Oil Theft: $13.7B Siphon Under NNPC, Says NEITI

Between the year 2009 and 2012, close to 160 million barrels of oil estimated at $13.7bn was lifted under the watch of the national oil giant, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, this was reported by the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, Hajiya Zainab Shamsuna-Ahmed.

Hajiya Zainab also said the subsidy payment from 2005 to 2012 suggested that $11.63bn had been paid to the NNPC but that “there is no evidence of the money being remitted to the federation account.”

The NEITI boss, who called on the Federal Government to privatize the refineries, stated this during a courtesy call on Governor Nasir el-Rufai, at Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House, Kaduna, on Wednesday.

El-Rufai is among the four governors appointed by the National Economic Council to investigate the accounts of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and the Excess Crude Account managed under the regime of former president Goodluck Jonathan.

Part of the terms of reference was to decipher the N3.8trn not remitted to the Federation Account by the NNPC between 2012 and May 2015, as well as $2.1bn said to have been subtracted from the Excess Crude Account.

http://www.societyreelnews.com/oil-theft-13-7b-siphon-under-nnpc-says-neiti/

Controversy Trails Demise Of Ooni Of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade … Ooni Is Alive- Royal Traditional Council Insists

Controversy has trailed the death of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, Olubuse II as the Royal Traditional Council, RTC, of the town, Wednesday, said the paramount ruler is alive and in good state of health.

The RTC, which comprises of all traditional chiefs and title holders in Ile-Ife, said Oba Sijuade is not only in a good state of health but added that the royal father was preparing for his son’s wedding holding Sunday, next week, in Lagos.

Sources close to the foremost traditional ruler claimed that the traditional wedding of the new couple took place last weekend in London.

Addressing newsmen in the House of Chiefs located within the premises of Ile-Oodua palace of the Ooni, Lowa of Ife, Oba Joseph Ijaodola who spoke in Yoruba, said the report in the media that the monarch died in a London Hospital of an undisclosed ailment,was untrue.

Also speaking, the secretary Royal Traditional Council of Ife, who is also the Ladin of Ife, High Chief Adetoye Odewole, said the Ooni is hale and hearty and he even spoke to the chiefs on the phone few hours earlier.

http://www.societyreelnews.com/controversy-trails-demise-of-ooni-of-ife-oba-okunade-sijuade-ooni-is-alive-royal-traditional-council-insists/

NFF To Pay N5m House Rent For Oliseh At Maitama

New Nigeria coach Sunday Oliseh has located a house in highbrow Maitama,Abuja, and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is set to pay the annual rent of five million Naira.
A top source claimed “Oliseh has already seen his houses in Abuja. It’s in Maitama and the rent is five million Naira a year, which the NFF are now preparing to pay ”.
Oliseh assistants are also billed to be housed in Abuja as they begin the onerous task of rebuilding the Super Eagles.
Oliseh’s predecessor Stephen Keshi stayed in hotels in Abuja when he was in charge of the Eagles.
In the meantime, Oliseh is currently in Europe tracking Nigerian Players with the view to considering them for his new team.
http://www.societyreelnews.com/nff-to-pay-n5m-house-rent-for-oliseh-at-maitama/

Angry Citizen Petition EFCC In Grand Style

http://www.societyreelnews.com/angry-citizen-petition-efcc-in-grand-style/

“You’re Better At Wine Drinking Than A Political Critic” Said Obasanjo To Soyinka

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo repeated that he maintains his view, communicated in his three-volume autobiography, My Watch, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Nobel laureate, prowess lies in wine matters than in political analysis.
In his book, Obasanjo wrote, “For Wole, no one can be good, nor can anything be spot-on politically except that which emanates from him or is ordained by him. His friends and loved ones will always be right and correct, no matter what they do or fail to do. He is surely a better wine connoisseur and a more successful aparo (guinea fowl) hunter than a political critic.”
Nonetheless, shortly after the book went public, last year December, Soyinka had, in a piece entitled, ‘Watch and Pray, Watch and Prey’, frantically chastised such a description (of him), calling Obasanjo ‘’an expert liar, who lies to boost his ego.’’
But in an interview granted a private television station, Channels, on a programme tagged, ‘Book Club’, Obasanjo, while holding on to his words, said what he wrote about Soyinka was purely his view, adding that Soyinka did not have to agree with him.
http://www.societyreelnews.com/youre-better-at-wine-drinking-than-a-political-critic-said-obasanjo-to-soyinka/

