₦airaland Forum

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom has promised that the launching of the South-South zonal campaign rally of its presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, will be hitch-free.

Chairman of the Central Planning Committee for 2019 Campaign Flag-off, Mr. Umana Umana, told newsmen in Uyo on Wednesday that everything had been put in place for the flag off.

He said: “It is going to be a national APC event. We are expecting to host Mr. President in person, the Vice President in person, the national chairman of our party, the national leaders of our party and the national working committee, governors, ministers and members from all over Nigeria.

“So, indeed this rally will provide the foundation for the take-off of our presidential campaigns and we will be expecting the 30,000 Godswill Akpabio International Stadium to be filled to the brim.

“From the feedback we are getting from our members all over Akwa Ibom and all of the South-South states and from other states in Nigeria, we know that that the stadium is going to be filled to capacity.

“The good people of Akwa Ibom are very excited and enthusiastic and they are waiting to receive the President. Again, we are not surprised because the good people of Akwa Ibom have felt the impact of the good works undertaken by Mr. President.

“We have had occasion in the past to review the scorecard of Mr. President not just for all Nigerians but as it affects Akwa Ibom and that is why our members in the state are very excited.

“The good people of Akwa Ibom who are not even members of our party are also very enthusiastic about receiving the President and to thank him ahead of the election for what he has done for the state, the South-South zone and the people of Nigeria.

“So, attendance at this rally would also be a way of sending a message to Mr. President that we appreciate what he has done for our people in terms of the key strategic appointments which he has given to sons and daughters of Akwa Ibom, and clearly this is unprecedented”.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/27/2019-apc-speaks-ahead-buharis-campaign-flag-off-akwa-ibom/

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation has reported 152.56 per cent appreciation in its trading surplus to N9.85 billion in September 2018, a figure which is higher than the previous month’s deficit of N3.90 billion.

The development, which is contained in the September 2018 edition of the NNPC monthly financial and operations report and indicated improved performance of N13.75 billion, relative to that of August 2018, is attributable to higher revenue by the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), the corporation’s upstream subsidiary.

NNPC Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, in the statement, said that NPDC’s production had been on the rise as a result of success recorded in repairs of vandalized pipeline in the Niger Delta and the resumption of crude oil lifting activities at the Forcados Terminal.

He said a total crude oil and gas export sale of $626.62 million was made in September 2018 under the NNPC’s United States dollar transactions which is 33.32 per cent higher than the previous month’s record. Crude oil export sales contributed $508.54 million, which is 81.16 per cent of the dollar transactions compared with $337.62million contribution in the previous month.

The statement announced that export gas sales amounted to $118.08 million in the month, adding that the September 2017 to September 2018 crude oil and gas transactions indicated that crude oil and gas worth $5.45 billion was exported.

In the downstream sector, the report noted that during the period, NNPC continued to ensure increased petrol supply and effective distribution across the country. During the month, 1.66 billion litres of petrol, translating to 55.50 million litres per day, were supplied by the corporation.
In the month under review, a total of 125 pipeline points were vandalized, out of which eight points failed to be welded and only one point was ruptured.

A further breakdown of the September 2018 records indicates that Aba-Enugu and Mosimi-Ibadan accounted for 36 points and 33 points or approximately 29 per cent or 26 per cent of the vandalized points.

While PHC-Aba and Zaria-Gusau accounted for 10 per cent each, Atlas Cove-Mosimi and other locations accounted for 14 per cent and 11 per cent of the pipeline breaks.

Regarding natural gas off-take, commercialisation and utilisation, the report indicates that out of the 238.91 Billion Cubic Feet (BCF) of gas supplied in September 2018, a total of 142.09 bcf was commercialised, comprising 30.36bcf and 111.73bcf for the domestic and export markets.

This translates to a total supply of 1,011.96mmscf/d of gas to the domestic market and 3,724.26mmscf/d of gas supplied to the export market for the month. It implies that 59.47 per cent of the average daily gas produced was commercialised while the balance of 40.53 per cent of gas was re-injected, used as upstream fuel gas or flared.

The report gave gas flare rate for the month at 8.60 per cent, that is, 684.69mmscfd compared with average gas flare rate of 10.17 per cent which is 800.59mmscfd for September 2017 to September 2018.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/27/nnpc-trading-surplus-hit-n9-85-billion-september/

Four policemen attached to Ijanikin Division in Lagos State Police Command have been arrested for allegedly robbing one Theodore Ifunnaya of 350,000 CFA (about N221,508).

The police spokesman in Lagos, CSP Chike Oti, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, said that the victim was a Nigerian based in Togo.

Oti said that the policemen faced dismissal if found guilty, stressing, however, that the victim was not stripped naked during interrogation as being alleged in some quarters.

According to him, the affected policemen have been transferred to the Provost Section of the Command for investigation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the officers allegedly accosted the victim coming from Togo to celebrate Christmas in Nigeria at Iyana – Ira, Badagry area on Dec. 17.

It was learnt that the suspects subjected the victim to tortuous search and interrogation, where they discovered the sum of money with him.

They were alleged to have bundled him into their patrol vehicle to Ijanikin police station where they seized his money and invited a bureau de change operator to exchange the CFA currency into Naira equivalent.

NAN also gathered that having satisfied they had subdued their victim with a threat, they allegedly released him and gave him N2000 out of his money, to enable him locate his Lagos residence.

It was further learnt that the victim, after regaining freedom from his alleged police captors, told his family all he went through, which led to a complaint to Area ‘K’ Commander, ACP Hope Okafor.

ACP Okafor was said to have intervened by recovering the stolen money and arrested the erring policemen for interrogation.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/26/four-policemen-arrested-alleged-robbery-lagos/

Cristiano Ronaldo will not be in the starting line-up, when Juventus face Atalanta on Wednesday, his coach Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed.

The game will mark the first time Ronaldo has not begun a Serie A game since he joined Juventus in the summer.

The 33-year-old is second in the Serie A scoring charts with 11 goals in 17 games, as he has been an ever present in the team.

However, with Serie A having introduced Boxing Day fixtures for the first time this season, Allegri has confirmed that Ronaldo will be granted a rest, although he could still feature at some stage.

“Ronaldo’s going to be on the bench tomorrow,” Allegri told Sky Sport Italia on Christmas Day.

“He’s available, but he’s going to watch the game together with me for the first time.

“I’m very happy with how he’s doing, as I am with everybody,” Allegri continued. “We need him to be in his best shape in March when we get to the business end of the Champions League. He’s going to have to be even more decisive than he has been in recent years.”

Juve, who lead Serie A by eight points from Napoli, will host Sampdoria on Saturday before the Italian league takes a three-week winter break.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/26/ronaldo-dropped-juventus-game-atalanta/

The lawmaker representing Ahoada East Constituency one in the Rivers state House of Assembly, Martins Mannah has described the 2019 budget of the State as a scam.

