₦airaland Forum

Russian President, Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday agreed to strengthen coordination on Syrian issues through military and diplomatic channels.

The Kremlin said the two leaders had a phone conversation on Friday, Xinhua reports.

During the conversation initiated by the Israeli side, the leaders discussed the Syrian situation in the context of the U.S. decision to withdraw its troops from Syria.

The leaders reportedly stressed the necessity of finally defeating terrorism and quickly advancing a political settlement in Syria.

Putin and Netanyahu also exchanged views on some other hot issues and agreed to maintain contacts at various levels.

The Syrian Civil War is an ongoing multi-sided armed conflict in Syria fought between the Ba’athist Syrian Arab Republic led by President Bashar al-Assad.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/04/syria-russia-israel-seal-major-deal-us-decision/

The presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria, ACPN, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, has kicked against the appointment of Amina Zakari as head of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) collation centre for the elections.

DAILY POST had reported that by her new appointment, Zakari, who was once the Commission’s Director of Operations, will be responsible for announcing the result of the presidential election.

Reacting, Ezekwesili, on her Twitter Page, condemned Zakari’s appointment.

According to her, there would be grave consequences.

She said, “It is now quite obvious that the @inecnigeria Chairman is making decisions that cannot at all be INDEPENDENT. How in the world can @inecnigeria appoint Amina Zakari – niece of @MBuhari – as its Head of Collation Center? Are the INEC Chairman &President ready for the grave consequence?”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/04/ezekwesili-reacts-inec-names-buharis-niece-official-announce-presidential-result/

Private security guards attached to the National Petroleum Cooperation (NNPC) and who protect oil pipelines from Lokaja to Kaduna, on Thursday staged a peaceful protest against the non-payment of 22 months’ salary arrears.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the protesting workers blocked the entrance to the NNPC Depot at Awawa, Abaji Area Council, FCT and denied members of staff, petrol tankers and visitors entry.

The security guards, who are employees of MRS Limited, carried placards bearing inscriptions such as: “Pay us our 22-months salaries, “We are not slaves” and “We will block Abuja-Lokoja Road if we are not paid.”

The spokesman of the protesting workers, Alhaji Abdullahi Kaja, lamented that when they were working directly under the NNPC, they were paid as and when due and received other benefits until MRS Limited took over.

“Other security guards doing the same work at Warri, Port Harcourt and Katsina, have been paid, but we at Lokoja-Kaduna axis have not been paid.

“When we were working directly under the NNPC, our salaries were constant and we worked under good condition.

“But when MRS Limited took over, there is no provision for even torch lights, raincoats and rain boots to enable us work properly.

“All we want is our salaries paid; as well as going back to work directly under the NNPC and not MRS Limited,” Kaja said.

He urged the government to intervene in order to resolve the dispute and forestall any breakdown of law and other.

Other protesters, Muhammed Hassan and Umar Isa, told NAN that the action had exposed them to hardship and unbearable conditions.

Hassan accused the management of MRS Limited of being insensitive to their plight, alleging that the management had turned deaf ears to their demand for payment of their salaries.

When NAN sought to speak with Alhaji Sani Mohammed, the Abaji NNPC Pumping Depot manager, he declined comments on the situation.

Mohammed said MRS Limited was responsible for the security guards and was in a better position to respond or address the media.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/03/nnpc-staff-protest-unpaid-salaries/

A Fulani group, Gan Allah Fulani Development Association of Nigeria, has distanced itself from what it described as ‘dangerously selfish and unilateral endorsement’ of President Muhammadu Buhari as its candidate in the forthcoming presidential election.

Reacting to the alleged endorsement of PMB in 2019 by some pastoralists, the National Secretary-General of the association, Ibrahim Abdullahi, in a statement issued in Kaduna, said the recent endorsement of a candidate by a group of pastoralists could if allowed unchallenged, pitch the innocent, maligned and neglected pastoralists against other Nigerians.

The group noted that the endorsement would create more hardship on pastoralists in states governed by other political parties.

The National Secretary General called on candidates from other political parties and other Nigerians to disregard the ‘so-called’ endorsement by some selfish individuals who do not care whatever happens to their members as long as they can satisfy their pecuniary interests.

He added, “The association held an emergency meeting to discuss wide-ranging issues affecting pastoralists across the nation with a view to proffering solution and way forward.

“The meeting observed that recently, some pastoralists associations have enmeshed themselves and their members into partial politics, a position that could further escalate their already degenerating relationships with other segments of the society.

“The meeting, therefore, condemned these pronouncements made without any consultation and or consensus by the generality of the pastoralists across the country.

“We call on pastoralists to vote for any candidate who has a programme that will alleviate their suffering irrespective of party, tribe or religion.”

The group disclosed that the association has concluded plans to embark on ‘ruga to ruga’ or hamlet to hamlet consultations across the country to sensitise pastoralists on how best to approach the coming general elections in the country.

It called on candidates from other political parties to feel free and highlight their polices and programmes as they affect the welfare and well-being of Nigerian pastoralists.

It urged traditional leaders who are not partisan to call leaders of these associations to order to ensure and sustain a harmonious environment before, during and after the elections.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/03/2019-election-fulani-group-denies-endorsing-president-buhari/

Veteran actor, lawyer and politician, Richard Mofe Damijo, has advised people to place their hopes of making it on ‘faith’ rather ‘faking it.’

Taking to Instagram, RMD as the actor is populalry called, said it is better to be real and have faith than being fake.

“I’m no longer surprised when people who earn next to nothing allegedly buy multi million dollar cars and homes,” he wrote on New Year’s day, “after all the catch phrase is “FAKE IT TILL YOU MAKE IT” but the question is, is faking it a guarantee to making it? Absolutely not.

“I have never believed the principle of faking it till you make it because it is a faulty principle that often puts people in trouble so I want to share a principle that has worked for me, which is the principle of FAITH and utter total trust in God’s word. The principle that is sure to not only produce results but produce results that are long lasting not the fleeting fame and fortune that comes with FAKING IT.

“So welcome to 2019 and instead of faking it again this year, I dare you to “FAITH IT TILL YOU MAKE IT” Happy new year again people. One Love.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/02/real-rmd-advises-new-years-message/

The General Overseer (GO) of Christian Central Chapel International (CCCI), Bishop Emmah Gospel Isong has prophesied that Nigeria would experience black day in 2019.

Speaking while reeling out his 2019 prophecy, Bishop Isong said “Pray that this day does not come where there will be a serious security challenge in a part of this nation and curfew will be declared and people will be rushing and buying things in bulk to store because of the road to markets would be closed.

“There will be internal security crises in some parts of the country and it will be physical and people will complain of several road blocks in several areas, movement shall be restricted, but the church needs to rise up and pray, that this issue should go for ever.

“What a black day! There will be continuous engagement of minor in voting, several voters’ cards, and several ballots cards would be voided because of minor and under age voting”.

He said there would be massive fraud in the elections which would be condemned by the international communities.

“In the midst of this, and in the course of prayer, a Moses, as said by the Lord, a selfless leader will emerge, a leader who will lead the people out of bondage.

“He will open the gate of wealth. He will lift up the wrath of authority, so shall it be. The lord said in 2019 because of your faith, and your faithfulness bombarding heaven, He said, every prayer we would pray this year, the Lord shall give us more than you asked.”

