₦airaland Forum

The Nigerian Army has cautioned against insinuations capable of causing panic and displacement in resettled communities in Borno.

Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Operation LAFIYA DOLE gave the warning in a statement issued in Maiduguri on Sunday.

Nwachukwu said that the army had received reports indicating that some unscrupulous elements were instigating residents of Bama, Dikwa and Monguno to abandon their homes and relocate to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in the state.

According to him, there was no basis for inhabitants of the affected communities to abandon their homes as such insinuations are instigated for undisclosed reasons.

He said the army and other security agencies would shed more light on the situation at the extraordinary security meeting conveyed by Gov. Kashim Shettima of Borno.

“We will like to further state that there is no basis for the people of Bama, Dikwa and Monguno to vacate their respective communities.

“However, troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE in conjunction with Borno State Government are working toward relocating residents of Baga to safer locations in view of the ongoing military operations in the area.

“Members of the public are advised to remain calm as the military is in firm control to guarantee their safety and security.

“We will like to warn that any attempt to cause further panic through false alarm would be viewed very seriously,’’ Nwachukwu said.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/30/boko-haram-army-warns-nigerians/

The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus, has said President Muhammadu Buhari is “dancing on the graves of innocent Nigerians” after he launched his reelection campaign while residents of Zamfara were under bandits attacks.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) commenced its presidential campaign in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital, on Friday.

Secondus said Nigerians expected Buhari to put politics aside and find solutions to the “unmitigated killings in some parts of northern Nigeria”.

The PDP chairman compared the actions of Buhari and the national leadership of the APC to “dancing on the graves of innocent Nigerians who elected him in 2015 and have now been killed by bandits because the government they elected refused to protect them”.

He continued, “It is sad watching the president speak in Akwa Ibom state, when the people of Zamfara state and other states, especially from the north-west and north-central, even in the north-east, are crying for help.

“These are people who lined up in the sun about four years ago, thinking that President Buhari would be a father to them all.

“Now they cannot go to their farms and their homes had been taken over by bandits. Yet, their father, the president, was busy dancing and giving out fake promises again.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/29/buhari-dancing-graves-innocent-nigerians-secondus/

Former Military ruler, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, has mourned the death of Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari.

Shagari, the First Executive President of Nigeria, died on Friday, December 28 at the National Hospital in Abuja, after a brief illness.

IBB, in a statement, said Nigeria and Africa as a whole have lost a great leader.

His full statement below:

With deep heart and sympathies I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to the Family of the first civilian Executive President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Turakin Sokoto, Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari, GCFR who passed on today, Friday, 28 December 2018 at the National Hospital after a protracted illness.

My heart and prayers go to his Family, the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Sokoto Caliphate and Sokoto State.

Nigeria and indeed Africa has lost a statesman and democrat whose wisdom, counsel, presence and experience and his sterling qualities of honesty and transparency are needed in these very trying moments of our national life.

President Shehu Shagari was a great patriotic leader and an accomplished gentleman, at first a teacher, an administrator, a technocrat and an honest decent unassuming simple Nigerian Leader.

He will be remembered for his tolerance and politics of peace without bitterness. President Shehu Shagari was a nationalist who never showed any discrimination due to ethnicity or religion and was a very dependable bridge builder.

To keep his memory alive Nigerian politicians and indeed all fellow Nigerians must put to practice all his ideals of peace and party politics without rancour, irrespective of any form of provocation.

I urge all persons vying for political office to emulate him and keep alive the political principles of the late Turakin Sokoto, Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari, the quintessential public servant who was “Beckoned to Serve”.

I pray for the repose of his soul in Jannatul Firdaus. I pray that the entire nation, his Family, Sokoto State and indeed the Sokoto Caliphate will accept his passing with equanimity.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/29/shehu-shagari-ibb-reacts-former-president-dies-93/

The Nigerian Army on Friday said Boko Haram terrorists had not taken over Baga town in Borno, contrary to reports in some sections of the media.

“Baga town is not in the hands of the Boko Haram. They contested it (taking the over the border town) but they lost the contest,’’ Maj.-Gen. Lamidi Adeosun, the Chief of Training and Operations disclosed on the sidelines of a news conference in Maiduguri, NAN reports.

Adeosun, however, confirmed that as at Thursday, troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce battle in the efforts to repel them.

“They terrorised the town and attacked the Headquarters of the 7 Brigade of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) at about 7 p.m. on Wednesday,’’ he said.

Giving an update on Thursday, the army spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman confirmed that a naval officer was killed as troops repelled the attack.

Usman added the Nigerian Air Force component of the Operation Lafia Dole was mobilised to engage the fleeing terrorists.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/28/army-speaks-boko-haram-taking-borno/

Manchester United midfielder, Andreas Pereira, is currently considering an offer from Arsenal, the UK Metro reports.

The 22-year-old impressed during his loan spell at Sevilla last season and was expected to make an impact at United this term.

But Pereira has made only seven appearances in all competitions this season and was often left out of the squad by Jose Mourinho.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s arrival at United could mean that Pereira is given more chances in midfield.

