RAMALLAH, Palestine - Euphoric Palestinians erupted in cheers, set off fireworks and chanted "God is great" after the United Nations endorsed an independent state of Palestine, giving sweeping international backing to their demands for sovereignty over lands Israel occupied in 1967.
The historic General Assembly decision Thursday to accept "Palestine" as a non-member observer state won't actually grant independence to the 4.3 million Palestinians who live in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem.
Israel remains an occupying force in those first two territories and continues to severely restrict access to Gaza, ruled by the Hamas militant group. Nor does it plaster over the rift in the Palestinian leadership that has led to the emergence of duelling governments in the West Bank and Gaza.
But by gaining approval at a world forum overwhelmingly sympathetic to their quest, Palestinians hope to make it harder for Israel to resist global pressure to negotiate the borders of a future Palestine based on lines Israel held before capturing the West Bank, east Jerusalem and Gaza in 1967.
The massive international recognition of the Palestinians' right to a state — only nine of 193 General Assembly members voted against it — gave them hope that the tide had turned in their favour.
"It's a great feeling to have a state, even if in name only," said civil servant Mohammed Srour, 28, standing in a flag-waving a crowd of more than 2,000 packed into a square in the West Bank city of Ramallah late Thursday. "The most beautiful dream of any man is to have an independent state, particularly for us Palestinians who have lived under occupation for a long time."
But even though the resolution did not immediately change their lives, Palestinians say the recognition isn't just symbolic. They believe it will strengthen their hand in any future talks with Israel, which has attacked the Palestinian move as an attempt to bypass such negotiations.
The international community's warm embrace was meant, in part, to shore up the moderate Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, whose domestic standing had been hurt by his failure to deliver a state through negotiations during his eight years at the helm. European powers that Israel had hoped would oppose the statehood bid either supported it or abstained.
Hamas, once shunned internationally for its campaign of violence against Israel, has seen its isolation ease in recent months, as Islamists gain power across the region. An outpouring of support from the Arab world during an Israeli offensive against targets linked to militants earlier this month in Gaza gave them another bump.
After initially criticizing the UN bid as an empty gesture, Hamas has come around to supporting the popular move, with reservations.
Palestinians in the coastal strip also celebrated the vote, though on a smaller scale than after the massive eruption of joy in the streets after last week's cease-fire deal with Israel.
Some set off fireworks, others shot in the air and children in the streets cheered and flashed victory signs. "Today is a big joy for all of us," Abu Yazan, a 29-year-old Abbas supporter, said.
Izzat Rishaq, a senior Hamas figure in exile, said he welcomed the UN vote as an achievement, but that Hamas counts on "heroic resistance" to create a Palestinian state — underlining the group's deep ideological rift with Abbas who opposes violence.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the UN vote as meaningless and accused Abbas of delivering a "defamatory and venomous" UN speech "full of mendacious propaganda" against Israel. Netanyahu argued that the UN move violated past agreements between Israel and the Palestinians and that Israel would act accordingly, without elaborating what steps it might take.
The Palestinians turned to the UN after two decades of on-again, off-again talks undermined by violence and a failure of will. They reject Israel's claim that the recognition bid is an attempt to dictate the future borders of Palestine.
Instead, they say, it's a last-ditch attempt to rescue peace efforts threatened by Israeli settlement building on occupied land. Since 1967, half a million Israelis have settled on lands the UN says are part of Palestine.
Abbas aides say that with its vote, the UN is rebuffing Israeli attempts to portray these territories as "disputed," or up for grabs, rather than occupied.
Abbas aide Nabil Shaath said it will no longer be up to Israel to decide whether the Palestinians can have a state.
"The notion that Israel should approve the Palestinians' inalienable right to self-determination is simply illogical, immoral, and totally unacceptable," he wrote in an opinion piece in the Israeli daily Haaretz.
The endorsement of the pre-1967 line as the border of Palestine also poses a direct challenge to Netanyahu, who has refused to accept that demarcation as a basis for border talks with the Palestinians. Abbas and his aides have said the Israeli leader's rejection of such a framework for negotiations, accepted by his predecessors, helped push them to go to the UN
The Palestinians could also gain access to UN agencies and international bodies, most significantly the International Criminal Court, which could become a springboard for going after Israel for alleged war crimes or its ongoing settlement building on war-won land.
However, Abbas has signalled that he wants recognition to give him leverage in future talks with Israel, not as a tool for confronting or delegitimizing Israel, as Israeli leaders have alleged. He told the UN on Thursday that the Palestinians will "behave in a responsible and positive ways in our next steps."
Palestinian technical teams have studied the laws of all UN agencies and put together recommendations for Abbas, said a Palestinian official involved in the effort. He said Abbas told the experts there is no rush, and the next Palestinian moves would in part depend on international reaction, said the official who spoke on condition of anonymity to disclose internal deliberations.
Most immediately, the Palestinian Authority, which relies heavily on foreign aid and is struggling with the worst cash crisis in its 18-year history, could face further funding cuts over the UN bid.
In Washington, a bipartisan group of senators warned the Palestinians they could lose U.S. financial support of millions of dollars a year and risk the shutdown of their Washington office if they use their enhanced UN status against Israel
Israel could also suspend the monthly transfer of millions of dollars in tax rebates it collects on behalf of the Palestinians, a punitive step it has taken in the past.
In recent months, the Palestinian Authority has been struggling to cover its public sector payroll, paying salaries in instalments.
Mahmoud Khamis, a civil servant from the West Bank village of Deir Jareer, said he is willing to bear the negative consequences of UN recognition, including further disruptions in getting his salary. "It's good to have that state recognized, for the people of the world to hear our voice and know our cause," he said.
Source: AP
Friday, November 30, 2012
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
GENESIS OF CRISIS BETWEEN ASSOCIATION OF RESIDENT DOCTORS (ARD) AND MANAGEMENT OF FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, OWO.
ASSOCIATION OF RESIDENT DOCTORS,
FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, OWO.
GENESIS OF CRISIS BETWEEN ASSOCIATION OF RESIDENT DOCTORS (ARD) AND MANAGEMENT OF FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, OWO.
In 2009, after the Federal Government approved CONMESS for Doctors, the management tried to put an end to the rural allowance that has being enjoyed from the inception of the hospital in 1994. The agitations and unrest which followed forced the management to recommence the rural allowance. Unfortunately, in 2011, the salaries and wages commission also tried to stop the rural allowance but withdrew following a national strike in which the issue of teaching allowance was also focal. Our management however failed to recommence the said allowance on grounds of financial difficulties thereby inducing another industrial action during which our association was able to prove beyond all doubt that there was indeed more than sufficient money to pay the allowance and confirming the insincerity of the management. After being exposed, the management then agreed to the pay the rural allowance and its arrears and from then on embarked on victimization campaign with refusal to employ more doctors to replace those that are leaving the centre, in a bid to get back at us by ensuring we are overworked. This was extended openly to anyone remotely related to any member of the association. Even an issue as basic as allowing interesed medical officers with requisite qualifications to commence residency training is being used as an opportunity to victimize our colleagues.
A hospital which had no less than 205 doctors in 2009 presently has about 143 in the Medical Officer/Resident/House Officer cadre. Departments such as Surgery which had close to 20 doctors can only boast of 6 sidents. Pathology previously with six Medical officers now has two, Medicine had sixteen now has only seven amongst others. However, the personnel in the administrative department have been increasing in number (without any interview being conducted for any of them) at the expense of clinical departments. Recently in some departments, residents could not go for exams because they missed vital postings while serving in a posting of limited relevance to their training. It is worthy of note that FMC Ido Ekiti has 90 Specialist Consultant as against 41 in Owo, 120 house officers as against 42 in Owo and over 250 Residents/Medical Officers as against 104 in FMC Owo. When repeated appeals to the management to replace the doctors who have left kept falling on deaf ears, the association proceeded on a 3-day warning strike that was immediately suspended after 36hours on account of agreements reached with management on the 6th of August, 2012 to employ more doctors before the end of August 2012.
The Management however reneged on this agreement, thereby causing the association to proceed on an indefinite withdrawal of service at exactly 4pm on Thursday 8th Nov, 2012. The Management responded to this by harassing members of the association with policemen armed with assorted guns, sealed off the Doctors' lounge and terminated the appointment of eight house officers for partaking in the strike action giving them a 24hours quit notice from their quarters. A circular threatening to sac the Resident doctors/Medical officers was also released. The Management then moved on to falsely accuse two of our members and a consultant of pilfering hospital equipment. After it was clarified that the instruments in question does not belong to the hospital, the Management still went ahead to publish this false accusations in the national dailies.
It is pertinent to note that the Medical Director has incessantly bragged about having the backing of the Presidency, Minister of Health permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health as well as upper and Lower legislative houses. In view of the above, it is quite clear that the safety of members of the association cannot be guaranteed under the leadership of the present Medical Director. We kindly thus request that you assist in assuring the safety of our members and bring lasting peace to FMC Owo.
DR. J.E AJUONU Dr. M.E. Ugboya
President ARD, FMC,Owo Assist.-Secretary, ARD, FMC, Owo
FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, OWO.
GENESIS OF CRISIS BETWEEN ASSOCIATION OF RESIDENT DOCTORS (ARD) AND MANAGEMENT OF FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, OWO.
In 2009, after the Federal Government approved CONMESS for Doctors, the management tried to put an end to the rural allowance that has being enjoyed from the inception of the hospital in 1994. The agitations and unrest which followed forced the management to recommence the rural allowance. Unfortunately, in 2011, the salaries and wages commission also tried to stop the rural allowance but withdrew following a national strike in which the issue of teaching allowance was also focal. Our management however failed to recommence the said allowance on grounds of financial difficulties thereby inducing another industrial action during which our association was able to prove beyond all doubt that there was indeed more than sufficient money to pay the allowance and confirming the insincerity of the management. After being exposed, the management then agreed to the pay the rural allowance and its arrears and from then on embarked on victimization campaign with refusal to employ more doctors to replace those that are leaving the centre, in a bid to get back at us by ensuring we are overworked. This was extended openly to anyone remotely related to any member of the association. Even an issue as basic as allowing interesed medical officers with requisite qualifications to commence residency training is being used as an opportunity to victimize our colleagues.
A hospital which had no less than 205 doctors in 2009 presently has about 143 in the Medical Officer/Resident/House Officer cadre. Departments such as Surgery which had close to 20 doctors can only boast of 6 sidents. Pathology previously with six Medical officers now has two, Medicine had sixteen now has only seven amongst others. However, the personnel in the administrative department have been increasing in number (without any interview being conducted for any of them) at the expense of clinical departments. Recently in some departments, residents could not go for exams because they missed vital postings while serving in a posting of limited relevance to their training. It is worthy of note that FMC Ido Ekiti has 90 Specialist Consultant as against 41 in Owo, 120 house officers as against 42 in Owo and over 250 Residents/Medical Officers as against 104 in FMC Owo. When repeated appeals to the management to replace the doctors who have left kept falling on deaf ears, the association proceeded on a 3-day warning strike that was immediately suspended after 36hours on account of agreements reached with management on the 6th of August, 2012 to employ more doctors before the end of August 2012.
