₦airaland Forum

A former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, has spoken on a well-circulated report where she was quoted to have declared her support for President Muhammadu Buhari.

The former Minister described the report as false, adding that it was the handiwork of desperate people.

Reports emerged on the pages of some dailies where the economic guru was also quoted to have said that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was planning to return to power to hold the nation to ransom once again.

She was quoted to have said that the ex-Generals were ‘murmuring’ because they know Buhari won’t renew their oil blocs

Mrs. Iweala was also said to have stated that socio-cultural groups were angry because no more Ghana Must Go bags to support Buhari.

On the newspaper page, she was also quoted to have attacked royal fathers; corrupt religious leaders; corrupt legislators; corrupt civil servants, and so on.

But sharing the newspaper’s page on Twitter, Ngozi warned that more of such news may still be circulated, but they should be considered fake.

She tweeted, “This is false and in line with other false messages, including the audio that was released previously.

“Please note that similar mischievous messages may circulate but it is the work of desperate people.”

See image…

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/2019-presidency-okonjo-iweala-speaks-on.html

Kogi State Police Command has confirmed that it sent a detachment of officers to the house of “wanted” Sen. Dino Melaye at Aiyetoro-Gbede in Kogi State on Oct. 11 to effect his arrest.

In a statement in Lokoja on Saturday, the command said it took the action in connection with the July 19 shooting of one of its operatives, Sgt. Danjuma Salihu by thugs suspected to be loyal to the senator.

The statement signed by the command’s spokesman, DSP William Aya, said that the clarification followed the allegation Melaye made on his twitter page of Oct. 12 that the ADC to Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi led some officers to his house to assassinate him.

“The ADC has nothing to do with this case. The Command wish to state unequivocally that the statement is not only a figment of the imagination of Sen. Melaye who has mastered the art of political gimmickry, but totally false, malicious and highly mischievous.

“The Commissioner of Police sent Police Officers to his country home for arrest, unfortunately we did not get him at home,” the statement said.

It accused Melaye, who is representing Kogi West senatorial district of mobilising thugs to attack its personnel on routine duty along Mopa–Aiyetoro-Gbede on July 19 without any provocation.

“The thugs shot and injured Force No. 432913 Sgt. Danjuma Saliu who is currently receiving treatment at Veda Crest Hospital, Abuja,” the statement said.

Aya said Melaye was invited officially through letter No. AR:3000/KGS/X/VOL.43/670 dated 23/7/2018 to come and answer the charges on him but refused to show up or give reason for not honoring the invitation.

“The Senator is wanted by the Kogi State Police Command for criminal conspiracy, attempted culpable homicide and unlawful possession of firearms,” the statement explained.

It appealed to Melaye to report to the command headquarters in Lokoja to answer the allegations against him and stop joining issues with people who have nothing to do with the case at hand.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/why-we-invaded-wanted-dino-melayes.html

Reno Omokri, the former aide to Ex-president goodluck Jonathan has attacked Festus Keyamo, spokesman of the reelection campaign of President Muhammadu Buhari for condemning Bishop David Oyedepo’s meeting with Atiku Abubakar

Keyamo on Thursday, while condemning Obasanjo’s endorsement of Atiku attacked men of God- David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Tabernacle, Mathew Kukah, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto diocese; and Ahmad Gumi, Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, for accompanying Abubakar to Obasanjo’s residence.

“We also note with interest the full participation of some “men of God” in the entourage of the Peoples’ Democratic Party for this political re-alignment.

“We are glad that they have publicly declared their partisan interest and urge all Nigerians to see all their previous, present and future attacks on President Buhari from their pulpits in the context of partisan politics and not in the context of nationalistic or altruistic commitment. We wish them well,” he had said.

Reacting to Keyamo’s statement, Omokri on his Twitter page urged President Buhari to caution him.

He described the statement by Keyamo as silly, adding that the Bishop could be richer than Atiku hence his visit was not for any financial gain.

The ex-presidential spokesman wrote: “It is silly of Festus Keyamo to insult Bishop Oyedepo as someone who endorsed Atiku because of gain.

“David Oyedepo is probably richer than HE Atiku Abubakar. He is a man that has applied Godly principles and succeeded. President Buhari may want to caution Keyamo.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/oyedepo-richer-than-atiku-omokri.html

The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, in collaboration with Biafra Independence Movement, BIM, in Ebonyi State has passed a vote of no confidence on the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA.

The group made this known in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state capital through a press statement jointly signed by Nwamini Vincent,Useh Sylvester and Sunday Akatakpo, Ebonyi Zonal Leaders for North, Central and South respectively, and Nwifuru John, Ezaka Sunday and Illoke Gideon, Elder Councils for Ebonyi North, South and Central Zones respectively.

The group stated that the vote of no confidence on APGA was based on the insults given to Bianca Ojukwu during the party’s senatorial primary.

MASSOB warned that they would strip naked and attack anybody using Ojukwu’s image during the forthcoming 2019 general election.

The statement reads: “All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, was formed by late General Dim Chukwuemeka Ojukwu as an umbrella political party for Ndigbo to champion their interest and promote their image.

“But the reverse became the case when Mr. Peter Obi assumed office as the governor of Anambra under the platform of APGA . Instead of Obi to use the party to protect the interest of Ndigbo, he used it to victimize Ndigbo, both young and old.

“In fact, those of us who are fighting for the liberation of Ndigbo from the bondage of slavery in the hands of Nigeria were heavily attacked under Obi.

“Similarly, Obiano Willie also assumed office under the umbrella of APGA, but the same thing as being playing out.

“Recall that when Obiano was seeking relection last year, he was supported by the wife of Ojukwu, Bianca Ojukwu. She fought tooth and nail to ensure the return of Obiano and protect the image of Ojukwu. MASSOB-BIM as well fought day and night to stop IPOB plan to thwart Anambra election. They are biting the finger that fed them.

“The last straw that broke the camel’s back was what happened during the recent senatorial primary, where Victor Umeh and others were give tickets to run for senatorial election in their various senatorial zones.

“But in Anambra south, the home of Ojukwu the reverse was the case. Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu stood for Senate, but she was pushed out and insulted, thereby dragging the image of Ojukwu in the mud.

“Therefore, we the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra and Biafra Independence Movement, MASSOB-BIM have declared and passed vote of no confidence on APGA as a political party in Nigeria, and as an umbrella of Ndigbo.”

“We are warning all APGA politicians that they should not wear anything that bears Ojukwu’s image. We will strip anyone we see naked. Also, no vehicle or vehicles should carry any poster that bears Ojukwu’s image”, they warned.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/2019-massob-passes-vote-of-no.html

A political campaign group, ActivateAtiku has congratulated the former vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar over his victory at the just concluded Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), presidential primaries.

The group in a statement signed by its national president, Salamat Yusuf, expressed confidence that the party would win the 2019 elections.

According to her, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has proven that he is the best man to revive Nigeria’s economy.

