SHEKAU’S SECOND IN COMMAND DIES IN ENCOUNTER WITH TROOPS

DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

14 August 2013

PRESS RELEASE

SHEKAU’S SECOND IN COMMAND DIES IN ENCOUNTER WITH TROOPS

As troops intensify pursuit of terrorists who have been unleashing mayhem in Borno and Yobe communities, the death of Momodu Bama, said to be the Second-in-Command to the leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau has been confirmed by other arrested terrorists. This followed encounters with the terrorists around the Bama corridor.

Momodu Bama has been personally leading the attacks against troops and innocent citizens in the communities of Yobe and Adamawa. A specialist in manning the anti-aircraft guns of the group, he is known to be vicious and heartless with a penchant for personally slaughtering and executing his victims. Momodu Bama has been a most wanted terrorist with a N25million bounty already placed on his head.

Others that died in the operation include Bama’s father, Alhaji Abatcha Flatari, who is also one of the spiritual guiding lights of the outlawed terrorists group. 17 other terrorists also lost their lives in the encounter, while 24 were arrested.

The troops are continuing the pursuit of the terrorists while intensifying aggressive aerial and land patrols to ensure better security cover for the communities especially in the two states.

Description: J:\OLU SIGNATURE.jpeg
CHRIS OLUKOLADE
Brigadier General
Director Defence Information

TRIBUTE TO LATE PA UZOKA

TRIBUTE TO DEAR DAD

Papa, I was made to believe that death was no respecter of persons. Young, old, newborn, rich or poor.Neither does It announce its arrival date, yet it respected you. It engaged you in a battle for several years but you emerged victorious and made it wait till you were ready to go and be with God.

It is difficult to believe that you’re gone. Just when I was looking forward to come spend the long vacation and bring “onye ocha’ along, as you fondly called my daughter Obianuju. I missed you so very much, I longed to see you.

I recall with nostalgia how I would stand in the balcony by your side while you read newspapers and asked me to scratch your back. I read up every paper you read and proceeded to read others. You made me the Journalist that I am today.
I remain eternally grateful to you. The discipline you inculcated and advise you gave has molded me into the woman I am today. I am grateful.

I love you very much papa, may God grant your soul eternal rest.
Your daughter

Julia Uzoka
Ray Power, Abuja

PDP STANDS STILL FOR DR BETTY IHUAKU NNADI AS SHE RETURNS FORM

By Joy Omagha Idam, Abuja

The ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP the Umbrella that is set to weather all storms according to its national Chairman Alh Bamanga Tukur, stood still in Abuja as one of the major contenders for the position of National Women Leader, Dr Betty Ihuaku Nnadi closed the street of the premises of Wadata Plaza, PDP National Secretariat with over 400 Nigerian women who came from across the country to watch her submit her form.

Dr Betty Nnadi had asked the women three times ” Nigerian women should i return this form? Are you asking me to go and represent you all? Should i submit the form?” To all of this questions the women responded “yes ma carry go carry go, we are solidly behind you”.

Dr Betty Nnadi there after escorted by the Director General of her Campaign Organisation, Dr Mercy Sokomba, The President of Solid Women Association Nigeria, A representative of Association of Market women went in and submitted her form.

After which she paid a courtesy call on the National Women Leader, Barr Oyibo Nwanneri. Dr Nnadi informed her that she was at the National Secretariat to return her filled form for the same post she occupies when she was told that they will not be retained.

” I present myself my dear sister for the position of National Women Leader. I decided to run when i was told that you people will not be retained. I count on your support. I have also come to pay homage and to commend you for the much you have achieved in such a short time” Imo Orlu women LEADERS came with me to show solidarity.

Later she addressed the PDP Press Corps and said “My name is Dr Betty Ihukaku NNadi. You must have seen my face before in March, 2012 at the PDP Convention where elections into various NWC positions were conducted. Contestants for the position of National Woman Leader, were painfully asked to step down for Dr. Kema Chikwe.

“The race is now open. I am back again and my resolve to improve the life of the Nigerian woman through the PDP platform is greater than ever before. We are glad to see the efforts to improve the lives of Nigerians being made through the Transformation Agenda of Mr. President, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.”

