public Relations, Mohammed Yerima issued on Monday, said that the attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a viral video-clip showing the renowned Islamic scholar, Gumi, stating that non-Muslim soldiers were responsible for the attacks against bandits.

The Nigerian Army has therefore advised Gumi against dragging the reputation of the Nigerian Army to disrespect with his provocative comments.

Zamfara State Govt Secures Release of 10 Abducted Victims

Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle, has again secured the release of ten kidnapped victims without ransom.

The victims who had been in captivity for over three months and two weeks said they were abducted in the Gwaram community of Talata Mafara Local Government Area of the state.

Among them are three men, including the father of one of the abducted Jangebe School Girls, four women and three children.

The commissioner for Security and Home Affairs in the state, Abubakar Dauran, said they were rescued without ransom through the peace initiative of his administration.

He explained that the state government will continue with the peace dialogue, which has continued to pave way for lasting peace in the state.

EFCC Arraigns Ex –Power Minister for N148m PHCN Compensation Benefit Bribe

The Economic and financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, arraigned a former minister of state for power, Muhammed Wakil, on a two counts charge of corruption and abuse of office before Justice S.B. Belgore of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Apo, Abuja.

The prosecution alleged that the defendant, in 2014, corruptly received the sum of One Hundred and forty-Eight Million Naira Only from the funds approved for the payment of outstanding insurance premiums and claims of deceased and incapacitated staff members of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) and was said to have received the money from Bestworth Insurance Brokers Limited through the Polaris Bank account of his firm, Corozzeria Nigeria Limited which he pleaded not guilty to.

Counsel for the prosecution, Benjamin Manji asked the court to set a date for commencement of trial and remand the defendant at a Correctional Centre, pending trial.

After listening to applications made by both counsels, Justice Belgore adjourned the matter till March 31 for determination of bail application and remanded the defendant in the custody of the EFCC.

Gbajabiamila: Nigeria must correct irregularities in gas sector

The Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila said Nigeria’s gas sector has the potential to create millions of jobs, bring about industrialisation as well as generate more revenue for the government if properly harnessed.

The speaker stated this on Monday while declaring open a public hearing on the ‘Inclusion of Gas Terms in Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) organised by the Joint House Committee on Gas Resources, both Upstream and Downstream.

Gbajabiamila decried the high level of irregularities in the nation’s gas sector which has left the commodity largely underutilized and called on Nigerian’s to rise above the challenge

The Chairman of the Joint Committee and Chairman of the House Committee on Gas Resources, Nicholas Mutu, said the public hearing was an opportunity to offer practical suggestions for a structured bouquet of incentives that would attract investors to the sector and provide access to finance and profit-sharing.

Osayi-Samuel reacts after scoring his first goal in Fenerbahce colours

Nigerian-born winger Bright Osayi-Samuel has expressed happiness after scoring his first-ever goal for Fenerbahce in a 3-0 rout of Konyaspor in a Turkish Super Lig clash staged at the Medaş Konya Büyükşehir Stadyumu on Monday evening.

Thirty-two minutes into the game, the former Queens Park Rangers star used his blistering pace to get past two Koyaspor players and slotted past goalkeeper Ibrahim Sehic.

Osayi-Samuel revealed that his goal will build his confidence and hopes to perform better in the remaining games of the season.

The Fenerbahce number 21 noted that victory did not come easy as the opponents pressurised the Yellow Canaries after going two goals behind.

Osayi-Samuel now has four goals this campaign, with three of them scored for Queens Park Rangers before his switch to Turkey.