Keshi Drags NFF To Court For Defamation

Sacked Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi is to drag the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to court for “wrongful dismissal defamation”.
Africanfootball.com can exclusively reveal that a Kaduna based law firm has formally notified the NFF to that effect.
“Keshi’s lawyers have written the NFF threatening to sue wrongful dismissal and defamation of character”, a source informed Africanfootball.com
“But the truth of the matter is that he does not have a leg to stand on as far as this matter is concerned.
“its all laughable and he’s just chasing shadows.”
It was also understood that he was paid his outstanding monies before his sack.
Earlier media reports suggested he was to take his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), but the coach himself later denied this.
Keshi was sacked on July 5 after the NFF announced that he was not working in line with the corporate objectives of the federation.
http://www.societyreelnews.com/keshi-drags-nff-to-court-for-defamation/

Kaduna Utd Players Threaten Showdown …Want Perm Sec. To Explain N24m Expenditure

The financial crisis engulfing Kaduna United seems not to be over despite the release of N24m by the Governor, Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai, as the players refused to train and have threatened not to honour this weekend’s league match against Kogi United until the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Alhaji Balarabe Ibrahim explains how he spent the money released last week by the state government.

Speaking to Glo League Menu, one of the players, Linus Adams said they were given only two months salary and it was not all the players that got paid. All the money spent was not more than N3million, so where is the remaining N21million? Adams added: “We only collected two months salary because some of our Muslim brothers needed the money to celebrate Sallah with their families”.

http://www.societyreelnews.com/kaduna-utd-players-threaten-showdown-want-perm-sec-to-explain-n24m-expenditure/

Patience Jonathan Shaded At PH Airport

Hardly two months after ousting of her husband from the presidential office, former First Lady and wife of immediate past president, Dame Patience Jonathan has allegedly suffered derision at the hands of security operatives and aviation officials at the Port Harcourt International airport.

Dame Jonathan, who was on her way to the burial of her late Chief Security Officer (CSO), Tamuno Jacob Igbomie, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, was on Wednesday bounced from the VIP Lounge of the airport, for 16 years she has enjoyed this privilege.

Patience Jonathan popularly known as “Mama Peace” arrive Port Harcourt International Airport and made for the VIP lounge as had been the norm and should still be accorded her given her status in the society. However, she was practically locked out and prevented from accessing the lounge.

An eye witness, who narrated the incident, said that efforts by the former president’s wife and her personal aides to lull the security agents at the airport to allow the long known protocol etiquette stand were aborted as they stood their ground, insisting that they were acting on orders from Abuja.

http://www.societyreelnews.com/patience-jonathan-shaded-at-ph-airport/

Multi-Talented Act, Liz Anjorin Drops OROMBO Video

The much anticipated music video of OROMBO, a song by Nollywood star, Liz Anjorin featuring rapper Jhybo has been released. The video was released to the internet, Digital TVs and Terrestrial TVs last Saturday, after its debut on Goldmyne TV.

OROMBO video was shot by talented cinematographer, Lakeside of 12digits production. The highly colourful video had appearances from veteran musician Shina Peters, Nollywoood stars Lanre Omiyinka (Baba Ijesha), Madam Kofo, toyin Adewale, Dejo Tunfulu, Saheed Abioye among others.

Shot in the serene environment of Lekki phase 1, OROMBO video tells the story of rapper Jhybo who was in love with an imbecile lady (Liz Anjorin). Jhybo, in the video deceived his parents Baba Ijesha and Madam Kofo by presenting his fiancée’s twin sister to get their blessing.

http://www.societyreelnews.com/multi-talented-act-liz-anjorin-drops-orombo-video/ 

Alleged Diversion Of N2.1b FG Payment: Kwara Gov, Abdulfatah Ahmed Calls It ‘Mischievous & False’ By

Talks that recently received N2.1b bailout fund from the Federal Government has been diverted has been tagged mischievous and false by the amiable governor of Kwara state, Ahmed Abdulfatah

The governor went on to provide answers to cogent questions surrounding the fund in this report made available by Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications Dr Muyideen Akorede.

The Kwara State Government has dismissed insinuations that it had diverted the N2.1b received recently from the Federal Government. It also denied receiving N3b from the central government, stressing that it had only received its share of NLNG dividend recently distributed to all tiers of government.

 http://www.societyreelnews.com/alleged-diversion-of-n2-1b-fg-payment-kwara-gov-abdulfatah-ahmed-calls-it-mischievous-false-by/

Stop Seeking Relevance At Jonathan’s Expense – Fayose Lampoons Obasanjo

Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose criticised former President Olusegun Obasanjo after the latter, on the occasion of the 11th convocation of Benson Idahosa University (BIU) Benin, Edo State said that the “performance of Jonathan while in office will hunt the people of the South-South region for a long time to come.”