The Management however reneged on this agreement, thereby causing the association to proceed on an indefinite withdrawal of service at exactly 4pm on Thursday 8th Nov, 2012. The Management responded to this by harassing members of the association with policemen armed with assorted guns, sealed off the Doctors' lounge and terminated the appointment of eight house officers for partaking in the strike action giving them a 24hours quit notice from their quarters. A circular threatening to sac the Resident doctors/Medical officers was also released. The Management then moved on to falsely accuse two of our members and a consultant of pilfering hospital equipment. After it was clarified that the instruments in question does not belong to the hospital, the Management still went ahead to publish this false accusations in the national dailies.
It is pertinent to note that the Medical Director has incessantly bragged about having the backing of the Presidency, Minister of Health permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health as well as upper and Lower legislative houses. In view of the above, it is quite clear that the safety of members of the association cannot be guaranteed under the leadership of the present Medical Director. We kindly thus request that you assist in assuring the safety of our members and bring lasting peace to FMC Owo.
DR. J.E AJUONU Dr. M.E. Ugboya
President ARD, FMC,Owo Assist.-Secretary, ARD, FMC, Owo
PRESIDENT JONATHAN PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR PEACE BETWEEN SUDAN AND SOUTH SUDAN
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan pledged Tuesday in Abuja that Nigeria will continue to work with other African Nations to ensure a peaceful resolution of all outstanding disputes between Sudan and South Sudan.
Speaking at an audience with the Vice President of Sudan, Dr. Adam Yousuf, President Jonathan said that Nigeria will work through the African Union's Peace and Security Council and the African Union's Authority of Heads of State and Government to achieve a resolution of the disagreement between Sudan and South Sudan over Abyei District that will be acceptable to both countries.
The President assured Dr. Yousuf who delivered a special message from President Omar El-Bashir to him that he will confer with other African leaders ahead of the next meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council on the Abyei dispute.
Welcoming the briefing given to him by Dr. Yousuf on Sudan's current position on efforts to resolve the dispute, President Jonathan said that Nigeria was committed to ensuring that all possible options for a peaceful and enduring resolution of the dispute are fully explored.
Dr. Yousuf assured President Jonathan of Sudan's readiness for continued dialogue towards the peaceful resolution of the dispute over Abyei.
He told the President that Sudan was already doing its best to implement the nine agreements signed with South Sudan in Addis Ababa last month on other issues arising from the separation of both countries.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 27, 2012
Speaking at an audience with the Vice President of Sudan, Dr. Adam Yousuf, President Jonathan said that Nigeria will work through the African Union's Peace and Security Council and the African Union's Authority of Heads of State and Government to achieve a resolution of the disagreement between Sudan and South Sudan over Abyei District that will be acceptable to both countries.
The President assured Dr. Yousuf who delivered a special message from President Omar El-Bashir to him that he will confer with other African leaders ahead of the next meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council on the Abyei dispute.
Welcoming the briefing given to him by Dr. Yousuf on Sudan's current position on efforts to resolve the dispute, President Jonathan said that Nigeria was committed to ensuring that all possible options for a peaceful and enduring resolution of the dispute are fully explored.
Dr. Yousuf assured President Jonathan of Sudan's readiness for continued dialogue towards the peaceful resolution of the dispute over Abyei.
He told the President that Sudan was already doing its best to implement the nine agreements signed with South Sudan in Addis Ababa last month on other issues arising from the separation of both countries.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 27, 2012
Saturday, November 24, 2012
PRESIDENT JONATHAN HAILS KOROMA’S RE-ELECTION, ASSURES SIERRA-LEONE OF NIGERIA’S CONTINUED SUPPORT
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and the Federal Government of Nigeria congratulate President Ernest Bai Koroma on his re-election and swearing-in yesterday for another five-year term at the helm of his country's affairs.
President Jonathan and Nigeria welcome President Koroma's victory with close to 60 per cent of the votes cast in the November 17 presidential elections which was keenly contested by eight other candidates as an affirmation of the trust and confidence the people of Sierra Leone have in his capable leadership.
The President urges all Sierra Leoneans to join hands with President Koroma in moving their country forward to an era of democratic consolidation, peace, political stability and rapid socio-economic development.
President Jonathan assures President Koroma and the brotherly people of Sierra Leone that they can continue to count on the support, assistance and solidarity of Nigeria as they go on with the urgent task of rebuilding their nation after years of avoidable conflict.
He wishes President Koroma a very successful second term in office and prays that God Almighty will grant him continued good health and divine guidance to lead his nation forward to a brighter future for all of its people.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 24, 2012
President Jonathan and Nigeria welcome President Koroma's victory with close to 60 per cent of the votes cast in the November 17 presidential elections which was keenly contested by eight other candidates as an affirmation of the trust and confidence the people of Sierra Leone have in his capable leadership.
The President urges all Sierra Leoneans to join hands with President Koroma in moving their country forward to an era of democratic consolidation, peace, political stability and rapid socio-economic development.
President Jonathan assures President Koroma and the brotherly people of Sierra Leone that they can continue to count on the support, assistance and solidarity of Nigeria as they go on with the urgent task of rebuilding their nation after years of avoidable conflict.
He wishes President Koroma a very successful second term in office and prays that God Almighty will grant him continued good health and divine guidance to lead his nation forward to a brighter future for all of its people.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 24, 2012
Friday, November 23, 2012
OFFICIAL DELEGATION TO REPRESENT PRESIDENT JONATHAN, NIGERIA AT ONAIYEKAN’S CONSECRATION AS CARDINAL
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is sending an official delegation headed by the President of the Senate, Senator David Mark to represent the Federal Government at the formal consecration of Archbishop John Onaiyekan as a Cardinal of the Catholic Church by Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican tomorrow.
Other members of the delegation are the Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe, the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, the Minister of State (FCT), Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide and the Chaplain of the Presidential Villa Chapel, Venerable Obioma Onwuzurumba.
It will be recalled that Archbishop Onaiyekan's elevation to the College of Cardinals was announced by the Vatican on October 24, this year.
President Jonathan has also mandated members of the delegation to stopover in Hanover, Germany on their way back to visit Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba State who is receiving treatment there for injuries sustained in a recent plane crash.
The delegation which is scheduled to leave Abuja today is due back on Sunday.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 23, 2012
Other members of the delegation are the Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe, the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, the Minister of State (FCT), Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide and the Chaplain of the Presidential Villa Chapel, Venerable Obioma Onwuzurumba.
It will be recalled that Archbishop Onaiyekan's elevation to the College of Cardinals was announced by the Vatican on October 24, this year.
President Jonathan has also mandated members of the delegation to stopover in Hanover, Germany on their way back to visit Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba State who is receiving treatment there for injuries sustained in a recent plane crash.
The delegation which is scheduled to leave Abuja today is due back on Sunday.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 23, 2012
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Photo: President Jonathan with President Zardari of Pakistan
STATE HOUSE PHOTO
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
President Jonathan arriving in Pakistan for D-8 Summit
STATE HOUSE PHOTO
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Ice cold murderer" buried husband and lover in Vienna cellar
VIENNA (Reuters) - A former ice cream parlor owner confessed in court on Monday to shooting, sawing up and freezing both her ex-husband and her lover, and burying them under the cellar of her store in Vienna.
Estibaliz Carranza, a 34-year-old Mexican-Spanish woman dubbed the "Ice Lady" by Austrian media, told a court that both men had "demeaned" her; her ex-husband by yelling at her and making fun of her poor German, her lover by being unfaithful.
In both cases, she said she had shot her victim with a .22 caliber Beretta pistol, chopped up the body with a chain saw, put it in a freezer at the parlor, and eventually buried it downstairs in the cellar, the Austria Press Agency reported.
Prosecutor Petra Freh described the defendant, who appeared before a packed court wearing a grey dress and flanked by prison guards and her celebrity defense lawyer Rudolf Mayer, as "ice-cold" and a "ticking time bomb".
"It's clear that the defendant has two faces," Freh said, warning that Carranza could kill again.
Carranza told the court the nature of her husband, Holger Holz, had completely changed after their wedding, and that matters had got worse when they were evicted from their apartment and moved into the ice cream shop, and Holz joined the Hare Krishna movement.
"He slept until 10 o'clock and came at 11 o'clock. We had no ice cream. He did nothing. He didn't want to get a grip," she said.
Even after she started a relationship with ice cream machine salesman Manfred Hinterberger and divorced Holz, he refused to move out, she told the court on Monday.
One Sunday, after an argument about the issue, she said she had shot Holz twice in the back of the head and once in the temple as he sat at his computer.
Mayer, who unsuccessfully defended Austria's most notorious living criminal Josef Fritzl in 2009, said the psychiatrist's report on Carranza showed that her danger to society could be reduced "to zero" with proper treatment.
NEGATIVE PORTRAYALS
He warned the jury not to be influenced by negative portrayals in the Austrian media, which have had a field day with the story of the Hispanic immigrant and her many lovers.
"The defense is determined ... that the jury do not accept the picture that been has given of her as ice-cold, unfeeling, unscrupulous, capable of anything, but rather that they recognize what is behind this facade," he told journalists.
Fritzl was sentenced to life imprisonment for incarcerating his daughter in the basement of his family home for 24 years, during which he physically assaulted and raped her, fathering seven children.
Hinterberger left Carranza shortly after her divorce but turned up on the doorstep of the salon with a suitcase a year and a half later after being thrown out by his girlfriend.
She said she had taken him back, but then found sex messages on his phone and his profile on a dating site.
On the way home from an evening out with friends, where he had flirted with another woman, she had wanted to talk about it but he had simply shouted at her and then gone to bed, she said.
"He turned to the wall and began snoring. He just turned around and that was the end of the matter for him. I was so furious," Carranza said.
She then described how she had reached under the mattress for the same pistol she had used to kill her ex-husband, loaded it, and shot him in his sleep.
Again, she chopped up his body, deep-froze the parts and eventually buried them under the icecream parlor, where they were found by chance during maintenance work last year.
Carranza was extradited from Italy, two months pregnant by another man, to face charges in Austria.
The trial is due to run until Thursday.
Estibaliz Carranza, a 34-year-old Mexican-Spanish woman dubbed the "Ice Lady" by Austrian media, told a court that both men had "demeaned" her; her ex-husband by yelling at her and making fun of her poor German, her lover by being unfaithful.
