₦airaland Forum

Arsenal have released their line-up to tackle Wolves in the Premier League fixture slated for Sunday evening at Emirates.

According to Mirror UK, the Gunners’ coach, Unai Emery released a provisional list of 21 players.

Arsenal head to the game following a goalless draw with Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League encounter played on Thursday night.

Below is Arsenal’s squad against Wolves:

Leno, Cech, Bellerin, Holding, Mustafi, Koscielny, Papastathopoulos, Monreal, Kolasinac, Maitland-Niles, Xhaka, Torreira, Guendouzi, Ramsey, Smith Rowe, Iwobi, Mkhitaryan, Ozil, Lacazette, Aubameyang.

The kick-off time for the match is 5:30pm.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/epl-arsenals-squad-against-wolves.html

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has said that conflicting orders from courts could threaten the success of the 2019 election.

The electoral umpire raised the alarm that conflicting court orders in respect of lists of candidates by political parties, were already a threat to the smooth conduct of the general elections.

INEC stated this through its National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education, Festus Okoye.

He said this in Enugu, yesterday while urging the courts to be cautious in issuing ex-parte orders, while the political parties design means of solving their internal matters amicably without frustrating the Commission’s operations.

He said, “In some of the states, over the same subject matter, by the same parties, we have orders from three different High Courts in a particular state; orders from Federal High Court in a state, orders from the Federal High Court in the Federal Capital Territory, over the same subject and the same issue.

“Sometimes, these orders are contradictory.

“Some of the orders are saying the Commission should collect list of party primary election emanating from a political party; another order is saying ‘don’t collect,’ yet another is saying, ‘maintain the status quo.’

“We believe that this is not healthy for the Commission; it’s not healthy for the Judiciary, it’s not healthy for the Nigerian people and it will not advance Nigerian democracy.

“So, our plea is that our courts should be circumspect in granting ex parte applications; should also interrogate litigants to make sure that the same issues are not brought before courts of coordinate jurisdiction and they will then issue orders that are contradictory and orders that will give the Commission problems in obeying.

“We don’t want a situation where the Commission will be said to be disobeying court orders.

“It creates confusion for the Commission and the Commission does not want that type of confusion, especially at this particular period,” Okoye stated.

Asked whether INEC would prosecute people involved in multiple registrations, Okoye replied that the Commission’s legal department lacks the manpower to handle the anticipated array of offenders but disclosed that they will partner with the Nigerian Bar Association in prosecuting electoral offenders.

Okoye stated further that INEC was perfecting its processes, ahead of the elections.

“So, when a vehicle leaves the Central Bank of Nigeria or an INEC office, we can see the vehicle moving to where it has been programmed to go to.

“If the vehicle moves out of the highway where it has been programmed to go, we will demobilise it.

“If it stops on the way while carrying sensitive electoral materials, we’ll interrogate the driver and the officers accompanying the vehicle.

“When the vehicle gets to the local government where it is supposed to be, we monitor it to ensure that it’s not diverted for any particular purpose,” he said.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/2019-how-courts-political-parties-are.html

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved N30,000 as the new national minimum wage.

He gave his approval while receiving the report of the Tripartite Committee on the Review of National Minimum Wage at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

With the approval, a bill is expected to be sent to the National Assembly to effect the change from N18,000 to N30,000.

Recall that the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, Trade Union Congress, TUC, United Labour Congress, ULC, and other labour unions met with the Federal Government yesterday over the minimum wage issue.

President of NLC, Ayuba Wabba had earlier suspended the planned nationwide strike.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/breaking-buhari-approves-n30000-as-new.html

Two persons died on the spot following a fatal accident between a fuel-laden tanker and a Golf car along Zaria–Kano express way by ‘Yan Karfe on Monday.

The two persons that lost their lives were in the Golf; driver and one person whom sustained serious injuries, which led to death despite efforts by people who tried to save them immediately the incident occurred.

Umar Aliyu, the tanker driver explained to newsmen that he was coming from Port Harcourt going to Jigawa before he had the accident in Zaria following a cross over by a trailer which came out from ‘Yan Karfe side.

He said for over 18 years of his driving, this was the first accident he experienced describing it as unfortunate in his driving career.

Speaking at the scene of the accident, the Area Commander Zaria Police Command, ACP Ibrahim Abdullahi, said the accident was unfortunate and advised motorists to avoid reckless driving to avoid crashes.

ACP Ibrahim said they blocked the road completely to safeguard the lives and property of the road users and divert the road to follow Zaria -Sabon Gari to their various destinations.

According to him, adequate security measures had been provided to safeguard the area.

Fire fighters from Zaria Office and Ahmadu Bello University were on ground in case of eventualities that may happen because of the petrol that was flooding on the ground.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/petrol-tanker-crushes-two-to-death-in.html

The Nigerian Army has resolved to collaborate with the Nigeria Customs Service for optimal performance in its quest to ending the Boko Haram crises in the northeast, Nigeria.

The Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division Brigadier General Abdulmalik Bulama Biu, disclosed this yesterday during an operational study tour of participants of senior course 2 of the Nigeria Customs’ Command and Staff College Gwagwalada Abuja, to Headquarters 7 Division Maimalari Cantonment Maiduguri.

He informed the team that the Division was the eye of the Army in the fight against insurgency in the North East, stressing that customs had a long-standing mutual working relationship with the Division and is committed to maintaining the ties.

General Biu noted the fight against insurgency was not the sole responsibility of one service alone since the war is multidimensional and dynamic in nature.

He, therefore, urged the participants to make use of the information provided during the study tour in the production of good research work that will enhance the optimal performance of personnel deployed within the theatre of operations.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation and Deputy Commandant Adewale Bashir Adeniyi stated that, the students’ tour of the Division is to afford them an understanding of the operational strategies applied by the Division in combating Boko Haram and the challenges associated with asymmetric warfare.

He added that, the visit is to further prepare the Custom officers for command responsibilities in the event of their deployment to the theatre.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/boko-haram-nigerian-army-customs-join.html

The federal government on Sunday gave reasons why it cannot meet the demand of labour unions that the national minimum wage be increased to N30,000.

The labour unions, NLC, TUC and ULC, have vowed to commence a nationwide strike from Tuesday if government does not meet its demand.

The workers unions accuse the government of going back on a N30,000 decision reached at a tripartite meeting between labour, government, and private employers.

However, the federal government says no agreement was reached at the tripartite meeting and insists on a N24,000 minimum wage, while the state governors say they would only be able to pay N22,500.

On Sunday, the labour unions boycotted a reconciliation meeting called by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

Speaking with journalist Sunday evening, the SGF, Boss Mustapha, said the meeting was part of the exercise that ought to be undertaken to ensure that there was a complete report to be submitted to the presidency on the issues relating to the minimum wage.

