₦airaland Forum

President Muhammadu Buhari has sent his condolences to the government and people of Jigawa State over the loss of former Governor of Kano State, Air Vice Marshal Hamza Abdullahi.

His spokesman, Femi Adesina, in a statement on Thursday, said President Buhari commiserates with family, friends and Hadejiya community members of the former governor, who also served the country as Minister of Works and Housing, and Minister of Federal Capital Territory.

“The President believes the sacrifices and good heartedness of the former governor will always be remembered, most remarkably in revitalizing the Expanded Programme of Immunization for women and children in Kano, and working assiduously to ensure successful movement of the nation’s capital city from Lagos to Abuja.

“As a military officer, the President affirms that Abdullahi was disciplined, focused and fully committed to the unity and progress of Nigeria.

“President Buhari prays that God will comfort his family and grant him eternal rest”, the statement added.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/03/buhari-reacts-death-former-kano-governor/

Chelsea manager, Maurizio Sarri, has claimed that he was unaware of the club’s intentions to sign Christian Pulisic.

The Blues completed the first major transfer of the January window on Wednesday, signing Pulisic for £58m from Borussia Dortmund, before loaning him back to the Bundesliga leaders until the end of the season.

Sarri was asked about Pulisic’s capture after their 0-0 draw with Southampton, but seemed unwilling to discuss it at length.

“I don’t know. I didn’t know anything about Pulisic yesterday.

“The club asked my opinion about him about one month ago. My opinion was positive.

“Today I have known that the deal is done but I didn’t know anything.”

With Chelsea’s injury list mounting up and Eden Hazard the only fully fit winger in the squad, Sarri was asked whether he would have preferred Pulisic to join this month rather than in the summer.

He responded: “I don’t know, I am not in control of the market. I have to think about the pitch, improving my team and the offensive phase.

“We are good to build up the action, we have to improve in the last 20 metres. The club know my position, it is up to the board.

“As I said before I am not in charge of the market, it is difficult for me to talk about the market or the deal of Pulisic.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/03/epl-sarri-makes-surprise-revelation-pulisic-deal/

The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), on Tuesday, criticised Zamfara government over efforts being made to stamp out banditry in the state.

The Secretary-General of JNI ,Dr Khalid Aliyu, in a press statement issued on Tuesday in Kaduna, said the Zamfara government must move beyond mere condemnation to action, NAN reports.

The body also expressed worries over the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in Yobe and Borno.

It noted that parts of Zamfara have been allowed to turn into a theater of dehumanisation and desecration of the sanctity of life, properties, personal liberty and communal integrity.

The statement read: “This is utterly reprehensible and unacceptable, for hooligans and way wards to hold a whole state to ransom.

“Equally painful is the return of insurgency in some parts of Borno and Yobe states, with wanton destruction of lives and properties.

“Why must all these bloodletting be allowed to resurface. All these re-occurring acts of terrorism, dehumanisation, sacrilege of sanctity of life and all forms of wickedness are utterly and unreservedly condemned in their entirety and government must go beyond mere condemnations.”

The JNI called for realistic investigation on the killings in Zamfara, adding “it is hardly imaginable that such pusillanimous and evil acts could still occur in Zamfara state despite frequent assurances by government.”

“Nonetheless, JNI will continue to ask questions:“Who are the blood thirsty fellows, why have they been allowed for years, why have they not been arrested and interrogated, what has been the motive behind such repeated scandalous acts?”

The Muslims’ umbrella body “therefore call on governments at all levels to do everything possible as a matter of urgency to stop these evil acts of terror repeatedly being unleashed on innocent souls and restore peace and security, which is their first constitutional role, as silence is no longer golden.

”We commiserate with the families of the victims of these inhuman attacks and particularly condole with the families of gallant security men that died at battle fronts, husbands and wives, parents and guardians who have lost their wards/children in these orgies of misfortunes.

“We pray to the Almighty Allah, to grant the deceased forgiveness and mercy, while those that sustained injuries quick recovery.”

On the forthcoming 2019 general election, the JNI urged politicians to “play according to the rules, and conduct political campaigns with decorum and in a peaceful manner.

”JNI call on Imams to return to special prayers offered in calamitous situations and trying times, seeking Allah, the Most High, to deal with the situation and evil perpetrators with what they deserve, and to restore peace and security to all affected areas, and the country at large.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/02/muslim-leaders-speak-zamfara-killings-2019-election/

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned President Muhammadu Buhari’s absence at the burial of former President of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, last weekend.

The party said the President’s absence at the funeral, particularly regarding Alhaji Shehu Shagari’s status, as the first Executive President of the nation, was unpardonable and a very wrong precedence in the national protocol.

PDP Presidential Campaign Organization, in a statement on Monday by its Director, Media & Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, said, “this action by the Buhari Presidency has also sent a wrong signal to the international community on our national values and respect for our patriots.”

PDP also noted that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was also absent at President Shehu Shagari’s burial and that the federal government has taken no concrete step to give a state honour to “this very patriotic Nigerian, other than a rather belated directive to fly our national flag at half-mast for just three days and a dramatic visit to Sokoto by President Buhari.

“Sadly, while our beloved President Shagari was at the National Hospital Abuja, passing through his last moments on this realm, President Buhari was busy at his campaign rally in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State, boasting of how he, as military head of state, sacked the Second Republic, arrested and locked up President Shehu Shagari and his officials, in clear violation of our nation’s constitution.

“Such disdain on our respected national figure by President Buhari is completely unpresidential.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/01/shehu-shagari-pdp-slams-buhari-osinbajo-absence-ex-presidents-burial/

The Central Think-Tank, CTT, of the Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, has recounted how Nigerian lawmakers and politicians failed and inflicted pains on the people in 2018.

In a statement made available to DAILY POST on Monday, signed by its Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, the Muslim group said it met yesterday to take a cursory look at events which dominated the Nigerian atmosphere during the year, 2018.

The Islamic human rights organization scored Nigerian politicians low, adding that politicians across the spectrum have disappointed Nigerians.

The statement read, “There are only a few exceptions. Nigerian politicians displayed astounding unpredictability. They were consistently inconsistent. Political prostitution rented the air in an uncontrollable manner.

“They were bereft of standards. There was no modicum of principles. All the political parties without exception became infected with political chameleonism.

“The Nigerian political landscape experienced one of its worst moments in history as politicians swarped parties on flimsy excuses. Personal ego and parochial interest became the parameters for jumping from one party to another.”

MURIC berated politicians for failing to evolve a meaningful political culture.

It added, “Instead of pursuing a meaningful, robust and forward-looking political culture, Nigerian politicians fell head over heels in love with ‘bolekaja’ mentality where Machiaveli instinct rivals Herbert Spencer’s theory of survival of the fittest.

“Instead of identifying with the masses and meeting their aspirations, majority of our politicians pitched camp with the capitalist bourgeois class. Politics is pursued purely for economic gains.

“Service is not the objective. No wonder therefore that politics in Nigeria has become an all-comer game and political charlatanism is the order of the day.

“Our lawmakers perfected the art of law-breaking in law-making. In their sober moments, they were either competing with Nollywood actors or turning the hallowed chamber into the most notorious motor-park in the country.