Speaking via a statement issued on Monday, July 20, 2015 by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Governor Fayose said that the South South had already shown their approval of Jonathan’s stewardship by voting massively for him in the Saturday, March 28, 2015 presidential election.

He said: “Dr Goodluck Jonathan is no longer the president of Nigeria, he should be allowed to live a private life devoid of mudslinging from elder statesmen like Chief Obasanjo.

“Most importantly, Jonathan’s performance as a democrat has been widely acknowledged locally and internationally, particularly by President Mohammadu Buhari, who on many occasions acknowledged the role he (Jonathan) played in midwifing a peaceful and successful transition programme, thereby averting the feared crisis in the country.

“This is in contrast to Baba Obasanjo, who tried third term when he was about concluding his constitutional two terms. And who knows whether he would have tried fourth term if he had succeeded with his third term agenda?

http://www.societyreelnews.com/stop-seeking-relevance-at-jonathans-expense-fayose-lampoons-obasanjo/

Governor Aminu Tambuwal Commends Fidelity Bank On CSR

Sokoto State Governor Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has said that the Fidelity Bank Helping Hands Programme (FHHP), an arm of the Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practice is a viable tool in mitigating the social inequalities in the country. Governor Tambuwal made the commendation in Sokoto at the weekend while commissioning the Sokoto State Orphanage Home renovated by staff of Fidelity Bank Plc. in Sokoto.

Speaking at the occasion, Governor Tambuwal said that such gestures are rare especially among organizations whose operations are commercially driven. “I must say that I am elated by the wonderful gesture from the Bank”.  Though part of the Bank’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) practice, Governor Tambuwal insisted that Fidelity Bank’s action is a testament to the enthusiasm and concern for the welfare of the people of Sokoto State, especially, the less privileged in the society.

“The project of this magnitude and its choice is an indication that Fidelity Bank is truly acting according to script of empowering the good people of Sokoto State and by extension, Nigeria”. He praised the Management of the Bank for their vision and for coming to the aid of the state government. Rt. Hon. Tambuwal also promised to take proper care of the Home and charged other corporate organisations in the state to emulate the good work Fidelity Bank is doing.

http://www.societyreelnews.com/governor-aminu-tambuwal-commends-fidelity-bank-on-csr/

Tolu Ogunlesi Becomes Special Assistant On New Media

After rigorous screening, President Muhammadu Buhari  on Thursday July 16, 2015  appointed Writer and Social Media expert, Tolu Ogunlesi, as his Special Assistant on New Media.

He is one of Nigeria’s most active Twitter users. He is one of President Buhari’s strongest supporters amongst Nigerian youths during the 2015 general elections.

Before his appointment, he was a freelance writer, contributing articles to various publications, mostly abroad. He also syndicated opinion articles in many Nigerian newspapers including Punch and Naij.com.

He won the CNN award in 2013 in another category. He was also shortlisted for the inaugural PEN/Studzinski literary prize.

http://www.societyreelnews.com/tolu-ogunlesi-becomes-special-assistant-on-new-media/

EID-EL-FITR MESSAGE TO THE NATION FROM MUHAMMADU BUHARI, GCFR, PRESIDENT, COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, JULY 16, 2015

Fellow Compatriots,

I greet and felicitate with you all, especially our citizens of the Islamic faith on this auspicious occasion of the 2015 Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.

I congratulate all those who have successfully completed the Ramadan fast in keeping with the injunction of our creator.

Although we have come to the end of this year’s month of Ramadan, I believe that a greater acceptance by Nigerians of its key lessons of self-denial and sacrifice will serve our dear country well as we strive to overcome our present challenges, undo the damage done by years of bad governance and accelerate the pace of national development.

Reviewing our dire circumstances and the many missed opportunities of the past, some commentators and observers have said that this is Nigeria’s last chance to get its act together and finally begin to fulfill its God-given potential for greatness.

While not going that far, I certainly believe that now, more than ever before, our country needs greater self-denial, sacrifice and patriotism from all of its citizens, if we are to quickly recover from our numerous problems and start moving in a positive direction.

This current period of our life as a nation offers us a great opportunity to break from the vicious triangle of insecurity, corruption and under-development. We must collectively resolve to seize this opportunity and unite to confront our problems.

