News
Without Alams, Oil will not Flow- FG
The Presidency, desperate, to justify the pardon it granted, Mr. Diepriye Alamieseigha, the convicted former Governor of Bayelsa State, said, yesterday that Alamieseigha is crucial to Nigeria’s economy and credited him for the increase in the barrels of oil Nigeria now sells on the international market.
Doyin Okupe, senior special assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Public Affairs at a press briefing in Abuja praised Alamieseigha whom he described as “repentant”
A visibly angry reporter at the briefing said “I thought he (Okupe) was going to say the man has refunded millions of dollars he stole when he was in office.”
Not deterred, Okupe, said that “In truth, Alamieseigha since he left prison has been working strenuously and silently to assist the President stabilize the amnesty in the Niger Delta region.
“Alamieseigha is a foremost leader of the Ijaw Nation, and his political and stabilizing influence in that region has impacted positively on the overall economy of the nation, bringing crude oil exports from the abysmally low level of 700,000bpd to over 2.4million bpd.”
According to him, Alamieseigha, who is still wanted by British authorities, can be credited with ensuring that the blood running through Nigeria’s economic artery is not cut off.
The full text of the briefing read below
TEXT OF A PRESS CONFERENCE ADDRESSED BY THE SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO
THE PRESIDENT ON PUBLIC AFFAIRS, DR DOYIN OKUPE ON THURSDAY 14TH MARCH, 2013.
GRANTING OF STATE PARDON: NEED FOR AN OBJECTIVE, HUMANE CONSIDERATION.
Gentlemen of the Press.
I have called this Press Conference to shed more light on the Pardon granted to some Nigerians recently by the National Council of State, especially as it concerns the former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepriye Alamiesegha.
I speak to you today, not just as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, but also as a Patriot, a Statesman and a Stakeholder in the Nigerian Polity.
I wish to appeal through this Medium to fellow Nigerians and distinguished members of the Civil Societies for open mindedness on this issue.
This is our country and our dearly beloved Nation which we all owe a duty to nurture, protect, preserve and ensure that after a hundred years of its existence, we hand it over to the next generation as one prosperous indivisible entity where justice, equity and peace reign.
Many will not question the legality or lawfulness of the pardon granted by the National Council of Sate. Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution clearly empowers the President in consultation with the Council of State so to do.
The major concern of many patriotic and reasonable Nigerians is whether the decision is morally right or if it will not send wrong signals on Governments anti-corruption crusade.
These two considerations are my major objectives in addressing this conference and I once again wish to plead earnestly that our people should hear me out and allow us to reason together.
On the issue of morality, I want to state categorically here, that State or Presidential Pardon are not intended for nobility or saints. In general, a state pardon is for those who have committed crimes and breached the laws of the land and may or may not have been tried or convicted regardless of their social status.
A pardon is the forgiveness of a crime and the cancellation of the relevant penalty; it is usually granted by the head of state (such as a monarch or president) or by acts of parliament or a religious authority.
Today, pardons are granted in many countries when individuals have demonstrated that they have fulfilled their debt to society, or are otherwise considered to be deserving.
Also, a Prerogative of Mercy by definition is not a justifiable affair. It has to do with discretion and the necessity to redress bitterness and thereby offer healing and forgiveness especially in the presence of evidence of remorse and potential to add value to the country.
This is what made President George H.W Bush in 1992 to say “when earlier wars have ended, Presidents have always used their powers to pardon to put bitterness behind us, and look to the future.
This healing tradition reaches at least from President James Madison’s pardon of La Titte’s pirates after the war of 1812, to Andrew Johnson’s pardon of soldiers who fought for the confederacy, to Harry Truman’s and Jimmy Carter’s pardons of those who violated the selective service laws in World War II and Vietnam”.
The above tradition must have informed President Bill Clinton when he pardoned Fife Syminghton III, former Republican Governor of Arizona who was convicted of bank fraud.
President Bill Clinton similarly ignited a firestorm of controversy when he pardoned Marc Rich, who was charged, in 1983, with cheating the United States Government of nearly $ 50 Million US Dollars and doing business with Iran during the hostage crisis. Rich was never tried as he fled to Switzerland to avoid prosecution
President George H. W. Bush perplexed a majority of American Citizens when he pardoned six people from the administration of his immediate Republican predecessor Ronald Reagan in whose administration he was also the Vice – President.