Mannah, who addressed newsmen after the budget presentation, said little or nothing was achieved with the 2018 budget.

He further said the newly presented budget may face the challenge of implementation, adding that there is a misplaced priority in the budget because security is expected to lead.

“The 2019 budget of the Wike Government is another scam. N480bn?

“The Governor is presenting N480billion when the 2018 budget has achieved nothing. All we have been seeing are patching of roads. No major project anywhere in the state.

“A state that claims to be generating employment is giving only 4billion naira to Agriculture.

“Let me tell you, during the budget 2018 defence here, one on the Ministries got 6billion naira in 2017 and we asked them what they did with their allocation, the Commissioner of that Ministry said they did not receive one naira from the Rivers state government. So, this 2019 will be the same.”

Governor Nyesom Wike on Monday presented the 2019 Appropriation Bill of N480.42 billion to the State House of Assembly for consideration.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/25/rivers-lawmaker-calls-gov-wikes-2019-budget-another-scam/

The Chairman of Forte Oil Plc, Mr. Femi Otedola, is set to sell his 75 per cent direct and indirect shareholdings in the company, according to a notification to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

The notification, which was signed by the General Counsel of Forte Oil Plc, Akinleye Olagbende, read: “Forte Oil Plc hereby notifies the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), shareholders and the investing community that its majority shareholder, Mr. Femi Otedola, has reached an agreement with the Prudent Energy team, investing through Ignite Investments and Commodities Limited, to divest of his full 75 per cent direct and indirect shareholding in the company’s downstream business.

“ Otedola’s divestment from the downstream business is pursuant to his decision to explore and maximise business opportunities in refining and petrochemicals.

“The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter (Q l ) of 2019 subject to the satisfaction of various conditions and receipt of applicable regulatory approvals.”

The market received the divestment news positively as the share price of Forte Oil rose by 9.8 per cent to N31.25 per share. This is the highest price since June 24, 2018. The shares have recorded year-to-date (YTD) decline of 28 per cent, underperforming the NSE All-Share Index, that has recorded a YTD decline of 16.4 per cent and the NSE Oil & Gas Index which has shed 13.7 per cent so far.

Otedola, through its company, Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited, bought the stake of Incorporated Trustees of NNPC’s Pension Fund in Forte Oil, then known as Africa Petroleum Plc 11 years ago. That acquisition made him the majority shareholder of Forte Oil Plc and the company was rebranded in 2010 to its new name. The company’s performance has been affected by the challenging environment over the years. For instance, it recorded a profit after tax of N5.794 billion in 2015. This fell to N2.890 billion in 2016 before rising to N12.2 billion in 2017.

However, the company early this year announced plans to restructure its business by divesting its upstream services, power generating businesses in Nigeria and downstream business in Ghana.

Shareholders of the company had approved this restructuring plan at the company’s annual general meeting (AGM) last May.

According to the shareholders, “subject to the approval of regulatory authorities, the directors of the company be and hereby authorised to restructure the company by divesting its upstream services business(Forte Upstream Services Limited); its power generating business(Amperion Power Distribution Limited and its downstream business in Ghana(AP Oil and Gas Ghana Limited) at such time and such terms and condition as may be determined by directors of the company,” the company had explained.

Forte Oil Plc had said its decision to divest from upstream services and power generating businesses would boost its distributable earnings for the benefit of shareholders.

According to Forte Oil Plc, following the significant changes in the oil and gas industry in recent years, it believed that only downstream operators with huge investments in both storage and distribution infrastructures can remain competitive and operationally efficient in the long run.

It explained that although power business profitable, it has huge receivables due from the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) and a significant portion of its distributed earnings is also utilized in servicing the acquisition debt finance.

The company said despite the significant resources deployed the upstream services business has consistently contributed less than seven to the Group earnings in the last three financial years.

Similarly, its downstream subsidiary in Ghana has consistently declared losses after tax in the last three years and has substantial bad and uncollectable trade debts in the business as a result of negative economic conditions and currency devaluation in prior years.

“This divestment a will reduce finance cost in the Group significantly and increase distributable earnings for the benefit of the shareholders. The finance cost attributable to the businesses to be divested stood at N2.7 billion and N2.2 billion for the year ended December 31, 2016 and the year ended December 31, 2017 respectively.

The proceeds of the divestment initiative will also enable your company to compete more favourably and achieve the planned expansion of the business for increased market share,” Forte Oil had said.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/25/otedola-divest-forte-oil-share-price-rises-six-month-high/

Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, does not believe Manchester City are cracking under the pressure of his side’s ferocious pace at the top of the Premier League.

The Reds will celebrate Christmas with a four-point lead over the reigning champions, following recent defeats for Pep Guardiola’s side against Chelsea and Crystal Palace.

Both of those reverses came when Liverpool had played earlier that weekend and won against Bournemouth and Wolves respectively.

But Klopp played down the idea, that City are struggling to respond to his still unbeaten side.

“You saw the two games they played? It didn’t look like they felt a lot of pressure. They were outstanding in these games.

“If you don’t finish off your chances against Chelsea you can lose. They were the better team this game

“Crystal Place did an outstanding job and scored outstanding goals. That always makes life uncomfortable.

“It [means] absolutely nothing. It’s difficult to win football games, sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn’t.

“They were just a bit unlucky in these two games and this happens from time to time,” Klopp said according to Goal.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/24/epl-klopp-speaks-liverpool-pressure-causing-man-citys-defeats/

The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) has announced the Final Investment Decision (FID) on the Assa North Gas Development Project in Imo State, a major momentum to the domestic gas aspiration of the Federal Government for increased power generation and industrialisation.

At peak production, the project is expected to produce 300 million standard cubic feet of gas per day and will be treated at SPDC JV’s Gas Processing Facility and distributed through the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben pipeline network.

The Managing Director of SPDC and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, who disclosed this on Sunday noted that the project would be a major game-changer in Nigeria’s quest for energy sufficiency and economic growth. “This is good news for the SPDC JV and Nigeria as we look to grow the domestic market and optimise our onshore footprints,” he said.

According to Okunbor, “The project is key to driving the Federal Government of Nigeria’s ambition of marching away from a mono-economy through diverse industrial growth. It is premier amongst the Seven Critical Gas Projects initiative led by the Ministry of Petroleum and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). Their integrated focus, support and drive were instrumental to this investment decision.”

Okunbor added that the SPDC JV would continue to explore other areas of support for the expansion of domestic gas supply and continue to make investments under the right conditions.

SPDC’s Director and General Manager Projects, Mr. Toyin Olagunju, said the Assa North project would be a significant contribution to GDP growth in Imo State and across Nigeria as the gas produced will be utilised in-country across diverse industries, while providing economic opportunities for local communities.

Just three weeks ago, the SPDC JV signed a gas supply and aggregation agreement with Geometric Power Aba Limited (GPAL) for the supply of about 43million standard cubic feet of gas per day to support the 140MW Aba Integrated Power plant at Ossisioma in Abia State.