He pointed out that Nigeria shall be safe if the people of Nigeria always lift up the nation up.

“The lord said always pray for the flag of Nigeria. The lord said there is some problems on the flag green white green.

“There is a spiritual history and as we continually pray, that York on the nation which is in the flag shall be broken.

“On workers remuneration, the thing has become a document and now instituted, and the remunerations are now gazetted.”

Commando case against certain Nollywood stars and people in the music industry attracting negative press, some of these guys they need to give their lives to Jesus.

“Another notorious kidnappers’ den shall be raided and exposed. The wife of one of the Governorship candidates in the coming gubernatorial election shall be in danger. Someone is planning to attack wife of one of the gubernatorial candidates.

“Apart from football Nigeria shall diversify in sports activity and rebrand to other sports activity and that shall bring the national honor apart from football.

“There shall be further pressing for Sharia law, Islamic control especially from states in Nigeria, it will become a form of distraction but the fire will be quenched by prayer.

“Pray for a certain state party Chairman, many state party chairmen
will be under heavy physical attack in 2019. Crossriverians should pray and fast that the state be not thrown into mourning in this brand new year instead of celebration.

“Much prayer is also needed for the people of Anambra state. It shall boil like hot oil but Jesus shall quench it like ice water.

“A certain plaque in form of sickness to be release into the air across the West African and the East African Coast, especially Nigeria is being warned, the symptoms are like cough but is more dangerous like Ebola.

“Bauchi state also needs divine intervention through special prayer, we pray that the prayer of the saint will quench the trouble in that state.

“A further issue of Islamization, a father of faith and his mega ministry shall be accused by fellow Nigerians of facilitating and helping Islamization with finances, he denied through his voice through words of faith”.

The Clergy further said “2019 elections shall be full of surprises, it shall be like a coat of many colors.

“In 2019, we need to buy an umbrella, sell your shoes and buy umbrella. 2019 shall continue to be a year of awards and good will. Keep aside what Nigeria is facing”.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/02/2019-prophecies-bishop-isong-reveals-politicians-will-attacked-warns-islamization-nigeria/

The All Progressives Congress, APC, Governorship candidate in Enugu State in the 2019 election has urged the people of Enugu to embrace love and peace in 2019.

In his new year message, titled, “It is well with Enugu State”, Sen. Eze said that Enugu State will experience a new lease of prosperity and even development if he takes over in May 2019.

He assured the people that his government will restore the people’s confidence in governance by embarking on a number of people-oriented programmes and projects.

Promising to create jobs through innovative re-engineering of the agricultural and housing sectors, Sen. Eze told the people to come out in their numbers to cast their votes for President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC.

He promised to pay Enugu workers a living wage that will be commensurate with their contributions and sacrifices in building the State, and assured pensioners that they would not be left out.

He also promised to restructure the education sector by making education compulsory up to the secondary school level, adding that said “vocational education will receive a pride of place as a means of empowering the people and restoring our artisanal advantage.”

Sen. Eze also promised to rebuild the health sector of the State, adding that he would make healthcare free for women and children.

“Healthcare is fundamental to the wellbeing of any society. To prosper, the citizens of any society must be healthy and clear headed. We shall focus on rebuilding our health institutions and introducing innovations that will make a Enugu a compulsory stop for health tourism in Africa”, Sen. Eze noted.

He asked the people to shun violence and rigging during the coming elections but instead to stand firm and ensure that their votes count at the end of the day.

He thank the people of Enugu State for declaring enmasse for the APC, vowing that Enugu will soon become one of the reference states in Nigeria, in the area of development and good governance.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/01/2019-enugu-apc-guber-candidate-ayogu-preaches-peace/

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has hinted on what 2019 holds for Nigerians.

The former Vice President, in a statement he personally signed and made available to reporters on Monday, called on Nigerians to work together to see to the end of the President Muhammadu Buhari government.

In the statement he entitled: ‘My New Year message to Nigerians’, Atiku said, “As 2018 comes to an end and 2019 beckons, on behalf of my family and I, let me wish you and your family a very happy New Year in advance.

“In 2018, we became the world headquarters for extreme poverty, however, I am convinced that in 2019, if we chart a new course, we can become the world headquarters for hope and extreme devotion to the cause of lifting our people out of poverty.

“2019 is as yet a blank page. As a nation, we must not settle for whatever it brings. Rather, we must take collective action, through our choices, in making it a year where we revive national hope, with visionary leadership that sees our economy and institutions working again as they did in our golden era.

“We can chart a new course and open a new chapter that sees every Nigerian living in peace and prosperity with their neighbour. It can be the year when our youths finally get a job instead of being unfairly tagged as lazy. With purposeful leadership, it can also be the year when we put an end to terrorism and usher in a golden age of peace.

“But it will not just happen by itself. We have to make changes from the top all the way to the bottom. We already have the vision, the vision of a nation that is a beacon of hope for the Black Race and the world at large, what we lack and what 2019 can provide, is the leadership that has the capacity to translate that vision into reality.

“In 2019, Nigerians need a leadership that is 100% for 100% of Nigerians, 100% of the time. We have seen where division and sectionalism has led us to. Now let us try unity and patriotism.

“Don’t lose heart and hope. Nigeria is no stranger to overcoming difficulties. In fact, we have an uncanny ability to perform our best when the worst is upon us. I urge my fellow countrymen and women to remember how we became the first nation in the world to defeat and overcome the Wild Ebola Virus, when even First World nations were struggling with the scourge.

“That resilience is domiciled in our national psyche and together we shall win forever. We shall win over forces of disunity. We shall win over forces of poverty and backwardness.

“But more importantly, in 2019, I want Nigerians to know that it is possible to have a leadership that is compassionate and that this does not equate to weakness. A leadership that is bold but not domineering. A leadership that is intelligent, but not arrogant.

“Indeed, that is the only type of leadership that can navigate the difficulties currently facing our dear nation and lead us to Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress, which are our national motto and which are the hope of all Nigerians.

“Once again, I wish you all a Happy New Year and may 2019 be the year of Nigeria.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/31/2019-presidency-atiku-attacks-buhari-new-year-message/

Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, and other leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-East, have called on the people of the zone to support the re-election bid of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.

The party leaders made the call on Sunday during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the minister’s country home in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi.

Onu said that the meeting was convened to map out strategies on how to achieve victory in the zone for the party’s presidential flag bearer in the general elections.

He said that Buhari had performed well to deserve re-election in order to consolidate on the achievements he recorded in his first tenure.

According to the minister, the president had delivered on the three key promises he made in 2015, including security, fight against corruption and economic growth and development.

He said: “The administration, through a relentless war against graft, has reduced corruption and ensured transparency in governance.

“The government has engaged the Boko Haram insurgents and has reclaimed 18 Local Government Areas previously annexed by the insurgents in Borno and Yobe states.

“The government has improved the ease of doing business and made the country a hub for foreign investments.

“The Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway and Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, which were abandoned for over 16 years, are nearing completion, while work on the Second Niger Bridge has commenced.

“The Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, in Abia, has been equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment to stem medical tourism.

“The establishment of automobile industrial hub to serve as industrial park at Nnewi, in Anambara, and those located between Abia and Rivers boundaries are all part of the achievements of the Buhari-led administration.

