₦airaland Forum

Nigeria told the UN General Assembly in New York that the Boko Haram terrorists no longer held any territory in the country.

Nigeria’s Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Samson Itegboje, stated this while presenting Nigeria’s message at the ‘High-Level Meeting of the General Assembly on Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace’ at the UN headquarters.

Itegboje said the meeting was being convened at a time when the global community was facing unprecedented threats, geopolitical tensions, social dislocation, cyber attacks, threat of climate change and terrorism.

“Nigeria has had her fair share of these crises, amongst other vices. Boko Haram insurgents annexed 14 Local Governments in Borno in the North East of Nigeria.

“However, on assumption of office in 2015 President Muhammadu Buhari ensured the recovery of the annexed territories. Today, Boko Haram insurgents no longer hold any territory in Nigeria,” he said.

He noted that Resolutions 70/262 of the General Assembly and 2282 (2016) of the Security Council on the Review of the UN Peacebuilding Architecture addressed the UN approach to peace, focusing on prevention.

The Resolutions also call for a broader concept, which encompasses peace-building, that links peace and security with development, human rights, and humanitarian action.

Itegboje said: “Nigeria is of the opinion that, while ‘sustaining peace’ should not be seen as an infringement on sovereignty.

“It should also not be used as a guise for the infringement on the sovereignty of member states as the centrality of national and inclusive ownership of sustaining peace cannot be overemphasised.

“The emphasis on prevention is commendable and we recommend that the Peacebuilding Architecture should have, as a component, an Early Warning System that should be accompanied by an Early Action System”.

Itegboje said Nigeria has consistently been in the vanguard of supporting and participating in international efforts at conflict-prevention, peacekeeping, peacebuilding and sustaining peace both sub-regionally, regionally and globally.

He said since 1960, Nigeria had been an active participant in UN peacekeeping missions, deploying Military contingents, unarmed Military Observers, Military Staff Officers, formed Police units, Police advisor and Civilian Experts to over 25 UN Missions.

The Nigerian envoy also noted that Nigeria was the world’s 14th largest troops contributing nation to the UN peacekeeping operations.

According to him, Nigeria shares the view that the maintenance of human rights is critical to sustaining peace and has embarked on mainstreaming human rights into its security architecture.

“In this context, progress has been made in enhancing civil-military relations, establishing legislative oversight on the security sector in relation to defence spending, procurement and general budgetary matters.

“Efforts have also been stepped up to create a better partnership between civilians and armed forces,” the Nigerian envoy said.

He said Nigeria believed that ensuring the meaningful participation of women and girls in all areas of society was vital, adding gender equality yields greater economic growth and higher standards of living.

He added that women’s participation in peacebuilding helped prevent relapse into conflict and Nigerian was addressing emerging security issues, social gaps and ensuring substantial women contributions to peacebuilding and peace maintenance in the country.

Itegboje said the Nigerian government was tackling youth unemployment through interventionist programmes like N-POWER and an ambitious three-year medium term economic development strategy – Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.

The Nigerian envoy added: “More importantly, corruption is being tackled headlong as it is seen as a big obstacle to the economic growth of the country.

“Nigeria will continue to support international efforts aimed at peace building and sustaining peace across the world.

“In order to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, we call on the rest of the world to emulate and join Africa in its ambitious program to silence the guns in the year 2020”.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/boko-haram-no-longer-hold-any-nigerias.html

The Organised Labour has presented fresh demand for the new National Minimum Wage for workers to the tripartite committee.

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) General Secretary Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson, who spoke in an interview in Abuja, said the earlier demand by labour, which was presented two years ago, had been overtaken by the present economic realities.

The NLC scribe said that the fresh demand was submitted at the last meeting of the tripartite committee after an agreement among Labour leaders.

He said: “We have taken a position when we made the initial demand on the government, which is almost two years back. But then when we got to the tripartite committee and the committee called on all stakeholders involved to submit a memorandum, in responding to the request for a memorandum, we then used current economic indices to make a fresh demand. So, what we placed and what we demanded is an outcome of analysis we carried out.

“We did the analysis using the current economic table and data of the nation and of course that came to something different. We are going to maintain what is in the memorandum that we have submitted to the tripartite committee and it is not something or a figure we will be discussing in public.”

He said the fresh demand was contained in a joint memorandum by the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), saying: “We have also formerly made the presentation to the committee and we have defended it and we have a different submission from the initial one. We have also taken account of changes between the first demand and the current position.”

He, however, did not disclose the new demand by the organised labour.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/nlc-declares-new-demand-for-minimum-wage.html

Nigerian Nollywood iconic thespian Genevieve Nnaji has issued some words of love to Nigerians encouraging them to love people the way they are rather than criticizing them.

The actress who is a fan of Alex has issued that as long as Alex is being criticized by people, that she stands a greater chance on becoming more popular than before.

She shared an example from the Bible on how the Jews leader were busy criticizing the disciples of Jesus which only made them more famous and many people were following them all through their journeys.

“Tag her if you know her. The more you criticize her, the more popular you make her. Ask the disciples; the more the Jews criticized them the more people followed them. Learn how to love people the way they are. She is a queen! Watch the space… Team #genevievennaji.” Genevieve Nnaji wrote.

Alex has become more popular after leaving BBnaija house compared to other female contestants. She has however sparked up a controversy with her relationship with Tobi and she has claimed she is now considering dating Tobi if she is given the opportunity.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/stop-criticizing-alex-she-is-becoming.html

About 1000 persons have dumped the All Progressives Congress, APC, for thePeoples Democratic Party, PDP,, in Southern Kaduna, describing APC as a party that has taken Nigerians to the wilderness.

Leading other decampees, member representing Kachia/Kagarko Federal Constituency, Adams Jagaba, said they have experienced the two parties, saying that PDP is the only party that has Nigerians at heart.