By the agreement, SPDC will supply gas from the SPDC joint venture gas plant in Imo River traversing Abia and Rivers States to the power producer, GPAL, via a gas pipeline network which is already installed.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/24/shell-announces-fid-assa-north-gas-project-%e2%80%a2targets-300-million-cubic-feet-gas-domestic-market/

Self-styled leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, yesterday revealed details of a brief discussion he had with late Alex Badeh, a former chief of Defense Staff, while in Kuje prison.

Badeh, who served as the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, was assassinated along the Abuja-Keffi highway last Tuesday evening.

Speaking on the murder of Badeh during a special worldwide broadcast from Israel, Kanu alleged that the late Chief of Air Staff was murdered on the instructions of some persons in the government.

The IPOB leader, quoting a popular national newspaper copiously, said close associates of the late CDS claimed he (Badeh) met with Mrs Aisha Buhari recently to seek help with his corruption cases pending in court because it was taking huge emotional and financial toll on him.

But the wife of the president reportedly told him only Abba Kyari, President Muhammadu Buhari’s Chief of Staff, could help him so she took him to Mr Kyari who was non-committal. Afterwards, Kyari reportedly told Badeh to call him later. The late CDS did call back but never got a response.

Against that background, Kanu said Aisha Buhari’s reference to Abba Kyari as Badeh’s messiah only “confirms that President Buhari is not alive and Jubril Aminu Al-Sudani does whatever Mr. Kyari says. I told you ab initio that the main culprits in this (Badeh’s killing) are Abba Kyari and Mamman Daura,” he alleged.

On the rationale behind Badeh’s assassination, Kanu said: “Badeh died because he threatened Aisha Buhari and Abba Kyari with what he knew about Mr. Jubril Aminu Al-Sudani.”

The IPOB leader went further to say that during his discussion with Badeh while at Kuje prisons in Abuja, he told the late Air chief that Nigeria cannot work but he (Badeh) insisted that Nigeria will work.

His words: “I met Alex Badeh in Kuje or he met me in Kuje prison and we had a brief discussion. Those that were there know what I discussed with him.

“I told him Nigeria will never work, but he told me no, Nigeria will work, your senior brother is my friend. My senior brother is Air Marshal,” the IPOB leader said.

Kanu added: “Alex Badeh is dead and nobody is investigating his death. Nobody is calling him a hero. Alex Badeh was brave.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/23/nnamdi-kanu-names-alleged-killers-alex-badeh-recounts-late-cds-told-kuje-prison/

Arsenal manager, Unai Emery, has hailed playmaker, Mesut Ozil following Gunners’ 3-1 victory over Burnley on Saturday in the Premier League.

Goals from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (2) and Alex Iwobi (1) gave Arsenal all three points against the Burnley at the Emirates Stadium.

However, a goal from Ashley Barnes was not enough to give the visitors a point against the home side.

Ozil started his first Premier League fixture in six weeks against Burnley and produced a fantastic pass as Aubameyang opened the scoring for Arsenal.

Asked about Ozil’s performances against Burnley, Emery was quoted by Metro UK as saying after the match: “Ozil played very well.

“We want a Mesut like today in our subsequent games.”

Emery added: “Today we won, tomorrow we have off. Monday we prepare for Boxing Day. This is all we think about.”

Emery’s side will now tackle Brighton on Boxing Day in their next Premier League fixture.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/22/epl-emery-reveals-player-helped-arsenal-3-1-win-burnley/

The management of Union Bank, owners of the $2.8m intercepted at Enugu airport, has explained that the men who were arrested at the by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were on a legitimate assignment.

EFCC operatives had paraded two men on Friday as alleged fraudsters, who were in possession of $2.8 million.

However, In tweets posted on its official Twitter page, Union Bank explained that the operation was licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

“Movement of cash across states is routine for all bank. Bankers Warehouse is licensed by CBN to provide Cash-in-Transit services,” the bank said.

“We are surprised by the release of a news bulletin prior to the completion of @officialefcc investigation. This is a legitimate and routine operation consistent with banking.”

Similarly, Bankers Warehouse has reacted to the development by writing the CBN.

In a letter addressed to the CBN Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ijebor, Bankers Warehouse head of operations, said the EFCC insisted on detaining their employees despite the means of identification provided.

“Despite the information provided, the EFCC insisted on detaining our employees, taking possession of our goods and threatening to confiscate the currency, without making themselves available to our senior managers or other agencies familiar with our movements,” the letter read.

“We seek your intervention as our regulator, to address this issue of constant harassment of our staff, by security agencies.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/22/owners-2-8m-intercepted-enugu-airport-speak/

The Ministry of Defense has reacted to the recent attack on Zamfara and Kaduna States, which led to the loss of many lives and properties.

The ministry, under the leadership of Mansur Muhammad Dan-Ali, while commiserating with the government and people of Zamfara and Kaduna States, described the incidents as very sad and unfortunate.

He prayed Almighty Allah to grant the lives lost an eternal rest and also give their families the fortitude to bear the unfortunate lost, noting that Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of Nigeria have remained committed and resolute in tackling current security challenges across the country.

Colonel Tukur Gusau, Public Relations Officer to the Hon Minister of Defence, in a statement issued on Friday, said the military had been committed in ensuring safety of lives and properties as well as protecting the nation from both external and internal aggression.

The statement read, “It is pertinent to state that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is currently engaged in various Internal Security operations across the country and has made concerted efforts in tackling the incessant killings by armed bandits and other criminal activities in the North-West particularly in Zamfara and Kaduna states.

“It is worthy to note that some of the efforts made by the Federal Government include the creation of 8 Division, Nigerian Army in Sokoto and the establishment of a Brigade in Gusau and another one to be located in Birnin Kebbi to address security challenges in the North-West. Also, the Nigerian Air Force Quick Response Force was established in Gusau to give air support to the ground troops. Additionally, 500 troops of Nigerian Armed Forces and 500 other security agents were recently deployed to join Operation SHARAN DAJI to curb the activities of armed bandits and other security challenges in Zamfara and Kaduna states and the region in general.

“Recently, the Ministry directed the General Officer Commanding 8 Division to relocate his Tactical Headquarters from Sokoto to Gusau to adequately coordinate activities of Operation SHARAN DAJI until normalcy returns in the State.

“These are all geared towards realizing the mandate of the Ministry of Defence and achieving the Federal Government’s drive on security of its citizens and properties. However, it is noteworthy to state that the issue of drug abuse, unemployment and governance amongst others contributes to the deplorable security situation in Zamfara State.