“We took bold step as a zone in 2017 to endorse the President for re-election before other zones followed suit.

“We are here today to plan on the strategy to ensure that we mobilise the electorate and supporters of our great party to vote for Buhari and other APC candidates from the zone.

“We want to show Nigeria that APC has taken root in the South-East.

“Yes, the performance of the party in South-East in 2015 general elections was made possible by the contributions of the leaders and stakeholders who mobilised Igbos within and outside the country to vote for APC.

“We urge greater unity among the party leaders, stakeholders and supporters as we prepare for the general elections in the zone in order to surpass our efforts in 2015.”

Onu further spoke on the need for the South-East to fully integrate in the maintream national politics.

He opined that Nigeria’s president of Igbo extraction in 2023 could only be achieved under an APC-led government.

He said, “It is important to point out that South-East remains the only geo-political zone that is yet to produce an elected president of Nigeria and this is what everybody is aware of.

“The North-East, through the Prime Minister, Tafawa Belewa, North-West, South-West, South – South and North-Central, have all produced Nigeria’s president at different times with the exception of the South-East.

“The zone stands a better chance to bargain for the slot and only under APC can this arrangement be possible.

“We must therefore support the president for a second term in order to have a better chance of producing the next Nigeria president of Igbo origin,” he said.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/31/buhari-details-apc-southeast-leaders-meeting-emerge/

Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON) Osita Okechukwu, has faulted the statement credited to the ex-president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo at Nnewi during the weekend, that it is dangerous for Ndigbo to take All Progressives Congress (APC) government serious over the promise of 2023 Nigeria president of Igbo extraction.

Okechukwu who spoke to journalists in Enugu on Sunday countered that Obasanjo should give Ndigbo a break for 2023 is the turn of Ndigbo.

The VON DG said, “Let me thank our elder statesman, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo first most importantly for urging Nigerians to give Ndigbo a chance and for recognising the fact that out of the three major ethnic nationalities only Ndigbo had not occupied Aso Presidential Villa. This being the case, he should give us a break, 2023 is our turn to produce a president, for equity, natural justice and good conscience hinted by Obasanjo is to our advantage.”

According to him, “The only reinforcement Ndigbo need to compliment this immeasurable equity, natural justice and good conscience is to vote for President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR. Voting for Buhari will elicit support from his cult followership. Buhari I know will not embark on 3rd Term like Obasanjo. The truism is that Buhari’s remaining 4 years post-2019, is cast in constitutional stone; unlike Atiku’s own which is at best a pledge, hence creates fluid 8 years for Obi and by extension Ndigbo.”

“If Obasanjo so loved Peter Obi, how come he used kangaroo tactics to chase him out of office as governor and burnt down Anambra State Government House? How come he didn’t handpick Obi to be Vice President in 2007, after embarking on the 3rd Term wild goose chase, when he hurriedly settled for Goodluck Jonathan. He should give us a break and not distract us”, he added.

On the impression that Buhari doesn’t like Ndigbo, Okechukwu retorted, “it is an erroneous impression, stoked by ethnic merchants and vile propagandists. Please, remember that Buhari chose two of our brothers, as vice presidential candidates, Rt. Hons Chuba Okadigbo and Edwin Umezoke in 2003 and 2007 respectively. And if Ndigbo had voted for him in any of the two elections, he could have won; for Buhari has a treasured Vote-Bank of 10-12 million votes, reflected in all his presidential elections – 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015.”

“Let’s not allow our Yoruba brothers to beat Ndigbo to it again, this I suspect Obasanjo’s distraction is meant to achieve. Especially when we remember that the Yorubas brought to the table the critical votes which supplemented Buhari’s Vote-Bank”, he concluded.

Meanwhile, the leaders of the Southeast Zonal caucus of the APC on Sunday met in Uburu the country home of the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, with a view to re-strategising for the re-election of President Muhammad Buhari in 2019,

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/12/2019-igbo-apc-leaders-meet-re.html

President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday arrived Sokoto State to pay his condolence to the family of late Second Republic President, Shehu Shagari.

Buhari was received by the state Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu and former Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aliyu Wamako.

Disclosing this, Buhari’s Personal Assistant on Social Media, Lauretta Onochie, said the president signed the visitors register.

She tweeted: “PRESIDENT BUHARI IN SOKOTO
President Muhammadu Buhari paid a condolence visit to the Family of Pres. Shehu Aliyu Shagari.

“On hand to receive and accompany him were Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu and Former Governor of Sokoto State Senator Aliyu Wamako.

“President Buhari signs visitor’s register after his condolence visit to the family of Late President Shehu Shagari in Sokoto on 30th Dec 2018. May his soul rest in peace.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/30/buhari-visits-shehu-shagaris-family-sokoto/

An Igbo man abducted by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers had regained freedom. The victim was abducted in Abouchiche in Bekwara local government area of Cross River State.

Disclosing this to DAILY POST on phone on Saturday, the State Security Adviser (SSA) to Governor Ben Ayade in the North senatorial district, Mr Leo Inyambe regretted that none of the kidnappers was arrested.

“We are still on their heels, one day we will arrest them. We have put security apparatus at various places; especially at those areas we have recorded several kidnaps.”

He said the North had been having cases of kidnappings, stressing that “We are very proactive when it comes to the issue of fighting crimes and criminalities including kidnapping, arm robberies and cultism in the Northern part of the State.

“We have boosted our security network, we have vigilante in various clans, wards and villages, and they gave us information which we acted upon promptly. We also have road check points mounted by security agencies including the Mobile and regular police who check vehicles and motorists with a view to identify criminals.

“We are doing more in that respect with a view to protecting life and properties. The kidnapped Igbo man was rescued. Though, kidnappers demanded for ransom running to millions of naira but we swoop in and got the man released,” he stated.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/29/igbo-kidnapped-cross-river-regains-freedom/

Mesut Ozil is said to have withdrawn from Arsenal’s squad for the trip to Liverpool, because of a knee injury, the UK Metro reports.

Ozil made his first Premier League start in six weeks in Arsenal’s 3-1 victory over Burnley at the Emirates.

And the 30-year-old also started the Boxing Day clash with Brighton, but only played 45 minutes, before being replaced at half-time.

Emery is said to have concerns about playing Ozil in intense away matches and he was not spotted arriving on Merseyside with the rest of the Arsenal squad on Friday evening.

But his absence is believed to be due to a minor knee problem.

Ozil trained with the Arsenal squad on Friday morning, but is said to have complained of pain in his knee following the session.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/29/liverpool-vs-arsenal-real-reason-ozil-will-not-play-epl-clash/

Shehu Sani, the Senator representing Kaduna Central, has reacted to the All Progressives Congress, APC, 2019 presidential campaign council list which was released on Friday.

DAILY POST had reported that Asiwaju Tinubu was appointed co-chairman of the campaign council while the likes of Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola were listed among the special advisory committee to President Buhari.

The council is expected to ensure victory for President Muhammadu Buhari.

But reacting, Shehu, while writing on Twitter, advised Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote to avoid using the APC ‘broom’ in his businesses.

He said, “Dear Bro Aliko,don’t use Broom to reinforce your silos,don’t use Broom as your plasterboard;don’t use Broom to mix your concrete,maintain the use of your machine concrete mixer.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/28/2019-shehu-sani-reacts-dangote-otedola-tinubu-lead-buharis-campaign-council/

The Lagos State Police Command, on Thursday, said it had arrested four persons suspected to be involved in the NNPC pipeline vandalism at Abule-Egba, which resulted to fire outbreak.

