₦airaland Forum

So North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un shook hands with South Korea’s President Moon Jae In at the Military Demarcation Line that divides their countries on Friday, they somewhat symbolically, united a peninsula that had divided for decades.

The handshake between the two leaders marked the latest milestone in a rapid rapprochement after months of global fears about a nuclear conflict.

Here are some other handshakes that shook the world:

– Arafat-Rabin, 1993 –

After months of secret negotiations in Norway, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat stood in the South Lawn of the White House on September 13, 1993 to witness the signing of the Oslo Accords.

And then, in one of the most dramatic moments in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with US President Bill Clinton’s arms stretched around both leaders, Arafat and Rabin shook hands.

The abortive process granted autonomy to the occupied Palestinian territories without creating a separate state, and ended the six-year-long popular Palestinian uprising — the Intifada — in which over 1,200 Palestinians and around 150 Israelis were killed.


Rabin was assassinated two years later by a Jewish extremist opposed to the peace process, which faltered in the years that followed. A second Intifada broke out in 2000.

– Obama-Castro, 2013 –

At a memorial service for Nelson Mandela in 2013, US President Barack Obama made headlines when he shook hands with Cuba’s Raul Castro, the first such public greeting between leaders of the bitter neighbours after decades of enmity.

Within months, there was a rapid thaw. Full diplomatic relations were restored in July 2015, followed by once-unthinkable steps to mend ties after more than half a century of enmity.

Obama visited Cuba in 2016 — the first such trip by an American president in 88 years. Washington also relaxed its decades-long embargo on the communist-ruled island, and US airlines resumed direct flights to Havana in November 2016.


– Queen Elizabeth-McGuinness, 2012 –

In a landmark moment in the Northern Ireland peace process, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II met Martin McGuinness, a former top commander in the paramilitary Irish Republican Army during the many years of bloody hostilities with British forces.

The IRA wanted an end to British rule in the province, and for it to be merged with the Republic of Ireland. McGuinness later became one of the figures that helped negotiate an end to the violence.

McGuinness — then a deputy first minister of Northern Ireland — shook hands with the Queen during her 2012 visit to the province.

It was a gesture towards reconciliation that would once have been unimaginable, with McGuinness’ militant past and British security operations still a source of anger for many.


– Xi-Ma, 2015 –

After decades of estrangement following a traumatic split at the end of a civil war in 1949, the presidents of China and Taiwan met for the first time ever in Singapore.

In unprecedented scenes, China’s Xi Jinping and Taiwan’s Ma Ying-jeou shook hands for more than a minute and smiled for a mass of reporters before holding talks. The summit led to the setting up of a hotline between Beijing and Taipei and a lowering of tensions between the self-ruled island and the mainland.

While the meeting was undeniably historic, there were no major concessions from either side. Ma ended up paying a heavy political price at home: Taiwanese voters chose to back Beijing-sceptic Tsai Ing-wen in the 2016 election amid fears about the island’s sovereignty.



– Donald Trump –

The next major handshake on the global calendar is expected to feature Kim Jong Un again — this time with US President Donald Trump.

While it will certainly mark a historic moment, handshakes involving Trump sometimes make headlines for the wrong reasons, and the businessman-president has become well-known for his awkward grapples.

Clips of his handshakes often go viral on social media, with commenters poking fun at the way he tries to pull another world leader’s arm or the often-uncomfortable amount of time he spends shaking hands. Most famously, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe last year appeared to roll his eyes in an apparent expression of relief after a long handshake with Trump in Washington.

Quite how Kim might react to an impromptu arm-wrestle, only time will tell.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/the-historic-handshakes-that-shook-world.html

Lere Olayinka, the Special Adviser on Public Communication and New Media to the Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has said that even if President Muhammadu Buhari becomes the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate in the forthcoming governorship election will fail woefully.

Speaking with Punch, Olayinka said the Governor and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, are not afraid of some bigwigs in the ruling APC interested in Ekiti State governorship position.

The Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and the National Vice Chairman of the APC, Segun Oni, who are both former governors have declared to run in the election.

There is Senator Babafemi Ojudu, who is a Special Adviser to Buhari on Political Matters.

But Olayinka believes these bigwigs are no threat to Fayose and the PDP.

According to him, “The reality is the same minister (you are talking about ) was defeated in all the 16 local governments in Ekiti State even when he was the sitting governor.

“So how is it possible for us to now be afraid of him? If it were possible for all the 33 aspirants in the party that have obtained forms to be picked together as candidates, we would defeat all of them.

“Let them be put together to become one, all of them will be defeated.

“Unless they are saying they are not going to allow people to vote or that somebody will sit in the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Abuja, write the results and announce them.

“If it is about bringing in security personnel like they have been boasting about, the police and the military will not force people to vote for someone.

“If voting will be allowed to take place on July 14, even if Buhari is the INEC Chairman, the APC will lose in this state except they just write the results in Abuja without people voting at the various polling units.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/ekiti-2018-even-if-buhari-becomes-inec.html

Controversial Senator representing Kogi West District, Dino Melaye, has revealed that he’s currently in the trauma section of the Intensive Care Unit, National Hospital.

The senator had been taken to the hospital after jumping through a car window while the police transported him to Lokoja, Kogi State.

Melaye had been handcuffed on his hospital bed and it took the intervention of other senators to have the handcuffs removed.

Melaye, took to his Twitter account to make these revelation. He wrote that he has been denied access to food and his lawyers, and his driver with 11 other have been arrested.