In both cases, she said she had shot her victim with a .22 caliber Beretta pistol, chopped up the body with a chain saw, put it in a freezer at the parlor, and eventually buried it downstairs in the cellar, the Austria Press Agency reported.
Prosecutor Petra Freh described the defendant, who appeared before a packed court wearing a grey dress and flanked by prison guards and her celebrity defense lawyer Rudolf Mayer, as "ice-cold" and a "ticking time bomb".
"It's clear that the defendant has two faces," Freh said, warning that Carranza could kill again.
Carranza told the court the nature of her husband, Holger Holz, had completely changed after their wedding, and that matters had got worse when they were evicted from their apartment and moved into the ice cream shop, and Holz joined the Hare Krishna movement.
"He slept until 10 o'clock and came at 11 o'clock. We had no ice cream. He did nothing. He didn't want to get a grip," she said.
Even after she started a relationship with ice cream machine salesman Manfred Hinterberger and divorced Holz, he refused to move out, she told the court on Monday.
One Sunday, after an argument about the issue, she said she had shot Holz twice in the back of the head and once in the temple as he sat at his computer.
Mayer, who unsuccessfully defended Austria's most notorious living criminal Josef Fritzl in 2009, said the psychiatrist's report on Carranza showed that her danger to society could be reduced "to zero" with proper treatment.
NEGATIVE PORTRAYALS
He warned the jury not to be influenced by negative portrayals in the Austrian media, which have had a field day with the story of the Hispanic immigrant and her many lovers.
"The defense is determined ... that the jury do not accept the picture that been has given of her as ice-cold, unfeeling, unscrupulous, capable of anything, but rather that they recognize what is behind this facade," he told journalists.
Fritzl was sentenced to life imprisonment for incarcerating his daughter in the basement of his family home for 24 years, during which he physically assaulted and raped her, fathering seven children.
Hinterberger left Carranza shortly after her divorce but turned up on the doorstep of the salon with a suitcase a year and a half later after being thrown out by his girlfriend.
She said she had taken him back, but then found sex messages on his phone and his profile on a dating site.
On the way home from an evening out with friends, where he had flirted with another woman, she had wanted to talk about it but he had simply shouted at her and then gone to bed, she said.
"He turned to the wall and began snoring. He just turned around and that was the end of the matter for him. I was so furious," Carranza said.
She then described how she had reached under the mattress for the same pistol she had used to kill her ex-husband, loaded it, and shot him in his sleep.
Again, she chopped up his body, deep-froze the parts and eventually buried them under the icecream parlor, where they were found by chance during maintenance work last year.
Carranza was extradited from Italy, two months pregnant by another man, to face charges in Austria.
The trial is due to run until Thursday.
PRESIDENT JONATHAN’S YOUNGER BROTHER DIES IN ABUJA AFTER BRIEF ILLNESS
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan announces with sadness the death earlier today of his younger brother, Chief Meni Innocent Jonathan.
Chief Meni Jonathan passed away at the National Hospital, Abuja after a brief illness.
Formal burial arrangements will be announced later by the family.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 20, 2012
Chief Meni Jonathan passed away at the National Hospital, Abuja after a brief illness.
Formal burial arrangements will be announced later by the family.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 20, 2012
PRESIDENT JONATHAN’S YOUNGER BROTHER DIES IN ABUJA AFTER BRIEF ILLNESS
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan announces with sadness the death earlier today of his younger brother, Chief Meni Innocent Jonathan.
Chief Meni Jonathan passed away at the National Hospital, Abuja after a brief illness.
Formal burial arrangements will be announced later by the family.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 20, 2012
Chief Meni Jonathan passed away at the National Hospital, Abuja after a brief illness.
Formal burial arrangements will be announced later by the family.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 20, 2012
President Jonathan's birthday: Tweet from @abati1990
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
Sunday, November 18, 2012
PRESIDENT JONATHAN TO ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC ON PRESIDENTIAL MEDIA CHAT
President Goodluck Jonathan will in the course of the Presidential Media Chat today, Sunday, November 18, 2012 respond to questions from members of the public.
Members of the public who have particular issues they would like President Jonathan to address are invited to send their questions via twitter to @mediachatng or via SMS to
+2347026076865.
During the two-hour programme which will be broadcast live by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and the Voice of Nigeria (VON) from 7pm to 9pm, a representative selection of the most significant questions received will be presented to President Jonathan for his response.
The President will, as is usual, also field questions from a panel of senior media practitioners.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 18, 2012
Members of the public who have particular issues they would like President Jonathan to address are invited to send their questions via twitter to @mediachatng or via SMS to
+2347026076865.
During the two-hour programme which will be broadcast live by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and the Voice of Nigeria (VON) from 7pm to 9pm, a representative selection of the most significant questions received will be presented to President Jonathan for his response.
The President will, as is usual, also field questions from a panel of senior media practitioners.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 18, 2012
Saturday, November 17, 2012
PRESIDENT JONATHAN CONGRATULATES CHINA’S NEW LEADER
On behalf of himself, the Federal Government and people of Nigeria, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan warmly congratulates Mr. Xi Jinping on his emergence as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China, Chairman of the country's Central Military Commission and President-Designate of China.
President Jonathan also applauds and commends Mr. Jinping, outgoing President Hu Jintao and the Communist Party of China for the orderly transfer of power to a new generation of leaders who have been entrusted with the huge responsibility of leading their great country into an even brighter future.
The President looks forward to working with Mr. Jinping and other new members of China's top governance organ, the Politburo Standing Committee to further strengthen existing cordial relations between Nigeria and China.
President Jonathan expects that under Mr. Jinping's leadership, the already robust trade and economic ties between both countries will continue to grow for the benefit of their people.
He also hopes that the Federal Government can continue to count on the support of the Chinese government for its developmental efforts in priority areas such as the expansion of national infrastructure, power supply, transportation and communications.
The President wishes Mr. Jinping immense success in the discharge of his enormous responsibilities as leader of the People's Republic of China.
Reuben Abat
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 17, 2012
President Jonathan also applauds and commends Mr. Jinping, outgoing President Hu Jintao and the Communist Party of China for the orderly transfer of power to a new generation of leaders who have been entrusted with the huge responsibility of leading their great country into an even brighter future.
The President looks forward to working with Mr. Jinping and other new members of China's top governance organ, the Politburo Standing Committee to further strengthen existing cordial relations between Nigeria and China.
President Jonathan expects that under Mr. Jinping's leadership, the already robust trade and economic ties between both countries will continue to grow for the benefit of their people.
He also hopes that the Federal Government can continue to count on the support of the Chinese government for its developmental efforts in priority areas such as the expansion of national infrastructure, power supply, transportation and communications.
The President wishes Mr. Jinping immense success in the discharge of his enormous responsibilities as leader of the People's Republic of China.
Reuben Abat
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 17, 2012
Friday, November 16, 2012
NIGERIA HAS LOST A GREAT LEGAL MIND WITH JUSTICE ESO’S DEATH – PRESIDENT JONATHAN
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has received news of the death of retired Honourable Justice Samuel Kayode Eso with sadness and a feeling of great national loss.
On behalf of himself and the Federal Government, President Jonathan extends heartfelt condolences to the Eso family, their friends, associates and the government and people of Osun State as they mourn the eminent jurist, courageous judge and consistent advocate for an independent judiciary, whose long and exemplary life was dedicated to the service of law and order, and the dispensation of true justice, equity and fairness to all.He urges them to take solace in the incontestable fact that Justice Eso will forever be remembered as a very bold, fearless and courageous judge who contributed enormously to establishing the independence of the Nigerian judiciary, and the national effort to entrench the highest levels of professionalism, discipline and integrity in the country's legal system.
President Jonathan believes that members of the legal profession in Nigeria will always owe a debt of gratitude to the late Justice Eso for his immense legacy of learned, erudite and seminal judgments, prodigious writings and major interventions in national debates on and outside the Bench which will always be remembered for their incisiveness, thoroughness, intellectual touch and impact.
He urges members of the bar and bench to emulate the dedication, discipline, integrity and activism that Justice Eso exemplified even up to old age as well as his commendable patriotism which manifested in his constant readiness to take on national assignments whenever he was called upon to do so.
The President prays that God Almighty would grant the soul of the revered jurist eternal rest.
REUBEN ABATI
Special Adviser to the President
Media & Publicity
November 16, 2012
On behalf of himself and the Federal Government, President Jonathan extends heartfelt condolences to the Eso family, their friends, associates and the government and people of Osun State as they mourn the eminent jurist, courageous judge and consistent advocate for an independent judiciary, whose long and exemplary life was dedicated to the service of law and order, and the dispensation of true justice, equity and fairness to all.He urges them to take solace in the incontestable fact that Justice Eso will forever be remembered as a very bold, fearless and courageous judge who contributed enormously to establishing the independence of the Nigerian judiciary, and the national effort to entrench the highest levels of professionalism, discipline and integrity in the country's legal system.
President Jonathan believes that members of the legal profession in Nigeria will always owe a debt of gratitude to the late Justice Eso for his immense legacy of learned, erudite and seminal judgments, prodigious writings and major interventions in national debates on and outside the Bench which will always be remembered for their incisiveness, thoroughness, intellectual touch and impact.
He urges members of the bar and bench to emulate the dedication, discipline, integrity and activism that Justice Eso exemplified even up to old age as well as his commendable patriotism which manifested in his constant readiness to take on national assignments whenever he was called upon to do so.
The President prays that God Almighty would grant the soul of the revered jurist eternal rest.
REUBEN ABATI
Special Adviser to the President
Media & Publicity
November 16, 2012
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Petraeus Scandal: Paula Broadwell in Classified Document Probe
Paula Broadwell, the author who allegedly had an affair with former CIA Director David Petraeus, is suspected of storing significant amounts of military documents, including classified material, at her home, potentially in violation of federal law.
A source familiar with case told ABC News that Broadwell admitted to the FBI she took the documents from secure government buildings. The government demanded that they all be given back, and when federal agents descended on her North Carolina home on Monday night it was a pre-arranged meeting.
Prosecutors are now determining whether to charge Broadwell with a crime, and this morning the FBI and military are poring over the material. The 40-year-old author, who wrote the biography on Gen. Petraeus "All In," is cooperating and the case, which is complicated by the fact that as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Military Reserve she had security clearance to review the documents.
The FBI found classified material on a computer voluntarily handed over by Broadwell earlier in the investigation. Prosecutors will now have to determine how important the classified material is before making a final decision. Authorities could decide to seek disciplinary action against her rather than pursue charges.
Senior FBI officials are expected to brief the House and Senate Intelligence Committees today on their handling of the Petraeus investigation. The officials are expected to lay out how the case was developed and argue that there were no politics involved.