“With proven records, Atiku Abubakar has demonstrated that he is capable of rewriting the negative story of Nigeria and take it to its rightful position among other nations of the world.

“His emerging as the flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party is a New Dawn that will usher Nigeria into her greatness,” she said.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/group-hails-atikus-emergence-as-pdp.html

The Ogun State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dapo Abiodun, has spoken on his face-off with Governor Ibikunle Amosun.

He made salient revelations in a video obtained by DAILY POST while addressing some party leaders and supporters in the state.

The oil mogul, and a friend of Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, who spoke in Yoruba, described Amosun as a betrayer, who has failed to appreciate all he did for him.

Abiodun recalled that after he lost the 2015 Ogun East senatorial election to Senator Buruji Kashamu of the PDP, Amosun promised that he would nominate him for a ministerial slot to compensate him for his contributions to federal and state campaigns.

His words: “Before the campaign, I facilitated electricity for some areas in Ogun waterside. I bought buses for traditional rulers, Christian and Muslim leaders. You would think I was running for governor.

“But I did this because party members were not receiving support; they were getting tired and needed encouragement. As it happened, we lost. Everyone was surprised; we worked hard, we spent money.

“We went to the Tribunal and won but Kashamu went to see them at the top. So we lost the appeal. Amosun made no contribution; never showed care or concern while we were struggling to win back my mandate.

“After that, Amosun told me not to worry that I will be the minister from Ogun state. It later became clear that he simply made that comment just to send me away.

“At this time, his (governorship) election was two weeks away. I asked him what he would give House of Assembly candidates to assist their campaigns as well as to help him mobilize the grassroots for victory. We have 11 Assembly positions in my district (Ogun East).

“Amosun replied that he would send them N1million each. I protested. I told him that would not achieve anything but he didn’t listen. I personally gave those 11 candidates N10million each.

“Then I, despite losing my own election, I personally gave Amosun $1million which was N220m then. We were up against a powerful PDP and I didn’t want APC to be disgraced.

“Amosun won election and abandoned me. He did not offer me any slot in his government. He didn’t even say ‘Dapo, bring sweeper or cleaners for employment’. He made someone else (Kemi Adeosun) the minister.

“Recently, he begged me that I should come and take senatorial ticket. I said but he knows I have governorship ambition. I then asked who he had in mind to succeed him. Amosun said he was still thinking but that he wants to bring someone from CBN.

“I asked why would he do that. You want to bring someone who doesn’t even know party people to lead them? He is fighting me now because I want to be governor.”

DAILY POST recalls that the APC National Working Committee (NWC), last week, affirmed Abiodun as the winner of the Ogun governorship primaries.

The announcement came hours after Adekunle Akinlade, member of the House of Representatives (Yewa South/Ipokia Federal Constituency), was declared as the winner of the primary by Ogun APC.

Akinlade was the preferred candidate of Governor Amosun, who has been cleared to contest the Ogun Central senatorial election in 2019.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/apc-how-i-helped-amosun-to-win.html

The Director General, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s Campaign Organisation (BOSCO), Mr. Tayo Ayinde, has raised the alarm over a smear campaign against Lagos State APC Governorship candidate, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.

He denied releasing, “concocted post-primary programmes,” in which Sanwo-Olu was referred to as, “The Governor.”

Comrade Olusesan Daini, Director, Media and Publicity for BOSCO, on Tuesday, appealed to Nigerians to ignore those attempting to ridicule the candidate.

A statement he signed reads: “We hereby disassociate ourselves and our candidate, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu from such frivolous post-primary programmes and appellations therein.

“At no time was such message released by Mr. Tayo Ayinde and BOSCO. The message should be disregarded in its entirety.

“When our candidate decides to visit, interact and engage critical stakeholders, it would be communicated using the appropriate medium.

“The office wants to reiterate that the Governor of Lagos State is His Excellency, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, while Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu remains the Lagos State APC governorship candidate for the 2019 gubernatorial election.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/lagos-2019-apc-candidate-sanwo-olu_9.html

The Supreme Court has commenced publishing its cause list for up to three months per time on its website, .

According to a statement from the Supreme Court, this follows the directive by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) , Justice Samuel Onnoghen.

The CJN also directed that all cases be heard of fixed date. The new practice is a departure from the former practice where the court only published weekly cause list and the Rulings on Applications from Chamber Sitting on the said website.

The policy, according to the statement signed by Awassam Bassey, senior special assistant to the CJN on media, is deliberately targeted at the speedy dispensation of justice and its publication to encourage counsel to take advantage of the initiative and prepare adequately ahead of hearings in order to avoid any delays.

The CJN remarked that the Supreme Court diary is replete with appeals set down for hearing up to the year 2021.

According to him, the appeals would be heard and judgements delivered as necessary and in accordance with the Rules of the Court, leaving no room for unnecessary adjournments arising from lack of diligent prosecution, poor preparations or non-appearance by counsel.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/cjn-directs-all-cases-be-heard-on-fixed.html

Popular nigerian teenage Actress Regina Daniels Looks more beautiful than ever in new photoshot claims to be 16yrs of age. She wrote;Oh yes ! Am pretty and i know it….. if u are older than me and u call me ugly, bring out your picture when you were 16

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/actress-regina-daniels-slays-in-new.html

If the verdict of Nigerian builders, quantity surveyors and civil engineers is anything to go by, then the emergence of the recently launched Dangote BlocMaster Cement is a long-awaited development; like a breath of fresh air. Nigerian apex builders had given a unanimous approval after thorough due diligence and laboratory experiments to a product they now dub ‘The King of Cement’.

While not resting on its oars, Dangote Cement Plc has hit another landmark achievement in its research-based venture by rolling out a mouthwatering 42.5R brand that has left block-makers scrambling to place their orders, to showcase their immense satisfaction with the new product.

That the launch came barely a week after the unveiling of the All Purpose Flour by the Dangote Flour Mills, speaks volume of Dangote Group’s new research- based trajectory, pundits said. “This is a new era. This is a new quality. This is a product of research,” the group managing director, Dangote Cement, Engr. Joseph Makoju, assured different stakeholders in the construction industry.

According to him, the new product is affordable and strong because of its rapid setting qualities, especially during raining season. Perhaps the most unique characteristic of the innovative cement product is its capacity to attain 50 per cent strength after just 24 hours. Adding a scholarly flavour to the discourse, a renowned academic in the Bayero University Kano, Dr. Alhassan Dahiru, has also recommended the cement to Nigerians. Dahiru, who is the chairman of Nigeria Institute of Quantity Surveyors, Kano State Chapter and head of quantity surveying department, Bayero University Kano, said the new BlocMaster Cement can be used to construct bridges and bigger concrete structures requiring strong cement.

The innovative cement product had been adjudged outstanding, due to its rapid setting of about an hour, strength and top quality, by the country’s engineers, builders and block makers before it was rolled out recently in Kano. Speaking at the official unveiling of the product, Kano State governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, called on all Nigerians to patronise the new cement to help minimise the menace of building collapse in the country.

