The first military governor of Kwara, retired Brig.-Gen. David Bamigboye, is dead.
The younger brother to the deceased, retired Col. Theophilus Bamigboye, confirmed the death on Friday on the telephone.
He said the late military governor died on Friday during a brief illness in Lagos.
NAN reports that the deceased was born on Dec. 7, 1940, and was the military governor of Kwara between May 1967 and July 1975.
He was credited with establishing the Kwara State Polytechnic in 1972.
337 ward chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State under the auspices of Conference of Ward Chairmen have endorsed Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu as their governorship candidate ahead of Saturday’s primary election.
The group is made of ward chairmen from all the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Authorities in Lagos State.
The endorsement took place at Martino’s Hall in Ikeja, during a meeting attended by Sanwo-olu, some leaders of the party and grassroots mobilizers.
Govenror Akinwunmi Ambode now appears to be totally isolated.
The Mandate Movement, a group loyal to APC national leader, Bola Tinubu; 57 chairmen of local government and council development areas; party chieftains, PSP operators among others, had declared Sanwo-Olu as their candidate.
Director General of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu Campaign Organization (BOSCO), Mr. Tayo Ayinde, in his remarks, recalled Sanwo-Olu’s achievements while he served in different capacities as Special Adviser and Commissioner at various times.
Ayinde assured everyone present that Sanwo-Olu will not abandon the party and its members when he eventually becomes the governor.
An APC leader, Cardinal James Odumbaku said Sanwo-Olu government “will be a listening and an inclusive one especially for members of the party whose input will be paramount and will form part of decision making process.’
Speaking, Sanwo-Olu thanked the ward chairmen for the endorsement.
Sanwo-Olu, who spoke in Yoruba, reminded them of their role to ensure that APC win both the state and federal elections in 2019.
Commenting on behalf of the chairmen, Mr. Shola Oshobajo assured Mr. Sanwo-Olu of his members’ support before, during and after the primary elections
The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, is leading the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola in the total number of votes scored in the results announced so far.
Out of the results of the 15 local government areas announced so far, Adeleke polled 126,475 votes while Oyetola trails him with 110,775 votes.
The results of the remaining local governments are being read but supporters of the PDP candidate have claimed victory and are celebrating in front of the INEC office in Osogbo where the results are being announced.
The result of Osogbo and Olorunda Local Government Areas which have the highest number of votes are yet to be announced.
The Senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial district, Shehu Sani, has described the outcome of the Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State as a ‘lesson and a warning.’
Sani made the statement on his Twitter page while reacting to the announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, declaring the governorship election in Osun State inconclusive.
INEC said Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, polled about 254,698 ahead of Gboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress, APC, who garnered 254,345 votes.
This decision followed cancellation of votes in Orolu Local Government, Ife South LG, Ife North LG and Osogbo LG.
Sani wrote, “Osun election means four things; a lesson, a message, a warning and an opportunity to reset the meters and clock of our confidence and complacency.
“Osun election is a laboratory report of our sugar level and blood pressure.”
''Anyone who comes to me, kneeling down to be anointed is wasting his time. When I went to the Senate, it was the party members that voted for me in the Primaries, in 1999 when I wanted to be Governor, it was party members that voted for me to get the ticket. Anyone who mentions my name is fooling you, I don't have any anointed candidate, vote for whoever you want'' he said
President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with President John Magufuli and the people of Tanzania on the ferry disaster in the south of Lake of Victoria.
It was learnt that no fewer than 126 were killed and hundreds missing after a ferry capsized on Thursday on Lake Victoria in Tanzania,
Reacting, Buhari in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu expressed sympathy over the incident.
He said, the prayers and thoughts of all Nigerians are with the families and friends of the bereaved even as rescue efforts by emergency services continue.
Buhari prayed that God Almighty will comfort all those who lost relatives and friends in the accident and grant eternal rest to the departed souls.
The Minister of Communications, Barrister Adebayo Shittu on Saturday declared that contrary to insinuation that he was rich as a Minister under President Muhammadu Buhari, he could not afford to pay the N22.5m All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial forms.
Shittu, who insisted that there was no way he could afford to pay the gubernatorial nomination and expression of interest forms of the ruling APC pegged at N22.5m, added that he could not purchase the forms until those who believed in him came to his aid to buy the forms.
The APC chieftain, who is a gubernatorial aspirant under APC in Oyo state, made these revelations while speaking with journalists in Ibadan, the state capital, on Saturday.
Shittu, while responding to a question on the exorbitant fees charged by the party, said he was a poor man and there was no way he could pay such a ‘huge money’.
Shittu who purchased the forms through two of his aides, Saheed Oladele, Head of Adebayo Shittu Strategy Committee and Malik Aderogba, Head of Special Tasks for Adebayo Shittu’s Campaign Organization penultimate Monday said that he can’t have such money to buy the forms.
He said, “It is inconceivable that I can have such money to buy the nomination form.
“Those very close to me knew this fact. That I cannot on my own put down N22.5million. As a minister under President Muhammadu Buhari, there was no way I could pay such money. This is not a PDP government and you cant have money like those under the PDP. I earn less than a million naira a month and there are people who depend on me for survival”.