The case is so critical that FBI Director Robert Mueller may attend to defend the bureau, ABC News has learned. Members of Congress have been angry that they were not informed about the case before the story was reported by the media, but FBI officials maintain that their guidelines forbid them from discussing ongoing criminal cases.
This summer, Florida socialite and "honorary ambassador" to the military Jill Kelley received anonymous emails accusing her of flaunting a friendly relationship with military brass in Tampa. Kelley then called the FBI, which traced those emails back to Broadwell's computer. Investigators are said to have then found emails in Broadwell's inbox that pointed to an intimate affair with Petraeus, who on Friday admitted to the affair and announced his resignation as CIA director.
The FBI has now uncovered "potentially inappropriate" emails between Gen. John Allen, the commander of American forces in Afghanistan, and Kelley, according to a senior U.S. defense official who is traveling with Defense Secretary Leon Panetta. The department is reviewing between 20,000 and 30,000 documents connected to this matter, the official said. The email exchanges between Kelley and Allen took place from 2010 to 2012.
The U.S. official said the emails were "innocuous" and mostly about upcoming dinner parties and seeing him on TV. Allen denies he was involved in an affair, a Pentagon official said. An intermediary for Allen told ABC News that Allen and his wife are friends with Kelley and her husband and most of the emails were sent from Kelley to Allen's wife. A U.S. official said Allen may have triggered the investigation when he got an anonymous email a few months ago that was traced to Broadwell. The email had a "Kelley Patrol" return address or subject line and painted Kelley as a seductress, which Allen found alarming and mentioned to Kelley in a subsequent email, the official said.
The official described Kelley as a "nice, bored rich socialite who drops the honorary from her title... and tells people she is an ambassador. She gets herself in anything related to Centcom and all the senior people and has been for years."
Leon Panetta: 'No One Should Leap to Any Conclusions' Regarding Gen. Allen
Panetta cautioned that "no one should leap to any conclusions" about allegations against Allen over the investigation.
Panetta said he supports Allen, who has been in command in Kabul since July 2011. He took over that summer for Petraeus, who retired from the Army to take over as the head of the CIA.
"He certainly has my continued confidence to lead our forces and to continue the fight," Panetta said at a news conference in Perth, Australia, Wednesday.
Panetta declined to explain the nature of Allen's correspondence with Kelley, connected to the scandal that led to Petraeus' resignation last week as director of the CIA.
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, who appeared with Panetta, declined to comment on the Allen case, but insured the scandal has not harmed the war effort.
"There has been a lot of conversation, as you might expect, but no concern whatsoever being expressed to us because the mission has been set forth and it's being carried out," Clinton said.
Allen had been nominated as the next commander of U.S. European Command and the commander of NATO forces in Europe, and despite President Obama's backing, the nomination has been put on hold. The change of command at NATO is currently slated to not take place until March at the earliest.
Allen was supposed to appear before a Senate confirmation hearing this Thursday alongside his designated replacement, Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford. Panetta said that while the matter is being investigated by the Defense Department IG, Allen will remain in his post as commander of the International Security Assistance Force, based in Kabul
Yahoo
A source familiar with case told ABC News that Broadwell admitted to the FBI she took the documents from secure government buildings. The government demanded that they all be given back, and when federal agents descended on her North Carolina home on Monday night it was a pre-arranged meeting.
Prosecutors are now determining whether to charge Broadwell with a crime, and this morning the FBI and military are poring over the material. The 40-year-old author, who wrote the biography on Gen. Petraeus "All In," is cooperating and the case, which is complicated by the fact that as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Military Reserve she had security clearance to review the documents.
The FBI found classified material on a computer voluntarily handed over by Broadwell earlier in the investigation. Prosecutors will now have to determine how important the classified material is before making a final decision. Authorities could decide to seek disciplinary action against her rather than pursue charges.
Senior FBI officials are expected to brief the House and Senate Intelligence Committees today on their handling of the Petraeus investigation. The officials are expected to lay out how the case was developed and argue that there were no politics involved.
The case is so critical that FBI Director Robert Mueller may attend to defend the bureau, ABC News has learned. Members of Congress have been angry that they were not informed about the case before the story was reported by the media, but FBI officials maintain that their guidelines forbid them from discussing ongoing criminal cases.
This summer, Florida socialite and "honorary ambassador" to the military Jill Kelley received anonymous emails accusing her of flaunting a friendly relationship with military brass in Tampa. Kelley then called the FBI, which traced those emails back to Broadwell's computer. Investigators are said to have then found emails in Broadwell's inbox that pointed to an intimate affair with Petraeus, who on Friday admitted to the affair and announced his resignation as CIA director.
The FBI has now uncovered "potentially inappropriate" emails between Gen. John Allen, the commander of American forces in Afghanistan, and Kelley, according to a senior U.S. defense official who is traveling with Defense Secretary Leon Panetta. The department is reviewing between 20,000 and 30,000 documents connected to this matter, the official said. The email exchanges between Kelley and Allen took place from 2010 to 2012.
The U.S. official said the emails were "innocuous" and mostly about upcoming dinner parties and seeing him on TV. Allen denies he was involved in an affair, a Pentagon official said. An intermediary for Allen told ABC News that Allen and his wife are friends with Kelley and her husband and most of the emails were sent from Kelley to Allen's wife. A U.S. official said Allen may have triggered the investigation when he got an anonymous email a few months ago that was traced to Broadwell. The email had a "Kelley Patrol" return address or subject line and painted Kelley as a seductress, which Allen found alarming and mentioned to Kelley in a subsequent email, the official said.
The official described Kelley as a "nice, bored rich socialite who drops the honorary from her title... and tells people she is an ambassador. She gets herself in anything related to Centcom and all the senior people and has been for years."
Leon Panetta: 'No One Should Leap to Any Conclusions' Regarding Gen. Allen
Panetta cautioned that "no one should leap to any conclusions" about allegations against Allen over the investigation.
Panetta said he supports Allen, who has been in command in Kabul since July 2011. He took over that summer for Petraeus, who retired from the Army to take over as the head of the CIA.
"He certainly has my continued confidence to lead our forces and to continue the fight," Panetta said at a news conference in Perth, Australia, Wednesday.
Panetta declined to explain the nature of Allen's correspondence with Kelley, connected to the scandal that led to Petraeus' resignation last week as director of the CIA.
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, who appeared with Panetta, declined to comment on the Allen case, but insured the scandal has not harmed the war effort.
"There has been a lot of conversation, as you might expect, but no concern whatsoever being expressed to us because the mission has been set forth and it's being carried out," Clinton said.
Allen had been nominated as the next commander of U.S. European Command and the commander of NATO forces in Europe, and despite President Obama's backing, the nomination has been put on hold. The change of command at NATO is currently slated to not take place until March at the earliest.
Allen was supposed to appear before a Senate confirmation hearing this Thursday alongside his designated replacement, Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford. Panetta said that while the matter is being investigated by the Defense Department IG, Allen will remain in his post as commander of the International Security Assistance Force, based in Kabul
Yahoo
LATE SARAKI WILL BE REMEMBERED AS A POLITICAL COLOSSUS – PRESIDENT JONATHAN
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan joins all Nigerians in mourning one of Nigeria's most prominent political leaders, medical practitioner and democrat, Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki who passed away in Lagos this morning.
President Jonathan extends sincere commiserations to the elder statesman's family and the people of his home state, Kwara to whose service and upliftment he selflessly devoted his long and very successful career in politics.
He urges them to be consoled by the knowledge that their departed father, leader and mentor lived a very successful and fulfilled life, rising to national prominence by dint of hard work, uncommon generosity, political sagacity, dedication and wholesome commitment to the service of his people and the entire nation.
President Jonathan believes that the late Dr. Saraki will be long remembered and eulogized as a consummate politician, an astute grassroots mobiliser, and a political colossus with awe-inspiring powers of political organisation.
The President has no doubts that this public-spirited politician will always occupy a place of honour in the hearts of his people, supporters, friends and associates across the nation.
He believes that the ordinary people of Kwara in particular will always remember the "Oloye" with great affection because of the constant support they received from him.
The President further notes that Dr. Saraki's brand of people-oriented politics and his success in building on his strong support base to contribute positively to Nigeria's political development as a powerful voice in the nation's dominant political parties, as the Senate Majority Leader in the Second Republic, and as the ultimate reference point in the politics of Kwara state for decades, have assured him of a place amongst Nigeria's heroes of democracy.
President Jonathan urges Nigerians to emulate Dr Saraki's patriotic commitment to national unity, politics without bitterness as well as his magnificent spirit of philanthropy.
He prays that God Almighty will grant his soul eternal rest.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 14, 2012
President Jonathan extends sincere commiserations to the elder statesman's family and the people of his home state, Kwara to whose service and upliftment he selflessly devoted his long and very successful career in politics.
He urges them to be consoled by the knowledge that their departed father, leader and mentor lived a very successful and fulfilled life, rising to national prominence by dint of hard work, uncommon generosity, political sagacity, dedication and wholesome commitment to the service of his people and the entire nation.
President Jonathan believes that the late Dr. Saraki will be long remembered and eulogized as a consummate politician, an astute grassroots mobiliser, and a political colossus with awe-inspiring powers of political organisation.
The President has no doubts that this public-spirited politician will always occupy a place of honour in the hearts of his people, supporters, friends and associates across the nation.
He believes that the ordinary people of Kwara in particular will always remember the "Oloye" with great affection because of the constant support they received from him.
The President further notes that Dr. Saraki's brand of people-oriented politics and his success in building on his strong support base to contribute positively to Nigeria's political development as a powerful voice in the nation's dominant political parties, as the Senate Majority Leader in the Second Republic, and as the ultimate reference point in the politics of Kwara state for decades, have assured him of a place amongst Nigeria's heroes of democracy.
President Jonathan urges Nigerians to emulate Dr Saraki's patriotic commitment to national unity, politics without bitterness as well as his magnificent spirit of philanthropy.
He prays that God Almighty will grant his soul eternal rest.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 14, 2012
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
New twists in Petraeus case: Another general accused of ‘inappropriate’ emails, ‘shirtless’ FBI agent taken off probe
It seemed the story behind Gen. David Petraeus' resignation as director of the CIA couldn't get stranger. New reports, however, now indicate that Marine Gen. John Allen, another well-respected, high-ranking general, might be involved in the growing scandal.
On the surface, the case so far involves the FBI; a slew of allegedly inappropriate emails (between Petraeus and his biographer, Paula Broadwell; Allen and socialite Jill Kelley; and allegedly threatening ones Broadwell sent to Kelley); the FBI agent who started the probe, who's now being investigated for sending "shirtless" photos to Kelley; and, as reported by the New York Post on Tuesday morning, a child custody battle involving Kelley's twin sister that allegedly concerns both Petraeus and Allen.