The command’s spokesman, CSP Chike Oti, said that the prime suspect, now at large, had been declared wanted.

DAILY POST recalls that on Dec. 12, an NNPC pipeline was vandalised, causing fire outbreak in which over 100 houses and shops as well as ovee 50 vehicles were razed.

Several people also sustained various degrees of burns, but no life was lost.

Oti said that the four suspects gave vivid account of their involvement in the inferno.

According to him, the suspects explained that the fire emanated from a vandalised petroleum pipeline, which engulfed a section of Abule-Egba community and escalated to parts of Agege area, destroying properties worth millions of naira.

“They also mentioned one Prince Adedipo Dauda Ewenla as their ring leader.

“Based on this, the Command extended invitation to him at his last known address but found out that he had fled to Ogun State in order to evade arrest.

“He is hereby advised to come out of hiding and report himself to Lagos State Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja or to the nearest police station in the state to defend the allegation against him,” Oti said.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/28/abule-egba-explosion-police-arrest-4-declare-prime-suspect-wanted/

Ten political parties in Ogun state have turned down the reported endorsement of Adekunle Akinlade, the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, by the Intra-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, in the state.

The political parties are, Better Nigerian People’s Party; Freedom and Justice Party; National Action Congress; National Democratic Liberty Party and Masses Movement of Nigeria.

Others include, All Blending Party; People’s Progressives Party; Advance Congress of Democrats; Democratic People’s Congress and Progressives People’s Alliance.

The spokesman of the aggrieved parties under the aegis of Political Parties’ Chairmen’s Forum, Olusegun Olufemi, told reporters in Abeokuta, the state capital on Wednesday that they were not a party to the said adoption of Akinlade.

Akinlade is the anointed candidate of the State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun.

He said the forum had sent a petition to the national chairman of IPAC, High Chief Peter Ameh, against Abayomi Arabambi- led exco.

The forum’s petition is dated December 24 and signed by all the ten political parties.

He accused the executive members of the state chapter of IPAC of misconduct, abuse of office and engaging in actions inimical to the parties constituting IPAC in the state.

Olufemi said, “We reject in totality the adoption of any governorship candidate. We urge members of the public to disregard the purported adoption of any political party’s candidate.

“Calls have started going round about the adoption of the APM governorship candidate by IPAC.

“I want to state clearly that we did not adopt anyone since we also have our own governorship candidates. So, we have come here today to debunk any of such claims.

“We are not part of the APM adoption and that adoption holds no water and it can’t stand.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/27/2019-election-10-political-parties-reject-gov-amosuns-anointed-candidate-akinlade-give-reasons/

Festus Keyamo, the Director of Strategic Communications, President Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organisation (PMBCO) says Atiku Abubakar’s latest adventure seeking to stand shoulder-to-shoulder in matters of integrity with President Muhammadu Buhari is a political suicide mission.

Keyamo stated this while reacting to a statement credited to Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, disputing the assertion by President Muhammadu Buhari that “the system in Nigeria allows corruption to thrive because the system is slow in tackling corruption’’.

He said the handlers of the PDP presidential candidate would have tried to steer him away from embarking on political suicide mission, “but alas! They have decided to test the waters.”

According to Keyamo, locally and internationally; President Buhari stands several miles away from Atiku Abubakar in matters of integrity.

He said: “When the President used all his life in public office building a reputation and a name, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar used all his life in public office to build mansions and acquire personal wealth.

“Now Judgment Day has come when the credentials needed by the Nigerian people for the highest office are not the buildings and wealth but the simple quality of integrity.

“Alhaji Atiku Abubakar cannot eat his cake and have it.’’

Keyamo described Atiku Abubakar as one of the greatest beneficiaries of the failed system in tackling corruption that was in place before President Buhari took over in 2015.

“We know he is aware of this, hence, his latest diatribe against President Muhammadu Buhari amounts to nothing but disgusting grandstanding and an attempt to mock the system.

“If the system in Nigeria was indeed working, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar would not have acquired substantial shares in INTELS in clear conflict of his duties as a Customs Officer whilst in office. Those shares would have belonged to the Nigerian people by now.

“If the system in Nigeria was indeed working, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar would not have run a monopolistic company called INTELS all these years, ripping off the Nigerian people and the Nigerian State before Muhammadu Buhari came and broke that monopoly.

“If the system was working, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar would have been prosecuted and jailed for various acts of corruption and abuse of office after he left office as Vice President, some of which are:

“For himself and his boss, President Olusegun Obasanjo, granting themselves licenses to build universities as President and Vice President whilst in office in clear breach of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers. Those Universities would have been probed, seized and transferred to the Nigeria State and the Nigerian people by now.

“Laundering slush funds to the United States of America using phony companies, part of which was used to fund his present American University in Adamawa State through which he is also extorting Nigerians through exorbitant fees.

“It is public knowledge that this indictment is contained in a US Congressional Report that has led to the prosecution and conviction of his accomplices in the US, which are William Jefferson and Siemens.

“They were convicted under a system that works, whilst he has been walking free in Nigeria and even aspiring to the highest office in the land. It is also public knowledge that his ban from entering the United States was as a result of these indictments.

“His indictment and recommendation for prosecution by the Report of the EFCC over the PTDF scandal whilst he was Vice President,’’ he said.

Keyamo also underscored the case filed against Atiku Abubakar by some public spirited Nigerians alleging that the PDP presidential flag bearer never paid his Personal Income Taxes as at when due, yet he wanted to ‘get Nigeria working again’.

Keyamo challenged him to publicly display his Personal Income Tax receipts for the three years preceding 2018 to show that he did not just run to FIRS in 2018 to pay his backlog of Personal Income Taxes.

“For the information of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, President Muhammadu Buhari’s gallant efforts in tackling corruption headlong has led to the conviction of the President’s own party men and ex-Governors who served under PDP and for acts they committed whilst in PDP,’’ he said.

He added that 703 persons and institutions had been convicted by the EFCC under the watch of President Buhari since 2015.

He stated that these recoveries were made from principally Abubakar’s party men who now wish to lead Nigeria with him.

“They include 407 mansions since 2015; N794 billion, over 261 million dollars, 1.1 million Pounds Sterling, 8.1 Million Euros, 259 Automobiles and a fully functional hospital, St. Solomon Health Care Centre at 24, Adeniyi Jones Street, Ikeja Lagos.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/27/apc-vs-pdp-atiku-commit-suicide-buharis-campaign/

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar launched yesterday a blistering attack on President Muhammadu Buhari, advising him not to blame the “system” for what he called his failure to fight corruption.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate wrote to the President, commending him, “for admitting that he failed in fighting corruption.”

But the All Progressives Congress (APC) responded in an equally derisive tone, smacking Atiku for not facing his campaign and exhibiting “signs of depression”.

In a letter titled: “President Buhari, don’t blame the Nigerian system for your failure”, the former vice president faulted Buhari for blaming his “failure to tackle corruption head-on: on the system.

The letter, dated, yesterday, reads: “My attention has been drawn to a statement by President Muhammadu Buhari on the occasion of a Christmas homage paid on him by members of the Federal Capital Territory Community in which he blamed his inability to fight corruption on the Nigerian system.