He added, “The All Progressives Congress, APC, has nothing to offer Nigerians. The APC-led administration in the country is an administration of intimidation, hate speech and other vices.

“APC has brought kidnapping, cattle rustling and disunity among Nigerians and all these challenges have led abject poverty in the country and insecurity.

“APC does not mean well for the youth of this country, leaving them in abject poverty thereby leading to all social vices that have become the order of the day.

“On behalf of the decampees of Southern Kaduna, l am assuring PDP that we shall together fight to ensure we liberate Nigerians from the leadership of APC and restore the country back to its lost glory.”

Earlier, the immediate past Caretaker Committee chairman of the party, Senator Mohammed Ahmed Makarfi, called on all eligible voters in Kaduna State to ensure they come out to vote for PDP to set the citizens free from the present challenges they have found themselves in the last three years.

He enjoined Nigerians to ensure they vote APC out of government to give way for PDP to restore the country back in all spheres of life for its peace, unity and development.

The chairman on the occasion and National Secretary of PDP, Senator Umaru Ibrahim Tsauri, enjoined Nigerians to to ensure they vote APC out of government as that is the only way to restore the dignity among community of nations.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/2019-thousands-of-apc-members-decamp-to.html

A non-governmental organi-sation, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has commended the order of the Benue State High Court authorising the prosecution of the leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Owners Association for the spate of bloody attacks and killings of hundreds of local farmers and Christians in the state.

HURIWA has also warned the Nigeria Police Force not to undermine the constitutional authority of the High Court of the state by failing deliberately to enforce its lawful orders that the leaders of the Miyetti Allah be brought to the High Court to be prosecuted for their roles in the series of attacks and violence unleashed on the people of Benue State.

The group in a statement by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, and National Media Affairs Director, Miss Zainab Yusuf, stated that the landmark decision of the Makurdi High Court which okayed the prosecution of the leadership of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore and others over the killings in the state must be enforced “unless and except the presidency is the chief sponsor of the attacks and will therefore jeopardise the trial of these leaders of the Miyetti Allah.

“The president must demonstrate to Nigerians that he is the leader of all Nigerians by allowing the wheel of justice to run smoothly and not be manipulated by the Nigeria Police to do the bidding of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Owners Association who have always bragged that the president is their Chief Patron, and so, they can do whatever they like and get away with it in flagrant breach of the Constitution of Nigeria.”

HURIWA noted that Nigerians from all walks of life must take interest to see how the development in the Benue State High Court progresses especially the imperative of the neutrality of the policing institution which must be allowed to enforce the lawful orders of the high court which derives constitutional powers from Section 6 of the Constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria of 1999 (as amended).

“Nigerians must watch the level of compliance by the Nigeria Police which of recent have been converted to the foot soldiers of the presidency to an extent that the Inspector General of Police (IG) disrespected the National Assembly twice even after he was invited by the central legislative arm under their constitutional mandate to provide responses to some burning issues relating to the spate of attacks and killings of innocent Nigerians. We in the organised civil rights community are monitoring the judicial process to see whether the hierarchy of the police will fail to carry out the lawful injunction of the competent court of law.

“Unfortunately, President Buhari has continued to shield the Miyetti Allah’s leadership from arrest and prosecution over their provocative media statements which directly instigated the killings following the passage of the anti-open grazing law by the Benue State House of Assembly. The civil society community should mount considerable pressures on the federal government to stop the ongoing conspiracy of silence and the refusal of President Buhari to take concrete and verifiable actions to initiate the declaration of Miyetti Allah as a terrorists group and to round up their leaders for prosecution over their roles in the killings in Benue State and across the North-central region of Nigeria,” the statement said.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/herdsmen-killings-huriwa-backs-move-to.html

National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus has written to the United Nations (UN), accusing President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) of threatening the nation’s democracy.

Secondus in the letter, dated April 30 and addressed to the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said the APC-led Federal Government was frustrating legitimate opposition, intimidating and persecuting their leaders and destroying the fragile fabrics of the nation’s burgeoning democracy.

“Our nation has become heavily polarized along dangerous fault lines where citizens now live in fear and mutual suspicion; where citizens are slaughtered by the day by marauders; where hunger and strange diseases ravage the people due to the insensitive and incoherent policies of this government,” Secondus noted.

“It is imperative to bring to the attention of the world, the various constitutional violations and the unrelenting persecution, arrest, detention and harried trial of opposition members as well as perceived opponents of government, including innocent business concerns, apparently in pursuit of the grand plot to discredit and stifle the opposition in Nigeria.

“There is also, the increasing unwarranted attacks by government controlled security forces on journalists, media houses and other well meaning Nigerians carrying out their legitimate duties simply because they hold different opinions from those of the APC-led government,” he asserted.

“Recently the Federal Government confirmed the persecution of opposition leaders in the guise of fighting corruption when it released a phantom list of alleged looters comprising only of persons who are members of the opposition PDP.

“Even persons who were facing criminal prosecution prior to the 2015 presidential elections who are now members of the ruling APC and other members of APC who are overtly known to be involved in known cases of corruption were excluded from the list whilst persons who have never been charged with any crime and who in fact have not held any previous government portfolio including myself were listed as ‘looters’.

“All notable opposition leaders are being harassed or hounded by security operatives using all manners of frivolous and vexatious allegations.

“Today, despite our constitutionally guaranteed freedom of association and speech, Nigerians now live in fear of this intolerant, overbearing, bigoted and dictatorial administration seeking to foist a fascist regime on our country.

“How do we explain or justify the evil plan of the APCled Federal Government to monitor citizens’ phone calls and social media communication purportedly to check for hate speeches without any enabling law?” he wondered.