My vision therefore is to see Nigerian women contributing positively in greater number towards the growth and development of Nigeria through the transformation agenda and thereby strategically locate them in their rightful position for nation building.

My mission is to enlighten,empower and equip women towards achieving the goals of the transformation agenda which will involve women participating fully in every area of nation building as well as being catalyst to the promotion of peace,security and national integration.

I intend to
1. Provide impact, feasible development and programme based platform that will permeate from top to the grassroots and make almost every Nigerian woman a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member.

2.produce more women in the legislative arm ,at least 10 governors and deputy governors, 33Senators and 100 honorable members of the house of Representatives. And ensure that 1/3 of the state house of assemblies across the country are women.

3.to establish a women’s fund accessible to credible and qualified women who desire to contest ,in line with our objectives.

4. To have a net work from federal to chapter level that will ensure the implementation of our objectives. by 2015 all Nigerian women will be PDP card carrying members. As my blue print will carry all women along no Nigerian woman will be left behind. And this will naturally woe them into the PDP.

In order to achieve these objectives, there will be a formidable structure in place that will be grassroots oriented because that is where majority of women are.The structure will not only be for mobilization,but also for awareness creation and empowerment of our women.
In other words, every strata of women groups- urban,semi-urbarn and rural will be reached especially through this unique structure.-chart to for later.
The structure will collaborate with other gender sensitive agencies and NGOs.

However, there is a huge gap between the provisions made by various transformation agenda, economic empowerment programs, Political appointments and elective positions and actualities on ground. It is this gap we will work on when elected so that the true meaning, purpose and
intentions of the Agenda will be felt. we have evolved a strategic Blue Print that will work from bottom to the top and in some cases, especially advocacy, top to bottom.

I hereby present myself as the strategic candidate for the position of PDP national woman leader in the forth coming election at the party’s special national convention slated for the 31st of August 2013. My ability to mobilize, my wealth of experience in the Corporate World, my skills in community development,result oriented approach ,team work and dedication to the cause of uplifting the life of the PDP woman and by extension the Nigerian woman will come to play when I am elected.

My words are few today for obvious reasons but I want to thank first my Constituency-IMO STATE, especially women-leaders who have come with me from IMO state to submit my form, their overwhelming support In amazing ,.some of them have dedicated their time and resources and have seen this as their project.also I thank my team for relentless effort since 2012 and pray that the Almighty Father will crown our efforts with success.
Finally I wish to thank the gentle men of the press for their presence here today.
thank you all and God bless..

Responding to a question from News Direct, Joy Idam, she noted that the crises currently rocking the party will make PDP come out stronger and the flag will weather all storm. It is large enough to shield every Nigerian woman i therefore call on them to join the party.

She also commended the week long activity planned by the Office of the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, in collaboration with the NCWS to recognise and honour all those who have empowered women including President Goodluck Jonathan and a host of others in Abuja.

Dr Nnadi noted that ” i will be a great Ambassador of the President’s Transformation Agenda, by taking it to the grass root. I will make the women feel the efforts of Mr President as they never have because my experience as an economist will come to bear.”

Dr Sokomba said she was happy that the party is throwing the elections open to all the candidates contesting for the position zoned to Imo State.
We proudly but humbly present Dr Betty Nnadi to all the delegates she is the most qualified candidate in the race for the exalted position and with your votes she will emerge she declared

DHQ ASSURES COMMUNIUTIES PROTECTION FROM INSURGENCE ATTACKS

By Joy Omagha Idam, Abuja

A large scale shooting and murder by terrorists of over 22 and infliction of varying degree of injuries on over 18 members of Borno Youth Vigilance Group in Dawashi and Mainok in Borno State last Saturday has been reported. It is also believed that a number of other innocent civilians mostly women, children and elderly were killed in the unprovoked attack.

The incidents which followed separate attacks on the group and the two communities are consistent with the new pattern of operations by the terrorists after the loss of their camps. This practice of laying ambush or attacking innocent civilians by terrorists lately is meant to intimidate Nigerians who have rejected the activities of terrorists in the communities.

The Special Forces have been directed to ensure that the perpetrators of the recent incidents are tracked down and the manhunt for them is in progress accordingly. Meanwhile more troops and equipment are being deployed into the operation to ensure better coverage and protection of communities in the operational area.