“They made 2018 their year of sabotage when every project designed by the Federal Government (FG) was targeted for retardation. Meanwhile it was poor Nigerians who suffered just as it happens to the grasses when two elephants fight.

“It was the year lawmakers decided to inflict undue punishment on the Nigerian masses by ensuring that they are denied the dividends of democracy. This they did by ensuring that the budget was delayed for seven months and key projects could not be completed on schedule.

“The 8th National Assembly is the most anti-people in the history of Nigeria while its leadership has proved to be numero uno in parliamentary demagoguery in recent time.

“It is paradoxical that the Nigerian electorate has failed to recognize its friends. Voters readily sell their votes to the same corrupt politicians who robbed them of the dividends of democracy.

“Whereas good roads, qualitative education, high standard health institutions, etc are unavailable today due to the corrupt practices of our politicians, many citizens still idolize the same corrupt elements. They fail to see them as the direct causes of their predicament.

“As a result, political shenanigans were able to mislead poor voters into having preference for ephemeral toys which they labeled ‘stomach infrastructure’ but which lasted only one day over concrete, palpable and enduring infrastructure which are capable of lasting for generations.

“Yet in the midst of our political woes, a few politicians have managed to stay far from the maddening crowd. MURIC salutes these ladies and gentlemen of honour. They are the silver lining behind the dark clouds and they made the several achievements of the present administration possible.

“For the first time in a very long stretch, a democratic regime has come up with several social intervention programmes which impact on the lives of the ordinary citizen, the market woman, the student and the unemployed graduate.

“Gargantuan amounts of money which used to end up in the private pockets of corrupt politicians now go directly to the masses. It is an unprecedented socio-economic revolution powered by the highest office in the land.

“It is quite reassuring that in spite of the fact that a recession greeted the Buhari administration on take-off, the revival of the Nigerian economy through diversification has gained considerable momentum.

“Forbes in September 2018 rated Nigeria as the best economy in Africa and one of the top ten most improved economies in the world.

“Although the price of crude oil fell to $51.60 three days ago (Friday 28thDecember, 2018), the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate standing at 9.5%, the naira exchanging at N306.9 to $1 and foreign reserve at $43.08 billion as at 18th December 2018, we are confident that the effect of the fall in the price of oil will be minimal on the economy considering the prudent management of the present administration.

“MURIC commends government’s war against corruption and we are delighted that as much as N871 billion, 407 mansions and 259 vehicles have been recovered from Nigeria’s serial looters by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The seizures also include nine petrol filling stations and 98 plots of land.

“In summary, Nigerian politicians are a big disappointment. Just as there is little choice in rotten apples, only a few political leaders have added real value to the Nigerian political landscape. The Buhari administration deserves medals for the prudent management of the economy while EFCC should be lauded for its aggressive pursuit of the war against graft.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/31/2019-muslim-group-recounts-lawmakers-politicians-nigerians-2018/

Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has announced the delivery of a ‘special broadcast’ on the state of the Nigerian nation on January 1, 2019.

This was made known in a terse statement yesterday by Mr. Emeka Gift, Director of IPOB Family Writers, an online news platform of the pro-Biafra group.

He said: “Information from the leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has confirmed that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu will deliver an ‘all-important’ new year message to millions of Biafrans all over the world on Tuesday, January 1, 2019.

“The new year special broadcast will commence at exactly 6 pm Biafra time.”

DAILY POST reports that since Kanu resurfaced in October after a year of hiding sequel to the invasion of his Afara-Ukwu hometown in Abia state by the military, he has been addressing his followers on the issues affecting Nigeria through live broadcasts on pirate radio station, Radio Biafra, each weekend.

He has been alleging that President Muhammadu Buhari is ‘dead’ and has been replaced by a stage play actor from Sudan, whose real identity is Jubril Aminu Al-Sudani.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/31/nnamdi-kanu-make-important-revelation-new-year-day-ipob/

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) has made the following predictions about Nigeria’s weather condition for today, Monday, December 31, 2018:

NORTHERN STATES: Dust haze condition is anticipated with visibility range of 1-3km and localised visibility of less than 1,000m over Nguru, Dutse, Potiskum, Katsina and Zaria throughout the forecast period. Day and night temperature values are expected to be in the ranges of 25 – 33℃ and 9 – 18℃ respectively.

CENTRAL STATES: Dust haze condition with visibility range of 2-5km and localised visibility of less than 1,000m is anticipated over the region throughout the forecast period. Day and night temperature values are expected to be in the range of 30 – 35℃ and 16 – 20℃.

SOUTHERN STATES: Dust haze condition with visibility range of 2-5km is expected over the inland cities with chances of early morning mist over the coastal cities. Day and night temperature values are expected to be in the range of 32 – 36℃ and 19 – 23℃ respectively.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/12/weather-report-for-monday-dec-31-2018.html

Unknown gunmen on Friday night murdered a councilor of Ward 9, Ado Ekiti local government area of Ekiti state.

The deceased, Hon Deji Akeredolu, was also an aide to Mr Deji Ogunsakin, the running mate of the Ekiti PDP gubernatorial candidate, Prof Kolapo Olusola.

Father of the deceased, Jacob Akeredolu, a 72-year-old retiree, told journalists at his residence at the Bojuri area of Ado Ekiti on Sunday that the victim had been buried on Saturday.

The bereaved father said that after the victim, who was his second son, was certified dead at hospital, policemen from Okeila Division in Ado Ekiti brought the remains to his house on Friday night.

The father, who described the slain son as breadwinner of the extended family, said: “Deji was an easy-going, kind-hearted and lovely son. I don’t know why this should happen”.

In a telephone chat with our correspondent, Mr Deji Ogunsakin explained that the incident occurred last night around 10.pm at Onala area in Ado Ekiti.

He described the deceased as an easy going person, saying it was a sad development.

Ogunsakin decried the security situation in the state

“The crime rate in the state is at alarming rate, within a week, four different killings of innocent people by bandits have occurred, another still happened in Ikere Ekiti.

“The state governor, Kayode fayemi should ensure the situation is tackled.

“I am also calling the state commissioner for police, CP Ahmed Bello to address the situation as Ekiti is no longer safe for the residents.

Mr Ogunsakin, while speaking with journalists on phone, said though he was outside the State on official function decried the security situation in the state

He described the deceased as a vibrant young man full of energy

“He’s a man of many parts, trained in fashion designing (tailoring) recently informed me he has even set up a fashion house, to engage his wife and himself, he doesn’t deserve such a painful death.”

When contacted, the Police public relations officer DSP Caleb Ikechukwu, told journalists on phone on Sunday that he had not been properly briefed.

Ikechuwu said: “I’m yet to be briefed. Once I am briefed, I will let you know. I am not telling you that I am not aware, but I am yet to be properly briefed. This is my response as the PPRO of the state command.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/30/gunmen-murder-councillor-ekiti/

The gubernatorial candidate of the main opposition PDP in Plateau State, Senator Jeremiah Useni has denied rumour making rounds that he is not working for the victory of the party’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, describing it as “baseless, malicious and false – all aimed at dividing the party”.

Useni stated this during a crucial meeting with the party’s leadership held at the PDP secretariat with all candidates for the Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly.