The six Americans were under investigation for their involvement in the Iran – Contra Affair, which was a National Scandal, involving selling of arms to Iran and using the proceeds to fund Nicaragua counter – revolutionaries.
These are the bastions of leadership of the International Community which our enlightened citizenry are always too eager to use as bench-mark of good governance and democratic propriety. In all these, we must always remember that all Nations of the world have their own characteristics and will always do things that are socio-politically expedient at every point in time.
American history is replete with similar instances of pardons for reasons that may not appear altogether altruistic but which suited the socio-political situations of the country.
Bill Clinton issued a total of 456 pardons, of which one was his younger brother serving a one year jail term in connection with possession of cocaine. George Bush Snr,176, Jimmy Carter 566, Lydon Johnson 1,157 and F D Roosevelt 3,687!
Gentlemen of the Press will recall that former Governor DSP Alamieyeseigha was removed from office in a manner that was suggested by many as not being entirely above board. Nevertheless, the former Bayelsa Governor whose pardon appears to be drawing all the flaks has been tried, found guilty and adequately punished.
He lost his position, forfeited the property illegally acquired and has demonstrated enough soberness after he served his sentence.
It is out of place to suggest that the pardon is tantamount to abandoning the fight against corruption in Nigeria.
This is too far from the truth. It was Lord Denning that perhaps put it more succinctly when he said “the purpose of punishment is not to destroy the offender but rather to reform him and deter others”. These two features, I must emphasise, have been met in this instance.
People have stated that President Jonathan said publicly that Alamieyeisegha was his political benefactor. This is a display of extreme humility and honesty on the part of Mr. President; in this day that virtually all political benefactors, usually turn into enemy number one and are therefore hounded to the ground by the incumbents.
It was God and Providence that lifted President Jonathan over and above his former political boss. But in truth Alamieyeisegha since he left prison has been working strenuously and silently to assist the President stabilize the amnesty in the Niger Delta Region. Alamieyeiseghais a foremost leader of the Ijaw Nation, and his political and stabilizing influence in that region have impacted positively on the overall economy of the nation, bringing crude oil exports from the abysmally low level of 700,00 bpd, to over 2.4 million bpd!
Therefore, it is obvious that, Alamieyeisegha has been a major player since his release from prison in ensuring that the blood that runs through the Nigerian economic artery is not cut off.
In Nigerian history, great and eminent men who have been crucified for one crime or the other have been pardoned by past Presidents and such men have lived thereafter to further enhance our political and socio-economic development.
Amongst those are our respected departed sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and the revered Ikemba Nnewi, Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu who continued after their pardon to contribute immensely to Nigeria’s social, political and economic growth till death.
It has often been said that there is always a season for everything under the sun, a season to punish and a season to forgive. Distinguished gentlemen of the press, fellow Nigerians, this is the season to forgive and to heal. May God forgive us all and bless our country Nigeria.
Before I end this address, let me use this opportunity to announce that in view of the obvious gaps in communication as shown in apparent misunderstanding of issues in the court of public opinion, this department will henceforth hold a bi monthly interactive forum with registered members of the Civil Society Organisations and other critical
stakeholders in the society.This programme will be coordinated by the Special Asistant to the President on Public Relations ,DrOlusanya Awosan, and Alhaji Nasir Zaharadeen ,the Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs who are both professionally and academically sound practitioners with many decades of experience in the Media and Public Relations industry.
It is my pleasure to invite your partnership in the success of this initiative which I am sure will facilitate an efficient two way information traffic between the Public and the Presidency.
I thank you.
Dr Doyin Okupe
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs
News
World Energy Conferencing
By Okoko Chidozie Christian
[email protected]; 09025179984.
In an increasing world, the effectiveness of meaningful human interaction becomes ever important.
The significance of networking remains at the very core of what we do; and to support this we strive to offer more opportunities through digital platforms to engage online year round.
Conferences as indispensable part of business could be a vital opportunity that is certain to reap one’s time, organizational commitment and lots more.