“It is therefore suggested that the all necessary stakeholders should come together and take necessary steps to address these issues and to provide adequate support to security agencies so as to get maximum cooperation.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/21/defense-minister-dan-ali-speaks-zamfara-kaduna-killings-reveals-plan-tackle-insecurity/

Eighteen lawmakers of the Ondo State House of Assembly have protested against the move by the embattled Speaker of the House, Bamidele Oloyeloogun, to suspend the factional speaker, Olamide George.

The lawmakers shunned the traditional voice vote of the house when Oleyeloogun directed that George be suspended after some petitions written against the factional speaker were read at the floor of the house.

In the petition, George was accused of addressing himself as the Speaker of the House in a letter written to the Debt Management Office, DMO, that it should cease to do business with Ondo State Government.

According to the petitions, the letter addressed to the DMO was also signed by 16 lawmakers, who signed the impeachment notice against the embattled Speaker, Oleyeloogun.

Though some of the lawmakers, who signed the impeachment notice and were also present at the plenary, denied their involvement in the letter, they stated that their signatures were forged.

Oloyeloogun, who presided over the plenary, stated that the letter brought the House to disrepute, and directed that George be suspended after he had directed that a 5-member committee headed by Sule Maito be constituted to investigate the letter and petitions against George.

However, Oleyeloogun was stunned when none of the lawmakers refused to agree to his position on the suspension of George as they ignore the traditional voting pattern of the house when the question was asked by the embattled Speaker.

The former Deputy Speaker and erstwhile Majority Leader of the house, Fatai Olotu and Gbenga Akinsoyinnu respectively, who were among the 16 lawmakers that impeached the leadership, immediately informed the Speaker that the house can only act when the committee’s report is ready.

They argued that the Speaker should allow the committee to do its work by giving the indicted lawmaker, George, a fair-hearing, and not by taking unilateral decision geared towards suspending George by all means.

Similarly, the Deputy Speaker, Ogundeji Iroju, who was allegedly impeached with the Speaker, urged the leadership of the House to rescind the suspension till the committee report is delivered at the House.

Oloyeloogun revoked the suspension and tasked other committee members to report to the Assembly within three weeks,

The house subsequently adjourned sitting to January 11, 2019.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/21/drama-ondo-assembly-lawmakers-protest-speaker/

The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, has inaugurated the National Action Plan for Health Security for the Year 2018 to 2022, to strengthen response in 19 public health threats and improve response to health emergencies.

Inaugurating the plan on Monday in Abuja, the minister said the implementation would help to entrench and resolve to build a safer and prosperous Nigeria.

Adewole said that Nigeria had a Joint External Evaluations of the International Health Regulations in June 2017, which demonstrated many critical gaps that needs to be filled to protect the country from next major event.

“As I listened to the result of the evaluation we scored 40 per cent, which is failure, in medical school you need to score 50 per cent in medical school to record a pass.

“We are deeply worried about the result, and then I did remark that we should be bothered about the base line and what happened thereafter.

“This result has helped to guide the NAPHS planning processes and to develop a roadmap for security strengthening in Nigeria,’’ the minister said.

Adewole noted that preparedness for health security is like an insurance policy for the national health prosperity.

“Although we hope that we never face a deadly epidemic like the West Africa Ebola epidemic of 2014-2016, we need to ensure that we are ready at all the time,’’ he said.

He added that Nigeria was making progress in the emergency response programmes and other several areas, stressing that ‘’Mr President receives weekly update on the state of national health emergency in Nigeria, to me that is unusual.’’

He noted that while Nigeria was making progress in national health emergency, the development of the National Action Plan for Health Security was what was required to achieve more success.

Earlier, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, the Director-General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), said that the framing of the plan was to demonstrate that health doesn’t only have health benefit but also provide economic and security benefit.

He said there was need to come together and jointly own a response across the 19 areas, including surveillance, port health, immunisation and medical counter measures, among others, in order to achieve desired results.

He said the five-year plan include collaborative efforts from many stakeholders integrates preparedness and response.
The director-general said the plan articulates all aspects of what to be done, it set out desirables, milestone to be achieve and provides platform for bringing everyone together.

He added that major initiatives that have been identified to come out of the plan includes digitalisation of disease surveillance across the country; building strong laboratory architecture, and building epidemiology workforce at every level.

Similarly, the Director-General, World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, said keeping the world safe was one of the organisation’s top priorities, adding that global health security is a shared responsibility.

Represented by the Officer in Charge WHO Nigeria, Dr Clement Lasuba, the director-general said scaling up and financing the implementation of the International Health Regulations was vital for building sustainable capacities to detect and respond to emergencies.

He added that the best defence against outbreaks and other crises was strong, resilient health system based on people-centred primary care.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/18/federal-government-inaugurates-four-year-action-plan-health-security/

UN chief Antonio Guterres called Sunday for a “credible” probe into journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s murder in Saudi Arabia’s consulate in Istanbul.

“It is absolutely essential to have a credible investigation and to have the punishment of those that were guilty,” Guterres said at a conference in Doha.

The UN chief said he had no information on the case except what had been reported in the media.

Khashoggi, a Saudi contributor to the Washington Post, was killed on October 2 shortly after entering the kingdom’s consulate in what Riyadh called a “rogue” operation.

Saudi Arabia has repeatedly rejected Turkish demands to extradite suspects connected to the murder of the journalist, a critic of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Turkey’s foreign minister said on Sunday that Saudi Arabia has not yet shared information on a “local collaborator” in his country.

Mevlut Cavusoglu said at the conference that Riyadh has neither disclosed the name nor the facial composite of a suspect in Turkey.

“Why don’t you share it with Turkey?” he asked.

“We know that (Khashoggi’s) body was cut in pieces and his body was taken out of the consulate building, but we don’t know where the body is.

“This is the main question, we need to find out.”

On Saturday, Cavusoglu said that his country would “not give up” on establishing the truth about the murder.

Earlier this month, the minister said Turkey was in talks over a possible United Nations investigation into the killing which has provoked global outrage.

According to Turkey, a 15-member Saudi team was sent to Istanbul to kill Khashoggi, a palace insider turned critic of the regime.

Riyadh has since detained 21 people over the murder.

Despite speculation that the powerful crown prince ordered the hit, the kingdom has strongly denied he was involved.

The murder has damaged Riyadh’s international reputation, and Western countries including the United States, France and Canada have placed sanctions on nearly 20 Saudi nationals. (NAN)

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/17/un-scribe-calls-credible-probe-khashoggis-murder/

Curvaceous actress, Moesha Boduong rocks tube dress braless. She shared the sultry photos on her social media space...


See other photos:

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/16/moesha-boduong-goes-braless-rocks-tube-dress-see-photos/

The Minister of Communications, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, has opened up on why he closed a campaign office he opened for President Muhammadu Buhari in the South West.

There were recent reports that the Minister, who was also a governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, stopped campaigning for President Buhari.

The Minister said that the report of him stopping to campaign for Buhari was a mere mischief.

He explained that the campaign office was a rented apartment, which was not his property.

