Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has given a detailed account of how the Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE and Allied Air Forces provided air support to repel an attack by Boko Haram terrorists in Baga.
NAN reports that the fishing town was attacked by so-called members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) on the evening of Dec.26.
Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, gave the account, detailing the dozens of aerial strikes against the positions of the terrorists.

“It may be recalled that the Headquarters 7 Brigade Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Baga came under attack by members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the evening of December 26.
“Upon receipt of the information of the attack, the Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE immediately dispatched a NAF Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), platform along with two Mi-35M Helicopter Gunships to provide support for the troops to repel the attack.

“The NAF ISR aircraft, which was overhead the troops’ location as at 7.15pm, also worked closely with a NAF and another allied ISR aircraft that are also in the operation area at the time of the attack.
“The ISR platforms were in contact with the ground troops and assisted in directing their fire against the terrorists, while the helicopter gunships engaged the terrorists at isolated locations destroying some of their vehicles and neutralising some fighters,” he said.

He said the ATF also provided support for Nigerian Army (NA), and Nigerian Navy (NN), troops at the Naval Base at Doron Baga, “which equally came under attack by ISWAP fighters on the morning of Dec.27 “.
According to Daramola, the ATF deployed two ISR platforms, two Helicopter Gunships and two Alpha Jet aircraft to provide ISR and close air support to the troops.

“After establishing communication with the ground troops, the location of the terrorists was ascertained and engaged by the Alpha Jet aircraft.

“The NAF and allied ISR platforms also spotted two ISWAP vehicles heading southwards from Baga and vectored the Alpha Jet aircraft to attack the vehicles, completely destroying one of them and neutralising the occupants.

“In order to enhance the quality of coordination between the air and ground operations, the Theatre Commander and Maritime Component Commander were carried onboard the ISR platform during one of the flights,” he said.

The spokesman said in all, the ATF conducted 20 missions in 21 sorties with a total of about 39 hours flown on December 26 and 27 in support of operations in Baga general area.”

“The NAF appreciates the existing synergy with our gallant surface forces as well as our Regional Allies in adding value to our collective efforts to protect our territory and people,” he said.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/29/naf-allied-air-forces-helped-flush-boko-haram-baga/

Dino Melaye, the lawmaker representing Kogi West senatorial district in the upper legislative chamber, has again raised alarm over plan to arrest him.

DAILY POST had reported that Senator Dino Melaye had alleged that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris had ordered his arrest, adding that the police boss will also inject him (Melaye) to death.

But reacting to the allegation, the Force Public Relations Officer, Acting DCP Jimoh Moshood, in a statement on Wednesday, denied that there was a plan to arrest Senator Melaye or kill him.

Moshood described Dino’s allegation as “hate speech aimed at putting the force into disrepute before members of the public.”

However, Melaye who is presently in Mississippi, again raised the alarm in a post on his Twitter page on Friday.

According to him, all entrances to his house has been secured by the police.

Melaye called on Nigerians to beware of the tactics by Police against him.

The Kogi lawmaker said: “All entrances to my residence in Mississippi have been secured by the police that claim there is no order to arrest me. One truck by centagon school too.

“Media and Nigerians take note. We have pictures of those involved.They have just zoomed off the trucks leaving 3 men at different end of my street wearing black.

“Two trucks with people wearing black in front on centagon school on Mississippi maitama. Toyota Siena at the entrance of Sangha street,gold colour Honda accord roaming the street.

“Two hilux truck have now blocked my gate with men in mufti numbering 20 Cameras recording. They are trying to plant guns in the cars outside.

“We are watching, they have forcefully entered my compound.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/28/police-blocking-residence-dino-melaye-alleges-plot-arrest/

Barcelona forward, Lionel Messi, has said he would love to have Neymar back at Camp Nou.

In an interview with Marca, he also ruled out the possibility of leaving the Catalan side.

Neymar, 26, left Barca to join Paris Saint-Germain in a world record €222million deal in 2017.

Since leaving, he has regularly been linked with a return to the club, as well as a move to rivals Real Madrid.

And, while Messi said he believes a reunion for the pair in Spain is unlikely, he would be delighted should it happen.

“It would be difficult.We would love it if he came back for what he means as a player and in the dressing room.

“We are friends, we enjoyed nice moments, as well some which were not so nice, but we spent a lot of time together. It is undoubtedly difficult to imagine him leaving Paris. PSG won’t let Neymar go,” Messi said.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/28/messi-opens-neymars-return-barcelona/

A Police officer from Mopol eleven in Calabar, Cross River State, Williams Enah, on Wednesday shot to death an Air force personnel.

The incident occurred at an ATM section of a commercial bank in Marian Road, Calabar.

The Police man was attached to the bank.

DAILY POST gathered that the policeman was sitting in one corner of the bank when he heard lousy noise and he moved in with a view to finding out what was the matter.

A source said as some of the customers who were at the ATM section, attempted to attack him, he discharged the bullet which hit one of the customers and he slumped.

An eyewitness who declined his identity said the incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday.

He explained “Nobody knew that the customers, over eight of them were Air Force officers, and the one the bullet hit was one of them.”

When contacted on phone, the State Security Adviser to Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River, Ani Esin, said, “I am aware of the incident, the situation has been brought under control, there is no tension.”

However, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ms Irene Ugbo told DAILY POST on phone, “The Air Force Officer was hit and he was rushed to the Police Clinic where he was confirmed dead by the Police Doctor”.

Explaining the circumstances that led to the killing she said, “The eight Air Force Officers were in mufti and after the incident, it was discovered that they were Air Force personnel.

“The Commissioner of Police and the Air Force Commander are putting their heads together to make sure that the situation is brought under control.

“The Police man (Suspect) was whisked away from the scene and his gun was taken away from him by the Police command to avoid further situation.”

“The suspect would face orderly room trial and if found wanting, will be sanction according to the law. Investigation is continuing. He is Sergeant Williams Enah from Mopol eleven,” she stated.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/27/police-sergeant-shoots-air-force-officer-death-cross-river/

Manchester United’s interim manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has said fans were now seeing the Paul Pogba he knows from his time in charge of the club’s reserve team, after the midfielder scored twice in a 3-1 win over Huddersfield on Boxing Day.

Solskjaer’s reign as caretaker manager began with a 5-1 win at Cardiff on Saturday, and his dream start continued with a resounding welcome by the Old Trafford faithful.

Nemanja Matic scored the opener, before Pogba’s brace in the second half.

Solskjaer coached Pogba as a youngster; before the midfielder left for Juventus and United had to pay a then world record £89 million to bring him back in 2016.

“That’s the Paul I know. The Paul I’ve known since he was in the reserves and youth team with me.

“He has always been a happy boy; he’s always had a big smile on his face.

“When you score a goal, or two, of course you are happy.

“But when you play football for Man United you should be happy. Of course, it’s a responsibility, but it’s an honour and a privilege.

“Paul loves playing for this club. He’s a Man United boy through and through, a kid who knows what it means to play for Man United,” Solskjaer told Sky Sports.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/26/epl-solskjaer-said-pogba-3-1-win-huddersfield/

The member representing Awgu/Oji River/Aninri Federal Constituency, Hon. Toby Okechukwu has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, will repeat its feat in the State in 2019.

The PDP has remained in firm control of the Coal City State since the return to democracy in 1999.

Hon. Okechukwu, who spoke in Awgu Local Government Area of the State, said the visible achievements of the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and the quality representation of the lawmakers at the various levels, would speak for the party during the election.

He spoke during an annual empowerment event organized by his wife, Mrs Uche Okechukwu.

At the event, which saw to the splashing of gist items to widows in celebration of Christmas, Okechukwu said the essence of the season was to share happiness with other people.