Mr Mustapha said that the tripartite committee has been working assiduously though there were outstanding issues that needed to be dealt with and that was the reason he called for the reconciliation meeting.

“Basically the only outstanding issue that needs to be dealt with is to harmonise the 5th chapter of the report and get the figures in for the purposes of submission to government,” he said.

REASONS WE CAN’T MEET N30,000

The SGF said President Muhammadu Buhari, while inaugurating the tripartite meeting, emphasised the need for a unanimous resolution at the meeting, something that was yet to be agreed to.

“Mr President went further to emphasise that the concern is not only for the welfare of the workers but also every other thing should be taken on board as it affects the country’s economy.

“So it is a balance of the welfare of the workforce with the effect of the new minimum wage and the economy,” he said

The SGF quoting Mr Buhari said, “We yearn to go above basic social protection for Nigerian worker but also tie to the ability to pay, because I know that a lot of states are even having difficulty meeting the basic minimum wage”.

He noted that 27 states were having difficulty in paying the current minimum wage of N18,000, while noting that he was not making any excuses for them.

He did not elaborate on why labour unions boycotted the meeting but said the tripartite meeting will continue tomorrow.

“I want to assure all of you that once the report is concluded and ready, I will personally ensure that Mr President sign immediately on it,” he said.

Earlier on Sunday, the General Secretary of the NLC, Peter Ozo-Esan, told PREMIUM TIMES in a telephone interview why his union boycotted the Sunday meeting.

“We (NLC) are not aware of any meeting with the SGF over any matter. A government that gets an injunction against us without putting us on notice until we heard from the press has shown enough bad faith.

“Even if we were aware, we would not be interested to attend any meeting. The meeting we are aware of, which we are going to attend, is the tripartite committee meeting tomorrow in Abuja. That’s the one we plan to attend. That is the official position,” he said.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/minimum-wage-why-we-cant-meet-labours.html

Angela Simmons’ ex-fiancee and baby daddy has died. Sutton Tennyson was shot and killed at his home today, The Shaderoom reported.

The unfortunate news was confirmed by his dad who gave no further details.

Angela and Sutton began dating in later 2015 and welcomed their baby, Sutton Jr., in September 2016.They split in December 2017.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/angela-simmons-baby-daddy-sutton.html

The Delta State Police Command has rescued the kidnapped Naval personnel, Omoniyi D. Kola, and arrested four suspects in connection with the abduction, DAILY POST can report.

The suspects were arrested at Ebada-Elume community, Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State.

It was learnt that the Divisional Police Officer, “C” Division in Asaba, CSP Anieteh Eyoh and his men stormed the community with a drone, and captured the area.

This led to the arrest of those who aided and abetted the criminal act. But, the kidnap kingpin is still on the run.

Eyoh promptly handed over the arrested suspects to the Sapele Police Command of the Nigeria Police Force.

DAILY POST learnt that the released Naval personnel is currently receiving medical treatment at the Naval Hospital in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.

When contacted, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammad Mustafa confirmed the report.

Mustafa said, “The Police combed the area and the suspects were arrested around Sapele area. The Naval Officer is receiving treatment at the Navy Hospital in Effurun. Investigation is still ongoing.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/police-rescue-kidnapped-naval-officer.html

Media mogul, Dele Momodu has reacted to issuance of attestation certificate and confirmation of school certificate result from the West African Examination Council, WAEC to President Muhammadu Buhari.

DAILY POST recalls that Buhari had been under attacks after he failed to submit his credentials to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as various presidential candidates’ credentials were made available.

Buhari only submitted an affidavit wherein he claimed that his credential was with the Secretary of the Military Board.

However, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, on Friday announced that President Muhammadu Buhari had received an attestation certificate and confirmation of school certificate result from the West African Examination Council, WAEC.

This however stirred reactions as some Nigerians questioned the authenticity of the results.

Reacting, Momodu, in a post on his Twitter page, said Buhari’s attestation from WAEC has caused more distractions than solutions.

According to him, the purpose of displaying the certificate to the public by the presidency has not douced doubts.

The media mogul wrote: “I think this Buhari attestation by WAEC has caused more distractions than solution; he should have maintained the status quo because it is almost impossible to convince the doubting Thomases that litter everywhere in Nigeria.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/what-buharis-attestation-certificate.html

Trade Union Congress, TUC, has rejected the court judgement stopping workers from commencing a nationwide strike action on November 6th over new Minimum Wage.

The organised labour had threatened to commence an indefinite strike action to press home their demands for the national minimum wage to be increased from the current N18,000 to N30,000.

But Justice Sanusi Kado, on Friday, gave the order in a ruling on an ex parte application moved on behalf of the Federal Government by the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Dayo Apata.

Speaking on the development, Alhaji Kola Olumoh, the chairman, Trade Union Congress (TUC), in Kwara State said the Friday’s judgment of the National Industrial Court, Abuja, cannot stop the proposed NLC nationwide strike.

Olumoh described the judgment as a ploy to cause confusion and already belated.

He said the National body of the organised Labour Unions would appeal the judgment while the proposed nationwide strike would continue.

Olumoh said, “Labour was magnanimous enough to stand at N30,000 minimum wage for workers which could not be compared with the jumbo pay of the political office holders.

“We are fully prepared for the proposed strike in Kwara if the Federal Government fails to accept the N30,000 as minimum wage.”

He further advised workers in the state to fully prepare for the impending strike and cooperate with the Labour Unions in the struggle.

The TUC Chairman also alleged that most State Governments spend about 40 per cent of the monthly allocations for salary and wondered why they were rejecting N30,000 minimum wage.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/new-minimum-wage-why-court-cannot-stop.html

Weeks after declaring his love for his country’s president Donald Trump, Kanye West appears to be distancing himself in the light of the criticism he has received in recent weeks.

Using his- and Trump’s- preferred megaphone, Twitter, Kanye West announced that he was staying away from political matters, saying that he was previously wrong to spread wrong messages.

Kanye West has been a loud Trump supporter, often bordering on the controversial. At a recent meeting at the White House, he claimed that the Trump “Make America Great Again” cap gave him superpowers.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/kanye-west-abandons-politics-says-he.html

Members of the organised labour, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the United Labour Congress (ULC) on Tuesday staged a protest to mobilise support for their demand for a new national minimum wage.

The workers also supported by other civil society allies including Joint Action Forum (JAF) converged at Ojuelegba in Surulere, Lagos, as early as 7:30 am on Tuesday.

They took a long walk from Ojuelegba to the Gani Fawehinmi Park at Ojota where their leaders – Mr Joe Ajaero, president of ULC, Amechi Asugwuni, NLC Deputy President and Abiodun Aremu of JAF addressed them.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the gathering was under close watch of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force.

While addressing a crowd in Ojota, Asugwuni advised Nigerians to stockpile food in their homes ahead of the nationwide strike to begin Nov. 6.

