Militants threaten MTN, S/African investments
The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), has threatened to attack South Africa’s investments, including telecoms firm MTN, in the Niger Delta, because of the trial of its leader in Johannesburg.
"Our decision to attack South African investments in the Niger Delta is directly related to the conduct of President (Jacob) Zuma regarding the continued incarceration in South Africa of Henry Okah," MEND said
Okah is facing trial in South Africa, where he has permanent residence, on charges that he orchestrated twin car bombings which killed 12 people in Abuja on October 1, 2010 from his home in Johannesburg. He has denied the charges.
The militant group, in the statement signed by its spokesman, Jomo Gbomo, said its planned attacks on the Nigerian oil industry would also affect all pipelines and facilities remotely related to the oil and gas sector.
The statement said: "Concerning attacks on MTN’s related infrastructure, MEND will issue shortly, a set of guidelines to MTN employees, customers and owners of properties accommodating MTN-related communication equipment.
"These guidelines are intended to minimise civilian casualties and forestall the unnecessary destruction of privately owned properties accommodating MTN equipment.
"Our decision to attack South African investments in the Niger Delta is directly related to the conduct of President Jacob Zuma, regarding the continued incarceration in South Africa of Henry Okah.
"What is happening in South Africa is a travesty of justice, which must be condemned by all. What country on earth, besides Nigeria, will so easily surrender its right to try someone it accuses of masterminding a bombing on its National Day?
"Why does the South African government seek the extradition of Shrien Dewani from England, for murder committed in South Africa?
"The South African government is simply being used by the Nigerian government to hold Okah in prison, for as long as it possibly can. The South African government also knowingly provided fabricated evidence to ensure Okah was denied bail in 2010.
"Jacob Zuma’s gain in all this is financial. Sacoil Holdings is a front for Zuma’s financial dealings in Nigeria. The South African president has also facilitated the award of several contracts in Nigeria to South African government-owned establishments and individuals in Zuma’s favour.
"After years of fighting for freedom and justice, South Africans now find themselves saddled with yet another typically African, corrupt and dictatorial government.
"We will attack South African investments for the interference of President Jacob Zuma in the judicial process, which has resulted in the perpetual incarceration of Henry Okah.
"It is a shame on all black Africans, that it has taken the government of Jacob Zuma less than four years to undo the work of the great Nelson Mandela and other heroes of the anti-apartheid struggle, abseiling South Africa into the abyss comfortably occupied by countries like Nigeria, Congo and Angola.
"It is apparent from the success of the Nigerian government, that this corrupt and politically-naive South African government understands only the language of force."
MEND also asked why the Nigerian nation could turn around and declare Okah’s continued detention for almost 19 months without trial, a just action.
It noted that the unconditional offer of amnesty, made in good faith by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, was intended to create a conducive atmosphere for dialogue, aimed at addressing the demands of the people of the Niger Delta.
The militant group also said: "A Jonathan presidency and amnesty for militants are not part of our demands and therefore will never be solutions to armed agitation for justice in the Niger Delta.
"President Goodluck Jonathan has mismanaged the goodwill demonstrated by MEND, by misrepresenting himself and his band of charlatans, as the reason for the relative calm experienced in the Niger Delta.
"We have never had any respect for Jonathan and today, most Nigerians understand why. To date, not one of the demands put forward to the Yar Adua government has been met, neither has the Nigerian government initiated dialogue aimed at addressing any of our demands.
"We will persist with our attacks on the Nigerian oil industry, due to the inaction of the Nigerian government, concerning our just demands, on behalf of the oppressed people of the Niger Delta.
Boko Haram spokesman, Abu Qaqa II, feared killed
A pall of uncertainty is surrounding the whereabouts of the spokesman of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, Abu Qaqa II, following fears that he might have been killed last week.
Details of the circumstances of his death were hazy last night although security sources claimed he was a victim of growing divisive tendencies in the group which has carried out gun and bomb attacks in different parts of the North for the third year running.
Abu Qaqa II is the pseudo name of Mohammed Anwal Kontagora and he took over from Abu Qaqa 1 who is also known as Abu Dardaa, Mohammed Shuaibu, Mohammed Bello, Abu Tiamiya and Abdulrahman Abdullahi.
Abu Qaqa1 was arrested in Kaduna in February, one of the high profile members of the sect in security custody.
The motive for the killing of Abu Qaqa II was unknown at press time.
Abu Qaqa 1’s father was killed on March 26 in Maiduguri by suspected members of Boko Haram allegedly on the strength of the confessions he (Qaqa) made to interrogators about the operations of the group.
The sect denied his arrest and said the person in security custody is Abu Dardaa.
Security sources said the alleged death of Abu Qaqa II was the prime reason for the Thursday posting of the video message on You Tube by Abubakar Shekau, the fugitive Boko Haram leader.
In the video recording, Shekau said the government of President Goodluck Jonathan should forget about dismantling Boko Haram as it (government) had boasted.