While making presentation of a wheelchair to a physically challenged person in the area, Mr Gabriel Chukwujike, Okechukwu said he was complementing the wife’s efforts in alleviating the plight of widows.

He noted that for the 2019 election, his party, the PDP “is certain of victory because it has since endeared itself into the minds and heart of the people.

“Our dear Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has done so well in the State and this effort is being complemented by those of us at the National Assembly.

“So, it is a win-win situation for us in 2019. Our people are totally with us and that is why we will never stop to give back to the society.”

Earlier, Mrs. Okechukwu thanked the women for their support to her husband and urged them “to keep praying for him. We plead with you to continue to support, even as I assure you that we shall do our best to make the life of the people better.”

In a remark, a chieftain of the PDP in the area, Barr Eze O. Eze said Hon. Okechukwu had been representing the people creditably in the Green Chambers.

“His quality representation is evident across our constituency. The free medical outreach held recently at Nnewe cottage hospital Aninri, is one of such many ways he has touched the lives of the people,” he said.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/26/pdp-will-sweep-governorship-poll-others-enugu-rep-toby-okechukwu/

The National Publicity Secretary of the Grassroots Development Party of Nigeria (GDPN), Barrister Yelwa Abubakar has stated that President Muhammadu Buhari’s body language towards the 2019 general elections was disturbing.

She expressed concern over the presentation of the 2019 national budget to the National Assembly which President Buhari titled: “budget of continuity”.

Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, she stated that Buhari is a candidate like any other party candidates, stressing that the 2019 general election would determine whether he will continue or not.

She urged the President to place his 2019 ambition in the hands of God and Nigerians, stressing that if he loses election, someone else would continue from there, adding that, “the budget should capture national interest rather than party interests.”

GDPN continued, “It is disturbing that President Muhammadu Buhari presented the 2019 national budget as if he would be the one to implement it.

“For him to title it as budget of continuity disturbs us all because it’s God and Nigerians that determines his fate in 2019.”

Barrister Yelwa pointed out that Nigerians were looking forward to the President ensuring hitch-free, fair and credible elections in 2019, urging him to tell security agents and the electoral umpire to be neutral.

She cautioned political parties against what she called ‘endorsement bonanza’, stating that political parties should work hard to win the presidential and other elective offices’ election.

She further stated that the conduct of some political parties in alliances showed that some politicians were not ready to make democracy work in Nigeria.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/25/gdpn-worries-2019-budget-title-says-buharis-body-language-highly-disturbing/

The Central Bank of Nigeria has announced the resolution of its dispute with MTN Communications Limited, saying the company will now atone only for the illegal remittances on preference shares issued in 2008.

CBN’s spokesman and director of corporate communications, Isaac Okorafor, announced this in a statement published on the bank’s website on Monday.

The MTN also corroborated the truce in a statement simultaneously issued in Johannesburg.

According to the terms of settlement, the CBN instructed MTN Nigeria to implement a notional reversal of the 2008 private placement of shares in MTN Nigeria at a net cost of circa N19.2 billion – equivalent to US$52.6m (the notional reversal amount).

“This is on the basis that certain certificates of capital importation (CCIs) utilised in the private placement were not properly issued.

“MTN Nigeria and the CBN have agreed that they will resolve the matter on the basis that MTN Nigeria will pay the notional reversal amount without admission of liability”, MTN said.

“In terms of the resolution agreement, the CBN will regularise all the CCIs issued on the investment by shareholders of MTN Nigeria of circa $402,625,419 without regard to any historical disputes relating to those CCIs, thereby bringing to a final resolution all incidental disputes arising from this matter.”

The CBN had ordered MTN to return to Nigerian coffers $8.1 billion repatriated between 2007 and 2015, because of capital importation certificate irregularities.

Four banks involved in the repatriation, Standard Bank, Stanbic IBTC Nigeria, Citibank Nigeria and Diamond Bank Plc, were fined by the CBN.

Standard Chartered Bank was fined N2.47 billion, Stanbic IBTC, N1.88 billion, Citibank Nigeria, N1.26 billion and Diamond bank, N250 million.

The statement by CBN below:

“The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in August 2018 directed MTN Communications Limited (MTNN) to reverse repatriations valued at $8.1 billion done on its behalf by four commercial banks between 2007 and 2015 on the basis of Certificates of Capital Importation (CCIs)
irregularly issued to MTNN.

Following the keen interest shown by various stakeholders sequel to the regulatory action, the CBN committed to engage further with MTNN with a view to achieving an equitable resolution.

Consequent upon the above, MTNN, led by its Nigerian shareholders, held intensive engagements with the CBN in the course of which it supplied additional material information, not previously offered to the Bank, satisfactorily clarifying its remittances. Having now reviewed the additional documentation provided by the company, the CBN has concluded that MTNN is no longer required to reverse the historical dividend payments made to MTN Nigeria shareholders.

However, the CBN identified that the proceeds from the preference shares in MTNN’s private placement remittances of 2008 were irregular having been based on CCIs that were issued without the final approval of CBN.

The CBN and MTNN have mutually agreed that the aforementioned transaction be reversed notionally to bring it into full compliance with foreign exchange laws and regulations.

The parties have resolved that execution of the terms of the agreement will lead to amicable disposal of the pending legal suit between the parties and final resolution of the matter.

The CBN assures foreign investors that the integrity of the CCIs issued by authorised dealers remain sacrosanct. Potential investors are encouraged to take advantage of the enormous investment opportunities that abound within Nigeria”.

However, the telecommunications giant has another issue to resolve: the court suit over the demand by the attorney general for back taxes.

MTN, in its statement, assured its shareholders that it was also moving towards resolution of this problem.

“Shareholders are advised that the legal process initiated by MTN Nigeria for injunctive relief restraining the AGF from taking further action in respect of its orders for back taxes is continuing.

“The AGF matter came up for initial mention before the Federal High Court of Nigeria Lagos Judicial Division on 8 November 2018 and has been adjourned to 7 February 2019. MTN Nigeria continues to maintain that its tax matters are up to date and no additional payment, as claimed by the AGF, is due, and consequently no provisions or contingent liabilities are being raised in the accounts of MTN Nigeria for the AGF back taxes claim”, the company said.

The attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) is demanding from the company the payment of N242 billion and 1.3 billion dollars, for import duties and withholding tax.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/25/cbn-mtn-announce-truce-illegal-remittance/

The Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has urged Nigerians to use the Christmas season to reconcile with one another and show love to others.

Abubakar, in a Christmas message he issued in Abuja on Monday, said the essence of the birth of Jesus Christ was to reconcile man to God.

“Seeing that the essence of Christmas is that Christ came to earth to reconcile us to God, should we not, as beneficiaries of such divine reconciliation, reciprocate it by being reconciled with each other during this Yuletide period and beyond?

“There are too much divisions in our nation today and it is up to each and everyone of us to inject the healing and unifying serum of love for our neighbour into the nation’s consciousness this Christmas.

“We may be Muslim, Christian or traditional religion adherents, but we are all creatures of God deserving of the love of God and of our neighbours.

“Let that be the attitude we embrace this Christmas and beyond,” he said.

The former Vice President also urged all Nigerians to remember the military and security forces who were on the frontlines defending the country, even as they celebrate Christmas.

Abubakar urged Nigerians to think about the heroes who made the relative peace Nigerians live in possible, saying they endure so that we all can enjoy.

He added: “So, when next you see a soldier, boost his or her morale by acknowledging their sacrifices and thanking them.

“Nigeria owes so much to the gallant officers and the men and women of our armed forces.