The Chairman, Media and Publicity Committee, of the party’s state campaign council, Abraham Yiljap, told journalists after the meeting that Useni is working to ensure that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar wins the election in Plateau.

According to him, ” The rumour that Senator Jeremiah Useni is working at cross purposes with the PDP Presidential Candidate is baseless, malicious and false; all aimed at dividing the party.

“Useni can never work for the candidate of another party aside the PDP”, he maintained.

“The victories of PDP Presidential, Gubernatorial, National Assembly and State Assembly Candidates in the 2019 General Elections are settled,” he assured.

Useni harped on the need for teamwork, being more strategic, penetrating the nooks and crannies of the State, stressing that he is ready to contain the incumbent in all ramifications for resounding victory to bring the people of the State out of their present “harsh and unfriendly” predicament.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/29/apc-vs-pdp-plateau-guber-candidate-useni-denies-working-atiku/

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has reacted to the inclusion of two billionaire businessmen, Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola in the All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential Campaign.

Atiku said the move was an act of desperation on the part of Buhari and the APC.

The former Vice President spoke through one of his Presidential Campaign spokesperson, Kassim Afegbua.

According to Atiku, it would have served Nigerians better if the businessmen were included in Buhari’s economic management team to avail him their wealth of knowledge on how to create jobs.

Atiku said, “These people are businessmen, not politicians. These are the kind of people Nigerians expect to see in the economic management team because of what they have done for this country.

“He (Buhari) is simply out to blackmail them because by the time they fund his campaign, he will turn around and call them corrupt businessmen.

“Nigerians can now see for themselves what we have been talking about all this while and we call on them to vote out this grossly incompetent administration, whose stock in trade is blackmail of perceived enemies.”

Meanwhile, the Presidency, through the Special Adviser to the President Buhari on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, has clarified Dangote’s position in the list.
According to Adesina, Dangote not being a card carrying member of the APC cannot be on its Presidential campaign council.

In a terse statement last night, Adesina said, “It has become imperative to further clarify the status of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, named under the sub-head ADVISORY MEMBERS in the All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential Campaign Council announced on Friday, December 28, 2018.
“Africa’s richest man, not being a card-carrying member of APC, cannot, and is not member of the PCC.

“He is also a member of the Peace Committee, and thus cannot be in a partisan campaign council.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/29/2019-presidency-atiku-reacts-apcs-inclusion-dangote-otedola-buharis-campaign/

Former Adamawa State governor, Vice Admiral Murtala Nyako (retd), has blamed drug abuse and thuggery by youths across the state on government, stressing that lack of empowerment programmes by the government of the day is the cause of the twin evils.

He therefore charged the electorate to vote for credible candidates in 2019, especially for those who would empower them.

Murtala Nyako spoke in Ganye, headquarters of the Ganye Local Government Area Thursday at the beginning of a state-wide tour that took him and his long convoy also to Toungo and Jada local government areas in the southern zone of the state where he said his visit was to thank the people for their support to his administration.

Nyako, who governed Adamawa State between 2007 and 2014, reiterated at the palace of Gangwari Ganye that the people owed it as a duty to vote into power, credible candidates who would bring people-oriented empowerment for job creation. “We must also vote for a government that would provide quality education to our children in the state,” he said.

Speaking earlier, the paramount ruler of the Ganye Kingdom, Gangwari Ganye, Alhaji Umar Adamu Sanda said Adamawa people would always tap from the wealth of experience of the former governor in view of positions he held in the past. “The state is fortunate to have you as son of the soil. Your records and wealth of experience will serve as catalogue for reference to all,” the Ganye traditional ruler said.

Nyako, who hails from Mayo Belwa, another LGA in southern Adamawa, was in the Nigerian Navy for 30 years, rising to the rank of a vice admiral and becoming the military governor of Niger State from February 1976 to December 1977 and then as Chief of Naval Staff from 1990 to 1992.

Nyako interacted with political stakeholders and his supporters, who thronged out to receive him in each of the towns he visted, discussing politics with them and encouraging them to hope for a better future.

Although Murtala Nyako is a big name in the All Progressives Congress (APC), his son, Sen Abdulazeez Nyako, left the APC to become the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate for the 2019 election in the state.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/28/ex-governor-nyako-tours-adamawa-blames-drug-abuse-thuggery-govt/

A suspect arrested allegedly for killing former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh (rtd) has revealed why the general was killed.

25-year-old Shuaibu Rabo while being interrogated by Police said Badeh was killed in an attack to rob him of money meant for the purchase of a new farmland, Daily Trust reports.

Rabo explaining how the incident happened said: “One day, Yaya went to Gitata market and met Ciroma who gave him a hint that the retired general (Badeh) had bought new farmland and he was bringing the money on a particular day.”

He said Ciroma then told Yaya that they should plan on how to go and rob them of the money. He said on the day of the incident, they laid an ambush along the road. He said it was Ciroma who confirmed Badeh’s vehicle when it was approaching.

“We blocked the road. And some of us were trailing his car. When he reached us, he (Badeh) did not show any intention of turning back. In fact, he acted as if he was going to knock Ciroma down. When Ciroma realized that, he jumped off the road and opened fire on him (Badeh). Thereafter, we ransacked the vehicle and carried a bag of money in local currency.’

Meanwhile, Police on Thursday during a press conference at the Force Headquarters in Abuja postponed the parade of five suspects arrested in connection to the murder of the former CDS.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/28/alex-badeh-killed-ex-defense-chief-suspect-confesses/

As Nigeria gets closer to the 2019 general elections, the Igbo World Assembly has declared that the various presidential candidates were yet to convince Ndigbo on why they should cast votes for them.

This stand was made known by Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze, the President of the Igbo World Assembly.

He spoke in a statement announcing events lined up for the Igbo International Retreat, billed to hold at Abagana, Anambra State tomorrow, Friday.

Anakwenze urged the presidential candidates “to use the opportunity provided by this event to unveil their agenda for Ndigbo, as the region is not ready to follow anyone sheepishly.”

He added that apart from presidential candidates, “other candidates for elective positions

in Igbo should come and tell the people what they have in stock for them.

“The annual event addresses the economic, political and social challenges in Igbo land and Nigeria.

“We are not unmindful of the challenges facing the Southeast politically, economically and socially and the earlier we begin to jointly address them the better for all of us. As a people, we have to remain united, especially as we inch closer to the 2019 election.

“Among the speakers expected at the event are Prof Maduike Ezeibe, Prof Emma Okocha, Prof Pita Ejiofor, Barr Oyibo Chukwu, Prof Aja Kpuru Ajah, Prof Greg Ibe and a host of other Academics.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/27/2019-presidential-candidates-yet-unveil-agenda-southeast-igbo-world-assembly/

The Bayelsa Police Command, on Wednesday said it averted a serious crime by arresting a two-man armed robbery gang that ambushed customers near commercial banks in Yenagoa.

Police spokesman for Bayelsa Command, DSP Asinim Butswat, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yenagoa that the armed robbery gang was arrested in a tricycle, which they used for their nefarious activities.

He said that the gang ambushed customers who made withdrawals and trailed them to a convenient place where they would be attacked and robbed of the cash.

Butswat said the adequate security measures put in place for the Yuletide in Bayelsa by the Commissioner of Police Aminu Pai Saleh, was yielding positive results.

