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Music -oritse
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.
Former minister of finance , Kemi Adeosun Finally Explains Why She ResigneD
Embattled former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, has given reasons for her decision to resign from her position in President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet.
In her resignation letter obtained by The PUNCH, the former minister noted that she was shocked by the outcome of the investigation done on the allegation that her NYSC certificate which she had earlier tendered as Commissioner for Finance in Ogun State was not genuine. She said not until the scandal broke out she never knew the certificate was not genuine.
Buhari had, on Friday, accepted the resignation of Adeosun as minister of finance. He also approved the Minister of State Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, as her successor.
Adeosun’s letter read in part, “Let me commence by thanking you profusely for the honour and privilege of serving under your inspirational leadership.
“It has been a truly rewarding experience to learn from you and to observe at close quarters your integrity and sense of duty. “I have, today, become privy to the findings of the investigation into the allegation made in an online medium that the Certificate of Exemption from National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) that I had presented was not genuine. “This has come as a shock to me and I believe that in line with this administration’s focus on integrity, I must do the honourable thing and resign. “Your Excellency, kindly permit me to outline some of the background to this matter.
“I was born and raised in the United Kingdom, indeed my parental family home remains in London. My visits to Nigeria up until the age of thirty-four (34) were holidays, with visas obtained in my UK passport. “I obtained my first Nigerian passport at the age of thirty-four (34) and when I relocated there was debate as to whether NYSC Law applied to me. Upon enquiry as to my status relating to NYSC, I was informed that due to my residency history and having exceeded the age of thirty (30), I was exempted from the requirement to serve. Until recent events, that remained my understanding.
“On the basis of that advice and with the guidance and assistance of those, I thought were trusted associates, NYSC were approached for documentary proof of status. I then received the certificate in question. Having never worked in NYSC, visited the premises, been privy to nor familiar with their operations, I had no reason to suspect that the certificate was anything but genuine.
“Indeed, I presented that certificate at the 2011 Ogun State House of Assembly and in 2015 for Directorate of State Services (DSS) Clearance as well as to the National Assembly for screening. Be that as it may, as someone totally committed to a culture of probity and accountability I have decided to resign with effect from Friday, 14th September, 2018.”
She also thanked Buhari for his patience in finding the truth in the matter. She stated, “Your Excellency, let me conclude by commending your patience and support, during the long search for the truth in this matter. “I thank you again for giving me the honour of serving under your leadership, it is a rare privilege, which I do not take for granted.“As a Nigerian and committed progressive, I appreciate you for your dogged commitment to improving this nation.” Thanking the President for the opportunity to serve she said, “Your Excellency, It has been an exceptional privilege to have served our nation under your leadership and to have played a role in steering our economy at a very challenging time. I am proud that Nigeria has brought discipline into its finances, has identified and
Osun govt. explains how it will spend N16.8bn Paris Club refund
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.
Nigeria vs Liberia: Why didn’t President Buhari play – Nigerians react to Weah’s appearance during international friendly
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.”
2019: APC reacts to predictions that Buhari will lose second term, carpets UK
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”.
BREAKING: Okorocha sacks Son-in-law, Uche Nwosu, others [Full list]
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…
2019: Oshiomhole speaks on ‘war’ with Bauchi State Governor, Abubakar
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.
We have been sidelined, disenfranchised – APC youth lament high cost of nomination forms
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.
EPL: 3 players who could replace Pogba at Manchester United revealed
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.
Ballon d’Or 2018: Hernandez names one player ahead of Ronaldo, Messi
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.”
2019: APC reduces price of forms, releases dates for primaries [See details]
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.
ICPC Arrests The Kingpin Of Immigration Job Scam
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.
Flood Kills Soldier On A Rescue Mission, 9 Others In Kebbi
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.
PDP expands Kano caretaker committee
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.”
Edwin Clark reacts to police invasion, threatens legal action
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.