Research proven creditably reveals that conferencing provides a rare opportunity for key individuals within field specialism to come together collaboratively all over the world, in the same place, at the same time.
Such environment provides the perfect platform to network,
form partnership and exchange knowledge with both peers, and people from connected industries with whom one may not have previously connected.
A prospect such as this is sure to serve well both now and in the future.
Having known that conferences attract a unique and incredible mix of thinkers, leaders, experts and emerging talents with an existing predisposition to develop skills; it also stimulates industry progress and contribute to important global conversations.
World energy conferencing are energy-focused events set to draw in the world’s top businesses and their leaders to put the wheels of actions in motion against climate crisis and other major threats to the energy sectors and wider world as a result.
The later part of last year saw one of the world’s most pivotal sustainability events to date, COP28 reported in my previous article “Sustainability of Clean and Renewable Energy” on April 1st, 2024. The event saw world’s leaders take urgent actions and decisions on the transition away from fossil fuels and towards renewable and energy efficiency.
Undoubtedly, conference brings a wealth of forums, events, programmes which unite leaders about energy and industry’s interest topics, insights, guidance and tackling of some of the most pressing challenges.
These energy events will help in bringing together leading companies and talented people to provide business professional with high quality trade shows, digital solutions and connections, research reveals.
Some of the anticipated World energy events include World Utilities Conference Abu Dhabi, UAE (May 8-10,2024); International Conference in Energy Paris, France (14-15 May, 2024); Reuters Global Energy Transition New York, USA (7-8 June, 2024); Energy Tech Summit, Bilbao, Spain (10-11 April, 2024 ); Offshore Technology Conference, OTC in Houston Texas (6-9 May 2024), and many more.
World Energy Conferencing help companies and individuals to gain access to official media partnering and news publications for the world’s largest energy events thereby increasing their brand visibility through a variety of compelling content platforms helping to share latest innovations which are shaping the future of energy.
Also, connect industry leaders and passionate individuals from across the globe all committed to advancing the future of the energy industry in a path towards sustainable, renewable and affordable energy.
Technology expositions has helped a wide range of industry-leading companies to present energy-efficient products, energy management services and solutions.
Also, creates an environment for global think tank, powered by global innovation, pioneering minds and groundbreaking insights. As creating a new energy future require bold and different thinking, majority of these conferences regarded as the foremost events get accelerated global transition to clean energy, and bring leaders, policy-makers, investment incubators, corporate partners and world-class start-ups to work towards a greener tomorrow.
However, apart from being at the frontier of discovery on a global platform, conferencing witnesses the solution, ideas and game changers that matters amongst the world’s leading energy brands. It opens way for stakeholders to a unique occasion in examining critical insights, global drivers of energy prices and to network with energy specialists from other international companies of the world.
World energy conference platforms showcase advances in energy and a highly interactive experience that inspire progressive leadership thinking, collaborative and constructive actions. Regarding the concept of its most vital meetings, reflects its present and dedicated future to the entire society.
So, as we look ahead to the next 100years of energy mix; it is critical we consider not just the future of our energy technology, but also how we increase society’s energy literacy and create more inclusive bottom-up energy communities.
News
SoftTalk Messenger Introduces Chat and Make Calls without Sharing your Phone Number
Sharing your phone number on chatting platforms can expose you to unwanted spam, potential security breaches, and even compromise your identity.
Simple Azenabor, CEO, SoftTalk Messenger, a Nigerian developer based in Japan, said: “Anyone in an individual or a group chat can see your phone number. But don’t worry, you can use SoftTalk Messenger that doesn’t require a phone number.
“It gives you the best of both worlds, the freedom to communicate with anyone and everyone, and the security of keeping your phone number private”.
SoftTalk Messenger allows you to connect effortlessly with your friends, school mates, and family by using your @username, eliminating the need to share your phone numbers. This feature provides privacy for your phone number, particularly in group chats.
To add friends you simply search by their Unique SoftTalk @USERNAMES or Names to start a conversation and make encrypted HD audio and video calls.