I remain wholly committed to giving the required leadership towards undoing the wrongs of the past, ensuring that Nigeria truly begins to unlock its great potential and that the 

http://www.societyreelnews.com/eid-el-fitr-message-to-the-nation-from-muhammadu-buhari-gcfr-president-commander-in-chief-of-the-armed-forces-federal-republic-of-nigeria-july-16-2015/

Nigerians Losing Patience With Buhari -Nwosu, ADC National Chair

Chief Okey Nwosu is the National Chairman, African Democratic Congress (ADC). In this interview, he speaks on the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration and the fight against Boko Haram in the country.

What is your assessment of Buhari regime?

For a presidency that took four elections and unprecedented propaganda, loss of human lives, arson, and destruction of properties and national psyche, and close to stampeding the first Niger Deltan out of office, I am appalled that the Buhari government did not hit the ground running. This country was ridiculed just for it to appear as if with Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, the nation was going to collapse. I expected to see some sense of urgency. I expected to see clear agenda of purpose, and I expected the government to run with the mandate of the people with the change the people wanted to see, not to pocket the people’s trust and relax, or start planning. No time to lose.
You know HRH Sanusi Lamido once spoke of the “entrenched interests”. He said that these people were very powerful. If nothing has been done by the new government and the nation is as we experience it at the moment; it means that these “entrenched interests” wanted to terminate the Jonathan government and created all the confusions that seemed to challenge the Jonathan government. The state is auto-piloting on some of the structures that, that government put in place. That said, Nigerians are getting impatient with the slow pace and what appears to be political witch hunting.
I have also noticed quite a number of flip-flopping and what looks to be insensibility to the nation’s diversity in some of the president’s actions. But I am a very optimistic patriot. So, I am in favour of allowing the president more time. I will rather err on patience, than heat up the polity and see untoward consequences.

http://www.societyreelnews.com/nigerians-losing-patience-with-buhari-nwosu-adc-national-chair/

Buhari Appoints New Service Chiefs And NSA

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the following appointments:

1. Major-General Abayomi Gabriel Olonishakin – Chief of Defence Staff;
2. Major-General T.Y. Buratai – Chief of Army Staff
3. Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas – Chief of Naval Staff
4. Air Vice Marshal Sadique Abubakar – Chief of Air Staff
5. Air Vice Marshal Monday Riku  Morgan – Chief of Defence Intelligence
6. Major-General Babagana Monguno (rtd.) – National Security Adviser

The new Chief of Defence Staff, Maj.-Gen. Olonishakin (N/6901) hails from Ekiti State. Until his appointment as Chief of Defence Staff today, he was the Head of the Nigerian Army Training and Doctrine Command in Minna, Niger State.

The new Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Buratai hails from Borno State. Until his new appointment today, he was the Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force which has its headquarters in Ndjamena. Maj-Gen. Buratai has previously served as Commander of the Nigerian Army’s 2nd Brigade in Port Harcourt and Commander of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry in Jaji, Kaduna State.

http://www.societyreelnews.com/buhari-appoints-new-service-chiefs-and-nsa/

Fani-Kayode Mocks Tinubu Over NASS Crisis

After been exonerated of charges bordering on financial impropriety by the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, the Director of Media and Publicity, Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Organisation, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode, says all his predictions about the Muhammadu Buhari administration have come to pass.

Specifically, Fani-Kayode, who is a former Minister of Aviation, mocked the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, over the crisis rocking the APC leadership, following the election of principal officers in the National Assembly.

A former interim National Chairman of the APC, Chief Bisi Akande, had alleged that the crisis rocking the federal legislative arm of government was being sponsored by some northern elements and oil barons.

Fani-Kayode, however, said on his official Facebook page that he had predicted a northern hegemony.

He said, “There is a resurgence of a clearly ethnic agenda which is designed to leave no one in doubt about who really owns Nigeria and who the slaves are.

“Another is the destruction and demystification of Bola Tinubu and his Yoruba loyalists by his erstwhile northern allies in the APC.

http://www.societyreelnews.com/fani-kayode-mocks-tinubu-over-nass-crisis/

Amidst Fanfares, Aladetoyinbo Becomes New Deji Of Akure

After been presented his staff of office by the Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko and the commencement of the traditional rites which lasted for four weeks, Aladetoyinbo has formally ascended the throne and crowned 48th Deji of Akure.

The coronation ceremony began in the morning of Wednesday with the new Deji of Akure, Aladelusi Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo, paying visits to the homes of prominent chiefs in Akure to announce his preparedness to assume duties on the throne of his ancestors.