“According to the President, his administration is slow in fighting corruption because the system is slow.

“My immediate response to this is to commend President Buhari for admitting that he has failed in fighting corruption. The President has just corroborated Transparency International, whose latest Corruption Perception Index shows that Nigeria is more corrupt today than it was under the previous administration, having moved 12 places backwards in the CPI, from 136 in 2014 to 148 this year.”

Atiku said his point of departure was in the President blaming his failure on the system.

He said: “I disagree. The system has challenges, yes, but where there is political will, the system can make progress.”

Recalling his tenure as vice president between 1999 and 2007, Atiku said: “We used that same system to speedily convict no less a personality than an Inspector-General of Police, and several others, including cabinet ministers and other high officials.

“Mr. President, the problem with your anti-corruption war is not the system. You are the problem!

“The system allows you to arrest, try and convict your former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), who was fingered in a major corruption case, but you chose to let him go scot free and you demonstrated your tolerance for his corruption by giving him a prominent role in your re-election campaign and recently welcoming him to the Presidential Villa with open arms.

“The system allowed you to arrest, try and convict Abdulrasheed Maina, the biggest-ever alleged thief in our civil service history, who is suspected of looting the pensions of millions of aged Nigerians.

“Yet, you chose not to go that route, preferring instead to recall him, reinstate and double promote him while giving him armed guards to move about.

“The system allows you to probe the $25 billion NNPC contracts awarded without due process, but you chose to bury the matter under the carpet, hoping the Nigerian people will forget about that grand scale alleged looting exposed by a leaked memo from a member of your cabinet.

“Finally, nothing in the system stops you from telling Nigerians who owns the billions found in an Ikoyi apartment.

“Based on the above statement of facts, I will not allow you to make Nigeria the scapegoat for your failure. Your failure is personal, and not national.”

Atiku faulted the President for allegedly branding Nigerian youths as lazy while defending a governor who was allegedly caught on camera receiving bribes.

Atiku went on: “The system did not stop the EFCC from charging the opposition Governor of Akwa-Ibom, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, as a co-accused in the case involving the NBA Chairman, Mr Paul Usoro (SAN). Contrast this with the treatment meted out to Governor Umar Ganduje of the ruling All Progressive Congress.”

APC’s National Publicity Secretary Lanre Issa-Onilu sparked Atiku for his letter . He urged the PDP presidential candidate to tell Nigerians why they should elect him rather than dissipate energy on the ruling party and its presidential candidate.

Issa-Onilu said: “The PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, is exhibiting early signs of depression, resulting from obvious frustration. Consequently, he is unable to focus on his campaign. Otherwise, he should tell Nigerians why a discredited person like him should be elected as president instead of raising puerile allegations daily.

“President Buhari and APC, not his programmes for the country, appear to be his main campaign issues. Nigerians are desirous of a campaign that focuses on issues that matter to them.

“For Atiku and his PDP co-travellers, the only interest is to grab power and continue where they stopped in their avarice. The APC administration is eager to showcase the impressive achievements we have recorded in the last three and half years. This is the campaign that matters to us and this is what Nigerians are interested in.

“The trajectory is exciting as we see a brighter future shaping up. We won’t yield to the PDP’s shenanigans. The obvious strategy of the PDP is to truncate the country’s journey towards economic buoyancy and social stability. We will not play the PDP’s game. PDP is acting an anti-people’s script.

“President Buhari remains unshaken by the desperate efforts being made by Atiku and the PDP to blackmail the APC government. Everyone who was involved in corrupt practices would be brought to justice. PDP is not offering any alternative to the progressive course this government is pursuing.

“It is actually apparent that the party is not contesting the 2019 elections to redeem itself, least of doing any good for the country, but simply to seize power to escape justice for the grevious crimes committed against the people of this country. Nigerians won’t be fooled by the rapacious PDP gang. Never!”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/27/apc-strikes-atiku-attack-buharis-anti-graft-war/

Neymar has a release clause in his contract that would allow him to leave Paris Saint-Germain for €160million (£143m/$182m) in 2020, according to AS.

The Brazilian superstar arrived in Paris in August 2017, when the Ligue 1 giants paid his €222m release clause at Barcelona.

However, his stay in France could be short-lived, with the rest of Europe’s elite interested in bringing him on board.

Neymar will be 28 in 2020 and has regularly been linked with a return to Barca.

Real Madrid have been linked with Neymar to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, but it is believed he will prefer a return to Camp Nou.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/26/neymars-psg-release-clause-revealed-amid-barcelona-speculation/

The lawmaker representing Kogi West senatorial district in the upper legislative chamber of the National Assembly, Senator Dino Melaye, has alleged that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris has concluded plans to arrest him today.

The lawmaker further claimed that the police boss will also inject him (Melaye) to death.

In a tweet on Tuesday, Melaye called on Nigerians to watch out, adding that police operatives have already been deployed for the mission.

According to the lawmaker, the IGP has removed the Kogi State Commissioner of Police and others for this reason.

He tweeted thus on Tuesday afternoon, “There is a plan by the IG to arrest me today and inject me to death.

“Men deployed already. CP kogi and others removed. Nigerians watch out.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/25/2019-igp-idris-will-arrest-inject-death-today-melaye-cries/

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, on Monday defended the lateness in the submission of the report of the independent fact-finding panel set up by President Muhammadu Buhari to investigate the allegations of fraud against the Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, Prof Usman Yusuf.

While receiving the report from the seven-man panel in his office, Mustapha said the need for a thorough investigation of the crisis in the NHIS compelled the panel to complete the assignment more than seven weeks after it was inaugurated instead of the two-week period given the committee by the Federal Government.

Mustapha said the FG was worried about the crisis, having already established a structure that would spell out the roles of executives and board members of all government agencies.

He said, “In order to bring new board members and their chief executives up to speed on current policies and programmes of government as well as legislations guiding ways of conducting government business, broad-based induction courses were organised. As of date, over 60 agencies in four batches have benefited from such induction courses. The NHIS was in the first batch of the induction course.

“Despite these efforts, government continued to observe that different scales of skirmishes erupted from boardrooms into the public domain. With particular reference to the situation at the NHIS, government regards the scheme as critical to its promise to Nigerians that they would enjoy qualitative and affordable healthcare.”

“Given the foregoing, therefore, Mr. President on the recommendation of my office approved the constitution of a seven-member Presidential Independent Fact-Finding Panel to look at the immediate and remote causes of the conflict that engulfed the NHIS. The panel was given two weeks to submit its report. However, the assignment had to be extended due to the nature of the work and the need to address core issues on a lasting basis.”

The SGF said that the recommendations and other submissions of the report would not be revealed immediately until an appropriate time after President Buhari must have gone through it.

“I assure you that the report would be expeditiously processed for implementation. The decision of government on the recommendations of the panel will be made public at the appropriate time,” added the SGF.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/25/nhis-crisis-fg-defends-delay-panel-report-submission/

Liverpool ace, Mohamed Salah has been given a new position at the club.

The Egyptian international has been moved from the wing to play as a centre-forward for the remainder of this season.

The shift has seen Roberto Firmino drop back to play behind Salah, while Sadio Mane takes up the right flank with Naby Keita on the left.