To help sort things out, here's a rundown of events, and where things currently stand.
Jill Kelley, a 37-year-old from Tampa, Fla., who organized local social events for the military as a volunteer, became friends with Petraeus and his family when he was stationed in Florida. Last spring, she began receiving harassing emails from an anonymous account and alerted a friend who worked for the FBI.
The FBI began an investigation, which eventually uncovered an affair between Petraeus and Broadwell, both of whom are married. The FBI believes Broadwell sent the harassing emails to Kelley because she perceived her to be a rival for Petraeus' affections.
The FBI found something else during the inquiry: 20,000 to 30,000 pages of emails and other communications between Kelley and Allen, the top commander in Afghanistan and a nominee to become the new NATO supreme allied commander for Europe.
A senior defense official has told the Washington Post that the emails were "potentially inappropriate." Other sources strongly denied to the Post that anything inappropriate ever happened between Allen and Kelley, but said that Allen may have used terms of endearment such as "sweetheart" to refer to Kelley in his emails to her. The source said Allen, who is married, is "embarrassed" by this, but did not have an affair with her. Allen also received an email from the same account that was harassing Kelley, though it's unclear what the email said.
Both Petraeus and Allen also wrote letters submitted to a court on behalf of Kelley's twin sister, who was locked in a nasty custody fight with the father of her 4-year-old child. The generals vouched for the sister's abilities as a mother, the Post reported.
The Tampa party planner, who is married and has three children, is also at the center of another bizarre twist in the case. The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday night that Kelley's FBI agent friend was taken off the Petraeus case and is currently being investigated because his superiors discovered that he sent "shirtless" photos to Kelley before the probe started. After the agent was removed from the case, the agent contacted Washington Rep. David Reichert to warn him that he thought FBI leaders would sweep the investigation under the rug.
Meanwhile, the Daily Beast, citing an anonymous source, reports that the harassing emails allegedly sent from Broadwell to Kelley did not say "stay away from my guy" as previously reported, and did not even directly reference Petraeus. The source described the tone of the emails as "more like, 'Who do you think you are? You parade around the base. You need to take it down a notch.'" The Wall Street Journal reported that one email, without elaborating, asked Kelley if her husband knew what she was doing. Another said the sender knew Kelley had touched "him," without specifying who the "him" was.
And, the Associated Press has uncovered the trick Broadwell and Petraeus used to email each other without creating an online trail. The pair set up anonymous email accounts and drafted emails to each other without ever pushing "send." Each one could log on to the other account and click the "drafts" folder to see if a message had been left for them. This avoids creating an easily traceable email trail, the AP reported.
One question the Daily Beast raised is why the FBI investigated the harassing emails sent to Kelley in the first place. There were no overt threats, such as "I'll kill you," in the emails, and some wonder if Kelley's friendship with the FBI agent may be why the agency investigated what seemed like a humdrum case better suited to local authorities. Sources told NBC News, however, that the FBI decided to investigate because the emails revealed its sender knew the "comings and goings" of high-ranking military officials.
Broadwell's father, for one, told the New York Daily News that he thinks the scandal is a smoke screen for a bigger story. "This is about something else entirely, and the truth will come out," Broadwell's father, Paul Krantz, told the Daily News. "There is a lot more that is going to come out."
Petraeus resigned on Friday, and it's still unclear if he will testify in closed Congressional hearings this week on the attack in Benghazi that killed four Americans. White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said Tuesday that the president still has confidence in Gen. Allen. Yahoo
On the surface, the case so far involves the FBI; a slew of allegedly inappropriate emails (between Petraeus and his biographer, Paula Broadwell; Allen and socialite Jill Kelley; and allegedly threatening ones Broadwell sent to Kelley); the FBI agent who started the probe, who's now being investigated for sending "shirtless" photos to Kelley; and, as reported by the New York Post on Tuesday morning, a child custody battle involving Kelley's twin sister that allegedly concerns both Petraeus and Allen.
To help sort things out, here's a rundown of events, and where things currently stand.
Jill Kelley, a 37-year-old from Tampa, Fla., who organized local social events for the military as a volunteer, became friends with Petraeus and his family when he was stationed in Florida. Last spring, she began receiving harassing emails from an anonymous account and alerted a friend who worked for the FBI.
The FBI began an investigation, which eventually uncovered an affair between Petraeus and Broadwell, both of whom are married. The FBI believes Broadwell sent the harassing emails to Kelley because she perceived her to be a rival for Petraeus' affections.
The FBI found something else during the inquiry: 20,000 to 30,000 pages of emails and other communications between Kelley and Allen, the top commander in Afghanistan and a nominee to become the new NATO supreme allied commander for Europe.
A senior defense official has told the Washington Post that the emails were "potentially inappropriate." Other sources strongly denied to the Post that anything inappropriate ever happened between Allen and Kelley, but said that Allen may have used terms of endearment such as "sweetheart" to refer to Kelley in his emails to her. The source said Allen, who is married, is "embarrassed" by this, but did not have an affair with her. Allen also received an email from the same account that was harassing Kelley, though it's unclear what the email said.
Both Petraeus and Allen also wrote letters submitted to a court on behalf of Kelley's twin sister, who was locked in a nasty custody fight with the father of her 4-year-old child. The generals vouched for the sister's abilities as a mother, the Post reported.
The Tampa party planner, who is married and has three children, is also at the center of another bizarre twist in the case. The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday night that Kelley's FBI agent friend was taken off the Petraeus case and is currently being investigated because his superiors discovered that he sent "shirtless" photos to Kelley before the probe started. After the agent was removed from the case, the agent contacted Washington Rep. David Reichert to warn him that he thought FBI leaders would sweep the investigation under the rug.
Meanwhile, the Daily Beast, citing an anonymous source, reports that the harassing emails allegedly sent from Broadwell to Kelley did not say "stay away from my guy" as previously reported, and did not even directly reference Petraeus. The source described the tone of the emails as "more like, 'Who do you think you are? You parade around the base. You need to take it down a notch.'" The Wall Street Journal reported that one email, without elaborating, asked Kelley if her husband knew what she was doing. Another said the sender knew Kelley had touched "him," without specifying who the "him" was.
And, the Associated Press has uncovered the trick Broadwell and Petraeus used to email each other without creating an online trail. The pair set up anonymous email accounts and drafted emails to each other without ever pushing "send." Each one could log on to the other account and click the "drafts" folder to see if a message had been left for them. This avoids creating an easily traceable email trail, the AP reported.
One question the Daily Beast raised is why the FBI investigated the harassing emails sent to Kelley in the first place. There were no overt threats, such as "I'll kill you," in the emails, and some wonder if Kelley's friendship with the FBI agent may be why the agency investigated what seemed like a humdrum case better suited to local authorities. Sources told NBC News, however, that the FBI decided to investigate because the emails revealed its sender knew the "comings and goings" of high-ranking military officials.
Broadwell's father, for one, told the New York Daily News that he thinks the scandal is a smoke screen for a bigger story. "This is about something else entirely, and the truth will come out," Broadwell's father, Paul Krantz, told the Daily News. "There is a lot more that is going to come out."
Petraeus resigned on Friday, and it's still unclear if he will testify in closed Congressional hearings this week on the attack in Benghazi that killed four Americans. White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said Tuesday that the president still has confidence in Gen. Allen. Yahoo
Monday, November 12, 2012
Jonathan and the Ribadu Report
I should like to dispel the putrefacious stench of the fart that seems to have overtaken the subject by returning all of us to certain basics that have not changed since President Jonathan approved the setting up of committees to inquire into different aspects of the Petroleum Sector and particularly since the reports were presented and accepted. The facts are as follows.
The committees in question and the probe into the Petroleum sector were initiated by President Goodluck Jonathan to ensure transparency and accountability in the extractive industry; the goal was to transform the sector and raise levels of integrity accordingly.
Every step that has been taken by this administration in this regard has been in fulfillment of this well-stated principle. This includes the decision to completely deregulate the downstream sector, which has now resulted in the exposure of oily deals in that sector, with consequences for the indicted persons.
It also includes the launch of a concerted fight against crude oil theft and illegal payments of fuel subsidy. Zakari Mohammed of the House of Representatives talks absent-mindedly about "lack of political will" to fight corruption.
He certainly doesn't know what he is talking about. A legislative position should not confer a right to mendacity. He should know, if he had been reading the newspapers, that on the basis of both the report of the House of Representatives and the Aig Aig-Imokhuede committee report on fuel subsidy payments, persons are currently being prosecuted in the law courts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The Federal Government has not done anything to stop or discourage the prosecution of indicted persons. We have made the point, again and again, that in this on-going fight against corruption, there will be no "cover ups"; and no "sacred cows," and that President Jonathan's only interest is the people's interest.
This same President has demonstrated the political will to deal with corruption in the country's electoral process, to both local and global acclaim. He has no reason to make compromises in other areas of national life.
Interestingly, many of those who are now talking ignorantly about "political will" are beneficiaries of this administration's commitment to the rule of law and fair play.
On the specific issue of the Petroleum Revenue Task Force report, the mischief-makers should go back to the statements made by President Jonathan, and subsequently by the Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, on the occasion of the presentation of the report.
The President's position that the work of the Ribadu Committee, and of the two other committees that presented their reports on that occasion, the Idika Kalu committee on Refineries and the Dotun Sulaiman Committee on Governance is useful and enlightening has not changed.
Alison-Madueke has further echoed that position more than twice. The three committees were set up as fact-finding and advisory bodies. That fact was further underscored by the President's mature response to the altercation that the Ribadu Committee Report generated when he said that those who have issues to raise should be free to make their own independent submissions.
This shows a determination to get every possible piece of information and to accommodate all concerns. This shows a will to act. President Jonathan has not dumped any input, rather he welcomes every possible input and he has no private interest in this matter. So for anyone to say that the Ribadu committee was "calculated to fail from the beginning", is absolutely uncharitable.
Indeed, for the benefit of those playing politics and doing quick business with this matter, the truth is that President Jonathan is already taking steps to address some of the issues raised in the various reports.
When President Jonathan sets up committees to investigate particular issues, he does so, because he wants to address those issues.
I had, before now, drawn attention to the fact that the President gave clear directives on the state of the refineries and that at least one meeting had been held since the presentation of the Report on Refineries, to act specifically on the recommendations made. President Jonathan has directed that he wants the refineries fixed and steps are already being taken; deadlines have been set.
That didn't make the headlines, rather, falsehood hugged the headlines, because these days it pays to fart all over the place, and attract attention.
To set the records straight, here is what happened. After the presentation of the reports by the three committees; the President directed the Minister of Petroleum Resources to take up the recommendations of the Kalu Idika Kalu committee on refineries.