“They epitomise the spirit of Christmas, which is sacrificial giving. Let us also celebrate the sacrifice our armed forces make for Nigeria.

“On behalf of me and my entire family, we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a safe, prosperous and happy New Year.’’

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/24/christmas-atikus-message-nigerians/

The PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation has raised the alarm over a plot by the Presidency to arrest lawmakers who booed President Muhammadu Buhari during his 2019 budget presentation to a joint session of the National Assembly last week.

This is just as the campaign organisation has insisted that over 90 percent of the projects listed by the President in the budget as completed projects are untrue.

Buba Galadima, PDP Presidential Campaign Spokesperson, stated this at an interactive session with journalists on Sunday in Abuja.

While stressing that lawmakers are protected by parliamentary immunity by their actions during the budget presentation, Galadima who doubles as National Chairman of the Reformed All Progressives Congress (R-APC) argued that legislators can pelt the President with sachet water if they deem it fit during his presentation.

He said: “President Muhammadu Buhari is a servant of Nigerians. He is occupying that seat by the power of our PVCs. Therefore he cannot be seen as a monarch or as a dictator. Once he subscribes to be a politician he should play by the rules of politics.

“We learnt under an impeccable authority that some of his close aides are meeting and taking names of those supposedly that booed the President in other to frame them either by EFCC or ask the Police to invite them. I don’t know for what purpose.

“For what they had done in parliament, I am saying here that the President’s assertions were full of flaws. If they want, let them come and arrest me. I am not even in parliament. They can’t arrest any parliamentarian for having booed the President on what he thinks is correct that the President misrepresented what had happened in his constituency”.

He described the N1.2 billion donation by farmers to President Buhari for his reelection bid as illegal, adding that the donors have contravened the Electoral Act, 2010 on donation to candidates.

He said the farmers association of which he is a member never endorsed President Buhari, even as he called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe the donations.

Galadima therefore called for disqualification of President Buhari for receiving the donations.

“Those who made that contribution and those who received the contribution should be call to book and be arraigned before the appropriate court of law.

“I am a farmer, one of the largest farmers in Nigeria. Around me are also farmers with large investment. We have never sat down as members of farmers association of Nigeria and took a decision that we are supporting President Muhammadu Buhari candidature for a second term in office.

“Therefore, I want to assume that whatever they said about this is a lie. But if is not a lie then it is against the Electoral Act, this now calls for the disqualification of President Muhammadu Buhari as a candidate for the 2019 Presidential elections,” he said.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/24/budget-pdp-raises-alarm-alleged-plot-arrest-lawmakers-booing-buhari/

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has said he was not disappointed by his players’ effort, despite suffering a surprise 3-2 home defeat to Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Ilkay Gundogan opened the scoring for the home side at the Etihad, but Palace hit back with goals from Jeffrey Schlupp and Andros Townsend followed by a Luka Milivojevic penalty.

Substitute Kevin De Bruyne gave City late hope, but it was not enough and they remain four points behind leaders Liverpool after their first home defeat of the season.

“We started quite decent and created chances.

“We scored a fantastic goal and after they passed the halfway line they scored.

“The third goal… we cannot concede the penalty we conceded. We have to try and avoid it. Football is like this. Three shots on goal and three goals.

“It’s complicated but we fight until the last second. We are in December and we will try and recover and try and win games again,” Guardiola told the BBC.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/22/epl-guardiola-speaks-defeat-crystal-palace-catching-liverpool/

President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday called for stronger solidarity among West African leaders to solve the problems of crime, terrorism, and climate change.

Buhari, while addressing the 54th ordinary session of the Economic Community of West African States Authority of Heads of State and Government, in Abuja, pointed out that important decisions to address these realities should be taken in the course of the meetings.

His full speech reads: “It is my pleasure, on behalf of the Government and People of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to warmly welcome you to Abuja, on the occasion of the 54th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

2. Let me again restate my sincere appreciation to you, Excellencies, for the confidence reposed in me, to steer the ship of our sub-regional organization, as Chair of the Authority.

Excellencies, Distinguished Guests,

3. The fact that we have gathered here today is a clear testimony of our continued collective resolve and commitment to the effective integration of the West African sub-region. We applaud the significant progress made by our Community in the recent past, particularly in the areas of political governance, peace and security as well as economic and social fields. These achievements have positioned ECOWAS as an example of a regional economic community on our continent.

4. In this regard, I would like to salute your individual efforts not only for striving to promote peace, stability and development in your respective countries but also for your unwavering commitment to regional issues of interest and concern.

5. I wish at this juncture, to pay special tribute to His Excellency, Nana Akuffo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana and His Excellency, Alpha Conde, President of the Republic of Guinea, the ECOWAS facilitators in the resolution of the Togolese political crisis, for their tireless endeavours towards a peaceful settlement.

6. I am also glad for the significant progress made through our collective efforts towards the resolution of the political and institutional crisis in Guinea Bissau. Within the framework of our regional solidarity, we have assisted the Governments of Togo and Mali in tackling political and security problems while also addressing food challenges in parts of the sub-region.

7. We have also extended electoral support and assistance to several countries and acted pro-actively to neutralize some potential conflicts through preventive diplomacy before they exploded. In this connection, we welcome the successful elections held in Sierra Leone and Mali in 2018.

Excellencies, Distinguished Guests,

8. Despite these successes, ECOWAS is still confronted by several challenges. The sub-region continues to face difficulties in the economic, governance, peace, security and humanitarian fields.

9. As we all know, the primary objective of ECOWAS as set out in its Treaty, is to“promote cooperation and integration, leading to the establishment of an Economic and Monetary Union in West Africa, in order to raise the living standards of our people and contribute to the progress and development of the African continent”.

10. Indeed as a Community, our aspiration is to “create a borderless, peaceful, prosperous and cohesive region, based on good governance and where our people have the capacity to access and harness its resources through the creation of opportunities for sustainable development, job creation and environmental preservation”.

11. These lofty ideals are however not attainable without peace and security. That is why I have decided to make the issue of peace and security the major focus of my Chairmanship. I am happy to inform this august assembly that our efforts have started yielding dividends as we have been able to douse tension and restore confidence in some potentially disruptive political situations, particularly in Guinea Bissau, Togo and Mali.

Excellencies, Distinguished Guests,

12. It is a matter of concern that terrorism and violent extremism have continued to threaten the peace and security in our sub-region. This threat calls for collective action on our part, if we are to effectively and definitively eliminate it. As we work on new strategies to combat and eradicate this menace, we require the support of our partners to ensure the achievement of our objectives.

13. Still on sub-regional peace, as you are all aware, Nigeria and Senegal will hold general elections in February 2019. On my part, I have already made a pledge to conduct free, fair and credible elections. In the same vein, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other political stakeholders, have expressed their unwavering commitment to the conduct of peaceful elections devoid of violence, rancour and acrimony, in the higher interest of the nation.

Your Excellencies,

14. Our determination to create a safe and stable sub-region must be predicated on a strong and capable organization. You will all agree with me that no institution can function effectively without adequate funding.

15. This would require that all hands are on deck and that all Member States ensure the payment of the Statutory Community Levy as and as when due. By so doing, we will empower and enable the Commission to implement the Integration Agenda, as we march towards the year 2020, and actualize our vision of building an ECOWAS of Peoples and not of States.

Excellencies,

16. In light of the continuing fragility of our economies linked closely to commodity prices, our nascent democracies, the negative effects of climate change on our farming systems, the globalisation of crime and terrorism, we are required on a daily basis, to join forces to eliminate these factors that militate against a secure, conducive and prosperous environment for the benefit of our people. These realities remind us of the need for even stronger intra-ECOWAS solidarity in order to address emerging challenges.