Explaining Salah’s new position, Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp was quoted by Mirror UK as saying on Monday at his pre-match press conference: “Salah had to adapt a bit to a slightly different position.

“It’s not that much different, but it is different.”

Klopp added: “We need his link-up play, but he is still with the desire and the speed over the first few yards. He’s impressive, and a very important part of our finishing situations.

“Of course he’s young enough to involve a lot more things in his style of play. It’s not just speed, it’s not just finishing, it’s a lot of things, between the lines and keeping the ball.

“But you need your body for that and that was the problem.

“At the start of the season, part of Mo’s body was not perfect. If you work in an office, if your shoulder is not 100 per cent and it is not your writing hand, then you’re okay.

“But if you’re a footballer, you have to wait until it’s 100 per cent. But we knew he was still a world-class player but we had to wait a little bit. “It’s all good.”

Salah scored 44 goals in 52 appearances last campaign for the Reds as a winger.

The forward will hope to lead Klopp’s men to victory when they tackle Newcastle United on Wednesday in the Premier league fixture.

Liverpool head to the game following a 2-0 victory over Wolves over the weekend.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/24/epl-salah-gets-new-position-liverpool/

Detectives at the Force Criminal Investigations Department, FCID, Alagbon, Lagos have arrested the President General of Eziowelle community and Chairman of the security committee in Idemili North L.G.A, Anambra State over unlawful possession of firearms.

A yet-to-be confirmed number of automatic pump action guns with bags of cartridges were reportedly recovered from the arrested suspects after detectives swooped on their house in the community. One of the suspects was said to have revealed that their illegal arms and ammunition are stocked inside the palace of a ruler in the community.

Several other members of the community are also on the wanted list of the police for other offences bordering on managing unlicensed armed security outfit, imposition of illegal taxes /levies, fraudulent diversion /conversion of community funds etc.

The arrest of the President General of the community, Titus Akpudo and Jude Ogbuagu, Chairman, Security Committee, resulted from a strongly worded petition forwarded to the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, by concerned stakeholders of the community represented by Messrs Felix Okafor, Emeka Akukwe and Emma Amankwu alleging that the suspects are involved in criminal activities.

In the petition, the stakeholders lamented that their collective woes started three years ago when the President General assumed office alleging that he, in conjunction with his cohorts, introduced all manner of taxes/levies including N1m burial tax before bereaved families could bury their dead.

They also alleged that another N1m building tax to be paid by any indigene who wants to build house in the community was introduced and that they imposed illegal taxes/levies on electricity bills, security fees, magistrate court levies, compulsory donations, residence levies on non-indigenes as well as business permit for shops etc.

The petitioners further alleged that the suspects mobilized armed thugs to attack and unleash mayhem on the indigenes/residents and ostracized them from the community. “Worse still, the payments were not receipted or accounted for but diverted to private pockets.

N200m revenue generated by the community during the tenure of the President General including N20m annual grants from Anambra state government, as well as donations and remittances from Eziowelle improvement union branches have been diverted and squandered without rendering any account since the President General assumed office.

Unfortunately, when the traumatized residents of the community demanded for a change in leadership in a free, fair and credible election, the suspects and their gang of terror imported mercenaries and armed militia men into the community and disrupted the process, rigged and manipulated the election in his favor.”

The stakeholders lamented that several efforts made to get the suspects to account for income generated were rebuffed and instead, he resorted to establish an unlicensed armed security outfit to silence opposition members. The outfit, they said, serves as a task force for collection of illegal taxes/levies and assaults those that fail to pay.

It was gathered that based on this, the Inspector-General of Police directed detectives at the Special Enquiry Bureau, SEB, to swing into action and they succeeded in arresting the President General and the Chairman of the security committee. Other suspects fled from the community.

Police sources said that after the arrest of the suspects, persistent calls for their immediate release unconditionally, came from top police officers in Anambra state and Abuja but for the insistence of the detectives that the suspects must be taken to Lagos with the dangerous weapons recovered from them for further and thorough investigation to be carried out.

However, sources said the suspects were granted bail barely 24 hours after their arrest based on threats from a top police officer in Anambra state who was earlier conferred with a chieftaincy title by members of the gang led by the suspects.

Now, tension has enveloped the community following the questionable release of the suspects without thorough investigation during this festive period when many disenchanted indigenes of the community, home and abroad, are expected home.

When contacted for comments, the Police Public Relations officer, FCID, Alagbon, Lagos, ASP Niyi Ogundeyi told our reporter: “I will contact the team leader of the unit investigating the case to speak with you. On my part, I will contact the Force Public Relations Officer in Abuja before speaking with you.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/24/tension-anambra-community-police-arrest-president-general-others-illegal-possession-firearms/

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris has approved the conduct of another recruitment of 10,000 policemen into the force in Nigeria.

Disclosing this on Saturday in Calabar, Cross River State capital at the passing out parade ceremony of 276 police recruits, the IGP said that in meeting the United Nation recommendation of one police man for 400 people, it was necessary to carry out another exercise.

“To meet up with the United Nation’s recommendation ratio of one Police to 400 people, the Federal Government thought it wise to comment recruitments of another 10, 000 Police men,” he said.

The IGP, who was represented by the Cross River State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Inuwa Hafiz, said “This passing out parade has come at the right time as the nation prepares for the general elections which will commence in few months to come.

“The Passing out of Police recruits into the Nigeria Police Force as Police constable would reposition police force for effective service delivery through the Police reform programs.”

The IGP said the force needs to become more proactive on its planning efforts especially if she must develop capacity for the junior cadre. “Our goal is to ensure that members of the force are made more competent, more confident and more efficient in the act and science of modern policing.”

Referring to the police constables, he said care has been taken to ensure that the training prepares them for more challenges while providing them with the necessary tools to understand and properly interpret government/police force policies and matters affecting national security.

“The Nigeria Police Force has the same responsibility of policing the society in any democratic setting; this could only be achieved through professional competent, training acquired and available equipment,” he said.

“The training and subsequent passing out parade of constable cut across general duties, Sports and transports categories of the force to improve the strength of the force which stood at approximately 300,000 Police men.”

According to him, the Nigeria Police Force is mindful of pattern and methodology of crime and criminalities and to ensure that the trainees come out with a high level of professionalism, adding that the recruitment manuals were reviewed to meet the demands of contemporary policies.

He noted that the recruits were taken on special lessons on community policing, maintaining of peace in conflict areas and the use of the firearms as well as public orders Act etc.

“With these, I am convinced that Nigeria Police has produced yet another set of valuable police constables who are equipped with sufficient knowledge and character to join the force.

“I, therefore charge you to be diligent, selfless, patriotic and to constantly refresh your new acquired knowledge and skill by putting all what you learnt into practice and up hold highest level of discipline and professionalism in the discharge of statutory duties,” he stated.

He urged the newly admitted police constables to respect the rule of law, fundamental human rights and encouraged them to toe the line on honour and shun all acts of capable of tarnishing the image of the force as there is no place for corrupt, indolent and disgruntled officers because erring officers will continue to receive commiserate punishment.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/23/igp-approves-recruitment-another-10000-police-officers/

A group, Mandate Renaissance Initiative, on Saturday, declared its total commitment towards the victory of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in the 2019 election.