However, Pereira is keeping his options open as his contract expires at the end of the season.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/28/epl-manchester-united-midfielder-considering-offer-join-arsenal/

A former Governor of Kaduna State, Balarabe Musa, has said that President Muhammadu Buhari and his wife, Aisha, were going against Islamic laws by bringing their arguments to the public.

He described the controversy between the couple over allegations of a cabal’s influence on the President as unIslamic.

The Kaduna born politician was quoted by Daily Trust on Wednesday as saying that as husband and wife, there were certain things that should be kept away from public consumption.

According to Musa, “It’s unIslamic, the allegations from the both sides; here I mean the allegations of the wife and the response of the president because we don’t expect these kinds of things happening between the wife and the husband.

“In an Islamic society, there are certain things that should be kept away from public views.

“So, it’s very unfortunate and I think people should not be involved in this controversy.

“I dismissed it as unIslamic and not in culture of Islam because you don’t expect this to happen between leaders, husbands and wives even between friends.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/27/cabal-presidency-aisha-buhari-defiling-islamic-rules-balarabe-musa/

Arsenal manager, Unai Emery, has said his side failed to beat Brighton on Boxing Day, because they didn’t control the game enough.

The Gunners took the lead through in-form Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but the hosts levelled after a defensive mix-up, shortly before the interval.

“We are disappointed but the first half is they key in the match. We had two chances to score and the goalkeeper saved very well from Aubameyang. We didn’t concede many chances but they scored from one.

“They are a very organised team. I think it’s difficult to win here. We wanted to control the match and in the first half we did this, but the second half we cannot do that.

“We are in our process, we want to be in the top four but we are continuing and improving,” Emery told Sky Sports after the game.

When asked whether the Mesut Ozil’s substitution was due to Brighton equaliser, Emery replied: “No, it’s only tactical. Because we changed from 4-4-2 and this is only a tactical decision.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/26/epl-unai-emery-reveals-arsenal-drew-1-1-brighton-explains-ozils-substitution/

Manchester United’s interim manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has admitted he will not be immune to criticism from former players.

Solskjaer won his first game 5-1 against Cardiff in style, but he is not expecting a smooth ride.

His predecessors have frequently been unhappy with former players who are now pundits such as Gary Neville, who have picked apart United’s performances and offered varying opinions on their play.

“Don’t worry, Gary will be really hard on me.

“I sat next to him in the dressing room for 11 years. You know Gary.
“He’s paid now to give his opinion and of course he should do. I’m no different to anyone else. I’m no different to any other manager when you lead that team out on to the pitch.

“It comes with a responsibility but my job is to get the players enjoying themselves,” Solskjaer said according to the UK Guardian.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/26/epl-solskjaer-expecting-manchester-united-legends-criticize/

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday sang the popular Christmas song, “We wish you” as he felicitated with Christians over the yuletide season.

Buhari sang the song alongside his Vice, Yemi Osinbajo and the All Progressives Congress, APC, National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, in his office at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

In a message that accompanied the video posted on the verified Twitter handle of the Nigerian President, Buhari said Christmas was a message of hope and salvation that Jesus Christ embodies and conveys.

He said, “At Christmas we reflect on the humble, symbolic and divine birth of a young child thousands of years ago in Bethlehem, Judea; and the message of hope, compassion, salvation, reconciliation, forgiveness and peace that Jesus Christ embodies and conveys. Merry Christmas to All!”

Watch video here:

At Christmas we reflect on the humble, symbolic and divine birth of a young child thousands of years ago in Bethlehem, Judea; and the message of hope, compassion, salvation, reconciliation, forgiveness and peace that Jesus Christ embodies and conveys.

Merry Christmas to All! pic.twitter.com/8b09OxYXcp

— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) December 25, 2018

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/25/christmas-buhari-osinbajo-oshiomhole-aso-villa-video/

The Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel, has approved the use of Godswill Akpabio International Stadium for the flag-off of President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election campaign in the South-South region.

A terse statement signed by the Commissioner for Youths and Sport, Mr Monday Uko, Monday night confirmed the approval.

“Following a decision by Julius Berger Plc to recall their staff from their scheduled holiday, the Akwa Ibom State Government has approved the use of the Nest of Champions Stadium, Uyo for the flag-off of the President’s electioneering campaign on December 28, 2018.

“However, all other terms of use will remain effective. Organisers of the rally are expected to meet with the stadium management to finalise this approval,” the statement read.

Earlier, the presidency said no person has the powers to restrain the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria access to any public place in Nigeria which was to be used for a public purpose.

Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), ita Enang, who spoke in a press conference, said the party would explore all the diplomatic ways available to ensure the use of the venue.

He added that in case such failed, the party would make its way into the stadium.

“We will continue to use diplomacy for the request, but if the diplomacy fails, we will still use the stadium. When higher immunity meets the state immunity, it would succumb. We will not allow Udom to blackmail Akwa Ibom,” He said.

Enang insisted that the state government’s action was pre-meditated and political, recalling that “the governorship primary that Udom was declared the winner in 2014, was done in that same stadium”.