He wrote:

Samuel Melaye, Moses Melaye, Pastor Obalemo, my driver Folorunsho, one of my lawyers and 7 others arrested since Monday by the police still in detention by the police.

Melaye is at the intensive care unit of the national hospital. Trauma section.

Denied access to my lawyers, family members and food for the past more than 24hours.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/i-have-been-denied-food-and-access-to.html

Pioneer Executive Director of the Addis Ababa based United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and Undersecretary General of the UN, Prof Adebayo Adedeji, is dead.

Adedeji died in Lagos at the age of 87 after a protracted illness, NAN reports.

Adedeji was the ECA boss between 1975 -1978, after which he was appointed the UN Undersecretary General. He remained in the ECA post until 1991.

Until his death, Adedeji was the director of the African Centre for Development and Strategic Studies, a think-tank NGO based in his hometown, Ijebu Ode, Ogun, Nigeria.

He was also a frontline member of his Ijebu-Ode community and a close associate of Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebu land. He was the Asiwaju of Ijebuland (leader) and Bobajiro of the Awujale (chief adviser to the monarch) as well.

The chair of Sikiru Adetona professorial seat at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Prof Ayo Olukotun, expressed shock at the death of Adedeji.

Olukotun is also the Secretary-General of the International Relations Society of Nigeria.

“Though elderly, Adedeji would be greatly missed. We, in the international relation society, would have been happier, if he had stayed on for a while longer.

“His death is a rude shock to us. We would have been happier to have him around to influence discussions on alternative strategy, which he championed during his iconic stint at the ECA.

“His contribution to an alternative to Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) cannot be forgotten. His effort led to the adoption of the alternatives by many African countries.

“Adedeji would still have been very relevant today as the continent still searches for economic redirection,” Olukotun said.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/breaking-adebayo-adedeji-is-dead.html

Wanting to throttle your significant other from time to time is perfectly normal but if you're constantly coming up against the same relationship problem then you'll have to get to the root of the conflict if you want to move forward as a happier, healthier, more connected couple. Here's 3 ways you can save your marriage even when it seems hopeless.
1. Make a list of all the issues you argue or feel hopeless about

Anger does not mean it’s time to fight. Hopelessness does not mean you should just give up on saving your marriage and get divorced. Anger and hopelessness do indicate that there’s a problem, a bump on your marriage path. So begin by asking yourself what exactly you feel angry and hopeless about.

Write out a list of all the issues that you have been arguing about or giving up on. Include on your list the issues that concern your spouse as well as the ones that irritate and frustrate you.

2. Drop the attitude

The negative stuff you give each other is totally unhelpful. Negative comments to each other only taint a positive relationship. So, no more criticism, complaints, blame, accusations, anger, sarcasm, digs or snide remarks. No more raised voices or anger escalations either. Stay in the calm zone.

Leave an argument altogether if either of you start to get heated. Calm down so that when you re-engage, you only talk calmly and cooperatively.

If you want to thrive within your marriage, aim for a ratio of a million to one. That means, do NOT sling mud.
3. Express concerns constructively and make decisions together

A simple way to stay constructive in sensitive conversations is to pick from the following trio of potential sentence starters

"I feel..."
"My concern is..."
"I would like to..."

Understanding each other’s concerns is essential for the two of you to begin doing what I call that the win-win. The goal is to reach solutions that please you both. No more aiming to get your way. Aim instead for both of you to feel comfortable with your plan of action.

It's important to notice you have differences, which probably will become evident because you are beginning to argue or to feel hopeless.

Express your underlying concerns. Ask about and list to your partner's concerns. Then create a plan of action responsive to the concerns of both of you.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/heres-3-ways-you-can-save-your-marriage.html

Bamikole Omishore, a media aide to Senate President Bukola Saraki has spoken for the first time since he was accused of alleged ghost worker scam.

MC EBISCO had reported that Omishore allegedly enrolled his wife as a staff of the National Assembly and had been drawing salaries on her name .

The development was confirmed by the spokesman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Wilson Uwujaren.

“I can confirm that the petition is before the commission and receiving necessary attention,” Uwujaren said.

However, Omishore, speaking to Premium Times, refused to confirm or deny the allegations.

“For the avoidance of doubt, other than speculations and innuendos on pages of papers and websites, neither me nor my wife has received any copy of petition from EFCC or any other security agency. ‬

‪”I will address issues contained in any petition against me when I receive it,” he said.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/sarakis-ade-reacts-to-corruption.html

The Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has decried the absence of government officials at a meeting with investors in Washington DC, USA.

Speaking to journalists on Saturday in Washington DC at an investment programme organised by the Nigerian Embassy, Sanusi said Nigeria might lose investors because of it.

Audu Ogbeh, Minister of Agriculture; Ogbonnaya Onu, Minister of Science and Technology; Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture; Babatunde Fashola, Minister of Power; Ibe Kachikwu, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources; Kemi Adeosun, Minister of Finance; Kayode Fayemi Minister of Solid Minerals, who were all billed for sessions at the event, were absent.

Godwin Emefiele, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria; Yewande Sadiku, Executive Secretary of Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission; Yemi Osinbajo, vice president and governors were also absent.