I didn’t receive any salary for eight years as Sokoto governor – Bafarawa
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.
DSS finally reacts to reports on Daura, Seiyefa, ‘face-off’ with presidency
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.”
2019: What Atiku told Fayose, PDP members about ‘being’ courrupt
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.”
Rivers APC: Senator Abe reacts to Amaechi’s choice of Tonye Cole as governorship candidate
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.
Looters now hide Nigeria’s money in burial grounds – Umahi
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.
How Buhari stopped me from dumping APC – Senator Tejuoso
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.
The completion date of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway project is extended by FG to Dec 2019
There are indications that the completion date for the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway project has been extended by another one year to accommodate additional work already approved by the Federal Government.
The project, which commenced in 2013, had 2017 as the initial completion date but it was later moved to end of 2018/early 2019 as a result of the increase in scope of work.
The reconstruction of the road, it was learnt, would be completed by December 2019.
The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mr Adedamola Kuti, told our correspondent that when the road contract was awarded, the Federal Government did not envisage some of the activities currently going on along the road.
He said, “The end of 2018 is no longer feasible; what we have is that the government has awarded additional work that is not part of the original contract. When the contract was first awarded, we did not take into consideration the religious organisations that are springing up rapidly in the area.
“So now, we have to make provision for toll gates, flyovers and plazas, among other additions. So, the completion date has been extended. We need additional one year to complete the work that has been added.”
About N64.108bn was approved by the government a few months ago for additional work on section one of the road being handled by Julius Berger.
The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, had stated that the additional work would cover flyover and pedestrian bridges as well as toll plazas for that section in order to accommodate the changing nature of the road.
Reacting to complaints by motorists on the slow pace of work on the road, Kuti said the rainy season had contributed significantly to this.
He added, “This is construction work; the pace of work is usually slower during rainy season. Once a material is wet, you must allow it to dry before it can be used.
“Instead of people to complain about the pace of work, they should consider the fact that the contractor is on site and we are moving.”
Kuti also spoke on the rumoured closure of the road, saying that there would only be diversion to enable the contractor to work faster.
“Nobody is going to shut down the road at any time; normal work will continue with diversion,” he said.
The project, which commenced in 2013, had 2017 as the initial completion date but it was later moved to end of 2018/early 2019 as a result of the increase in scope of work.
The reconstruction of the road, it was learnt, would be completed by December 2019.
The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mr Adedamola Kuti, told our correspondent that when the road contract was awarded, the Federal Government did not envisage some of the activities currently going on along the road.
He said, “The end of 2018 is no longer feasible; what we have is that the government has awarded additional work that is not part of the original contract. When the contract was first awarded, we did not take into consideration the religious organisations that are springing up rapidly in the area.
“So now, we have to make provision for toll gates, flyovers and plazas, among other additions. So, the completion date has been extended. We need additional one year to complete the work that has been added.”
About N64.108bn was approved by the government a few months ago for additional work on section one of the road being handled by Julius Berger.
The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, had stated that the additional work would cover flyover and pedestrian bridges as well as toll plazas for that section in order to accommodate the changing nature of the road.
Reacting to complaints by motorists on the slow pace of work on the road, Kuti said the rainy season had contributed significantly to this.
He added, “This is construction work; the pace of work is usually slower during rainy season. Once a material is wet, you must allow it to dry before it can be used.
“Instead of people to complain about the pace of work, they should consider the fact that the contractor is on site and we are moving.”
Kuti also spoke on the rumoured closure of the road, saying that there would only be diversion to enable the contractor to work faster.
“Nobody is going to shut down the road at any time; normal work will continue with diversion,” he said.
Ministry of Mines Rakes in over N9 billion in Nearly 3 Years
The Ministry of Mines and Steel Development has generated more than N9 billion from November 2015 till date. Alhaji Abubakar Bwari, the Minister of State disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja. Bwari said that the ministry generated N351,882,084.26 from November to December in 2015, N2,864,903,426.32 in 2016, N3,925,028,183.90 in 2017 and N2,060,441,736. 62 in 2018.