However, security sources said yesterday:"The self-styled spokesman of the Boko Haram sect "Abu Qaqa" -II, may have been killed last week. He was said to have tried to denounce the sect after intensive trailing by security agencies that saw him changing locations severally.
"Abu Qaqa -II whose real name is Mohammed Anwal Kontagora was from Kontagora in Niger State. He took the name Abu Qaqa in February this year after the original Abu Qaqa, 42, also known as Abu Dardaa, Mohammed Shuaibu, Mohammed Bello, Abu Tiamiya and Abdulrahman Abdullahi was arrested January this year.
"Kontagora, like his predecessor, is non-Kanuri, so his case as applicable to every non-Kanuri was decided summarily. The sect is said to be shopping for Abu Qaqa -III as its new spokesman. This greatly accounted for its inability to either own up or dissociate itself from the Easter Sunday bomb blast in Kaduna that killed so many commercial motorcyclists and tea vendors.
"This again could have forced Imam Abubakar Shekau to personally appear on a YouTube network to reply to a statement credited to President Goodluck."
But another source added: "I think it is safe to assume that Boko Haram might be changing its media strategy. Going by the modus operandi of Boko Haram, it is not out of place for Imam Shekau to deliver a message. The Imam has been speaking with journalists on the phone in Maiduguri and he has relayed messages previously on YouTube."
Notwithstanding the situation within the sect, all military formations, security agencies and paramilitary bodies have been directed to mount 24-hour surveillance on possible hide-outs of Boko Haram members.
Meanwhile, Vice President Namadi Sambo has said incessant bombings, attacks and killings by Boko Haram will soon become history.
Speaking during a town hall meeting with Nigerians in Washington DC, United States of America, he said, "I will like to correct one impression. This issue that Christians are moving from the north and the Muslims are leaving the south is wrong; I beg to disagree with that notion, because it is not happening"
He added that the security challenges in the northern part of the country was an unfortunate problem being created by some hoodlums, people that have terrorist activities in their mind.
He described as false information that Christians were leaving the North based on the attacks of Boko Haram, or that Muslims were leaving the South.
According to Sambo, "The support of all Nigerians, particularly the religious leaders is being sought, so that we will all cooperate and direct Nigerians in the right directions. Our religious leaders will contribute positively to our peaceful coexistence."
On the issue of Nigerians voting from the Diaspora, the vice president said the bill is currently before the National Assembly, and that once the bill is passed, the president will sign it into law, and Nigerians abroad will be able to vote.
The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), has threatened to attack South Africa’s investments, including telecoms firm MTN, in the Niger Delta, because of the trial of its leader in Johannesburg.
"Our decision to attack South African investments in the Niger Delta is directly related to the conduct of President (Jacob) Zuma regarding the continued incarceration in South Africa of Henry Okah," MEND said
Okah is facing trial in South Africa, where he has permanent residence, on charges that he orchestrated twin car bombings which killed 12 people in Abuja on October 1, 2010 from his home in Johannesburg. He has denied the charges.
The militant group, in the statement signed by its spokesman, Jomo Gbomo, said its planned attacks on the Nigerian oil industry would also affect all pipelines and facilities remotely related to the oil and gas sector.
The statement said: "Concerning attacks on MTN’s related infrastructure, MEND will issue shortly, a set of guidelines to MTN employees, customers and owners of properties accommodating MTN-related communication equipment.
"These guidelines are intended to minimise civilian casualties and forestall the unnecessary destruction of privately owned properties accommodating MTN equipment.
"Our decision to attack South African investments in the Niger Delta is directly related to the conduct of President Jacob Zuma, regarding the continued incarceration in South Africa of Henry Okah.
"What is happening in South Africa is a travesty of justice, which must be condemned by all. What country on earth, besides Nigeria, will so easily surrender its right to try someone it accuses of masterminding a bombing on its National Day?
"Why does the South African government seek the extradition of Shrien Dewani from England, for murder committed in South Africa?
"The South African government is simply being used by the Nigerian government to hold Okah in prison, for as long as it possibly can. The South African government also knowingly provided fabricated evidence to ensure Okah was denied bail in 2010.
"Jacob Zuma’s gain in all this is financial. Sacoil Holdings is a front for Zuma’s financial dealings in Nigeria. The South African president has also facilitated the award of several contracts in Nigeria to South African government-owned establishments and individuals in Zuma’s favour.
"After years of fighting for freedom and justice, South Africans now find themselves saddled with yet another typically African, corrupt and dictatorial government.
"We will attack South African investments for the interference of President Jacob Zuma in the judicial process, which has resulted in the perpetual incarceration of Henry Okah.
"It is a shame on all black Africans, that it has taken the government of Jacob Zuma less than four years to undo the work of the great Nelson Mandela and other heroes of the anti-apartheid struggle, abseiling South Africa into the abyss comfortably occupied by countries like Nigeria, Congo and Angola.