“On 24 December, at about 1900 hours, two notorious armed robbers were arrested at Swali by UBA Bank, while waiting to rob unsuspecting members of the public of their money after withdrawals.

“The suspects are one Henry Kingsley 28, from Nembe Local Government Area, Bayelsa and one Moses Roland 25, who hails from Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State.

“They were arrested in possession of one locally made revolver pistol with one 9mm live ammunition and onother locally made pistol with one AA live ammunition.

“The suspects are in custody and are undergoing interrogation,” Butswat said.

NAN reports that a female bank official with FCMB Yenagoa is being quizzed for allegedly passing information on customers making huge withdrawals to armed robbers who ambushed such customers.

The police spokesman had said that the investigation followed several robbery incidents reported in the past two weeks from same bank.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/26/police-arrest-2-man-gang-ambushing-bank-customers-bayelsa/

Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, has admitted that they might not win the league, but told his players to “enjoy the ride” of pursuing a first Premier League title since 1990 and not fear the pressure of leading the race at Christmas.

The Reds currently have a four-point advantage at the top, following Manchester City’s surprise home defeat by Crystal Palace.

Klopp’s team has also delivered the club’s best start to a season, with 48 points from 18 unbeaten games.

Only twice in the last 10 years have the team top of the league on Christmas Day not gone on to win the title and on both occasions it was Liverpool, in 2013/2014 and 2008/2009.

Klopp insists the statistic is irrelevant to his team’s prospects in 2019 and that Liverpool’s attempt to win a 19th league championship should be embraced at Anfield.

“We don’t want make ourselves smaller than we are but I can feel it.

“Nobody here is used to dealing with the success of Liverpool but a lot of people feel for this club. Somebody already asked me after the Wolves game: ‘Is it your’s to lose?’ He asked me that! Wow! That is really crazy.

“If you want to have guarantees, go for another sport. If you want to be sure that in May it will be something really special but you don’t want to see the way to that day, then take a holiday. I don’t know where the Premier League is not broadcast but find a little country where it is not and go there.

“If you want to enjoy the ride, and want to try everything you can to be as successful as possible, then welcome, let’s go for it. That is all we can do. Nothing else, and not because our grandfathers did or didn’t do it. That has no influence,” the German told a press cconference on Tuesday.

Klopp also maintained he does not feel any added pressure given Liverpool’s commanding start and slender advantage over City, whom they play January 3.

“There is no pressure, I don’t see the pressure,” he said.

“There is pressure because we want to win against Newcastle and that is difficult enough. If I saw someone in a pre-match interview asking a player about May and stuff like that, I would take the mic and throw it somewhere. Only because that is not fair. We have to play football, not think about what we can do in the summer.

“If we are not first in the table on 3 January for example then we would probably have lost a game. Does that mean that everything we have done so far is shit? If we lose a game one day and everybody immediately starts saying we showed we cannot deal with the pressure, there are still 17 games to go or whatever. There is no extra pressure on us because of a four-point gap.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/26/epl-klopp-admits-liverpool-might-not-win-title/

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt General T.Y. Buratai has called on troops in the Counter Insurgency Operations in the North East to be very wary of Boko Haram terrorists’ increasing misinformation and propaganda.

Buratai, in a Christmas message on Tuesday to troops in the Northeast, said it is evident that Boko Haram have been defeated and that what the terrorists are relaying on is propaganda.

“They have now resorted to employing propaganda in order to demoralise you by spreading false messages of strength and invincibility.

“It is pertinent for troops to understand that Boko Haram Terrorists are nothing but a band of criminals. Therefore, you must all brace up to clear and flush out their remnants. We have superior training, fire power and experience. We have a history of successes on the battlefield both at home and abroad. This must be reflected in all our operations,” Buratai said.

The Army Chief also commended the efforts and sacrifices of gallant officers and men currently engaged in the counter insurgency operations in the North East and other operations across the country and abroad.

“I congratulate you for your bravery, doggedness and loyalty in these endeavours. I want to urge you all to maintain the momentum and remain steadfast as we continue to professionally and responsively carry out our constitutional roles.

“On my part, I would continue to ensure that troops’ welfare and that of their families, remains my utmost priority.
I enjoin us all to continue to pray to the Almighty God for the repose of the souls of our fallen comrades and for peace in our nation. We will not renege on our promise to cater for the wellbeing of the families of our brave fallen heroes,” he said.
The Army Chief added that, “Let me use this medium to reassure you of the Federal Government’s commitment to your welfare with the requisite support for us to perform our duties.

“Also, the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged his total support to the Armed Forces to bring all ongoing operations to logical conclusion.”

On the forthcoming general elections, Buratai urged troops to remain apolitical and dedicated to their assigned roles.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/25/boko-haram-terrorists-nothing-band-criminals-buratai/

PEOPLE’S Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has admitted not speaking with the widow of Lt.-Col. Ibrahim Sakaba, who was killed by Boko Haram insurgents at Metele in November.

Abubakar stated this in a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, yesterday in Abuja to retract his earlier Christmas message where he said he spoke with Mrs. Sakaba.

The former vice president who apologised for the “erroneous communication” about his telephone conversation with Mrs. Sakaba, explained that efforts were made for him to speak with her but were unsuccessful.

He, however, said he spoke with the younger sister of the deceased, Maryam and expressed his condolence.

“Following the death of Lt.-Col. Ibrahim Sakaba during the Boko Haram insurgents’ attack on 157 Taskforce Battalion in Metele, Abubakar’s staff has made efforts to get the contact of his widow to enable the former Vice President express his condolences over the loss of the fallen hero.

“Over the weekend, Atiku Abubakar was availed with phone numbers of Mrs. Sakaba and Maryam, younger sister of the late soldier, in the alternative.

“On Sunday, the former Vice President tried albeit unsuccessfully to contact Mrs. Sakaba but was able to eventually speak with Maryam, younger sister of the gallant soldier during which he expressed his deepest condolences to the family.

“However, this communication was erroneously communicated. The error is regretted.

“Atiku Abubakar, however, reaffirms his deepest condolences to the Sakaba family, which sacrifices, like those of their brave son, keeps us safe.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/25/atiku-admits-not-speaking-soldiers-wife/

Shehu Sani, the Senator representing Kaduna Central, has criticised northern political elite over their silence on frequent killings and kidnappings in the region.

The lawmaker, in a series of tweets, highighted three reasons why the northern elite are silent over the killings.

According to him, the fear of being against the President Muhammadu Buhari government is among the reasons for northern leaders’ silence.

Sani, on his Twitter page, wrote: “Northern political elites are silent on the frequent killings and kidnappings in the north out of any of these three reasons;FEAR not to be seen opposing the Government;BELIEF that the President is doing his best;INDIFFERENCE because it’s the poor that are dying.”

Recently, no fewer than 17 people were on Saturday killed by bandits in Magami Village, Faru District of Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/24/killings-shehu-sani-reveals-three-reasons-northern-leaders-silent/

Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha, has challenged the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Adams Oshiomole to publish his achievements for the duration he was governor of Edo State.

This is coming on the heels of the APC chair’s verbal attack on the Imo State governor when he flagged off Senator Hope Uzodinma’s governorship campaign in the state.