The committee recommended, in part, that the country's refineries should be rehabilitated without any further delay. On November 8, the Minister and her team were at the Villa to brief the President about the state of the refineries, their current capacities, and steps that need to be taken to get them to function at optimum capacity.
The President made it clear that the government is committed to getting the refineries to work, so that we would no longer have to import refined petroleum products, which he considers shameful, and by so doing, government would have succeeded in creating jobs and put an end to the hardship that attends importation.
The meeting discussed the possibility of ensuring the Turn Around Maintenance of the refineries by March 2013, and subsequently, the rehabilitation of the facilities. The meeting ended with a directive that the Minister and her team should return with further presentations on the technical details of the agreed plan of action. This is one clear example of prompt action and demonstration of commitment.
President Jonathan has no reason to embarrass anyone who served on any of the three committees.
While receiving the reports, these were his words: "…we have seen that the people that have been selected in these committees are people that are known by Nigerians, people that are credible, most especially people that are patriotic and I believe that they put all that into consideration for the interest of the country not for the interest of any individual.
You have submitted your reports today. We have to thank you very sincerely and government will surely make use of these reports… because we feel that the oil industry as it is, need to be reformed." I urge you to note the emphasis on all the reports without exception!
Thereafter, President Jonathan commented on the work of the individual committees. On Dotun Sulaiman committee, he said: "…we feel that our governance and control, (in the oil and gas sector) we need to look at it. And of course quite a number of issues raised by the presenters link up with even the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) issues and I believe it will even help the National Assembly robustly in terms of looking at some aspects of the PIB. So we thank you very sincerely for that."
On the Kalu Idika Kalu Committee he said: "In the case of the refineries, I really have to thank you because I was listening, trying to see the kind of recommendations you will bring up…Maybe some of you don't know but those of us who are in politics, they used to "yab" us some years back that in Nigeria we import what we have and export what we don't have.
They say we import what we have because we have crude oil for God's sake. Ordinarily if it is a country where we placed our focus right, we should be having filling stations all over Africa and all over the world …It is disgraceful that we are importing petroleum products.
If in the next ten years this country still imports petroleum products then all of us who have the opportunity to be here, in fact when we die they should write something and put behind us that we did not rule this country well, because we must stop the importation of petroleum products." Hence, the President held the aforementioned follow-up meeting on refineries.
Now, on the Ribadu Report, President Jonathan said, inter alia: "…Probably not everybody agreed on some of the conclusions but I don't think we need to bother…what we would say is that any member who has one or two observations should please write it either directly to me through the Chief of Staff or through the Minister of Petroleum Resources…
But the issues of finance, if it borders on corrupt practice or outright stealing, definitely it will go to the EFCC for investigation…If there are errors of calculation or misinformation from the relevant agencies of government that are supposed to give the correct figures, that will be filtered out.
It will not be used against anybody, because the interest of government to set up these committees is to help us do what is right. It is not to help us do what is wrong. And that is why we have to be careful and do what is right. So I plead with you. But let me assure you that government has no interest in hiding anything…"
Let me cut this short, at this point, by saying that President Goodluck Jonathan has no reason whatsoever, personal or political (since at least one character has said that the furore over the Ribadu Report has something to do with 2015!) to protect wrong-doers in the land.
He took on this assignment to make Nigeria better and that is what he is doing everyday: working hard at the Nigerian project and taking every step to transform it for good.
The Nigerian people are enjoined to stand on the side of truth and to reject the mischief of all hunters of fortune whose interest is their own ambitions, for in this Ribadu Committee Report matter, personal ambitions are beginning to becloud the facts. President Jonathan will continue to provide leadership. Nobody should drag him into the cheap arena of opportunistic demagoguery.
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
Sunday, November 11, 2012
LAM ADESINA WILL BE REMEMBERED AND HONOURED AS AN EXEMPLARY LEADER – PRESIDENT JONATHAN
President Goodluck Jonathan is deeply saddened by the passing away of elder statesman and former governor of Oyo State, Alhaji Lam Adesina.
On behalf of himself, the Federal Government and all Nigerians, President Jonathan extends heartfelt condolences to Alhaji Adesina's family and the Government and people of Oyo State.
The President joins late Alhaji Adesina's family, relatives, friends, associates and all who knew him in mourning the renowned educationist and political leader who devoted his entire adult life to working for the progress of his people and the nation.
President Jonathan believes that Alhaji Adesina's indefatigability in political struggles as well as his honesty, integrity, sincere commitment and dedication to the service of his people before and
during his tenure as governor have ensured that he will be honoured and remembered by present and future generations as an exemplary leader who did his utmost best to improve the lives of his people.
He prays that God Almighty will receive Alhaji Adesina's soul and grant him eternal rest.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 11, 2012
On behalf of himself, the Federal Government and all Nigerians, President Jonathan extends heartfelt condolences to Alhaji Adesina's family and the Government and people of Oyo State.
The President joins late Alhaji Adesina's family, relatives, friends, associates and all who knew him in mourning the renowned educationist and political leader who devoted his entire adult life to working for the progress of his people and the nation.
President Jonathan believes that Alhaji Adesina's indefatigability in political struggles as well as his honesty, integrity, sincere commitment and dedication to the service of his people before and
during his tenure as governor have ensured that he will be honoured and remembered by present and future generations as an exemplary leader who did his utmost best to improve the lives of his people.
He prays that God Almighty will receive Alhaji Adesina's soul and grant him eternal rest.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 11, 2012
Saturday, November 10, 2012
PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN RECEIVING PRESIDENTS OF GUINEA BISSAU & GUINEA CONAKRY
PIC 2.PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN (L) RECEIVING PRESIDENT ALPHA CONDE OF GUINEA CONAKRY IN ABUJA ON SATURDAY (10/11/12).
STATE HOUSE PHOTO
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
Exxon shuts pipeline after oil leak offshore Nigeria
ABUJA (Reuters) - Exxon has shut a pipeline off the coast of Nigeria's Akwa Ibom state after an oil leak started by an unknown cause, the company's local unit said on Saturday.
The U.S. major's outage will add to production problems in Africa's biggest crude exporter, after fellow oil majors Shell and Eni reported recent disruptions at onshore sites due to Nigeria's worst flooding in 50 years.
"(Exxon Nigeria) confirms that on November 9 an oil release occurred offshore Akwa Ibom State," Mobil Producing Nigeria, a joint venture between Exxon and the state oil firm, said in an emailed statement.
"The source of the leak was identified and the pipeline was isolated and shutdown." The company said it was investigating the cause of the leak but didn't give any details on the amount of oil production lost.
There was an oil spill in August near an Exxon facility that residents said left a slick running for miles along the coastline of Akwa Ibom. Exxon said it cleared up the spill but didn't confirm the source of the leak.
Italian oil firm Eni said on Friday it had declared force majeure on Brass River oil loadings from Nigeria due to floods, which have submerged part of the southern oil-producing Niger Delta in recent weeks.
Flooding combined with oil theft, prompted Shell to declare force majeure on two other large Nigerian oil streams, Bonny Light and Forcados, in late October.
Oil spills are common in Nigeria's onshore Niger Delta due to widespread theft by oil gangs tapping into pipelines and the poor maintenance of some ageing infrastructure.
But offshore spills are less common. Last December, an accident at Shell's offshore Bonga facility spilled an estimated 40,000 barrels, one of the largest in Nigeria's history.
Nigerian regulators told parliament in July that Shell should be fined $5 billion for environmental damaged caused by the spill but the company has said there is no legal basis for the fine.
The U.S. major's outage will add to production problems in Africa's biggest crude exporter, after fellow oil majors Shell and Eni reported recent disruptions at onshore sites due to Nigeria's worst flooding in 50 years.
"(Exxon Nigeria) confirms that on November 9 an oil release occurred offshore Akwa Ibom State," Mobil Producing Nigeria, a joint venture between Exxon and the state oil firm, said in an emailed statement.
"The source of the leak was identified and the pipeline was isolated and shutdown." The company said it was investigating the cause of the leak but didn't give any details on the amount of oil production lost.
There was an oil spill in August near an Exxon facility that residents said left a slick running for miles along the coastline of Akwa Ibom. Exxon said it cleared up the spill but didn't confirm the source of the leak.
Italian oil firm Eni said on Friday it had declared force majeure on Brass River oil loadings from Nigeria due to floods, which have submerged part of the southern oil-producing Niger Delta in recent weeks.
Flooding combined with oil theft, prompted Shell to declare force majeure on two other large Nigerian oil streams, Bonny Light and Forcados, in late October.
Oil spills are common in Nigeria's onshore Niger Delta due to widespread theft by oil gangs tapping into pipelines and the poor maintenance of some ageing infrastructure.
But offshore spills are less common. Last December, an accident at Shell's offshore Bonga facility spilled an estimated 40,000 barrels, one of the largest in Nigeria's history.
Nigerian regulators told parliament in July that Shell should be fined $5 billion for environmental damaged caused by the spill but the company has said there is no legal basis for the fine.
PRESIDENT JONATHAN CONGRATULATES NEW ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY
President Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated the Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Justin Welby on his appointment as the Archbishop of Canterbury and Head of the Anglican Communion worldwide.
In a congratulatory letter to him, President Jonathan said that he was confident that with Bishop Welby's "inspiring antecedents", he will achieve "astounding success" in the new assignment which he has been given at a time of great challenges for the Anglican Church.
"On behalf of my family, the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I write to express warm felicitations to you on your appointment as the next Archbishop of Canterbury.
"Your elevation to the position of headship of the Anglican Communion worldwide, at a time of great challenges for the international community and the Church of Christ, is evidently richly deserved.
"I am confident that, given your inspiring antecedents, you will make an astounding success of this divine assignment.
"You can be assured of the prayers and steadfast support of my government and the body of Christ in Nigeria as you assume your exalted office," President Jonathan wrote.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 10, 2012
In a congratulatory letter to him, President Jonathan said that he was confident that with Bishop Welby's "inspiring antecedents", he will achieve "astounding success" in the new assignment which he has been given at a time of great challenges for the Anglican Church.
"On behalf of my family, the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I write to express warm felicitations to you on your appointment as the next Archbishop of Canterbury.
"Your elevation to the position of headship of the Anglican Communion worldwide, at a time of great challenges for the international community and the Church of Christ, is evidently richly deserved.
"I am confident that, given your inspiring antecedents, you will make an astounding success of this divine assignment.
"You can be assured of the prayers and steadfast support of my government and the body of Christ in Nigeria as you assume your exalted office," President Jonathan wrote.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 10, 2012
Friday, November 9, 2012
PRESIDENT JONATHAN COMMISERATES WITH CHIEF HARRIMAN’S FAMILY
On behalf of himself and the Federal Government, President Jonathan extends sincerest condolences to the family of the renowned surveyor, industrialist, philanthropist and political leader, Chief Hope Harriman who passed away earlier this week in the United States.
