₦airaland Forum

Several persons have been allegedly killed and many others declared missing in a renewed crisis that broke out in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State on Thursday.

It was gathered that Ebom, Afafayi and Ediba communities invaded Usumutong and allegedly destroyed property worth millions of naira after killing most of them.

An eyewitness, who gave his name as Thomas Omini, told DAILY POST that, “They burnt the house of the former Ambassador to South Africa, burnt the house of the Paramount Ruler, they burnt several vehicles and motorcycles and other properties.”

He said the three communities alleged that the Usumutong people harboured Ebijakara in their community and that was why they attacked them.

He added, “Ebijakara people left Usumutong community back to their ancestral home in Ebom and the people of Ebom drove them back to Usumutong. That was all, they now came and attacked us” he alleged.

Speaking with DAILY POST, the Village Head of Usumutong and Paramount Ruler of Abi, HRM Oval Solomon Osim Edward said “They burnt my house, they burnt my hilux vehicle, they burnt so many houses, about 15 houses were burnt and many motorcycles as well as other properties”.

He said the invaders stormed his community in a manner that took them unaware, “About three to four communities came and attacked us this morning and at the same time. The communities are Ebom, Ediba and Afafayi.

“It is a mere hatred. Police and soldiers have been drafted to the area and they are there as I am talking to you now. I can’t say how many people have been killed but many have been shot and they have sustained serious injuries. The situation is still fresh but many have been gunned down” he stated.

However, the Village Head of Ebom Chief Henry Bassey said “I am returning from Afikpo to my community, I am not at home and I don’t know what is happening there now. I would not been able to answer your question since I am not at home,” he stressed.

Also speaking with our correspondent on phone the Chairman of Promotion of Peace and Conflict Settlement, an NGO, Mr Wisdom Usani said he was in the community to data of destroyed properties, “I am here to take records of destroyed items. Usumutong community is a peace loving community and they are ready for peace.

“You cannot tell me that a community that don’t have problem but you team up and attacked them, killed people and burnt houses it’s sad”

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Inuwa Hafiz, who confirmed the attack, said, “We have sent additional number of Mobile Police to the area and my Area Commander is there with DPOs. Additional Police have also been deployed to the area from other divisions,” he said.

http://www.ebiscoo.com/54/scores-killed-as-communal-crisis-in-cross-river-communities-worsens#118

The deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu has allegedly resigned.

Ahmed is the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state and he is expected to contest against his former boss, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, who may fly the flag of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the gubernatorial poll in 2019 elections.

Daily Trust reports that the deputy Governor was not forced to resign.

According to a source, Sokoto resigned voluntarily and “we will not hesitate to accept his resignation.”

Ahmed was said to have submitted a copy of his resignation to the state House of Assembly but it was not read at the floor of the House during Tuesday’s sitting.

“It is good that he resigned honourably because he would save himself from unforeseen humiliation and also save his relationship with the governor,” he said.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/sokoto-deputy-governor-reportedly.html

A former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode has placed a curse on President Muhammadu Buhari for attempting to demonise and demean the nation before the world.

Fani-Kayode said God would judge Buhari for condemning Nigerians during his speech in Paris on Sunday.

According to him, Buhari suffers from a low self-esteem and he has a big chip on his shoulder.

He wrote, “Our experience in Nigeria is that financial crimes, such as corruption and fraudulent activities, generate enormous unlawful profits which often prove so lucrative that the threat of a jail term is not sufficient to deter perpetrators”- President Muhammadu Buhari (aka Jubril Al Sudan), Paris, 10th Nov. 2018.

“What type of leader goes to a foreign country, describes his own people as rogues and consistently says this sort of thing about them? What type of leader goes to a foreign country and applauds other leaders when they describe Nigerians as being “fantastically corrupt”?

“What type of leader goes abroad and describes the youths of his country as being lazy? What type of leader displays nothing but hatred and contempt for his predecessors in office and for his people?

