₦airaland Forum

The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders’ Forum, SMBLF, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to sack the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu and the Service Chiefs.

The Joint Secretary of the forum, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, spoke in a chat with Punch.

The forum said there were indications that Yakubu might rig the 2019 presidential election in favour of Buhari, insisting that the four geopolitical zones that constituted SMBLF had no confidence in Yakubu.

Speaking ahead of the group’s next gathering, Odumakin said, “The meeting is a continuation of our normal consultations on the issue of restructuring to have a just and fair Nigeria. Those issues continue to dominate our agenda.

“We have put our demand for removal of the INEC Chairman and the service chiefs as a cardinal issue. We are not going to back down on them. We would continue to press on them. They would form part of the issues for discussion on Friday.”

Odumakin insisted that the next general polls may not be free and fair, pointing out that 15 out of the 17 security chiefs were from the northern region.

He said, “The impediments (to the 2019 elections) are so many. The major impediment is the security architecture in the country, the way the President has organised the security architecture, having 15 out of 17 service chiefs from his region.

“The tenure of the service chiefs has expired, but he kept them. This is geared towards the 2019 elections. Again, the composition of INEC does not give us confidence about the elections.

“The former acting Chairman of INEC, Amina Zakari, appointed by President Buhari happened to be his relation. Our information indicated that Zakari is more powerful than the INEC chairman. The nepotism that had crept into INEC does not give us confidence that there would be free and fair elections.

“We also learnt a lot of foreigners had been brought in from Niger Republic to register so that they can vote in 2019 and INEC has not responded to this.

“Underage voters were registered in Kano and they voted and INEC set up a committee to look into it, but up till now, it has refused to release the report, why? These are some of our fears for the election in 2019 and if they are not addressed, it is going be so turbulent”.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/06/why-buhari-should-sack-service-chiefs.html

The United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, yesterday announced the arrest of Nigerian internet fraudsters, aka, Yahoo boys in a global operation.

The FBI said 42 suspects were nabbed in the U.S, 29 in Nigeria, and three others in Canada, Mauritius, and Poland.

Some of those arrested were working as part of a larger network of criminal organisations, while others acted alone, FBI said.

The operation was announced in a statement endorsed by US Attorney General, Jeff Sessions for the Department of Justice and FBI Director, Christopher A. Wray.

It reads in part: “Operation Wire Wire, a coordinated law enforcement effort by the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, was conducted over a six month period, culminating in over two weeks of intensified law enforcement activity resulting in 74 arrests in the United States and overseas, including 29 in Nigeria, and three in Canada, Mauritius and Poland.

“The operation also resulted in the seizure of nearly $2.4 million, and the disruption and recovery of approximately $14 million in fraudulent wire transfers.

“Business Email Compromise, BEC, also known as “cyber-enabled financial fraud,” is a sophisticated scam often targeting employees with access to company finances and businesses working with foreign suppliers and/or businesses that regularly perform wire transfer payments.

“The same criminal organizations that perpetrate BEC also exploit individual victims, often real estate purchasers, the elderly, and others, by convincing them to make wire transfers to bank accounts controlled by the criminals.

“Those individuals are often members of transnational criminal organizations, which originated in Nigeria but have spread throughout the world. Fraudsters can rob people of their life’s savings in a matter of minutes.

“Now, in this operation alone, we have arrested 42 people in the United States and 29 others have been arrested in Nigeria for alleged financial fraud. And so I want to thank the FBI, nearly a dozen U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, the Secret Service, Postal Inspection Services, Homeland Security Investigations, the Treasury Department, our partners in Nigeria, Poland, Canada, Mauritius, Indonesia, and Malaysia, and our state and local law enforcement partners for all of their hard work. We will continue to go on offense against fraudsters so that the American people can have safety and peace of mind.

“This operation demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to disrupt and dismantle criminal enterprises that target American citizens and their businesses,

“We will continue to work together with our law enforcement partners around the world to end these fraud schemes and protect the hard-earned assets of our citizens. The public we serve deserves nothing less.

“Following an investigation led by the FBI with the assistance of the IRS Criminal Investigation, Gloria Okolie and Paul Aisosa, both Nigerian nationals residing in Dallas, Texas, were charged in an indictment filed on June 6 in the Southern District of Georgia.

“According to the indictment, they are alleged to have victimized a real estate closing attorney by sending the lawyer a spoofing email posing as the seller and requesting that proceeds of a real estate sale in the amount of $246,000 be wired to Okolie’s account. They are charged with laundering approximately $665,000 in illicit funds. The attorney experienced $130,000 in losses after the bank was notified of the fraud and froze $116,000.

Adeyemi Odufuye aka “Micky,” “Micky Bricks,” “Yemi,” “GMB,” “Bawz” and “Jefe,” 32, and Stanley Hugochukwu Nwoke, aka Stanley Banks,” “Banks,” “Hugo Banks,” “Banky,” and “Jose Calderon,” 27, were charged in a seven-count indictment in the District of Connecticut in a BEC scheme involving an attempted loss to victims of approximately $2.6 million, including at least $440,000 in actual losses to one victim in Connecticut. A third co-conspirator Olumuyiwa Yahtrip Adejumo, aka “Ade,” “Slimwaco,” “Waco,” “Waco Jamon,” “Hade,” and “Hadey,” 32, of Toledo, Ohio, pleaded guilty on April 20 to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

“Odufuye was extradited from the United Kingdom to the United States and on Jan. 3, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Nwoke was extradited to the United States from Mauritius on May 25, marking the first extradition in over 15 years from Mauritius. His case is pending.

“Richard Emem Jackson, aka Auwire, 23, of Lagos, Nigeria, was charged in an indictment filed on May 17 in the District of Massachusetts with two counts of unlawful possession of a means of identification as part of a larger fraud scheme.

“According to the indictment, on two occasions in 2017, Jackson is alleged to have possessed the identifications of two victims with the intent to commit wire fraud conspiracy. In another case being prosecuted in the District of Massachusetts, a 25-year-old Fort Lauderdale, Florida man was indicted in federal court in Boston on June 6 on one count of money laundering conspiracy.

“It is alleged that in early 2018, the defendant’s co-conspirators gained access to email accounts belonging to a Massachusetts real estate attorney and sent emails to recipients in Massachusetts that “spoofed” the real estate attorney’s account in an attempt to cause the email recipient to transfer nearly $500,000, which was intended to be used for payment in connection with a real estate transaction, to a shell account belonging to a money mule recruited and controlled by the defendant.

“This operation, which was funded and coordinated by the FBI, serves as a model for international cooperation against specific threats that endanger the financial well-being of each member country’s residents.

“Attorney General Sessions expressed gratitude for the outstanding efforts of the participating countries, including law enforcement actions that were coordinated and executed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Nigeria to curb business email compromise schemes that defraud businesses and individuals alike.

“Victims are encouraged to file a complaint online with the IC3 at bec.ic3.gov. The IC3 staff reviews complaints, looking for patterns or other indicators of significant criminal activity, and refers investigative packages of complaints to the appropriate law enforcement authorities in a particular city or region. The FBI provides a variety of resources relating to BEC through the IC3, which can be reached at www.ic3.gov.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/06/fbi-arrests-29-yahoo-boys-says-nigerian.html

It seems very unlikely but Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh has just uncovered a secret about her colleague and best friend in the industry.