Secondus also accused the Federal Government of mass killings and instigating violence against the people, adding that “a retired General, former Minister of Defence and elder statesman, General Theophilus Y. Danjuma has openly accused the armed forces of Nigeria of colluding with the killer herdsmen and providing them cover to kill helpless and unarmed citizens.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/pdp-reports-buhari-to-un-accuses-him-of.html

Popular Nigerian singer and songwriter, Reekado Banks who is signed to Mavins records has taken to his social media platform to brag on Friday night over the production of two singles wrapped up in a single night

The singer who recently released a single titled “Pull Up” bragged, flaunting his two new songs and declaring that nobody is his mate when it comes to music

The young award winning singer shared photos of his studio session with renowned producer, TY Mix while working on the two yet to be released projects

His post read; “The two songs i made tonight ehn…am not your mate pls!”

The singer is known for his amazing style of music and his good deeds for his family, especially his mother

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/nobody-is-my-mate-in-music-reekado.html

The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has said that he was surprised that the killers of innocent people in the state are yet to be arrested.

In an interview with Vanguard, the Governor, who just returned from vacation, said he had mentioned the suspects to the security agencies and was dumbfounded that no one was acting towards apprehending them.

According to him, “On Miyetti Allah, I’m also dumbfounded. I’ve said it repeatedly; I’ve written and will continue to write and continue to raise the alarm that the leadership of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore is responsible for the killings; for the mercenary work that is going on in Benue State.

“I still want to repeat that they are responsible. There are shreds of evidence; they are on tape, they have done press conferences, and none of them have come out to refute what was credited to them in the media.

“They’ve said it is about Jihad; it’s not about grazing. They said it is about occupation; about taking over the land. They’ve said it and the evidence is there.

“I’ve presented this to security agencies, and I want to believe that it is a whole process; they’re still working on it and at the appropriate time, these people will be apprehended because they cannot go free.

“After killing my people, they’ll not be allowed to go free. I’ll continue to say it that these people must be arrested because they’re responsible for killings in the state”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/benue-attacks-ortom-speaks-on-killers.html

The United States Government has reiterated its support to Nigeria on the fight against terrorism.

In a White House statement, President Donald Trump described the attack on Muslim worshippers at a mosque in Mubi, Adamawa State last Tuesday as a stark reminder of the depravity of those who commit mass murder against innocents.

The statement reads, “The United States condemns in the strongest terms the craven terrorist attacks Tuesday against a mosque in Mubi, Nigeria.

“These attacks, which deliberately targeted people at a place of worship, are a stark reminder of the depravity of those who commit mass murder against innocents.

“As President Donald J. Trump reaffirmed with President Buhari of Nigeria on Monday, the United States stands firm with Nigeria in its fight against the scourge of terrorism.”

MCEBISCO recalls that no fewer than 60 persons were feared dead in the Tuesday terrorist attack in Mubi.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/boko-haram-what-us-govt-said-about-mubi.html

Nollywood actor, Mike Godson has reacted to Davido romantic gesture to his girlfriend Chioma which has left many tongues wagging.

Mike shared this photo above on his IG page and wrote

”Young boss “David” buys a 45million naira car for girlfriend on her birthday! Chaiiiii??. Now all our girlfriends will stop accepting our (flowers and perfumes) as birthday gifts. He just made us look like small small boys in front of all these girls. They won’t respect us again!!! ? Infact
@davidoofficial I tap from your grace whilst I await a divine Assurance from God. More life more blessings bro.? #HappyNewMonthFriends?”.


http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/davido-made-nigerian-girls-not-to.html

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has denied the allegation that he is supporting the re-election bid of President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a press statement by his media aide Mr Kehinde Akinyemi on Wednesday in Ogun State, he described the report as malicious and unfounded.

He also denied the claim that Obasanjo met with some leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Tuesday at his house in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Akinyemi said his boss was neither in Abuja on May 1 nor does he own a house in the Federal Capital Territory, as he usually stays in a guest house or hotel anytime he visits.

The media aide maintained that the position of the former president remains unchanged as stated in a statement he issued on the state of the nation in January.

According to him, Nigerians know that Obasanjo has only spoken the truth about poverty and would continue to exercise his right to free speech.

The statement read: “In this desperation, everything is fair, including telling libellous lies against persons and institutions, instead of addressing the fundamental issues of statecraft and economic management.

“In the last 24 hours, the internet has been bombarded with deliberate falsehoods aimed at hoodwinking the unsuspecting Nigerians to believe that Obasanjo has now supported Buhari for his second term because of some perceived Buhari’s ‘superlative’ performance in his encounter with (U.S. President Donald) Trump during his visit to the White House in Washington D. C.

“From the Buhari/Trump meeting, Chief Obasanjo only saw through three points: One, the US will continue to reduce purchase of crude oil from Nigeria and there is nothing Nigeria under Buhari can do about; two, the US will export agricultural products to Nigeria and Buhari’s government will encourage that; and three – all the killings taking place in Nigeria by herdsmen are being done by expatriates trained by Gadaffi and no Nigerian is to blame and Buhari cannot do anything to stop it.

“For whatever the meeting was worth, President Buhari again bungled another opportunity to self-redeem. Therefore, Chief Obasanjo is more convinced in his statement of January 23rd and will not change his position.

“Chief Obasanjo understands that the internet has good and bad uses. Those abusing the media should desist from this barbaric act as it will only expose them to greater ridicule at the end of the day. Obasanjo will continue to speak out.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/2019-my-mind-is-made-up-about-kicking.html

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has announced May 10, 2018 as the date of the party’s governorship primaries ahead of the July 14 poll.

Among the contestants for the party’s ticket are Olamide Oni, a serving member of the House of Representatives, who defected from the APC to the party; a former deputy governor of the state, Chief Adebisi Omoyeni, former Ambassador to Canada, Chief Dare Bejide and Mr. Oladele Ayegbusi, among others.

Engr. Bankole Oludele, the SDP Secretary in the state, who announced this to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, also declared the readiness of the party to organize a credible, free and fair governorship primaries.

He noted that the primary would be held at the SDP state secretariat along Iyin Road, Basiri, Ado-Ekiti while the party would flag off its campaign on May 15 and end same on July 12.