According to him, the struggle is to defend Nigerians and the walk day would help sensitise Nigerians.

“Because once we commence the strike, there is no going back except government agrees to our terms and conditions. The minimum wage is a legitimate right for Nigerian workers.”

Ajaero also said “We are on the road to tell the government that enough is enough.

“The Nov. 6 will be the mother of all strikes in Nigeria. Posterity will judge us if we fail to rise up to defend Nigerian workers.

“There is no good healthcare and electricity tariff is far more than 18,000 minimum wage and the tariff continue to increase”.

NAN also reports that the committee wrapped its negotiation and sitting in Abuja early this month.

There has been a disagreement between the Federal Government side led by Dr Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment and the labour over actual amount for the minimum wage.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/minimum-wage-labour-csos-stage-protest.html

By Olawale Ajimotokan and Kasim Sumaina

Several members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) were on Monday shot in another wave of violent confrontation with the military in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Members of the religious sect converged on the nation’s capital for the annual Arbaeen symbolic trek and a protest march against the continued detention of their spiritual leader, Sheik Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, by the federal authority.

Violent scenes marred the rituals, officially due to end on Tuesday as many members of the sect were shot in clashes with the Army in the Maraba- Nyanya metropolis of Abuja.

When the crisis first unfolded on Saturday, troops from the Army Headquarters Garrison at Zuba, Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT, killed five followers of the sect.

Details later…

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/tension-grips-abuja-as-army-shiites.html

The federal Lawmaker Representing Ovia Federal Constituency ,Hon Omosede Igbinedion was honored during the University of Benin Idia Hall week held at the University premises, she was honored with the award of excellence for her outstanding performance at the federal house of representative

Professor Benson Osagiede who is the immediate past dean of student affairs University Of Benin presented the award on behalf of the students ,he hailed Hon Omosede for her quality representation and contribution towards the growth and stability of the nation

In appreciation Hon Omosede who prides herself as the youngest lawmaker in the current federal house said spending the evening with the students has made her to understand their challenges and assured them of working together with the school authorities to upgrade the standard of the hostel facilities

She used the opportunity in letting the students know how she has contributed to the socio economic warfare of the school ,she also mentioned the motion she moved during plenary for the construction of a Federal pedestrian bridge at the front of the University main-gate as well as speed breakers

The Federal lawmaker pledged her continuous commitment to the improvement of the school

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/assurance2019-barr-omosede-igbinedion.html

I have sat down to critically look at the issues or likely campaign issues that would dominate the political space when INEC finally gives the political parties the green light to begin their campaigns in November. It is saddening to note that our political parties are essentially going to cluster our political space with the same campaign strategy that was largely employed during the 2015 campaign period. Nothing seems to be drastically different from the past.

What we are seeing so far between the two dominant parties, the APC and the PDP, is, to say the least, far below expectation. The two parties seem to be in a haste to go for each other’s jugular instead of wooing the loyalty and support of Nigerian electorate. There is nothing so far to show that we will see the kind of campaigns that will elevate and advance our democracy after about 20 years of democracy practice. A child of 20 years is no more a minor but an adult responsible for his actions and inactions.

A glimpse of what to expect during the campaign period was shown with the emergence of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and President Muhammadu Buhari, as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The two presidential candidates through their different campaign organs have not spared anything in attacking each other, a clear case of campaign of hatred, vendetta and calumny with so much venom.

The political parties need to be reminded that the Nigerian electorate are tired of this throwing of muds and name calling instead of addressing issues that will help us assess their capabilities, competences and capacity to understand the problems of the time. They should know that the society, and in fact the global community has taken major steps ahead since after the 2015 election. So many events have taken place to redefine the issues bothering the global community and the expectations of same global community from the president of Nigeria come 2019.

We will be fooling ourselves by thinking that the election of Nigeria in 2019 is our internal business, and so should not bother the world. It is safer to say that the outside world especially the developed economies will be more interested in what happens and who emerges our president in the 2019 elections because of the so many implications it would have for them in determining the safety of their interests, the stability of the African continent and the world market. The world will want to see Nigeria get things right, and this starts with electing a worthy president that is to be trusted to shape a new Nigeria order.

In climes where governance is taken seriously, these mundane political jabs currently thrown by the APC and the PDP are non-issue as they do not determine a politician’s acceptability or otherwise. What defines character and strength of parties and politicians is what they offer intellectually and their capacity to dissect issues that touch the life of the common man, the health of the economy, security, guarantee of freedom of fundamental human rights, nationhood etc. The French people did not care a hoot if their First Lady was a lecturer of their President, Emmanuel Macron, in the university and a lot older than him before electing him as their number one citizen. If it were to be in Nigeria, the heavens will be brought down and political opponents will make it their party’s main preoccupation and campaign slogan, all in an effort to discredit Mr. Macron.

The Americans, whom we so much copy in everything but not in anything good, showed the stuff they are made of when at the height of Monicagate, President Bill Clinton’s popularity rating still stood high. What was the Americans’ reaction to the whole Monica Lewinsky saga, they humorously asked for President Bill Clinton from waist to head. In other words, they did not pull down or reject President Bill Clinton for his “inappropriate relationship” with Monica Lewinsky, because Clinton was delivering good governance. Americans wanted result and not fairy tales.

By way of setting agenda for the political parties when campaign kicks off, we want to see campaigns that are robust; devoid of pettiness and divisiveness. We have more than enough critical issues that are germane to our growth as a nation for the politicians to address. They should not show us that they are unprepared for governance of this country by resorting to gutter languages that will demean their party and lower their personalities. We do not want campaigns that will turn our youths into thugs and killers, we do not want campaign talks that will create more widows and widowers, more orphans, more homeless citizens and more internally displaced persons. The country already has more than her fair share of these societal issues. We do not want the politicians in their campaigns to aggravate our problems.

– Iheanacho writes from Lagos.

To Be Continued

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/case-for-issue-based-election-campaign.html

The Yoruba Youth Council, YYC, has frowned at the statement by the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, that President Muhammadu Buhari will return power to the region if they reelect him for a second term in 2019.

Fashola had while speaking at a special Town Hall Meeting on infrastructure organised by the Ministry of Information and Culture and the National Orientation Agency held in Ibadan, Oyo State on Thursday called on the people of the South West to support Buhari’s second term bid in order to regain power in 2013.

The YYC which is the umbrella body of the Yoruba Youths, described the Minister’s call as absurd, adding that President Buhari has not done well to warrant another shot at the presidency.

This was contained in a statement signed by its National President, Eric Oluwole, and made available to newsmen on Friday.

The youths insisted that President Buhari had no solution to any of the problems confronting Nigeria as a nation.