“The truth is that Buhari lacks confidence and has no self-respect. He suffers from a low self-esteem and he has a big chip on his shoulder. The only time he feels complete, secure or adequate is when he runs down other Nigerian leaders and the Nigerian people. I have never heard of a Nigerian leader that is as self-deprecating and unpatriotic as he is.

“None of our past leaders have ever denigrated or insulted the Nigerian people the way he keeps doing and this is made all the worse because he usually does so from abroad and through the foreign media.

God will judge him for attempting to demonise and demean us before the world and for calling us what we are not.

“Meanwhile I call on the National Assembly find the courage to begin impeachement procedings against Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and on the Department of State Security to arrest and prosecute him for misappropiation of public funds, diversion, money laundering, concealment and stealing.

“Given his illegal approval of 5.8 billion naira to NEMA I have no doubt that he is nothing but a common criminal and a cheap crook.

“He has accused others, including Obasanjo, Jonathan and Atiku, of being looters in the past yet the truth is that he and his boss Buhari are the biggest looters of all.

“Such is their looting and the looting of their cabinet members, government officials and APC Governors that they have turned Nigeria into a laughing stock, a looters paradise and the poverty capital of the world. It is time to kick them out and get Nigeria working again.”

Earlier in the day, the ex-minster had insisted that the person occupying the Presidential Villa is not President Muhammadu Buhari.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/fani-kayode-curses-buhari-for.html

The Ghana chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has described President Muhammadu Buhari as incompetent, insincere, corrupt and totally clueless.

The main opposition party said Buhari must be retired during next year election.

PDP Ghana chapter also said that Buhari has shown himself to be the most ineffective President ever in the history of Nigeria.

The PDP stated this during a world Press conference held at the Ghana International Press Center.

Chairman of the Ghanaian chapter of the party, Hon. Oscar Ugoh asked Nigerians never to make the mistake of voting Buhari again.

He said Buhari has only succeeded in delivering hunger and starvation to Nigerians since resumption his of office over three years ago.

Ugoh wondered why, “a President who won election on the basis of fighting corruption and improving the economy have rather brought famine, clannishness, nepotism and coded corruption in the system.

“H.E, Atiku Abubakar, the PDP Presidential candidate and H.E Peter Obi, the Vice Presidential candidate remains the most capable hands to restore the dignity and well being of Nigerians.”

The party chairman enumerated many reasons Atiku and Obi remain the best ranging from the responsible management of their different businesses, improvement on the welfare of Nigerians even as former Vice President and state Governor respectively.

He stated Ghana Chapter’s total confidence in the National Leadership of PDP as they lead the party to victory during next year election.

Comrade Barry Ndu N, PDP Ghana Chapter Publicity Secretary stated that the slogan ”Buhari must go” should be on the lips of every Nigerian till after the election.

He urged every voter to ensure they come out and exercise their constitutional right of electing their leader and also standing by to defend it.

He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, never to allow themselves to be used against the will of Nigerians.

He warned that, “it may be disastrous for any official that tries to rig the election in favour of the ruling Government as the masses are now fully conscious and ever ready to defend their vote as they are tired of the propaganda, lies and inconsistency of this Government.”

He reminded the media personalities present of how many people who were caught red-handed in various corrupt practices were allowed to go free and those who joined APC were forgiven, stolen property returned and asked to go while those in opposition who insist on the right thing are being harassed, molested and embarrassed. He said that Nigeria has changed from the good situation that the Goodluck Administration left it to worse.

He begged Nigerians in Ghana to ensure they return home to vote next year as that’s the only way Buhari would be removed from office.

http://www.ebiscoo.com/1/2019-presidency-why-atiku-obi-will-defeat-buhari-%E2%80%93-ghana-pdp#63

Former Manchester City star, Pablo Zabaleta has said that his former side defeated Manchester United on Sunday because they (City) had more quality in all areas.

Manchester City clashed with rivals, Manchester United, at the Etihad in the Premier League on Sunday.

City took the lead after just 12 minutes with three-time Premier League winner, David Silva, finishing from close range with a right-footed effort.