He disclosed that the party was poised to displace the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) to win the July 14 governorship election.

His words, “If you follow the trend of events, we have about six aspirants now. Let me say the aspirants had obtained their party’s nomination forms, completed it and four of them are on their way to Abuja to submit same.

“The primary election is coming up on the 10th of May, 2018. After the primary election, our party will now have her own candidate who is going to represent the SDP in the governorship election.”

The Ekiti SDP scribe explained that 5th of May had been slated for ward congress to elect delegates who are to vote at the primary while claims and objections are to be received between the 7th and the 8th of May.

Describing the SDP as the “third force,” Oludele claimed that the party has been receiving new members on daily basis who believe in its manifesto.

He noted that the SDP manifesto incorporates agriculture, education, road infrastructure and industrial development.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/ekiti-guber-six-aspirants-set-for-sdp.html

As Nigerians celebrate Workers’ Day all over the country, residents of Idiaregbe Street in Okumagba Layout, Warri Delta State, today protested over four months power outage in their area, MC EBISCO can report.

The residents, particularly youths who came out their hundreds danced through the adjoining streets to Idiaregbe, chanting solidarity songs.

The angry protesters carried placards with various inscriptions.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, a barber who identified himself simply as Brume threatened to drag the Benin Electricity Distribution Company,BEDC to the Benin Office of the National Electricity Regulation Council as well as other Courts of competent jurisdiction for subjecting them to darkness in the past four months.

Brume claimed the BEDC refused to repair or replace a transformer after it developed faults early January because some people are owing the distribution company the sum of twelve million Naira.

Brume said,”BEDC refused to repair the transformer since it developed fault. We complained to them but they didn’t listen to us. We’ve done all we could do peacefully but nothing.

“What BEDC is doing in this area is wrong. We pay our bills, yet they kept us in darkness for about four months now. This is wickedness and if BEDC doesn’t come to fix this transformer, we have no option than to take them to NERC and the court to settle the matter there because we are not fools.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/delta-community-protests-over-4-months.html

The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) has faulted the United States President Donald Trump’s offer on killings in Nigeria, saying that such an offer would further divide Nigeria.

The Amir (President) of the MSSN in Lagos State, Dr Saheed Ashafa, said in a press statement to react to the discussions between President Muhammadu Buhari and Trump during Buhari’s official visit to the US on Monday.

During the visit, Trump specifically read what could be described as a riot act to the Nigerian government, saying the “killing of Christians in Nigeria was unacceptable” to the American government.

But Ashafa considered Trump’s comment as one-sided and uncomplimentary, warning that Nigeria must be cautious of her relationship with the U.S.

The Muslim students’ leader alleged that Trump’s comment signalled his hatred for Muslims and Islam in Nigeria.

He said, “Trump’s offer shows that he is myopic and uncivilised. The pronouncement to help fight killings of Christians in a nation where innocent souls are wasted without recourse to their affiliations is a call to separatism.

“One would wonder if Trump is not aware or deliberately ignored the murder of several Muslims in a mosque at the University of Maiduguri, or those killed in mosques in Yobe and Zamfara; and many other parts of the country.

“We should know that the offer is a reflection of Trump’s hatred for Islam and Muslims. Such offer at this point in time is divisive, ‘unafrican’ and insincere.”

Ashafa urged world leaders to ignore insinuations that Muslims are not against terrorism, adding that it would be more beneficial to tackle insurgency with utmost neutrality.

While commending the calmness of President Buhari during the news conference with President Trump aired on CNN, Ashafa urged him (President Buhari) to avoid negative influence in the fight against terrorism and corruption.

He added, “Let me reiterate that as Muslims we condemn and reject all forms of terrorism, insurgency and oppression in whatever name being perpetrated.

“We should also remember that in Nigeria, most families are composed of Christians and Muslims alike, just as we also have other faithful.

“Trump’s call for separatism when the world is advocating for collectivism is not a healthy offer.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/trump-plotting-to-divide-nigeria-says.html

Former Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has revealed why she wrote the new book that exposes certain things that happened during the immediate past administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Okonjo-Iweala spoke at the event preceding the signing of the book she entitled, “Fighting Corruption is Dangerous: The Story Behind the Headlines” held at the Politics and Prose, Washington DC, US.

The event had in audience members of her family, friends, colleagues, international institutions representatives.

The former Minister explained, “When I set out to write, I knew I was going to write a book because I wanted to write a sequel to my first book. You may not have seen it, it is also from MIT Press called ‘Reforming the Unreformable: Lessons from Nigeria’. It captures public policy lessons from the first time that I was in government as finance minister and all the various reforms that were done with the economic team that I worked with under President Obasanjo at the time. It talks about our efforts to get debt relief etc but focused a lot on the macro economic reforms.

“I thought after a second time in office I will be writing a volume two which will focus on reforms in the real sector – agriculture, telecommunications, and power. What exactly were the reforms we did in those sectors and what were the successes and failures. So, I actually set out to write volume two but when I sat down, what came out from my laptop was different. I found myself putting down the story of what happened to my mother. And that meant that somewhere deep inside … and as I was doing it I was very emotional, very upset and I realised how upset I was at what had happened and in many senses still I am.

“So, I wrote that chapter and I showed it to my husband and he said, well, ‘you have to finish, why she was kidnapped?’ And that led to the next chapter and the rest is history. So I ended up writing a somewhat different book from what I had expected to write and it became this book about fighting corruption.

“So, one of the reasons was a very personal account of what happened to me and the reasons why it happened and the stories about the different ways that people were trying to engender leakages within the economy just came out. And that became this book. So that was the first thing, to get out that story. As I was doing it, also all the explanations for the personal attacks and the other attacks I suffered during the time within and outside government, this came naturally as part of the flow.

