Cheat Sheet Week 37 2009

Monday 7 September 2009

Already… Amnesty rebels threaten u-turn: ‘Repentant’ militants in Bayelsa State took to the streets on Friday to protest their alleged ‘neglect’ by the state government and the Presidential Amnesty committee. 

But…  The amnesty a ‘huge success’: The presidential panel overseeing the implementation of the deal said it was pleased with the progress of the amnesty, which began August 6^th and ends October 4^th.

So of course…  The opposition party disagree: The country’s main opposition Action Congress (AC) party Sunday dismissed the amnesty as a ‘charade’ and an ‘agenda’ by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). 

But then…  MEND had something to say too: MEND in a statement alleged that the surrended arms displayed on 22^nd August  are actually those taken from the 21 Cameroonian gendarmes in 2007.

Prominent activist dies: Prominent Nigerian lawyer and rights activist Gani Fawehinmi died Saturday after a prolonged battle with cancer.  He was 71. 

Wednesday 9 September 2009

Vessel attacked : Armed men in a speedboat attacked the JASCON 40 and the MV Tramper on 7th September around 07:30hrs., approx; 25 nautical miles south west of the Fairway buoy at about 03 58’N – 006 47’E., leaving one crew member wounded with a bullet in the back.

Shell shut EA field: SPDC temporarily shut a FPSO unit of its East Area oilfield in Bayelsa for repair a company spokesman said today.

Delta governor pledges improved security: Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State said peace is returning to the area since the beginning of the amnesty.

Lufthansa to make Nigeria ‘aviation hub’: The FG said plans have reached an advanced stage for Lufthansa, to make Nigeria a hub of its operations in the West African sub-region adding that a MOU had already been signed between both countries.

Upset over new PlayStation ads: According to reports citing a statement from Nigeria’s Minister of Information and Communication, Prof. Dora Akunyili, the country is up in arms over Sony’s latest PS3 ad campaign.

Thursday 10 September 2009

$455M in bank debts recovered: The EFCC said it had collected nearly $455 million in bank debts from companies and individuals.

Nigeria needs sustained bank reform beyond bailout: Nigeria’s efforts to clean up its banking sector may trigger renewed confidence in the economy, but much deeper reforms are needed if it is to graduate from frontier to emerging market status.

Amnesty: Palliative or cure?: The question is whether the amnesty measures offered will really tackle the contentious issues in the troubled Niger Delta?

 Hostage Watch:

 Kidnapped: Three Indian nationals abducted from Obajana Cement Factory, Kogi State, 25.08.09.

Also held: 18 crewmembers of the MV Pusan Reafer, nationalities unknow, reported abducted 15.05.09

Also held: 2 filipino crewmembers of the MV Spirit hijacked 13.05.09,