Shittu told The Nation that he rented the property for N3 million per annum and simply could not afford to pay that and the landlord was impatient with him, which led to its closure.

His words, “I think that whole idea that I stopped campaigning for Buhari is nonsensical. I was the first cabinet member who started campaigning for Buhari’s reelection.

“I am still part of this government and part of the APC. In fact, I am a foundation member of the APC and my interactions and relationship with Buhari is not just starting.

“I was his party’s governorship candidate in Oyo state in 2011 and President Buhari has continued to earn my respect and adoration because he is one President who was either the first or the second to willingly reduce his salary by half.

“I think the first leader to do that was Murtala Mohammed who is late now.

“If he can reduce his legitimate salary so that the Nigerian state can utilise that second part for the good of this country, why would I do that? I think the story is mere mischief.

“We had a rented apartment which is not my property. We rented it for N3 million per annum and we simply could not afford to pay that and the landlord was impatient with us.

“He said we either pay or get out and we simply took the most sensible option by vacating the place. We are in the process of looking for another office space for the campaign. We hope to get something cheaper.

“So, it is not true that for whatever reason, I would say that I am no longer campaigning for Buhari. It was the handiwork of mischief makers and a section of the media cannot be exonerated from that.

“They started carrying that report without seeking my own side of the story. That is simply not patriotic. It is self serving and politically motivated.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/16/2019-presidency-closed-buharis-campaign-office-oyo-adebayo-shittu/

Sen. Ali Ndume, APC, Borno South has pleaded with his colleagues in the Senate and House of Representatives not to boycott the 2019 Budget presentation by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Ndume told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja that if the comment credited to the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Mr Udoma Udoma, on the budget was true, it was unnecessary.

Some members of the House of Representatives had on Thursday threatened to boycott the budget presentation over reports that the minister blamed the National Assembly for delaying the process.

President Muhammadu Buhari had on Dec. 6, in an executive communique, announced that he would present the 2019 Budget to the National Assembly on Dec. 12.

However, as at Dec. 13, when the Senate adjourned plenary for the week, no letter to that effect was read at plenary, creating uncertainty around the presentation before the National Assembly adjourns for the year.

Ndume, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service, urged his colleagues to reconsider their position in the interest of the nation.

“I understand the reactions of the honourable members, is as a result of the unnecessary comment credited to the Minister of Budget as to who is responsible for the delay.

“My take on this is that two wrongs do not make a right and I want to appeal to my colleagues in the House of Representatives to have a rethink because the President is not responsible for what the minister was alleged to have said.

“I feel national interest should be placed above any individual or group interest.

“As for the Senate, the letter from Mr President as to when to present the budget has not been read,” he said.

The lawmaker pointed out that, to quicken passage, it was imperative for the budget to reach the parliament before the Christmas break.

He said: “I feel the best thing to do is for the president to present the budget, especially before we go on Christmas break.

“So that copies of the budget will be circulated to members to enable them start work on it.

“On resumption immediately after Christmas, we will start working on considering the budget for passage.

“So, I feel the reasonable thing to do is to receive Mr President in a joint session because it is very key to our national interest.

On alleged plans by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to create illegal polling units in Niger and Chad in favour of President Muhammadu Buhari, Ndume said the commission was being guided by law.

He expressed concern that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was crying wolf on the matter where there was none.

“I am aware of voting in various places, but I do not know if PDP wants to be INEC. The law is there and all actions of INEC will be guided by law.

“I was one of the senators in the 7th Assembly that moved for amendment of the Electoral Act to accommodate Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

“This was to ensure that they are not disenfranchised and I think that is what INEC is saying about the allegation by PDP.

“So, if PDP has any issue with that, I think they should look at the law first because INEC is responsible for conducting the election not PDP.”

NAN reports that on Dec, 7, the Federal Executive Council, FEC, approved the 2019 budget proposal.

Briefing State House correspondents at the end of the session, the Minister of Budget and Planning, Udoma Udoma said the Council will liaise with the National Assembly to determine when the president will submit the draft estimates for the consideration of the two chambers.

When asked to give details of the budget proposal, he declined to disclose the details, saying that the Nigerian constitution only allows the president to give out the details and that the President would do so when the National Assembly is ready to receive the draft/

The FEC had on Oct. 24, approved the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) for the 2019 to 2021 to provide template for the 2019 budget.

The session which was presided over by President Buhari approved a budget estimate of N8.73tr for the 2019 budget, N400 billion lower than that of this year.

It will be recalled that, Udoma, had in Novemebr announced that the federal government was considering a leaner 2019 budget of N8.6 trillion, which is leaner than the N9.1 trillion approved by lawmakers for 2018.

He had explained at a consultative forum on the medium term expenditure framework (MTEF) and fiscal strategy paper (FSP) 2019 to 2021, that the decision was due to reduced government revenue projection for the year.

Udoma also said government planned to cut down the level of borrowing from N1.6 trillion in 2018 to N1.5 trillion in 2019, while the deficit component would be reduced from N1.9 trillion in 2018 to N1.6 trillion.

In spite of the recent oil output drop to about 1.9 million barrels per day, Udoma said government was optimistic the 2.3 million barrels a day target was achievable with production now rising to about 2.15 million barrels a day and new oil productions being put into play.

Although a $50 per barrel oil price benchmark was proposed in the ERGP, the minister had expressed confidence that with a significant rise in the price above $80 per barrel currently, government has proposed a $60 per barrel oil price for the budget.

He further stated that N305 was proposed as exchange rate to the dollar, with government working to keep inflation down after slight increases in the last two months on the heels of 18 months consecutive decline.

According to him, “Growth is expected to increase from 0.8 per cent in 2017 to 2.1 per cent this year and 3.01 per cent in 2019 with the continued implementation of the ERGP in 2019 and improved outlook for oil prices.”

On revenue, Udoma had said based on the oil price and oil production assumptions, government expected to generate about N3.6 trillion from oil, up by about N500 billion from last year’s figure.

About N6.9 trillion revenue is projected to be available to the budget in 2019.

With other projections showing government expects to collect less revenue from some independent sources, he said only about N624 billion is expected to be realised, against about N847 billion in the 2018 budget, among others. (NAN)

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/16/ndume-begs-colleagues-not-boycott-2019-budget-presentation/

A group of armed men suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect have sacked Gudumbali town, the Local Government Headquarters of Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State.

In a distress message sent to Channels Television on Saturday, one of the residents said the attackers looted food items and reportedly carted away with about five gun trucks.

However, the Nigerian Army authorities have yet to issue any statement about the attack.

Many are feared dead in the attack which occurred on Friday evening while food items were being distributed to the civilian population.

Some soldiers were reportedly dislodged by the assailants and are said to be taking refuge in a nearby military location at Damasak.

The troops are, however, on a red alert for the rampaging insurgents in the area.

Gudumbali is home to nearly 3,000 persons relocated by the Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole and the Borno State government in June this year after four years of displacement in the heat of the insurgency.