All citizens are enjoined to maintain high level of vigilance and continue to cooperate with security forces in the operation. Members of the vigilance group in particular are being counseled to endeavor to work only under the strict guidance and protection of the security forces on ground in their localities.

The Defence Headquarters appreciates the determination of Nigerians particularly individuals and communities who have offered assistance and are working in support of the counter-terrorism operations in spite of the desperate activities of the few bands of marauding insurgents.

FOREIGN MINISTER REACTS TO NEWS REPORT ON IMPOSITION OF 3,000 POUNDS CASH BOND ON FIRST TIME VISA APPLICANTS TO THE UK

By Joy Omagha Idam, Abuja

According to Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Amb Olugbenga Ashiru, MFR, media reports in Nigeria from 29th July, 2013, indicated that the UK Government will begin to implement from November, 2013, the 3,000 Pounds Sterling ‘’cash bond’’ for first-time visa applicants from Nigeria, and five other Commonwealth countries. The other countries are India, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

These media reports themselves were quoting the Financial Times of London.
Amb Ashiru, told News Direct that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is yet to receive any official communication on the final decision of the UK government on this matter.

However, he assured Nigerians that the Federal Government of Nigeria has already conveyed its objection to the Bond payment to the UK government, when the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, summoned the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Andrew Pocock, to the Tafawa Balewa House, on 25th June, 2013. If and when a communication to that effect is received, the Federal Government of Nigeria will take appropriate steps to reflect its national interest.

Amb Ashiru, who expressed displeasure at such an outrageous fee urged Nigerians to remain calm that the issues will be resolved amicably noting that “ we would do all within our powers to resolve this there is no cause for alarm”.

NIGERIA COMMENCES WITHDRAWAL OF TROOPS FROM MALI

By Joy Omagha Idam, Abuja

The Defence Headquarters have commenced the withdrawal of some Nigerian troops from the Peace Support Operations in Mali.

The troops are mainly those not accommodated in the structures of the newly formed United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali, (MINUSMA). They are to join the ongoing internal security operations in the country.

This followed the re-hatting and takeover of the mission from African-led International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA) by the UN. Some of the soldiers will be redeployed immediately.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s commitment and contribution to the Mali operations will be sustained in other forms. This will involve input of sizable men and materials to continue in the UN Mission.

According to a press statement issued by the Director Defence Information, Brig Gene Chris Olukolade, Nigeria will be providing a full-fledged Level 2 Military Hospital with full staff compliment; a Signal Squadron as well as Staff Officers in the Force Headquarters. A troop of the Mobile Police Force is also remaining in the mission.

NIGERIA POLICE FORCE DEBUTS IN THE BIENNIAL WORLD POLICE AND FIRE GAMES (WPFG), ‘’BELFAST 2013’’, IN NORTHERN IRELAND. v Represented by a contingent of twenty-eight (28) athletes and six (6) officials. v IGP charges contingent to be good ambassadors. The Nigeria Police Force will make its first appearance in the Biennial World Police and Fire Games in the 2013 edition of the Games, being hosted in Belfast, Northern Ireland. A 34-man contingent of the Force, made up of twenty-eight (28) athletes and six (6) officials, led by the Force Planning Committee Chairman, CP Abimbola Macaulay, departed the Murtala Mohammed International Air Port, Lagos, yesterday, 30th July, 2013, for Belfast, Northern Ireland. The Nigeria Police contingent arrived Belfast 31st July, 2013 and participate in the tournament that will commence on 1st to 10th August, 2013. The biennial World Police and Fire Games is an athletic competition open to Police agencies throughout the world. Athletes from Seventy (70) countries are expected at the 2013 Belfast Games, to compete in Sixty-six (66) sporting events, including athletics, Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Tennis, Marshall arts like wrestling, Judo, Taekwondo. The Nigeria Police contingent will feature in eight (8) events, namely — Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Cycling, Golf, Judo, Table-Tennis and Taekwondo. In his goodwill message to the contingent, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP MD Abubakar, CFR, NPM, mni, charged them to be good ambassadors of not just the Nigeria Police, but the entire nation. He enjoined them to conduct themselves creditably throughout their stay in Belfast, and further warned them to distance themselves from drugs, as any athlete cut doping will be dealt with accordingly. The IGP in his address reminded the contingent that Nigeria Police athletes are not strangers to international sporting events, as some of them have represented Nigeria and made the country proud in similar Games like the Common wealth Games, the All Africa Games, and even the Olympics. He challenged them to improve on the record of their predecessors by winning more laurels. The IGP assured the athletes of a befitting welfare package during the Games, adding that impressive rewards would await those who would win medals for the Force and the country. The contingent is expected back in the country on 14th August, 2013 according to a press statement issued by CSP Frank Mba, the Deputy Force Public Relations Officer.