Tonto, while celebrating Halima Abubakar whose birthday was yesterday revealed that she is still a virgin.

She had written amongst other things- My proud virgin at whatever age you lie to the world today in her birthday message to Halima who just turned 33.

Sharing this beautiful photo of Halima on her Instagram page, Tonto who recently celebrated her birthday too wrote:

Hally Hally,My Funky mallam,My HARDWORKING FRIRND,MY LOVE,MY WOMAN,MY PROUD VIRGIN AT WHATEVER AGE YOU LIE TO THE WORLD TODAY�,MY GIRL,GODS FAVOUR MALLAM

Words fail me but I just want you to know that YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE A SQUAD IN ME..

I celebrate you today my Great and strong friend..I have watched us evolved into Great women and I must say Hally I’m so proud of the woman you are..Thanks for a decade of friendship and your time..

Cheers to 6more decades and more..

Hally on your special day I pray that the almighty God bless you beyond your wildest imagination of success..

May your hands and head be favored..

May heavens rejoice for and with you all the days of your life..

ENJOY YOUR DAY MY LOVE ������ @halimabubakar �❤❤������������������LOVE YOU HALLY❤

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/06/my-proud-virgin-actress-tonto-dikeh.html

Nigerian dancehall musician,Timaya may have announced his engagement on Instagram. And from all indications, the father of two didn’t propose to his babymama and mother of his two daughters.

Though he didn’t give details, Timaya is head over heels in love with beautiful interior decor expert, Tama who Mc Ebisco exclusively reported is pregnant wth his 3rd child.

Mc Ebisco Exclusive: Timaya is expecting his 3rd child with another woman, Tama

See his very suggestive post below..

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/06/very-hot-is-timaya-finally-engaged.html

A former member of the Federal House of Representatives, and a victim of the June 12 annulment, Hon. Nze Esiaga has revealed what the military government did during the June 12 presidential election annulment saga.

Esiaga explained that shortly after the annulment of the presidential election which was adjudged as free, fair and transparent, the then Head of State, Late General Sani Abacha dismantled all democratic structures in the country.

He disclosed that the National Assembly was the first to be sent packing by the Abacha-led military government during the crisis arising from annulment.

Esiaga, who is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Abia state, stated this in a chat with DAILY POST on Tuesday.

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for taking courageous steps to honour the acclaimed winner of the June 12 election, Chief Moshood Abiola, and described those criticizing the President over his declaration of June 12 as democracy day, as enemies of Nigeria’s democracy.

According to the former federal lawmaker, “What President Muhammadu Buhari has done by declaring June 12 as democracy day and saying that a man whose blood was used to water democracy in this country should be recognized, is commendable”.

“It is commendable in the sense that June 12 , unknown to many people was the day God in his infinite mercy, came down to Nigeria and took care of all our differences.

“That was the same day, in the middle of raining season, there was no drop of rain anywhere in the country”.

“SDP and NRC accepted the results in good faith. The election was free and fair. So, for Mr. President to say, that injustice should be corrected, he should be commended.

He added that,”I was one of the victims of the June 12 annulment. I was a member of the House of Representative in the third republic.

“What actually happened on June 12 was very surprising. I was elected in 1992. I was in the National Assembly when Chief M.K.O Abiola contested. I was already in the House.

“The annulment really affected us. We (National Assembly) were the first people, Late General Sani Abacha sent packing the very day he made that broadcast.

“He dissolved the National Assembly. Of course, Abacha demolished all democratic structures in the country.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/06/mko-abiola-what-abacha-did-to-us-after.html

An Osun State High Court sitting in Ede has ordered that Mr. Alfred Aderibigbe, the nurse who administered the drugs which allegedly killed Senator Isiaka Adeleke, be remanded in custody.

According to a statement on Sunday by the Press Officer, Osun State Ministry of Justice, Mr. Opeyemi Bello, the nurse, who was arraigned on murder before Justice Ayo Oyebiyi on Friday pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him.

Counsel for the accused, Mr. Soji Oyetayo, prayed the court to admit Aderibigbe to bail.

He told the court that there was an application submitted to the court for his client’s bail.

The Acting Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Dapo Adeniji, who led the legal team from the ministry, opposed the bail application.

Adeniji argued that the accused was being arraigned for the first time in the court, while the bail application was filed before the arraignment.

He said, “The bail application is premature because the accused was not in custody when the application was filed.”

The presiding judge, Justice Ayo Oyebiyi, in his ruling ordered that the accused should be remanded at the Ilesa Prison till June 29, 2018, when the case would come up for hearing.

Adeleke, a serving senator, died on April 23, 2017, after he was treated by the nurse.

His death sparked a riot with the insinuation from his supporters that he was poisoned because of his governorship ambition.

The state government instituted a coroner’s inquest to probe the cause of the death and the nurse was indicted by a magistrate, Mr Olusegun Ayilara, who recommended him for trial.

The Chief Medical Director of the Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Prof. Akeem Lasisi, who testified before the panel had said Adeleke died of drug overdose.

The Consultant Pathologist at LAUTH who carried out the autopsy on Adeleke’s corpse, Dr. Taiwo Sholaja, also told the coroner’s inquest that Adeleke died of drug overdose and not poison.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/06/nurse-has-been-detained-for-alleged.html

A pro-democracy group, the Dynamic Patriotic Citizens (DPC) has alleged that some activists have been paid by some powerful forces to stage protests against members of the National Assembly with the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki as the principal target.

The group said the plot was already coming to the open with last weekend’s call for Saraki’s removal over the 12-point resolutions directed at President Muhammad Buhari to act on, after a joint session of the two chambers where the lawmakers threatened to impeach the President if he fails to act.

In a statement by its National Secretary, Shehu Mohammed, DPC alleged that apart from receiving funding to stage protests against the legislature, the anti-Saraki activists have been assured of security back up by some officials in the Presidency to demonstrate and disrupt legislative activities in the coming weeks, as well as call for the impeachment of Saraki and other top leaders of the National Assembly.

The statement stated, “We have been reliably informed that some top officials in the Presidency are sponsoring faceless groups to stage protests against the Senate President and the National Assembly in order to blackmail them into withdrawing their threats against President Buhari and also disrupt legislative activities at the National Assembly and they are going to do this with full support from security agencies.

“We want to bring it to the consciousness of the Nigerian citizenry that the only difference between a dictatorial military government and a civilian democracy is the institution of the National Assembly otherwise known as the Parliament.

“Irrespective of our perception of the occupiers of this institution presently or at any given time, every effort must be made and sustained in order to ensure democracy survives in our land. People may go and come; the Parliament remains the rock of citizen’s defence against a civilian dictatorship.

“The planned protest, aside from being ill-conceived and out of order, is aimed at sabotaging our nascent democracy and the effort of lawmakers at ensuring checks and balances and good governance in the country.