The governor, who was represented by the secretary to the state government, Alhaji Usman Alhaji, also commended the Dangote Group, adding that it has always been supportive in all sectors of the economy. Speaking, the group chief marketing officer, Dangote Cement, Oare Ojeikere, said the new cement product is multipurpose and very strong, urging Nigerians to adopt it for all construction purposes. He expressed happiness that hundreds of builders in Kano had used it before the launch.

The immediate past chairman, Nigeria Institute of Building and director, Consultancy Services, Science and Technical Schools Board, Kano State, Abdullahi Alhassan SanSan, also said he was elated because the new cement block would help address the issue of building collapse in the country. Speaking also, manager, Magina Blocks Industries, Kano Nura Musa Yahayah , said he has used the cement block and can therefore recommend it to Nigerians. Chairman, Kano State Concrete Block Makers and Allied Products Association, Alhaji Umar Faruk Musa, said the cement innovation would translate into more income for block makers immediately and in the long run for Nigeria.

He commended Aliko Dangote for yet another giant stride; coming barely a week after a flour brand was unveiled by the same Group. In his own submission, chairman ,Trustee Committee for Association of Block Workers in Kano, Alhaji Salisu Aliyu, said lives would be saved and wastages would be prevented with the emergence of the BlocMaster, adding that the product was a welcome innovation. Meanwhile, the secretary general of the Block Makers Association in Kano, Engr. Abdullahi Usman, has called on Nigerians from all walks of life to switch to the new cement product.

He thanked Dangote Group, and indeed its president for the innovation, and asked God to continue to protect him, with sound health and long life. Dangote Cement’s area sales manager, Mallam Muhammad Mustapha, said the new cement was a response to calls by builders, adding that it sets rapidly and it was affordable.

Dangote Cement Plc is Africa’s top cement producer with presence in about 18 African countries. While the Dangote Group receives accolades and commendations from various quarters over the new product, construction engineers are upbeat that with Dangote’s ‘King of Cement’ the era of building collapse would soon be over in the country. As at the end of 2017, the company operated an output of 46Mta of production and import capacity in a total of 10 countries spanning Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia and down to South Africa. This impressive growth in production capacity has contributed significantly to boost the company’s revenue base.

Since inception, the Dangote Group has experienced phenomenal growth on account of quality of its goods and services, its focus on cost leadership and efficiency of its human capital. Dangote Cement is ready to pursue a wider vision which is to be a global leader in cement production, respected for the quality of its products and services and the way it conducts its business.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/unveiling-dangotes-novel-king-of-cement.html

Africa’s number one female pop sensation, Tiwa Savage and Yeba crooner, Kizz Daniel will storm the Federal Capital City, Abuja to host a unique and highly special music, comedy concert tagged “Revamp 101.”

The concert, which is organised by Revamp Entertainment, No 1 Entertainment Company in Abuja, will hold in November.

According to a statement by Revamp Entertainment, the event is targeted at all spheres of human endeavour, especially the ubiquitous and ever buoyant people of the Federal Capital Territory. “We all know that anything that doesn’t grow, renew or refresh gradually dies.

Abuja is one of Africa’s and indeed the world’s most beautiful cities and boasts of a hospitable spirit and fun-filled life.

In recent times, however, there’s been a lull in the jolly and effervescent spirit of the town due to certain economic factors. “We, at Revamp Entertainment, have decided to reawaken that atmosphere of happiness against all odds.

We are happy people. Fortunately, things are starting to look up and we believe there’s no better time and way to round up the year than to bring some melody and humour into our lives. “To this end we present you a night where music meets comedy tagged Revamp 101.

This is an all out high-powered event targeted at all spheres of human endeavour, especially the ubiquitous and ever buoyant people of the Federal Capital Territory.

“Headlining this edition of our event, Revamp, is Africa’s number one female pop sensation, the award winning and ever-fresh Tiwa Savage, who just recently sold out the 02 Arena in London to world acclaim status and a marvel to the world.

She will be joined by the poster boy of music and heartthrob of Nigerians, Kizz Daniel, who remains the only artiste with the highest number of hit songs back to back within the space of three years and holds the record as the first and only artiste to have a number one song on a chat and a number two spot with the remix of same song on MTV Base with Woju and Woju Remix featuring Tiwa savage and Davido.

“Comedy will be brought to the table by Nigeria’s most versatile, creative and multiple award winning comedian, Koffi Tha Guru, along with the fresh and funny Funny Bone, who recently shutdown the Eko Hotel and suites.

“Also, on the comedy lane are Abuja’s finest, Chuks de general, who holds forth as the man who packs the most punch as witnessed at his last sold out comedy concert, along with Ambassador Wahala who is a delight of the metropolis as his act includes the alter ego character of former first lady, Patience Jonathan.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/tiwa-savage-kizz-daniel-others-to.html

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) at the weekend condemned the management of the University of Benin, Edo state following the death of Austin Okafor, a 300 level student of the department of Entrepreneurship, faculty of Management Sciences.

NANS said in a statement signed by its President, Comrade Danielson Bamidele Akpan, GCNS that for the lackadaisical attitude of the management and the pathetic condition of the health centre, Okafor may have survived.

The statement said the departed student was left unattended to for hours after being rushed to the school health centre on October 2.

“Despite the urgency of the situation and the sensitive nature of the case, Okafor was conveyed in an ambulance with no life support facilities to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), having been referred there.

“As if that wasn't bad enough, the ambulance conveying him was made to stop at the institution’s Division of Student Affairs to perfect some unnecessary formalities.

“However, after another 30 minutes of delay at the Student Affairs Division, Okafor died while UBTH doctors were struggling to resuscitate him at the Accident and Emergency Ward after another 15 minutes of negligence and insensitivity on the part of the hospital management.

“NANS frowns at the situation and condemn in totality, the way and manner the University and Hospital management handled this case. We condole with the department, parents, families and friends of the deceased student. The family of the deceased must not be left in this solitude to carry the burdens of this irreparable loss.

“It is so pathetic that due to the insensitivity of the University of Benin Health Care Centre, we lost another promising youngster.

“Among the responsibilities of the school management is to protect and advance the interests of her students which include the delivery of high-quality health care services which unfortunately we are not enjoying even as students.

“We hereby call on the school management to immediately set up a committee to investigate the evitable death of Okafor who obviously happened to be a victim of our failed system. Failure to do so, NANS will have no other option than to relocate her national secretariat to UNIBEN from UNIJOS where it has been temporarily relocated to following the recent killings of students.

“It is also necessary and as a matter of urgency that a state of emergency should be declared on health care service in our tertiary institutions,” the statement read.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/nans-condemns-uniben-over-students.html

A presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator David Mark, on Friday evening met behind closed doors with former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.

The meeting came less than 24 hours to the PDP National Convention where the party’s presidential candidate will emerge.

Mark speaking with journalists said he was in Abeokuta to consult with Obasanjo over his presidential ambition.