“Why did these things happened, it all began to make sense. I needed to make sense of it to myself, I needed to make sense of it to others, and I needed even to make sense of it to members of the economic team. And I am very, very happy that today we have Dr. Nwanze Okodegbe, right here. He was the Chief Economic Adviser to the president and he was a member of that team. We saw a lot of odd things together. So explanation as to why this thing happened, that is the first part.

“The second was that there is just so much going on about corruption in emerging markets around. South Korea, you saw what happened to the president being jailed for 24 years. Brazil, there was so much noise about the car wash scandal. Venezuela, Mexico, Peru, Malaysia, you name it, so many examples of emerging markets countries having one discussion after the other about corruption. And as a development economist, you know this is something central to the work we do, something we worry about. And we just talked about fighting corruption and trying to make sure that resources that should go to eradicating poverty, providing services for poor people are not hijacked by those in society who would do that.

“The third reason was just one of giving hope. When you hear about corruption there are rarely any success stories action, people don’t focus on those who are fighting corruption and what successes they made. They focus on more salacious aspects. How much people have stolen, how much they have and what is happening to them. And the tough fight that is really needed and the people who are doing it are not talked about.

“In addition to that, there is the tendency to focus as I said on the more sexy aspects in terms of who was arrested, who did what to whom, how much did they steal and what is happening. But the tough, tough work of really wanting to fight corruption of institution building is not talked about. And I am very convinced as I have said to other audiences, that the difference between people in my country and other African countries or the US or Europe is much related. If they had the same weak institutions that we have, people will also put their hands on the money. It is because these countries have very strong institutions that you find fewer leakages. There is corruption everywhere, whether it is in Europe or the US but the degree is less with those countries with stronger institutions. That work of building stronger institutions takes time. And that was partly what we did in Nigeria, put down some few institutions that helped to block some leakages.

“So I also wanted to put that down and draw people’s attention to the fact that it is the hard work that is needed, whether it is strengthening the judiciary, whether it is putting in place in the ministry of finance the kind of financial management systems that are needed in order to manage your finances in modern fashion that doesn’t allow leakages from the budget.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/why-i-wrote-book-on-jonathans.html

A young lady has cried out over the serial deaths that occur after a man sleeps with her. Though she got married at an early age, none of her husbands is alive till date

The aggrieved lady cried out to a relationship expert, David Papa Bondze- Mbir asking him if he can connect her with anyone who would sleep with her with no commitments as she plans to tour Ghana to satisfy her sexual urges

She also noted that 7 men have died so far though she has gone out to churches seeking help.

Read the story below;

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/any-man-who-sleeps-with-me-dies-lady.html

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has reacted to reports that its governors were contributing the sum of N6billion for the party’s forthcoming national congresses and convention.

A statement on Saturday by Bolaji Abdullahi, APC National Publicity Secretary, said the story was misleading and had misrepresented the party.

Making clarifications, the spokesman noted that at the meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) and the governors of the party held at the party secretariat on Thursday, April 26, it was pointed out that many of the governors have fallen behind in the payment of their party dues.

“While some of the governors have been up-to-date with the payments, a few others have not paid at all. The governors were therefore requested to pay up, especially in view of upcoming party activities”, he said.

“It is therefore possible that a governor that falls in the category of those that has not paid since inception could owe up to N250million.

“Therefore, it is grossly misleading, if not downright malicious, for your report to simply apply this sum to everyone and multiply by the number of governors.

“For avoidance of doubts, party dues are paid by all members of the party holding positions, either by election or appointment.

“Therefore, members of the National Assembly as well as cabinet ministers also remit a percentage of their earnings to the party. It is therefore false to say governors are expected to pay up with state money.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/apc-reacts-to-report-that-governors.html

A foundation owner has shared the nude picture of a lady whom he said is one of those who usually request for help from him on social media.

He however censored her body but revealed her face to serve as a warning to others who might to send him nudes.

He wrote:

”After warning severally on this platform that Im receiving too many nudes from those requesting for help, its driving me crazy and distracting. My phone saves pics automatically.. I’m afraid to show people things on my phone cos I don’t know how many more naked bodies would have lined up again since the last time I deleted.
We have agreed on this forum to expose them, ba?
This girl is a scape goat cos hers came as a threat.
Pls stop people, just stop. There’s no shape you wanna show that I’ve never seen before, you cannot lure me into approving you.

Anyways, if you have sent me naked pics because I have not opened your mail, go and delete. Next time I will show your whole body, name and handle. I will not bring this post down. Maybe the fear of being exposed will make people stop.
Abi how do we combat men that request for sex before helping when y’all send unrequested nudes to strangers.
Lets put on our bras and pants for now.
Pls lets do normal.
#kbkfoundation”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/nigerian-man-reveals-face-of-lady-who.html

A 40-year-old man, Emmanuel Igwe, who is popularly known as Ezeugo from Amechi-Idodo community in Enugu State, yesterday committed suicide for unknown reasons.

Late Igwe before his death was a restaurant operator at Ishieke Campus of Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki.

His body was found hanging in one of the trees behind a Pentecostal Church, along Highlander Street in Ishieke community at the early hours of Thursday.

Meanwhile, a team of policemen from Ebonyi State police command came to the scene and brought down Igwe’s corpse from the tree where it was dangling.

It was gathered that the deceased left a wife and children behind.

His daughter, one Uzoamaka who spoke to journalists in tears, said her father left their house as usual to his restaurant but later called her mother on phone, instructing her to take care of them.

According to the girl, her father did not respond to her mother’s questions but was unexpectedly found hanging on the tree.

A resident of the area and close friend to the deceased family, Chimex Unah, who also spoke to newsmen, expressed sadness over the sudden death of the deceased whom he described as a jovial, gentle and hardworking man.

“I know Ezeugo very well, he is jovial. We have stayed together for sometime in Ishieke market.