“Recent events have confirmed that the 8th National Assembly is not a rubber stamp of the executive. Because one of the beauties of democracy is checks and balances, the legislative arm must be an active watchdog to the executive in order to curtail its excesses. Nigerians are proud that the present assembly is doing that and holding the executive accountable for its actions and inactions, before our democracy is slaughtered on the altar of incompetence and total disregard for the rule of law, which is an hallmark of any democratic society.

“We urge the National Assembly and the leadership of the Senate not to be intimidated by sponsored faceless groups masquerading as lovers of democracy, true lovers of Nigeria and democracy know that development and progress in this nation has been on hiatus since Buhari came to power and these true lovers of Nigeria will always stand on the side of the lawmakers to put the executive arm on its toes to make Nigeria work.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/06/group-alleges-plot-against-senate.html

A presidential aspirant on the platform of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) and former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, has called on the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to be tolerant of opposition.

Moghalu declared that Nigeria is in dire need of a 21st century president, who understands the dynamics of modern economics, to solve various challenges facing the country.The aspirant spoke at a town hall meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, yesterday. He said democracy could only advance, if the current government respects the rights of all Nigerians.

On the alarm raised by former President Olusegun Obasanjo that the Federal Government was planning to silence him, Moghalu warned authorities to respect the inalienable rights to freedom of expression of the former president and all Nigerians.

Insisting that Nigeria should be desirous of electing a new president in 2019 that understands how economy works, not a career politician, Moghalu said: “I will be the president of all Nigerians, irrespective of tribal affiliations. I will fight poverty and respect rights.

“We need to have a president who is well equipped, who can stand shoulder to shoulder with Donald Trump and Angela Merkel. We need a 21st century president. I understand what to do for the economy to prosper in the market place.

“I understand economies. I have worked as a CBN Deputy Governor and with many countries, helping them solve their economic problems. If I can do it for other countries, why not for my country?” He remarked that 2019 would be a choice between progress and darkness, freedom and bondage, and transformation and retrogression.The contest between his party and the existing political behemoths will be like that of David and Goliath, he added.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/06/moghalu-to-buhari-be-tolerant-of.html

South-west states declare Tuesday public holiday

Tofa protests Abiola’s recognition
Democracy Day: DPC warns against tenure elongation

Abimbola Akosile and Funke Olaode in Lagos, Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja, and Femi Ogbonnikan in Abeokuta

Former external affairs minister and member of the defunct National Democratic Coalition, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for awarding the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, late Chief Moshood Abiola, the highest national honour usually conferred on the country’s presidents. Akinyemi urged Buhari to honour other prominent Nigerians who were involved in the struggle to actualise the June 12 mandate. He said the honour bestowed on Abiola was one in many steps towards the healing of hurting national wounds.

Akinyemi made the assertions in a statement he issued Saturday.

That was as the six South-west states – Lagos, Osun, Ondo, Oyo, Ekiti, and Ogun – declared Tuesday, June 12, as a public holiday to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, which Abiola was poised to win before it was annulled by then military president Ibrahim Babangida.

All the six South-west states had been observing June 12 as work-free day. But on Wednesday, the federal government joined, as President Muhammadu Buhari announced the change of the country’s Democracy Day from May 29 to June 12 in honour of Abiola. Buhari also posthumously conferred the country’s highest national honour of GCFR on Abiola, implying his recognition as former President, and honoured his then running mate, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, with GCON and recognised him as former Vice President. Buhari awarded the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, one of the staunchest June 12 activists, a GCON.

Recognition of June 12 and Abiola as national political symbols had been popularly demanded by Nigerians, though many have accused Buhari of angling for the strategic votes of Abiola’s native South-west with the latest honours.

But the candidate of the National Republican Convention in the June 1993 presidential poll, Alhaji Bashir Tofa, opposed the decision of the federal government to recognise Abiola, who was the candidate of the Social Democratic Party, as winner of the election. In a statement yesterday, Tofa said while he never begrudged the president for honouring Abiola, who he described as his “late friend”, he doubted if the move was “based on fair play and law.”

Akinyemi stated, “As a member of NADECO in its heyday, when it was most dangerous to be a member, June 6 marked the fulfilment of dreams, and the achievement of visions. On that day, President Muhammadu Buhari recognised the validity of the June 12, 1993 presidential elections, declared Chief MKO Abiola as the winner of that election, conferred national honours on MKO Abiola, his running mate, Babagana Kingibe, the human rights activist Gani Fawehinmi, and declared June 12 Democracy Day.

“I recognised how momentous that decision was and I not only welcome the decision, I thank President Buhari for the decision. President Buhari has addressed some of the wounds inflicted on this nation and applied healing balm on these wounds. Only those who lost family members, those imprisoned and detained or who had family members imprisoned and detained, those tortured and those driven into exile had felt the need for some measure of closure. That closure was achieved on January 6 by the executive order issued by President Buhari.”

Akinyemi, who was deputy chairman of the 2014 National Conference, however, appealed to Buhari to remember other Nigerians, like Dan Suleiman, Ndubuisi Kanu, Frank Kokori, John Odigie-Oyegun, Dr. Akingba, and Bagauda Kaltho, who played active role in the June 12 struggle.

The former NADECO leader added, “The declaration of June 12 as Democracy Day is a victory for all Nigerians and not just for those who voted for MKO Abiola. The voting pattern on June 12, 1993 sealed the cleavages that have bedevilled Nigeria since the unification by Lugard.

“The annulment of the election results reopened and deepened those cleavages. I recognise and accept that the June 6 Presidential Executive Order has applied some balm on these cleavages and, therefore, should be welcomed as a national rather than a sectional victory.”

Recalling how touchy the June 12 issue was when it was debated during the 2014 national conference, Akinyemi stated, “The courage of the president in tackling this issue should be acknowledged. As the deputy chairman of the 2014 National Conference, I recall that when the issue of June 12 was raised, it almost tore the conference apart. I also recall that the issue of June 12 had been raised in different sessions of the National Assembly without resolution.

“That it took President Buhari to resolve this issue is a manifestation of what social scientists call the Nixon-China syndrome. It took a rabid anti-communist like Richard Nixon to extend diplomatic relations to China without the fear of being labelled a communist. It has taken a Buhari, who nobody can accuse of pandering to the South and who is trusted by the North, to do justice to June 12.”

Akinyemi dismissed the disputes in some quarters about the legality of the posthumous award to Abiola, explaining that former President Shehu Shagari had awarded a national honour posthumously to Chief Israel Adebajo, which his son collected on his behalf.

Lagos Declares June 12 Public Holiday

Lagos State Government on Saturday declared Tuesday, June 12, as public holiday to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the annulled 1993 presidential election, which was widely adjudged as the freest and fairest in the country’s history. Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, said the significance of the June 12, 1993 elections would always be a reference point in the state’s quest to entrench true democracy.

Ambode commended President Muhammadu Buhari for declaring June as the new Democracy Day, saying the singular act would forever ensure that Abiola and other martyrs of democracy who laid down their lives in the struggle to entrench good governance did not do so vain.

The statement read, “On behalf of all Lagosians, we want to commend and applaud Mr President, Muhammadu Buhari for deeming it fit, finally, against all odds from all other past presidents that 25 years after, we are able to now celebrate our own Democracy Day and also declare that the real winner of 1993, June 12 presidential election was actually our own MKO Abiola.