The minister insisted that it was those people who believed in him that bought the forms for him.
He added, “It was those who believe that the best thing to happen to Oyo State is for Adebayo Shittu to become Governor that paid for the form. I thank God for the opportunities I have had in life and the greatest being the Minister.”
Shittu, while speaking on the next Saturday’s gubernatorial primary election in the state, declared that all registered members of the APC in the state would vote.
He insisted on the direct primary option and appealed to all the party members to prepare head on for it on Saturday.
He added that, “I never pretended I did service. For me, and undoubtedly too, serving in the Oyo State House of Assembly at the time was on a higher service to my fatherland. And the matter was taken to the court and it was thrown out. Late Chief Bola Ige was my counsel then.”
Council chairman of Ohaukwu local government area of Ebonyi State, Barr. Clement Odoh at the weekend accused the All Progressives Congress, APC-led government of President Muhammadu Buhari of domesticating corruption in Nigeria.
Odoh, who made this known while interacting with journalists in Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi state, equally alleged that Nigeria cannot survive another four years under the ruling APC government.
He said: “The two major things the APC campaigned against the former President, Goodluck Jonathan: is the issue of corruption and insecurity but it is regrettable that the same problems are now the order of the day.
“President Buhari presented the picture that he is the Messiah, that when he comes corruption will be killed and insecurity will be brought to a stand still. And it turnout that we were offered a mirage. Since the APC took over the federal government, corruption has grown geometrically.
“Corruption has become a culture and in the other hand, insecurity has grown to a greater proportion, such that Nigerians are frustrated and nobody is talking about insecurity because they are tired of complaining.
“People are witnessing a high level of frustration and tiredness about the whole thing happening under this administration. Indeed, we are in a failed nation under this administration.
“Nigerians are in need of someone who will rescue them from APC. They believe that it would come from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in 2019 general election. The damage and injuries inflected on the people of this country for the past three years ago are too high.”
The council chairman noted that Nigerians have suffered so much pains and have nothing to celebrate under the President Buhari administration.
“The only solution to this problems is PDP. Nigeria cannot survive for another four years under APC. However, there is nothing to celebrate under APC except in the negative. And that is the truth about the situation in Nigeria,” he added.
The Senator representing Delta Central at the National Assembly, Ovie Omo-Agege, has revealed why the Senate President, Bukala Saraki could be removed by less than 73 members of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the Senate.
The lawmaker also said it was the position of the ruling party that Saraki should be impeached.
He said the only reason Saraki became the Senate President was because he was a member of the APC, adding that now that he has left, the ruling party has the right to remove him.
He recalled that the day Saraki was elected Senate President, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, had more members on the floor.
Speaking in an interview with Sun, the Senator said the PDP lawmakers decided to elect Saraki as Senate President simply because he belonged to the ruling party which also has majority of members.
According to him, “It is the position of the ruling party, the APC. And this was not a decision we reached lightly, we felt that the only reason Saraki became Senate President was because he was a member of APC.
“Some people have argued that under section 60(1a) of the Constitution that any senator could be Senate President, that he does not have to be a member of a political party.
“That is not correct because that is the language of that section of the law but the spirit and intent of that provision is that, that senator has to be a member of the majority party at the Senate.
“If that was not the case, the day Saraki was elected, I believe June 9, 2015 when he was elected Senate President, the PDP, the opposition party had more members on the floor.
“Therefore, if it was open to any senator, then PDP could have presented a candidate for Senate President and produce the Senate President.
“You only had about 12 APC senators on the floor that day because majority of the APC senators were at the convention centre supposedly waiting for a meeting with Mr. President.
“So if it is true as it is now being canvassed by the opposition that any senator could be Senate President and that Saraki did not get the position because of APC, then the question to ask is why did PDP not present a candidate for Senate President on that day?
“The reason they did not do that is because they knew it was not proper for the minority party to present a candidate for the office of Senate President.”
Former president, Goodluck Jonathan has stated that only a man with the strength of character and clear conscience like Senator David Mark is needed to rebuild a fragmented and disunited Nigeria in 2019.
Playing host to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential hopeful in his Yenogoa home, Jonathan said Nigeria has never been so disunited than now, saying “we are only existing superficially and this is very dangerous.”
Beside the issue of dwindling economy and worsening insecurity, the former president stated that the major problem the next President would face is the challenge of uniting the country and giving every section a sense of belonging.
Jonathan stressed that every right-thinking Nigerian should crave for peace and unity “if we must continue to stay together”. He said staying together is what everyone desires “because the global community respects and value us because of our size and population.”
He recalled: “As President of Nigeria, I worked harmoniously with Mark as President of the Senate. He demonstrated patriotism and loyalty to his fatherland. His colleagues admitted that he is a detribalized leader. He is the kind of man the nation needs now.”
Jonathan expressed optimism that the PDP would get it right in the 2019 election.
The PDP presidential contender, Mark, in his remark, stated that Nigerians now know the difference between light and darkness, saying that he possesses the experience, knowledge and skills to bring the nation out of the social and economic malaise within two years if elected.