The statement added, “Our attention has been drawn to a vague promise by a former Governor of Lagos State and current Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola during the special town hall meeting organised by the Ministry of Information and Culture and the National Orientation Agency recently, advising Yorubas especially the youths to vote for the incumbent president Mr Muhammad Buhari in the 2019 election so as to enable power shift to the south west in 2023.

“We observe with consternation that Mr Fashola, who is a beneficiary of the social economic crisis which the ruling elite has plunged the Nigerian youths could start serving as an adviser at this critical period if our nation’s existence.

“Having been a beneficiary of Democratic rule since 1999, we will not forget the level of corruption perpetrated by the Minister when he was Governor of Lagos State as leaked by his predecessor, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on assumption to office.

“Yoruba youths also remember with consternation, the statements credited to Mr Fashola that Nigeria’s power problems could be fixed in six months, three years of his reign has the minister in charge of power has not solved our perennial power problems.

“We want him and his likes who are feeding Nigerians with propaganda from the seat of power to know that the youths have learnt from history and will strive hard not to repeat the mistakes of the past in our resolve to revamp the economy of Nigeria.

“The same presidency Mr Fashola is promising Yoruba youth in 2023 is what the current Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige promised the South Easterners. Another attempt to perpetrate the ethnic division of the country?

“We want to say expressly that nothing can stop our collective resolve to ensure the restructuring of Nigeria in order to find solutions to myriads of problems facing our country.

“We again call on Presidential candidates who are committed to the restructuring agenda to show commitment by signing an agreement document to ensure restructuring of Nigeria within six months of their assumption to office.

“Time has come to protect our future and the youths shall do all we can to decide the fate of the 2019 election without leaving a stone,” the statement said.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/2019-presidency-yoruba-youths-attack.html

Fresh facts have emerged on the circumstances surrounding the killing of Anita Akapson in Abuja , said to be the daughter of a former Minister of Finance, Nenadi Usman, according to Punch.

It was gathered that the 31-year-old, who was shot in her 2007 Honda Accord car, allegedly refused to alight when directed by the policeman who killed her on October 13.

Sources close to the investigation said, after demobilising the car by firing at the tyres, the Superintendent of Police, who shot her, was said to have asked Akapson to come out of the car but she reportedly refused, fearing that she might be harmed.

“In an attempt to force the door open, the police officer fired at the car door and the bullet went through it, hit Akapson in the stomach and exited into the driver seat,” the source explained while tendering the picture showing the trajectory of the bullet.

The lawyer for the family, Kayode Ajulo, said the family expect the police to carry out a thorough investigation into the tragedy and prosecute those involved.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/abuja-police-shoots-ministers-daughter.html

Popular Nigerian Musician, Tiwa Savage, has addressed the chemistry between her and Wizkid in their new erotic music video.

The recent video which has sparked reactions online captures a shirtless Wizkid in bed singing, as an erotically dressed Tiwa Savage romances him and they acted out roles of two lovers in bed.

DAILY POST had reported how Tiwa’s estranged husband, Teebilz described Wizkid as his little brother who can not have sex with his ex-wife, urging anyone with proof that Tiwa and Wizkid had sex to bring it to him.

Apparently reacting, however, Tiwa Savage on her Instagram page defended her actions, stressing that her relationship with anyone is not a ‘’community project.’’

The Mavin Queen wrote, ‘’Your relationship doesn’t have to make sense to anyone except you and your partner.

”It’s not a community project.’’

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/wizkid-fever-video-tiwa-savage-speaks.html

It was another round of bloodletting in crisis-torn Kaduna State as 26 people were killed in the state capital in spite of the total curfew imposed on the metropolis and environs on Sunday.

However, the state governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai has claimed that five persons were killed in the violence that engulfed Kaduna metropolis.

In a broadcast on the crisis yesterday, el-Rufai said that his government remained committed to ensuring lasting peace across the state.

The governor cautioned residents against spreading rumour and fake news, which contributed largely to the violence.

He said that in spite of the relative peace across all communities, the 24-hour curfew imposed on Kaduna metropolis and environs will remain in force.

The governor however said that the State Security Council would meet on Tuesday morning to review the security situation and possibly reduce the hours of the curfew.

But the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) disclosed that 23 people were killed and 17 injured in various parts of Kaduna metropolis during the violence that took place on Sunday.

Also, three other persons were confirmed dead yesterday in Narayi community of Chikun local government area.

SEMA executive secretary, Ben Kure, who disclosed this yesterday during an assessment tour of affected areas, commiserate with the victims, just as he noted that no society can progress without peace, which is an essential ingredient of development and harmonious coexistence.

After touring Kaduna metropolis, the SEMA boss also visited Kasuwan Magani, where 55 people were reportedly killed on Thursday, to present relief materials to the affected families.

Kure called on the people of the state to embrace peace and shun violence.

LEADERSHIP recalls that renewed violence broke out in some parts of the metropolis at about 4pm on Sunday resulting in the burning of scores of houses and vehicles, which subsequently led to the imposition of total curfew by the state government to stop the situation from escalating to other parts of the city.

But in another attack yesterday, gunmen said to have posed as members of a vigilante group killed three young men in Narayi area of the city.

The gunmen, who were said to be driving in a Hilux van marked “JTF”, reportedly arrived in the community at about 2am and abducted the young men who were later found dead.

The burial of the victims took place yesterday amidst mass protest by the youths who blocked the major road leading to the community.

It took the efforts of religious and community leaders to pacify the angry youths who accused security personnel “of not doing enough to protect” them despite the curfew.

Speaking in an interview with journalists when the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen Muhammad Mohammed visited the area, a youth leader in the area, Emmanuel Godwin, said the gunmen came when people were sleeping.

“They came at about 2am in a Hilux van and claimed they were vigilante members from Barnawa. We told them that Narayi is not their jurisdiction and they have no business coming to our community since we have our own vigilante group. As they were driving away, they picked three of the boys as if they were arresting them.

“Shortly after they left with the boys, they shot and killed them and dumped the corpses by the roadside,” the youth leader said.

Meanwhile, residents in the metropolis have mobilised vigilante groups to beef up security around their communities from “enemies and invaders” as well as miscreants who may want to exploit the situation.

In Kawo New Extension, Anguwan Dosa, Badarawa, Malali, Anguwan Rimi, Narayi and the Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway, among other places visited by the GOC, youths armed with knives, machetes, swords and sticks mounted roadblocks on major roads to their communities.

Some of the youths who spoke in an interview said they cannot surrender the security of their communities to security agencies as there were likely to be fake security personnel who may infiltrate and cause harm to them.

“We cannot surrender the security of our area to security agents because our experience – where fake security personnel go about killing people or some of the security personnel become partisan. We are only complementing the security agencies,” one of the youths in Narayi said.