President Jonathan notes that Chief Harriman lived an exemplary and fulfilled life, always doing the best that he could to contribute positively to communal and national development.
The President believes that Chief Harriman will always be remembered in his professional field of surveying and estate management where he built his practice into a glowing reference point for others and became in the process, a role model and mentor for younger Nigerians.
He prays that God Almighty will grant Chief Harriman's soul eternal rest.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 9, 2012
President Jonathan notes that Chief Harriman lived an exemplary and fulfilled life, always doing the best that he could to contribute positively to communal and national development.
The President believes that Chief Harriman will always be remembered in his professional field of surveying and estate management where he built his practice into a glowing reference point for others and became in the process, a role model and mentor for younger Nigerians.
He prays that God Almighty will grant Chief Harriman's soul eternal rest.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 9, 2012
FG WORKING TO BOOST NATIONWIDE ACCESS TO QUALITY DRUGS AND MEDICINES – PRESIDENT JONATHAN
President Goodluck Jonathan said Friday in Abuja that the Federal Government has made boosting the availability and affordability of life-saving drugs nationwide one of the primary objectives of its strategy for achieving significant improvements in national healthcare services in the shortest possible time.
Speaking at an audience with a delegation from the Merck Pharmaceuticals Company of Germany, President Jonathan said that his Administration was therefore doing everything possible to ensure that genuine essential drugs and medicines are constantly available in hospitals and pharmacies in all parts of the country.
The President said that the Federal Government was working with drug manufacturers, friendly nations and international organizations towards the achievement of this objective and would welcome increased international support and assistance for its effort to give more Nigerians easier access to essential drugs and medicines.
President Jonathan thanked the Merck delegation which was led by Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp-Merck for the company's ongoing support for healthcare delivery in Nigeria through the continued donation of large quantities of its drug Praziquantel for the free treatment of schistosomiasis or bilharzia, a chronic illness that can damage internal organs and, in children, impair growth and cognitive development."We really appreciate your gesture. Your drugs will help us to save even more lives under our Save One Million Lives Initiative which I recently launched. We will make the best use of the drugs and will work with you and our other friends in the international community to achieve our objective of better health services for all Nigerians," the President told Dr. Haverkamp-Merck and his team.
Dr. Haverkamp-Merck told the President that his company which is the oldest pharmaceuticals company in the world, having been in existence since 1668, will continue to support the Jonathan Administration's Save One Million Lives Initiative in every possible way.
He informed the President that the company which currently operates in over 60 countries was also assisting and supporting NAFDAC in the agency's efforts to ensure that only genuine drugs and medicines are supplied to Nigerians.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 9, 2012
Speaking at an audience with a delegation from the Merck Pharmaceuticals Company of Germany, President Jonathan said that his Administration was therefore doing everything possible to ensure that genuine essential drugs and medicines are constantly available in hospitals and pharmacies in all parts of the country.
The President said that the Federal Government was working with drug manufacturers, friendly nations and international organizations towards the achievement of this objective and would welcome increased international support and assistance for its effort to give more Nigerians easier access to essential drugs and medicines.
President Jonathan thanked the Merck delegation which was led by Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp-Merck for the company's ongoing support for healthcare delivery in Nigeria through the continued donation of large quantities of its drug Praziquantel for the free treatment of schistosomiasis or bilharzia, a chronic illness that can damage internal organs and, in children, impair growth and cognitive development."We really appreciate your gesture. Your drugs will help us to save even more lives under our Save One Million Lives Initiative which I recently launched. We will make the best use of the drugs and will work with you and our other friends in the international community to achieve our objective of better health services for all Nigerians," the President told Dr. Haverkamp-Merck and his team.
Dr. Haverkamp-Merck told the President that his company which is the oldest pharmaceuticals company in the world, having been in existence since 1668, will continue to support the Jonathan Administration's Save One Million Lives Initiative in every possible way.
He informed the President that the company which currently operates in over 60 countries was also assisting and supporting NAFDAC in the agency's efforts to ensure that only genuine drugs and medicines are supplied to Nigerians.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 9, 2012
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Dead candidates win elections in Florida, Alabama
(Reuters) - Florida Democrat Earl K. Wood and Alabama Republican Charles Beasley won their respective elections but they will not take office.
Both men died weeks before the November 6 election yet managed to beat their very much alive opponents by comfortable margins.
Wood died on October 15 from natural causes at age 96, during his campaign for a 12th term as Orange County Tax Collector in Orlando, Florida.
Criticized for rarely coming into the office while collecting a $150,000 salary and $90,000 pension, Wood initially announced he would step down, only to change his mind when a longtime political foe made plans to seek the seat.
Wood's wide name recognition after almost half a century in office scared off several serious contenders. His name remained on the ballot and he took 56 percent of the votes to 44 percent for a Republican who promised to eliminate the office altogether if elected.
Beasley, 77, died on October 12, possibly due to an aneurysm, while trying to reclaim his old seat on the Bibb County Commission in central Alabama.
Beasley's name also remained on the ballot and he won about 52 percent of the vote. His Democratic opponent, incumbent Commissioner Walter Sansing, took the loss especially hard.
"It is a touchy situation. When you are running against a dead man, you are limited as to what you can say," Sansing told Reuters.
He blamed people voting straight Republican tickets for his loss.
In Orlando, Scott Randolph, an outgoing Democratic state legislator and state party activist, was selected by his party to receive votes cast for Wood and he will assume the office. In Alabama, the governor will appoint a new commissioner with input from local Republicans.
Both men died weeks before the November 6 election yet managed to beat their very much alive opponents by comfortable margins.
Wood died on October 15 from natural causes at age 96, during his campaign for a 12th term as Orange County Tax Collector in Orlando, Florida.
Criticized for rarely coming into the office while collecting a $150,000 salary and $90,000 pension, Wood initially announced he would step down, only to change his mind when a longtime political foe made plans to seek the seat.
Wood's wide name recognition after almost half a century in office scared off several serious contenders. His name remained on the ballot and he took 56 percent of the votes to 44 percent for a Republican who promised to eliminate the office altogether if elected.
Beasley, 77, died on October 12, possibly due to an aneurysm, while trying to reclaim his old seat on the Bibb County Commission in central Alabama.
Beasley's name also remained on the ballot and he won about 52 percent of the vote. His Democratic opponent, incumbent Commissioner Walter Sansing, took the loss especially hard.
"It is a touchy situation. When you are running against a dead man, you are limited as to what you can say," Sansing told Reuters.
He blamed people voting straight Republican tickets for his loss.
In Orlando, Scott Randolph, an outgoing Democratic state legislator and state party activist, was selected by his party to receive votes cast for Wood and he will assume the office. In Alabama, the governor will appoint a new commissioner with input from local Republicans.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE: PRESIDENT JONATHAN CONGRATULATES OBAMA ON HIS RE-ELECTION
On behalf of himself, the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria President Goodluck Jonathan heartily congratulates President Barrack Obama on his success in winning re-election in yesterday's presidential elections in the United States.
President Jonathan welcomes President Obama's victory in an intensely fought presidential race as an endorsement by the good people of United States of his leadership, progressive world view and the very good work he has done in the past four years towards ending global economic depression and fostering global peace and security.
Nigeria, the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union enjoyed very cordial and productive relations with the Obama Administration in his first term; President Jonathan looks forward to continuing to build on Nigeria's and Africa's developmental collaboration with the United States in the next four years.
The President looks forward in particular to the further strengthening of US-Nigeria bilateral relations and the US-Nigeria Bi-National Commission which was established in President Obama's first term as the primary platform for the promotion of greater trade and economic cooperation between both countries as well as bilateral collaboration in other areas.
President Jonathan also hopes that the millions of people across the world, especially those in developing nations who watched the beauty and strength of democracy unfold in the United States presidential elections yesterday will come to a greater and better appreciation of democracy as the key to building peaceful, stable and progressive societies.
The President wishes President Obama continued good health and God's blessings and guidance as he prepares for his inauguration in January for a second term in office as the President of the United States of America.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 7, 201
President Jonathan welcomes President Obama's victory in an intensely fought presidential race as an endorsement by the good people of United States of his leadership, progressive world view and the very good work he has done in the past four years towards ending global economic depression and fostering global peace and security.
Nigeria, the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union enjoyed very cordial and productive relations with the Obama Administration in his first term; President Jonathan looks forward to continuing to build on Nigeria's and Africa's developmental collaboration with the United States in the next four years.
The President looks forward in particular to the further strengthening of US-Nigeria bilateral relations and the US-Nigeria Bi-National Commission which was established in President Obama's first term as the primary platform for the promotion of greater trade and economic cooperation between both countries as well as bilateral collaboration in other areas.
President Jonathan also hopes that the millions of people across the world, especially those in developing nations who watched the beauty and strength of democracy unfold in the United States presidential elections yesterday will come to a greater and better appreciation of democracy as the key to building peaceful, stable and progressive societies.
The President wishes President Obama continued good health and God's blessings and guidance as he prepares for his inauguration in January for a second term in office as the President of the United States of America.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 7, 201
Monday, November 5, 2012
Nigeria: Why the U.S. Election Matters
I hasten to add however, that the reasons why the US Presidential election due on Tuesday, are important to the average American living in or outside America may not be and are rarely, the same reasons why the same election is important to non-Americans, outside America, say for example, Nigerians. The only close exception perhaps must have been demonstrated in the wake of President Barack Obama's emergence in 2008. Americans wanted change, and many Africans saw that change in the colour of President Obama's skin. They raised funds, they organized street campaigns, they promoted the candidate...they did all of that although they had no say in the outcome of the election, they were motivated nonetheless by the symbolism of hope represented by the Obama candidacy, and its resonance.
The evaporation of that global euphoria today attests to the temporocentricism of human emotions; more so for the America-centric international audience, race is not such an important issue in the 2012 US Presidential election, and for the American, there are more urgent existential considerations. Still, US elections continue to matter to the rest of the world. The significance lies in the influence of America in the world, and the variegated economic and cultural implications of the outcome of the election. One quick example: the world economy is linked to the American economy almost umblically; with current unemployment rates and domestic stress generating doubts about the efficiency of the system, further contraction in the domestic US economy and an isolationist President in power, could translate into a withdrawal from global responsibilities in the shape of reduction in aid. Many African countries continue to depend on US aid, too many economies have their fortunes tied to America's.