According to him, “Nigerians must get it right in the choice of leaders at all levels in order to move the nation to an enviable height.

“2019 general elections will be the first major polls that the Peoples Democratic Party would be contesting as an opposition party hence it is important.”

The presidential aspirant said he considers 2019 polls as a “test of the PDP’s strength, popularity and how well it had fared since the last general polls in 2015” which the party lost.

“Those who are afraid of contest have no business in the race.

” I came into the race well prepared after due consultation with various groups.

“The positive outcome of my consultations across the country and the overwhelming endorsements encouraged me to vie,” Mark added.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/2019-why-i-met-with-obasanjo-david-mark.html

The Director of Media for the Buhari Campaign Organisation, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has claimed that, “riggers” carried out protest against the outcome of the Osun State Governorship election at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja on Friday.

Reacting on his Twitter feed, after reports emerged that police attacked leaders and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at INEC’s office, Keyamo wrote: “Some Nigerians I saw were laughing out so loud today when they saw pictures of some known masters of rigging ‘protesting’ at INEC office against ‘rigging’ in Osun State.

“I therefore concluded that the protest was more about the refusal of INEC to allow them practice their trade.”

Leaders of the opposition party among whom are the Senate President, Bukola Saraki; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara; and the National Chairman of the party, Uche Secondus, led the protesters to INEC office after they had earlier converged at the national headquarters of the PDP in Abuja.

Also among the protesters are Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State; former Niger State Governor and presidential aspirant, Sule Lamido; and Senator Dino Melaye, among others.

The PDP wants the electoral umpire to declare its candidate, Ademola Adeleke, winner of the Osun election.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/keyamo-mocks-saraki-dogara-others-as.html

Ahead of the Saturday’s convention, President Muhammadu Buhari, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and governors elected on the party’s platform met yesterday to fine-tune grey areas arising from the various primaries. LEADERSHIP Friday recalls that the primaries in some states like Zamfara, Imo, Adamawa, Enugu, Ogun, Zamfara, Bauchi and Abia were serious contentious and were either shifted, rescheduled or outrightly cancelled.

LEADERSHIP Friday reports that all political parties are expected to submit the names of their candidates vying for various elective positions to the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) by Sunday night. But speaking to journalists after the meeting which lasted over three hours, the APC national chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, who likened the gathering to “a political clinic”, stated that the meeting was to find lasting solutions to areas that have naughty issues. Oshiomhole said, “We met with various leaders, whoever has challenges.

This is like the political clinic. We are in a situation room and it is normal that when you are carrying out a democratic exercise across the 36 states and the FCT, you are bound to have some challenges. “First, for the FCT, I think there are some elements who believe that they can hijack the process and impose their personal preferences.

We are trying to clean up our party’s internal democracy and eliminate corruption as much as we can, from the process and empower our party members to have a say and a decisive voice on who represents them or who flies the flag of the party. FCT is the capital of Nigeria. If we cannot do transparent election in FCT, then for me, it will be a sad day. “We are trying to encourage democracy and if they don’t want democracy, they will have to look for ways of living outside the democratic space. The APC is determined to enforce all the rules of democracy in the FCT.

The day was wasted because instead of going to vote they chose to go to APC office, sponsored people who wants to manipulate the process. I have told those who care to listen that my only purpose as chairman of the APC is to deepen those core values of democracy namely popular participation and give everyone a sense of ownership of happenings in the party. “FCT will have to do direct primary. I have told the committee to go back, call the stakeholders and by tomorrow morning, they will have to conduct free, fair and transparent direct primary in the FCT. This is not negotiable.

Those aspirants who are looking for short cuts should know that there is no short cut to the democratic process. If you cannot withstand the rigour of communication, persuading and earning the trust and respect of the ordinary member of the APC in the FCT, maybe APC should not be your party because we are committed to popular participation”. Oshiomhole also spoke on the Zamfara botched election, saying reports available to them suggested that the process was “botched, materials were snatched and results taken to unauthorized places. He stated: “The panel we sent there has come to explain in unison what transpired. It is unfortunate that many people choose to opt for violence.

But I am happy that the panel refused to compromise and stood their ground even in the face of intimidation. “We are going to conduct free, fair primary in Zamfara. This process has to be done according to the rules and regulations of the APC and that means it will be done by the electoral body and not by the state government or agents of the state government. “Every member of the party in Zamfara State has a right and that right must be respected by the NWC to vote for any aspirant of their own choice. No amount of blackmail will make us to abandon that.

That is the right thing to do. My mandate as chairman of the APC is to be faithful to our constitution. I swore an oath of office to be just to every member of the APC. For me, this oath of office is meant to be obeyed. We are going to set up a new committee that will conduct the election in Zamfara. Any election that is not conducted in accordance with the guideline will not be accepted. When we say direct primary, we mean direct primary.”

Raising concerns on time frame necessary to get issues sorted out, Kebbi State governor, Alh Atiku Bagudu said, “The chairman said they are going to have NWC meeting and at the same time we are concerned. If we are not having candidates anywhere by the 7th of October, that automatically means we are not fielding candidates for the positions. “It means if we don’t do primaries before the 7th then we might not be fielding any candidate for the general elections in 2019, so time is our number one enemy. We are working hard and faster to ensure that we get these things done so that we can be able to come for the convention on Saturday.”

Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Owelle Rochas Okoroacha, said he is hopeful that all contending issues will be resolved in time for the general election. He said, “We will be able to sought out our own crisis as quickly as possible before the main elections. But, what is important is that despite our individual differences we still believe in the man, President Muhammadu Buhari. It is a fact that anytime anyone is angry we are able to resolve our issues before time. And that is why we believe we will remain together and president Buhari emerges the president the second time”. PMB Meets APC Govs Over Primaries Crisis Earlier yesterday, President met with governors elected on the platform of the party.

Speaking to State House correspondents after the meeting, chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha, said they came to review the various crises that rocked the party primaries with a view to finding solutions. He stated: “We came to review the various crises characterizing our primaries, especially the APC with a view to finding solutions. So, we are looking for a way out in this regard. We are going to find solution, our party believes in justice, equity and fairness. “We are requesting that the right thing be done and let everyone contest the elections”. Governors that attended the meeting include Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara, Rochas Okorocha of Imo, Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo, Abubakar Bello of Niger, Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun, Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi, Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo and Simon Lalong of Plateau.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/presidency-oshiomhole-govs-in-crucial.html

Senator from Delta Central Senatorial District, Ovie Omo-Agege, has rubbished his alleged suspension by the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Omo-Agege described as senseless and laughable his suspension over alleged anti-party activities.

In a statement by his aide, Efe Duku, the lawmaker said the action “appears to be an irredeemable descent to extreme irresponsibility.”

The statement reads, “It is senseless, laughable and speaks to what appears to be an irredeemable descent to extreme irresponsibility.

“A man just woke up and printed what he called APC ballot materials for himself.