17. This is indeed the very sense of our Union. To that end, important decisions are taken in the course of our meetings, with the goal of impacting transforming positively on the lives of our citizens.

18. During this 54th Ordinary Session, the task before us is to appraise our Community. In this regard, we are expected to take several decisions on a number of issues I have already mentioned. As is our custom, our Session would consider these matters from the reports on today’s agenda as follows:

a. The 2018 Annual Report of ECOWAS,

b. The Report of the 81st Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers,

c. The Report of the 41st Ordinary Session of the Mediation and Security Council,

d. The Reports on the Political and Security Situation of the Region, and

e. The Report on the Process for the Establishment of the ECOWAS Single Currency,

19. I wish to commend the Council of Ministers and ECOWAS Commission for the very useful documents which have been circulated.

Excellencies Ladies and Gentlemen,

20. I will conclude my remarks by wishing us fruitful deliberations. I hereby declare open, the 54th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

I thank you for your kind attention.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/22/buhari-said-ecowas-summit-full-speech/

Chelsea manager, Maurizio Sarri, had said the English Premier League will miss sacked Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho and hopes that the Portuguese can return to management in England again.

United dismissed Mourinho on Tuesday, after suffering their worst start to a league season for 28 years and replaced him with former striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, until the end of the season.

Aahead of Saturday’s home league clash with Leicester City, the Italian was asked if the former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Inter Milan boss would be missed.

Sarri said, “I think so. Mourinho won everything, won everywhere, so I like him very much as a coach and as a man.

“I think he is right when he said that United have a future without Mourinho, but he has a great future without them.

“I will like to see him on the bench as soon as possible, maybe in England.”

Sarri also said Solskjaer should expect a tough job, as he attempts to steady the ship at United and get the team firing on all cylinders again.

“I remember him as a player. He was a good player. But I don’t know him as a coach. Of course, the job will be difficult,” the Chelsea manager added.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/21/epl-sarri-reveals-will-happen-without-mourinho-speaks-solskjaers-appointment/

The Benue State Police Command has uncovered a firearms manufacturing hideout in Yelwata, a community in Guma local government area of the state.

The State Police Commissioner, Mr. Ene Okon, made the disclosure on Friday while parading 11 suspected criminals and members of cult groups recently arrested in parts of the state.

He said during the raid, two men: Donatus Ahongh and Boyi Ayaayua, were arrested with their manufacturing implements and 12 assorted locally-fabricated arms including AK-47 rifle magazines.

The police boss said: “The discovery was made by a team of the Federal Special Anti Robbery Squad, FSARS.”

He also said that the special operation also led to the arrest of 105 suspected cult members in Makurdi, Otukpo and other parts of the state by the Anti-Cult Unit of the command.

However, he Okon said, “so far, 78 have been charged and remanded, five are currently undergoing interrogation, while 22 innocent ones have been released unconditionally.

“Also apprehended were Godwin Akaa, Jonathan Koriyo and Suleiman Stephen after a robbery incident on November 24 at North Bank area of Makurdi town where a Toyota Corolla with number plates CN 157 BBC and other valuables were snatched.

“The robbed vehicle was recovered from Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State, but investigation into the matter is still ongoing.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/21/police-uncover-illegal-firearms-factory-benue/

The Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) rose from its last meeting in 2018 with a startling disclosure that the Excess Crude Account (ECA) crashed from $2.319 billion to $631 million between November 25 and December 19, meaning $1.68 billion (72.7%) was withdrawn from the account within three weeks.

This is as the three tiers of government shared N812.763 billion in December from revenue generated in November. The figure includes cost of collection to the Nigeria Customs Service, the Department of Petroleum Resources and the Federal Inland Revenue Service.

Briefing journalists after the FAAC meeting, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Dr Mahmoud Isa Dutse explained that that reduction in ECA to $631 million was as a result of the final payment for Paris club refund to states.

“After that was made and the figure was deducted and that’s what accounted for the difference. And it was right to deduct massively from the ECA without appropriation, he said.

“A decision was taken to make this refund and part of that decision is that the refund should be funded from the ECA. Federal Executive Council, the President approved the money.”

Corroborating, the Accountant-General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris said FAAC did the right thing and followed due process.

“You can go and find out from the National Assembly if due process was followed or not,” Ahmed said.

From the N812 billion shared in December, the Federal Government got N326.754 billion, States got N203.206 billion, while Local Government Areas shared N153.528 billion.

The 13 percent derivation for oil producing states stood at N57.087 billion, while cost of collection and transfers to revenue generating agencies was N72.187 billion.

The Gross statutory revenue received in December was N649.629 billion. The sum is lower than the N682.161 billion received in the previous month by N32.533 billion.

Breakdown of the total distributable revenue of N812.762 billion, comprised the Statutory Revenue of N649.629billion, Gross Value Added Tax of N92.079billion, Forex Equalisation of N70.000 billion and An Exchange Gain of N1.055 billion.

Therefore, from the Gross statutory revenue, Federal Government received N280.913 billion representing 52.68%; States received N142.483 billion representing 26.72%; Local Government Councils received N109.848 billion representing 20.60%; while the Oil Producing States received N47.882 billion also representing 13% derivation revenue.

Furthermore, the breakdown of distribution to the 3 tiers from Value Added Tax (VAT), include: Federal Government received N13.259 billion representing 15%; States received N44.198 billion representing 50% while the Local Government Councils received N30.938 billion, also representing 35%.

Meanwhile, the Communique added that the revenue from the Company Income Tax( CIT) increased significantly while revenues from Value Added Tax (VAT), Import Duty, Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) and Foreign Oil and Gas, Domestic Oil and Gas Royalties all decreased.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/20/shocker-fg-withdraws-1-68bn-excess-crude-account-3-weeks/

•Just for Illustration: a female suicide bomber in Gashua. A Bomber-wife of Mamman Nur, also in th

Abdullahi Ibrahim, The Borno Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC), said one of the two female Boko Haram bombers nabbed by the command is the wife of Mamman Nur, a factional leader of the terrorist group.

The teenager who was identified as Fatima Muhammed Kabir, was arrested recently, along with another woman, Amina Salihu at Borno Express Motor Park. Their mission was to carry out an Improvised Explosive Device attack in Maiduguri, the women disclosed during interrogation.

Ibrahim disclosed that an NSDCC official who posed as a captured Boko Haram Amir was the one that interviewed the women.

The commandant spoke at the commissioning of the newly donated equipment by the U.S Department of state on Wednesday in Maiduguri.

Ibrahim said many Boko Haram members have surrendered their arms and renounced their campaign of terror, through the command’s civil approach to issues.

“More than 40 Boko Haram members have surrendered through the command. We have handed them over to the military for rehabilitation under the Operation Safe Corridor.

“We are able to convince them to surrender their arms and accept meaningful de-radicalisation and reintegration opportunity offered them by the government.

“During their stay in the command, they said they are now praying five times in a day as against when they are fighting in the forest,” he said.

Ibrahim said his command enjoys harmonious working relationship with its sister security agencies in the counter terrorism operation.

Ibrahim added that more than 1,000 personnel are currently deployed in the counter terrorism operations in the Northeast, along with other security agencies in the state. (NAN)

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/20/wife-boko-haram-leader-arrested/

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick and created another two goals as Barcelona thrashed 10-man Levante to regain a three-point lead at the top of La Liga.

The champions were joined at the top by Atletico Madrid and Sevilla, who both claimed victories this weekend.

But Messi stole the show once he crossed for Luis Suarez’s opener.

The Argentine converted two clinical finishes and popped home from close range, as well cutting the ball back for Gerard Pique’s late fifth.