"It is apparent from the success of the Nigerian government, that this corrupt and politically-naive South African government understands only the language of force."
MEND also asked why the Nigerian nation could turn around and declare Okah’s continued detention for almost 19 months without trial, a just action.
It noted that the unconditional offer of amnesty, made in good faith by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, was intended to create a conducive atmosphere for dialogue, aimed at addressing the demands of the people of the Niger Delta.
The militant group also said: "A Jonathan presidency and amnesty for militants are not part of our demands and therefore will never be solutions to armed agitation for justice in the Niger Delta.
"President Goodluck Jonathan has mismanaged the goodwill demonstrated by MEND, by misrepresenting himself and his band of charlatans, as the reason for the relative calm experienced in the Niger Delta.
"We have never had any respect for Jonathan and today, most Nigerians understand why. To date, not one of the demands put forward to the Yar Adua government has been met, neither has the Nigerian government initiated dialogue aimed at addressing any of our demands.
"We will persist with our attacks on the Nigerian oil industry, due to the inaction of the Nigerian government, concerning our just demands, on behalf of the oppressed people of the Niger Delta.
Boko Haram spokesman, Abu Qaqa II, feared killed
A pall of uncertainty is surrounding the whereabouts of the spokesman of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, Abu Qaqa II, following fears that he might have been killed last week.
Details of the circumstances of his death were hazy last night although security sources claimed he was a victim of growing divisive tendencies in the group which has carried out gun and bomb attacks in different parts of the North for the third year running.
Abu Qaqa II is the pseudo name of Mohammed Anwal Kontagora and he took over from Abu Qaqa 1 who is also known as Abu Dardaa, Mohammed Shuaibu, Mohammed Bello, Abu Tiamiya and Abdulrahman Abdullahi.
Abu Qaqa1 was arrested in Kaduna in February, one of the high profile members of the sect in security custody.
The motive for the killing of Abu Qaqa II was unknown at press time.
Abu Qaqa 1’s father was killed on March 26 in Maiduguri by suspected members of Boko Haram allegedly on the strength of the confessions he (Qaqa) made to interrogators about the operations of the group.
The sect denied his arrest and said the person in security custody is Abu Dardaa.
Security sources said the alleged death of Abu Qaqa II was the prime reason for the Thursday posting of the video message on You Tube by Abubakar Shekau, the fugitive Boko Haram leader.
In the video recording, Shekau said the government of President Goodluck Jonathan should forget about dismantling Boko Haram as it (government) had boasted.
However, security sources said yesterday:"The self-styled spokesman of the Boko Haram sect "Abu Qaqa" -II, may have been killed last week. He was said to have tried to denounce the sect after intensive trailing by security agencies that saw him changing locations severally.
"Abu Qaqa -II whose real name is Mohammed Anwal Kontagora was from Kontagora in Niger State. He took the name Abu Qaqa in February this year after the original Abu Qaqa, 42, also known as Abu Dardaa, Mohammed Shuaibu, Mohammed Bello, Abu Tiamiya and Abdulrahman Abdullahi was arrested January this year.
"Kontagora, like his predecessor, is non-Kanuri, so his case as applicable to every non-Kanuri was decided summarily. The sect is said to be shopping for Abu Qaqa -III as its new spokesman. This greatly accounted for its inability to either own up or dissociate itself from the Easter Sunday bomb blast in Kaduna that killed so many commercial motorcyclists and tea vendors.
"This again could have forced Imam Abubakar Shekau to personally appear on a YouTube network to reply to a statement credited to President Goodluck."
But another source added: "I think it is safe to assume that Boko Haram might be changing its media strategy. Going by the modus operandi of Boko Haram, it is not out of place for Imam Shekau to deliver a message. The Imam has been speaking with journalists on the phone in Maiduguri and he has relayed messages previously on YouTube."
Notwithstanding the situation within the sect, all military formations, security agencies and paramilitary bodies have been directed to mount 24-hour surveillance on possible hide-outs of Boko Haram members.
Meanwhile, Vice President Namadi Sambo has said incessant bombings, attacks and killings by Boko Haram will soon become history.
Speaking during a town hall meeting with Nigerians in Washington DC, United States of America, he said, "I will like to correct one impression. This issue that Christians are moving from the north and the Muslims are leaving the south is wrong; I beg to disagree with that notion, because it is not happening"
He added that the security challenges in the northern part of the country was an unfortunate problem being created by some hoodlums, people that have terrorist activities in their mind.
He described as false information that Christians were leaving the North based on the attacks of Boko Haram, or that Muslims were leaving the South.
According to Sambo, "The support of all Nigerians, particularly the religious leaders is being sought, so that we will all cooperate and direct Nigerians in the right directions. Our religious leaders will contribute positively to our peaceful coexistence."
On the issue of Nigerians voting from the Diaspora, the vice president said the bill is currently before the National Assembly, and that once the bill is passed, the president will sign it into law, and Nigerians abroad will be able to vote.
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