“When Dr Kayode Fayemi and I assumed duty in November 2015, we set an agenda to move the sector forward in line with President Muhammadu Buhari diversification plan and to boost the revenue of the ministry,” he said.
On success made by the sector through its budgetary allocation, he said that tremendous improvement had been recorded by the sector in the past two years.NAN recalls that in 2015, the capital appropriated for the ministry was N704 million and the amount released was N302 million.
In 2016, N2.6 billion was appropriated and what was released to the sector was N917 million.In 2017, N6,48 billion was appropriated for the ministry but N3.24 billion was released to the sector.He said that the ministry’s budget for 2017 was able to meet some of its needs, adding that it could conveniently provide logistics to its officers across the country.
“We can now give our officers money to monitor activities at all mine sites across the country from our budget, unlike in the past when the ministry’s budget was grossly inadequate.“The ministry also purchased vehicles for its officers across the country as well as surveillance taskforce to monitor illegal miners and mineral’s smugglers among others.”
Bwari said that the ministry has concluded arrangements to disburse another N70 million to some universities to conduct Research and Development of minerals deposits across the country.NAN reports that the fund being disbursed to some universities is the second batch of the programme.
In July, the minister disbursed N84 million to11 universities to conduct research and development of minerals deposits in Nigeria.The universities were required to conduct research and development in various areas relating to mapping and evaluation of particular mineral deposits in Nigeria.The 11 universities that benefitted from the fund in the first batch were, Obafemi Awolowo University, Federal University of Technology, Minna, and the University of Nigeria, Nsuka.
Others include, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Ibrahim Badamasi Babagida University, Niger, University of Port Harcourt, University of Jos, University of Lagos, Nasarawa State University, University of Ibadan and Ebonyi State University.
2019 Election: Read what Nigerians are saying about cost of APC nomination forms
Ahead of the 2019 general elections, the two major political parties--APC and PDP--have told aspirants for elective offices just how much nomination or expression of interest forms cost.
For instance, we do know that if you intend to run for the office of president on the PDP platform, you will have to part with N12million (N2million for Expression of Interest form and N10million for Nomination form).
Governorship aspirants on the PDP platform will cough out N6million (N1million as Expression of Interest form and N5million for the Nomination form).
See this link for cost of PDP nomination forms.
In the APC, Pulse has been told, things are a lot more expensive. Here’s what it will reportedly cost to run for office on the platform of the governing party.
PS: The APC is yet to say if the figures below are accurate. Pulse will update this story when an official response from the governing party comes in:
House of Reps - N3.8M
Senate - N8.5M
Governor - N22.5M
President - N55M
Nigerians have been having their say on Twitter on the cost of APC nomination forms. Find a few reactions below:
The reactions arrive on the heels of the signing of the Not-Young-To-Run bill by President Buhari on Thursday, May 31, 2018.
The Not-Too-Young-To-Run Act alters Sections 65, 106, 131, and 177 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and effectively reduces the age of qualification for the office of the President from 40 to 35 years; House of Reps from 30 to 25 years; and the House of Assembly from 30 to 25 years.
However, with nomination forms of the major political parties selling at prohibitive prices, young Nigerians have been wondering how they will ever make it into political offices since millions of them can't afford to purchase the APC, PDP forms.
'I have no fear about free and fair election' - Nigeria's Buhari
Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari has emphasized that he is not afraid of a free and fair election because his election is a product of that process.
Speaking on Sunday in the Chinese capital of Beijing at an interactive session with the Nigerian community, Buhari said he won the presidency on his fourth attempt.
“We are not doing too badly, but we need your understanding and support. Whatever you can contribute back at home by advising your families to vote for our party.
“I have no fear about free and fair election because that is what brought me here… I know what I want to do, very few in Nigeria politicians could boast of that, I tried four times.