“For the person sitting in London and who has a billion dollars to invest, he’s got Nigeria, he’s got Ghana, he’s got Rwanda, Kenya, South Africa, you may be the biggest economy, but he may decide that rather than go through the hassle of investing $500 million in nigeria, why not put $100 million in Ghana, $100 million in Rwanda, $100 million in Cote d’Ivore, just to have diversification benefit and the benefit of reaching out.

“We had a meeting today with investors, we were supposed to start by 9am we started at 10. When I came in they took me to the ambassador’s office to sit down, when investors were waiting down there. We had a list of people who were to be here, vice president, ministers, some of them are in town, but they haven’t come up.

“You invite top investors, your ministers are in Washington and they do not come to talk to the investors about Nigeria. That is not how you attract investors. If you have this forum in the Rwandan embassy, I assure you President Kagame himself would be there telling people to come to Rwanda,” Sanusi said.

According to the monarch, there was no reason for the absence of the officials and the challenges faced at the beginning of the event.

Sanusi added: “Sometimes, it is about how we market ourselves, how we package ourselves. There is absolutely no reason for the Nigerian embassy to arrange a Nigeria is open for Business forum with ministers in town, with governors in town and not have the coordination that they are actually here to meet with these investors.

“There is no reason why we should start one hour late, and there is no reason why the public address system should not work. Because at the end of the day, this is the first point of the country, he hasn’t even come to Nigeria so what will be his experience in Abuja and he is saying if I am having this experience in Washington, what will happen when I go to Abuja, when I go to Kano, how do I get to see the governor will it take me 10 hours?” the monarch said.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/just-in-emir-sanusi-blasts-fashola.html

Suspected gunmen have again killed about 30 people in Kabaro and Danmani villages in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

An eye witness, Mr Shuaibu Kabaro, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maru that the suspected gunmen attacked the two communities and the incident was immediately reported to the security agents.

He said three of the bandits were arrested by security agents following the prompt report of the incident to the security personnel.

Shuaibu said, the gunmen in turn went and mobilized more gangs and returned in multitude to carry out the attack which left about 30 dead and many others injured in the two communities.

The Maru Local Government Council Chairman, Alhaji Salisu Dangulbi and the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Mohammed Shehu both confirmed the killings.

According to them, many of the villagers deserted their homes for fear of further attacks which now characterized the mode of operations of the gunmen.

The duo said, with the presence of security personnel now in the area however, many of the villagers had returned home.

The PPRO further explained that units of mobile police working with the military and other security agents were immediately mobilized to the affected areas and that peace and normalcy had been restored.

The police spokesman however said that the actual number of those killed was still being worked on and “until this is done, l cannot give you actual figure at the moment’’. (NAN)

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/herdsmen-again-killed-30-in-zamfara.html

Nollywood actress, Toyin Abraham has told followers of the Big Brother Naija reality show to take it easy the way they fight each other because of the housemates.

She reminded them that this is just a game.

The actress expressed shock at the alarming rate fans insult themselves over the housemates in the show, adding that some fans are already taking the entire game too far.

Toyin explained that the insults and curses were getting out of hand and fans should rather use the medium to unite and enjoy the game together.

She wrote on Instagram, “Hello everybody, it is very alarming and shocking that we are taking this big brother naija thingy far. The insults and the curses are getting way out of hand.

“This is just a game, we are all one. It’s not like the guys in the house are from another country. They are ours, we are one!

“By Monday, this will all be over; the housemates will go about living their lives what happens then? I see some of the insults in my comment section but I chose to ignore because I believe this will end soon.

“Choose whoever you want to support without insulting one another. It is exhausting. Stop with the negativity; stop imposing your choices on others. It is not a do or die affair. Let people breathe.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/bbnaija-2018-dont-kill-yourselves.html

Asaba – A head of the 2019 general elections, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have disagreed over whether to sanction political parties and candidates that violate campaign rules on campaign financing.

While Dr. Mohammed Leki, INEC National Commissioner, South South, noted that the Electoral Act of 2010 empowers the commission to monitor political parties, including their finances, sources of finance, how the finances are used, ethical issues, and the way the finances are expended, Mrs Rose Oriaran-Anthony, Administrative Secretary, INEC, Delta State, said in her welcome address that money was necessary in politics, adding that there is no democracy where political campaigns can take place without the use of money.

The controversy took place during a capacity building for election and party monitoring (EPM) officers in the South South geo-political zone on tracking and monitoring of political parties’ campaign finances.

The training was aimed at enabling participants to understand the concept of political campaign financing and the legal framework of campaign financing.

Similarly, the workshop was also meant to build the capacity of EPM Staff on campaign finance tracking and reporting for the 2019 general elections as well as develop and adopt a uniform format for collating finance tracking report.



Foremost PDP Chairmanship aspirant from Udu Local Government Area in the forthcoming local government council…

According to Leki, INEC has put modalities in place to sanction political parties and candidates that may violate electoral rules on campaign financing.

He said the modest attempts were made in the 2015 general elections in this regard but were yet to achieve the desired success in monitoring political parties so as to sanction violators, adding that most political parties were not transparent on their campaign finances.

While emphasizing the need to monitor political parties’ finances due to potential abuses and grave havoc on outcome of electoral process, he noted that that the challenges involved in carrying out such responsibilities were a global phenomenon.

Leki assured that there are always issues with campaign finances but assured that the government and civil society organizations (CSOs) were very much on top of it, to ensure that they understand sources of political parties’ finances.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/inec-commissioner-secretary-disagree.html

Nigerian actor popularly called Highlander but known originally as Kolade Oyewande has revealed his plan of marriage with his latest baby mama.His baby mama has two kids for him and she now doubles as his wife to be has the actor lavished a lot of words of praise on his baby mama.