He said the senator representing Akwa Ibom Northeast, Senator Bassey Albert, also did his empowerment and constituency briefing on the same stadium.

“Udom should know that it was his predecessor Godswill Akpabio that built the stadium with funds allocated to the state by the Federal Government led by President Buhari and denying Akwa Ibom people the use of that facility is a collective insult on the people of the state,” he stressed.

He explained that the choice of Akwa Ibom for the South-South campaign flag-off became necessary following widespread acceptability of the APC in the state and the South-South states.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/25/gov-emmanuel-approves-akwa-ibom-stadium-buhari-apc-campaign/

President Muhammadu Buhari has sent a goodwill message to Christians celebrating Christmas.

Buhari, in a statement he personally signed on Monday, felicitated with all Nigerians on the occasion.

He said, ”I felicitate with all Nigerians, particularly our Christian brothers and sisters, on the joyous occasion of this year’s Christmas, which commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ.

”Like I have done in the last three Christmas messages to my fellow compatriots as a serving President, I believe this season is another opportunity to reflect on the imagery of the humble, symbolic and divine birth of a young child thousands of years ago in Bethlehem, Judea, and the message of hope, compassion, salvation, reconciliation, forgiveness and peace that Jesus Christ embodies and conveys.

”In 2018, Nigerians have had mixed blessings, typical of human beings.

”On the pleasant side, our economy has made significant progress since coming out from recession and our faithful implementation of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.

”Agricultural revolution has seen a vastly improved local production to the detriment of importation, while we have achieved surplus in our trade balance. Similarly, infrastructural deficit has been greatly reduced with significant improvements in roads, railways, aviation and power.

”In addition, we have not relented in the fight against corruption while the business environment has been improved through institutional reforms.

”On the downside, we have seen so many unnecessary deaths caused by violent clashes between neighbours, who ordinarily should complement and support one another.

”We cannot bring back the lives lost to floods, unfortunate fire disasters, road accidents, farmers/herders clashes and insurgency.

”But we can put back smiles on the faces of the grieving, the displaced and the troubled, if we show a little love and recommit ourselves to building relationships with those outside our ethnic, religious and socio-political divides.

”As we celebrate Christmas, exchange gifts, pray and visit loved ones, let us remember many others who cannot be with their families this time.

”Our brave Armed Forces, and other security men and women who make incredible sacrifices to keep us safe, the aged, the sick, physically challenged persons, all deserve our goodwill in this season of love and sharing.

”Together we can show generosity to our neighbours and demonstrate the diversity that makes Nigeria unique – a land with a beautiful climate and vegetation, beaming with an energetic and creative youth population.

”We must not also forget that what lies ahead of us as a nation is better than whatever we must have experienced in the past.

”With general elections around the corner and heightened political activities across the country, I have charged our security and law enforcement agencies to secure the sanctity of the ballot box and ensure that the outcome of the polls reflects the will of the Nigerian people.

”My avowed commitment to free, fair, credible and violence-free polls is not a ruse or yet another vain political promise. My word is my bond.

”It is a sworn declaration on the advancement of Nigeria, the future and safety of our young and unborn generations.

”Let us tell the world that, indeed, ‘‘something good’’ can come out from Nigeria. And it will happen, as we all team up to make it happen.

”Merry Christmas!”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/24/christmas-full-text-buharis-message-nigerians/

The PDP Presidential Campaign Organization (PPCO) has asked Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to bury his ambition of becoming the President of Nigeria in 2023.

The Spokesman of the PPCO, Kola Ologbondiyan in a statement on Sunday said President Muhammadu Buhari, who Osinbajo is deputising would be voted out of office in February, 2019.

Osinbajo said Saturday, that the South West would take a shot at the presidency at the end of Buhari’s tenure in 2023.

But the PPCO said, “It is laughable that Prof. Osinbajo is swimming in wishful thinking, even when it has become obvious that he and President Buhari will no longer have any political relevance after May 29, 2019, given their dismal performance in an administration that is reputed as the worst, the most corrupt and the most abhorred in the history of Nigeria.

“Is it not ludicrous that Prof. Osinbajo thinks he can sweet-talk and cajole the people of the Southwest to shed their already established support for PDP Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, when they are the worst hit by his poor showing in the incompetent Buhari administration, particularly, as the head of the failed economic team that plunged our economy into recession.

“Our ambitious Vice President in his political hallucination has failed to realize that the South West is politically sophisticated and cannot fall for his gimmicks and self-serving venture.

“What should rather occupy Prof. Osinbajo’s mind, now that it is clear that he is leaving office in May, 2019, is how to answer for the mindless looting of our patrimony, particularly the alleged looting of huge part of the N33 billion meant for food and welfare of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North East, while he was acting President in 2017.

“Prof. Osinbajo should be getting ready with answers to the alleged diversion of huge funds in kickbacks on the ‘trader moni’ scheme, as well as the alleged looting of emergency funds in the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to finance the wasteful lifestyle of APC leaders and his benefactors.

“Furthermore, our dear Vice President, as a preacher and professor of law, should be ready to explain why he has not been outspoken against the killings and bloodletting in the country, the unending repression, human rights violations, disobedience to court orders, crass nepotism, killing of our soldiers and humongous corruption in the government he features prominently.