He stressed about challenging the results in his first two attempts then added: “the third time I said ‘God dey,’ and the fourth time technology came and helped us and people’s vote counted.”
He had made a similar comment during a visit to Abuja by German chancellor Angela Merkel, adding that his administration was also committed to the rule of law.
Buhari, a former military ruler of Africa’s most populous nation, came into office in 2015 on the back of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He has announced his intention to seek a second and final term in elections slated for February 2019.
He is leading the Nigerian entourage to the Forum for China – Africa Cooperation which kicks off today in Beijing. Dozens of African leaders are currently in Beijing for the summit themed: “China and Africa: Toward an Even Stronger Community with a Shared Future through Win-Win Cooperation.”
FOCAC: China Announces $60 billion Financing Package for African Economies
China will extend a total of 60 billion U.S. dollars of financing to Africa, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced on Monday.
In a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, President Xi said that the financing will be provided in the form of government assistance as well as investment and financing by financial institutions and companies
He also said that China will exempt certain African countries from outstanding debts incurred in the form of interest-free Chinese government loans due by the end of 2018.
The exemption, he said, will be granted to Africa’s least developed countries, heavily indebted and poor countries, landlocked and small island developing countries that have diplomatic relations with China.
Xi also said China will implement eight major initiatives with African countries in the next three years and beyond.
He said the initiatives, cover fields such as industrial promotion, infrastructure connectivity, trade facilitation, and green development.
EPL: Wenger to replace Mourinho at Manchester United
Veteran English sports presenter and analyst, Richard Keys, has said that former Arsenal boss, Arsene Wenger, would take over from Jose Mourinho at Manchester United.
Keys who has worked with BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Sky, Talksport, Al-Jazeera, Fox Sports, ESPN Star Sports, said that Wenger would be a suitable replacement for the Portuguese.
United boss, Mourinho is the favourite with the bookies to be the next manager to lose their job in the top flight despite yesterday’s win over Burnley.
And Keys suggested the Wenger, who left Arsenal after 22 years at the end of last season, would be a good option.
“I’ll match and raise you Arsene Wenger,” he told beIN Sports.
“Let me put a bit of meat on the bone. Managed big players all of his life. Knows plenty about the English Premier League.
“He has won everything there is to win apart from the Champions League. He certainly can handle big players. Managed a big football club and he’s available.”
EPL: David Luiz reveals who made him to remain at Chelsea
Chelsea defender, David Luiz revealed that the arrival of new manager, Maurizio Sarri convinced him to stay at Chelsea following Antonio Conte’s exit.
Luiz, who had confirmed that he planned to leave the Blues this summer if Conte remained as manager, also spoke on his new position in Sarri’s formation.
Sarri replaced fellow Italian compatriot, Conte at Stamford Bridge earlier in the summer.
Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports, Luiz said that the arrival of Sarri convinced him to stay at the club rather than push for a move away from the West London club.
“Maurizio Sarri already teach me many things I have not saw before,” said Luiz. “His arrival made me to stay”.
“I already had a coach the same way as him – Jorge Jesus when I had him at Benfica, he was also like that. It’s important because we play one-on-one with the ball.”
“I already played more in my life in a back four than a back three,” he added. “I start to play back three when I was 17 then I come back to play a back three two years ago here.
“I think I’m more adept with a back four than a back three.”
LaLiga: Real Madrid coach, Lopetegui speaks on Benzema becoming top scorer this season
Real Madrid manager, Julen Lopetegui has said that striker, Karim Benzema can end the 2018-19 season as the top scorer (Pichichi) in the La Liga.
Benzema scored five league goals for the Los Blancos last campaign but has already registered four times in three appearances at the start of the 2018-19 campaign.
The France international netted a brace in Madrid’s 4-1 win over Leganes on Saturday night in the La Liga.
Lopetegui, however, believes Benzema has what it takes to pick up the Pichichi Trophy for the top goalscorer in La Liga this season.