The actor said that some ladies are in this world to waste your precious time while there are many guys outside the world to waste your precious time but his lover and baby mama is not one of such people.

This is how Highlander praised his wife to be and proposed to her;

“Some ladies are in this world to waste your precious time while there are many guys outside the world to waste your precious time ,thanks so much my lovely wife for not wasting my time ,you have showed me what true love is all about, I keep celebrating you ,because I know you are the best woman in the world ,they call me Balogun Leyin Obirin “HIghlander Orshomo,have met millions of ladies ,yet, no one like you, I hereby decide to Marry you Legally ,congratulations, my love, my sunshine, ololufemi, date fixed,venue fixed ,Reception fixed!! Decorated @thevelvetexpression, MC of the day SA ARTS,CULTURE & TOURISM FEMI ADEBAYO… I wish you the best on that day and I wish every lady too out there best of luck to the right man” he wrote.

With the high increase in the rate of baby mama syndrome in Nigeria, it is almost impossible for many baby mamas to get married to their baby daddies.

Olamide is one of the artistes that has stick to his baby mama and has even plan on settling down finally with her.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/kolade-oyewande-alias-highlander.html

Nigerian Nollywood actress Ireti Osayemi has allegedly leave her marriage to former producer of super story Bakky Adeoye after the marriage produced two children and lasted for 10 good years.

The marriage between this two had started right from 2008 after Ireti gave birth to the first child of Bakky in 2007, in 2009 the second child of the union came forth which is a female.

Although Bakky was already married before he married Ireti and the previous marriage had some children to show as evidence.

According to the reports to why the marriage is heading towards crash, it is reported that Ireti has now found love in the eyes of another married man who is spoiling her with all the luxuries he can get hold off.

The new lover of Ireti is a business man based in Ogun state and from reports, Ireti had long moved out of the house which her husband and children stayed.

Family members of both Ireti and Bakky are trying all possible best in bringing this two back together but it seems Ireti has made up her mind and she is bent on leaving her 10 years marriage.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/ireti-osayemi-dumps-husband-of-10-years.html

The Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has told President Muhammadu Buhari to stop behaving like a “weeping president” by lamenting about the failures of the past administration.

He said the President should stop blaming his predecessors for the inability of his administration to fulfil his campaign promises.

In a Statement forwarded to MC EBISCO by his Special Adviser on Public Communication and Media, Lare Olayinka, the governor said, “Only a leader like President Buhari that lacked competence and is challenged by knowledge and exposure will blame his predecessors for over three years.”

The governor, who described the president’s statement on Sunday while receiving some members of the Buhari Diaspora Support Organisation in London as shameful, added, “it appears he (Buhari) has forgotten that he is also among the past leaders of Nigeria because blaming past leaders for the country’s economic problems amounts to blaming himself. The negative foundation the likes of President Buhari laid caused the problems of the country.

“It is appalling that Buhari, who at his very young age was Military Governor of the of the North Eastern State, Petroleum Minister, Head of State and later Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) under the Abacha administration is the same person that is blaming past leaders of Nigeria.

“What difference did he make as Governor of the North Eastern State? What was his role as Minister of Petroleum and Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) when it was created in 1977?

“It is on record that it was during President Buhari’s tenure as Minister of Petroleum that N2.8 billion went missing from the accounts of the NNPC in Midlands Bank in the United Kingdom. N2.8 billion as at that time is like $2.8 billion (over N1 trillion) now.

“It is also on record that President Buhari was a key player in the Abacha government that the country is still recovering its loots up till today. Interestingly, our Mr. Integrity President once said that Abacha never stole.

“Fact that President must face is that he has blamed everyone, including the late President of Libya, Muammar Gaddafi. He is now blaming himself as part of the past leaders of Nigeria, it is shameful.

“If the President is someone who faces reality, he would have realized that his goodwill has declined to the lowest level. He will also realize that in 2015, Nigerians did not really vote to elect him as President. Rather, it was a vote from the North against PDP’s failure to pick a northern candidate that made him President.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/buhari-blaming-everybody-including.html

Where would your next destination vacation be? Nigeria or the little island of Sao Tome and Principe?
About Nigeria

Nigeria is a colourful combination of cultures, landscapes and activities, a place that fully embraces its African heritage and celebrates its diversity.

Also taking great pride in its spectacular natural beauty. This attitude has led to entrepreneurship in tourism. The country has beautiful pristine beaches, astounding wildlife conservation centres and reserves.
Tourist can enjoy a great month of swimming, fishing, exploring natural waterfalls, scenic mountains, local culture and dishes.
Sao Tome and Principe
Floating in the Gulf of Guinea, Africa's second-smallest nation is a sight to behold. Once a centre of global cocoa production and coffee, São Tomé & Príncipe has suffered an economic collapse since independence from Portugal in 1975.
The country is amazingly safe, welcoming and an island of just 7000 people. Príncipe is magnificent offering fantastic beaches, jungle exploration, snorkelling, fishing, birdwatching and a handful of interesting accommodations, with minimal tourist pressure.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/would-you-rather-holiday-in-nigeria-or.html

The Senator representing Imo West, Hope Uzodimma, has declared that the Igbos must produce president in 2023.

Uzodimma said it was the only way to reintegrate South-East into the country.