Governor Okorocha in a press statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemeodo, said: “We won’t allow Oshiomhole to eat his cake and still have it.

And we start this way: Adams Oshiomhole was governor in Edo State for eight years. Rochas Okorocha has been governor in Imo for less than eight years. And we challenge Oshiomhole to publish his achievements in Edo State for the eight years he was governor and let Rochas publish his own achievements in Imo in less than eight years. And let Nigerians judge between the two who failed as governor.

“If Oshiomhole fails to accept this challenge, we won’t have any other option than to conclude that he is just a noise maker.

“Mr. Oshiomhole has been talking and working to fulfill his own part of whatever deal he has with Chief Hope Uzodinma. He is acting his own part and in doing that, he has thrown caution to the wind.

“A national chairman of a party who came for the campaign of a governorship candidate of his party would have used the opportunity offered by that event to market the candidate. But in this case, Oshiomhole talked about Governor Okorocha and carefully skipped because he knows where the problem lies with the candidate.

“All the media reports on what Oshiomhole said at the rally were all about Okorocha. He consciously avoided telling Imo people why they should opt for Chief Uzodinma at the poll in 2019 or why he chose him as the guber candidate of the party in the state.”

On the issue of salary owed workers Oshiomole talked about, the governor noted that the information had long been in the public domain that he paid the December 2018 salary in November 2018. And he had also given each of the workers N10,000 as Christmas bonus.

He added that just last week, he handed over a new office complex, furnished by the state government to the state chapter of NLC, insisting that all these gestures showed the harmonious relationship between the governor and the workers in the state.

Okorocha recalled that Oshiomhole admitted that he had owed Edo workers seven months salary arrears while leaving as governor and could not also pay the N18,000 minimum wage, maintaining that he was therefore not qualified to talk about payment of salary.

“The truth is that the APC National Chairman has resorted to noise making to see if that could help him out of the whole mess but all to no avail.”

He observed that at Uzodinma’s flag-off campaign, Oshiomhole spoke with anger. And that anger stemmed from the fact that the venue of the event was empty. And he decided to vent his frustration on Okorocha.

“The blackmailing Rochas in Abuja by few Imo born political hawks has nothing to do with the tick political followership Rochas enjoys in Imo.

“And it was the empty venue that prompted the false claim that the governor refused to give them the Dan Anyiam Stadium for the event, as a face-saving mechanism. Where would they have got the people to fill the Stadium? They had played safe by deciding to use Uzodinma’s campaign office on Okigwe road. Yet, the compound was empty.

“At a rally at the Dan Anyiam Stadium on Tuesday, July 3, 2018, Mr. Oshiomhole after seeing the mammoth crowd said, they had known who owned the land. He was referring to Governor Okorocha who organised the rally. And nothing has changed between that July and today. Rochas holds the ace of Imo grassroots politics. And there is nothing anybody can do about that,” the statement said.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/24/okorocha-bombs-oshiomole-failed-governor/

Chelsea boss, Maurizio Sarri, has slammed his players after a disappointing 1-0 loss to Leicester City on Saturday.

The Italian and his Blues squad fell 1-0 at home to Leicester with the only goal coming from Jamie Vady.

Asked why he threw his jacket down during the game, the Italian told post match press conference, “I was hot! I think we played very well for 55 minutes. After the goal the reaction was a strange one for me.

“Not as a team, but as 11 different players, it was really very strange.

“We could have done better, the reaction. We had only to continue to play as in the first part of the match.

“We had time to score, without a reaction of a team shocked, with mental confusion.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/22/epl-sarri-slams-chelsea-players-reveals-threw-jacket-1-0-loss-leicester/

Immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose has reacted to a statement by the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Adams Oshiomhole attacking Governor Rochas Okorocha.

DAILY POST reports that Oshiomhole accused Okorocha of frustrating the APC candidate, an action he described as anti-party.

The former Edo state governor said that by denying Uzodinma use of the state’s stadium, the governor has shown he is working against the party.

Oshiomhole was quoted saying: “Buhari has adopted Hope Uzodimma as the governor of Imo state. I want you to go and tell people what I said.

“Nigeria needs to produce political leaders that have political concentration. How will you believe that an APC governor will lock the stadium against an APC governorship candidate?

“It is the tax payers’ money that is used to build that stadium and not his personal money.”

Reacting, Fayose said Oshiomhole’s statement showed the ruling party had failed.

According to him, failure of APC in Imo shows the ruling party has failed in Abuja too.

Fayose wrote: “When National Chairman of a political party proclaims the Chairman of his party’s Govs’ Forum as a failure, no further questioning as to the fact that the party and its govt is a complete failure.

“Failure in Imo is synonymous with failure in Abuja.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/22/fayose-reacts-oshiomhole-attacks-gov-okorocha/

A coalition of 300 Civil Society Organisations (CCSOs) has said that President Muhammadu Buhari had been successful in the counter-insurgency battles and deserves accolade and re-election.

The coalition enjoined Nigerians to re-elect President Buhari because of his success in the fight against insurgents as contained in the report of Centre of International and Strategic Studies (CISS).

CISS report on Thursday that President Muhammadu Buhari had been successful unlike the government of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The coalition said it unanimously reached and adopted the positions and conclusions of CISS of the unbiased and truthful accounts and perspectives into insurgency in Nigeria operations and battles in the country.

“The CCSOs endorsed without hesitations the general conclusions of the report, which aligns with the consensus opinions among majority of Nigerians, including the incipient opposition elements in the country, traditionally obstinate in conceding to the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s successes of the counter-insurgency battles.’’

The position of the coalition is contained in Communiqué Issued After A Convention of Coalition of 300 Civil Society Organizations (CCSOs) in Abuja on Thursday which Conscientiously Scrutinized and Deliberated On the Report Titled “The Battle Against Terrorism in Nigeria: A Public Dossier On The War”.

According to the CCSOs, the report “ yawningly re-echoes that President Buhari has frenetically tackled the insurgency with so much vigour, energy and resources.

“It stamps that the President has made the difference in counter-terrorism combat and deserving of loud accolades and commendations.’’

The organisations anchored on the report made by Centre for International and Strategy Studies (CISS) Dated December 20, 2018 which they reviewed, assessed and appraised.

The communiqué was signed by Comrade Okpokwu Ogenyi, Chairman, Communique Drafting Committee; Mr. Mshelizza Yusuf, Secretary of Communique Drafting Committee; and Comrade Musa Nasiru, a member of the communiqué committee.

According to the communiqué, “the report vacated previously erroneous notions and fogs orchestrated by detractors to veil the successes of the counter-insurgency operations under the Buhari Presidency.

“It also rated as very high, the performance of the Nigerian Military, especially the Nigerian Army, under the leadership of the COAS Lt. TY Buratai who is also the leader of the counter-insurgency.

“For the benefit of Nigerians yet to read the report on combat of terrorism in Nigeria under the preceding and incumbent governments in Nigeria, as compiled by the Centre for International and Strategy Studies, the CCSOs have burdened themselves to highlight a few areas for emphasis.

“The CISS report resoundingly reechoed that on assumption of office by President Buhari on May 29, 2015, Boko Haram terrorists had violently seized, occupied and dislodged natives in several local governments areas in the Northeast.