NIGERIA POLICE FORCE DEBUTS IN THE BIENNIAL WORLD POLICE
AND FIRE GAMES (WPFG), ‘’BELFAST 2013’’,
IN NORTHERN IRELAND.

By Joy Omagha Idam and Sharon Akuboh, Abuja

Represented by a contingent of twenty-eight (28) athletes and six (6) officials.

IGP charges contingent to be good ambassadors.

The Nigeria Police Force will make its first appearance in the Biennial World Police and Fire Games in the 2013 edition of the Games, being hosted in Belfast, Northern Ireland. A 34-man contingent of the Force, made up of twenty-eight (28) athletes and six (6) officials, led by the Force Planning Committee Chairman, CP Abimbola Macaulay, departed the Murtala Mohammed International Air Port, Lagos, yesterday, 30th July, 2013, for Belfast, Northern Ireland.

The Nigeria Police contingent arrived Belfast 31st July, 2013 and participate in the tournament that will commence on 1st to 10th August, 2013.

The biennial World Police and Fire Games is an athletic competition open to Police agencies throughout the world. Athletes from Seventy (70) countries are expected at the 2013 Belfast Games, to compete in Sixty-six (66) sporting events, including athletics, Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Tennis, Marshall arts like wrestling, Judo, Taekwondo. The Nigeria Police contingent will feature in eight (8) events, namely — Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Cycling, Golf, Judo, Table-Tennis and Taekwondo.

In his goodwill message to the contingent, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP MD Abubakar, CFR, NPM, mni, charged them to be good ambassadors of not just the Nigeria Police, but the entire nation.

He enjoined them to conduct themselves creditably throughout their stay in Belfast, and further warned them to distance themselves from drugs, as any athlete cut doping will be dealt with accordingly.

The IGP in his address reminded the contingent that Nigeria Police athletes are not strangers to international sporting events, as some of them have represented Nigeria and made the country proud in similar Games like the Common wealth Games, the All Africa Games, and even the Olympics.

He challenged them to improve on the record of their predecessors by winning more laurels. The IGP assured the athletes of a befitting welfare package during the Games, adding that impressive rewards would await those who would win medals for the Force and the country.

The contingent is expected back in the country on 14th August, 2013 according to a press statement issued by CSP Frank Mba, the Deputy Force Public Relations Officer.

I WILL PRODUCE 10 FEMALE GOVS IN 2015 … DR NNADI

By Joy Omagha Idam, Abuja

One of the major contenders for the 2013 position of National Woman Leader, Dr Betty Ihuaku Nnadi, the CEO Dr Bees Honey and Vector Nigeria Limited, has assured Nigerians that she will produce 10 female Governors in 2015 if she emerges the next National Woman Leader of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party,PDP. She spoke to Nigeria News Direct and here are the excerpts of the interview.

Ma may we meet you?

I am Dr Betty Ihuaku Nnadi, i hail from Ihite Oha , Orlu Local Government Area, in Imo State. Born to a wonderful family that gave me their all.

Where Did you School?

I attended the prestigious Queens College Yaba, from where i proceeded to Netherlands to earn a Bsc in Economics and later an Msc in Banking and Finance from University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Snf, hrt PHD in Biblical Studies and Counseling from the Trinity College and Seminary Indiana USA.

What is your Work Experience?

For 17 years, i proved my mettle in the banking industry , rising to the enviable position of Area Manager of a leading Bank. I also served creditably on several State and Corporate Boards. In recognition of my outstanding performance in the banking Industry i was awarded Fellowship to Nigeria and London’s Chartered Institute of Bankers and was also awarded membership to the Institute of Directors London.