…NYSC Suspends Orientation Camp In Kaduna

The management of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has suspended indefinitely all orientation activities for 2018 Batch “C” prospective corps members deployed to Kaduna State earlier slated for today due to the current security situation in the state.

In a statement made available to LEADERSHIP Newspaper, the NYSC management advised all affected prospective corps members to remain at home until further notice.

“However, all other prospective corps members deployed to other states and FCT are to report at the various orientation camps on Tuesday, 23rd October, 2018 as scheduled,” it added.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/despite-24-hr-curfew-26-killed-in.html

– says no more negotiations

Organised labour, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and United Labour Congress (ULC) yesterday resolved to resume its nationwide strike, November 6, if the federal government fails to agree on the N30,000 minimum wage.

In a statement jointly signed by NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, TUC president, Kaigama Bobboi and ULC president, Joe Ajero, labour accused the government of sabotaging the quick passage of a new minimum wage

The organised labour argued that it is not true that they proposed N30,000 as the new national minimum wage, stressing that labour only accepted N30,000 as a compromise to demonstrate the willingness of Nigerian workers to make sacrifices towards nation building.

The Labour leaders said there was a document signaling this agreement that had already been signed by some parties.

They said workers will not accept anything to the contrary, adding that besides, the committee has agreed on the figure during its last sitting.

The statement reads partly, “As far as Nigerian workers are concerned and as represented by us, we shall no longer negotiate on a figure for the new minimum wage having reached an agreement on this during the last sitting of the tripartite committee.

“We cannot continue discussing a figure that has already been agreed procedurally within the Committee. What we are waiting for is for the federal Government to immediately set in motion the necessary machinery for turning the agreement into a Bill for onward submission to the NASS where we expect the Presidency to work together with the Legislators to make it a law so that it can be implemented quickly.”

Labour said Nigerians should not forget the promises made by the Government while pledging to return to the negotiation table leading to the suspension of the strike action, regretting that the road to a new minimum wage has been difficulty and tortuous.

Labour posited that the attempt by the feseral government to implement the no-work, no-pay policy is targeted to intimidate and cow the trade union movement and its leadership in the country all in a bid to subjugate the will of Nigerian workers over the national minimum wage.

The statement reads furthers, “Imagine Governors forum that has 6 representatives in the tripartite committee jumping in to make excuses after its representatives had made their submissions in the committee! We shall consider any Governor saying that he is unable to pay as unpatriotic and, an enemy of Nigerian workers and masses. We shall vote them out in 2019.

“We the organised labour in Nigeria having not seen any sign that this government is willing to demonstrate honour and integrity in relating with Nigerian workers and masses have resolved to as follows:

Organise a A day of National Outrage and mourning which will be used to sensitize Nigerians on our plight and on the issues at stake. This shall take place in all states of the federation including Abuja on Tuesday, the 30th day of October, 2018

A meeting of various organs of the Unions will hold as appropriate

On Friday, the 2nd day of November, 2018, a Joint Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting of all the Labour Centres in Nigeria shall hold to receive reports and make final preparations for our ultimate engagement with the federal government on this matter. This is the first time in the history of this nation in recent times that such meeting will take place and this goes a long way to show the seriousness with which Nigerian workers and its leadership hold this matter

“If nothing is responsibly done by the federal government to meet our demands, on Monday, the 6th day of November, we shall embark on a nation-wide strike to compel this government to show more sensitivity to the plight of Nigerians and the suffering that is decimating our people on daily basis.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/labour-insists-on-n30000-minimum-wage.html

Nigeria striker Odion Ighalo says death threats aimed at his family after the World Cup were not enough to make him quit playing for the Super Eagles. Ighalo, who failed to score for Nigeria in Russia, produced five goals against Libya in back-to-back 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers as the Super Eagles went top of Group E. His five goals in two games also made him top-scorer in the qualifiers so far with six goals, but he admits some fans of the three-time African champions took things a bit too far after the tournament. You have to pick yourself up from scratch and continue, which I did after the World Cup. I continued doing what I know how to do best in my club, and I’m happy everything is going well “They want Nigeria to win games, and they want you to score as a striker. So I can understand them,” Ighalo told BBC Sport.
“It was painful but not enough to make me quit the country. Taking it to the other level that some of them took it to, it’s crazy.“I don’t bring myself down to reply to all sorts of negative comments. Criticise me, fine. But don’t go to the extent of threatening family, threatening my wife, my kids; threatening my life and all that, which I had people saying on Instagram. “I didn’t pay attention to all that, because I know that the same people saying all that, if they see me, they are still going to ask for money.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/threat-to-family-not-enough-to-make-me.html

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced investigation into alleged financial misappropriation involving at least five officials of the Ministry of Finance in Abia.

The state’s Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi, made the disclosure on Friday in Umuahia during a joint news briefing with the Commissioner for Finance, Mr Obinna Oriaku, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Enyinnaya Appolos, and Dr. Moses Orji, a media aide to the governor.

The commissioner said that the anti-graft probe was prompted by a petition from a commissioner in the state Civil Service Commission, Mr Guy Okite.

He said that four of the suspects worked in the payroll unit of the ministry of finance.

He said that the finance commissioner was also invited to shed light on some of the issues raised by the petitioner adding that he had since returned to his work.

Okiyi said that while two of the suspects were still being detained by EFCC, three others, including Oriaku, would only report to the commission whenever the need arose.

The commissioner, who did not disclose names of other suspects, said that the thrust of the investigation followed the 2017 annual report of the state audit team.

He, however, said that the petitioner should not have gone ahead with the petition since the contentious issue in the report had already been withdrawn by the same audit unit.

Okiyi said that the activities of the state government were open to scrutiny by relevant government agencies.

According to him, Ikpeazu’s administration has zero tolerance for financial impropriety and would not shield any official allegedly involved in corruption.

He said, “Ikpeazu has zero tolerance for corruption and has long been adjudged the most transparent in the country.

“We, therefore, welcome scrutiny by relevant agencies of the state into our transactions, but such should be within the ambit of the law.

“The governor expects all employees of the government to carry out their official functions with the highest level of transparency and professionalism.

“Employees should also be prepared to give account to relevant institutions and the people of the state upon demand,” the commissioner said.

He said that the state government welcomed the probe but charged EFCC to conduct their investigation professionally, in line with their constitutional mandate.

He further opined that those found culpable should be punished according to the law.

Speaking further on the alleged fraud, the Commissioner for Finance, Mr Oriaku put the amount involved at approximately N6 million.

“The amount involved was not in the neighborhood of N200 million or N100 million as speculated but around N6 million,” Oriaku said. (NAN)

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/fraud-efcc-quizzes-abia-finance.html

Recent investigations by LEADERSHIP Friday have revealed that recent party primaries by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and its opposition, the People’s Democratic party (PDP) have boosted economic activities in the ancient city of Kano. ABDULGAFAR OLADIMEJI writes on the economic boom

The war of posters, customised t-shirts and fez caps that were displayed during the primaries, indicated that the printing sector was the highest beneficiary of the economic largesse that accrued from the primaries.