“The insurgents exercised unchallenged traditional and religious leadership of these communities by establishing its brand of Islamic Caliphate.

Excerpts from the CISS report emphasized that a BBC report of September, 20, 2014 that Boko Haram militants were in charge of at least 25 towns and villages in Northeast Nigeria , the region’s Roman catholic Bishop has claimed, warning of a deteriorating security situation.

Bishop Oliver Dashe said, 10 towns in Yobe state, the same number in Borno and five in Adamawa had fallen to the rebels over the last month, as they seek to carve out a hardline Islamic State.”

“Furthermore, the report elucidated that by the end of 2014 under the Jonathan Presidency, Boko Haram had “ Before the declaration of state of emergency, Boko Haram had overpowered local administrators and law enforcement in Northern Borno close to Nigeria’s border with Cameroun, Chad and Niger and taken over Marte, Magumeri, Mobbar, Gubio, Guzamala, Abadam, Kukawa, Kaga, Nganzai and Mungono LGAs. After the declaration and the massive deployment of soldiers to the region, Boko Haram continued to operate relatively freely and seized additional seven LGAs.”

CCSOs noted with a sense of responsibility that the Jonathan Presidency could not arrest the drift and intensification of insurgents conquest of Nigerian territories.

President Buhari inherited a country, whose no fewer than 24 LGAs were firmly under the total control and administration of Boko Haram terrorists.

Excitingly, the Buhari Presidency has reclaimed every territory previously held by insurgents as far back as 2016.

The CISS report, they said acknowledged President Buhari’s attention, strictness and victories against Boko Haram terrorists.

CISS said: “Among the earliest acts in office was to replace the heads of the army, navy and air force. The new army chief and the commanding officer in charge of operations against Boko Haram both hail from Northern Nigeria and by many accounts, they have taken a more proactive approach than their predecessors toward countering the group.”

Additionally, the report says; “Today, Muhammadu Buhari administration has achieved much when pitched in direct comparison with efforts of the former regime to manage the insecurity menace in the Northeastern region of the country where insurgency has thrived over the years.”

The CISS report identified Mr. President’s hard stand against corruption, which hitherto rocked the Nigerian Military, frustrated and weakened the battle against insurgency, as reason for his success. Buhari’s insistence on transparency and accountability in the prosecution of the war were added ingredients.

“President Muhammadu Buhari’s agenda against corruption has ultimately resulted in more transparency and accountability in the prosecution of the war against the Boko Haram insurgency.”

The CISS report proceeded to chronicle several incidents of successes and victories against Boko Haram insurgents under President which were before mere dreams, but have become the subject of malicious denials by political persecutors of President Buhari.

The report observed that the Buhari Presidency achieved remarkable triumph over terrorists evidenced by “Creating suitable conditions for the safe return of the more than two million people displaced by Boko Haram’s violence has been ongoing since 2015. In early 2016, President Buhari appointed a new committee led by a retired general, to oversee its reconstruction and development program for the Northeast.

Independently, CISS also reiterated isolated milestones in the terrorism combat under President Buhari, which have been in public domain.

“These include, either the arrest of Boko Haram top commanders by the Nigerian Army or their deaths during fierce battles with Nigerian troops, such as namely Audu Ahmadu, a Boko Haram engineer who repairs automobiles; Abu Rajal and Tuja Sa’inna Banki and Abu Nazir who had been on military’s wanted list.

“Securing freedom for a greater number of the abducted Chibok and Dapchi schoolgirls and tens of thousands of other Nigerians held hostage by terrorists and the capture of Sambisa forest in Borno have been reflected in the report.

“It applauded the Gen. Buratai’s excellent Civil/Military Relations which he deployed positively in currying support of the populace to battle the asymmetric terrorism war. And Army Chief’s establishment of the Nigerian Army Call center and Human Rights Desk in all Army Divisions in addressing issues of human rights abuses by its personnel have been brought to the fore.

The report expatiates; “… the groups (Boko Haram sects) decline is also the result of multiple processes at the regional and local level. The new administration was pivotal in coordinating regional and international response to Boko Haram, persuading the US to sell arms to Nigeria again and working closely with regional states involved in the fight.”

“Therefore, the CCSOs are ennobled by this report to state empathically that Nigerians should not allow a reversal of the gains recorded against Boko Haram terrorism under the current administration by siding with selfish political jobbers and power mongers to oust President Buhari in 2019. If Nigerians allow this conspiracy and gang-up to work in favour of the plotters, terrorism will again assail the nation more fiercely than experienced prior to the Buhari Presidency.

“Nigerians are persuaded to endorse and work assiduously for the re-election of President Buhari for a second term in office to finally lay to rest, the ghost of terrorism in Nigeria. A deviation from this trajectory would be disastrous.

The CCSOs commended the Centre for International and Strategy Studies (CISS) for their diligence, accuracy and time devoted to this energy-sapping report, spanning the period of 2013-2018.

“Certainly, the CCSOs adjudged it as a priced document worthy of attention by all Nigerians and indeed, members of the international community in search of an unbiased and truthful accounts and perspectives into insurgency in Nigeria operations and battles in the country.

“We have no doubt about the issues articulated in the report as reflective of Nigeria’s several years of struggle with the Boko Haram terrorism, reflecting its evolution, its rise, government responses to the insurgency under the regimes of former President Goodluck Jonathan and the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari, foreign interventions/ aids and local involvement in the fight as well as the performance of the Nigerian Military in exacerbating or blighting the fires of the terrorism scourge on Nigeria. ‘’ (NAN)

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/21/300-csos-root-buharis-re-election/

The immediate past governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose on Friday declared that God will deliver Nigerians from President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.

This was as he stated that Buhari has wrecked Nigeria through “nepotism and cluelessness”.

The former governor, in a statement forwarded to DAILY POST by his media aide, Lere Olayinka, stated that Nigerians will never forget Buhari for “ruining the country economically and promoting nepotism to the level of state policy thereby dividing the country and threatening its unity.”

The Southwest Coordinator of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential Campaign Council said, “apart from the civil war era, the country has never been so insecure to the extent that our military men, including retired top officers are killed so recklessly. Thousands of Nigerians have been killed by herdsmen and the President has done nothing.

“At this time in 2014, a bag of rice was N7,000 but the same bag of rice is over N20, 000 now while other food items are also beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians.”

“Nigerians will never forget a President who met petrol at N86.50 per litre and increased it to N145 within one year and destroyed the economy of the country to the extent that dollar that exchanged for N197 to N1 is now over N360.

“Most importantly, Nigerians will forever remember President Buhari’s flagrant disobedient to rule of law, selective application of justice, use of state apparatus like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Police and Department of State Services (DSS) to oppress his perceived political enemies and treatment of other arms of government, especially the judiciary with contempt.

“Particularly, the people of Benue, Plateau, Taraba, Adamawa, Ekiti and other States will remember the President for keeping silent when herdsmen were killing them, raping their wives and destroying their farmlands.”

Stressing that the Almighty will deliver Nigerians from Buhari and his afflictions on the country in February 2019, Fayose said; “With unemployment increasing from 17.6 million in 2017 to 20.9 million in 2018, and the President himself admitting his own failure and promising more hardships next year, in other countries of the world, he would have resigned instead of seeking to continue to impoverish the country and its people with his directionless approach to governance.