For the average American, and there is a lesson here for us well conveyed by the Obama-Romney debates, a Presidential election is more about difference and ideological choices about the future of the United States and its people. The American voter that we have seen in the run up to the elections was, in this context, constantly reminded of his or her significance. What was signposted was the right of the voter to choose. Thus, when all is said and done, the morning after November 6, the final scene of the drama of the last few weeks will be the voter's choice, with the accent properly placed on the fact that the American people would have spoken. Elections in an established democracy are not won on the basis of the power of incumbency. Witness Barack Obama, a sitting American President having to fight for his shirt, county to county, city to city, state to state, sweating, lobbying, arguing...yet at this moment, the race is so close the leading contenders are losing their voices and pleading with volunteers to help out. The dictatorship of the American voter should matter a lot to the African voter who for the most part is disempowered and discounted.
The changing pattern of the public opinion polls has proven further that in this election, as in every other US election, more dramatically shown in the Dewey-Truman 1948 debacle, the outcome cannot be taken for granted until the race is over, and the battle is won and lost.
This should mean something to us in Nigeria, and in the larger African community, for it is at the centre of President Goodluck Jonathan's Transformation Agenda. It is the same electoral ethic that President Jonathan has insisted upon since his assumption of office as President. Nigerians, long used to a political situation in which the privilege of incumbency confers all powers have seen under President Jonathan's watch, a completely different arrangement. It used to be the case in this land, that all that was required of an incumbent in the position of a President or Governor was to sit back and assume that incumbency will confer automatic re-election, and if the incumbent managed to stir at all, he did so with so much arrogance. Most of the time, this worked. The incumbent bullied and forced his way through to a second term. Not since President Jonathan assumed the mantle of office, though. In the recent Gubernatorial elections, in Bayelsa, Edo and Ondo, and in other elections since 2011, we saw how the incumbents had to struggle hard to convince and mobilize the electorate. President Jonathan's signature cry of one man, one vote, one woman, one vote, one youth one vote, reiterates the power of the voter. I have seen the same principle well advertised in the humility of the two US Presidential candidates, and the struggle over the swing states that are so crucial to the electoral college arrangement. Candidates will go to the polls on Tuesday completely humbled by the supremacy of the American voter, who has been called upon to use his vote as an instrument of either power or "revenge." That is what democracy is all about: Ideas, competition, debate, choice. African politicians who manipulate electoral processes to suit their own purposes will be among the many observers of the US elections. They need to look beyond the drama at the morality of the experience.
The US Presidential election further matters because institutions matter. Americans are going into the election on Tuesday convinced that the system will protect the voters and their choice. So much money has been spent on the campaigns -over one million TV ads, and more than $7 billion on television advertising alone- but not money on a desperate attempt to bribe the voter. There are political parties but those political parties function as institutions not as personal fiefdoms. There are individuals occupying such positions as Chairmanship of the political parties and of the Electoral Commission, but they are not part of the debate because the system does not make them unduly obtrusive. Apart from the Presidential election, Americans will determine who controls the Senate. There are 33 Senate seats up for grabs. The Democrats currently hold a 53-47 majority; if the Republicans are able to gain 4 seats, they will gain control of the Senate and also maintain their control over the House of Representatives. These elections are just as important as the Presidential election.
The candidates are important too. This sounds like a restatement of the obvious. But of course, that is what it is. There is no candidate in this election who has not been subjected to laser jet scrutiny: who they are, what they represent, what they say, what they will do or not do, this is not really about their villages or state of origin; but their beliefs and non-beliefs. The voter can make a mistake, but he or she is given enough opportunity and latitude to make an informed choice. There is no room for anyone to smuggle himself or herself into office without passing through the crucible of scrutiny. The emphasis is on the responsibility that comes with office and the ability and character of the applicant to it. When all is over, Americans want to wake up with the feeling that they have chosen the better man for this time and that the choice is a true reflection of the majority. That is what matters.
And all of these matter because it is the country that matters most. Pro patria: Love of country. This is all about country, that is, America's prestige and place in the world. The average American will make a choice to sustain the exceptionalism of the United States as a country that can still be remembered and protected as "God's own country," a country where all Americans can still feel that sense of pride, that they are "the best" in the world. And that is why the key issue has been how to make America better for Americans: healthcare, medicare, social security, housing, energy, immigration reform, taxes, jobs, national security, the economy, foreign policy- issues that connect with the ordinary people in their daily circumstances.
And one more thing: in the midst of last minute 2012 US electioneering, Hurricane Sandy occurred, wrecking such havoc on the Eastern Coast of the United States that should be familiar to Nigerians who had also just witnessed the same devastating impact of climate change in parts of the country. During that critical moment, Americans refused to play the politics of disaster. They all united as Americans, Republicans and Democrats alike, even the Romney team praised Obama for his leadership. Great lesson!
So, as they say, what is our own in this matter? As Nigerians monitor the US elections along with the rest of the world, we must spare a thought for our own democracy and this administration's efforts at its consolidation; in noting the differences and commonalities, we should reflect on the projected values of duty, responsibility, institutional integrity and love of country. That is what I think. And let me add: Good luck to the Americans.
Dr. Abati is Special Adviser (Media and Publicity) to President Goodluck Jonathan
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE: PRESIDENT JONATHAN REQUESTS RIVERS, BAYELSA GOVERNORS TO END MEDIA WAR OVER DISPUTED OIL WELLS
The Presidency has noted with concern the rather unbecoming, unnecessary and unhelpful media war between the Bayelsa and Rivers State Governments over the rightful ownership of some oil wells.
The Presidency believes that this media war which appears to be escalating with each passing day can only hinder and negate efforts already initiated by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to achieve an amicable resolution of the dispute in the best interest of the affected communities, the two states and the nation.
President Jonathan therefore requests the Governors of both states to facilitate and help to create the right atmosphere for the successful conclusion of the peace process by ordering an immediate stoppage of all acrimonious public comments against each other over the dispute.
Having already had very useful discussions with the Rivers State Governor and Kalabari elders over the weekend, President Jonathan intends to take the process forward at another scheduled meeting at 11 am at the Presidential Villa on Friday, November 9, 2012 with the governors of the two states, leaders of the affected communities and all concerned stakeholders.
President Jonathan consequently urges the two governors and leaders of the affected communities to ensure that no further spiteful or inciting comments are made against each other to pollute the right atmosphere for constructive dialogue and brotherly reconciliation which he is striving to promote for the amicable resolution of the dispute.
He looks forward to receiving the Rivers and Bayelsa State delegations in Abuja on Friday.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 5, 2012
The Presidency believes that this media war which appears to be escalating with each passing day can only hinder and negate efforts already initiated by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to achieve an amicable resolution of the dispute in the best interest of the affected communities, the two states and the nation.
President Jonathan therefore requests the Governors of both states to facilitate and help to create the right atmosphere for the successful conclusion of the peace process by ordering an immediate stoppage of all acrimonious public comments against each other over the dispute.
Having already had very useful discussions with the Rivers State Governor and Kalabari elders over the weekend, President Jonathan intends to take the process forward at another scheduled meeting at 11 am at the Presidential Villa on Friday, November 9, 2012 with the governors of the two states, leaders of the affected communities and all concerned stakeholders.
President Jonathan consequently urges the two governors and leaders of the affected communities to ensure that no further spiteful or inciting comments are made against each other to pollute the right atmosphere for constructive dialogue and brotherly reconciliation which he is striving to promote for the amicable resolution of the dispute.
He looks forward to receiving the Rivers and Bayelsa State delegations in Abuja on Friday.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 5, 2012
Sunday, November 4, 2012
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE RIBADU COMMITTEE REPORT: ACN GOT IT WRONG
and the President's "innermost thoughts on this issue."
The drama that has been generated around the Petroleum Revenue Task Force Report, one of three reports that were submitted to President Jonathan on Friday, Nov 2, says a lot about the attempt by others to politicize everything possible and seek cheap advantages where they need not do so. For the avoidance of doubt, and for the benefit of the naysayers, the committees were set up as fact-finding and advisory bodies, to generate ideas and recommendations about how best to strengthen the oil and gas sector and to further pursue the objectives of institutional integrity, transparency and accountability. President Jonathan remains committed to the war against corruption and every step his administration has taken has been in this direction, and that has not changed.
The Presidency deplores the attempt by the ACN to accuse it of having had a hand in the open dissension among members of the Ribadu Committee. The disagreements during the presentation were as surprising as they were sudden. President Jonathan should be commended for his mature handling of the situation, and not made the target of silly insinuations.
The ACN claims that Steve Oronsaye and Bernard Otti's membership of the NNPC while serving on the Ribadu committee compromises their position. It is important to note that this committee and other committees had government officials, and ex-staff as members. They were not set up as quasi-judicial bodies but as committees of wise and knowledgeable men and women who would offer useful advice and in getting such useful advice there is nothing wrong in encouraging the participation of a broad category of persons including insiders and outsiders.
If Lai Mohammed had done his home work, he would have discovered that there were serving government officials on the Petroleum Industry Bill Task Force, chaired by Senator Udo Udoma, and which submitted its report in June, its technical committee was chaired by Engr Osten Olorunsola of the Directorate of Petroleum Resources (DPR). Similarly, the Refineries Task Force headed by Dr Kalu Idika Kalu had all the Managing Directors of the Refineries as members. And in fact, the membership of the Ribadu Committee included representatives of the FIRS, Federal Ministry of Finance, Attorney General of the Federation/Minister of Justice, DPR, NNPC, and Accountant General of the Federation.
The ACN should desist from looking for faults where none exists, in the expectation that if they tell the same lies long enough, more gullible persons will be persuaded to trust them.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
Nov. 4, 2012
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
Friday, November 2, 2012
PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN WITH THE VISITING GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER, DR GVIDO WESTERWELLE
STATE HOUSE PHOTO
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
Thursday, November 1, 2012
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE: PRESIDENT JONATHAN FELICITATES WITH CHIEF OBASANJO ON APPOINTMENT AS COUNTRY REPRESENTATIVE FOR QUEEN ELIZABETH DIAMOND JUBILEE TRUST
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has felicitated with former President Olusegun Obasanjo on his appointment as the Country Representative for Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust.
The President in a congratulatory letter to Chief Obasanjo, expressed confidence that in this new honorific position, the former President would through his "wide network of contacts across the Commonwealth, ensure that the Trust generates the resources required to fund legacy projects in the name of Queen Elizabeth."
President Jonathan while wishing the former President success in his new endeavour, said that he considered the appointment not only a personal honour to Chief Obasanjo, but also to Nigeria as a country.
REUBEN ABATI
Special Adviser (Media & Publicity) to the President
November 1, 2012.
The President in a congratulatory letter to Chief Obasanjo, expressed confidence that in this new honorific position, the former President would through his "wide network of contacts across the Commonwealth, ensure that the Trust generates the resources required to fund legacy projects in the name of Queen Elizabeth."
President Jonathan while wishing the former President success in his new endeavour, said that he considered the appointment not only a personal honour to Chief Obasanjo, but also to Nigeria as a country.
REUBEN ABATI
Special Adviser (Media & Publicity) to the President
November 1, 2012.
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