“The PPCO, indeed, finds it very unfortunate and completely appalling that Osinbajo has no concern about the plight and sufferings of Nigerians under President Buhari and that he wants them to continue to suffer for another four years, just for him to achieve his unattainable personal ambition of being a President.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/24/bury-2023-presidential-ambition-pdp-tells-osinbajo/

Former English professional footballer, Gary Lineker, has hailed Crystal Palace star, Andros Townsend for his goal against Manchester City on Saturday.

Manchester City suffered a shock 2-3 defeat to Palace on Saturday, their second in the season.

Lineker believes that Townsend’s “unbelievable” volley literally destroyed Man City.

The Premier League champions took an early lead through Ilkay Gundogan but Palace hit back .

Palace first goal came through Jeffrey Schlupp after 32 minutes and, then, three minutes later, Townsend stunned the home fans.

Lineker’s instant reaction on his personal Twitter account was “blimey” after Palace took the lead with a volley from the attacker that he hailed as a “goal of the season contender.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/22/epl-gary-lineker-names-one-player-destroyed-man-city-2-3-loss-crystal-palace/

The ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has refuted claims that some cabal in Aso Rock have hijacked the campaign of President Muhammadu Buhari.

There are reports that a cabal has hijacked the campaign and that there was an intense plot to relegate members of the APC National Working Committee, NWC, in the scheme of things.

But in a swift reaction, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, who spoke with Vanguard, said it was not possible for someone to hijack the party’s campaigns.

He said, “Hijacked by who? If they hijacked it, to do what? Can they campaign without the president? Can they campaign without the party?

“We are all working together and there is no issue. Very shortly, the campaign council will be announced and campaigns will start.

“Election is February 16 and I keep telling people that campaigns are not all about rallies.

“There are several platforms of engagement with the voters. Many other aspects are ongoing. Our activities are ongoing.

“Yesterday, the president commissioned the international wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe airport.

“That is campaign to show that the same country that was not working is now working. That is what Nigerians are going to vote for in February.

“Nigerians are travelling this season, they will see activities going on on the roads. The roads that were not free for several hours, they are now going to be spending fewer hours.

“That is part of campaign. It is for people to go and see improvements and see possibilities and see that their country is now working.

“We are going to do rallies across the country. We are a party that is so proud of our achievements and we are very confident that our achievements are speaking for us already.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/22/2019-election-apc-speaks-aso-rock-cabal-hijacking-buharis-campaign/

Six people were killed when a plane chartered by DR Congo’s election commission crashed near Kinshasa airport, sources said Friday.

The Antonov 26 crashed Thursday as it was about to land after delivering election material to Tshikapa in the center of the country, a spokesman at the Independent National Election Commission (CENI) told AFP.

The consignment comprised “election results forms” and was safely delivered before the accident, the spokesman said.

Presidential, legislative and provincial elections were due to have been held in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday, defusing a two-year-old crisis over the future of President Joseph Kabila.

But the twice-delayed poll suffered a new setback on Thursday when CENI ordered a week-long postponement after a fire destroyed electronic voting machines and ballot papers at a warehouse in Kinshasa.

The delay will enable CENI to get replacement ballot papers from the South Korean firm supplying the equipment, the panel said.

An official with air traffic control in Tshikapa, the capital of Kasai district, told AFP that the plane, operated by a company called Gomair, delivered its consignment.

All five crew members and one passenger died in the crash, which occurred during bad weather as it returned to Kinshasa, the official said. (AFP)

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/21/six-killed-plane-crash-dr-congo-election-flight/

The Akwa Ibom state government has announced that its population estimate has increased from three million as at 2006 to over six million in 2018

The Commissioner for Economic Development, Labour and Manpower Planning, Ekong Sampson disclosed this in Uyo on Friday at the official launch of the “Akwa Ibom State Demographic Dividend Profile”, a compendium of the State’s demographic data, published by his Ministry.

According to Ekong, “the current population estimate has grown drastically from 3,902,051 in 2006 to the current estimate of about 6m, with a projection to reach 7.3 million in 2025 and 10.7 million in 2030,” adding that if not checked, the figure would double itself in 2039.

The commissioner, who attributed the State’s population explosion to peace, security and the industrialisation drive of Governor Udom Emmanuel, warned of the adverse effect if the increment is not matched with commensurate supply of resources.

His words, “The rapid growth and expansion experienced in the population of Akwa Ibom State has been linked to the prevailing peace, improved security and attractions created by the industrialisation drive of the Governor Udom Emmanuel administration in the state. These, over the years, have drawn population from various parts of Nigeria and the world at large to the State.

“But there is possible adverse effects, especially if it grows faster than the supply of other resources. Such consideration made it imperative to search for solutions to population problems and pressures”.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/21/akwa-ibom-population-explodes-commissioner-gives-reasons/

The Federal Government has described as an “act of desperation’’, the statement credited to the PDP Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, that “killings will continue if President Muhammadu Buhari is re-elected’’.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, stated the government position at a media briefing on Thursday in Abuja.