Earlier, Director-General of the David Mark Campaign Organization, Senator Zainab Kure, paid glowing tribute to Jonathan for his uncommon leadership quality and sacrifices made to keep the nation united.
Senator Kure pointed out that Nigerians would forever be grateful to the immediate past president.
Hmotrezc
MSN Gang/Arogunmenite Sounds presents a brand new hiy from the most consistent sound god in the music scene. oritse femi has been giving us back to back in the past weeks.. here is another hit titled: AGADATU.
The Osun State government on Thursday cleared the air on the usage and disbursement of N16.6bn Paris Club refund recently released to the state, amid allegation of illegal diversion.
The Commissioner of Finance, Bola Oyebamiji at a press conference in Osogbo, the Osun State capital explained that the refund, with additional N3.2bn have been earmarked to settle salaries and other emoluments of workers in the state.
According to him, the amount, totalling N19.8bn will cover the full salaries of workers for the month of August 2018, the arrears of the salaries and pensions for September, October, November and December of 2015 and leave bonuses.
“Governor Rauf Aregbesola gave this directive after consultation with labour unions and other stakeholders in the state.
“This is not the first time that the State Government will commit a lump sum receipt to payment of salaries and workers emoluments. You will recall that in November, 2016, the state government received N11.74 billion as refunds from the Paris Club. The following month, N13.6 billion was paid to active and passive workers as salaries, pensions, leave bonuses and other emoluments.
“These include N8.5 billion to cover the salaries of September, October, November and December of 2016. Also, N924 million was paid to cover the leave bonuses of September, October, November and December of the same year.
“From the same amount, N2.5 billion was paid to cover the pensions of September, October, November and December of 2016. Lastly, N1.7 billion was transferred to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to cover salaries and pensions.
“Again, in July 2017, the government received N6.3 billion as the second tranche of Paris Club refund and paid N6 billion as salaries, pensions and leave bonuses. They are: N3.76 billion as workers salaries, N504 million as leave bonuses, N791 million as pension and N935 million as salaries in the Local Governments.
“Since the commencement of the Aregbesola administration in November 2010, salaries, pensions and workers emoluments had taken not less than 80 per cent of the total revenue of the state.
“Indeed, a sizeable portion of the state’s debt was incurred on salaries. When the administration came, monthly workers salaries was N1.4 billion while pensions were N200 million. However, with the increase of minimum wage from N9,000 to N19,000 and hiking of monthly pensions to N500 million, monthly salaries and pensions rose to N3.6 billion.
“Though there was a steady increase in revenue till late 2013, however, by 2014, oil price commenced a steady decline, dropping to as low as $22 in 2015 from the height of $100 in 2013. The bottom line is that while revenue nosedived, expenditure, especially on salaries and pensions, has been on a steady climb.
“The option we had then was to right-size the workforce, that is, cut out coat according to our cloth, so to speak. However, in consultation with labour leaders and stakeholders, under the leadership of the veteran but respectable Comrade Hassan Sunmonu, we came up with an ingenious arrangement of modulated salaries whereby workers on grade level 1-7 were paid full salaries, level 8-12 were put on 75 per cent while level 12 and above were pegged on 50 per cent.
“This has sustained us till July of this year when the rise in oil price led to an increase in revenue and we have resumed the payment of full salaries again. For the second month, we have now paid full salaries to all our workers. It is my hope and prayers that this will be sustained, and we will never have cause to modulate workers salaries in Osun again.
“However, the latest Paris refund released to the State by the Federal Government is Sixteen Billion, Six Hundred and Twenty-Three Million, Two Hundred and Ninety-Six Thousand, Four Hundred and Two Naira, Eighty-Two Kobo (N16, 623,296,402.82).
“Mr Governor has approved the disbursement of Nineteen Billion, Eight Hundred and One Million, Three Hundred and Twenty-Eight Thousand, Two Hundred and Seventy-One Naira, Twenty-Two Kobo (N19, 801, 328,271.22) to clear four months (4) of salary arrears, pension arrears and leave bonus with adequate provision for full salaries going forward.
“Therefore, on behalf of Governor Rauf Aregbesola, I will like to commend and thank all the workers in Osun for their sacrifice, resilience and unflinching support to the government and dedication to duty, even in the midst of daunting challenges. I have no doubt that workers, in their demonstrable good nature and Omoluabi spirit, will reciprocate this good gesture from the government”, Oyebamiji said.
DAILY POST reports that the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ademola Adeleke on Wednesday warned the Aregbesola-led administration against any move to divert the refund other than using it to settle backlog of salaries, pensions, and other emoluments.
The lawmaker accused Aregbesola of impoverishing workers in the state despite billions of naira released to the state as bailout funds.
Nigerians have reacted to Super Eagles’ 2-1 victory over Liberia in an international friendly played last night.
The game, played at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex, was arranged in honour of the country’s president and 1995 FIFA World Player of the Year, George Weah.
Henry Onyekuru, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray, opened scoring for the Super Eagles, firing into the top corner to make it 1- 0.