“However, whether he chooses to take the most honourable path of resigning or not, Nigerians will definitely remove him with their votes and set themselves free in February 2019,” he added.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/21/2019-presidency-fayose-reveals-god-will-nigerians-wont-forget-buhari/

Ekiti State Government on Thursday received N3.9 billion from the Federal Government as the last tranche of its Paris Club refund.

As directed by the President, N3.3billion was also deducted and paid as outstanding 2016-2018 counterpart fund for Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) being owed by the state.

Consequently, the State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has directed that the N3.9billion refund be applied to pay one month of outstanding arrears to state and local government workers, teachers and pensioners, in line with his promise to Ekiti workers and people.

This will be done with an augmentation from internal savings.

According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Yinka Oyebode, the Paris Club refund was received following President Mohammadu Buhari’s intervention in the matter, after Governor Fayemi’s last week visit to the President.

Governor Fayemi expressed appreciation to the President for the timely intervention, having assured workers in the state that his administration would explore all avenues to clear the five to eight months salary arrears owed workers in the state by the immediate past administration, within a reasonable period.

Dr Fayemi, had while fielding questions during the monthly “Meet Your Governor” programme on television and radio last week re-assured workers that he was yet to receive the Paris Club refund, adding that he would make it public once the state received the payment.

The immediate past administration of Mr Ayodele Fayose had received a total N18.34 billion Paris Club refund in three tranches between December 2016 and December 2017, in addition to bailout funds, budget support funds and excess crude support, all totalling about N55 billion, but failed to utilise it on salary being owed workers and retirees.

The first tranche of the Paris Club refund totalling N8.87 billion was received in December 2016. The state also got N4.77 billion in July 2017 and another N4.7billion in December 2017.

Governor Fayemi has however assured workers in the state that his administration will not owe them salaries, adding that he would clear outstanding salaries for all categories of workers within one year.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/20/ekitis-n3-9billion-paris-club-refund-salary-payment-fayemi/

The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) has announced the tragic demise of Mr Udebuani Chidokweanaukwu, who drowned in that country.

Chidokweanaukwu, a native of Nando in Anambra State, drowned in a beach in Swellendam near Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.

The Publicity Secretary of the Union, Mr Habib Miller, confirmed the accident in a statement issued to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

“With sorrow and heavy heart, we have received the news of the death of Udebuani Chidokweanaukwu from Nando, Anambra State.

“According to the information from an eye witness, Chidikweanaukwu got drowned on the beach at Swellendam on Dec. 17.

“He is survived by his wife and children. NUSA sympathises with his family and friends at this difficult time of grief and pray God comfort them,” he said.

Miller urged members to be cautious as well as obey safety rules when visiting the beach and other hazardous places.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/20/nigerian-drowns-south-africa/

President Muhammadu Buhari has called on Nigerians to pray for him while they try to understand his intentions for the country. He also admonished them to give him more time.

The president said this on Monday while inspecting a special guard of honour mounted by the Guards Brigade, Nigerian army, in commemoration of his 76th birthday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The president began his day by first attending the 2018 edition of the immigration dialogue put together by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons held at the Banquet Hall of the State House before returning to his office to inspect the guard of honour to celebrate him.

He, thereafter, proceeded to cut his birthday cake.

Commenting on the performance of the Guards Brigade, he said: “Well, I am impressed with the parade. They have put a lot of time behind it. I thank and appreciate them very much.”

Asked what Nigerians should expect going forward, the president said: “We will keep reminding Nigerians about what we have done, how we met the country, what we have been able to do from the time I came in to now with the resources available to us.

“Nigerians should continue to pray for me and understand my intentions, and give me time.”

Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said the birthday was worth commemorating considering the health challenges the president had been through.

“It is such an exciting time for us to share in this very glorious ceremony of the celebration of the 76th birthday of our dear president and our dear leader.

“In a typical simplistic manner, you could see just a simple military parade and the cutting of the cake because he has got work to do.

“He has just returned to the office to continue with the day’s proceedings. He came out of an event, the 2018 National Migration Dialogue, and then straight into this.

“But it is such a joyous and beautiful day to see him strong, healthy, hearty considering the health challenges he went through in the last two years.

“We cannot wish him any other thing but bountiful health and wisdom to take this country out of the present situation which we find ourselves, a trajectory of prosperity and progress,” he stated.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Diaspora, said Buhari’s humility and integrity stood him out and represented the ideal leadership Nigerians should strive for at this point in time.

She said: “As the president turns 76 today, we can only wish him the very best.

“He is a man of unparalleled humility, a man of tremendous integrity. I mean, you can say anything about the president but you know he is not corrupt; he will not steal your money.”

Brig. General Umar Musa, Commander, Guards Brigade, justified the parade ceremony in honour of the president, saying the decision was informed by the fact that handling ceremonial activities in the State House fell under the purview of the Guards Brigade.

Among top government functionaries that graced the occasion were the service chiefs; Minister of Interior, Abdulrahaman Danbazzau; Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari; Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyema; Minister of Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah, among others.

Meanwhile, President Buhari has disclosed plans of a comprehensive national policy on internal displacement.

A move being mooted by his administration to regulate internal displacement crisis brought about by insurgency in the country.

This is even as he has assured that Nigeria will remain a migrant friendly nation.

He made the disclosure at the 2018 National Migration Dialogue with the theme, ‘Realising the Sustainable Development Goals for all Including Migrants, Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons,’ held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to the realisation of the SGDs with a focus to deliver hope for all citizens and migrants as well.

The 2018 dialogue is holding at a time the world is grappling with migration challenges and countries are exploring measures for enhancing the positive impact of migration on development within the context of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Buhari expressed his gratitude to international partners, especially the government of Switzerland through Swiss Development Cooperation, the European Union delegation, among others, for their support and cooperation.

He noted that December 18 has been set aside by the United Nations to celebrate international migrants whose number have risen to 258 million and appreciate their innumerable contributions to national and human capital development.

He said, “The Federal Government through its relevant institutions has also embarked on sensitisation of citizens to the dangers of irregular migration. This is complementary to other institutional frameworks put in place to combat irregular migration, such as the Acts establishing NAPTIP and NIS and sectoral policies like the National Labour Migration Policy.

“This is all part of efforts aimed at eradicating the drivers of irregular migration such as poverty, unemployment, climate change, conflicts and social inequalities. I am also pleased to say that a National Policy on Internal Displacement is in the process of adoption, which will help regulate the internal displacement crisis and complement the fight against insurgency on which the Federal Government is fully committed.

In her address, the Federal Commissioner for National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Sadiya Farouq, said the event was an indication of the strong commitment of the Nigerian government to the promotion of the plight of Nigerians on the move and those forcibly displaced within and outside the country.

Head of EU delegation to Nigeria, Ketil Karlsen, said the migration has the good, the bad and the ugly side. He encouraged government to minimise the bad and eliminate the ugly side of it which includes breaking up the gangs that traffic human beings.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/18/muhammadu-buhari-asks-time-prayers/

Ekiti State governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has explained why he is yet to appoint political office holders more than two months after being sworn-in.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that only the Secretary to Government (SSG), Chief of Staff (COS), Acting Head of Service (HOS), Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, as well as Special Assistant to the Deputy Governor, among few others had been appointed.