The minister said that Atiku was desperate “due to his floundering campaign’’ and admonished the former Vice President to stop bad politicking and politicising killings.

“It is clear to all Nigerians that the electioneering campaign of the PDP presidential candidate has failed to gain traction.

“From Sokoto to Ilorin to Ibadan to Gombe, it has been a disastrous outing for the campaign.

“With that magnitude of failure, anyone can say anything to stay afloat,’’ he said.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/20/buhari-govt-lambasts-desperate-atiku/

No fewer than 469 Atiku Support Groups have accused the Atiku Presidential Campaign Office (APCO) of neglect and threatened they would withdraw their support.

The groups which formed a coalition known as APCO support group warned the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against sabotaging the effort of the presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, as they did to former President Goodluck Johnathan in 2015.

The convener of the group, Mr. Amb. Enobong Iyang, popularly known as Don P, threatened to withdraw their support for Atiku if urgent steps were not taken to address their grievances.

The leaders met in APCO office in Abuja on Tuesday and deliberated on many issues hindering the performance of support groups.

They said that the situation could affect Atiku’s outing in 2019 if not properly managed.

They accused APCO leadership of lackadaisical attitude and neglecting the effort of support groups despite all the resources spent and efforts made in promoting Atiku to the electorate in the last one year.

The groups claimed they had been using personal resources to mobilise support for Atiku across the 36 state.

They regretted that in spite of their efforts, no recognition was accorded to the groups.

They reported that prior to the Port Harcourt presidential primary election of the party, APCO had 860 support groups and the leadership set up a special committee of seventeen leaders known as L-17 to vet and trim the groups into a sizeable and manageable number.

The L-17 committee swung into action and eventually trimmed the number to 469 authenticated groups and submitted same to the leadership of APCO but nothing has been done.

Other prominent leaders of the groups include the National Coordinator of Atikudom 2019, who is Ambassador Enobong Inyang.

Others are National Coordinator of Democracy Development Network, Mr Godwin Enemona; National Coordinator of Atiku Global Support Group (AGSG Alhaji Gambo Jagindi and Princess Kemi. (NAN)

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/20/support-groups-threaten-dump-atiku/

Nine more political parties on have joined the Conference of United Political Parties.

The political parties signed the Coalition Memorandum of Understanding on Monday in Abuja.

The are: United Patriot, Save Nigeria Congress, Peoples Coalition Party, Reform and Advancement Party, We the People of Nigeria and Alliance of Social Democrats.

The Secretary of the Coalition, Peter Ameh, announced that the other political parties that joined the coalition, which were also scheduled to sign the MoU, sent their apologies due to flight delay from Lagos.

The parties are Change Party, New Generation Party and Alliance National Party.

The Chairman of the CUPP Steering Committee, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, while receiving the new political parties said with additional parties, the coalition now had 48 members.

Oyinlola said membership of the coalition had grown steadily since it was formed since July.

He said: “Today’s event is a pointer to the fact that we are on the side of the people and God in this movement of national redemption.

“While we welcome our new colleagues, we wish to reiterate that CUPP is an equal opportunity coalition, there is no seniority in CUPP.

“What we have is a situation where every member is carried along and decisions are taken on consensus.

“I assure our new members that your coming in late will not in any way be of disadvantage.”

Oyinlola pledged that the coalition would work hard to ensure that the coalition consensus candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, wins the 2019 presidential election.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/18/nine-political-parties-join-cupp/

Reno Omokri, the former aide to ex-president Goodluck Jonathan has joined Nigerians and the rest of the world to felicitate with President Muhammadu Buhari as he celebrates his 76th birthday.

Omokri, felicitating with the President, suggested how he should celebrate his 76th birthday.

He urged Buhari to celebrate his birthday with soldiers of the Nigerian army fighting Boko Haram insurgents.

Omokri said this while making reference to the soldiers who were killed by Boko Haram insurgents a month ago.

DAILY POST recalls that on 18th November, the Al Barnawi faction of Boko Haram attacked the 157 Task Force Battalion based at Metele in the northern part of Borno state, killing scores of the Nigerian troops.

The presidential Spokesman on his Twitter page wrote: “Today is President @MBuhari’s 76th birthday and I wish him a happy birthday.

“But I ask, is it coincidental that exactly a month ago, on November 17, 2018, Boko Haram killed 76 Nigerian soldiers? If I were Buhari, I would have celebrated my birthday with our troops.”

Meanwhile, the Presidency in celebration of Buhari at 76, highlighted some reasons President Muhammadu Buhari should be reelected in 2019.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/17/buhari-celebrate-76th-birthday-jonathans-ex-aide-omokri/

Southampton have ended Arsenal’s 22 game unbeaten run, after a topsy-turvy 3-2 victory at St. Mary’s Stadium.

It was the team’s first victory since Coach Ralph Hasenhuttl took charge last month.

The thrilling match was heading to a possible stalemate when Southampton striker Charlie Austin capitalized on a howler from Gunners goalkeeper Bernd Leno to seal a shock 3-2 win on Sunday.