Dressed in full traditional regalia, with a horsetail with which he responded to greetings from the cheering crowd, the new Deji arrived at about 3.20pm and mounted the sacred Omolore mud located in front of the old palace with his first daughter.

http://www.societyreelnews.com/amidst-fanfares-aladetoyinbo-becomes-new-deji-of-akure/

Court Indicts T.B. Joshua In Deadly Collapse Of Church Building

Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), Prophet T.B. Joshua has been indicted by a coroner’s inquest court in Lagos State. The indictment is over last year’s collapse of a guesthouse in his church premises that claimed close to 120 lives, most of the victims South Africans.

The inquest, presided over by Magistrate Oyetade Komolafe, decided to indict the building contractor, a Divisional Police Officer (DPO), and Mr. T.B. Joshua’s church.

http://www.societyreelnews.com/court-indicts-t-b-joshua-in-deadly-collapse-of-church-building/

Quilox Boss, Shina Peller Unveils Record Label, New Artistes

Popular business tycoon and Quilox night club owner, Shina Peller, recently launched his record label called Aquila Records.

Hosted by the legendary DJ Jimmy Jatt, the “Save the date” event featured the unveiling of the label’s artistes; Tilla, Base One and Que Peller.

The event, which was kick started with a press conference at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos ended with an after party at his premium Club, Quilox.

http://www.societyreelnews.com/quilox-boss-shina-peller-unveils-record-label-new-artistes/

Most Beautiful Model In Nigeria Int’l Crown Goes To Sandra Bassey

After been crowned the Miss Niger Delta and the face of Independence Nigeria 2014, the 21-year old Sandra Bassey has been declared winner of Most Beautiful Model in Nigeria international.

She wrote her name in gold as she emerged Most Beautiful Model Nigeria International 2015 at the African Designers concert which was a choreographed show that showcased latest fashion concepts. The show, which was held at Sheraton Hotels, Abuja recorded impressive turn out with about 25 models representing different states on the runway.
Sandra who hails from Akwa-Ibom State was seconded by 20-year-old Jennifer from Anambra State. Other winners were Osasa Ogunbor – Most Beautiful Model In Nigeria Fashion, Osato Ogunbor – Most Beautiful Model In Nigeria Ambassador, Ezinne Miracle Azuaru – MBMN Top Model and Victoria Face of Amity GLOBAL Network.

http://www.societyreelnews.com/most-beautiful-model-in-nigeria-intl-crown-goes-to-sandra-bassey/

Veteran Singer,Majek Fashek’s Health Deteriorates …Friend, Family Plans Rehabilitation

The deteriorating health of veteran singer, Majek Fashek has been the topic of discussion for a while. Unfortunately, not much has been done about it up till now that would be said to have worked in favour of the little patience singer. A few weeks back, a fan ran into the veteran singer at the Fadeyi area of Lagos and he wrote a very touching story about the encounter which has since gone viral.
The story once again brought to the fore the fact that Majek Fashek truly needs help and urgently too. Leading the way for immediate action to help save the man, Nigerians refer fondly as the ‘Rainmaker’ is one of his former backup singers, Monica Omorodion Swaida who launched an online campaign to help rehabilitate the troubled music legend. Monica doesn’t reside in Nigeria, she’s in faraway Massachusetts, U.S.A, close to Majek’s wife, Rita and the children of the reggae/dance hall act whose prodigious talent has never been in doubt.
http://www.societyreelnews.com/veteran-singermajek-fasheks-health-deteriorates-friend-family-plans-rehabilitation/

Okonjo-Iweala Spent $2.1bn Without Approval, Says FG

The National Economic Council, chaired by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, on Monday accused a former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy under ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, of spending $2.1bn from the Excess Crude Account without authorisation.
“We looked at the numbers for the Excess Crude Account. The last time the former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, reported to the council, and it is in the minutes, she reported by November 2014 that we had $4.1 bn.
http://www.societyreelnews.com/okonjo-iweala-spent-2-1bn-without-approval-says-fg/

Mavin Records Acts Cops Glo Deal

Apart from dishing irresistible songs, one of Nigeria leading record labels, Marvin Records has once again proofed its worth with a new deal.
The deal as Glo ambassadors was signed few minutes ago with Marvin Acts, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello and Di’ja. The mouthwatering deal with Nigeria telecom provider, according to reliable sources will last for a year and open to renewal.
http://www.societyreelnews.com/mavin-records-acts-cops-glo-deal/