“Why can’t he [Benzema] be Pichichi? Why can’t he end up with 30 or 40 goals? The most important thing is the team.
“The goals come from the work of the whole team and someone has the honour, proximity and quality of scoring them,” Sportmole quoted Lopetegui as saying at post-match.
Lopetegui’s side has won all three of their league matches at the start of the new season.
Defection: Akwa Ibom PDP assures decampees of equal opportunity
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, has allayed fears that those who recently defected from the All Progressives Congress, APC, to the party would be relegated to the background, reassuring that all party members would be given equal opportunity and a level-playing ground.
Speaking through its Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, in an interaction with journalists in Uyo over the weekend, PDP said it has put in place a solid structure so that no member would be marginalised.
According to Ememobong, “When people leave the PDP, it’s defection, when they return it’s home coming. So when people come back home, it’s easy to locate their rooms.”
On the position of the party on zoning, the Publicity Secretary said that zoning has become sacrosanct in the party because such would reduce political tension and unnecessary expenditure during the 2019 general elections.
He also said the widespread sensitization on zoning has readjusted the mindset of politicians in the state to avoid undue conflicts, adding that the ongoing purchase of nomination forms by members of the party was an indication of respect to the zoning arrangement.
The party spokesman said such peaceful move runs in contrast with other political parties that were allegedly chanting war songs, with the threat to win through violence.
He said as a party determined to win the support of the people through hard work and prove of competence, the PDP, instead of threat and intimidation, has held stakeholders’ meetings in the 329 wards across the state and carried out sensitization in the 10 federal constituencies.
Ememobong said the PDP is currently running over five radio programs, using such platforms to sensitize and give seed funds to aid small and medium scale business owners, in addition to training in various trades and vocations.
“We have been holding series of meetings to prepare the ground to ensure a free, fair, peaceful and credible elections. In the area of touching lives, we are currently running 4-5 programs on radio, sensitising and giving out monies for people to start small businesses, we give out as much as N250-500,000.
“It’s difficult for a person who is benefiting from you not to insist you stay. We are interacting with young professionals, market people, we are carrying out door to door campaigns, we are praying, the governor before declaring went first to God, this government has been made a part of the church. We have done that part that man needed to do. That is why the campaign slogan of the governor for 2019 is ‘Only God’,” he said
“People come into politics without preparing that the answer can either be yes or no, that’s why we keep asking those not favoured by zoning to avoid spending money, some aspirants do not even know how to interact with the electorates. That is why we keep sensitizing our members to avoid this.”
While expressing confidence that the PDP has worked harder than any other political party in the state and therefore stands a huge chance of sweeping the polls, the party spokesperson said, “PDP secretariat has been a beehive of activities within these past weeks, lots of people have indicated interest and actually purchased the forms, our forms are the most reasonable in the political market. For women, it’s just the expression of interest, the nomination form is free, only the incumbent has purchased form for governorship
“PDP is the only political party in this country to attain the age of 20, it was created as a platform where everyone, irrespective of religious or any affiliation can thrive. In the past 20 years, we have provided the fertile ground for democracy to thrive, I’m sure that if the type of party we have at the centre today had been for the past 20 years, there wouldn’t have been democracy. That’s our greatest achievement.”
Gunmen abduct Catholic priest in Delta, demand N15million ransom
Reports reaching EMIRATCO say there is serious tension in Delta State as gunmen on Saturday abducted the presiding priest of Emmanuel Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Christopher Ogaga, in Aragba/Oviri-Okpe in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State
As at the time of filing this report, the whereabouts of the priest is still unknown but the gunmen were said to be demanding N15 million ransom from to release the priest.
The cleric, who doubles as the Principal of St. Peter’s Claver’s College, Aghalokpe, was abducted at about 10am while driving alone on his way to Warri after he left Aghalokpe community, DAILY POST gathered.