Austin headed home with just five minutes left after Leno misjudged Shane Long’s cross.

Southampton had twice taken the lead through Danny Ings, only for Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s brace to draw Arsenal level on each occasion.

Leno’s mistake and Austin’s predatory finish handed Arsenal their first defeat in 15 league games and brought a stunning halt to their longest unbeaten run in all competitions since 2007.

Unai Emery’s fifth placed team hadn’t lost since a 3-2 defeat at Chelsea in August and the north Londoners’ first setback since the summer leaves them two points behind the fourth placed Blues, who won at Brighton on Sunday.

While it was a bitter afternoon for Arsenal, Southampton’s first win in 15 matches in all competitions was cause for much celebration.

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, taking charge of his first home game, danced a jubilant jig on the pitch at full-time after securing the maiden victory of his reign.

Hasenhuttl watched Southampton lose 1-0 at Cardiff in his first match and, in a PR stunt this week, he sent free drinks vouchers to Saints season ticket holders.

The Austrian, who left his role as Leipzig boss in May, was the toast of St Mary’s after Southampton won at home in the league for the first time since April to climb out of the relegation zone on goal difference above Burnley.

Laurent Koscielny was making his first Premier League start since April after recovering from an Achilles injury, but Arsenal’s French centre-back looked rusty when Southampton took a surprise lead in the 20th minute. (NAN)

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/17/southampton-end-arsenals-unbeaten-run/

Actress Ini Edo steps out as a wedding guest in an exceptional aso ebi style. Its a peach and turquoise blue combo, the style forms a cold shoulder gown which gives her so much alluring look.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/16/actress-ini-edo-wows-beautiful-aso-ebi-style-see-photos/

Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, has faulted the refusal of President, Muhammadu Buhari, to withhold his assent to the amended electoral bill, saying that the president and his party the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had a hidden agenda ahead of next year’s general elections.

There have been wide spread public outcry across the country over President Buhari’s refusal to sign the amended electoral bill, the president had also withdrawn his assent to the bill in September asking for some text in the bill to be revised by the National Assembly.

But his refusal to sign an amended version have been criticised by Nigerians and political stakeholders across the country, the president, however, said the passage of a new electoral bill at this period could create uncertainty and confusion in the nation’s electoral process ahead.

But speaking in an interview with Business day Thursday, National Publicity Secretary of the group, Yinka Odumakin, described the President’s decision as a setback to democracy in the country, stressing that there has not been any move by the President since he assumed office to safeguard the electoral process in the country.

Odumakin said it was obvious that the president decision was taken to safe guard millions of votes he allegedly illegally acquired in the north, adding that the APC was planning to rig next year’s election.

“It is unfortunate that a president, who contested election in the country more than three times before he win even up to the Supreme Court, has not done anything to improve the electoral process in the country since he assumed office.

“We are not surprised it is part of the plan to rig in 2015 presidential election, he got several votes, about 75 percent of his total votes in the north illegally.

Speaking further, he condemned the current Trader moni entrepreneur empowerment scheme of the current administration, describing it as an advance vote buying.

“His refusal to sign is a continuation of the rigging plan of the election. The trader-moni is advance vote-buying you can see the way it is been done,” Odumakin said.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/16/electoral-act-buhari-hidden-agenda-afenifere/

The All Progressives Congress and Peoples Democratic Party have disagreed over the readiness of both parties for the 2019 general elections.

The PDP had claimed that President Muhammadu Buhari was not ready for the 2019 general elections.

The Part alleged that the President and his party were plotting with the Independent National Electoral Commission to rig the elections.

The APC, however, denied the allegation and accused the PDP of contacting some Russian agents in the bid to hack INEC’s server during the 2019 general elections.

The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, warned that there would be dire consequences if the election was rigged because, according to him, Nigerians were ready for change of government and good governance.

He said, “President Buhari is not ready for election. We have about 60 days to the election, yet the APC has not constituted its election campaign committee and the party is not talking to Nigerians on the need to vote for it.

“The whole world has now seen that the only reason President Buhari has refused to sign the Electoral Bill is because he knows that there is no way he can win in a peaceful, credible, free and fair election.

“His only hope in contesting the election is getting INEC and security forces to assist him and the APC to rig. For PDP, our presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, is ready for the election.

The APC, however, insisted that the PDP had contacted some Russian agents in the bid to hack INEC’s server during the 2019 general elections.

The party said this accounted for why the opposition party desperately wanted President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the 2018 Electoral Amendment Bill.

He 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. The PDP is 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. (NAN)

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/16/2019-elections-apc-pdp-disagree-readiness/

One person has been reported dead while some others are injured as a 20-foot container fell on one Toyota Avalon and one Villager minivan at Isaac John Junction, Maryland, Lagos.

While confirming the accident, the General Manager of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Adesina Tiamiyu, one of the vehicles has caught fire.

“The couple in one of the cars escaped although the h car is in shambles,” an eyewitness said.

The eyewitness said while the passenger of the other vehicle escaped, the condition of the driver is unknown.