The Senator made the declaration during his address as the guest speaker at the 17th mothers’ union conference of the Orlu Diocese, Anglican Communion, at the St. Andrews Anglican Church.

Speaking on the theme: “The remedy to the continuous marginalisation of the South East in project Nigeria,” Uzodinma talked on Nigerian president of Igbo extraction in 2023, restructuring and technological advancement by the Igbo.

He said, “There is abundant evidence that the South East is marginalised,” while recalling that Igbo had a competitive edge over other nationalities in the country before the outbreak of the civil war.

The senator added that, “One way to remedy the scourge is for Igbo to produce Nigeria’s president in 2023, so we can be reassured of accommodation by the rest of Nigeria, and, also, restore our battered post war psyche and sense of dignity.”

He stressed that to achieve this, Ndigbo should support a northern presidential candidate in 2019, who will not seek re-election and must support the South East for the presidency in 2023.

“Nigeria had a true federal structure that provided a level playing field for individual and collective talents to flourish. That is all Ndigbo need to fulfill their God given destiny, a true federal structure that ensures equity for all.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/why-igbos-must-produce-nigerias.html

A former Foreign Affairs Minister, Maj.-Gen Ike Nwachukwu(Rtd), on Saturday faulted the over-concentration of power at the centre, calling for more powers for state and local governments in the country.

Nwachukwu made the call while speaking at the “Vanguard Personality of the Year Awards”in Lagos.

He said there was the need for power to properly devolve from the centre to the other federating units to reflect true federalism.

“We need to devolve the over-concentration of power at the centre, whilst allowing the federating units more autonomy.

“And just as we are seeking devolution of more powers to the state governments as federating units from the centre, so should the states guarantee the autonomy of the local governments under them,” he said.

Nwachukwu said the creation of local governments should not be the responsibility of the federal government but that of the states.

He said the sustenance of local governments should consequently be the responsibility of the states.

On the clamour for restructuring, the former minister said that was the way to go for the country, for unity and sustainable development.

He said the it behoved on Nigerians and the country ‘s leaders to deliver on the restructuring of the country in order to have a true federation where no one is oppressed.

“I believe that it is only when we achieve this can our country be stable, it’s security guaranteed and its economy for the betterment of all, ” he said.

Nwachukwu said democracy is a misnomer in the absence of freedom of speech and thoughts.

He said it was important to protect the freedom of press and rule of law.

“The People of our country should, henceforth be prepared to defend that freedom as indeed we must the Rule of Law with all our might if it is our desire that democracy should thrive,” he said.

The former minister urged the media not to abdicate its responsibility as the voice of the voiceless for development.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the President’s wife, Mrs Aisha Buhari and former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, were among personalities honoured at the awards.

Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, Gov. Darius Ishaku of Taraba, Gov. Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa and Gov. Umar Ganduje of Kano were among the governors honoured.

Prominent businessman, Chief Oba Otudeko and foremost musician, King Sunny Ade were also honoured among other personalities.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/former-minister-wants-more-powers-for.html

The Action Democratic Party (ADP) in Ekiti State and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), at the weekend exchanged verbal invectives over alleged harassment of persons suspected to be members of the ADP.

While the ADP is accusing members of the PDP of attacking its members with the aim of intimidating them ahead of the forthcoming July 14 governorship poll, Publicity Secretary to the PDP in Ekiti, Jackson Adebayo described the allegation as a joke and falsehood carried too far.

He said: “PDP would never harass any opposition member as our members are most peaceful and law abiding.

“Not even the main opposition party, APC can accuse any member of PDP of harassing its member, let alone an inconsequential party like ADP”.

Publicity Secretary of ADP, Chief Eniola Eponlolaye, in a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday, said: “It has been reported by members of our party that some agents of the ruling party in the state have started attacking and intimidating people suspected to be members of other political parties at the on-going voter’s registration centres, thereby depriving members of the public from participating in the registration exercise.”

Describing the alleged attack as act of barbarism, Eponpolaye said the development was highly deplorable.

“We hereby call on INEC officials and the law enforcement agents to deal decisively with whoever is behind these unpatriotic activities in the state. All members and supporters of ADP in the state are hereby implored to remain calm by not taking law into their hands as efforts are in top gear to arrest the ugly situation, ” he alleged.

Speaking further, the spokesman denied the rumour making the round in the state that ADP governorship aspirant, Otunba Segun Adewale may not contest the Ekiti election.

“The insinuations from the ruling party in the state that Otunba Segun Adewale is not contesting in the forthcoming governorship election of 2018 is false, wicked, mischievous and a mere political propaganda emanating from the jittery camp of political gladiators threatened by the soaring popularity of our aspirant – Otunba Segun Adewale who has volunteered to pay from his private purse three months salary arrears to all the civil servants in Ekiti state devastated by unpaid eight months salary arrears by the present dictatorial government marauding herself as friend of the masses,”.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/ekiti-guber-adp-pdp-in-war-of-words.html

In another incident of Police brutality, a Nigerian man has been shot dead in South Africa, a development which has caused an outrage amongst the Nigerian community.

A Nigerian, ThankGod Okoro, is the latest victim of police brutality in South Africa.

Okoro, an indigene of Ogbaku, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, was reportedly killed on April 9 by a member of the South African Police Flying Squad at Hamburg, Florida West Rand in Johannesburg.

At least, 117 Nigerians have been killed in South Africa since February 2016, according to statistics by TheCable.