Zabaleta told Sky Sports that it was clear right from the half time the difference in quality between the two teams.

“I thought it was what we expected, the game we mentioned before the game,” Zabaleta said.

“Two different styles of play between Man United and Man City.

“Man City have been dominating the first half.

“I think the quality, the difference between both clubs, is unbelievable.

“They’ve got so much quality on the ball but off the ball the way they press is just unbelievable.”

Zabaleta, who now plays for West Ham, also pointed out that City could have scored more before half time.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/epl-why-man-city-defeated-man-united.html

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has stated that the deliberate policies introduced by his administration have restored the legacy of the state as a breeding ground for sporting talents in Nigeria.

Gov. Ugwuanyi added that the policies have also ensured that the state reaped the full benefits of sports and sports tourism to the socio-economic development of the state.

Speaking while receiving the National Sports Festival Torch, popularly known as Torch of Unity, from representatives of the Federal Ministry of Sports, Abuja, when it arrived Enugu State, Gov. Ugwuanyi noted with gladness that “the results from our investments in this regard have been most rewarding and encouraging”.

The governor disclosed that the investments were responsible for the remarkable feats recorded under his administration by the Rangers International Football Club of Enugu, which lifted the 2015/2016 Nigeria Professional Football League trophy and the recent 2018 NFF/AITEO cup after a dramatic comeback.

His words: “Just a couple of weeks ago, our darling Rangers International Football Club of Enugu won the Challenge Cup now known as the AITEO Cup after 35 years of its last triumph in the competition. The club had broken another jinx two years earlier when it lifted the 2015/2016 Nigeria Professional Football League trophy for the first time in 32 years. Also in the same year, an athlete from Enugu State, Mrs. Lucy Ejike, won the gold medal at the Paralympics held in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil”.

Speaking further, Gov. Ugwuanyi maintained that “Enugu State is reputed to be one of the centres of sports excellence in Nigeria having produced many famous sports men and women”, stressing that the state has participated in all editions of the National Sports Festival since its creation in 1991.

The governor, who reiterated his administration’s conviction that sports harbors tremendous opportunities for economic growth, empowerment, employment generation, poverty alleviation as well as progressive youth and social development, also pointed out that “our schools have been providing the basic platform and environment for the discovery and nurturing of young talents” through the inculcation of sports awareness among school children while strengthening the state’s annual school sports festival.

“I want to assure you that we are leaving no stone unturned to ensure a laudable performance of the state at the 19thNational Sports Festival scheduled to hold next month in Abuja”, Gov. Ugwuanyi said.

He appealed to the private sector and other stakeholders in the country to complement the efforts of government by investing more robustly in the state’s sports sector “so that we can collectively, harvest its vastly untapped treasures for the benefit of our people more especially, the youth”.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/investments-in-sports-have-restored-our.html

Ahead of the 2019 general elections, a Lagos council Chairman has expressed fear over the activities of criminals to disrupt the elections process in the State.

In the aftermath of the recent cult-related killings that rocked Obanikoro, Somolu and environs, the executive chairman of Somolu Local Government, Abdul Hamed Salawu, has frowned at the spate of violence in the community as the 2019 general election draws nearer.

He expressed his fears while addressing Somolu political leaders at the Somolu Local Government Secretariat, Lagos.

According to him, the law enforcement agencies had been made to understand that it’s high time to put an end to the incessant breakdown of law and order and the various activities of miscreants threatening the peace of the community.

“Our government has been working tirelessly to rebrand Somolu and make the community to be safe for residents and visitors, yet some elements are springing up to jeopardize our efforts. We won’t take it,” he said.

Meanwhile, the council boss said the residents of the community should cooperate with men of the Nigeria Police, Nigerian Army, NDLEA, LNSC and other law enforcement agencies to ensure a safe community for all.

He urged the residents to promptly report suspicious activities around them to relevant security agencies.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/lagos-2019-council-chairman-expresses.html

Vera Sidika, who has last month, broke up with her singer boyfriend, has quickly moved on and just gifted her new lover a new Mercedes Benz.