“I came to the market today only to hear that he has committed suicide by hanging himself. He was still hanging on a tree when I got there. We were there until policemen came and brought down his corpse,” he stated.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/40-year-old-man-commits-suicide-in.html

Big Brother Naija housemate, Nina, has officially called it quits with Collins, who she was dating before she got on the reality show.

In an interview with Toolz of Beat FM on Friday, she revealed that she has not spoken with Collins since she came back to Nigeria.

Nina also said she was attracted to eventual winner, Miracle, because things happened naturally between them.

“When I got into the house, Miracle and I bonded very well. Everything happened naturally,” she said.

When Nina revealed that she had dated Collins for a year, Toolz asked if she had reached out to him.

“I don’t think I want to do that. I don’t want any negative vibes around me right me,” she replied.

Watch video here.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/bbnaija-2018-i-dont-want-negative-vibes.html

Popular media personality, Toke Makinwa has revealed why she had a surgery.

Toke disclosed that she has been battling with fibroids for 7 years and recently had a surgery to take out the fibroids.

The media personality made this revelation in her latest vlog where she said she had to deal with a lot of pain initially because she didn’t want to have surgery.

She said she attended churches, had lots of prayers, took a lot of communion but none took the fibroids away.

“I have been battling fibroid for 6 going on 7 years and it’s been one hell of a ride.

“I think I was diagnosed 7 years ago. I finally decided to do something about the situation this year because it was getting to the point where it was beginning to affect me.

“I was in a lot of pains I couldn’t sit up properly it was beginning to push against certain organs inside of me. it was just nasty and a total disaster.

“I started wearing undergarment body magic just to make so, i don’t look bloated and pregnant cos I didn’t want to have surgery.

“Trust me I have been to Mountian of Fire, been through ever church service, taken all the communions and done all the fasting and prayer. It just didn’t get better.

“If you are like me and scared of going under the knife it can be a terrible experience, it was successful and I’m alive, I’m her,” Toke said.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/why-i-had-surgery-toke-makinwa-reveals.html

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has announced that international passport will no longer be issued to those who do not have national identity card number.

The NIS comptroller general, Mohammed Babandede, disclosed this on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the 4th annual meeting of the ID4Africa movement hosted by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

According to Babandede, the development was part of the efforts to streamline the databases of all government institutions and agencies.

He said the streamlining was crucial and not just for security reasons, but also to aid economic and social planning.

He said, “Based on the president’s directive, we have committed to linking up with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to ensure that henceforth, when filling your passport details, you must produce your NIN number.

“We have also provided office space for NIMC in all our establishments nationwide. We are glad to also invite NIMC to all our foreign missions.”

According to him, through constant reforms, the immigration service has eliminated the era of multiple passport owners in the country.”

“In the past, when you buy food in restaurants abroad you will lose your passport and get another one. But today we have a single database; we are in 87 locations, including our 37 foreign missions,” he said.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/immigration-moves-to-implement-no.html

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has spoken on the just concluded Big Brother Naija ‘Double Wahala’ edition.

Miracle, one of the 20 housemates, who participated in the reality show emerged winner of the N25 million grand prize on Sunday, beating off challenges from Cee-c Tobi, Nina and Alex.

Reacting, Atiku on his Twitter page congratulated the winner of the reality show, Miracle, describing his win as a proof that Nigerian youths were innovative.

Speaking on the reality show, the former Vice President encouraged Nigerian youths to keep believing in themselves, adding that the show depicted youths had what it takes to take Nigeria to the next level.

He wrote “Congratulations to Miracle, winner of #BBNaija. Miracle is proof that Nigerian youths are hardworking, innovative and creative.

“May this victory lead to the miraculous for Nigeria’s youth who have shown that they have what it takes to help take this great nation of ours to the next level. To Nigeria’s youth I say, continue to believe in yourselves.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/bbnaija-2018-atiku-speaks-on-reality.html

A governorship aspirant on the platform of the Action Democratic Party, ADP, in Delta state,
Comrade Frank Ufuoma Esanubi on Saturday boasted that he will be sworn-in as the next governor of the state come May 29, 2019.

Esanubi made the assertion during a town hall meeting with party faithful in Sapele, Delta state.

He stated that he is running for governorship to rescue Deltans from the maladministration they have suffered from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the past 16 years and enthrone good governance.

Esanubi said his administration will be returning power to the people and place priority on providing quality education, infrastructural developments, education and link up the riverine communities for investors to come.

He urged people of the state to play their roles in process of ensuring the emergence of good leaders by first obtaining their PVCs and making sure they come out and vote for the Action Democratic Party on the day of elections.

According to him, “We cannot continue to play this money politics. Power is in our hands and we should use it wisely.”

The governorship aspirant stated that it is the highest level of irresponsibility for the Delta state government to allow companies like Eternit to pack out of Sapele town.

He noted that Sapele was the only major town one could find Leventist in the whole of the defunct Bendel State in the 70’s like in Kano, Lagos, Enugu and other parts of the country.

Esanubi stated that Sapele has become a “Shadow” of itself, stressing that “everything that should be in this town has been moved to other places.”

He said, “We have to reverse that trend and in reversing the trend, we have to make sure that we do everything to bring investment into this town.

“It is embarrassing. I have friends here. One at a point in time worked in Eternit. It is irresponsible for a government to sit down and allow a company die under their watch.

“It is the highest level of irresponsibility on the part of any government to continue to have a Government in Delta State and allow Eternit go down the drain is an embarrassment to the people of Delta State”.

The governorship hopeful promised to engage the private sector in reviving some industries in Sapele.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/delta-guber-aspirant-esanubi-slams.html

A former Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, has revealed why the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has not merged with any other political party yet.

He said if the PDP is not careful going through the process of merging with other parties, it may result to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, hurting and sending the main opposition party into extinction.

He said the APC may end up shutting the PDP out of the 2019 elections.

Speaking in an interview with The Sun, Makarfi, a former Caretaker Committee Chairman of the PDP, said “Merger is a technical issue that…except if we simplify it by legislation.