Confirming Okoro’s murder, the Publicity Secretary of the Nigeria Union in South Africa, Habib Miller, who is based in Pretoria, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday that the deceased was shot in the head.

He said, “The union is not happy with the latest murder of ThankGod Okoro on April 9 by a member of the South African Police Flying Squad at Hamburg, Florida West Rand in Johannesburg.

“The officer who shot Okoro claimed that the young man attempted to stab him during a stop-and-search operation.”

He added that the Acting President of NUSA, Joshua Ogade, and head of the union’s legal team, Omoreige Ogboro, had visited the area where Okoro was killed to gather more information about the incident.

He said, “Our team has gone to the Florida Police Station to ensure that due process is followed in an attempt to seek justice on the killing.

“The Independent Police Investigative Directorate has been notified of the killing.”

Miller also said that the police in Florida State had commenced an investigation to unravel the circumstances that led to Okoro’s murder, pleading with the South African authorities to wade into the matter and stop the wanton killings of Nigerians by policemen.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/another-nigerian-shot-dead-in-south.html

Nigerian comedian I Go Dye has heaped praises on the newly evicted housemate of the BBNaija TV show Rico Swavey after his courageous and exemplary life he showed to the younger generation.

Rico Swavey who was born as Patrick Fakoya is a trained lawyer, a musician and also an actor.

During his stay in the house he was not involved in any controversy of any kind or showcased any lifestyle that was not viewable to a younger fan, this attitude has gotten the attention of I Go Dye who could only heap praises on him.

In a generation where only adult stuffs get the interest and make people love you, well that will be one reason why Rico had such a low vote percentage during the eviction process.

I Go Dye has even promised to help establish his restaurant business any time he is ready to start he should not fail to put a call across to him.

I Go Dye said; ”I kindly use this medium to celebrate one of the finest gentlemen, with modest standard, who expressed a pleasant social decorum an exemplary quality, that projected the real values of a young Africa man, as a symbol of respect, dignity, cultured in domestic activities.

You have proven that we still have more responsible youths in Nigeria; your character will change a lot of perceptions about our Nigeria men, my profound respect to you.

Please understand that your eviction, doesn’t not stop you from becoming what you desire, try and maintain this standard, soonest the sky will become your stepping stone, because you are the next stage butterfly.

However, I overheard you mention, that you will want to embark on a restaurant business, at any time you want to commence the project, please contact me, I will be glad to support with the little I can towards achieving this goal.

Once again, sail on; inspiring many others, proving the point that it is worthy to be responsible, devoid of immoral justification that was expected from you. I shall continually celebrate anyone with your kind of remarkable character and humane attitude of purpose. Congratulations”.

He may not have won the grand prize but Rico is surely that one true housemate who was able to maintain his dignity and pride.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/bbnaija-i-go-dye-promise-to-fund-rico.html

The Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State, has declared that Professor Richard Akindele, who was accused of demanding sex from a female student, is not a criminal.

The Professor was said to have demanded sex from a female student of the institution in return for marks.

There are reports that the lecturer had been in hiding since his leaked conversation with the female student went viral on the social media.

The Professor was said to have just finished his sabbatical and had returned to the campus before the scandal broke out.

However, the institution’s Public Relations Officer, PRO, Abiodun Olanrewaju, who spoke with Punch, said it would be difficult to tell if the professor was hiding or not.

He maintained that Prof Akindele was not a criminal, adding that the committee investigating the matter had started sitting.

He said, “For now, the Prof. has finished his sabbatical, but he has some accumulated leave. It is only his head of department that can say categorically if he has been coming to the office or not.

“I don’t know if he has gone into hiding because he is not a criminal. We are still investigating the allegations levelled against him. He has not been convicted and he is not before any court of competent jurisdiction.

“We have set machinery in motion to identify the characters in the audio tape. Obafemi Awolowo University is the best ICT university in Nigeria and we have the apparatus to determine the veracity or otherwise of the audio tape.

“If any student comes out to tell the university that certain things happened to them, the university will investigate it.

“As a university, we don’t rely on speculations, neither do we dwell on rumours.

“But if we receive a formal complaint from anybody, either student or worker, that has to do with harassment–whether sexual, political, social or religious–we will take it up . But there must be a complaint before we know what to do.

“The girl that recorded the audio, we are still working on her identity and when she comes forward, we will know. But it won’t be in the interest of members of the panel to preempt that.

“However, they have started sitting on the issue.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/sex-for-mark-oau-speaks-on-prof.html

Senator Ovie Omo-Agege representing Delta Central Senatorial district was during Thursday plenary suspended for 90 legislative days on Thursday.

The Senate Committee on Public Petitions, Ethics and Privileges which investigated him over comment on the reordering of electoral timetable recommended his suspension.

The report which was submitted by the Committee Chairman, Senator Samuel Anyanwu explained that the erring lawmaker declined to speak to the committee when he appeared.

According to the report, the erring lawmaker told the Committee that he has taken the matter to court already.

Senate leader, Ahmed Lawan in his personal opinion pleaded that he should not be suspended.

However, Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki could not be dissuaded by the appeal from Senator Ahmed Lawan and Senator Kabir Marafa.

Saraki insisted that political leaders must be disciplined to serve as deterrent to others.

He, however, reduced the suspension from 180 legislative days to 90.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/breaking-senate-suspends-apc-lawmaker.html

The military says troops of Operation Lafiya Dole have killed four and arrested four Boko Haram terrorists in a coordinated effort with the Department of State Services (DSS) in Gombe and Borno states.