The state is yet to have a list of Commissioners and Special Advisers which the governor would have to send to the State House of Assembly for consideration and approval.

However, while addressing a news conference in Ado Ekiti on Monday, the Governor attributed the delay to the sorry state of finances on ground on assuming office.

“I decided to delay appointment of politicians to government to enable me pay workers’ salaries.

“I don’t want to do media trial for anyone, so I have hired the services of a renowned audit firm to look into our finances, and the forensic state’s accounts will then be published during our 100 days in office in Jan. 2019,” he said.

The governor lamented how his predecessor, former Gov. Ayo Fayose, allegedly wasted N18b Paris Club Refund to Ekiti.

Fayemi expressed worries over how Fayose, who owed between four and eight months salary and pension arrears at the time he left office, could not defray the backlog of workers’ benefit with the refund.

The governor said he had not reneged on his commitment to offset all the outstanding salary and pension before marking his first year in office.

On the increasing wave of kidnapping and killings in the state, the governor disclosed that incentives was being given to security outfits in the state to ensure safety of lives and property.

He added that there was collaboration between the state and all security chiefs for a unique security architecture for residents to be safe and secured during the yuletide.

The governor debunked insinuation that the state collected a N11.5b Paris Club from the Federal Government, barely two months after his assumption of office.

“Let those making the allegation come with verifiable proofs to substantiate their claim. Let them come with evidence.

“I have not collected any money in the fashion of road intervention or Paris Club refund.

“Governor Fayose had the opportunity of paying the bulk of these backlogs of salaries and pensions.

“He collected the sum of N18b out of the N21.5b due to Ekiti in the refund, so what is left as balance for Ekiti to collect now is just N3.5b, which can’t pay a month if we add the overhead costs of subvention of institutions.

“As we speak, we are doing a lot of cleansing and that had reduced the monthly pay to workers to N2.1b.

“Those not properly employed had been left out until they provide evidence. The medical workers that were employed on consequential ground had been re-absorbed,’’ he said.

He said the state anti-grazing law signed into law by Fayose’s administration has not been suspended, adding that efforts would be made to control the rampaging herders in the state.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/17/appointments-delayed-fayemi/

A former member of the Federal House of Representatives and the Senate, Senator Rufai Hanga, has stated that the Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s romance with former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, will do him more damage than good.

Senator Hanga, a former Kano State governorship aspirant, said the relationship between the two politicians will not end well.
Hanga advised Atiku to be wary of Chief Obasanjo, adding that the former Head of State is seen as one of those that had done damage to the North.
The former National Chairman of the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, told Sun that the North will work against anyone related to Obasanjo.

He said, “I totally agree with them on this. It won’t work well for him [Atiku].

“Romancing with Chief Obasanjo would do more damage than good to him. That is my comment.

“Well, in this part of the country, they know Obasanjo too well, they believe that he is one of those that had done damage to the North, that he is one of the people that have seriously injured us and anybody that is related to him, naturally the people might go against such a politician.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/17/2019-presidency-obasanjo-will-atiku-senator-hanga/

On Friday night, five candidates contesting for the vice presidency, engaged in a debate.

The debate was put together by the Nigerian Election Debate Group, NEDG, and the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, BON.

The parties represented were: Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN), All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Young Progressives Party (YPP).

Those who participated were:

1) Yemi Osinbajo (APC)

2) Peter Obi (PDP)

3) Umma Getso (YPP)

4) Alhaji Abdulganiyu Galadima (ACPN)

5) Khadijah Abdullahi-Iya (ANN)

Their responses and opinions drew mixed reactions from Nigerians.

Here are some, as curated from Twitter:

@4eyedmonk: Here is my take away: Peter Obi is an expert on China issues. Yemi Osinbajo is an expert on running a government. The other 3 are experts on participating in the Olympics.

@AdemolaVictorTv: Peter Obi vs Prof Yemi Osinbajo should actually switch and be Presidental Candidates while Atiku and Buhari should be their vice.

@DemolaRewaju: Lol, Osinbajo’s face whenever Peter Obi is talking looks like he’s thinking: “These are the brilliant ideas I told Muhammadu to let us implement but his 1983 policies won’t let us be great. Sigh.” All in all: Osinbajo is looking increasingly deflated – low energy.

@CallMeGozie: Who is watching the VP campaign debate., Peter Obi came with facts and figures. osibanjo came with blame and complain. The women deserve some accolades.

@Mr_JAGs: VP dropped figures and dropped the Source as “World Bank”…. Peter Obi has dropped several figures tonight without a single source….

@KwajiMusa1: If Osinbajo is fair to this country, he should vote Peter Obi

@kolaayodele: I don’t believe the @PeterObi figure of 2million cars. We need to cross check other figures he was dropping.

@FemiEnoch: I thought they’re meant to have debrief the candidates before the debate. The rest of the VP’s just made Osinbajo and Peter Obi superstars.

@almedida: To be candid and sincere, I will rather stick with APC, cos even the PDP don’t really have any fantastic plan. They only capitalizing on APC shortcomings. Nothing special was really spelled out by Peter Obi to offer Nigerians.

@waleolaN:Nigerians are tired of hearing the weak 16 years lies. Osinbajo forgot about Lagos. He also didnt remember @PeterObi wasn’t even in the PDP then. The Lagos that the professor was part of is still a mess.

@_Mikeudo: I was expecting to hear more from Peter Obi, on restructuring and most importantly their plans for SS/SE Nigeria. Man didn’t touch on key issues.

@gopcy: You see those folks who are attacking Peter Obi for reeling out figures are same folks when they were in school, you try to explain dy/dx to them & they just tell you to go straight to the answer. They just get scared when they see complex numbers. We eat numbers & shit facts!

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/15/2019-nigerians-said-vice-presidential-debate/

The Social Democratic Party, SDP, presidential candidate, Donald Duke, on Thursday called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to sanction politicians involved in vote buying.

Speaking after signing the 2019 peace accord at the Kukah Centre, Abuja, Duke stated that such action would serve as a deterrent to others.

The former Governor of Cross River State also stressed that the process would help to checkmate electoral violence during the next election.

According to Duke, ”The peace accord is necessary. It is one of the fundamental thing to do. You can’t have elections of violence. INEC must do the right thing by increasing voter’s education.

“INEC should live up to its responsibility by sanctioning candidates involved in vote buying so that everybody will fall in line.

“Until we do that people will continue to do whatever they like.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/14/2019-election-donald-duke-signs-peace-accord-tells-inec-vote-buying/

Actress Olaitan Ogungbile aka Olaitan Sugar, who is one of the hottest actresses in the movie industry, has shared a picture and it proves that Bible prophecy is getting fulfilled.

Captioning the photo she shared on Instagram, the curvy light-skinned actress stated that self love is the best way to find true love.

She wrote:
“Self-love is the best way to find true

However, we noticed that her words go in line with what the Bible says we shall experience in the last days i.e men becoming lovers of themselves.

2 Timothy 3:1-2

1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/13/actress-olaitan-sugar-shares-hot-picture-proves-bible-prophecy-getting-fulfilled/