“This government the way they work, if you play into their hands they will extinguish you because before you merge you have to dissolve as a political party and surrender your licenses.

“If you do that and government interferes with INEC and they don’t approve for you, even if you go to court it will take a long time. By that time maybe the elections are over.

“So you have to look at the kind of government you are having. If you are having an open, democratic government that does not interfere you can consider a lot of things.

“But when you are dealing with a set of people that are very vicious the way they approach things you have to be very careful what you adopt to the play towards 2019 otherwise you will fall into a trap and you may not be able to come out of it.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/2019-how-apc-would-hurt-pdp-makarfi.html

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday accused the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, of fresh plot to secretly “create 30,000 illegal polling units in compromised areas” in favour of President Muhammadu Buhari.

PDP described the said plot of the INEC and APC as “wicked, horrible and totally unacceptable.”

This accusation was contained in a statement issued by PDP’s spokesperson, Kola Ologbondiyan.

The statement reads, “Our investigation shows that this is part of the grand design by the
commission under Prof. Mahmood Yakubu to rig the 2019 general elections in favour of President Muhammadu Buhari and his dysfunctional APC.

“We are aware of series of clandestine meetings between compromised officials of the commission and certain agents of the Presidency and APC, where the plot to sneak in the 30, 000 illegal polling units in
some remote areas and through which they plan to allocate votes to President Buhari and the APC were perfected.

“Having realized that Nigerians have completely rejected them because of
their manifold failures in governance, the Presidency and the APC are now employing all manners of dirty antics to create ways to rig the polls and foist President Buhari back on Nigerians.

“The PDP cautions INEC not to set the nation on fire by its overt conspiratory tendencies. Prof. Yakubu should heed wise counsel and
immediately perish the thoughts of using such polling units or dividing the nation along ethnic lines in the 2019 general elections, as such would be stiffly resisted.

“We invite INEC to note that every Nigerian has seen the handwriting on the wall regarding the general rejection of President Buhari and the APC well ahead of the elections. We all know where the tide is flowing and Nigerians are not ready to, and will never accept any results that do not reflect that reality.

“Having completely lost confidence in the integrity of INEC under Prof. Yakubu, we unequivocally demand that all processes leading to the 2019 must be subjected to open review of political parties and stakeholders
at all levels.

“In this regard, we demand that INEC makes public the location and status of all polling units as well as the report of its investigation of under-age voters in various parts of the country, particularly, Kano and Katsina state.

“Finally, we urge Nigerians to remain vigilant and monitor all processes to ensure that INEC and the APC do not, at any point in the process, manipulate the 2019 general election and subvert the will of the people.

“The best thing APC and the Presidency should do now is to accept failure, shed their desperation for power and desist from actions that will push the nation to the brinks.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/2019-how-inec-plans-to-favour-buhari.html

The Immediate past Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has made public his intention to run in the 2019 senatorial election.

Uduaghan, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, noted that he has the capacity to adequately represent Delta South Senatorial District, being a former commissioner, Secretary to the state government, governor, among others.

He said this is because of his desire to pursue quality legislation that will lead to the end of the crisis in the Niger Delta region.

In a chat with newsmen yesterday, the medical doctor said he would soon officially declare his intention to contest the senatorial seat of Delta South at the National Assembly.

He explained that he withdrew from the race in 2015 to ensure that peace reigned in the state as he has always maintained that peace was more important than electoral victories.

He said, “Despite the pressure from the good people of Delta South in 2015, I decided to step down, but looking at the horizon now, the issues that caused the security challenges that made me to shelve my ambition in 2015 are no longer there.

“I was commissioner for four years under Chief James Ibori and I was close to him. I knew what he was doing in terms of peace issues.

“I was the first state government official to enter into creeks to meet ex-militant chief, Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo in the heart of the Niger Delta as SSG to start negotiating peace with him.

“I did it severally when I was the governor of Delta State. At one of the outings, it was even the soldiers that pointed AK-47 at me when I was coming back.

“Sometimes, I would come back at night from negotiating peace, so I know the place in and out. I have been there in the day and at night, in fact, at one of them, I was sitting on a chair with about 20 of the boys with their guns, they were drinking, and we were there for three hours negotiating peace.

“I know the challenges; let me just say this, what we did and what the government has been doing is having what I call two boxes in managing the problems,” he explained.

The former governor said the first thing was that of engagement, as he used his influence then to mobilize religious leaders, traditional rulers and the youths to engage the boys in the creek in dialogue.

“We had the other box of enforcement; that is, using the military, the army, the police, navy, etc. One will think that with the two boxes, that would be enough to deal with the problems, but they are still there and re-occurring in different forms, some criminality and some genuine agitation; we still have the Niger Delta Avengers bursting pipelines; sometimes, we have those hijacking boats and sometimes ethnic quarrels”.

According to Uduaghan, from his experience, the military, as an enforcement body was not a permanent solution to the problems in the Niger Delta as they were not very familiar with the terrain.

“So when the thing is really happening, it requires mobilizing the young people to show them the terrain or to prevent the crisis.

“For us to move forward, we must have an enforcement body that includes the community; especially the youths in the community, since they know the terrain.

“It is easier for people in that area to try and carry out enforcement or execute security challenges; it is easier for people in that area to know those who are involved in illegal bunkering. There are two parts to it, there is the part of genuine agitation, which has now been mixed with criminality and the criminality seems to have overshadowed the genuine agitation.

“To deal with it, we need the local people to be involved in the security arrangement and that will require legislation. The Waterway Security Committee I put up for instance, there is no law backing it up, so we need to put up laws that will help us in moving forward in solving the Niger Delta crisis.

“Right now, there is no law and order in the Niger Delta and we need to come out with and remind ourselves of the existing laws and tailor them towards the issues in the Niger Delta so that we can have permanent peace. A lawmaker is to make law and that will be my cardinal point.