The epicentre of Kano printers, spread along Niger, Church and Yoruba roads recorded tripled patronage, our checks revealed.

According to printers, who spoke to Leadership Friday, party aspirants from as far as Jigawa, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara sent their emissaries to Kano to print their primary elections materials.

The managing director, Showtime Global Media, Mr Shola Ayo, concurred that, the printing industry in Kano recorded unprecedented boom, prior and during the recent primaries in the state.

He said, customised T-shirts, fez caps, customised sacks, banners and posters were in high demand, explaining that standard quality printing services could only be obtained in Kano. He said this prompted the mad rush to Kano from neighbouring states.

In his words, “To acquire quality flex banners, and other kinds of printing services, those from Katsina, Jigawa, Zamfara and Sokoto, they normally come to Kano, so as the primary was approaching, the work load went almost five times bigger, for example, yours truly, had to employ about 30 people to work for me.

“We were working for 24hours, in all departments, production of plaques that were used for awards to people here and there, at a time, we were producing about 50,000 T-shirts per day. Thank God after the primaries, I have placed order for a 10-feet printing machine worth millions of naira, from China.”

An ex-officio, Nigeria Printers Association, Kano State chapter, Aare Ogbomosho, while counting his blessings said, huge amount was invested into printing business by politicians, confirming that, aspirants and their supporters spent heavily on the printing of posters, banners, t-shirts and fez caps.

According to him, during the period, printers doubled their charges and none of the printing shops in Kano was laid idle.

“Some people brought in their relatives to work for them, others their neighbours, journey man people also benefited, we even sublet jobs among ourselves. We are more patronised during primaries than elections proper, because the aspirants are more in number than the number of candidates when they emerge.”

Our checks revealed that, flex banners that usually cost N15, 000 now rose to between N25 and N30000, printing materials also recorded an immediate hike in prices. A printing material dealer, Mr Jeff, revealed that orders for printing material were quickly placed to Lagos to avoid shortage in stock.

A fez cap and T-shirt distributor at Kofar Wambai market, Isa Ali Ahmed, disclosed that the sale of diverse qualities of t-shirts and fez caps recorded an increase during and prior to the party primaries. Isa, who spoke in Hausa language said, “It is true, we made good business, especially on t-shirts and fez caps, the whole market ran out of stocks. Kano was the supplier of these items to politicians and printers from Kano and from neighbouring states, a dozen of t-shirts that sold for N6, 000 was now sold for N9, 000.

A graphics designer and broadcaster, Yusuf Giginyu, informed LEADERSHIP Friday that, graphics designing business pocketed its benefit from the economic boom that roasted party primaries in Kano.

He said, printers largely relied on the services of graphic designers, “We did the art works for the printers, so I am in the picture of what transpired, in the printing industry in Kano, you are right to say it was the highest beneficiary of the economic boom from the party primaries.

Our investigations revealed that radio stations were one of the major beneficiaries of the primaries, as the primaries approached, airtime on radio stations were overbooked.

The radio station operators in Kano backed out from doling out the huge discount that were normally given to customers.

Muhamadu Mansur Ibrahim is the administrative officer of a Kano-based private radio station, Freedom radio. He argued that, though the number of traffic on radio stations in Kano increased tremendously during the primaries, this could not be translated to mean an increased economic boom for the stations, “we also improved on our services, which also cost us money, security and indemnities of staff you have to deploy to render the required extra services, during the period.”

The deputy director, news and current Affairs, Radio Kano, Alhaji Ismail Ammai Maizare, lamented that government-owned radio stations did not benefit from the economic boom.

He said, “Private radio stations, no doubt were the beneficiaries, for the government -owned radio stations, there was no patronage, so for us, in public radio, it made no difference.”

Public transport operators, who spoke to our reporter, conceded to the singular perception that, the transport sector yielded a boom, during the primaries.

The secretary, Kano Line Motor Park, Audu Gombe said, there was mass traverse of passengers between the metropolis and other parts of the state.

He said, “some people working outside the metropolis have to return to the metropolis to take part in the primaries, those posted to local governments outside the metropolis were also returning for the primaries, so we were also busy, during the period.

According to tricycle operators, who were interviewed, the operators were busy conveying passengers from one political gathering to another.

An operator, when quizzed said “it was good business, I made enough to take care of my family, the politicians were always on the move, even into the late part of the night, we were working.

In avoidance of subjudice, hoteliers declined uttering official comments. However, a source who pleaded anonymity, said “the matter of our leadership in Kano is under litigation, if we comment we do not know what will be next.

The source further said, “the primaries did not add any value to us, VIPs who used to lodge had to travel to their areas of electoral interest, those who were to stay back in Kano this time did not, and most of the hotels during the primaries were empty.

Findings unveiled that, food vendors smiled to the banks; they were virtually the sole food service providers at all points of political gatherings.

A popular food vendor stationed at Marhaba cinema, which is known to host political activities in the city, who simply identified herself as Hajiya mama, said her sales tripled during the primaries.

“My dream was cut short, this time, because of the crisis in the parties, Marhaba did not host many events this time, whenever primaries were held at Marhaba, we, the food vendors, and those hawking all types of consumable, normally smiled home at the end of the day.”

The merchants and custodians of dreaded thugs were not excluded from the boom, as various local capones were hired to intimidate perceived political opponents.

A popular thuggery merchant, Dan Goje, told this reporter that he recorded an enviable level of patronage during the primaries.

He said, the service of each thug is pegged at the sum of N3000 per day. “For us we worked for everybody, during primaries, we normally operate from the city of no friend, no enemy.”

While the primaries ended with both victors and losers, there is no doubt that the recent primaries was a boost to the local economy of the ancient city.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/how-party-primaries-revived-kanos.html

A court in South Africa has found two South African white farmers guilty of killing 16-year-old black boy Matlhomola Moshoeu in 2017.

Judge Ronald Hendricks said he believed Pieter Doorewaad and Phillip Schutte threw the boy from the back of a moving truck after they caught him allegedly stealing sunflowers.

The farmers said the boy had jumped from the truck.

A spokesman from the opposition Economic Freedom Fighter (EFF) welcomed today’s judgement.

“We feel vindicated. The judgement reinforces confidence in South Africa’s justice system. The two white racists will rot in jail,” its spokesman told local media

The two men are expected to be sentenced on Thursday.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/2-farmers-murder-16-year-old-boy.html

With the expiration of the time line for party primaries, political parties are putting their acts together in readiness for the 2019 general elections. At the close of the exercise, in line with the electoral guideline, a number of presidential candidates emerged. But curiously, only about 21 out of the 91 registered political parties participated in the exercise.