This came as 8 patients at the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, who were stranded due to lack money to settle their medical bills after discharge, were released by the Patron of the group, Dr Felix Ugwu.

The US based management consultant, Dr Felix Ugwu, who made the call after offsetting the bills of the 8 patients, stated that the need for people to show love and support for the less privileged in the society cannot be overemphasized.

Ugwu said humanitarian service was a virtue which he imbibed from his late father Desmond Ugwu of Iheaka in Igboeze South local government area of Enugu state.

He said: “My inspiration came from my father. He lived his life taking care of the less privileged in the society. So if you are in a position to help anyone, do it.

“Secondly we are doing these things because we believe in the kind gestures and dispositions of the Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

“I admire the leadership attributes of Governor Ugwuanyi which has fundamental in the fear of God, I also understand that he is outstandingly charitable. Therefore as the patron of the Mandate Renaissance Support Group I hereby advocate for his re-election for a second term come 2019 governorship election.

“Our effort is to compliment what the Governor is doing in area of charity and human Empowerment. It is good to be charitable, therefore people should extend help to the indigents and the less privileged in the society. We call on our people to come out to vote massively for him”, he said.

Ugwu, during the visit, paid accrued hospital bills of N0.6million Naira for the lucky eight patients at the hospital.

In a speech during a courtesy call on him, the Chairman, ESUTH Management Board, Prof. Hycianth C.Onah, applauded Ugwu’s empathy for the patients which resulted in the payment of their hospital bills.

Prof Onah stated, “We are very grateful for the kindness and love you have shown to some of our patients who have been treated and discharged but could not leave for their various homes before this time because they were indebted to the hospital. We pray God to reward you.

“I am also using this opportunity to plead with other wealthy individuals in our society to emulate what you have done today in helping the less privileged in the country”.

Also speaking the Coordinator of the Mandate Renaissance Initiative’ and the Administrator of Udi South Development Centre, Hon. Ifeanyi Agu stated that the group’s commitment towards the re-election of Governor Ugwuanyi was founded in the governor’s unparalleled record as determined by both the media at home and in Diaspora, as well as other international agencies.

Agu buttresed his claim by enumerating the many dignifying recognitions the governor have earned, which include award of man of the year and governor of the year by various credible media outfits in Nigeria.

Those touched by the humanitarian activist of the Mandate group at the hospital include, Mr Enemuo Chikaodi, who was discharged since November 15, Mrs Ebere Juliet Nzeako, Chetuya Jane, Mrs Ogbuka Oluchi and others.

Ugwu after the discharge of the patients at the hospital, also visited ‘Guardian Angels’ Motherless Babies Home, Emene Enugu, as well as the widows of Holy Trinity Catholic Parish, Iheaka town, in Igbo Eze South local government area of Enugu State.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/22/2019-committed-ugwuanyis-reelection-enugu-mandate/

The Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, has noted that the delay in forwarding the new Mimimum Wage bill to the National Assembly by President Muhammadu Buhari, is a demonstration of insensitivity to the plights of workers.

The NLC said it would no longer accept victimisation and brutality agsinst workers and labours leaders by government officials.

Rising from its National Executive Council meeting, the NLC said it planned to embark on sensitisation of workers beginning from January 8.

It said the move was to mobilise against governors in the habit of not paying salaries.

The NLC communique was signed by the President and the General Secretary of Congress, Comrade Ayuba Wabba and Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson.

The NLC said, “The continued delay by the Federal Government to transmit the Bill of the new national minimum wage to the National Assembly for enactment into law is unacceptable.

“This leisurely conduct of serious state affairs is even after the National Assembly had passed a Resolution urging the President and the Executive branch of government to transmit the new national minimum wage amendment bill to it for consideration and passage into law.

“The NEC expressed total dissatisfaction with the consequential delay and unacceptable lethargy in the process of regularizing and implementing the new national minimum wage of N30,000.

“The calculated inaction of the Federal Government is a demonstration of acute insensitivity to the plight of Nigerian workers, their families and ordinary citizens.”

The Congress particularly took strong exceptions to the unrelenting attitude of the Ogun State Government to frustrate efforts to peacefully reinstate NLC chairman in Ogun State, Comrade Akeem Ambali, who was sacked in the middle of a 2016 strike action to protest injustice against Ogun State workers.

“The Comrade has been made to suffer unfair treatment for nearly two years on account of the performance of his legitimate duties.

“This ugly situation has persisted despite repeated emissaries sent to the Ogun State Governor to reconsider his unsupportable position on the issue.

“The entrenched insensitivity by some state governments and other political office holders to the plight of workers and pensioners especially in the States owing several months of salary arrears, unpaid pension and gratuity of retired workers.

“It is most unfortunate that many of the governors diverted a significant part of the bailout funds and the Paris Club Refund initiatives meant to offset salaries, pension and gratuity owed workers and pensioners for purposes of personal aggrandisement and to fund non-impactful frivolous programmes and projects.

“The NEC demanded a full investigation by the EFCC of the disbursement of all bailout, Paris Club Refund and Budget support releases to the States.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/21/new-minimum-wage-nlc-berates-buhari-reveals-will-governors/

As part of his efforts to personally engage and interact with commanders and troops on operational activities of Operation Lafiya Dole, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General TY Buratai, yesterday visited 27 Task Force Brigade and troops of the Nigerian Army Special Forces School, Buni Yadi, where 2,000 Mobile Policemen were undergoing training.

The COAS, who was accompanied by Principal Staff Officers and Directors, was conducted round the school and later briefed by the Commandant of the school, Brigadier General CA Apere.

Also present throughout the visit were the Commander 27 Task Force Brigade, Brigadier General AO Oyelade, and Brigadier General AS Ishaq,

Ishaq is the Co-ordinator Nigeria Police Operation Lafiya Dole and Superintendent Nicholas Tawani, amongst other military and police officers.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/21/boko-haram-army-chief-buratai-visits-troops-yobe/

The Minister of Finance, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, says the Federal Government is working towards ensuring it pushes its releases for capital projects from the 2018 budget to N1.1 trillion by the end of December.

The minister said this while answering questions at the public presentation of the 2019 budget highlights on Thursday in Abuja.

President Muhammadu Buhari, while presenting the 2019 Budget estimates to a joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday, said that in spite of the delay in the passage of the 2018 Budget, N820.57 billion had been released for capital projects as at Dec. 14.

He unveiled a federal budget of N8.83 trillion for the 2019 fiscal year, N300 billion lower than the N9.1 billion being implemented for the current fiscal year.

According to Buhari, N4.04 trillion or 50.31 per cent is earmarked for recurrent expenditure and N2.03 trillion representing 22.98 per cent earmarked for capital projects.

Other estimates are N492.36 billion for statutory transfers, N2.14 trillion for debt servicing and provision of N120 billion as sinking fund.

Ahmed said that the N820 billion that was released was for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) capital.

“The N820 billion is 43 per cent of MDAs capital, we are working to push these releases to N1.1 trillion by the end of Dec. and that will include the statutory transfers service and the rest of the MDAs whose capital we are currently processing.”

On the issue of fuel subsidies, she said that the National Assembly did not announce fuel subsidies of N800 billion for the fuel marketers, rather, it was the fuel marketers that were demanding or asking that the Federal Government should be paying them that.

“The NASS approved N326 billion and that approval has been conveyed to us and we are currently in the process of issuing promissory notes to these fuel marketers.