“Our party the APC could never and indeed did not authorize this act of impunity and obvious criminality.

“Also, without approval, this same man included the photograph of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege on these his private ballot materials.

“Not done, he then proceeded to conduct what he called a senatorial primary election for himself and declared himself a winner.

“Meanwhile, whilst he was engrossed in this lawlessness of a so-called senatorial primary election, he did not know that the National Working Committee, NWC, of the APC had actually postponed its senatorial primaries nationwide to the next day.

“That is to say, this man’s voyage of impunity and extreme irresponsibility was just a waste of time, though a serious offense.

“We are aware that the State Working Committee, SWC, of the Delta APC viewed these acts as a gross violation of the party’s constitution and accordingly acted to punish this man by expelling him.

“Very sadly, this man is our dear brother, Olorogun Otega Emerhor who had been enjoying singing his own political death song for some time now.

“Clearly, the SWC acted entirely on its own. But from nowhere, one strange gang that gleefully calls itself ‘Ogodo faction’ sprang up to declare that it has ‘expelled’ the Most Distinguished Senator Ovie Omo-Agege from APC.

“Now, tell me if the whole matter is not laughable? What is the business of Senator Omo-Agege with an adult’s decision to act below kindergarten level?

“We advise Emerhor to leave our Senator alone. We are celebrating his today’s overwhelming election victory as APC’s senatorial candidate in the forthcoming general elections.

“Emerhor should not drag us into his challenges. We always wish him well and pray he repents from his ill-thoughts towards Senator Omo-Agege – his brother and senator.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/sen-omo-agege-reacts-to-his-suspension.html

The Jigawa Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan, has been elected as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Jigawa Northeast Senatorial District in 2019 general elections.

According to NAN, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Alhaji Bello Ibrahim, announced the results in Hadejia on Thursday.
He said that Hassan scored 1,863 votes to defeat his closest opponent, Alhaji Ahmad Garba, who polled 142 votes, while Hussaini Mohammed scored 44 votes.

Ibrahim said that 2,062 votes were recorded in the election, saying that 13 of the votes were invalid.

Speaking after the election, Hassan urged his opponents to accept the results in the interest of the party.

He commended the delegates for their peaceful conduct and perseverance throughout the exercise.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/jigawa-deputy-gov-wins-apc-senatorial.html

Ogun state government has attacked the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, over the rescheduled governorship primary in the State.

It accused the former Edo state governor, Adams Oshiomhole, of planning to impose a candidate on the state.

In a broadcast by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Taiwo Adeoluwa on Tuesday night, on behalf of the Ogun chapter of the party, he lamented that the national leadership of the party had shifted the primary three times.

Adeoluwa added that the chapter conducted its governorship primaries on Tuesday, saying Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s choice candidate, Adekunle Akinlade will win “100 times if the primaries is conducted.”

Adeoluwa said: “With all due respect, we are not known for reckless, irresponsible allegation but it appears a carefully written script is being directed by the National Chairman of APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

“We have learnt on good authority that the national headquarters of APC is determined and desperate to force a particular candidate on the people of Ogun state. We will be ready for them, but we shall do nothing unlawful.

“In Ogun state, we shall not participate in any primary unless and until the National Working Committee will specifically write to us on a date that will not shift and agree on the mode of primary.

“We must sincerely call on our leader President Muhammadu Buhari to please call Comrade Oshiomole to order. We would not allow anybody to take us for granted.

“We hope that the whole of our country including well meaning people everywhere will help to beg Comrade Adams Oshiomhole not to set Ogun state on fire.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/apc-primaries-oshiomhole-under-fire.html

Tragedy struck on Monday when a lecturer with the Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Mr. Yakubu Nataala, reportedly slumped and died at his Kogi Poly quarters’ residence in Lokoja.

DAILY POST gathered that the deceased might have died due to the none payment of his salary.

He was said to have last received his salary in July 2017.

However, the Public Relations Officer of the institution, Luke Tijan told our correspondent that the lecturer, who was earlier operated upon as a result of ruptured appendicitis, died as a result of complications arising from the operation.

Tijani however confirmed that the deceased was among lecturers who have not received salaries for several months.

“Yesterday, we lost one of our lecturer in the Polytechnic. Contrary to information that went viral, he never slumped and died but was earlier operated upon of appendicitis.

“He was among some of the lecturers that has not been paid salaries due to the screening exercise,” the PRO noted.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/kogi-polytechnic-lecturer-reportedly.html

A chieftain of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Yemisi Oladeji, has opened up on events that played out at the time Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the All Progressives Congress, APC, sought the support of Iyiola Omisore, prior to the rerun governorship election in Osun State.

Olajide maintainted on Saturday claimed that the party’s decision to enter into an alliance with the All Progressives Congress in Thursday ’s rerun election in Osun was in order.

Adedeji, who was also a governorship aspirant, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Osogbo that the decision was taken by the leadership of the party and not only Iyiola Omisore, the party’s candidate.

“Sincerely, and with a deep knowledge of the structure of the party called SDP, I would convincingly say that Omisore has never taken any unilateral decision on behalf of the party.

“It is, however, important to clear the air on the rationale behind the formation of alliance and coalition between the SDP and APC which eventually led to the victory of the APC candidate, Gboyega Oyetola, at the just concluded governorship election.

When the situation arose for SDP to give support to either the APC or PDP candidates, we all knew the party was in a position to determine who wins the election.

“Saraki visited Omisore to seek support. Omisore in his wisdom threw the decision to support or not to support PDP to the working committee of the three senatorial districts to consider even before Fayemi of the APC approached him at all.

“To put the records straight, at the point when APC eventually approached Omisore, the idea of conditions to be met by either party emerged and those working committees jointly came up with a template that was given to the APC and PDP.

“PDP chieftains and members alike in their arrogance believed they have won the election, so no allies would be needed forgetting that even as great as America is, the country will never go to any war without allies.

“The APC, knowing what was at stake, didn’t only jump at the SDP’s offer; the party sent six serving governors, the party chairman, and others for negotiations as a sign of seriousness

The PDP still failed to retrace its steps and take swift action of redemption.

“Instead, the party was busy filing court cases and calling Omisore’s bluff, so SDP gave APC the needed support to win the election.”

He said neutrality would have amounted to a loss for the party which believed in the concept of inclusive politics.

The party chieftain admonished those criticising Omisore to refrain from doing so “because the decision he took was not for personal gains.’’

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/09/osun-election-sdp-chieftain-oladeji.html

Reno Omokri, former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has accused the All Progressives Congress, APC, of rigging the just-concluded Osun governorship election.

DAILY POST had reported that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday declared the candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, winner of the gubernatorial election in Osun State.

The State Returning Officer, Prof. Joseph Adeola Afuwape said Oyetola garnered 255505 votes to defeat his main rival, Senator Ademola Adeleke who polled 255023 votes.

Reacting to Oyetola’s victory, Omokri accused President Muhammadu Buhari of rigging the election.