Another goal from Simeon Nwankwo helped Super Eagles to a victory over Leone Stars at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium, Monrovia.
The hosts pulled one back from the penalty spot in the second half, but it did not stop Nigeria from claiming their second win in three days.
However, the match stirred divergent reactions from Nigerians, who why President George Weah and his old team mate, James Debbah played in the international friendly.
Some, however, wondered why Coach Gernot Rohr did not include President Buhari in his squad since his Liberian counterpart, Weah was on the pitch.
Here are some comments gathered by Emiratco on Twitter:
@smartnohs “Will FIFA acknowledge this Super Eagles win against George Weah in its next national teams rating?
@Preciousbowei “Congrats Super Eagles, spot on!
@Lexxy111 “Super Eagles played a good game with Liberia but don’t understand why some retired Liberia legends played the match.”
@Tonypeter17 “For me.. My happiest moment in this match against Liberia is seeing Ogu captain the Super Eagles.”
@Khenke_Kenny “President of Liberia George Weah is playing against us, we would have still won if President Buhari played for us.”
@Officialanyi “Why was this match not televised live in Nigeria.”
@highflyer101 “Strikers are known by the number of goals they score not by their Jersey numbers! Hope Ighalo is watching?
@Whoisfrance “Onyekuru is a future African Best. You heard it first here.”
@Agboyi_boy “Onyekuru far better. Rohr opted not to add him to World Cup 30 man provisional list for sentimental reasons.”
@AtexXeta “President George Weah of Liberia played 79 minutes against the Nigerian Super Eagles while APC President is celebrating a 800m walk. Why do I feel PDP is playing politics outside the borders of this country.”
@Sebthegenius “If President Weah is playing why didn’t President Buhari play in the Liberia Vs Nigeria match? I thought that was what he did the 800metres walk, so he trained and yet the coach didn’t use him? This is unfair! I know Lai Mohammed will react tomorrow.”
@Mikel_lisconja “A new strength with Speed, sharp, intelligent, accuracy and skill is here for us. His name Henry Onyekuru.”
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has reacted to reports that President Muhammadu Buhari will be defeated in 2019.
The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), the research unit of The Economist Magazine and HSBC, a multinational banking and financial services company, stated that a second term for President Muhammadu Buhari would greatly stunt the economic development of the country, among other doomsday prophesies on the Nigerian nation.
The EIU report indicated that the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will win the forthcoming presidential election but that the next administration would flounder against the same problems.
But the APC spokesman, Yekini Nabena, in a statement on Wednesday, said contents of the reports were nothing but the usual doomsday prophesies about the Nigerian nation, which has serially been proved false, deceptive, unreliable and tendentious.
Nabena also lambasted Britain, where the organisations are based, asking thus; “How much of this loot has the United Kingdom, the base of these experts returned to Nigeria?”
He wrote: “The All Progressives Congress (APC) urges Nigerians to once again disregard these “expert analysis and prophesies.”
“We should remember similar prophesies and analysis about the political situation in Nigeria made some years back by similar Western institutions.
“It was prophesied that the Nigerian federation would collapse in 2015, resulting in some ethnic nationalities going their separate ways. Here we are, nearly four years after the doomsday prophesy but the Nigerian federation rather than collapse is waxing stronger, with the President Buhari administration striving to unite the country and consolidate positively on the strength of our diversity.
“We hasten to ask why it is only negative results and implications that The Economist, HSBC and similar institutions always analyze and prophesy about Nigeria.
“Are they blind to all the gains and positive impact the APC administration is making in relation to ongoing economic reforms, fight against corruption, infrastructure drive, counter-insurgency and the campaign to repair of our badly-eroded value system in the country?
“Compared to past administrations when public revenue was stolen, the quantum leap in terms of revenue accrual to the Nigerian treasury by institutions like Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Nigeria Customs Service mean nothing to these “experts”.
“All the cash and property recoveries from corrupt public officials of the immediate-past administration by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are equally of no significance to these “experts”.
“A former minister in the immediate-past administration who is resident in the United Kingdom is alleged to control enough corruptly-obtained assets which value if put to productive use could have employed thousands of Nigerians. How much of this loot has the United Kingdom, the base of these experts returned to Nigeria?
“Of course, these experts are conveniently oblivious of these and many similar cases. Rather than consider the plight of Nigerians and campaign for the return of the stolen funds, these institutions have chose to dissipate energy spewing doomsday prophesies on Nigeria.
“In any case, if the economy, security and social life of Nigerians will not improve in the so-called emerging post-Buhari administration in 2019, what is the import of this prophesy? Compared to past administrations which left the country in ruins, Nigerians are acutely aware of which administration is rebuilding and repositioning the country.
“We advise these economic “experts” to focus on their pressing domestic issues and ponder for example on the important question of the role Britain will play in the world, post Brexit. We advise the economic physicians to heal themselves first before looking out for other patients who have not come to them for consultation”.
The Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha has sacked his Chief of Staff and Son-in-law, Uche Nwosu alongside other appointees who will be contesting during the 2019 general elections.
This development was announced by his Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemeodo.