It is possible for a user to turn off and on his profile from the SoftTalk directory if he prefers not to be discovered in a public search for a complete world of his own. Helping you to communicate with friends safely and privately
SoftTalk Messenger is a Nigeria’s Messaging app for Africans & the world. It enables users to buy and sell products and services in a marketplace, post stories, chat, make audio / video calls as well as pay utilities bills & buy low cost data & prepaid mobile airtime in Nigeria with plans to expand to other African countries in the near future. Users can make extra income by reselling Data and airtime to their friends right from within the app.
Messages are encrypted and transferred over a secure channel and use standard encryption algorithms: RSA-2048, RC4+ making sure that only the receiver of the message is able to read it. SoftTalk Messenger accommodates a total of 500,000 participants in a single group, and members can share media and large files.
According to Simple Azenabor, there is no doubt that Nigerians and indeed Africans are hungry for a new technology and need something different that can be called our “own” . It is my wish to see Nigerians use and encourage an indigenous solution built by one of us to grow our own.
The android version of the app was first introduced to Nigerians in late 2018 in the presence of the delegates from the NCC officials and the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Raufu Mohammed represented by a Director General in the ministry. SoftTalk Messenger has been bootstrapping and exploring various technologies in order to strengthen its backend infrastructure to build a secure and scalable system.
Today, SoftTalk Messenger is available on both android, web and the Apple iOS platforms with support of about 16 languages including French and can be downloaded on google and apple stores.
News
QNET Raises Alarm over Fraudulent Use of Foundation’s Name in Nigeria
QNET, a global lifestyle and wellness-focused direct-selling company, has recently become aware of fraudulent activities being carried out in the name of its CSR arm, RYTHM Foundation.
An individual had set up an office in Port Harcourt in the name of the RYTHM Foundation and was using online ads offering jobs in the foundation.
The incident came to light when a job seeker who had contacted the individual about the job was asked to pay a fee to secure it. Suspicion prompted the job seeker to verify the ad’s legitimacy by contacting the Foundation directly.
QNET promptly reported the incident to relevant authorities, which led to the arrest of the perpetrator. The matter is currently under investigation.
QNET is deeply troubled by the impersonation of the RYTHM Foundation for illicit activities, including fake job offers and other deceptive practices. RYTHM Foundation, QNET, and any of our affiliate companies are not associated with these activities and disavow any connection with the perpetrators. The company is committed to collaborating with authorities to apprehend fraudsters.
QNET warns the public to be vigilant and verify information before engaging in any such commitments.
QNET and any of its other affiliated companies do not offer jobs in exchange for a fee. The company urges the public to report any such job ads via the WhatsApp compliance hotline for Sub-Saharan African markets at +233256630005.
QNET remains dedicated to empowering individuals through life-enhancing products and micro-entrepreneurship opportunities. The company has undertaken educational and public awareness initiatives such as establishing the Direct Selling Disinformation Centre (DSDC) and launching the “Social Awareness Campaign” and “Say No! Awareness Campaign” to protect individuals from scams.
Direct Selling Disinformation Centre – https://www.directsellingdisinformation.org/ Say No Campaign – www.saynocampaign.org.
QNET reaffirms its commitment to maintaining trust with customers, partners, and communities. The company vows to conduct business with sincerity, integrity, and a focus on enhancing lives through its product offerings and entrepreneurial opportunities.
For more information, visit QNET’s website at www.qnet.net or our Africa blog at https://www.qnetafrica.com/
- News2 days ago
EFCC Discovers Fraudulent COVID Funds, World Bank Loan in Poverty Ministry
- News2 days ago
NAFDAC Alerts Nigerians to EU Ban on Dex Soap
- News2 days ago
History as Nigeria Launches Mew 5-in-1 Meningitis Vaccine
- News2 days ago
Bankers, Officials Colluding to Re-loot Recovered Abacha’s Fund- EFCC
- News2 days ago
FITC to Redefine HR with AI, Digitisation for Organisational Sustainability
- Telecom2 days ago
Layer3 Achieves Recertification for ISO/IEC 27001:2022, ISO/IEC 27017:2015, PCI-DSS and Nigeria Data Protection Compliance
- E-Business2 days ago
New National ID Card to Be Issued Via Banks- NIMC
- E-Financial2 days ago
MasterCard, Onafriq Partner to Bring New Payments Suite to Africa