He tweeted, ”The rerun election held in a handful of polling units in fewer than 7 LGAs with less than 4,000 voters expected. There was more than enough time and more than enough police and security men on the ground. If the elections went this horribly, it was deliberate.

”The Osun rerun election confirmed President @MBuhari as the Lord of the Rig! The conduct of the rerun only proves that dictators may grow old, but they never grow into democrats. Our PVCs have turned from Permanent Voters Card to Permanent Voters Con. Wither 2019!

”We no longer have an Independent National Electoral Commission. What we now have is an All Progressives Electoral Commission, APEC, that is a parastatal of @OfficialAPCNg. How will 2019 be? This present @inecnigeria can’t conduct a credible and conclusive 2019 election.”

Also, the Senator representing Bayelsa east district, Ben Murray- Bruce said the election was marred by irregularities and intimidation by political thugs.

He tweeted, ”What happened in Osun is daylight robbery. @SilverbirdTV reporters were there and captured brazen acts of intimidation of PDP voters, APC thugs giving directions to security personnel. That was no election.

”That was theft and the international community mustn’t turn a blind eye.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/09/osun-rerun-omokri-ben-bruce-react-to.html

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday said it had concluded all arrangements to conduct its governorship primary on Saturday.

The Assistant Publicity Secretary of the party in the state, Mr Abiodun Salami, made the statement in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

He spoke after the state party executive led by Alhaji Tunde Balogun met with local government executives and council chairmen at the APC secretariat.

The incumbent, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, a former Commissioner for Training and Establishment, Mr Jide Sanwo-Olu; and a former Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, are in the race for the sole ticket.

Salami said the party was fully set to conduct the primary that would produce its governorship candidate for the general elections.

“We are completely set for the governorship primary, I can assure you. We have put everything in place and perfected plans for a successful conduct.

“The party executive just had a meeting with council chairmen and party executives in the local government areas on how to go about the election.

“We have done the necessary things and I can confidently tell you that the state chapter is ready for the exercise,” he said.

Giving details about the primary, Salami said the exercise would take place in 245 wards across the 20 constitutionally recognised local governments.

He said that the primary mode would be direct, and the option A4 system used during the 1993 general elections would be employed.

Salami said the results of all the wards would be collated afterwards, from which the eventual winner would be announced.

According to him, the party is adopting the method to ensure transparency and fairness.

He urged all registered party members to participate in the process to determine the governorship candidate of the party.

Salami attributed the suspension of the screening of state house of assembly aspirants in the chapter to the delay in the arrival of officials from the national secretariat to monitor the exercise.

“As soon as we hear from them, we shall conduct the screening,” he said.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/09/apc-speaks-ahead-of-lagos-primary.html

Nigerian musician, David Adeleke aka Davido has raised the alarm that the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC) plans to rig Thursday’s Osun state rerun election.

According to the musician, the APC is ready to do anything to maintain power in the state, therefore plunging the people into another four years of suffering, he said.

Davido, who has been a strong member of the campaign team of Ademola Adeleke, the People’s Democratic Party(PDP) candidate for the governorship election and his uncle, made this allegations via his twitter handle on Wednesday.

He shared a sheet which listed the total number of registered voters in the polling units where the rerun will take place tomorrow, saying there is an uncovered plot by APC to rig the return with 812 votes.

See his tweet: “APC Already planning to Rig 2moro’s Re run! Enough is Enough man ! They r ready to do ANYTHING AND I MEAN ANYTHING TO STAY IN POWER AND SUFFER THE OSUN PPLE FOR ANOTHER 4 YEARS ! PLS SHARE ! @inecnigeria @USEmbassyAbuja @OfficialPDPNig”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/09/apc-planning-to-rig-tomorrows-osun.html

Cardi B has bounced back from her controversial fight with Nicki Minaj atNew York Fashion Week .

The rapper slayed as she arrived at the Micheal Costello show in Paris. Clad in a floral dress with a dangerous thigh-high slit., she captioned it ““I’m Mrs OMG that bitch is shameless . ““

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/09/cardi-b-makes-stylish-entrance-at-paris.html

A father who was forced to do squats in order to change his son’s diaper in a public restroom says dads need changing tables too.

Donte Palmer, a high school teacher in Jacksonville, Fla., captioned an Instagram photo of him changing his son’s diaper in a restaurant bathroom.

Palmer, 31, tells Yahoo Lifestyle that the September 15th image reflects his daily routine with his three boys, ages 12, 7, and 1. “We had stopped at Texas Roadhouse for lunch and while my wife ordered food, my son Liam started fussing so I knew it was time for a diaper change,” he says. Enlisting the help of his eldest child Isaiah — whom Palmer calls his “diaper assistant” — the dad began the precarious task of changing the baby in the men’s bathroom.

“I usually lay Liam down on clothes I keep in the diaper bag or the bag itself, and Isaiah hands me wipes or throws out the dirty diaper,” explains Palmer. The father wasn’t aware that Isiah had snapped his photo but later, acknowledging the humor, he posted it online.

“People have commented that my wife is ‘lazy’ for not changing our baby’s diaper or that I could have changed him in the car but why should I?”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/09/photo-of-dad-changing-his-sons-diaper.html

It was wailing on Monday night at Aboh-Ogwashi-Uku when a petrol tanker crashed into a motorcycle, killing the three people on it.

The three youths were heading towards Asaba on the motorcycle when the tanker overran the motorcycle and crushed them.

The incident which caused pandemonium among residents of Aboh-Ogwashi-Uku community as youths of the satellite town descended on the driver of the tanker before the arrival of the police led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Tobi Debakeme, who stormed the scene of the accident and rescued him.

Security reports indicate that the driver has been detained after he was rescued from the angry youths of the satellite town.

As at the time of filing this report, it could not be confirmed what led to the accident, but sources revealed that the tanker driver may have lost control due to brake failure as the tanker was reported to have been descending the slope on a high speed while heading towards Asaba.

Details shortly…

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/09/petrol-tanker-crushes-three-to-death-in.html

President Muhammadu Buhari has commended former South African President, Nelson Mandela for his rare virtues, especially in the promotion of peace, unity and reconciliation.

Buhari spoke on Monday evening at the declaration of Nelson Mandela Decade of Peace at the UN headquarters in New York in commemoration of the centenary celebration of the late anti-apartheid icon.

According to him, Nigeria was committed to the promotion and protection of the rights of all women as well as providing an enabling environment for them to realise their full potential.

Buhari said: “We also recognise that inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all peoples in the world is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.

“We declare that racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance present the very opposite of the noble purposes of the United Nations.

“We recognise that tolerance of cultural, ethnic, racial, and religious diversities are essential for lasting peace, understanding and friendship among peoples, nations, cultures and individuals.

“As Mandela passes to history, we stand with him in his aspirations for a better world,” the Nigerian leader said

He said the world was facing diverse challenges such as conflict, climate change, terrorism, desertification, poverty, armed trafficking and violent extremism.