“No matter how long you try to hide history, history will always reveal itself with a true platform. So, we know that is one very important singular step as we go forward to build an enduring democracy. And for all democrats in this country, we are excited that we are moving in the right direction.

“It also affirms that Nigeria can get it right if we begin to put things in the right perspective and work for the general good of the greater number of people. That is the true essence of democracy.

“For us in Lagos, June 12 is not just a day to remember, it is a rallying point for those of us in service that we must continuously strive to entrench true democracy and good governance, which is what Chief MKO Abiola totally exemplified.”

Tofa Protests

Meanwhile, the candidate of the National Republican Convention in the June 1993 presidential poll, Alhaji Bashir Tofa, has objected to the decision of the federal government to recognise Abiola, who was the candidate of the Social Democratic Party, as winner of the election. Tofa, in a statement yesterday, advised the federal government to reconsider its position, saying conferment of national honour on anyone should be beyond some cold political calculations.

The candidate of the now defunct NRC was defeated by Abiola in the election.

Tofa stated, “Following the decision by President Muhammadu Buhari to honour my late friend, Alhaji Mashood K. Abiola (may Allah grant him peace) and officially recognise him as the winner of the inconclusive 12 June 1993 presidential election in which I was a candidate, I have been inundated by calls from friends, well-wishers, former political associates and journalists.

“While some worry about the brazen one-sidedness of this curious presidential action, especially given the list of invitees to Tuesday’s event at the Villa supposedly to mark ‘Democracy Day’, there are also those who canvass that I be so honoured with a similar award of GCFR, if the motive indeed was noble and meant to serve the end of justice.

“As much as I appreciate the goodwill, in this circumstance, however, I have to say that I would not accept it as it is, even if given.

“While I do not begrudge the president, his power to bestow favour on whomsoever he pleases, it is also important, especially for history, for all actions from the highest authority in the country to be based on fair play and law.

“Needless to say, being one of the two presidential candidates in that election does not in any way define me or my achievements in life; it was not even the most important one.”

Tofa said, “Whatever may be the prevailing sentiment and politics in Abuja, the idea that June 12 should be the new Democracy Day is also a matter that deserves serious reconsideration. Such decisions should be beyond some political cold calculations.”

DPC Warns Against Tenure Elongation

Democratic Peoples Congress has cautioned against using the recognition of June 12 as Democracy Day as ploy to extend the tenure of the Buhari administration. DPC accused the Buhari government of employing divide-and-rule tactics in a desperate effort to perpetuate himself in office, insisting that May 29, 2019 handover remains sacrosanct.

The federal government has yet to conclude the legal process of synchronising the Democracy Day, which it changed from May 29 to June 12, and the handover date, which has been May 29 since 1999.

A statement issued at the weekend by PDC’s National Chairman, Mr. Olusegun Peters, said, “DPC warns against any attempt to elongate the tenure of elected public office holders a day longer than May, 2019. That day is sacrosanct for handover to newly elected leaders.”

The party alleged that the change in date was “a desperate attempt by a government that has failed to fulfil its campaign promises to the masses to alter the nation’s political structure in exchange for re-election. There should be limit to politicisation of critical democratic structures in Nigeria, like the handover date to a new government, which May 29 symbolises.

“President Buhari cannot unilaterally change the goal post in the middle of a democratic contest because it has dawned on him that he will be defeated in the 2019 presidential polls due to poor performance.

“DPC does not oppose any honour President Buhari accords to the late Chief Moshood Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election annulled by General Ibrahim Babangida so long he does not tamper, alter or destroy the nation’s political structure in a desperate bid to remain in power or favour a section of the country.

“It is obvious that Chief Abiola, Ambassador Babangida Kingibe, Late Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN) and thousands of Nigerians resisted the military dictatorship, fought for the validation of June 12 presidential polls and democracy and, eventually, forced the military to handover to democratically elected leaders on May 29, 1999, which former President Olusegun Obasanjo declared Democracy Day in 2000.

“President Buhari should also honour other Nigerians who played key roles in the actualisation of democratic governance in Nigeria and provide dividends of democracy to the long-suffering compatriots and not carnage, as obtainable today. This is the only way we will build sustainable democracy in Nigeria.”

In a related development, the Ogun State chapter of All Progressives Congress said the declaration of June 12 as Democracy Day had demonstrated that the party was sincere and willing to right the wrong of the past. A statement on Friday by the state publicity secretary, Chief Wole Elegbede, said, “The annulment of the June 12, 1993 election, which was adjudged as the freest and most peaceful in the history of Nigeria, cannot easily be forgotten. It would remain a symbolic day for democracy in Nigeria. That was the day that the electoral wish of Nigerians was thrown overboard by the military as Chief M.K.O. Abiola was headed to victory in the presidential election. Since 1999 that Nigeria returned to democratic rule, successive governments have been called upon by Nigerians to honour the memory of Chief Abiola and other fallen pro-democracy heroes by declaring June 12 as our Democracy day to no avail.

“The pronouncement by President Buhari changing the Democracy Day from May 29 to June 12 demonstrates that the APC government listens to the people and respects their yearning.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/06/june-12-buhari-has-soothed-some.html

A male suicide bomber heading towards Monday Market, on sighting the massive Police deployment at Oando petrol station in Post Office area of Maiduguri metropolis, hurriedly detonated the improvised explosive device strapped to his body killing himself.

The incident occurred on Saturday.

Borno State Police Command immediately deployed men of the EOD to sanitize the scene.

The area has been rendered safe.

Commissioner of Police in Borno, CP Damian Chukwu, in reaction, urged residents of the state to go about their lawful activities without fear.

He also assured them of the readiness of the command to ensure a hitch free Ramadan celebration.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/06/suicide-bomber-kills-self-in-maiduguri.html

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara, has called for more inclusion of stakeholders in governance, saying it remained the most effective way to bring development to Nigeria.

The speaker said this while commissioning a multi-billion naira dual carriageway and fly over in Rivers State on Friday night.

While commending the governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, for completing the project for the construction of Woji / Elelenwo Road which was awarded in 2009 but abandoned for 6 years until his administration took up and completed it, he noted that the state is working smoothly because the governor works with stakeholders in his state and has by that, earned their support, thereby making the governance process smooth and easy.

Dogara debunked sentiments about his presence at the commissioning, saying though he belongs to the APC while the governor is of the PDP, as a parliamentarian and a leader, he does not play politics according to tribal rules, but as a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria working for the common good of Nigeria as a whole.

He stated, “I must thank them for a wonderful thing I have seen and I think, perhaps, that is one of the things that I will be taking back with me and that is the very exceptional spirit, very infectious spirit of brotherhood and friendship that I have seen existing between the government and some of the stakeholders of this state.

“No wonder Rivers is working, no wonder the governor is performing, I want to thank those stakeholders and the people of Rivers State for the support that they are giving the governor, which translated to what we are seeing.

“The governor made a very important observation; he said I belong to a different political party. It is true that I belong to the APC but I am member of parliament and in the parliament we represent the whole of Nigeria.