Levante had defender Erick Cabaco sent off with 14 minutes to go for a straight red card after he recklessly lunged in on French winger Ousmane Dembele.

The hosts started brightly with striker Emmanuel Boateng smashing a shot against the crossbar and the Ghanaian also came close with a low, drilled effort towards the near post which Marc-Andre ter Stegen had to stoop to keep out, before Messi’s intervention.

Barca achieved a stylish revenge after last season’s agonising 5-4 loss against Levante ended their chances of going the full season unbeaten in the penultimate game of the campaign.

Though they were second best in the early stages, there was no doubting the result once they broke the deadlock on 34 minutes.

Messi pounced on a loose ball as Levante looked to pass it out from the back and the chance looked to be gone when he was forced out wide, but a clever cross into the box allowed Suarez to side-foot home a first-time finish from 12 yards out.

Nine minutes later, Barca skipper Messi was played in on goal by Sergio Busquets’ pass and the Argentine held off a defender to roll a finish into the far corner and then stroking home from the edge of the box for his second.

Messi completed his hat-trick with an easy finish from close range for his 50th goal for club and country in 2018 – and there was still time for defender Pique to start a move in his own box, before sprinting up the pitch to roll in from Messi’s cutback.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/18/lionel-messi-scores-hat-trick-barcelona-pummelled-levante-5-0/

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State on Monday presented a budget proposal of N109, 199 billion for the 2019 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly for consideration and passage.

Presenting the 2019 budget proposal tagged: ‘‘Budget of peace, equity and prosperity’’, Gov. Ugwuanyi disclosed that the appropriation bill was 5.44% higher than the 2018 budget of N103, 563 billion.

The governor added that the increase was in keeping with his administration’s promise last year to expand its expenditure vis-à-vis projects and programmes of the state as the economy of the nation improves “to ensure that every citizen and residents of Enugu State will reap the full benefits of the dividends of democracy”.

Gov. Ugwuanyi who stated that his administration has implemented the previous budgets to N85%, explained that “out of the total budget proposal of N109.199 billion, the sum of N65.7 billion, representing 60.17%, is for recurrent expenditure. He noted that “this is higher than the 2018 figure of N60.7 billion by 8.22%.

He disclosed that capital expenditure stood at N43.493 billion representing 39.3% of the budget size, which is also higher by 1.5% than the 2018 figure of 42.846 billion.

The governor revealed that works and infrastructure would gulp the highest amount of N16.5 billion because of the premium the state government placed on infrastructural development of the state.

He maintained that the government intends to complete all ongoing road projects and construct new ones across the 17 local government areas of the state as well as provide other critical infrastructure that will stimulate economic growth and job creation.

Gov. Ugwuanyi added that the health sector was allocated the sum of N2.37 billion, stating that the sector received a boost in its financing to enable his administration fully equip the already completed Enugu State Medical Diagnostic Centre to commence operation in 2019. The governor pointed out that the state government also intends to sustain and improve on the services being provided through free maternal and child healthcare programme.

“We want to ensure that our children, pregnant and nursing mothers do not die from preventable ailments, thus we have set aside the sum total of N2.37 billion to all the ministries, departments and agencies under the health sector in the 2019 fiscal year”.

According to him, agriculture received an allocation of N633.5m to consolidate the efforts of his administration towards commercialization of the sector to achieve food security in the state, while N5.522b went to the education sector to sustain the tempo of government in the ongoing compulsory free education from primary to junior secondary schools; renovation, construction and equipping of schools at all levels, among others.

The governor equally announced that the sum of N742m was budgeted for the expansion of Enugu and Nsukka urban water scheme, boosting of small town water supply project and the state rural supply project and the State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (ENRUWASA) with the aim of “making potable water available to our people irrespective of whether they live in a rural or urban area”.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/17/gov-ugwuanyi-presents-n109-199-billion-2019-budget-estimates-targets-improved-infrastructure-healthcare-education-others/

The notion that Ondo State is among one of the most peaceful states in the country is fast eroding it.

No thanks to the persistent cases of armed robbery attacks and kidnappings on major highways across the state.

The rising cases of kidnapping in the State took another dimension over the weekend as no less than four cases, in various parts of the state, were recorded.

Three people were reported to have been abducted on Friday within Oba-Akoko axis of the Owo-Akoko highway after the kidnappers blocked the expressway and shot sporadically in the air before moving their victims into the bush.

Also on Saturday evening, between Ogbese and Ilu-Abo axis of Akure-Owo expressway, some persons who were on transit were kidnapped, including three children.


A lecturer from the department of Mass Communications, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Dr. Rahman Abubakri, who escaped being kidnapped by the whiskers at Ilu Abo area of Akure on Saturday, disclosed that some people including a yet to be identified lecturer from the department of Marketing, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo fell victims of the gunmen.


“Around 5:20 pm, yesterday, I narrowly escaped being kidnapped around Iluabo on my way to Akure after a wedding ceremony I attended at Omuo Ekiti.

“Nigerians are under siege. I saw the fulanis shooting sporadically from a distance. The bushes and tick forests we don’t care to go into have been well studied by the Fulanis. Unfortunately, some kids were taken away by the kidnappers.

“Almost the same time, a lecturer of the Department of Marketing, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, was kidnapped by the same Fulani herdsmen between Ipele and Owo Road.

“Another kidnapping took place at Oba Akoko. Three persons fell victim as they were taken away into the bush. My colleagues missed being kidnapped on Friday evening,” he narrated.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Femi Joseph, who confirmed the incident, said police teams had already been dispatched and were on the trail of the kidnappers.

“We have resolved to increase our manpower on our roads with more patrol to reduce the activities of these criminals to the barest minimum.

“I can assure you that justice will be done and the search is underway for those who are behind these evil acts, to find those responsible and bring them to justice,” the PPRO stated.

Meanwhile, the surge in the kidnap cases in the state has become a huge concern as residents are beginning to have sleepless nights, particularly when it requires transiting from one end of the state to the other.

Tunji Tiamiyu, a resident in the state who accused the police of not doing enough, alleged that they only demanded money from helpless citizens instead moving against the gunmen.

He also alleged that the governor of the state, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has been too relaxed with the situation which he said was becoming extremely embarrassing.

Also, a road user, who was on transit through the state, Chidoke Okere attributed the daring activities of the kidnapper to the removal of military checkpoints from various spots of the state’s highways.

According to him “the road (Owo-Akoko road) is in terrible shape, almost everyone going or coming from Abuja by road do pass through here. I used to see soldiers at some sections of the road but it’s surprising that they are no longer there.

“Honestly, it calls for concern,” he said.

Recalled that some weeks back, some chieftains of the African Democratic Congress, ADC including the state chairman and its Ondo North Senatorial Candidate fell victims of the kidnappers after coming from a political meeting.

Also three members of staff of the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, FMC among whom was a pregnant medical doctor, were kidnapped two weeks ago while on their way to work. They were later released after huge ransom had been collected.

On the 4th of this month, four persons were abducted by some suspected gunmen on the Akure-Owo Expressway at Amurin Village in Owo, Owo local government area of the state.

The persistent kidnap cases had also been protested against by the NBA as well as Resident Doctors where the latter alleged police complicity, while the former threatened to down tools if stringent measures were not taken to curb the menace.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/17/kidnappers-armed-robbers-prowl-ondo-take-highways-abduct-travellers/

Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United left Anfield Sunday empty-handed, after they lost 1-3 the scintillating and intense match against league leaders Liverpool.

Super substitute Xherdan Shaqiri was the star as he punished United with two goals within seven minutes, the first on the 73rd minute, just three minutes after replacing Naby Keita. Seven minutes after, he was on song again, with a second goal, which was deflected off a United player.