But the town came under a fresh severe attack in September, during which it was sacked.

This prompted the Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin, and other service chiefs to converge on Maiduguri, the Borno State capital to strategise new measures to be deployed in the war against terrorism.

The activities of the armed group have increased recently around the lake region in the northern part of the state.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/16/boko-haram-sacks-borno-town-carts-away-gun-trucks/

Former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, IBB has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his successes in the fight against corruption, insurgency and other security challenges.

This was made known on Saturday in a congratulatory message to President Buhari on his 76th birthday which IBB personally signed.

President Muhammadu Buhari will clock 76 on Monday, December 17, 2018.

In the message, the former leader also praised the President for providing focused leadership and showing tremendous energy despite his age.

He described Buhari as “an excellent role model to many young aspiring politicians and even to the not so young, because of the way and manner you have managed to sustain the survival of our country as an indivisible one nation albeit in the face of many daunting diversions.

“You achieved great success in the fight against corruption, terrorism and other forms of insecurity in addition to getting our country out of economic recession.

“It is heartwarming that at 76, in spite of the numerous onerous challenges of leadership, you have managed to remain focused and have shown tremendous energy and vibrancy in running the affairs of state with your acknowledged patriotism and commitment to serve our nation diligently with honesty and sincerity of purpose,” IBB said.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/15/ibb-hails-buharis-successes-tackling-corruption-insecurity/

Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, the Vice President and the running mate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate said that the APC led federal government was consulting with key stakeholders before signing the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement.

Osinbajo stated this on Friday in Abuja while answering questions at the 2019 Presidential election debate organised by the Nigerian Election Debates Group(NEDG) and the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) for the vice president.

He said what the APC government was doing was to ensure that all loopholes that would make the agreement have negative impacts on the country were blocked before signing it.

Osinbajo said that though the agreement was important, the chief fear about it was the Possibility of transhipment, saying for example China can ship its goods to Benin Republic and import to Nigeria under a free trade agreement.

“So we can have a situation where local industry is killed just by the mere fact that we signed on to this without ensuring that all of the loopholes have been blocked. So we are in the process of ensuring that all of the loopholes are blocked.

Osinbajo said that the key stakeholders in the private sector including Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and other business bodies were against the agreement but government was consulting with them.

“We are a private sector driven economy. We cannot say because we are involved in the process, we should just go ahead and sign it.

“It is our duty as a responsible government to make sure that we take into account all of the different issues that are involved before we sign.

“ There is no need for hurrying into signing the agreement . We must make sure we cover all our basis before we sign. ‘’

On his part, the Peoples Democratic Party Presidential (PDP) Candidate running mate, Mr Peter Obi said there was nothing to fear about signing the policy if necessary things had been put in place.

Obi said it was going to be win-win for Nigeria if the agreement is signed, saying there is no way the country could be part of preparing the policy and back out at the signing stage.

He said that Nigeria has the market, the population and everything it takes to benefit from the trade agreement and not just depending on oil for foreign exchange earnings.

“If we sign it today it is going to be a win-win for us. Other countries that don’t have oil, are deriving their foreign exchange earnings from manufacturing.

“You have to look into the agreement fix those things we are not doing well here, put them in place and sign that agreement because it is going to be a win-win for us.’’

He was of the view that consultation should not be now but when the agreement was being formulated.

However, Osinbajo reminded Obi that negotiations for the trade agreement began in the PDP era and they also ought to have done a lot of consultation.

The Vice Presidential Candidate of the Alliance for New Nigerian (ANN), Kadijat Abdullahi-Iya, agreed that the country must study the impact of the trade agreement on the Nigerian economy before signing.

“We have to look at how the agreement affects the common man on the streets, how many employment it creates.

“We have to look at how it will boost the industries, we are looking at diversification, how will it affect our Gross Domestic Products (GDP). These are the things we must look into.

The Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) Ganiyu Galadima, commended the Federal Government for not signing the agreement because many thing were not working well in the Nigerian economy.

“Any agreement that we sign that will turn Nigeria into dumping ground for goods from other countries and cripple our local industries will not be in the interest of the country.’’

“I think the proper thing for the government is to put signing of the agreement on hold until the economy of the country improved and manufacturing industry is revived’’

The Vice Presidential Candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) , Umma Getso also said that signing the agreement with the current situation of the country would not be a wise decision.

Getso said the trade agreement would be favourable to Nigeria when the country was strong in terms of production and not when it was importing goods.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/15/consulting-africa-continental-free-trade-agreement-osinbajo/

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has reacted to the outcome of the Vice Presidential debate, which held in Abuja last night.

DAILY POST had reported that on Friday night, five candidates contesting for the vice presidency, engaged in a debate.

Those who participated were, Yemi Osinbajo (APC) Peter Obi (PDP) Umma Getso (YPP) Alhaji Abdulganiyu Galadima (ACPN) Khadijah Abdullahi-Iya (ANN)

Their responses and opinions drew mixed reactions from Nigerians, who tuned in to watch.

Reacting, Atiku on his official Twitter page, commended his running mate for good performance.

He tweeted, “I watched with pride as @PeterObi laid out our vision to get Nigeria working again. Can’t wait for the presidential debate.#2019Debate”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/15/vp-debate-atiku-said-peter-obis-performance/

Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State on Friday declared that opposition political parties in the state were doomed for failure and are bound to lose the forthcoming general elections because they are in disarray.

Ajimobi made this declaration during the flag off of the campaign of the gubernatorial candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Adebayo Adelabu held at the Oke-Ado state secretariat of the party in Ibadan, the state capital.

In attendance were the deputy governor, Mr Moses Adeyemo, APC Chairman, Chief Akin Oke, Senator Fatai Buhari representing Oyo North among others.

Ajimobi while speaking, said that there were many reasons the APC will replicate its 2015 victory across the state in the 2019 election.

He pointed that there were three major signs that showed that opposition parties were bound to lose in the forthcoming elections.

Some of the signs, he said, were the fact that just like in 2015, all other parties challenging the ruling APC were in disarray.

According to Ajimobi, opposition parties were doomed for failure from the outset owing to their lack of a cohesive front, various misunderstandings among their members and instability.

He added that evidences that God was with him and the APC was the fact that the opposition political parties was in disarray.

Ajimobi while speaking further, remarked that the APC will ride on the divisions among the opposition parties.

He added that he was also sure for Adelabu because he had a traceable and renowned family history, noting that the family house of several other governorship candidates, especially those from Ibadan, could not be traced.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/15/oyo-2019-opposition-parties-doomed-failure-ajimobi-speaks-choice-adelabu/

Former Premier League and La Liga star, Michael Owen has described Chelsea youngster, Callum Hudson-Odoi as an exceptional player but may see his Blues’ career progression at Stamford Bridge stopped by forward, Eden Hazard.