The affected appointees are:
1. Sir George Eche – Secretary to the Government of Imo State
2. Chief Uche Nwosu – Chief of Staff, Government House
3. Dr. Paschal Chigozie Obi – Principal Secretary to the Governor
4. Hon. Kingsley Uju – Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations)
5.Chief Emma Ojinero – Commissioner for Trade & Investment/Commerce
6. Prof. Nnamdi Obiareri – Commissioner for Information
7. Barr. (Mrs) Ngozi Njoku – Commissioner for Gender/Social Development
8. Lady Joy Mbawuike – Commissioner for Market Development
9. Hon. Obinna Mbata – Commissioner for Finance
10. Dr. Dan Nworie – Commissioner for Tertiary Education
11.Hon. Simeon Iwunze – Special Adviser on Urban Renewal
12. Barr. Obinna Amagwula – Special Assistant General Duties
13. Pst. (Mrs) Betty Uzoma- Special Assistant Finance.
Details shortly…
National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomle has revealed that he is not at ‘war’ with Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar of Bauchi State.
He disclosed this when governor Abubakar visited him in his residence in Abuja late Tuesday.
In a press statement emailed to Emiratco by the governor’s Adviser on Media and Strategy, Ali Mohammed Ali on Wednesday, Oshiomhole was quoted as saying that his major concern was the victory of the APC at all levels. “My main concern is the electoral victory of the party at all levels. I have no issues with you, your excellency. My concern is winning the coming elections, especially the presidential. We want to win more states and more legislators. I have faith in you,” said Oshiohole .
Also speaking, Governor Abubakar revealed that he was in Oshiohole’s residence to intimate him that he was returning his governorship nomination and expression of interest forms at the party’s national secretariat
Abubakar, therefore, sought the support of the APC National Chairman, describing him as as a father and a mentor.
The Governor was accompanied by members of the national and state Assembly, members of the State Executive Council and top party stalwarts.
A member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Adamu Garba has lamented his inability to purchase the party’s presidential nomination forms ahead of the 2019 election.
Garba lamented that most of the youths apiring for political offices have been disenfranchised due to the high amount of nomination forms.
In a series of tweets, he wrote: “Fellow Nigerians, I consider taking such a step to set a bad precedent for the future of young people contesting positions in political parties, specifically the APC.
‘’ Many of which currently are disenfranchised, not for lack of competence, character or capability, but on the monetary ground.
‘’We deem it fit to go in solidarity with other young people, who due to over monetization of the political space in Nigeria, we’re finding it hard to participate. We take this as a direct plan to sid-line majority of Nigerians, particularly the youth in the coming 2019 election.
‘’In a country where 92% of the population is living below N60,000.00 a month & 87 million people in extreme poverty, 6 people get to extreme poverty level per minute, we consider such amount to be insensitive to the feelings of most Nigerians, currently going through hard times.
‘’My conscience does not reconcile with the fact that we put such amount in a country that needs consideration for the poor, encouragement for the youth to participate in politics and, a progressive party that will bring about inclusive governance based on capacity, not money.
‘’We understand that the party needs to generate fund to carry on with its obligations, but parties generate fund from other sources, like memberships, etc not from the candidate. Such practice will eventually encourage public servant to be corrupt prone, once in office.
‘’We’re still conducting a nationwide consultation from all stakeholders. We’ll let our supporters know our next line of action in due cause. However, know that the journey to make Nigeria great is an unceasing one. We will continue as soon as we are through with consultations.
‘’Thank you so very much for your continued support as we keep marching Forward for Progress.”
Garba, however, said that even the president could not purchase the form. A group of people whose sources of income wasn’t scrutinized bought the form for him or is it all a charade as exposed by Senator Shehu Sanni.
‘’This government signed Not Too Young to Run bull but what we were not told is that “The Youth will be too Poor to afford just the nomination form.”
‘’The ruling party should as a matter of urgency review downward the cost of its nomination forms,” he added.
The three players who could replace Manchester United midfielder, Paul Pogba at Old Trafford has been revealed.
According to The Express, Pogba might return to Juventus in January, following United’s poor start to the season and his strained relationship with manger, Jose Mourinho.
The report added that the three realistic options for United to consider, should Pogba depart in January, 2019 are: AS Roma’s Miralem Pjanic, Paris Saints-Germain star, Marco Verratti and Lazio midfielder, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
Pogba has started all four games for United this term and has scored twice from penalties.
The France international left the Red Devils for Juve in 2012 and then returned to United in 2016.
The 25-year-old has made a total of 64 appearances in the Premier League, scoring 13 goals and registering 14 assists.
His departure will surely create a massive void for the club, making it difficult to replace him.
Atletico Madrid star, Lucas Hernandez has revealed one player that should win the 2018 Ballon d’Or ahead of Juventus forward, Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona ace, Lionel Messi.
Ronaldo and Messi have dominated the award in the past decade.
The pair had won an incredible five awards each in that time frame, with Ronaldo equaling Messi’s tally last year.
Hernandez, however, has tipped fellow teammate, Antoine Griezmann as his favourites to win this year’s Ballon d’Or ahead of Ronaldo and Messi.