It added that one Adamu Hassan, notorious for making improvised explosive devices (IEDs) for insurgents, was arrested at Kaltungo during the stop and search exercise on Bauchi-Gombe road.

The Deputy Director, Public Relations, Theatre Command Operation, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement in Maiduguri, stated that five terrorists were arrested at Kudiye community along Dikwa-Gulumbagana road in Borno.

He said the terrorists were desperately searching for food and logistics in the Bama-Dikwa axis when the arrests were effected after a tip-off.

The spokesman noted that they had got wind of the information that the suspects were storming the community for food and other basic needs.
According to him, the suspects belonged to the Abubakar Shekau faction of the sect.

His words: “The arrested terrorists have been taken into custody and are making useful confessions to the Army. Two motorcycles, bags of grains and tamarind were also recovered by troops.”

He said during the clearance operations in the mountainous region of Bokko Hilde on Ngoshe-Pulka road, three terrorists were also killed.

Nwachukwu added that a motorcycle and two AK-47 rifles were retrieved from the suspects who were fleeing military action in Sambisa Forest.

Saying the ‘fleeing terrorists’ have continuously made attempts to infiltrate communities and unleash terror, the spokesman, however, urged the public to remain vigilant while going about their normal activities.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/troops-kill-4-arrest-5-terrorists-in.html

The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, in Lagos Wednesday said it had seized 98 bags and 570 parcels of Indian hemp with duty paid value at N74.4 million.

The agency said the drugs were coming from Togo and Ghana and a suspect had been arrested in connection to the seizure.

It added that the drugs had been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further action.

“The driver of the truck carrying the drugs was arrested and he has been granted administrative bail.

“These are substances that are not good for all of us, anybody that takes such is reported to be aggressive. On behalf of the Customs Service, I now hand over these substancse for confiscation and prosecution of offenders,” said Uba Mohammed, the Unit Controller.

Receiving the drugs on behalf of the NDLEA, Lawal Opeloyeru, Principal Officer in charge of Operations, Lagos Command, expressed their readiness to partner with the Nigerian Customs.

“We have contacted our colleagues in Ghana to put a stop to stop such menace though it has not yielded any positive result but hopefully it will be achieved because we are also using Interpol to eradicate such problem.

“Immediately we get court injunction, the drugs will be destroyed publicly here in Lagos,” Mr. Opeloyeru said.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/nigerian-customs-intercept-n744m-worth.html

The Nigerian Army has spoken on a video making the rounds of a soldier beating up a civilian.

In the viral video, an Army officer whose identity was not revealed, was seen flogging a driver over his inability to offer a bribe.

The incident was alleged to have happened along Jos-Keffi axis.

In a statement on its official Twitter page, the Army stated that the video was old and should not be used as a yardstick to assess the soldiers.

The statement read “The Nigerian Army remains professional in the discharge of its constitutional roles. The video in circulation is not recent thus not valid nor a yardstick to measure today’s soldier. This is an old video.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/army-reacts-to-video-of-soldier.html

In a well attended general meeting of the Perebiyenmo Ruling House, Arogbo Kingdom, Ese-Odo LGA, Ondo State, on 7th April, 2018, High Chief Z.D. Egbunu from Ukpe, an ancient community in Arogbo Ijaw Kingdom emerged as the Agadagba-Elect of Arogbo Ijaw Kingdom in a keenly contested election.

Having served his fatherland meritoriously for decades, High Chief Zaccheaus Doubra Egbunu graciously retired as Secretary Judicial Service, Commission, Ondo State.

Timetable for inauguration/coronation of the Agadagba-Elect of Arogbo Ijaw Kingdom shall be made public by the Ondo State government in due course.

I say a big congratulations to the Agadagba-Elect and the good people of Arogbo Ijaw Kingdom.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/breaking-high-chief-zd-egbunu-emerged.html

Viewers of the ongoing Big Brother Naija 2018, ‘Double Wahala’ have expressed their dissatisfaction at Sunday’s single eviction.

Some of the viewers were expecting that two housemates, out of the six nominated would be evicted, just like two housemates were evicted the previous week out of four nominated housemates.

Recall that on Sunday, Rico Swavey, was the only evicted housemate despite being up against five other housemates, including Nina, Miracle, Cee-c, Lolu and Alex.

The voting percentage had shown that Alex and Rico Swavey ought to have been evicted together as they have the lowest fan bases.

They also pointed out that the show ends in two weeks and only five housemates ought to remain in the final week, adding that the decision was unfair.

Here are some comments on Twitter:

@Dharamzy said, “Biggie should learn to be transparent with the eviction pattern. It is unfair on BamTeddy for only Rico to have been evicted tonight.”

@KayDami tweeted, “This is totally unacceptable, @BBNaija, @Ebuka. You evicted BamBAm and Teddy A last week when only four were up. This week six were up and only one person left.”

@Tityino wrote: “I won’t be surprised to see seven people at the finals. One person will be evicted next week. This show is a total rip off on viewers.”

Meanwhile, in this season, several controversies have trailed the show and its activities. Evictions and rules have been alleged to be ‘partial’ to suit certain interests.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/bbnaija-2018-what-nigerians-said-about.html

Gunmen in the early hours of yesterday assassinated the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in-charge of Rumuolumeni Police Division, Kingsley Chukwuegu.