Owen stated this ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Brighton on Sunday.

According to him, it will be difficult for Hudson-Odoi to break into manager, Maurizio Sarri’s first team due to the likes of Hazard.

“Hudson-Odoi is obviously an exceptional young talent,” Owen was quoted by Express UK as saying.

“We’ve got so many of them bursting through at the moment, it is so exciting for English football.

“He likes playing wide and cutting in, he can score goals.

“He’s almost become too good for youth football already and he’s only 18, which is a great sign.

“But the problem then is Hudson-Odoi good enough to make that jump into a first team? That’s the big question.

“Ten, 15 years ago he would have been fast-tracked through and have a seamless transition. Now, the structure of the game makes it quite tricky.

“He’ll be in an under-23 side at Chelsea mainly playing his games and if he’s conquered that already at 18 years of age, where can he go? He can’t go anywhere.

“Is he going to get the likes of Eden Hazard and players like that out of the team? No.

“So what can he do? There’s no reserve team football anymore.

“A loan is not ideal for the clubs though, that’s the problem. They don’t want to expose some of their best players to certain levels.

“But that is probably the only way at the moment.”

Hudson-Odoi has four appearances in all competitions this season for the West London club.

The 18-year-old scored his first senior goal in Chelsea’s 4-0 victory over PAOK Salonika in the Europa League two weeks ago.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/14/epl-michael-owen-reveals-player-may-end-hudson-odois-career-chelsea/

On-air-personality Daddy Freeze has called out his ex-wife, Opeyemi Olarinde, for traveling with their kids without his permission.

Freeze wrote on his Instagram he just found out she’s travelled with their kids, which she not allowed to do without his consent.

Freeze, once again, alleged that his wife lied in an intervie where she made allegations of domestic violence against the media personality.

Disappearing post:
She doesn’t have my consent to travel with my kids without my knowledge! Is it even legal? What is the job of the Nigerian immigration service really?
I just want to know where my kids are, that’s all! ~FRZ

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/13/daddy-freezes-ex-wife-travels-kids-without-permission/

Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo has declared himself “an Urhobo man.”

Obasanjo said he is “an adopted son of Oginibu,” an Urhobo Town in Ughelli South, Delta State.

He said this while speaking at the 40th remembrance anniversary of His Royal Majesty, Robinson Ajeriyeghe Gbagi.

The former Head of State said Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi is a pillar of peace and development in Delta State.

He recounted how the former Minister of Education, Kenneth Gbagi single-handedly worked with him while he was the president of Nigeria to end the bloody inter-ethnic wars in Warri, Delta State.

Obasanjo narrated his several encounters and relationship with Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi and added that “it was difficult to find such a person who is people and development-oriented and who is committed to national and community development.”

The former President said that he was amazed at the charity work Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi has carried out in Oginibu and Ughievwen Kingdom.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/13/im-an-urhobo-man-obasanjo-declares/

A human rights body, Conflict Resolution and Human Rights in Nigeria, has accused Amnesty International of planting fictitious stories against the Nigerian military.

Recall that the International Criminal Court (ICC) had in a report released on Monday, claimed that Nigerian Security Forces (NSF) have committed war crimes against humanity.

The ICC report claimed it had received “a total of 169 communications” from Nigeria and its assessment has shown that security forces in Nigeria have committed war crimes varying from murder, torture, and intentionally attacking the civilian population.

However, the Army dismissed the allegations, describing it as a figment of the writer’s imagination.

Speaking on the development, the body accused the Amnesty International of planting the report to cause confusion in Nigeria and as well rubbish the efforts of the Nigerian military.

Onuoha G.C Esq, Executive Director of the coalition at a press conference on Wednesday, dared the organization to present the kind of evidence it claims to have before the ICC so that the world would see if they would stand up to scrutiny.

He said, “In recent days, we have observed the intensification of a campaign of calumny being run by foreign NGO, Amnesty International against the Nigerian Military.

“The main talking points of the renewed campaign are: “Nigerian Military has committed and is committing human right abuses. Nigerian military is shielding terrorists.

“These are false claims that have been made repeatedly in the past to an extent that right thinking people have learnt to not set stock in them. If Amnesty International has the kind of evidence it claims to have the natural order of things would have been for it to present them before the ICC so that the world would see if these claims would stand up to scrutiny.

“What is playing out however is for the same old hogwash of launching this kind of propaganda each time the Nigerian Military is making gains against Boko Haram terrorists or any other group that is troubling the Nigerian state.

“For a few weeks in the last quarter of this year, Boko Haram terrorists, with some unknown internationally injected support, attacked several military outposts and caused casualties in some instances yet there was no whimper from Amnesty International to call for international outrage against the killings.

“We advise Amnesty International to focus on what it needs to do, which is to make atonement in all the countries of the world where it has sowed the kind of discord it is trying to sow in Nigeria.

“It has been in the business of lying against armies that stand against terrorists while doing everything to shield the terrorists from retribution. It is no wonder that even the NGO is a victim of its own evil enterprise.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/12/amnesty-international-accused-of-working-against-nigerian-military/

A gunman opened fire inside the Catholic cathedral in the Brazilian city of Campinas on Tuesday and fatally shot four people praying in the pews before killing himself after police wounded him, authorities said.

Police identified the shooter as Euler Fernando Gandolfo, 49, a systems analyst with no criminal record.

Gandolfo entered the cathedral and sat down among mainly elderly worshippers who remained to pray after midday mass.

“I suddenly saw a man stand up, take position in front of a couple and shoot them point blank. I ran out fast and he continued firing, many shots,” said Pedro Rodrigues, a 66-year-old retiree.

“It was frightful,” said another witness, Alexandre Moraes, on GloboNews channel. “He shot randomly at people. They were all praying.”

Campinas police chief Jose Henrique Ventura said security cameras showed Gandolfo walk into the cathedral and sit down. A little later he started shooting at people.

Police in the plaza outside rushed in when they heard the shots, Ventura told a news conference.

The gunman ran to the altar while firing at police and was hit in the side. He fell to the ground and shot himself in the head, Ventura said. Gandolfo had two guns with 28 rounds left when he died.

Four people were shot dead and four others were wounded, but Ventura said they were out of danger in a hospital in Campinas, an industrial city 100 kilometres (62 miles) northwest of Sao Paulo.

Police have not established a motive.

Brazil had nearly 64,000 murders last year – more than any other country, according to the United Nations.

However, random mass shootings are relatively rare, with few American-style shootings in schools or other public areas.

The rise in armed violence helped far-right politician Jair Bolsonaro win October’s presidential election, vowing to crack down on corruption, drug gangs and crime in the streets of Brazilian cities.

Bolsonaro, who takes office on Jan. 1, plans to ease gun laws to allow Brazilians to arm themselves against criminals, a policy his critics say will only increase the murder rate.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/12/gunman-in-brazil-cathedral-kills-four-before-killing-himself/

The Enugu State Police Command on Monday commenced a full scale investigation into alleged attempted assassination of the Spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry Enugu, Nigeria (AMEN), Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka.