“Antoine deserves the Ballon d’Or. He is my favourite,” Hernandez told France Football.
“He has been a key man in all of the major competitions he has played in this year. He has won almost everything and contributed everywhere.
“He has been so consistent. He has been up at the top for two or three years.
“He has taken another step since 2016 when he was in the final of the Euros and third in the Ballon d’Or vote with France Football.”
The All Progressives Congress, APC, said it will commence the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms to its aspirants for the 2019 elections today (Wednesday).
The ruling party, in a statement by its acting National Publicity Secretary on Tuesday, disclosed that the sale would end on September 10.
It said a presidential aspirant would pay N45m, as against N55m fixed by the party last week.
With the sale of the forms closing on Monday, it means those seeking elective posts on the platform of the APC have six days to pay the fees.
According to the party, “each presidential aspirant will pay N5m for expression of interest form and N40m for the nomination form.”
For a governorship aspirant it would be “N2.5m for expression of interest form and N20m for nomination form making it N22.5m.”
“For a senatorial ticket, an aspirant will pay N1m for the expression of interest form and N6m for a nomination form.
“The House of Representatives aspirant will pay N3.85m, including N350,000 for the expression of interest form and N3.5m for the nomination form.
“A House of Assembly aspirant to pay N850,000, including N100,000 for the expression of interest form and N750,000 for the nomination form.”
The party, however, announced a 50 per cent discount for female and physically challenged aspirants.
Recall that in 2014, those who sought the presidential ticket of the party paid N27m for both forms (expression and nomination).
Incumbent governors, who ran for a second term paid N10.5m, while fresh aspirants paid N5.5m.
Incumbent senators paid N5.3m, while fresh aspirants paid N3.3m. Members of the House of Representatives, who sought re-election, paid N3.2m, while fresh aspirants coughed out N2.2m. In the 36 states, sitting lawmakers in the Houses of Assembly paid N800, 000, while fresh aspirants paid N550, 000.
Meanwhile, the APC on Tuesday stated that its nationwide congresses to elect delegates would be held on September 12, while on September 13 and 14 appeals arising from the congress would be heard.
It added that from September 15 to September 18, aspirants who had purchased forms would be screened.
On September 19 and September 20, there will be appeals arising from the screening of aspirants to various posts.
According to the APC, its presidential primary would hold on September 20 and its appeals on September 22.
It added that it would hold its governorship primaries on September 25 and its appeals on September 26 and 27.
The APC will hold its senatorial and House of Representatives primaries from September 27 to September 29, while state assembly primaries will take place on October 2.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has arrested the kingpin of a job scam syndicate recently smashed by the Nigeria Immigration Service.
Spokesperson of the commission, Mrs Rasheedat Okoduwa, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday.
She said the suspect, identified as 48-year-old Mohammed Rabiu Isa, was arrested by operatives of the Kano State office of the commission.
On Friday, the ICPC said it had taken into custody four members of the group “specialised in duping unsuspecting job-seekers” with fake NIS employment letters.
Okoduwa said that during interrogation, they claimed to be working for Mohammed.
She quoted them as saying Mohammed was the one who issued them with the letters used for defrauding their victims.
“Preliminary investigations had also revealed that the suspects defrauded six persons to the tune of N900,000 by assuring them of employment with the NIS at the cost of N150,000 each.
“Mohammed has been granted administrative bail by the commission and will be released as soon as he fulfills the bail conditions.
“All the suspects will be charged to court at the conclusion of investigation,” the ICPC spokesperson said.
Kebbi Government on Tuesday confirmed the death of a soldier and nine others in two separate flood disasters across the state.
Abubakar Dakingari, Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Atiku Bagudu in a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi, said the flood occurred in two local government areas on Thursday.
He listed the communities affected as Kanya village in Danko Wasagu Local Government and Mahuta in Fakai Local Government.
“A soldier and nine other people were killed by heavy flood as a result of incessant rainfall in the state; the soldier was said to have died while trying to rescue a woman from the flood.’’
Dakingari said although the body of the woman was recovered, that of the soldier had been washed away, but effort was on to recover the corpse.
He added that the remains of five victims were recovered at Kanya and three in Mahuta.
Gov. Bagudu had earlier visited the communities to commiserate with the victims.
At Kanya, the village Head, Alhaji Isah Dan Hassan, told the governor that many houses, livestock and farmlands were destroyed by the flood.
He urged government to construct emergency bridge and provide canoes for the immediate evacuation of residents to safer areas.
At Fakai, Chairman of the local government, Musa Jarma, said 48 houses and a bridge linking the town to other parts of the state were destroyed.
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has resolved to expand the Kano State Caretaker Committee.
Recall that the PDP NWC last week dissolved the Kano state Executive Committee of the party.
However, the sacked executive committee obtained an interim court judgement setting aside its dissolution.
However, a statement sent to DAILY POST by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, said the expansion of the caretaker committee was to accommodate all interests in line with its adherence to the principles of all-inclusiveness.
The party also said it was open to opinions and suggestions from stakeholders in ensuring reconciliation and accommodation for all interests within its fold in the state, so as to ensure good governance to the people of the state.