“There are no tribalists in the parliament, we only have citizens. You know when you have tribalists, their allegiance goes to certain people and those were the pre-civilisation people and democracy does not have a place for tribalists, only citizens.”

Earlier, Governor Wike thanked the speaker for honouring the invitation of the state to commission the road project. He said the choice of the speaker was reached after the consideration of his unbiased love for democracy and unity and development of Nigeria as a whole.

The governor said, “I see you as somebody who believes in democracy, who wants Nigeria to be united and who wants Nigeria to move in the right step and so, I said that we will invite you, irrespective of the party involved. The only way we can move this country forward is when we compare notes and see what we are doing and that way.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/06/just-in-dogara-meets-wike-in-rivers.html

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state on Friday declined comments after a meeting held behind closed doors at the Oyo State Governor’s Office, Agodi secretariat, Ibadan.

DAILY POST reports that Osinbajo, who arrived the governor’s office at about 3.30pm in company of the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Abiodun Odude and the State Director of State Services, Mr Abdullahi Kure declined to speak with journalists after the meeting.

His host, Ajimobi also declined comments.

But DAILY POST gathered that the meeting may not be unconnected with the lingering crisis rocking the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in the state and how to douse the tension.

Among those sighted are the Deputy Governor, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo and the Secretary to the state government, Alhaji Olalekan Alli.

Others are the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism Mr. Toye Arulogun; Commissioner for Health, Dr. Azeez Adeduntan and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Bolaji Tunji, among others.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/06/apc-crisis-osinbajo-ajimobi-keep-mum.html

The Senator representing Kogi west senatorial district, Dino Melaye has said that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is sick.

Melaye stated this while speaking on Channels TV programme on Friday.

The lawmaker, who is a member of the APC, said the party is

“suffering from what I call a dreadful continental abnormality.”

This comes after one week, when he hinted that he might defect to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Melaye said he does not have a problem with the party,

“but my party may have a problem with Nigerians, because of the way it is presently being run.

“I will not run away from the fact that the APC is sick. And it’s not only sick but is equally suffering from what I call a dreadful continental abnormality.

“There is a need for amelioration. There is no doubt the APC is sick.”

Do You Agree With Dino Melaye? Will You Vote APC In 2019?

The hardship in the country is too much. Nigeria is also sick. We are all sick
Discuss below.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/06/apc-is-sick-dino-melaye-blast-president.html

At least 35 primary schools have been shutdown in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State due to attacks on Tiv communities in the Southern Senatorial District of the state, resulting in the destruction of the schools.

The education secretary of Obi Local Government, Ogashuwa Onuku Samuel, made this known to journalists in his office in Obi headquarters yesterday.

According to him, “Many primary schools are no longer open in the Obi council area following the displacement of the host communities.

“The effort by the state government to raise education standards has fallen apart as the number of primary schools are reducing.”

He said any funding that was meant for the development of education in the Southern zone would have to be diverted to the rehabilitation of the destroyed primary schools.

“We are undergoing the Universal Basic Education Commission’s national personnel audit, but the host communities of this primary schools are not around hence it will affect the population.

“There is need for government to take another strategy to intervene to resolve the difference between the two warring parties so that peace and development can be restored permanently to the communities affected by the crisis in other to bring education activities back to normal,” the education secretary said.

He gave the names of the affected primary schools include those in Gada biyu, Nkusu, Mbagwa, Ngbahen, Gidan Onuku, Kuje, Kwaghshir, Usula, Akaha, Uvirkaa, Gidan Aondo, Igboughur, Kertyo, Chiawa, Imon, Apurugh, Ayero, Tsuam, Abiji, Tsamia, Ikposogye, Ushitile, Angwan Mallam,Kayerda, Nomadic, Ubele, Nyitwev, Amachenge, Igbatim, Agon and Abaagu, among others.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/06/35-primary-schools-shut-in-nasarawa.html

Mr Lasun Yussuff, the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, has declared his intention to vie for the September 22 governorship election in Osun state.

Yussuff, who made the declaration at the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat in Osogbo on Thursday, said he was the man for the job.

He said there was no sign that he would not perform creditably if given the opportunity to govern the state.

The deputy speaker, who noted that he had been one of the loyal party members, said that the people of the state were waiting for him to govern them.

Yussuff said that he would generate more employment opportunities in the state by leveraging on the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES) legacy of Gov. Rauf Aregbesola.

He said he would ensure that the OYES scheme was backed by legislation in the state.

Yussuff also said that he would engage in manpower training in the education sector, embark on agricultural revolution and improve on the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state.

“I am not fighting to be governor, but rather I want to be the governor because I have the experience and the exposure.

“The people of the state want me and are waiting for me to rule them because I am the one the cap fits and I will not disappoint them,” Yussuff said.

Welcoming the aspirant to the party secretariat, Mr Gboyega Famodun, the state party chairman, said there was no doubt that the aspirant has the political exposure and experience to rule the state.

Famodun, while admonishing the aspirant to play politics with all sense of humility, urged him to heed both the public and private advice he had been given him.

“If it is the will of God for you to be the governor, so be it, but one thing that is sure is that it is only one person that will pick the party’s ticket for the election,’’ Famodun said.

27 aspirants under the platform of the APC have so far expressed their intention to contest the party’s primaries ahead of the gubernatorial election.

The date for the APC primaries is, however, not yet fixed.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/06/breaking-osun-2018-reps-deputy-speaker.html

Reno Omokri, former President Goodluck Jonathan’s aide has reacted to the new democracy date announced by the Federal Government (FG).

DAILY POST recalls that the FG on Wednesday announced June 12 as the new date for Nigeria’s Democracy celebration.

The date was changed to honour late MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

However, reacting to the development, Omokri said Buhari “is a joker”, adding that the President was desperate for Southwest to vote for him in 2019 general election.

The former Presidential aide on Twiter wrote: “President @Mbuhari is a joke. In desperation for the Southwest vote, he has declared June 12, Democracy Day a d given MKO Abiola a post humous GCFR.

“What hypocrisy! This was a man who served Abacha while Abacha jailed Abiola. This was a man who praised Abacha, Abiola’s jailer!”.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/06/ex-jonathans-aide-omokri-reacts-as.html

Some members of the House of Representatives, Bashir Baballe and Abubakar Chika, have condemned the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara for leading the move to impeach President Muhammadu Buhari.

On Tuesday, the National Assembly at a joint session, on Tuesday, threatened to invoke its powers against the President, if nothing was done to end the ongoing killings in the country, kidnappings, humiliation of perceived political opponents of the president among other reasons.

Reacting, Bashir Baballe, who represents Ungogo/Minjibir Federal Constituency, Kano, wondered why the lawmakers never found it expedient to call for joint session until after security details of the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House were partially withdrawn.

“It is baffling that when people are killed in different parts of the country, the leaders of the National Assembly did not deem it right to call for the joint session until when the security details of Saraki and Dogara were withdrawn a couple of days ago”, he told Daily Nigerian.

“The last time joint session was held was when the Senate chamber was intruded by thugs. No joint session was convened when communities were intruded and people killed by gunmen.

“They simply convened the session because they have some sinister motives.