He stressed the need for the global community to live up to Mandela’s indelible legacies by being accountable to the values and principles and hope for the declaration through striving for a just, peaceful, prosperous, democratic, fair and inclusive world.

“There is need for concerted efforts to build a just, peaceful, prosperous, inclusive and fair world and revive the values which Mandela stood for.

“This centenary celebration provides an avenue to reflect on the legacies of Nelson Mandela and his unwavering advocacy for human rights, social justice and peace.

“It also affords us the rare privilege to rededicate ourselves to the service of humanity by championing democracy, conflict resolution, disarmament, mutual respect, reconciliation, gender equality and the fight against poverty.

“There is no doubt that in the quest to attain peace and development, the world will draw inspiration from the life of Nelson Mandela.

“As we herald the Nelson Mandela Decade of Peace, Nigeria calls on all states to recognise that the United Nations is built on pillars of peace and security, development and human rights.

“These are the foundations for our collective wellbeing and emphasise that there can be no peace without sustainable development and no sustainable development without peace and the full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all.’’

Buhari noted that by the declaration of the Mandela’s Decade of Peace, Nigeria recognised the contributions of women to the advancement of societies and their contributions to the prevention and resolution of conflicts.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/09/buhari-hails-mandela-condemns-xenophobia.html

Rights Advicate and constitutional lawyer, Dr. Mike Ozekhome (SAN), has predicted danger ahead of the 2019 election following Sunday’s declaration of Osun State governorship election as inconclusive by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Ozekhome in a statement made available to newsmen said that the action of INEC was a blow to the nation’s constitutional democracy, adding that ‘Section 179(2)(a)(b) of the 1999 constitution proves that Adeleke and the PDP won and met the electoral requirements to be formally declared winners of the Osun State election.”

According to him, Osun election is an ominous sign of the farce to expect in 2019.

Ozekhome further accused APC of using “Electoral arm, INEC, to do the unthinkable, that which is clearly illegal, unconstitutional, immoral, and a brazen assault on our sensibilities and constitutional democracy.”

His statement reads in part: “INEC has earned for itself the inglorious reputation of holding inconclusive elections (Kogi, Bayelsa, et al), and working in cahoots with the ruling APC, always eager to do its dirty electoral bidding, to commit daylight robbery of votes.

“This, they have just done to Adeleke’s votes, to defeat the will and legitimate franchise of the good people of Osun state. I wholly condemn this ludicrous mockery of our electoral process and constitutionalism.”

“There was no legal, constitutional, or moral basis for the electoral umpire to have declared the election inconclusive since the country’s constitution only recognised lawful and valid votes in declaring a candidate winner of an election.

“This presupposes that some votes would be unlawful and invalid. Consequently, where votes are cancelled or invalidated for any reason, howsoever, including for being invalid and unlawful, such votes are immediately and automatically cancelled, deducted and consigned to the dustbin of history.

“In any case, it was not wholesale results in the election that were voided and cancelled. Only votes that INEC had adjudged illegitimate due to irregularities were voided and cancelled.

“This cancellation and voidance of illegitimate votes affected all the political parties, not just APC and PDP, but especially Omisore’s SDP whose two strongest fortes in Ife axis were badly affected.

“Such voided votes are ignored and unreckoned with, for they are a non sequitur. They are as dead as dodo.

“Having failed to viciously intimidate and rig the elections as they did in Ekiti State, due to the people’s courageous resistance, the APC has now used its electoral arm, INEC, to do the unthinkable, that which is clearly illegal, unconstitutional, immoral, and a brazen assault on our sensibilities and constitutional democracy.

“Section 179(2)(a)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (the grundnorm and supreme law of the land ), is crystal clear and unambiguous that Adeleke and PDP have won and met the electoral requirements to be formally declared winners of the Osun State election.

“It provides: “A candidate for an election to the office of a governor of a state shall be deemed to have been duly elected where, there being two or more candidates: (a) he has the highest number of votes cast at the election; and (b) he has not less than one-quarter of all the votes cast in each of at least two-thirds of all the local government areas in the state”.

“Adeleke satisfied the provision. In Osunbor v Oshiomhole (2007) 18 NWLR (part 1065) 32, cancelled votes had been counted and added to PDP/Osunbor’s scores.

“The courts, up to the Supreme Court, held that when votes are cancelled, they are not reckoned with in determining the outcome of such an election. The courts thereafter deducted the invalidated votes and this gave victory to Oshiomhole in the hotly contested election.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/09/osun-election-why-adeleke-should-have.html

Lola Omotayo-Okoye has penned a sweet and emotional message to her first child with half of defunct singing duo, Peter Psquare.

Cameron turns 10 today and Lola took to Instagram to write:

“Today is a very emotional day for me, my prince, my mr. intelligent is 10! I can’t believe it. I give God all the glory. Cameron-Jayden Okoye I love you. The day I gave birth to you my life changed. It was one of the most important days of my life; the second was when I gave birth to your sister. Cameron my love, you are such a gentle and kind soul; polite, considerate and witty. Your sensitivity is one of your greatest assets because you genuinely have nothing but love in your heart for each and every person you come across. You are the best big brother. The way you protect your sister comforts my heart. My son, may the Almighty God never leave your side. May you continue to go from glory to glory and from strength to strength IJN. As I always tell you my son, continue to be true to yourself no matter what this life throws at you. Treat each and every person with love and respect.The most important gift you can give anyone is LOVE! I am proud of you and super excited to watch you become one of the greatest this world will ever see. May God bless all that concerns you. We celebrate you today Cameron. Big hugs & Kisses! Happy birthday son.����✔���������������������������☝️❤❤����❤❤����#myfirstborn❤️
#myprince #mylove #cameronjaydenokoye

Her husband, Peter Okoye also wrote, “Happy birthday to my dear son @cameronokoye10 May you be a brave and have the strength that God gives you to be a Man of Value and Blessings.����� Wow! can’t believe u are 10 today. ��‍♂️ �����������������✨�Birthday Boy��� #SoccerStarInTheMaking”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/09/the-day-i-gave-birth-to-you-my-life.html

HUSSAINI HAMMANGABDO, in this piece looks at the upsets in the Adamawa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the President’s brother in law joins the governorship race.

The declaration of Dr Mahmood Halilu Ahmad, younger brother to Nigeria’s First Lady, Aisha Buhari, to contest the Adamawa State governorship seat under the ruling All Progressives Congress Party (APC), is causing ripples within the party in the state. For one, it has put the second term ambition of the incumbent Governor Muhammad Bindow, come 2019, in an unpleasant state, largely because Ahmad is naturally seen to enjoy the blessings of the president.
The declaration of Ahmad, Gov. Bindow and Engr Markus Gundiri, makes the number of contenders in the governorship race, the ruling APC in the state to three. With a scenario like this the ruling APC is heading towards a tough primaries in the state.
The President’s In-law popularly called ‘Modi’, code named his campaign project, ‘Actualisation Agenda’ which is widely speculated to enjoy sponsorship from his elder sister, Aisha Buhari who is from the state. Ahmad’s narratives indicate that he is not out to accord the incumbent governor any political niceties.
And his utterances and promises to tackle Bindow’s shortfalls and bad governance, at the secretariat of APC while addressing party stakeholders and supporters who trooped out in large numbers, confirmed this. He vowed to clear unpaid salary arrears owed the 21 local government employees, leave grants, promotion and other entitlement to public service productivity in the state.