MC EBISCO gathered that late Chukwuegu, a Superintendent of Police (SP) was murdered when the gunmen invaded his residence in Rumuolumeni community in Obio/Akpor local government area of Rivers State.

Meanwhile, the commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Ahmed Zaki, has vowed to fish out those behind the murder of the senior police officer. Zaki spoke yesterday when he led senior police officers on a visit to the family of the deceased Divisional Police Officer.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/gunmen-assassinate-dpo-in-rivers.html

Nigerian Nollywood actress Cossy Orjiakor who was reported to have lost her father sometimes ago has finally laid her dad to rest. Cossy who is most popular for always sharing revealing photos of herself, which many have now considered as a hobby for the actress.

Unlike others of her photos which she normally shares, the actress this time around was all clothed in beautiful attire for the burial of her father. She dumped her hobby just to appear in a more responsible manner in her father’s funeral ceremony.

During the lifetime of her father, it was observed by her close friends and fans that she was so in love with her father for she always take out time to pour out amazing words and compliment him.

Her colleague and friend, Uche Elendu, shared a post to commiserate with her saying;

“Rest in the bossom of our lord papa cossy @cossyorjiakor .. I’m glad I was able to make it to commiserate with u and ur family on the death of your beloved father. He has gone to be with the lord and was given a befitting funeral. Well done girl @cossyojiakor . God be with your family at this time and always”.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/cossy-orjiakor-dumps-hobby-for-fathers.html

The Katsina State government has reacted to the rally held on Saturday by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Director General, Media and Publicity to the governor, Mallam Ibrahim Muazzam Abdullahi, said “what happened yesterday was a clear demonstration of Gov Masari’s maturity and understanding of how politics should be played”.

In a chat with newsmen, he lamented previous experiences in Katsina during the immediate past PDP government.

Abdullahi said “During that time, intimidation and brutalisation were the order of the day”.

He assured the people of Katsina State that the Government of Masari would continue to pursue and implement issue-based politics, free of intimidation and harassment.

Four PDP state governors, Ayo Fayose of Ekiti state, Darius Ishaku of Taraba, Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom and Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe were among PDP leaders that graced the occasion.

All members of the National Working Committee NWC of the PDP, the BOT Chairman Senator Walid Jibrin, former Senate President Adolphus Wabara and other members of the National Executives Committee, NEC, attended the rally.


http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/masari-mature-politician-katsina-govt.html

Nigerian Nollywood veteran actress Eucharia Anunobi who is now and Evangelist has talked up the possibility of her settling down with a man and also of the chances to bare another child.

Eucharia had lost her son last year which according to her was as a result of the doctor’s negligence, since the occurrence of this incident the actress has not been herself because her son was more than a son, he was also her best friend.

The actress who is only trying to recover from the shock and vacuum created by the death has issued that God has been able to strengthen her despite her tribulation as it was a means to test her faith in God by the devil.

Anunobi has issued that she is very open to a partner in her life but only from God’s appointed time and that if her partner should come she will even be happy to get pregnant.

“To keep myself happy I read the work of God. I pray and I am also schooling. I am involved in a lot of work, I am very busy. I am open to love but at the right time. God who is the author and finisher of my faith has great plans for me. Why not? I am open to love. There is no one who has been created and would say that they do not want a partner, so why not? I pray for a partner and I know my partner would come at God’s appointed time. Why not, I am open. I love reading and cooking; I also love cleaning and washing. I love driving as well despite the Lagos traffic. I love taking care of people and giving out things,” Anunobi said.

When asked how she would feel if she gets pregnant again, she laughed and simply said, “You are going too far with your questions but if my partner comes and I get pregnant again, we would give glory to God.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/actress-eucharia-anunobi-pray-to-be.html

The Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike has been criticized for claiming that the 2019 general elections will not be free and fair.

Wike recently declared the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as an institution was fraught with tricky tendencies.

Reacting at the weekend, the National Coordinator, Network of Police Reforms In Nigeria (NOPRIN), Okechukwu Nwanguma said Nigerians will not be deceived by the governor’s “diversionary antics”.

Nwanguma reminded the governor that the electoral commission has made gains towards conducting a credible 2019 elections.

He stated that such gains have even been attested to by former INEC chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega who was widely reported to have said that the 2019 elections will be better than that of 2015.

Similarly, the Citizens Centre for Democratic Governance, also urged Wike to concentrate on the governance of his state and allow INEC focus on its task of ensuring credible polls next year.

A statement signed by the National Coordinator of the group, Anthony Osagbemi, said: “The Rivers governor might be setting the stage for another round of violence.

“It was this same tactics he deployed when the court ordered re-run election in Rivers State. This led to orchestration of brutal violence that caused the death of an INEC ad-hoc staff and the maiming of another.

“The statement by the INEC chairman that only votes will count in any election conducted under his watch continues to bear fruit, as evidence has indeed shown that elections are consistently getting better in all the states.

“Governor Wike must understand now that his crude mannerism will not deter this INEC chairman from sustaining the ongoing reforms of the electoral process.”

In its reaction, the National Democracy Vanguard, insisted that the conduct and statements credited to Governor Nyesom Wike were “unbecoming of a legal practitioner”.

The Executive Director, Segun Adisa, challenged the governor to come out with verifiable facts to buttress his allegations that INEC intends to rig the 2019 general elections.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/wike-under-fire-over-comment-on-2019.html