“On the issue of humiliation, I will say that ‘he comes to equity must come with clean hands’. What was the crime of Senator Ali Ndume and Rep Abdulmumin Jibrin that they were humiliated and suspended by the leadership of the Senate and House?”

Baballe, who is the vice chairman of the House Committee on National Planning, said he raised the issue of insecurity three times on the floor of the House, advising the principal officers of the House to go and meet the president.

“Why didn’t they consider it appropriate to meet the president over insecurity in the country in the past?” Baballe asked.

The lawmaker also faulted the National Assembly’s resolution on the Buhari administration’s fight against corruption, urging his colleagues facing investigations should clear their names.

“If you are accused of corruption, go and clear your name and stop the blame game,” he added.

Simikary, Abubakar Chika, who represents Shiroro/Rafi/Munya Federal Constituency, said the National Assembly should stop crying foul and wake to its responsibility.

He faulted passing vote of no confidence on the Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris, saying members opposed the move when it was raised in the House.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/06/buhari-saraki-dogara-under-fire-over.html

Ifeanyibema Evans a.k.a Network is an Alternative Singer From Delta state.

In 2016 he Won the Best Highlife song at the South South music awards with his smash hit single titled “Akara“.

Popularly known in Edo State for Making back to back huts, including the station anthem for one of the top radio station in Edo (Speed:fm).

In early 2018, under the imprint of Alleluya Boyz Entertainment, He dropped another smash hit titled Anointing, which was produced by Young John and the video directed by Director Q.

He’s back again with the most anticipated and extraordinary music in 2018, This one is titled “Story”. The song was Produced by Joe Blaq, Mixed and Mastered by Swaps.

Listening to this song you will know and feel the talent and unique style Network brings to the Nigerian Music Scene.

Listen & Download “Network – Story” below:-

DOWNLOAD MP3

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/06/latest-music-network-story.html

Old Students Association (1979-1984 set) of Titcombe College, Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State has a N5 million infrastructural development plan for the institution.

Every member of the association is expected to contribute a minimum of N50,000 for the execution of the projects, National President of the association Biola Adimula has said.

She told THE NATION that the decision was arrived at the end of the association’s national executive committee (NEC) meeting in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

Mrs. Adimula, an Ilorin-based legal practitioner said “the following projects were resolved for execution: Renovation of the two dilapidated academic toilets, welfare schemes for teachers and incentives programs for students, renovation and furnishing of the principal’s office and renovation of the sport facilities.

“All project to be completed and be commissioned on the 9th of September, 2019.”

She added that “thanksgiving service slated for Second ECWA Church, Amilegbe, Ilorin will hold on September 9, 2018 considering the fact that Titcombe College is an ECWA school and our principal Dr. Job Adewumi attends the 2nd ECWA church.”

She said donations and contributions for the projects have commenced in earnest.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/06/so-great-old-students-plan-n5m-project.html

Nollywood Actress Kemi Afolabi has reacted to the ongoing drama between actors Toyin Abraham and Mercy Aigbe.

Hours ago, she made the post below with the caption “Terrible people will always think your posts are about them…..YOU SAY? Back to my hustle!”

Well, Mercy Aigbe commented thus; “Ododo Oro � Live and let live! Stay on your lane, be grateful for what God is doing in your life!……..When Grace speaks, no one can question God! #ihopedemgohear #bewareoffakepeople #eyeservice #focusandstaywinning”

Some months back, Kemi Afolabi threw a lavish party for her birthday and both Toyin Abraham and Mercy Aigbe were in attendance.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/06/actress-kemi-afolabi-takes-side-reacts.html

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has told president Muhammadu Buhari that his decision on Jerusalem is sectional, unilateral and imposing.

The association said it was praying that the Federal Government of Nigeria relocates its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

CAN President Revd Samson Ayokunle disclosed this in a goodwill message signed by his Special Assistant, Media and Communications, Adebayo Oladeji.

The message was presented during the celebration of the 70 years of the existence of the Israeli Government by the Christians United for Israel in Abuja.

The prayer by CAN followed the recent relocation of the Embassy of the United States of America from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Ayokunle said, “The Christian Association of Nigeria congratulates the Israeli Government on the relocation of the capital to Jerusalem and on
the occasion of 70 years anniversary of their
country.

“Unarguably, the relocation is the special anniversary present from the Patriarchs. We appreciate the leadership role of the United States in the landmark historic event.

“We are happy that countries such as the United States of America, Guatemala, Honduras, Romania and Paraguay, have relocated their embassies from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

“The declaration made by President Donald Trump on December 6, 2017, was a fulfillment of the Biblical prophecy and it is our prayers that other countries, including Nigeria, will relocate their embassies from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

“The Christian Association of Nigeria is placing on record that the negative vote of Nigeria over Jerusalem is not the consensus of the citizens of this country and, therefore, it should not be
regarded as representing the choice of Nigeria.

“It is a sectional and unilateral imposition of
the President Buhari administration.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/06/can-attacks-buhari-said-nigerian.html

Governorship candidate in the July 14 Ekiti election on the platform of the Democratic Peoples’ Party, DPP, Chief Yinka Akerele, has said the lack of internal party democracy and impunity that characterized the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, were currently eating deep into the All Progressives Congress, APC.

He said this while recalling that he was allegedly rigged out to make way for Segun Oni’s emergence as PDP candidate in 2006.

Akerele, who contested for the APC ticket alongside ex-Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Kayode Fayemi, also accused the party of bending its rules in Fayemi’s favour.

He told Vanguard: “I left the PDP in 2006 after Obasanjo rigged me out for Segun Oni and when it became obvious that the then ruling Party was no longer the desired vehicle to drive my ambition to rescue my Ekiti people because it had been hijacked by a fake political prophet.

“It was one of the signs of bad leadership in the PDP and the nation. Unfortunately that is the same sign I saw in the APC and that was why I left also because, when you subvert the wish of the people, you no longer practise democracy.

“If people came out and voted for you in a primary election and adjudged to be free and fair and, without any reason, the president summoned all the contestants to Abuja and took the ticket from you and gave the person that came third, is that democracy? That is corruption in another form and that is injustice. That is what happened in the PDP

“What happened in the APC primary is not different. As a politician, one of the things you owe yourself is not to engage in self-deceit. Tell yourself the truth. And the home truth is that PDP defectors do not appear to be welcomed in the APC.

“Even if you go by what is happening in the APC after the merger of the legacy parties, you will not feel comfortable. If you look at Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s case, you will know that all is not well in the APC.

“If you want me to go elaborate, corruption has many faces. It is not until you embezzle money that you are corrupt. We have moral corruption. Delegate election is when you make delegates to vote for a preferred candidate.

“The moment the rules are bent and the party ignores the rules, then the exercise has been compromised. We bought the nomination form for N5.5million and paid another N2.5million to make the total money we paid to be N8 million. We went through a screening.

“And at the APC primary, when you spend N250,000 to N350,000 to lure delegates to vote for you, is that not corruption? In a general election, when you gather voters and you start giving them loaves of bread to vote for you, is that not corruption?

