Gist Arena

I ndependent Human Rights Group in Nigeria, IHRGN, has commended the Nigerian Army over the success of its military drill in the South East tagged, “Operation Python Dance II.” The body said the military drill was able to stop members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, from using their relationship with the “political class and elites in the southeast” to “blackmail the Army.” IHRGN stated that the military drill “has thwarted the growing spate of crimes like kidnapping, assassination, ritual Killings, armed robbery and other life threatening evil across the South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria. “ Speaking in Owerri, the Imo State capital, the leader of the group, Barr Zineke Werigbelegha, opined that the achievement of this particular operation should catalyze strong consideration for retaining it as an annual drill to not only hone troops’ skills but to help make the country safer for citizens. According to Werigbelegha, “The launch of Operation Pyth

P resident Muhammadu Buhari has written to the National Assembly seeking approval for a loan request of $6.5 billion. Buhari’s appeal was contained in a letter read on the floor of Upper Legistive Chamber by the President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki, on Tuesday. According to the letter, the President said the loans will be sourced through issuance of Euro and Diaspora bonds and the borrowing will be used to fund capital projects. Projects listed by Buhari in the letter include the construction of Mabila power project in Taraba State, construction of second runway of Abuja Airport and other major projects across the country. The President also said part of foreign loans will be used to refinance local debts. Details later…

M inister of State for Petroleum Resources Ibe Kachikwu’s future was hanging in the balance yesterday. President Muhammadu Buhari is said to be weighing options on Dr Kachikwu’s fate, following his allegations against Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Baru. Specifically, Kachikwu alleged that Baru awarded $25b contracts unilaterally;ran a bravado management; andmade appointments without consultations. It was learnt that having found Baru not guilty of corrupt practices, the Presidency gave the GMD the clearance to release a fact-sheet in the matter to the public. Kachikwu is said to be consulting his associates, stakeholders and colleagues on his next move. He has been cautioned against any act capable of being seen as confrontational, according to a source, who pleaded not to be named because of “the sensitivity of the matter”. Kachikwu’s associates, it was learnt, cited the travails of ex-Minister o

A former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Dr Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) has sued the Federal Government over alleged violation of the Federal Character principle in the composition of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) board. He said none of the persons appointed to fill the nine positions is from the states that make up the Southeast geopolitical zone. According to Agbakoba, more than one person was appointed from other geo-political zones in violation of the Constitution. Members of the board include Dr Tajuddeen Umar (Northeast), Dr. MaikantiBaru (Northeast), Mr. Abba Kyari (Northeast), Mr. Mahmoud Isa-Dutse (North Central), Mallam Mohammed Lawal and Mallam Yusuf Lawal (both Northerners). Others are Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu (South-South), Dr. Thomas M.A John (South-South), and Dr. Pius Akinyelure (South-West). “The reason for the action (lawsuit) is that the Federal Government has always discriminated against Nigerians indigenous to th