Shaqiri’s brace gave Liverpool a comfortable 3-1 lead going into the last 10 minutes of the game.

The game had ended all square 1-1 in the first half. Sadio Mane opened scoring in the 24th minute for Liverpool. Nine minutes after, Jesse Lingard equalised for the visitors.

But in the second half, Liverpool came in stronger, dominating possession and ceaselessly pounding the defence of United. But they were not rewarded for all the efforts until Shaqiri came in.

The victory sent Liverpool back to the summit of the league, overtaking defending champions Manchester City. Liverpool now have 45 points after 17 games, while City have 44 and Tottenham are on their heels with 39 points, in third position. (NAN)

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/17/liverpool-beat-manchester-united-reclaim-premiership-top-spot/

Actress Juliet Ibrahim steps out in a short body fitting dress to an event looking all glamorous.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/16/juliet-ibrahim-rocks-body-fitting-dress-see-photos/

From all indications, campaign for the 2019 general elections will not be awash with cash as was the case in the run up to the 2015 elections. According to a Sunday Telegraph report, the campaign may be “dry”, particularly money wise.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) set the ball rolling last month when President Muhammadu Buhari launched his Next Level Campaign at the Aso Rock Villa with a lot of fanfare.

Only few weeks ago, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo joined the fray by first crisscrossing the country, handing out “trader moni” to market men and women and then becoming more formal with his door-to-door campaign which has already taken him to Abuja and Lagos.

The wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, is not left out as she, on Wednesday, launched: “Together Nigeria”, where she honoured some prominent Nigerians in the entertainment industry. The award, she said was in recognition of their contributions to the development of the country.

However, it was the Buhari Support Organisation (BSO) that was actually behind the awards.

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) too was not left out as it flagged off its campaign with its “Getting Nigeria to Work Again” last month.

The party then kicked off its rally in Sokoto, seat of the Caliphate, before stopping over in Ilorin, Kwara State and followed it up in Ibadan, South Western part of the country early this month.

Nevertheless, after this initial flurry of campaign activities, there has been silence from both camps, which is a bit surprising, considering that the presidential poll takes place in eight weeks time.

Sunday Telegraph reports that the “pause” in both camps was actually caused by cash crunch.

“The money is not coming in as expected. By now, Atiku would have mobilised massively for the campaign, have road shows and what have you,” a source close to the campaign of the former Vice President confided in Sunday Telegraph.

It was reliably learnt that for many of those who would have come to the aid of the opposition party by donating money, the fear of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is the beginning of wisdom. “They are afraid of the EFCC coming after them.”

According to Sunday Telegraph report, a PDP governorship candidate in the South West confirmed this when he said that his friends, organisations, that believed in his cause, said: “They are afraid of being hunted and victimised by the ruling party. Most of those who would have funded our campaign are shying away from doing that.”

On the part of the APC, sources who spoke with Sunday Telegraph said that the lull in campaign is as a result of Buhari “starving” the party of funds, as he has “sworn not to use public fund for campaigns.”

Spokesperson of the APC Presidential campaign, Festus Keyamo, alluded to this when he said, “No more bazaar for election. By now, there should have been bazaars everywhere. I apologise even to the press, for the press bazaar, fortune tellers’ bazaar, women’s bazaar. But this president has calmed things down. This is a departure from the past. We should praise the president for it.”

On how the campaign would be funded in view of the President’s disposition to using government money, the APC spokesman said they would be using every legitimate means to generate the funds they would be using for the campaign.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/16/2019-cash-crunch-hits-apc-pdp/

Apex Igbo Socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has concluded plans to receive other ethnic nationality groups at its 2018 Igbo Day Celebration talking place in Owerri Imo state.

Addressing newsmen in Enugu, yesterday, on the activities lined up for the event, Deputy National Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Comrade Chuks Ibegbu Special Assistant on Media to the President General of the Igbo umbrella group, Chief Emeka Attamah, said the Arewa Consultative Forum, the Afenifere, the Pan Niger Delta Development Forum, PANDEF, the Middle Belt Forum, among others nationality groups would attend the event.

They said that the Igbo Day celebration is a day set aside to celebrate Igboness, and review its trajectory from the past and chart a course for the future.

“It is celebrated on the 29th September of every year, but the 2018 edition was rescheduled due to unavoidable exigencies,” they said.

The programme, it was gathered, shall commence on Monday, December 17 with a one-minute silence in memory of Ndigbo that made the supreme sacrifice in various crises in Nigeria, followed by Imeobi, a meeting of Elders’ Conclave. It shall be followed with conferment of honours and awards on deserving Igbo leaders at Ikemba Ojukwu Pavilion.

On December 17, there shall be royal visit by delegates to Eze-Imo, followed by Igbo Day symposium at Imo International Convention Centre, as well as the grand-finale of the event, which shall feature colourful Igbo cultural fiesta at Heroes Square, Owerri.

On the impact of the event, they said it was to raise Igbo consciousness as well as project the culture of the people.

“It has been able to give stronger impetus on our need to be together,” they further stated.

On the guests expected at the event, they noted that the President-General, Chief Nnia Nwodo, had continued to make consultations aimed at building bridges across the country.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/16/ohanaeze-set-host-afenifere-arewa-pandef-igbo-day-celebration/

A former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu, has declared that some corrupt elements around President Muhammadu Buhari are afraid of his re-election in 2019.

Ojikutu was of the view that these corrupt elements are afraid that Buhari’s victory in 2019 will mean trouble for them.

Addressing newsmen on Saturday in Lagos, the former Deputy governor said Buhari has demonstrated high level of integrity in piloting the affairs of Nigeria.

She stated that these elements are afraid that it would no longer be business as usual under Buhari as they were used to cutting corners to corruptly enrich themselves.

Ojikutu also said Buhari was doing his best to put Nigeria back on the track of honour and progress through transparent leadership and a fierce anti-corruption war.

He said, “It is unfortunate that in spite of the president’s sincere efforts to advance the country’s development, some powerful Nigerians were hell-bent on stopping his re-election in 2019.

She said these “corrupt elements believed that their interests would be further hurt by Buhari’s emergence in 2019,” hence theh resort to `dangerously desperate’ political actions to stop him.

“The drums are beating; the polity is heating and the corrupt are at work. Everybody is afraid that with Buhari continuing, whatever he or she has done will be eventually exposed.

“Even some around the president are not saints because they are tainted too. So deep down them, they know Buhari’s emergence means trouble.

“We have a president with integrity, who has tried to make things work and who is still trying to make things work,’’ Ojikutu said.

Ojikutu said some people believe they are not making it under Buhari and that they will stop at nothing to stop him.

“In what way are they not making money?

“Because they had been used to a system in which things were not done right.

“I have been told to my face that “Madam, you have been nominated for so, so, so and so but people objected that your coming will be their nemesis because you won’t play ball.

“Why must we play ball before we can make it in this country? These people are heating up the whole place just because it is no more business as usual and for that, they want to stop him in 2019,” she said.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/15/2019-corrupt-elements-around-buhari-victory-2019-ex-lagos-deputy-governor-ojikutu/

Nigerian afro-pop singer, Oyindamola Johnson Emmanuel, popularly known as Dammy Krane, has revealed why he sang worship songs after he came out from prison.

On his return from prison in Canada after being tried by the court for alleged credit card fraud, the pop star released a couple of gospel-like songs.

The songs sparked off rumours that his prison experience had made him switch to gospel music genre.

However, the singer told Vanguard that he only sang the gospel songs because he wanted something from God.