“I have been in Ekiti since January since 2016, on the field for almost two years mobilising potential APC delegates, and for someone who came less than a month three weeks to the primary and you want to tell me that individual has a magic wand.

“And I am not a puppet in this game, nobody can convince me it was free and fair exercise. I refused to make noise about it because nobody sent me to APC in the first place. A far as I am concerned, it is a free market where you can go in and can come out.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/06/ekiti-guber-obasanjo-rigged-me-out-for.html

Barely one week after the killing of 26 people in a community in Zamfara State, gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram members, have again hit another village in the state, killing 15 people.

Public Relations Officer of the state’s Police Command, DSP Muhammad Shehu told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Saturday, in Gusau, the state capital, that the bandits killed the people in a village called Zakuna.

He said the village is in the Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State in Nigeria’s northwest.

Zamfara State has seen repeated attacks in recent times that have left scores dead and added to the agony of unending attacks that have been blamed largely on the jihadist group, Boko Haram.

Boko Haram has waged a deadly insurgency on Nigeria since 2009 in a bid to enthrone a strict Islamic code in the north but the Federal Government has descended on the group, decimating them to a large extent.

Shehu said that the attackers invaded Zakuna in the early hour of June 1 and rustled cows belonging to the villagers.

According to him, a vigilance group, known as Yansakai, took on the rustlers, forcing them to flee only for the bandits to reinforce and attack the village, killing 15 people.

“On receiving the reports of the attack, the police mobilised to the village and discovered 15 dead bodies majority of whom were Yansakai.

“The police have, however, deployed heavy security to the area to maintain peace and stability.

“Bush combing and rigorous patrol is being carried out throughout the area by the police to avoid further loss of lives.”

Shehu said that the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Kenneth Ebrimson, had ordered discreet investigation on the latest incident to nab the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

He pleaded with communities in the state not to relent in providing information to security operatives to end the deadly attacks in the state.

On May 25, some communities in Gidangoga District in the Maradun Local Government Area of the state were similarly attacked by bandits, resulting to the death of 26 people and injuring of three others.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/06/gunmen-attack-zamfara-village-again.html

The Russia 2018 World Cup is just around the corner and so is the release of the official Nigeria jersey. The jersey caused quite a stir when it was originally unveiled in February and though many have imitated it, nothing comes near the original. Now, Nike have unveiled the Super Eagles campaign and it is mind-blowing.

Out of the 20 jerseys that have been revealed, it has already been ranked the best jersey by ‘Mirror Football’.

The Nigeria 2018 World Cup home kit introduces an exciting, dynamic and stand-out design to balance out the relatively understated away jersey which is a plain forest green colour with lighter accents.

The campaign stars Nike Ambassador Grace Ladoja alongside Wizkid, Not3s, Super Eagles Alex Iwobi, Julie Adenuga, Yagazie Emezi and others.

The Nigeria 2018 home jersey combines bright green, white and black in a chevron print infused design.

The kit is ‘audacious, fast, fun and stylish, as described by Nike on their official press release. The home kit is reminiscent the famous ’94 strip (which was also the first year Nigeria qualified for the World Cup) and overall, the kit is bound to be one of the most eye-catching at this summer’s tournament.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/06/nike-officially-unveils-super-eagles_1.html

A suspected cultist in Delta State has been murdered in cold blood by yet to be identified rival gang members.
The young man was killed in front of the Fire Service office this morning, 30th of May, 2018. Sympathizers gathered around the spot where he was killed as they awaited the arrival of the police.

Delta State has recorded several cases of cult clashes in recent times.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/suspected-cultist-murdered-by-alleged.html

Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi yesterday asked people of the state to ignore the sit-at-home order by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and go about their normal businesses.

IPOB had declared today sit-at-home to commemorate the struggle for the actualization of Biafra State.

Governor Umahi spoke at Pa Ngele Oruta Township stadium, Abakaliki venue of the 2018 democracy day celebration.

He called on the federal government to address the issue of marginalisation of the South East region.

“Any person that closes shop will forfeit his or her shop forever; any person caught will be decisively dealt with, I ask Ebonyians to go about their normal business.

“We are making efforts to stand on our feet and we are on course and we don’t need distraction, second colonisation we want to continue and no man born of woman has the capacity to set us backward,” he said.

Umahi maintained that south east governors of proscribed IPOB activities because of its activities which were unconstitutional but added that forum welcomed the resolutions reached recently by Ohaneze in addressing the plight of Igbo people.

“The right way is what the Ohaneze did in the committee of Igbo people and that is what we believe, so we call on the federal government to look into the plight of the south east and address the issue of marginalisation,” he said.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/umahi-tells-citizens-to-shun-ipob-sit.html

Suspected herdsmen have Killed one Kwaghaondo Ugber, his wife and three others in separate attacks carried out by herdsmen in Benue State.

The couple was retuning from their village in Anyiin, Guma LGA of the state when the attackers struck and hacked them to death.

According to a relation of the victims, Bem Ugber, the couple had boarded a motorbike from Iorza village, heading to Anyiin when the unfortunate incident occurred.

He said: “We gathered from the bike rider that they were ambushed close to Tse Adendem village on Anyiin Road by armed herdsmen, who shot the rider on the hand and after they all fell down, the rider managed to escape into the bush, but my uncle and his wife were not so lucky.

“We reported the matter to the Police after we got the information. Their remains were retrieved and because of the manner they were killed, we buried them immediately in my village, Tse Hwer in a Logo Local Government Area.”

In another attack in Tse Shitenger in Uvir council ward of Guma LGA of Benue State, DAILY POST gathred that the gunmen also killed one Azegeor Shitenger, kidnapped Mrs Yonov Shitenger and injured many people.

A source in the state hinted our reporter that the herdsmen also set over 20 houses on fire.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/fulani-herdsmen-on-rampage-in-benue.html

APC flays Jonathan comments on flyover
Ekiti State House of Assembly has warned the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government against rigging the upcoming governorship poll.The assembly urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the security agencies to remain unbiased umpire before, during and after the poll. The House gave the caution yesterday during its special open plenary on the newly inaugurated flyover bridge in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.

The lawmakers warned that the people would resist any attempt to rig the election.They also resolved to endorse the candidature of the deputy governor, Prof. Olusola Kolapo Eleka and his running mate, Kazeem Ayodeji Ogunsakin.The Leader of the House, Hon. Olatunji Akinleye, who moved the motion, said it was to facilitate the continuation of Governor Ayodele Fayose’s laudable achievements.

They also passed a vote of confidence in the Speaker, Kolawole Oluwawole, and denied rumours that some members of the assembly were planning to decamp to other parties.
Oluwawole, said: “This plenary is a special one, in the sense that the government of the day has performed excellently well.The speaker expressed unalloyed and unshakable commitment to Fayose, who he said: “has demonstrated to the whole world that he is committed to the service of humanity in Ekiti.

Meanwhile, the APC has criticised former President Goodluck Jonathan over his comments on the newly commissioned flyover bridge in Ado-Ekiti.The APC Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatunbosun said this in a statement in Ado-Ekiti.He said it was hypocritical for Jonathan to have described the bridge as the best in Nigeria.He expressed concern that the Fajuyi-Ojumose flyover Flyover Bridge, which Jonathan unveiled at the weekend, was constructed at a whooping cost of N17billion.