“Last week, we released the first batch of N177 billion to the fuel marketers and we are doing some reconciliation processes to release the second batch to them perhaps before the year closes out or in any case as early as possible in the new year.”

Ahmed said that the Ministry of Finance was focused on revenue generation to be able to mobilise more domestic revenue so that it could better fund the nation’s budget which clearly had a deficit.

“You can see from the performance that there is a gap between what is planned for in the budget and what is actually generated.

“We are doing all we can and very soon we will be releasing new revenue initiatives which will include a new set of taxes on excise duties.

“We will also be working with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on new and enhanced measures for enforcement and compliance.”

She added that the new measures may involve going to the NASS to amend some laws that have been identified to have some gaps and loopholes.

Sen. Udoma Udo Udoma, Minister for Budget and National Planning, said that of the total appropriation of N9.12 trillion, N4.59 trillion had been spent by Sept. 30, against the expenditure target of N6.84 trillion.

This, he said, represents 67 per cent performance, adding that spending on capital was prioritised in favour of critical ongoing infrastructure projects in the power, road, rail and agriculture sectors.

He added that implementation of the 2018 capital budget would continue into 2019 until the 2019 budget is passed into law.

Mr Ita Enang, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), clarified the issue of constituency projects allocation and funds.

He said that the money for constituency projects and the zonal intervention does not go to the individual lawmakers but to the different ministries.

“A lot of people still think that the money for constituency projects is given to the lawmakers but it is not given to them, it is just allocation and it is not cash.

“The executive arm of government does not allocate the constituency project funds to the sectors, rather it makes a bullet allocation to the National Assembly.

“It is for the National Assembly members individually and severally to choose and decide what is priority in their own area,” he said.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/20/releasing-n1-1trillion-end-december-fg/

The Presidential Candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Mr Omoyele Sowore on Wednesday filed a suit against the Nigeria Election Debate Group (NEDG).

Sowore sued the NEDG over the exclusion of his party’s Vice-Presidential Candidate, Mr Rabiu Rufai in the debate which held on Dec. 14.

The suit, with No. CV/652/2018, was filed by the National Legal Adviser of the party, Mr Inibehe Effiong, in company of its Deputy National Secretary, Mr Joshua Adeoye at the FCT High Court, Maitama.

Other respondents in the suit are Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), BON Chairman and CEO of Channels Television, Mr John Momoh.

In the suit filed by its legal adviser, the AAC claimed that the exclusion of its vice presidential candidate in the debate was an act of discrimination and malice against the party and its candidates.

The party is praying the court to declare that the deployment of the state media apparatus by the organisers of the debate to the advantages of the five selected parties who participated in the debate and exclusion of its candidate contravenes Section 100(2) of the Electoral Act 2010.

The party through its legal adviser was also asking the court in the suit to declare that AAC and Mr Sowore are entitled to equal media time to participate in the January 19, 2019 presidential debate.

Effiong said that such gesture was necessary for its presidential candidate to propagate the manifesto of the AAC as provided for in Section 100(3) of the Electoral Act as amended and the Nigeria Broadcasting Code (6th Edition, 2016).

The party through its legal adviser also filed a motion on notice for an order of injunction restraining the NEDG, BON and John Momoh from organising the Jan. 19, 2019 debate without including its presidential candidate.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that several documents, affidavit including nine exhibits were filed to accompany the suit.

NAN also reports that no date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/20/vp-debate-sowore-sues-nedg-bon-exclusion/

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has assured Nigerians that his administration will host the best National Sports Festival since the inception of the games in 1973.

The Governor made the promise at the National Stadium in Abuja on Sunday night moments after Edo State was handed hosting rights to the 2020 edition of the festival.

Edo State finished in third place behind Rivers State and winners, Delta State at the just concluded 2018 edition of the festival hosted by Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

An elated Obaseki thanked the Federal Government for reposing confidence in Edo State by handing it hosting rights to the 2020 games. The Governor who embarked on an excursion into world history by drawing comparisons between the determination of his state to do everything possible to deliver a qualitative games, and the valiant British pilots whose sustained bombing of German soldiers and facilities during the Second World War, helped tilt the war in the Allies favour, said:

“Ladies and Gentlemen, taking cue from the great British statesman, I and the people of Edo State assure you that the confidence reposed in us would be justified. There will not come a time anyone will have cause to regret this momentous decision you have taken to hand us this hosting right.

“Like the valiant British fighter pilots of World War II we will take every step necessary, make every sacrifice needed, and climb every height necessary to deliver the best Games in the annals of the Sports Festival”.

Acknowledging that there would be challenges in hosting the games, the Edo State Governor said: “There will be challenges on the way, no doubt but we are Edo people. We have the men who can do the job and the facilities that will facilitate performance.

“Whatever challenges there are, we will overcome because Edo people tread where even lions do not. Like our warriors of old, we will slay every foe and surmount every obstacle to succeed”.

He said the 2020 Games will surpass previous games in every respect.

“The 2020 Sports Festival will be different from any previously hosted and any that will come after it. Perhaps it can only be surpassed in splendour and organisation the next time Edo State hosts it afterwards.

“Edo 2020 Sports Festival will be a festival thriving on ‘strategy, organisation, technical apparatus, science, mechanics, and morale,’” he stated.

He assured that in the end, Nigerians will be more than happy to have witnessed the games.

“We make a solemn promise today that we will give it our all and at the end of the day everyone would say of the 2020 Games, ‘this is our festival in which we are well pleased’”.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/18/godwin-obaseki-well-deliver-best-national-sports-festival-ever/

Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel, has been inducted into the Hall of Grace (HoG) Hall of Fame as “Overall Most Performing Governor in Nigeria”.

Udom was so honoured, according to the organisers, for his unparalleled delivery of democratic dividends.

The induction took place on Sunday evening, December 16, 2018 at the Civic Center, Victoria Island, Lagos, with Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, as Chairman.

In his response, Governor Emmanuel, who was represented at the event by his Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Charles Udoh, said he was delighted that in spite of the recent distractions caused by enemies of democracy in Akwa Ibom State, his contributions since he assumed office in 2015 have impacted the people and are recognised by Nigerians even outside the shores of the state. He promised to do a lot more with the mandate the good people of the state will give him in 2019 to lead them another four years.

Hall of Grace induction into Hall of Fame is an annual event which recognises outstanding contributions of personalities in various fields of endeavours. This year’s induction also marked the 20th democracy anniversary in the country as the late Moshood Kasimawo Olawale Abiola was posthumously honoured as hero of Nigeria’s democracy.

Personalities behind the HOG induction are Hon. Chief Alex Akinyele, Prof Dupe Olatubosun, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Rupert Ojenuwa, Afolabi Sam-Adeboye and Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi.

Past recipients of HOG Hall of fame award include Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chief Folorunsho Alakija, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Mr Waheed Olagunju, Dr Akunwunmi Adriana and Senator Bukola Saraki, among others.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/17/udom-emmanuel-emerges-overall-performing-governor-nigeria/

The beautiful and ever stylish actress, Tayo Sobola wows in beautiful lace style. It has a cleavage baring effect;...
having a fitted half-length with triple flaired design.

See other photos:

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/16/tayo-sobola-rocks-beautiful-cleavage-baring-lace-style-see-photos/