Popular Kenyan video vixen and social media personality, Vera Sidika, who is well known for her heavily endowed backside, has taken to her Instagram page to reveal that she has just gifted her boyfriend a brand new car.

It was gathered that last month, Vera broke up with her singer boyfriend, Otile Brown, and exposed him after he asked her for financial assistance to buy himself a car.

The hot model who was recently trailed with speculations that she is already dating a Tanzanian model, Calisah, confirmed the relationship earlier today by showing-off the new Mercedes Benz car she bought him.

Sharing photos of them posing with the new ride, she wrote: 'I always keep promises. Hope you love your new car @calisah?.'

See more photos below;

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/popular-socialite-vera-sidika-buys-her.html

The National Youth Service Corps members in Ebonyi are currently receiving the increased monthly allowances granted them by the state government.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gov. David Umahi, during his recent visit to the scheme’s orientation camp in Afikpo, promised to increase the corps members’ monthly allowance from N5, 000 to N10, 000.

Mr Charles Akpuenika, the Chairman of the NYSC governing board in the stateEbonyi made the disclosure to NAN on Tuesday, noting that the claim could be verified from the NYSC.

Akpuenika, who is the state Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, said the corps members had continued to send messages of gratitude on receiving the increased allowance.

“It is also noteworthy that the governor also released the sum of N400 million for the rehabilitation of the NYSC orientation camp to ensure that its environment is more condusive,” he said.

The commissioner said that the road leading to the camp was being constructed with concrete as directed by the governor while the streetlight installation was also ongoing.

“The hostels, parade ground and other facilities are also being reconstructed as the governor is determined to support the NYSC scheme to achieve its objectives.

“Ebonyi should rank as one of the states where corps members enjoy such largesse as the governor realises the importance of the scheme to national development,” he said.

Mrs Ann Ibe, the NYSC State Coordinator in Ebonyi confirmed receipt of the increased allowance by corps members and thanked the governor for the kind gesture.

“Corps members started receiving the allowance before the beginning of November and this would motivate them in effectively discharging their duties to the fatherland.

“The rehabilitation of facilities at our orientation camp has fully commenced as promised by the governor and we want to publicly attest to this kind gesture,” she said.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/government-increases-corps-members.html

Not less than nine persons were confirmed dead, while 12 persons sustained injuries in an auto crash on Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, Enugu.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Enugu, SP Ebere Amaraizu, confirmed the incident, on Monday.

Amaraizu said the incident happened on Sunday evening at 8:00 p.m.

He said the accident occurred on Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway in Awgu Local Government Area.

“The incident occurred when an articulated vehicle conveying a caterpillar and a 508 mini-bus had a head-on collision. The passengers of the mini-bus were believed to be worshipers,’’ he said.

Amaraizu said the corpses of the nine persons had been deposited at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku/Ozalla mortuary, near Enugu.

According to him, the 12 persons critically injured were rushed to the UNTH for medical attention.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/9-killed-in-enugu-auto-crash.html

Ogun State Government has flagged- off the distribution of relief materials to 1800 flood victims in Abeokuta North and South Local Government Areas of the state.

The state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun during the Flag Off distribution exercise to the July 13, 2018 flood victims at Arcade ground, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, said flooding was a global phenomenon, which occurred as a result of climate change and had continued to wreak more havoc in different part of the world.

Represented by his Deputy, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga, Amosun disclosed that, structures mostly affected were situated at flood prone areas, with poor sanitation, calling on relevant agencies of government to be more effective at ensuring good environmental sanitation, so as to prevent reoccurrence.

Also speaking at the event, the Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Engr. Mustafa Maihaja, represented by the Chief Planning Officer, Mr. Segun Afolayan, noted that 1800 victims registered with NEMA and their items were ready for distribution, urging the federal government to sign the NEMA bill into law so as to effectively exercise its duties.

In his remark, the state Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Bolaji Oyeleye, stated that, relief materials distributed included; foodstuffs, building materials, mattress among others, imploring beneficiaries to effectively utilise them.