According to him, Fayose had claimed at various times that the length of the flyover was 1.3km and 1.5km, whereas it is only 800m.Olatunbosun said the bridge was earlier awarded for N5.9billion before Fayose singlehandedly increased it to N17 billion.

In a related development, the PDP has accused President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC of planning to use thugs in military uniform to foment trouble, as the party begins its campaign next week.The PDP Publicity Secretary in the state, Jackson Adebayo, said this in a statement. Adebayo said the APC’s candidate, Kayode Fayemi and his caucus have prepared places for the thugs in four locations in Ilawe, Egbe, Ikoro and Omuo Ekiti.He alleged that part of the plans is to destroy the party’s billboards and posters.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/ekiti-assembly-warns-fg-against-rigging.html

Merseyside Police says it is aware of death threats made to Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius after the Champions League final.

The German, 24, and his family were the subject of threats after his two mistakes helped Real Madrid to a 3-1 win over the Reds in Kiev on Saturday.

Karius was in tears at the final whistle and apologised to fans.

“We take social media posts of this nature extremely seriously. Offences will be investigated,” police said.

“Officers are aware of a number of comments and threats made via social media.

“Merseyside Police would like to remind social media users than any offences including malicious communications and threatening behaviour will be investigated.”

The German gifted Real striker Karim Benzema an easy goal for the opener in Kiev on Saturday night.

Karius later allowed a Gareth Bale shot to squirm in for Real’s third as the Spanish club won their third consecutive Champions League trophy.

On Sunday, he posted on social media: “I’m infinitely sorry to my team-mates, for you fans, and for all the staff.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/police-look-into-online-death-threats.html

Former governor of Abia State and chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, has declared that the APC deserves re-election in 2019 because the party has done well.

Kalu said the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government saved Nigeria from extinction by confronting the Boko Haram insurgency and improving the security architecture of the country.

“When Boko Haram was bombing churches, I told people that they will extend to mosques. If not for the way Buhari confronted Boko Haram and provided weapons for the military, Nigeria would not be here,” he noted.

Kalu, in a statement yesterday said the APC was in a very good state and that all disagreements within the party were essential elements of democracy.

“Everything happening in the ruling party is obtainable in other advanced democracies. I don’t see anything different from what is happening in the APC and what happens in other advanced democracies. In every democracy, there are disagreements and agreements after all we are not born of the same father and mother”, he said.

The former governor also dismissed the possibility of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) returning to power in 2019, and added that Nigerians should not trust the party after it looted public funds within 16 years it was in power.

“PDP will find it difficult to return to power; not the party that looted public funds, it is going to be difficult. The PDP has not shown the right reason why they should return to power because going back to power means returning to power to open our Central Bank and continue the looting,” he added.

Kalu specifically accused former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his friends in the PDP of sharing $16 billion earmarked for power projects between 1999 and 2007.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/how-buhari-saved-nigerian-from.html

This is a face-off between popular actress, Tonto Dikeh and former Big Brother Naija housemate, Alex and the black leather mini-skirt they both wore.

Earlier today, Tonto shared a photo of herself heading out with her son, Andre and we noticed her skirt was similar to Alex’s own some days back.

Tonto paired hers with a panty hose and the famous Fendi Tshirt which has also been seen on Tiwa Savage, Jackie Appiah and Davido’s Chioma. But Alex wore hers with a white animanation Tshirt.

While Tonto rocked hers to a function at her child’s school today, Alex wore hers to Adekunle Gold’s listening album party two days ago.

Both rocked the skirt with sneakers.

And you know we’ve got to ask, who wore it better?

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/bbnaija-between-tonto-dikeh-alex-and.html

Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, Chairman, Former New PDP, has spoken on the group recent parley with APC leadership.

He also disclosed the outcome of the meeting was shared with a number of nPDP members.

It would be recalled that the former PDP stalwarts, two weeks ago, complained of marginalisation in the ruling APC.

On Saturday, a statement Baraje signed said the gathering discussed development in the APC as well as national issues.

The statement, which further revealed those attended the nPDP meeting, read in full: “Nigerians may recall that members of the former New PDP Block within the All Progressives Congress (APC) addressed a letter dated April 27, 2018 to the Chairman of APC where we informed the party of our grievances and expectations from both the party and government of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Following this development, the party invited us and we honoured their invitation for a meeting. We met with the leadership of the party last week during which we resolved to report the outcome of our meeting to our members and stakeholders before arriving at any decision or proceeding with the next phase of discussions or actions with the APC and government.

“I am glad to inform you therefore that we have briefed our members at a meeting convened in Abuja on Wednesday, 23rd May 2018 where we reviewed the state of the nation and our party, APC and constituted Committees on various issues especially on how to rescue Nigeria from economic, social, political and especially security challenges.

“The meeting was well attended by members of the nPDP including serving and former Governors, Senators, Members of the House of Representatives, and other aggrieved APC stakeholders.

“Those that attended the meeting include: HE Sen. (Dr.) Abubakar Bukola Saraki, CON, President of the Senate, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, CFR, Governor of Sokoto State, Sen. Rabiu M. Kwankwaso, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Admiral Murtala Nyako (Rtd), Sen. Mohammad Adamu Aliero, Sen. Danjuma Goje, Sen. John Owan Enoh, Sen. Emmanuel Andy Uba, Sen. Dr. Ibrahim Gobir, Sen. Rufai Ibrahim, Sen. Ibrahim A. Danbaba, Sen. Suleman Nazif, Sen. Isa Hamma Misau, Sen. Muhammed Ubali Shitu, Sen. Shehu Sani, Sen. Dino Melaye, Sen. Suleiman O. Hunkuyi, Sen. Shaaba Lafiagi, Sen. Bala Ibn Na’Allah, Sen. David Umaru, Sen. Barnabas Gemade, Alh. Abubakar K. Baraje, Chairman Former nPDP, Rep. Aminu S. Shagari, Rep. Kabiru Marafa Achida, Rt. Hon. Isa M. Ashiru, Hon. Muh’d Musa Soba, Hon. Mark Gbillah, Rep. Sani Mohd Rano, Rep. Garba Umar Durbunde, Rep. Aliyu Madaki, Rep. Zakari Mohammed, Hon. Rufai Ahmed Chachangi, Hon. Razak Atunwa, Hon. Emmanuel M. Udende, Hon. Hassan Saleh, Hon. Nasiru Garo Sule, Hon. Orker Jev, Hon. Aliyu Ahman Pategi, Hon. Isah Halilu B., Hon. Rabiu Garba Kaugama, Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki, Hon. Ismaila A. Gadaka, Hon. Lado Suleja, Hon. Dickson Tarkighir, Hon. Babatunde Kolawole, Hon. Dr. Bode Ayorinde, Hon. U. Danjuma Shida, Hon. Danburam Nuhu, Hon. Sunday Adepoju, Hon. Sani Zorro, Hon. Ahmed Garba Bichi, Hon. Garba Ibrahim Mohammed and a host of others.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/apc-saraki-dogara-dasuki-govs-lawmakers.html