Rev. Fr. Ogaga was coming to Warri to help the Parish Priest of Mother of Redeemer’s Catholic Church, Airport junction to conduct services billed to hold Sunday. He is the priest in charge of St. Luke’s Catholic Church, Oviri-Okpe in addition to St. Jude’s Catholic Church, Aghalokpe.
When contacted, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammad Mustafa confirmed the incident to newsmen on Monday.
Mustafa said operatives of the command have launched a search to ensure the safe release of the Catholic priest.
According to him, “Yes, we are already searching for the kidnappers. He was kidnapped two days ago.”
APC reaffirms how presidential candidate will emerge
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has again clarified that the those aspiring for the party’s presidential ticket will go through direct primary.
APC National Secretary, Mai Mala Buni, stated this in an interview with the Hausa Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) at the weekend.
Buni said, “Both direct and indirect primaries are contained in our party constitution. In the presidential primary, we are going to start the direct method at the various ward levels, then we’ll conclude everything at the national convention.
“Other primaries such as that of the National Assembly, governors and members of the state Houses of Assembly depend on what the states want.
“The party executive at the state level would sit down and decide and then forward to us the method they want for approval.”
Emiratco reports that there is confusion in the party nationwide as to how candidates will emerge.
This is despite explanation of the decisions made by the National Executive Committee (NEC) as regards the mode of primaries.
APC had said: “Primary Elections into all elective offices shall be by the Direct and Indirect Election or by Consensus. The use of the Direct and Indirect Primaries shall however depend on the peculiarity and need of a given State
“The adopted mode shall now be applied to all categories of the Party’s Primary Elections i.e. State Assembly, Senate, House of Representatives and for the Governorship Elections”.
But many chieftains, elected officials and members, have cried foul, insisting that subjecting some states and positions to indirect primaries was to enable certain persons determine winners.
On Sunday, a statement by Yekini Nabena, APC National Publicity Secretary, confirmed that the NEC decisions had triggered an internal crisis.
He disclosed that the party had received information that some members were working against the NEC resolutions.
Nabena noted: “The identities of those plotting such meetings have been identified and unless they desist from such they will be dealt with in line with the Party’s Constitution at the appropriate time.
“The NWC will resist any attempt to disrupt the current peace and harmony prevailing in our great Party after the exit of some members of our Party.
“We urge any member who is not satisfied with the decisions of the Party to utillize channels provided by the Party’s constitution to air their views.”
Fire guts National Museum
Fire on Sunday gutted the National Museum in Rio de Janeiro, one of Brazil’s oldest.
The cause of the fire, which broke out on Sunday night, was not yet known.
However, no injuries were immediately reported as firefighters struggled to quench the fire.
“This is a tragic day for Brazil. Two hundred years of work and research and knowledge are lost.Brazil President Michel Temer said in a statement.
“This is a cultural tragedy,” the director of the National History Museum said on Globo TV.
The museum was founded in 1818 by King Joao VI and is among Brazil’s most important, with valuable national treasures inside.
Abia 2019: On equity I stand – Sen Orji
As intrigues intensify ahead of the 2019 elections, Senator Theodore Orji representing Abia Central district has insisted that the power zoning arrangements in the state should be respected by all political parties in the spirit and letter of Abia charter of equity.
The former Governor stated this at the weekend in Umuahia when he received in audience Umunneato Council of Chiefs and select women leaders.
Umunneato clan comprises three Local Government Areas in Abia Central zone of Ngwa: Isiala Ngwa North, Isiala Ngwa South and Osisioma LGAs.
Orji said that the Abia charter of equity agreed upon by the founding fathers of the state recommended power rotation among the three senatorial zones in the state.
He said his belief in the document informed his insistence on power shift to Abia South in 2015 after his second tenure as Governor, as other zones had all taken their turns.
Orji said “it will be proper for Abia South senatorial zone to be allowed to complete their turn by renewing Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu’s mandate in 2019”.