Dr Betty Nnadi is also a proud recipient of the JCI Abuja Unity/Weekenders 2012 Most Outstanding Woman of the Year Award. After receiving a Diploma in Health and Social Care, Dr Nnadi established the Home and Community Care Services Limited through her company . She recently received recognition from Cambridge who’s who for showing dedication Leadership and Excellence in all aspects of healthcare.

Ma what other records do you have ?

In recognition of my numerous contributions to the progress and development of Ihite Oha , Orlu Imo State i was honoured with the Chieftaincy titlle of Ugonma of Ihite Oha Owerri in 1987.

How do you view politics ?

Thanks Joy, i have always seen Politics as a way of giving back to the community by improving the living condition of others. Over the years i have lent tactical and financial support to politicians whom she believed would stand on the side of the masses.

When did you start serious politics?

In 2003 i decided to take the bull by the horn and contested for Governor of the state. Infact i set the pace and standard for politics for women in the state and the South East. I introduced a new dimension to campaigns with my large format bill board posters that hung there for years intimidating the men. Even the then Governor Achike Udenwa admitted that i was a force to be reckoned with. I established myself as a household name in Imo State politics as a light house in a nation still struggling to discover its mission.

What is your political Philosophy ?

My philosophy is work smart and play hard and practical spirituality are what motivated me into writing the book Being Your \Own Guide, a best selling book that sold over 5million copies within 3 months of hitting the book shelves.

I hear you are in the Race for PDP National Woman Leader ?

Yes i want to run for the position of national woman leader because i have what it takes to be the next national woman leader of the PDP. With my antecedents as an economist, an accomplished banker, industrialist, who has empowered thousand s of women and young persons i believe im the joker Nigerians need and the PDP especially to reposition the party ahead of the 2015 general elections. I am a team player, currently mentoring over 200 young persons across the nation and abroad. I believe that i have what it takes to lead Nigerian women to the promised land because any woman who emerges National Woman Leader will also indirect be a spokes person and advocate for other Nigerian women who are not yet card carrying member of the PDP.

If you do emerge what are Nigerians to expect?

When i emerge God willing i will ensure that i produce minimum of 10 female Governors, 30 senators and 100 Members of the House of Reps. This is achievable because of the number of voters in Nigeria women make the higher figure and are very dedicated. So its a matter of mobilising them and making them to see that it is a national project to reposition women as those in office have already proved that Mr President did not make a mistake.

How do you plan to achieve that?

It is my little secret Joy, do not worry but mark my word. If i emerge you will remember that i told you this. yes i will produce 10 female Governors, 30 senators and 100 members of the House of Representatives. Betty Nnadi says so.

What more are Nigerians to expect?

Have you ever heard of the Dr Bees Honey that is my product, i manufacture it at Gwagwalada Abuja and export i have empowered many through that. I will not give Nigerian women fish i will teach them how to fish. I will empower them as an economist. I will also seen to girl child education.

How do you assess the President Jonathan Administration?

Infact President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has surprised most Nigerians I inclusive he has done better than book makers thought he would achieve. I commend his steadfastness, commitment and dedication towards realising his transformation agenda. I urge Nigerians to keep praying for him.

How do you rate his women empowerment?

President Jonathan has set a record in Africa that am not sure in the next 100 years any of his counterparts can surpase. He has empowered alot of Nigerian women into very key economical positions that were the exclusives of the men in the past and the women have proved their mettle. I expect the women to in turn empower more women.

President Jonathan needs a dynamic woman like me at the helm of affairs and at the NWC of the PDP to work with because we are his constituency when the next general elections in 2015 comes. He needs a dependable formidable woman with my experience to assist him mobilise Nigerian women.
Above all when i emerge i will ensure that PDP records the highest number of women as its card carrying members.

What will you say on the Crises in the party

Even this will pass. Even siblings quarrel and settle, i assure you that PDP will come out stronger in 2015, this little squable will make us stronger and a bigger party its a normal political thing to quarrel and settle.

What is your message to Nigerians

My message to Nigerians is that we are one we have no other country please lets not desstroy our nation that took our founding fathers blood to secure our freedom. Let us unite and prove to the world that we can resolve our differences above all lets be proud of the GREEN Passport. Nigeria is a blessed nation lets learn to count our blessings.