Tiamiyu, however, said “rescue efforts [were] ongoing.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/16/one-dies-container-accident-lagos/

The apex body of Urhobo decision making body, Urhobo progressive Union (UPU) on Saturday issued a seven-day ultimatum to the management of the Delta State University (DELSU) Abraka to disengage Deogratas Security Company, the privately owned security firm contracted to secure Site Three of the university.

The UPU, in the statement signed by Louis Emoubonvie Anidi and Kelly Umukoro, a copy of which was made available to newsmen in Asaba, warned that failure to comply with its demand would result in a massive protest by Urhobo youths and resort to other legal means to press home their demand.

Recall that one of the suspected ritualists fingered in the gruesome murder of Elozino Ogege, a 300-level student of the university, is a member of staff of Deogratas security firm.

In the letter addressed to the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Victor Peretemode, the UPU maintained that since the murder of Elozino Ogege was carried out in Site Three with two security operatives of the security outfit fingered, it was necessary that the outfit be disengaged with immediate effect.

Part of the letter reads: “There have been cases of ritual killings, Kidnappings, especially Staff of the university and the current murder of Elozino Ogege now revealing that the privately owned security outfit member was fingered. We don’t want to know how long the act has been happening but all we want is the outfit should be disengaged by the university immediately.”

But in a swift reaction, Professor Peretemode said, “We are studying the UPU letter but we are waiting for the police final report upon which the management of the university will act. The management of DELSU Abraka is aware of the fact that a member of the security outfit was fingered, we are on top of the situation to come out with a decision that will be situable to hearing.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/15/urhobo-give-delta-university-seven-days-disengage-deogratas-security-students-murder/

Suspected assassins have murdered a retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr Innocent Brown and his wife.

They were killed in the early hours of Thursday, in their home in Umuoke community, Obowo Local Government Area of Imo State.

The details of how the retired senior police officer and his wife were murdered are still sketchy

But, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Orlando Ikeokwu, confirmed the incident to reporters on Friday in Owerri.

He explained that he was yet to be fully briefed on the matter, stressing that “a thorough investigation to get to the root of the matter has began due to the sensitive nature of the crime.”

The bodies of the deceased were said to have been deposited at Umulogho Mercy Hospital mortuary in Obowo.

Meanwhile, the incident has thrown the community into mourning, as the youths of the area threatened to go on a violent protest if those behind the incident were not arrested.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/15/shock-unknown-gunmen-murder-ex-police-chief-wife-imo/

A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has fixed 7th of January 2019 for the ruling of a case filed by the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, seeking the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, not to recognise any candidate from the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State for the 2019 general elections.

Presiding judge, Justice J. K Omotosho gave the date after hearing the submissions of the parties involved in the matter.

Counsel to PDP, Ferdinand Orbih who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in his argument had asked the court to order INEC not to recognise any candidate of APC in the state and based his argument on decision of the state high court

But counsel to APC, Olaotakan SAN referred the Court to Section eighty-seven-one of the Electoral Act which bars another party from interfering in Internal Party Affairs.

In a related development, a Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has set aside 7th of January 2019 for ruling on a case filed by Senator Magnus Abe, and forty six others against the Independent National Electoral Commission and National Working Committee of All Progressives Congress.

Earlier, the court granted application for joinder by all the candidates of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State.

Meanwhile, the Tonye Cole campaign organization says they are not worried about the ruling of the Court of Appeal after striking out their appeal on Wednesday.

The Chairman of Tonye Cole campaign organization, Chidi Lloyd said they will continue with their campaign ahead of the 2019 general election.

Lloyd stated that the primaries that brought Tonye Cole as APC gubernatorial candidate was done within the ambits of the law.

“The Court of Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt today 12-12-18, dismissed the two applications brought before it by Pst. Tonye Cole & the other candidates on the one hand & the party executives led by Hon. Ojukaye Flag- Amachree & his executives on the other hand who were not parties in the matter before justice chiwendu Nworgu of the port Harcourt High court but were mentioned in judgement to join the appeal by the All Progressives Congress challenging the judgement at the intermediate court as interested parties .

“The special panel also struck out appeal no. CA/PH/198/2018.
Despite these set backs, it is important to state that, the Apc still has three subsisting appeals before the court of appeal namely: CA/PH/267/2018
CA/196/ 2018 and another, challenging representation by counsel and the jurisdiction of the court to enterining .

“These appeals are all still alive and are pending before the court of Appeal, port Harcourt division and have not been determined.

“Also note that the Supreme court today, heard some aspects of the the interlocutory appeal pending before it and have adjourned for judgement on 8/3/18.

“I therefore, urge you to go about your campaigns diligently & prayerfuĺ in other to ensure 5 total victory, nothing great comes great,” he said.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/14/no-need-panic-rivers-apc-campaign-organization-assures-supporters/

Actor turned politician, Yul Edochie has reacted to the recent cries from Nollywood actors who say there is no love in the industry. This was first made public by actor Kevin Ikeduba and was buttressed by AY Comedian few days ago.

Reacting to the cries from his colleagues, Yul Edochie stated clearly in a tweet that no one should expect lo be loved in Nollywood. According to him, there isn’t even love anywhere else.