The former Governor, therefore, enjoined the Umunneato Council of Chiefs to prevail on senatorial aspirants from the clan to perish their ambition in 2019 in the spirit of equity and justice.
Enugu Airport: South-East Governors knock FG
South-East Governors, Sunday, told the Federal Government that the sorry state of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu was putting lives in danger.
They spoke during a meeting of the Forum held at the Enugu Government House.
Chairman of the Forum and Ebonyi Governor, David Umahi, read a communique issued after the meeting.
Governors of Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Okezie Ikpeazu of Enugu and Abia, respectively, were present at the meeting.
In the communique read by Umahi, he said the condition of the runway posed threat to the lives of the people of the region in particular and Nigerians in general, as pilots were finding it difficult to land.
While appreciating the Federal Government “for the intervention on the airport, the Governors drew its attention “to the deplorable state of the runway; the runway lights and the tarmac and called on the Hon. Minister of State for Aviation to visit the Airport for an on-the-spot assessment and urgent intervention.
“The Forum also requested that urgent steps must be taken for the reactivation of the cargo section of the Airport,” adding that it was also unacceptable that the International wing could not function beyond 6 p.m.
They also announced that “the Forum received interim report from the South-East Consultative Committee on health, set up to facilitate the establishment of world class health facilities in each State of the South-East zone.
“The Forum noted the calibre of health and other professionals in the committee and commended them for the progress so far and urged them to work towards ensuring the transformation of the zone into a medical tourist destination in Nigeria.”
“The Forum received presentation from the South-East Region Development Fund, (SENDEF), a financial arm of the SEREDEC and urged them to channel all development plans in the South-East region through the Secretariat of the Forum,” they further stated in the communique.
APC fires back at PDP over Buhari’s comment on Nigerians migrating to Europe
The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Sunday said the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration is committed to mitigating the migration crisis Nigerians are facing, particularly in Libya and in the Mediterranean Sea.
The party stated this in a statement issued by Yekini Nabena, its National Publicity Secretary, in reaction to comments made by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the issue.
He condemned attempts by the PDP to politicise Buhari’s statement on illegal migration and trafficking of Nigerians during the recent visit of the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel to Nigeria.
Nabena said: “The PDP in its typical insensitive and unguarded stance on matters affecting the country is exploiting an issue that borders to on the lives of Nigerians, mostly youths.
“It is a known fact that many Nigerian families have suffered grief as a result of deaths and other inhuman treatment that have befell relatives attempting migration to Europe and other parts of the world.
“Through support of international agreements and efforts towards curbing illegal migration, repatriation of stranded Nigerian migrants and addressing root causes encouraging illegal migration of Nigerians, the President Buhari administration has demonstrated the political will to check the scourge”.
He recalled the presidential directive for Nigerians to be evacuated from Libya and other locations and be returned home safely.
Nabena said the administration had already put in place several interventionist programmes to enable such persons start new and productive lives in the country.
He noted that with unemployment and poverty identified as one of the root causes of illegal migration, the Buhari administration was using initiatives to check the ugly trend.
2019: PDP reveals why Saraki, Atiku, Tambuwal won’t be screened for now
The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has explained why it is yet to constitute a panel that will screen its presidential aspirants.
Many of the aspirants who have purchased the party’s presidential and expression of interest forms are said to be waiting for the naming of the panel.
Among the aspirants who have picked the forms are a former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; a former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso; Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal; and the Governor of Gombe State, Ibrahim Dankwambo.
Also on the list are a former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido; a former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Alhaji Tanimu Turaki (SAN); a former Governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shekarau; a former Governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa and Dr Ahmed Datti.
The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Kola Ologbondiyan, told Punch that there was nothing wrong in the delay.
He said, “There is nothing to worry about in that (non-release of the screening panel). You know we are still selling our forms.
“As soon as we are done with the selling of the forms, we will constitute the panel. We have nothing to hide. The aspirants are also aware of that.
