Cheat Sheet 8 2009
Monday 16 February 2009
Philippines orders repatriation of stranded seafarers :
Philippines Vice-President Noli de Castro, said that SEAGEM Maritime Int’l was responsible for the repatriation of 9 stranded Filipino seafarers, part of the 18-man crew of the M/T Meredith attacked by pirates in January.
Judge leaves Okah trial:
The judge in the trial of a Henry Okah, has stepped down from the case following the argument of the defence that none of the 62 count charges were committed in Jos.
Related 1:
Last week, MEND threatened to attack Italian interests in the country after Italy’s decision to sell two attack boats to the Nigerian military.
Related 2:
Two British hostages kidnapped September 2008 are still kept by MEND, allegedly for retaliation against British Prime Minister Golden Brown’s support for Nigeria’s military. Their fate is also linked to Henry Okah, they will be released when he is.
EU to give 600 million for Niger Delta security:
European Commission, by Dennis Theulin, announced it had budgeted 600 million Euros as part of the European Economic Fund to help Nigeria ensure peace and security in the Niger Delta as well as for trade and regional integration, and enthronement of good governance.
FG considering bank bailouts:
Despite assurances from the CB governor that Nigeria’s banks are healthy and not in need of any help, reports have it that the FG might soon be bailing out or partially taking over some banks.
Tuesday 17 February 2009
Shell keeps mum on attack of its flow stations:
The management of SPDC declined to speak over on Tuesday morning’s attack on two of its oil flow stations in Nembe Creek, Bayelsa State, by suspected militants.
Equatorial Guinea repulsed attack by Nigerian rebels:
Equatorial Guinea’s information minister said armed forces repulsed a seaborne attack by Nigerian MEND guerrillas on Tuesday.
Russian envoy urges end to abductions:
Alexander Polyakov, Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, called on the Nigerian authorities to create a virile working environment for foreign nationals and urged for the prompt release of the Russian hostages.
Foreign minister speaks on human rights:
This item contained an excerpt from Nigerian foreign minister’s address at the 4th session of the UN committee on human rights.
And then there’s this…Slavery Theme Park Backed By Michael Jackson’s Brother :
Marlon Jackson is backing a slavery theme park and resort in Nigeria. Visitors would be able to visit a replica slave ship and walk the route their shackled ancestors walked before playing a round of golf or relaxing by a pool.
Wednesday 18 February 2009
No Chief’s Briefs as Chief spent the day searching for a carefully coiffure canine while on his vacation.
Thursday 19 February 2009
Forces repel attack in Eket:
Around 20 militants in five speedboats attacked an Exxon Mobil housing compound in Akwa Ibom, which was successfully repelled according government security forces.
Minister dismisses Okah’s medical appeal:
Minister for the Niger Delta, Ufot Ekaette, Wednesday dismissed appeals by supporters of Henry Okah for him to be sent abroad for medical treatment since his aliment is not proven and confirmed life-threatening.
Related:
MEND holds on to two British oil workers kidnapped more than five months ago until Okah is freed. The group last month ended a 5-month-old ceasefire and threatened a “sweeping assault” on the oil and gas industry.
Kidnappers to get life in Rivers:
Rivers State government passed a law fixing life terms in jail for those found guilty of kidnapping.
21 billion dollar budget approved – finally!:
Lawmakers finally passed on Wednesday a 3.1-trillion-naira (21-billion-dollar) budget for 2009, some two months after it was proposed by President Umaru Yar’Adua.
Government probes militants’ alleged attack on Malabo:
Nigerian Foreign Minister Ojo Maduekwe said FG condemned Tuesday’s attack on the Presidential Palace in Malabo and investigation started into the alleged link of a Nigerian militant group to the attack.
Friday 20 February 2009
Russian hostages escape: Two Russian oil workers kidnapped two months ago in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom escaped from their captors, wandering for 5 days in the creeks before being picked up by the military.
Related:
MEND, last month ended a 5-month-old cease-fire and threatened more attacks on the oil sector. The group is still holding two British oil workers kidnapped more than five months ago in the delta. Today marks the 165th day in captivity for them
Shell, MOSOP trade blame over Ogoni violence:
The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People and the SPDC, Thursday, traded blame over alleged fatalities and violence in Ogoniland of Rivers State.
Oil service firm evacuates staff from Warri:
Oil servicing company, Globestar Engineering Company, Warri, Delta State shut down and moved all expats to Lagos after alleged threats against the workers and facilities.
Kidnapping: Enugu passes bill on capital punishment:
The Enugu House of Assembly passed a law making kidnapping with the use of a gun, a capital offence and 10-year imprisonment for kidnapping without a gun.
16 held after coup attempt in Equatorial Guinea:
Officials in Equatorial Guinea said they arrested 16 men in an attempt this week to overthrow the government of Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo
And then there’s this…For the first time – Chief’s ‘STFU Award’ goes too…:
UN Assistant Secretary General, Dr.Carles Lopse who said the situation in the Niger Delta area was being totally blown out of proportion to ‘scare away’ investors and visitors to the region.
Held:
Matthew McGuire and Robin Hughes were abducted on 9 September 2008 from the HD Blue Ocean. Today marks Day 166 in captivity for these men. The families of the two British have been told that Mr. McGuire is in need of medical attention
Also held:
Portuguese national, Mr. Luis Jose Rentad , kidnapped around 8 February, from the construction site of Picolo, Ajagba, Irelel, Ondo state. 4 kidnappers have been arrested while trying to collect the ransom. The whereabouts of Mr. Rentad are not known
Also held:
Lebanese national Jimmi Rahjah, Manager of Samchase Construction Company working on the Oloto road, Okitipupa, Ondo state was kidnapped on 11 February from the company site.
This Chief’s Briefs Cheat Sheet was compiled for your review by OOL Member: homealonemum
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