He tweeted:

”They say there’s no love in Nollywood.
I laugh.
Brethren there’s no love anywhere, not only in Nollywood.
The world is tough, it’s a jungle out here.
My advice: Don’t wait for anyone to love you, love yourself, help yourself.
Work hard, pray & do what’s right in the sight of God.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/13/dont-wait-anyone-love-nollywood-yul-edochie/

A rights group, International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to consider appointing the next Inspector General of Police from the South-East at the expiration of IGP Ibrahim Idris’ tenure.

The group, in a press statement signed by its board of trustees chairman, Emeka Umeagbalasi and made available to DAILY POST in Awka, stated that the current Inspector-General would be retiring on January 3, 2019.

He said, “It is authoritatively confirmed that the present Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Kpotum Idris, shall be statutorily or legally retired from the Nigeria Police Force on 3rd January 2019.

“Owing to widespread allegations and reports of exclusion of the citizens of Southeast from several important federal appointments including top security appointments the vacancy created by the retirement in three weeks time of IGP Ibrahim Kpotum Idris is now a major test case for the Administration.”

The group argued that since the President and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) have constantly denied hating the Igbo, the retirement of the IG of police would be a good opportunity to demonstrate their claim.

Intersociety however warned against an attempt to keep the retiring IG beyond December 3, as such would be resisted.

“Any attempt to retain him or perpetuate him in office beyond his tenure and the law is a clear invitation to anarchy and impeachment of the existing Constitution.

“As his replacement, the Presidency should pick among Igbo serving senior Police Officers especially those with at least two years to stay in the Force.

“From our checks, it is likely a great opportunity for Nigeria to have a first female Inspector General of Police in the person of recently promoted DIG Peace Ibekwe-Abdallah, an Onitsha (Anambra State) born female DIG, married to northern husband.

“DIG Peace Ibekwe joined the NPF with appointment number AP25120 on 1st February 1986 and was born on 7th April 1963.”

The group also listed some other senior police officers of Igbo extraction, and their birth and recruitment dates, who could be considered for the job.

They include; Boniface K. Onyeabor, Celestine Okoye, John Ogbonnaya Amadi, Okoli C. Michael, Ngozi Vivian Onadeko, Joe Nwachukwu Enweonwu, Joseph O. Egbunike, Edward Chuka Egbuka and Josephine Ogechi Nna among others.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/13/igp-idris-retires-january-make-igbo-officer-next-inspector-general-intersociety-urges-buhari/

Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, representing Nasarawa West Senatorial District, has expressed concern over the manner former President Olusegun Obasanjo criticised President Muhammadu Buhari.

Adamu, who stated this while briefing newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday, said Obasanjo’s criticisms of Buhari were not dignifying.

He was reacting to a recent report credited to the former president, where he said he was not neutral regarding his support for a specific presidential candidate in the 2019 general elections.

Adamu said: “While he is entitled to criticise and also campaign against the re-election bid of Buhari, he should not be pedestrian in doing that.

“What was Obasanjo’s record in office when he ran this country first from Feb. 1976 to Oct. 1979, and subsequently from May 1999 to May 2007?

“Would there have been the desperate and notoriously corrupt bid for a third term in office that was witnessed by Nigerians if he had a good record by then?” Adamu asked.

According to the lawmaker, under Obasanjo’s watch, most of Nigeria’s strategic investments were sold without much to show as returns to the nation.

“No Nigerian of repute who knows Obasanjo’s antecedents will be surprised at his current criticism of Buhari.

“He is going off the line of fair comment in this circumstance, and I believe eminent citizens of this country need to call him to order,” the lawmaker said.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/12/buhari-senator-adamu-lambasts-obasanjo/

Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), Anambra State chapter, yesterday honoured the former Governor of Anambra State and the Vice Presidential Candidate of the PDP, Mr. Peter Obi, in “appreciation for his outstanding contributions to the welfare of pensioners in Anambra State.”

Speaking on behalf of pensioners, their Chairman, Comrade Anthony Ugozor, said that the gesture extended to Fmr Governor Obi was a way of reminding those responsible for managing pension funds anywhere that they will be judged and rewarded by what they do today.

On what informed the award, Comrade Ugozor said: “His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi, was so magnanimous that he paid pensioners their monthly pensions, paid all gratuities during his time and even paid16 months arrears of pension and gratuities which Dr. Chineoke Mbadinuju owed pensioners and at the same time started rice gifts to pensioners at Christmas time without making noise about it.”

Ugozor said that beyond routine payments, that Mr. Peter Obi donated a lot of things to them, including a 14-seater bus.

Obi was represented at the event by Mr. Dubem Obaze, Engr. Patrick Obi and Mr. Valentine Obienyem. Mr. Dubem Obaze recalled what Anambra State was before Obi, said that pensioners and all men of goodwill must continue to commend Obi for what he did in Anambra State. He recalled that it was under Obi that over 30 billion Naira arrears of pension owned to retirees were paid. He also recalled that under Obi gratuities where paid at least 3 months after retirement, as not done in any state or probably will be done later.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/12/anambra-pensioners-honour-obi/