He said, “No, I’m not into gospel music. ‘Amen’ is just a song. When I want something, I pray to my God, and worship him and he gives it to me.

“For example, in that Amen song, I kept saying ‘Number one on the music chart, it’s God’. Right now the song is number one on the music chart.

“After what happened last year, I had to praise and worship Him for all he had done.

“They both came from the same emotional inspiration. God knows best.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/15/released-worship-songs-returning-prison-dammy-krane/

Mr Donald Duke, the Presidential Candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has said he will appeal the judgment removing him as the party’s presidential flag bearer.

DAILY POST had reported that a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Friday declared Prof. Jerry Gana, a former Nigerian Minister of Information, as the presidential candidate of the SDP.

Duke had been declared as the presidential candidate of the party after the primary election held in October 2018 in which Gana was also an aspirant.

However, Gana instituted a case against the result in court, basing his case on the zoning and rotation formula of the party.
Giving his ruling, Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf said: “In this instance, the party’s Chairman, Chief Olu Falae, is from the South and Duke is from the South too; the law is clear; there is nothing to write in-between.

“The law has crystallised that political parties should abide by the regulations which they have made by themselves.

“The claimant laid sufficient evidence to have the judgment in his favour; it is a clear violation of the party’s constitution; the court cannot wave right over illegality.”

“Duke’s votes were declared null and void and the judge declared that Gana was the winner of the election.

“The SDP was also ordered to forward Gana’s name to the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) as its candidate for the 2019 general election.

But, reacting, Duke told NAN in Lagos that: “While we await a copy of the judgement for a detailed review, it is imperative we reiterate our constitutionally backed belief.
“Every Nigerian who meets the legal requirement is entitled to contest for the office of the President.
“Any Law that seeks to curtail or subvert that right under any guise is unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect.

“The delegates of our great party at its Convention in October, overwhelmingly elected me as their presidential flag-bearer

“Any attempt to subvert their wishes through the instrumentality of the courts will be challenged.

“As a Law abiding citizen, I urge my supporters and members to remain calm as we are confident that the decision of the Court will be upturned on appeal.

“We are optimistic that the Appellate Court will reach a decision that reinforces the essential tenets of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” NAN quoted him as saying.
Duke added that his optimism was in line with the wishes of members of the Social Democratic Party.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/15/donald-duke-reacts-court-sacks-declares-gana-sdps-presidential-candidate/

Former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker, Michael Owen has tipped Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool to defeat Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United on Sunday evening in the Premier League fixture at Anfield.

He also predicted Chelsea to beat Brighton in Sunday’s Premier League fixture.

According to him, Tottenham will defeat Burnley on Saturday afternoon in the Premier League fixture.

Owen, however, tipped Arsenal to defeat Southampton on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League fixture.

“I was surprised to see that Liverpool are without a win in their last eight Premier League games against United, but I think the hosts will keep all three points at Anfield in the game of the weekend,” Owen told BetVictor.

“The last couple of league games between the clubs at Anfield have finished goalless, but United have struggled to keep clean sheets in the Premier League so far this term and I would be surprised if Jose Mourinho’s side were able to keep Liverpool at arm’s length.

“That said, Liverpool’s much-vaunted attacking trio of Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane have yet to score, or indeed assist, a goal against United in a combined total of 855 minutes in the EPL.

“I expect the Reds front-three to buck that trend at Anfield in what promises to be a fiercely-fought game between these two great clubs.”

Commenting on the Arsenal vs Southampton game, Owen said: “Arsenal have scored at least twice in their last seven away games in the Premier League and I expect to see goals at St Mary’s with Unai Emery’s side coming out on top of an entertaining game.

“The Gunners have lost just two of their last 17 games against Southampton in all competitions and the hosts are currently on a barren run of 14 games. These are difficult and worrying times for the Saints and I can’t see them getting anything against an in-form Arsenal.”

On the Chelsea vs Brighton game, Owen said: “Chelsea have lost their last couple of Premier League games on the road, but they are a quality outfit and are taken to take the points back to the capital even though Brighton have only lost one of their last ten home Premier League games.

“Chelsea have won all six games between the clubs in top-flight English football and the last time Brighton beat the Blues in any competition was a 1933 3rd Round FA Cup tie!

“Eden Hazard has provided an assist in his last three Premier League games and the Belgian international has been back to his brilliant best of late.

“He might be the difference between the sides at the Amex.”

Commenting on the Tottenham Hotspur vs Burnley, Owen added: “Burnley picked up a valuable three points at home to Brighton last weekend, but they continue to struggle away from Turf Moor, having picked up just six points from their last ten away league games.

“Spurs’ confidence will be sky-high as a result of their 1-1 draw in Barcelona in midweek, a result which ensured all four Premier League sides would be in Monday’s draw for the last 16 of the Champions League. A comfortable home win for me.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/14/epl-owen-predicts-results-liverpool-vs-man-united-chelsea-vs-brighton-arse/

The All Progressives Congress, APC, has rubbished the claim by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, that President Muhammadu Buhari was plotting with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to use Chad and Niger in rigging the 2019 presidential election.

The PDP Presidential Campaign Organization, PPCO, had alleged that Buhari’s refusal to assent to the Electoral Act Amendment was to allow INEC rig the election in Chad and Niger Republic.

However, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Yekini Nabena said the allegation by the opposition party had enlisted the services of some hackers from Russia with a view to compromising the servers of INEC during the February’s general elections.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, yesterday, Nabena said the current disposition of the PDP was a fallout of the various plans it hatched during their recent meeting in Dubai with their presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

Nabena said, “The Act we are using now was created by the PDP. They created a law and they are now afraid to use it. That does not sound right. What the PDP are doing, they are playing out what they designed in Dubai. They started with the labour strike on minimum wage in order to cause problems in the country but it did not work; they brought ASUU strike, it did not work and then they tried to instigate fuel scarcity which also did not work.

“These were all part of their grand design in Dubai and so the last bid is the Electoral Act. Look at the way they are going about it, saying if the president does not sign it, they will file on to the streets in demonstration. Look at them, at their age. But we are waiting for them.

“Normally if you vote, the Electoral Officer is supposed to count the votes and announce them before transmitting to the collation centre. But now you are telling us that they do not need to announce the votes, that they should just transmit.

“That is all part of their Dubai plan, trying to bring in Russian agents to hack the system. That is their joker. To hack into the system and manipulate figures before transmitting them. Saraki and all of them went to Russia and perfected the plan with the hackers. So, we all know what they are trying to do…trying to bring in stolen money into the system, but vote buying and money politics won’t work this time around.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/14/2019-apc-speaks-buharis-alleged-plot-rig-presidential-election-chad/

Bayern Munich striker, Thomas Muller has apologised to Nicolas Tagliafico after kicking the defender in the head in kung-fu fashion, during their 3-3 draw with Ajax.

Six goals were scored with two red cards shown over the course of a dramatic 90 minutes at the Johan Cruijff Arena after both sides had already booked their places in the Champions League round of 16.

In the second half, referee Clement Turpin gave both Maximilian Wober and Muller their marching orders in the space of eight minutes and the latter’s sending off went viral across social media for obvious reasons.

The Germany forward attempted to beat Tagliafico to Noussair Mazraoui’s cross field ball but unintentionally made contact with his head.

Muller tried his best to comfort Tagliafico as he laid on the turf before being shown a red card and has now issued an apology to the Argentinian.

“I would like to apologise to Nico Tagliafico for yesterday’s incident,’ Muller wrote on Twitter.

“It was unintentional. Get well soon.”

Bayern boss, Niko Kovac admitted that Muller’s sending off was ‘fair’ before hailing an ‘amazing’ match between the two sides.