Out of the lot, the two big parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), will be the main rivals slugging it out, not only at the presidential election but also in other major elections, including governorship and National Assembly polls.

When INEC registered more political parties, observers felt it was for effective participation in the political space and also to encourage robust opposition. But that has not happened. Many of the newly registered parties did not even conduct primaries.

Barely three months to the February 2019 general elections, and about a month to the commencement of campaigns, only within these two political parties are visible activities taking place. Nothing pronounced is being noticed in others, pointing to the possibility that some of those who emerged as candidates in those other parties may be merely interested in being referred to, after the next poll, as former presidential candidates.

With the death of Alliance for Democracy (AD) and All Peoples Party (APP) after the 2003 general elections, PDP remained the dominant party until the merger of about five political parties and groups into APC in the build-up to the 2015 general elections. The APC provided virile position to the then President Goodluck Jonathan administration and it eventually swept it out of power. Today, the PDP is also giving the current administration a run for its money.

Since 2003, Nigeria has always had a situation where only two major political parties dominate the political environment and this has not changed till date. Others have always been seen as mushroom parties built around families and friends, especially in the last few years when parties were receiving funds from government.

It is the opinion of this paper that the government and the political class should begin to consider having two strong parties that are rooted and active in every part of the country, rather than scores of parties that do not have national spread. This is the type of democracy Nigeria needs. The military administration under President Ibrahim Babangida experimented with a two-party structure which featured the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention (NRC). The effort recorded appreciable success but for the June 12 misadventure.

Perhaps it is time to repeat that experiment with the PDP and APC as these are the only parties with membership that cuts across the geo-political zones. They are not only firmly rooted but enjoy the support of Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic and religious leanings.
Today, the APC is in power. If in the next general elections Nigerians find out that it is not living up to expectations, PDP will unseat it. Also, if PDP takes over and rolls out its programmes but does not live up to expectations, at the end of four years, of course APC will return to power.

In developed democracies, what obtains is a two-party system arrived at either through coalitions or ideological inclination. A two-party structure with evenly spread support base would engender the much needed national integration and economic development in the polity.

Indeed, Nigeria operates a multi-party system. By our constitution, we can’t have two parties; we must have many parties, but it is our stand that there must be at least two parties that are strong enough so that, at any given time, one of them can form a government. So, you can be a governing party today and then tomorrow you go into opposition. That way we can have effective competition in the political arena and keep the ruling party on its toes.

Since the return to democracy in May 29, 1999, political parties have not been known to have distinct ideologies. Rather, they have been engulfed with regular internal squabbles and cross carpeting that is not healthy for the nation’s democracy.

Democratic governance has been polarised along divisive ethnic and religious lines and it is indeed worrisome that active politicians are not adhering to the rules of the game. We recommend a two-party structure because it will reduce the cost of conducting elections, compel politicians to be more ideological and engender a more democratic arrangement that will hopefully help stabilise the polity away from needless political altercations that inhibit national growth and development.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/a-case-for-two-party-system.html

At least 18 people have been killed and dozens more wounded in an explosion at a college in Russian-annexed Crimea.

Officials said an “unidentified explosive device” detonated at the technical college in Kerch, where Russia has built a bridge between the peninsula and Russia.

Sergei Aksyonov, Crimea’s Russian-backed leader, said a student was responsible for the attack.

Initial reports had suggested that the blast was some sort of gas explosion.

Mr Aksyonov told Russian state TV the student had killed himself.

A Russian national guard official said the incident was a deliberate “terrorist act” caused by an improvised explosive device.

National guard units had reached the scene of the “act of terrorism”‘ he told Interfax.

A local official said most of the blast victims were students of the technical college, which is a vocational school for 850 teenagers.

Victims have been taken to hospital, and a major emergency response operation launched.

Four military planes were ready to evacuate the wounded and military hospital facilities were ready to accept victims if necessary, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/bomb-explosion-kills-18-students-in.html

Dr Kayode Fayemi yesterday assumed office as the new governor of Ekiti State. This is just as his predecessor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, was yesterday grilled and detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following allegations of fraud and other financial crimes levelled against him. Fayose, who arrived at the Abuja head office of the EFCC at about 12:59 pm, was in company of the governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike; former Aviation minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, and his lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, among others. As at press time, Fayose is still being held by the EFCC where he is said to be cooperating with the operatives in giving vital information. Meanwhile, speaking yesterday in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, at the inauguration of the new governor and his deputy, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi, President Muhammadu Buhari said that the people of Ekiti State made the right choice by electing Fayemi as governor in the July 14, 2018 governorship poll in the state, saying the state will experience rapid development and reclaim its past glory under the new helmsman.The president noted that Fayemi served the people passionately during his first tenure between 2010-2014 and initiated projects which positively impacted the lives of the people.

Buhari, who was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, said Fayemi during the time ran a compassionate and people oriented government and made his mark in the areas of education, health and social security, among others. “I know Dr Fayemi very well. He has always cherished anything that has to do with the development of this state. As Ekiti governor between 2010 and 2014, he instituted some laudable projects that impacted positively on the lives of the people and this pavilion was one of them. “I know that he will do what is right to justify this mandate. I charge him not to relent in his efforts to serve Ekiti with passion, commitment and candour.” The president went on to list its support to the state government. He said, “The FG has given supports to states in the areas of bailouts, budget support, ecological funds and Paris Club refund, of which Ekiti was a beneficiary, “We have extended the standard rail project to Ekiti and the construction of the Federal Secretariat will soon be completed. The FG is also planning to dualise Ado-Akure road and reconstruct Ado-Ikare road for the use of our people. Construction of internal road at Federal University, Oye Ekiti, rehabilitation of Iwaraje-Efon raod,. We have also built another 133kva power source in Ekiti that will be commissioned soon.

“As of today, 11,000 Ekiti indigenes are benefiting from the N-power and Cash conditional transfer programme of this administration. You have made the right choice in Ekiti and be prepared to return this government to power in 2019.From today, you will begin to have a new breath in Ekiti under the present government”. Earlier, Fayemi and Egbeyemi were sworn in after taking the oath of office and allegiance administered on them by the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Ayodeji Daramola. The governor also inspected the guard of honour after a police parade that ushered in his government.Addressing the people at the event, Governor Fayemi unveiled a four-pillar agenda which, he said, would cover agriculture and rural development, social investment, infrastructural development and knowledge economy entrenchment. He said his government would work hard to bring succour to the populace by removing the cankerworm of corruption that had eaten deep into the state’s fabrics under the PDP-led government of Governor Ayodele Fayose. Fayemi disclosed that all the finances of the last administration shall be reviewed but not in a vindictive manner, saying that this became imperative to ensure that the culture of prudence and financial propriety are brought to bear in the governance of the state. He lamented that the state was indebted to the tune of N170 billion, being loans taken to undertake some projects by the last administration, assuring that this won’t impede his government from delivering the dividends of democracy to the citizens. The former minister of mines and steel development stated that Ekiti under him would not slide and degenerate to the level of allowing school children to pay various taxes in their quest to receive formal education. He promised that his government would reinstate the N5,000 social security to the elderly and make tremendous positive impacts in the areas of agriculture, social investment and economy.