The statement reads: “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has resolved to expand the Kano State Caretaker Committee to accommodate all interests in line with its adherence to the principles of all-inclusiveness.
“The party is open to opinions and suggestions from stakeholders in ensuring reconciliation and accommodation for all interests within its fold in the state, so as to ensure good governance to the people of the state.
“The NWC assures that no stone will be left unturned in the overall quest to bring good governance to Kano state, while putting in place machinery to hedge the infiltration of fifth columnists into the party’s fold in the state.
“The party leadership further assured of its preparedness to engage with all stakeholders in Kano provided all matters in court against the party are withdrawn, as all members work together to build a united PDP that can confront and send out incompetent and insensitive people in governance in Kano state and Nigeria at large.
“Furthermore, the NWC urges all stakeholders to always emulate our members in Benue state in the way and manner they united to resolve all issues concerning party structures of their state.”
Elder statesman and former Federal Minister of Information, Edwin Clark, has threatened to take legal action over the raid on his home by men of the Nigeria Police on Tuesday.
Emiratco reported that officers from a unit called the IGP’s Special Tactical Squad, stormed his residence in Abuja, with a warrant to search for weapons.
Giving an account of the incident, Clark said, “At about 12:30 pm some people came to me that policemen were waiting for me, I asked, what for? They said they had a warrant to search my house. I asked them to come in.
“Some were outside and I learned they came with two vans.
“I asked them, do you know me? I am an old man going to 92, I have been a Federal Minister of Information, been a senator and you think that I’m piling weapons?
“I told them to go ahead with their search. They searched all the rooms but found nothing. They wrote their report and asked three of my people to sign and they left”, he said.
Clark described the incident as an embarrassment, adding that he would not be intimidated by anyone.
“This is a total embarrassment but nobody can intimidate me. They said they were from the IGP’s Special Tactical Squad. Well, I have consulted my lawyers,” he added.
A Presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, has claimed that he didn’t receive any salary for eight years as Sokoto State governor.
He also declared that giving power to President Mohammadu was the worst mistake Nigerians ever made.
Bafarawa made this known while addressing the governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi and PDP delegates at the state executive chambers, Government House, Abakaliki.
He noted that Buhari, as a trained military man can never get it right as expected by Nigerians, instead he will be doing the opposite.
His words, “The captain of this nation today is a trained military man, he is complete opposite.
“To give a military man leadership of the country of over 200million people and you expect him to do well, he will never get it right because that is not his training.
“I believe that you have received a lot of aspirants who are aspiring to get PDP ticket. We are all qualified to be presidential flag bearer of our great party and whoever that gets the ticket, myself as a democratic is ready to support the person in order to move this country forward. But we need you to crosscheck all of us before taking final decision.
“I have joined politics to serve, not to make money. When I was a governor for my eight years, I didn’t receive salary. I donated the salary to Dan Fodio to be repairing hearts.
The presidential aspirant noted that he has the interest of Igbo’s and will like them to lead the nation.
“I have the interest of the Igbos to lead this country. I met President Shehu Shagari and told him ‘you know there is an agreement between you and the Igbos.
In a swift reaction, governor Umahi revealed the preparedness of the south east governors to work together and take a stand on who to support in the forthcoming elections.
“About 14 of you who are presidential Aspirants under the PDP are very wonderful materials. And it is a very wonderful thing because each and everyone of you is eminently qualified
“The Southeast as a region are going to work together especially the PDP states. We are also going to talk together and we must take a position. We must take a position in the sense that we need to bond together.”
“We need to agree and tell whoever is going to be our next President, this is how you are going to govern us. This is how we will like you to remember us and this is how we want you to carry us along” he stated.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has spoken on media reports about its internal affairs.
The Nigerian media has been at the top of events surrounding the sack of former Director-General, Lawal Daura after the siege on the National Assembly.
The fourth estate has also been reporting power game after Daura’s removal, pressure on President Muhammadu Buahri to recall him as well as other developments since acting DG, Matthew Seiyefa took over.
On Tuesday, information went out that Seiyefa has recalled officers he transferred out of the headquarters of the agency when he resumed office on August 1.
This followed the directive by the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, who queried the DSS boss for carrying out reorganisation in the agency without clearance from the Presidential Villa.
Emiratco had reported that the presidency ordered Seiyefa to reverse the redeployment.
Reacting, Afunanya Peter, DSS spokesman, in a statement on Tuesday, appealed to the media to assist the agency as it remained a committed Service with focus on the stability and security of the nation.
“Over the years, the service has been known to be both a strategic stabilizer and a unifying factor in the Nigerian project. It therefore deserves and desires to be focused and supported by all stakeholders to play the expected role in a democracy.
“Only a professionally driven DSS can support and consolidate Nigeria’s democracy. Though Intelligence Services world over operate covertly, it is also held accountable in a democratic practice. To accomplish this, they design strategic alliances with partners and stakeholders. The media is one of such partners.
“Held in utmost respect, the media is called upon to report issues of national security with caution to avoid a breach of peace. No deliberate effort should be made by self serving interests to bring the Service to ridicule. No country or its media can afford to undermine their own security forces because of the dire consequences that portends.