DAILY POST reports that Father Mbaka on Dec. 6, alleged that there was an attempt to assassinate him.

The Catholic cleric claimed that some unidentified gunmen fired gun shots at his vehicle, in transit within Enugu.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr Mohammed Danmallam,speaking on the incident gave the directive for investigation into the matter, NAN reports.

He gave the directions when he visited the cleric in company of senior police officers at the Adoration ground, Umuchigbo, in Enugu.

“I came with senior officers of the command to see you and to find out more about things in relation to the said sad incident.

“The incident is quite unfortunate and ungodly.

“I will assure you that police operatives under my command will stop at nothing at carrying out full scale investigation into this incident,’’ he assured.

Responding, Fr Mbaka thanked the commissioner and his entourage for the visit.

“This visit of the senior police officers of the command has really portrayed the police as friends who feel for the members of the public,’’ Mbaka said.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/10/police-speaks-on-alleged-assassination-attempt-on-fr-mbaka/

Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo on Sunday left for Germany to address a group of notable German business leaders in Berlin on Monday, December 10.

According to a press statement made available to newsmen on Sunday by the Special Adviser to the Vice-president on Media and Publicity, Mr Laolu Akande, Osinbajo would be speaking on the potential of the Nigerian market and the gains recorded by the country through its Ease of Doing Business reforms.

“The Buhari administration’s Ease of Doing Business reforms has helped in improving the country’s ranking in the World Bank’s Doing Business Index 2017, where Nigeria climbed up 24 places and was listed among the 10 most reformed economies globally.

“Also, the World Bank noted that Nigeria made significant progress across several indicators; including starting a business, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, getting credit, protecting minority investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts, and resolving insolvency.

“During the trip, the Vice -president would, among other engagements, meet with key German financial sector executives with interest in investing in Nigeria, and others business leaders in sectors, including agricultural seeds production, technology and renewable energy.

“Also, the Vice President will be in London on Tuesday, December 11, where he will feature at the Royal Society at an investment forum hosted by Jeune Afrique Media Group themed “Investing in Africa”. From there he would proceed to Cairo, Egypt, where he would be representing President Muhammadu Buhari later in the week at the First Intra-African Fair (IATF), which will be taking place in Cairo from 11th – 17th December, 2018.

“At the IATF Nigeria Day programme, the Vice President would be delivering the keynote address. The Fair is being organized by the African Export and Import Bank (Afreximbank), in collaboration with the African Union (AU) to boost intra-African trade”, the statement read.

It added that the Berlin business interactions is being organised by the Nigerian Embassy in Berlin, in conjunction with the German-African Business Association (Afrika-Verein), which will consolidate on the outcome of the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel’s visit to Nigeria in August, earlier this year.

The statement added that the Vice President would be accompanied on the trip by government officials of relevant agencies and will back to Nigeria on Thursday.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/09/osinbajo-leaves-nigeria-to-address-business-leaders-monday/

The Adoration Ministry Enugu, Nigeria, on Saturday alleged of an assassination attempt against its director, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka.

This is coming amidst controversies generated by Mbaka’s message last Sunday, which has attracted wide criticisms, including from the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria.

In a statement signed by Signed Chief Aka Emmanuel, President, National Adoration Family, Chief Okolo Godwin, President, Adoration Fathers’ Associations World Wide, Mrs Ann Aligwe,-President, Adoration Mothers’ Association World Wide, Chukwu Agoziem, President, Adoration Youths’ Association World Wide and Barr Ike Maximus Ugwuoke- Media Chief, they said Fr. Mbaka was shot in Enugu, the State capital.

The statement made available to DAILY POST read: “It is with rude shock and utter surprise that we received the report of the attempted assassination plot of the Spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry Enugu Nigeria last made Thursday evening by some unknown gunmen who fired gun shots at him on his way in Enugu.

“This incident has added to several other assassination plots targeted at Fr Mbaka since after the first plot that was carried out on him on his way from the Bishop’s house where he had gone to answer an impromptu call by his Bishop during the regime of Governor Chimaroke Nnamani of Enugu State .

“This assassination plot against Fr Mbaka is coming barely few days after the 2018 Harvest and Bazaar of the Ministry whereat Fr Mbaka had come under massive media attack for asking Peter Obi, the PDP Vice Presidential Candidate for the 2019 General election who attended the Bazaar programme, to make public his support or donation for the Church Project of the Ministry.

“Many Supporters of Peter Obi and even clergies have misconstrued this as embarrassing to Peter Obi and to the Catholic Church and this has consequently given rise to the statement issued by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) that same Thursday on the issue. The issue had lingered in spite of the apology, which Fr Mbaka in his characteristic humility had tendered at the altar to Peter Obi and anyone who may have been in any way form and kind been offended at the Bazaar event.

“We have refrained from making any official statement on the ongoing media attack against Fr Mbaka over the Baazar incident because he had held us from joining issues with the Church Clergies and hierarchies on the subject, but we cannot continue to keep silent especially now that the issue is taking the dimension of plot to exterminate his life.

“We recall that the last time Fr Mbaka raised alarm over threat to exterminate him was in early 2015 when he faced a similar persecution by some church hierarchy and the PDP Government following his 31st December Prophecy of the imminent defeat of former President Goodluck Jonathan led PDP Government by President Mohammadu Buhari at the 2015 General Election.

“Today, with the 2019 general election around the corner, it appears that history is repeating itself. The contemporaneousness of the recent attack of Fr Mbaka by gunmen with the Peter Obi and the CBCN saga leaves us to a safe conclusion that the attack on Fr Mbaka may have either been politically engineered or ecumenically endorsed, and thus we will not hesitate to call on the security agencies in this country to beam their searchlights and leave no stone unturned in getting to the root of this issue.

“Fr Mbaka’s life means so much to us and many poor and voiceless Nigerians for whom he lives and so we cannot be silent on the face of any threat to his life real or perceived. The graphic narration of the sinister assassination plot as recounted by Fr Mbaka himself during the last Friday’s all night Adoration vigil should not be taken lightly and we charge the security agencies in this country to arise to the situation.

“We continue to thank God for His continuous miraculous protection of Fr Mbaka and for His Special Supernatural Security (SSS) of Fr Mbaka and the Adoration Ministry. We are by this medium sending a strong warning to wherever the assassination plot against Fr Mbaka is coming from, be it the politicians or their supporters or the Church that we shall not fold our hands and keep watching. We shall not only expose the source of this threat to the life of Fr Mbaka at the fullness of our investigations but we shall also match same with equal force in self defence.

“While we have the faith that God will fight our cause, we believe even more in the defence of our faith through our good works and actions.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/08/adoration-family-alleges-assassination-attack-on-fr-mbaka/