“The party has said that it will be transparent and we will abide by that. So, we have nothing to fear or worry about.”
According to the revised timetable of the party, the screening of the presidential aspirants will hold on September 12.
2019: Kwankwaso speaks on PDP’s form of presidential primary
A former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso has said that he is in support of using indirect primaries by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
He said he was sure the party will still continue with the indirect primaries having used that system since 2003 when it was reviewed.
The former Governor said though he was elected as governor through the direct system in 1999, he would still align himself with the position taken by the leadership of the party on the matter.
He told reporters in Abuja on Sunday that the PDP was experienced enough to handle the matter.
He said, “Well, I think parties should look out their situation. The situation of PDP is such that we have gone through all the processes.
“And we are experienced enough to select the best system for the party.
“Some of you may still remember that in 1999 when I was elected as governor, the PDP then elected their candidates through direct primaries.
“And from that experience, we sat down here in this secretariat and thought there was a need for us to review it.
“And that was why in 2003, and since then, we are doing indirect elections.
“And I’m sure one day the party may decide to go back to direct election. But I think now, a decision has been taken by the party to do an indirect election.
“And we are all abiding by the position of the party. So, I think now, it is beyond my opinion or your opinion. The party has taken a position.”
2019: Why Imo people will miss me – Gov. Okorocha
The Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha has provided reasons he would be missed by the people of the state when he leaves office next year.
Okorocha said he had done enough for the people to miss him after he hands over to a successor in 2019.
The Governor listed free and qualitative education programme in the State and more than 1000 verifiable projects as some of the reasons he won’t be forgotten so fast.
Okorocha said that Imo people will definitely look back with admiration at his 8 years in office.
According to the Governor, he has repositioned the state for better after repurchasing all the assets sold by previous administrations in the state.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemeodo, the Governor said, “The free education programme in the State which some opponents of the government had tried to discredit when it was introduced has yielded obvious remarkable results.
“And aside the School enrolment in the State snowballing from 381,000 in 2011 to more than One million in 2017, the State has continued to lead in JAMB applications for the Seventh time now.
“The State has also continued to do very well in WAEC Exams. For instance, in the 2018 Senior School Certificate Exam (SSCE), the State came fifth out of the Thirty-Six States in the Country and the Federal Capital Territory.“
As Buhari Arrives Beijing,Nigeria, China to Sign U.S.$328m Agreement On ICT.
President Muhammadu Buhari arrived Beijing yesterday to attend the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) holding on Monday and Tuesday.During the 6-day official visit of the Nigerian President, he is expected to join his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping to witness the signing of an agreement on the National Information and Communication Technology Infrastructure Backbone Phase 11 (NICTIB 11) between Galaxy Backbone Limited and Huawei Technologies Limited (HUAWEI) at the cost of US $328 million facility provided by the Chinese EXIM Bank.
Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, yesterday, said the bank facility is for the development of NICTIB 11 project, which is consistent with the current administration's commitment to incorporating the development of ICT into national strategic planning under the National Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).
President Buhari and his Chinese host will also witness the signing of the MoU on One Belt One Road Initiative (OBOR).In 2013, the Chinese leader proposed the initiative of building the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road, with a view to integrating the development strategies of partnering countries.
During the High Level Dialogue between Chinese and African Leaders and Business representatives on the margins of FOCAC, the Nigerian delegation is also expected to sign no fewer than 25 MoUs, including those proposed by the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA).
President Buhari will today meet Nigerians living in China before the kick-off of FOCAC on Monday when he will join President Jinping and other African leaders for roundtable sessions, which will essentially discuss the report of FOCAC since the 2015 Johannesburg Summit, including the implementation of the "ten cooperation plans" adopted at the last meeting.
The Summit is also expected to adopt the Beijing Declaration and the Action Plan for the development of China-Africa cooperation and fashion out new opportunities to grow Nigeria-China comprehensive strategic partnership from 2019 to 2021.