“The Service, as an institution of Government will continue to carry out legitimate orders; support democratic institutions; respect the rule of law and protect the citizens in line with global practices and Standard Operations Procedures (SOPs) in Intelligence gathering and law enforcement. Dark forces should not bring the Service into a collision with the Government it is meant to diligently serve.
“The Service is undaunted and will pursue noble goals only meant to uphold integrity in security and intelligence governance.
“This is a global trend for accountability. Its personnel across the Commands and Formations have been enjoined to be calm, loyal and united in the discharge of their duties as the Service has remained of the few Institutions in the country that has exhibited unquestionable oneness and commonality of purpose in advancing the interest of the nation.”
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has challenged anyone with proof of corrupt practices against him to make it public.
The Wazirin Adamawa gave the challenge in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital during a meeting with the state Governor, Ayodele Fayose and other stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Abubakar also appealed to people of the state to support him because he has a programme to develop Nigeria.
The former Vice President lamented that the country had allegedly sunk into more corruption under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
He said, “I have come to appeal to you to support me in our party’s convention. I have the programme that will best develop this country.
“I wish to appeal for your individual and collective support.
“I like the way you do things. You’re brutally frank. You say your mind; it’s a very rare quality. So, I commend for who you are. We will stand by you and the party in Ekiti until you retrieve your stolen mandate.”
“If you have any evidence of corruption against Atiku, please come forward. But nobody has been able to come forward.”
Senator representing Rivers South East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Magnus Abe, has reacted to the choice of Tonye Dele Cole as the All Progressives Congress candidate for the 2019 governorship election by the party leadership in the state.
Abe, also a governorship aspirant on the party’s platfotm, threatened to resist any attempt by the leadership of the APC to impose any candidate on the people.
The lawmaker said this while addressing his supporters in Eleme Local Government Area of the state at the weekend.
Abe declared that “any of such decisions that is not in the favour of my senatorial district would be opposed.”
He stressed that “issues affecting the party in the state could not be decided in Lagos and expected to be carried out in Rivers State.”
The senator criticised the alleged collective decision of some leaders of the party in the state, to endorse a preferred governorship candidate.
He distanced himself from such meeting, saying that “the decision did not meet the recent party standard for selection of governorship candidate, which included Rivers South East Senatorial District and party members, who have laboured for the party.”
The senator, however, expressed hope that the party would adopt direct primary where members of the party will decide who will be their governorship flag-bearer.
The Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. David Umahi on Monday revealed that many looted funds in Nigeria were stocked in foreign banks, cemeteries and underground.
He made this known while declaring open anti-corruption, ethics and integrity training for Ebonyi State local government officials, held in Abakaliki on Monday.
The Governor advocated amnesty for looters, saying such approach would help in arresting corruption and commit offenders in surrendering over 70 percent of looted public funds.
He promised that in the course of fighting corruption, Ebonyi State government would establish ICPC office in the state.
“We have so much of the looted funds trapped in foreign banks, some buried at the cemetery while many were buried underground where they were destroyed by termites.
“But if there is a negotiation like committing the looters into subtly surrendering at least 70 percent of the looted funds and keeping the rest or investing all the funds in the country; by so doing, we would have recovered the money and made use of it”, he said.
Senator Lanre Tejuoso has finally revealed how President Muhammadu Buhari advised him to remain with APC and not quit along with other senators.
The Senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, who made this known to reporters in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, while declaring his intention to re-contest for the seat, maintained that he was still a member of the party.
He declared that he would not leave the APC provided that President Muhammadu Buhari also remained with the party.
He noted that the President’s action and call were a great honour done to him.
The medical doctor – turned politician recalled that President Buhari asked him what he (the Senator) wants him to tell the Senator’s monarch father, Osile of Oke-Ona, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, who is a close friend of the President, if his son leaves APC.
He disclosed that what happened was just a mere misunderstanding between him and the party at the local level, which, he said, had since been resolved.
“I cannot leave APC. I will only leave if President Buhari leaves. When the incident happened, Mr. President called me and told me he wants me back in the party. What happened is just a misunderstanding in the local and it has been resolved.
“You know Ogun state is known in Nigeria to be the first in most things. It has been established that for democracy to thrive and to catch up with that of the developed nations, direct primaries is the answer and since Ogun state is always the first I am sure my governor will surely support it because he always want the best for the state.
“I am sure he will lead and others will follow and we are going to do direct primaries by God’s grace in Ogun state and I am sure my governor will agree.
“So that everybody in the party can have their say and choose whoever they want. Anybody who offers himself for election let the people agree that you are competent enough. So let everybody vote.
“It shouldn’t be a scenario of where few people will just be gathered somewhere and somebody will then tell them what to do. We want a change and that is what our party is preaching.
“We want direct primaries; we don’t want indirect primaries where some people will owe some people because they are the one who help them achieve the success they have achieved.
“Some of us are beneficiaries in the past but that shouldn’t continue because we have benefitted from such, there must be a change because we can’t leave this for our children,” Tejuoso said.