Other areas he pledged to improve, includes, infrastructural development, for job creation through robust Internally Generate Revenue (IGR), in the state.
The impact of agricultural diversification of Mr President, he explained, has not been properly harnessed, hence the desire to revamp the sector for farmers. He accused Bindow of dishonesty and failure in addressing the plight of the people of the state.
As if that was not enough, a picture of President Buhari and his In-law displaying his governorship nomination forms was virile on the social media, which was easily interpreted as the president’s endorsement of his ambition to win the APC primaries and fly the flag of the party in the state.
The aspirant recent justification of the cost of Expression of Interest and Nomination forms for presidential and gubernatorial race also, is clear indication that he is financial and otherwise ready to be a stronger challenger of Bindow in the Guber race may force the incumbent governor to use money to get support of the people.
“Youths constitute larger segment of the society, would be engaged in various sectors to boost human capital development in the state.
“My administration if given the mandate, tend to address leakages in the economy, for viability of the Internally Generated Revenue ((IGR) of the state.
“The Agricultural diversification of President Buhari, is not properly harnessed despite huge number of peasant farmers, would be given the desired attention.
“We would make the state viable through prompt payment of workers salaries, youths and women empowerment.
The gubernatorial hopeful, promised to support the party financially for it to maintain its status of winning party in the state. Pundits aver that the promises by the gubernatorial hopeful, to address shortfalls of the governor including, alleged lack of real empowerment programs, remain instructive.

According to pundits, Modi, who was also a member of the APC’s presidential campaign council in 2015, is said to have a good political relationship with the former Secretary to the Government of Federation (SGF), Babachair Lawal, whose loyalty to Mr President is unshaken.
During various press conferences, the former SGF has maintained that, anything worth doing for Buhari should be done well, in the state and at the national level politically. Some believe that such utterrances may be a snide shot at the governor.
Going by this confirmation of loyalty, to Mr president, the brother of the First Lady may enjoy political preferential treatment, from the former SGF to actualise his gubernatorial ambition in the state. This is inspite of the fact that Marcus Gundiri, another aspirant in the party, is the former SGF’s kinsman.
Still, some analysts argue that these factors may align to yield positive results for the president’s in law, especially with the strained relationship between Lawal and Bindow over alleged irregularities that trailed the recent conduct of APC congresses, as well as the controversy surrounding the adoption of indirect primaries, as method for selecting candidate for the ruling party in the state.

Bindow has also been accused by some aggrieved APC chieftains who alleged they labored to bring him (Bindow) to power only to be abandoned. In the buildup to 2015 governorship election in the state, Immediate past governor, Murtala Nyako, had backed the ambition of Bindow until he the former ran into troubled waters with the federal government and was impeached from office.
With Nyako embattled, the then APC governorship aspirant was forced to seek a new political alliance which he got in the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, who became is new benefactor and helped him to secure victory at the gubernatorial election. While Bindow’s relationship has long gone sore with Nyako, his rapport with Atiku became suspect following his refusal to join the former vice president in leaving the APC for the PDP late last year.
Nonetheless, some analysts are of the view that, Ahmad despite the support from his sister, the First Lady, lacks the capacity and popularity to emerge as the APC flag bearer of the ruling party.
Many people mostly argued that, they got wind of him, during his turbaning as the ‘Dujima Adamawa’ in April last year, by the Fombina Emirate council in the state.
Bindow is seen to still have the structure of the party to retain his seat as the governorship candidate in 2019, due to incumbency factors, more so because he is believed to be major sponsor of the party APC and its structures.

As a seating governor, furthermore, he is in-charge and control as major finances he is expecting the party, to favor and pay him back during forth coming primaries.
Going by the standard of the state, Bindow has added value ahead of any other contenders due to his developmental stride, which may make electorate to vote him for the second term in office.
With the season of defections still open, the governor might opt to defect to an opposition party if he perceives that his chances of returning to office are slim under the APC.
Only last month, a media report emerged that he was in talks with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), his former party, following poor relationship with his party.
The governor was reported to have given some conditions that must be met before he could consider a return.
Secretary of the Adamawa State PDP, Abdullahi Prambe, was reported to have admitted that the PDP had been in contact with their former member, Bindow.
Prambe was quoted as saying, “We have been talking with the governor, and from the way things are going , something positive will happen soon. ”

The party also said it was confident that other politicians who defected with the governor to the APC in 2014 , would return to the PDP before the 2019 general elections.
The governor outrightly denied any talks with the PDP. His special assistant on Media and Publicity, Macaulay Hunohashi, said Bindow remained a resolute member of the APC and never considered dumping it for any party.
He said , “Governor Bindow has no plans to defect to any party. He continues to reaffirm his support to President Muhammadu Buhari’ s re – election bid. ”
The coming weeks are crucial for the party and all the aspirants as they head into the primaries, which is already shaping to be contentious.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/09/guber-hopes-of-buharis-in-law-rattles.html

The Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Mohammed Ali Ndume, has blamed the presidency for the defection of Senate President Bukola Saraki and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Ndume, a close ally of President Muhammadu Buhari, said the presidency did nothing to lobby Saraki, Dogara and others to remain in the ruling party.

The lawmaker, who is the immediate-past Leader of the Senate, pointed out that the executive should take part of the blames on what is going on in the National Assembly today.

Ndume told Sun that Saraki and Dogara were looking for excuses which the presidency provided for them, adding that they were not given the needed attention.

“I can’t predict what will happen tomorrow. The problem we are facing in the National Assembly is not entirely the fault of the legislative arm of government,” he said.

“It takes two to tangle. The executive has not been lobbying, showing concerns or making reasonable efforts to reach out. What they have done isn’t enough. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have gotten to where we are today.

“The other side (Saraki and Dogara) did what they did because they were looking for excuses and the excuses were handed down to them.

“When a baby is crying and you don’t pay attention to it, it can be destructive. I think that was what happened. Like I said earlier, there is no cause for alarm.

“I am not even happy with the attention the media is giving to the face off. The attention should be what they are supposed to do for Nigerians.

“My concern for example is the shutting down of the National Assembly. There is no hope that we are going to resume until after the primaries.

“Matters of urgent national importance are there in the cooler. We have confirmations pending, the budget of INEC, approval of loans to fund the 2018 budget and other requests are just there.

“Even some bills from the Presidency and an amendment to the Electoral Act are pending. These are the issues we should be talking about instead of dwelling on the face off.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/09/nass-crisis-buharis-ally-senator-ndume.html