“Also, there is the issue of attracting things to your area. There are very few people in the National Assembly that I don’t know. I have the capacity to attract things to my area more than anybody on the field today.

Uduaghan, who promised not to collect his pension as a former governor while in the senate, also pledged to carry his constituents along by involving them in the lawmaking process and holding town hall meetings every six months.

“I am going to sign a contract with my people; the Senator-Citizens Contract. I have a group of lawyers who are already working on it,” he disclosed.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/2019-uduaghan-explains-why-he-wants-to.html

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the theft of Mace at the Senate on Wednesday, April 18, 2018, describing it as an assault on Nigeria's democracy.

The Mace, which is the symbol of authority of the Senate, was carted away by some hoodlums allegedly led by the suspended Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.

In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja and published on Facebook, Atiku said he is disappointed.

"I am utterly embarrassed, shocked and outraged by this ugly development because it is not only a threat to a major democratic institution but also represents a grave danger to the survival of our democracy," he said.

Atiku noted that using illegal and unconstitutional methods to threaten the authority of a key democratic institution is evil and unacceptable.

He wondered how the thugs could force their way into the Senate chamber and steal the Mace.

"If criminals could commit such security breach with impunity, it means that our entire democracy is in danger. Those behind this illegality to avoid creating a monster that could consume them.

"It is unacceptable and reprehensible to subject the National Assembly to this intimidation and humiliation. This attack by thugs should not go unpunished no matter who is involved", the former vice president added.

Atiku appealed to those heating up the polity to desist from it in the interest if Nigeria's hard-earned democracy.

Meanwhile, the police have arrested Omo-Agege and five other persons who allegedly stole the mace.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/im-embarrassed-shocked-atiku-reacts-to.html

Nigerian comedian, vocalist and actor Jephthah Bowoto popularly called by his stage name Akpororo is filled with joy after he welcomed a set of twin with his wife at the United States of America.

Akpororo got married to his beautiful wife Josephine Ijeoma Abraham following their wedding in Surulere, Lagos State on 14 November 2015.

Akpororo is now blessed with a set of twin and as a proud father his joy knew no bounds as he went mad over the good news.

He shared a video where he was filled in powder and he was displaying his normal dancing and crazy stunts.

“Baba ibeji” is a Yoruba word which serves as a nickname to those fathers that has a set of twin while “Iya Ibeji” refers to a woman that has a set of twin.

In the video he shared he captioned it with: “I done born oo #roronation #roroteam #roronation #roroteam help me thank God oooo”

Akpororo is a native of Ilaje, Ondo State, Nigeria but he was born and grew up in Warri, a city in Delta State, Nigeria where he had his early education.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/akpororo-goes-gaga-after-becoming-baba.html

Senior lawyer, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has been appointed the Director, Strategic Communications, (Official Spokesperson) for the President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2019 presidential campaign.

This was contained in a statement signed and forwarded to MC EBISCO by the Secretary, office of the Director-General, President Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organization, Mohammed Dattijo.

Keyamo has been an ardent defender of the current administration.

The statement reads, “Kindly find attached the letter from President Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organisation appointing Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, and Fellow of Chartered Institute of Arbitration, United Kingdom as the Director, Strategic Communications (Official Spokesperson) for the President’s 2019 presidential campaigns.

The President had earlier last week declared his intention to run in the 2019 presidential election.

See attachment…

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/2019-buhari-appoints-festus-keyamo-as.html

Nigerian evicted housemate Teddy A who also happened to be the in-house lover and strategic partner of Bambam has started a new exodus in his musical career.

The musician who has before now released some tracks and featured some top musicians in his works is now on the verge of becoming the boss of himself.

After his eviction, many Nigerian artiste has called for a collaboration with him which he is yet to respond to any within the public eye instead he has gone on to establish himself first.

He launches his musical record label which he calls Alpha Records. He shared the good news saying;

“I’m so hyped about this one. My newest baby, ALPHA Records. I hope the birth of this company brings greater, fruitful and more fulfilling years to come. Amen! #AR #Badman #AlphaMale#BasedOn1or2”.

His lover and partner Bambam recently has also dropped her first gospel song after leaving the house.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/bbnaija-teddy-now-boss-opens-record.html

Following the success of "The Wedding Party 2" and "The Royal Hotel Hibiscus," EbonyLife Films have announced its new film, "Chief Daddy."

Written by Bode Asiyanbi and directed by Niyi Akinmolayan, who helmed "The Wedding Party" sequel, "Chief Daddy" is produced by Temidayo Abudu and Queen Martins. DOP is Muhammad Atta.
About "Chief Daddy"

"Chief Daddy" tells the story of billionaire industrialist Chief Beecroft, a flamboyant benefactor to a large extended family of relatives, household staff and assorted mistresses.

Chief lives large, like there’s no tomorrow, until the day he dies suddenly and the ‘bullion van’ stops! What’s in his will and who gets all that money?
Cast of "Chief Daddy"

A star-studded movie, "Chief Daddy" stars Linda Ejiofor as Chief's unofficial PA with a secret key to his affections.

Shaffy Bello plays the role of the hidden second wife, who is ready to take her rightful place. Ini Edo plays the role of the mistress and secret baby mama, who needs to secure her cashflow.

"Chief Daddy" also stars Bisola Aiyeola, Funke Akindele, Zainab Balogun, Lepacious Bose, Dakore Egbuson, Folarin 'Falz' Falana, Mawuli Gavor, Kate Henshaw, Ayo Lijadu, MI, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Beverly Naya, Nedu, Uti Nwachukwu, Taiwo Obileye, Chioma 'chigurl' Omeruah, Rachel Oniga, Beverly Osu, Nkem Owoh, Patience Ozokwor and Joke Silva.
There's no release date attached to "Chief Daddy" yet, but according to Abudu, the film will debut this Christmas season.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/mo-abudu-announces-new-film-starring.html