“The red card for Wober was totally justified because he took on that challenge in a negligent way,’ Metro UK quoted him as saying after the final whistle.

“The red card for Thomas was fair as well. He didn’t see the player but you have to be aware of your opponent coming at the ball at your back. Both penalty decisions correct. Both red cards correct.

“The referee did well, except in the case of the goal that made it 3-3. I’m not a referee but I think it was offside.

“I think we were part of an amazing football game. Both teams played at a high level and played with a pressing style,” he said.

“We didn’t want to give Ajax too many opportunities for counter-attacks. That’s why we played a bit more defensively and had one or two very good counter-attacks ourselves in the first half.

“Our first goal was well deserved but then we lost the ball too easily and conceded goals.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/13/champions-league-muller-breaks-silence-kung-fu-kicking-tagliaficos-head/

The Senate on Wednesday urged the Federal Government to immortalise the former Military Governor of North Central State, late Brigadier General Abba Kyari by renaming the Kaduna International Airport after him.

The upper legislative chamber hinged its reason on Kyari’s immense contributions to national unity.

The resolution followed a motion, “Demise of Brigadier General Abba Kyari, rtd (17th November, 1938-25th November, 2018), by Senator Baba Bashir Garbai, APC-Borno Central and co-sponsored by all senators at the plenary.

Senator Garbai, while presenting the motion, said the deceased passed away on Sunday, November 25 after a brief illness at the age of 80 years.

The lawmaker noted that the late Kyari, achieved heroic status during the military coup in 1966 by assisting many of his military colleagues, including Major Samuel Ogbemudia, who later became Mid-West State as well as civilians to escape back to the South East.

Senator Garbai further described the deceased as “a patriot and man of peace who rose above the passions of the moment in that troubled period”.

He informed that as the governor of North Central State, comprising the present day Kaduna and Katsina States, Kyari, then a Major, commissioned a master plan for Kaduna metropolis, which he alleged subsequent administrations failed to implement.

The lawmaker added that the deceased was instrumental to the establishment of the Rural Development Board, the Staff Training Centre, Kaduna Capital Development Board, now KASUPDA, and the Water Board, informing that “his government was noted for the vast improvement in the quality of life of the citizens”.

Senator Garbai said that the late military officer is survived by a wife, nine children, including Senator Abubakar Kyari, representing Borno North and chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, as well many grandchildren.

Many senators in their separate contributions; eulogised the exemplary qualities of the deceased as a Nigerian who lived for the unity of the country.

In his remarks, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over the plenary, described late General Kyari as “a man who lived a life of patriotism”, adding that his contributions to unity, peace and progress of this country is legendary.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/12/nigerian-govt-asked-to-rename-kaduna-international-airport-after-abba-kyari/

The Kogi State House of Assembly has declared vacant the seat of Hon. Linus Enench, the member representing Olamaboro Constituency of the state.

The decision taken on Tuesday on the floor of the house in Lokoja followed the recent defection of Enenche from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the main opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Enenche lost his seat following a motion moved to that effect by the House Majority Leader, Hon. Bello Hassan Abdullahi.

Abdullahi had hinged his motion on a letter transmitted to the House by the state Chairman of the APC , Mr Abdul Bello, informing the House of Enenche’s defection.

He said that the letter also stated that Enenche will be seeking a return to the house on the platform of his new party, the PDP during the 2019 elections.

By this action, Abdullahi explained that Enenche had contravened Section 109 -1 Sub Section G of the 1999 constitution as amended.

The motion was seconded by Hon Ahmed Mohammed but a member of the PDP in the house objected on grounds that there was no evidence to back the motion.

He also argued that Enenche had already dragged the APC to court over the matter.

The Speaker, Hon. Mathew Kolawole, however, overruled him and put the motion to vote.

Two of the three members present during the plenary voted yes while the only PDP member among them voted no.

Enenche, who later spoke with newsmen, described the action of his colleagues as reckless and unconstitutional.

The lawmaker who spoke on phone said that the matter was already in court, saying that declaring his seat vacant was null and void.

He alleged that the leadership of the House had refused to pay his salary and allowances for the past seven months.

Enenche said all efforts made by him to get his entitlements released proved abortive as the Speaker claimed that he had been directed not to pay him. ( NAN)

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/12/kogi-lawmaker-loses-seat-for-defecting-to-pdp/

President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, on Monday, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and all election stakeholders to ensure that the 2019 elections are free, fair, credible and transparent.

He made this call in his opening address at a one day public hearing on “Vote Buying and Improving Electoral Processes in Nigeria”, organised by the National Assembly Joint Committee on INEC, in Abuja.

He stated that this has become imperative as the country is in a delicate situation where Africa and the entire world is looking forward to what happens in the coming elections.

“This is understandable when you consider that our President is the Chairman of ECOWAS,” Saraki said. “Moreover, the Chairman of our INEC is the head of Electoral Commissions in West Africa. With these positions, it is clear that we cannot afford to conduct an election that will not be credible, peaceful, free and fair.”

He noted that having set an enviable record in the 2015 general elections, the country cannot afford to lower the standard in 2019, adding that “We must up the ante, because whatever we do, will have an impact on the continent and serve as a representation of Africa on the global stage.”



He insisted that vote buying and election rigging, remain contemporary challenges that mar the nation’s electoral process. “We must deal with them in such a manner that does not detract from the credibility and legitimacy of the coming 2019 Polls.”

Saraki said: “Let me, at this point, mention that our major concern should be entrenching global best practices in our electoral process, and ensuring that these are backed by legislation to make them sustainable and permanent. For example, the use of Incident Form to bypass the lawful process of accreditation and voting is not good for the country. We must do away with it.

“This is one of those issues concerning which, whether there is a law or not, all of us who are stakeholders should come to agreement and address the anomaly. At the very least, this is one minimum condition that we must meet as we move towards 2019 Polls. All stakeholders should demonstrate the fact that a credible and transparent election is far better and more important than who wins that election.

“We cannot afford to send the wrong signals with our actions or inactions as we prepare for the next elections. The world must take positive cues from us that we are ready to improve on our process, and make our electoral process more transparent and commendable. This is because perception matters, as you all know. Perception is, in fact, the reality.

“At this point, it does seem to me that the onus is on INEC to demonstrate its independence. It should be pro-active and take bold decisions. And this is necessary because the responsibility to conduct a credible poll is solely that of The Commission. This is elemental to retaining the confidence of the electorate.

“All of us who are gathered here have the responsibility to contribute ideas based on our experiences and insights on how to cure the ills of vote buying, subverting the popular will and delegitimising the outcome of our elections.

“Furthermore, we need to make suggestions on how to curb the unlawful interference by security agents in the voting process.

“It is all too clear that security agents are beginning to emerge as major clogs in the election process. Reports of collusion with political actors to disenfranchise voters is very worrying indeed.

“We cannot under any circumstances militarise elections, because that defeats the purpose of free, fair and credible polls. In an election, access to the polling units for the purpose of casting one’s vote is the barest minimum.

“Once a voter is denied the opportunity to vote through bullying, intimidation and other forms of harassment, then vote rigging and electoral malpractice have free reign.

“The security agencies work for INEC as the electoral body is the one charged by the constitution and our laws to conduct election. INEC must, therefore, set the rules for their engagement during elections, which they are to follow.

“The Commission should further seek the co-operation of the respective security agencies to ensure strict compliance. It is that way that Nigerians can trust the process, and it will be clear to all that the right steps have been taken with regard to the involvement of security agents.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/11/2019-saraki-tasks-inec-security-agencies-to-checkmate-vote-buying-election-rigging/