Fayemi said, “In the last four years, Ekiti was governed by a rudderless, inept and egregiously corrupt government , which was led by those who deceived our people through the instrument of stomach infrastructure. “In this context, never again will Ekiti slip into the hands of those who knew nothing about governance. Never again shall we allow our school children to pay taxes; never again shall we abandon the burgeoning resources at Ikogosi Warm Spring to waste; never again shall we allow our judiciary to be debased by draconian government and never again shall the most educated state like Ekiti be apostle of stomach infrastructure that has made us a laughing stock . “In our quest for economic rejuvenation, our government shall invest heavily in youth in commercial agriculture (because Ekiti is basically agrarian), reactivate community based projects, tap into our tourist potential and ensure security of local and foreign investors.“We shall network with the federal government and other local and international bodies to bring dividends of democracy Ekiti people deserve to their doorsteps.” APC members, supporters as well as the admirers of the newly sworn in governor of the state came in their large numbers to attend the event held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion along the new Iyin road, Ado Ekiti. Dignitaries at the ceremony include former Lagos State Governor Ahmed Bola Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, National Security Adviser Babagana Monguno, Minister of Agriculture Audu Ogbeh, former Senate President Ken Nnamani, Ex-APC National Chairman John Oyegun and former Ekiti State governors, Otunba Niyi Adebayo and Bamidele Olumilua. Governors at the event include Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Nasir el-Rufai (Kaduna), Akinwumi Ambode (Lagos), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo) and Mohammed Abubakar (Bauchi), among other Nigerians and diplomatic corps who graced the occasion.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/fayemi-assumes-office-in-ekiti-as-efcc.html

Tonto Dikeh has bowed to expose a 5star hotel in Nigeria for trying to cover up a muder.

The actress gave the hotel till the end of today to address the issue or she names the victiom,the hotel and the circumstances behind the murder.

She wrote

Working on a case that’s breaking my heart and making me lose appetite.A case on how far these luxury hotels in Nigeria would go to cover up evil being done in their premises.I mean,even murder.

By the end of today, if things don’t settle right,I’ll be releasing the name of the victim and crime committed .

The hotel involved,a murder plan in works.’she wrote

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/tonto-dikeh-threatens-to-expose-hotel.html

Ik Ogbonna’s Colombian wife,Sonia Morales has reacted to claims their marriage is on the rocks after she removed the Nollywood actor’s name from her social media profiles.

Sonia who was bearing, Sonia Ogbonna on her socialmedia profiles, changed it to her maiden name.

Following the reports, she posted a photo with their son writing

Dare to choose happiness over empty irrelevant,empty norm

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/dare-to-choose-happiness-ik-ogbonnas.html

Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State has dispelled the rumour that the Presidency was not happy with the way Kano chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) conducted party primaries.

This is contained in a statement on Sunday signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Abba Anwar.

“Presidency has no quarrel with us over the conduct of our primary elections conducted recently in the state.

“Ours is much more cleaner, healthier and peaceful than many other states across the country,” NAN quoted him as saying.

However, Ganduje has inaugurated 12-man high-powered reconciliation committee to reconcile all aggrieved APC members.

Ganduje, who, inaugurated the committee at the Government House, Kano, said: “The committee will reconcile our party members as a result of the emergence of some few issues after the conduct of the primary elections, excluding Presidential and Gubernatorial primaries of which we had single candidate for each of the two positions.

“Normal misunderstanding as seen after the primaries in the state are normally unavoidable in democracy. Particularly in the practice of party politics.

“The committee will come up with a strategy that will bring in amicable reconciliation of the party members as we are approaching general elections.

“It will also come up with a strategic approach in building strong party cohesion. Are part of the terms of reference,” he highlighted.

Ganduje said that ‎it was only in the Presidential and Gubernatorial primary elections, the process was conducted without any contenders in the two positions.

‎The committee is chaired by ‎Gen. Bashir Magashi (rtd), Speaker of the State Assembly, Kabiru Rurum,. Yusuf Ata, Gen Jafaru Isah (rtd) and Amb. Kabiru Rabi’u, Sabo NAN on and Dr Maikano Rabi’u.

Others are Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, Barrister Umar Danlasan, Garba Yusuf Abubakar and Amadu Haruna Zago as members, while Musa Salihu Riruwai would serves as the Secretary of the Committee.‎

The committee was given two weeks to submit its report to government for further action.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/ganduje-speaks-on-face-off-with.html

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youths (Worldwide) has commended the PDP and former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, for choosing an Igbo son as a vice presidential candidate for the 2019 general elections.
The commendation was given through a statement issued in Owerri on Sunday by its Acting National President, Dr Kingsley Dozie and Emeka Odom, its Assistant National Legal Adviser.

It said that assistance of Igbo youths would be made available to the PDP having chosen Dr Peter Obi as its presidential running mate.
The group said it had already started discussing and liasing with youths of other ethnic nationalities on how to have a productive and people-oriented election.
“To restructure Nigeria is our priority now and we’ll get it right this time.
“The choice of the former governor, Peter Obi is great. He was not wasteful in the management of resources while serving as governor.
“Peter Obi is a good choice. He will bring business intelligence into governance.
“He is not corrupt and as a governor, he was not wasteful. Igbo youths are very happy .

“Obi’s success story as a businessman would help in reviving the nation’s economy if elected in 2019.
“The decision to pick him, we believe, is based on his outstanding performance as governor of Anambra state,” it said.
The group said that as a successful businessman, it expected Obi to translate his wealth of experience into good governance for the nation.
They expressed optimism that he would not disappoint Ndigbo in particular and Nigeria at large.

The group had earlier commended the PDP for electing Abubakar as its presidential candidate in the 2019 elections.
Its leader, Dr Kingsley Dozie, described Abubakar as an apostle of restructuring.
He promised that his group would liase with its parent body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, alongside “our brothers after our consultations and get it right this time.”

“The party’ s primary was free and fair and the most credible presidential primaries.
“Igbo youths are pleased with the party’s style of leadership and particularly the restructuring agenda of its candidate which placed him first in the race.

“Consequently, the leadership of igbo youths, led by Kingsley Dozie, shall mobilize all igbo youths, home and abroad, to ensure that a better candidate who places our interest as a priority and who will genuinely restructure Nigeria emerged as the president of Nigeria come 2019,” he said.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/atiku-igbo-youths-finally-react-to.html