Speaking on behalf of other beneficiaries, Mrs. Anike Ogunsola and Mr. Abayomi Idowu, while appreciating both federal and state government for the relief materials given to them, called for more measures to promote sanitation.

They urged government to ensure proper enforcement of environmental laws.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/1800-ogun-flood-victims-get-relief.html

President Muhammadu Buhari has warned Nigerian elites to stop misleading the people through their unguarded utterances.
Buhari, who is the visitor to University of Uyo, gave this warning at the 24th convocation ceremony of the institution on Saturday.
The President, who was represented by Mr Ibrahim Yakasai, Director of Corporate Communications, National University Commission (NUC), said that development and progress could not thrive in a hate-filled and divisive society.

He said universities as home of great thinkers, should give guidance to the communities to enable the people to make informed decisions as the country approaches the 2019 general elections.
He said that the Federal Government would not condone or tolerate incendiary remarks from any person or group of persons which were meant to cause fear and spread hate in the country.

Buhari said that the federal government would continue to do its best to ensure the maintenance of peace and security of lives and property in the country.

“At this point, I want to be very clear and equivocal, that the Federal Government will never condone or tolerate incendiary remarks from any person or group of persons, which are meant to harass, intimidate, cause fear and spread hate, no matter how highly placed such a person is.
“Law enforcement agencies should fish out people who make inciting statements, instigate civil disobedience, broadcast hate speeches or stir strife, riot and rebellion and bring them to book.
“We should continue to live together as brothers and sisters,” Buhari said.
The president called on the fresh graduates to look beyond leaders who have failed themselves and the nation but choose their heroes from among those who believe in the progress of Nigeria and emulate those who are honest and work hard in their profession.
Buhari said there was need for the curriculum of Nigerian universities to be diversified to include entrepreneurial skills to help graduates employ themselves and others after graduation.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/buhari-orders-arrest-of-elites-making.html

According to a report by New Telegraph, when operatives of the Inspector-General of Police Special Intelligence Response Team (IRT) started tracking a suspected thief, they never bargained that they would find him in the house of God, fervent in prayers.

But this was exactly what played out between operatives and the suspect, David Olaniyan. Indeed, operatives were said to have been shocked and speechless when their tracking led to a church in Sango-Ota, Ogun State.

The operatives were said to have started hunting Olaniyan, after some security guards attached to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) to guard some construction materials from thieves, decided to become the thieves themselves.

When holy Olaniyan was tracked and arrested in the church, he led the operatives to his house to arrest the guards, who turned his home to hideout, waiting until the dust raised by their action had settled.
According to a police source, the suspects allegedly stole two 150 KVA Marapco generators, a vibrating machine and several other items.

Other suspects arrested along with Olaniyan are Mohammed Usman, Onomza Sani, Taminu Justice, Ayinde Okesade and Seun Okesade.

An IRT operative said: “We started hunting for the suspects after receiving instruction from the IG. The company petitioned the IG, saying that their guards stole some items in the company valued at N20 million. A team of operatives was deployed to Sango-Ota area of Ogun State. This team successfully identified and arrested Olaniyan, who is actually the receiver.


“He confessed during interrogations that he bought several items from the security guards, including bags of cement and rods. Not only was he engaged in buying such items from the guards, he also used to bring other buyers for them.

“The guards had already spent six days in Olaniyan’s home, hiding and waiting for the man who bought the generators and the vibrating machines to bring their money, before they were located and arrested.”

Speaking after his arrest, Olaniyan said: “I bought several bags of cement from Mohammed. He is the head of the security guards in the company. I used the cement in building my house. I used to pay him N1,500 per bag against the market price, which was N2,500. I also bought some iron rods. Trouble started for me after I brought one of my friends to buy a generator from Mohammed.”

Rather being remorseful after his arrest, Mohammed fumed and blamed the buyer for being the brain behind the collapse of his little empire.

The suspect said if the buyer had paid on time, he would have disappeared and police wouldn’t have been able to locate, let alone arrest him.

He said: “We initially didn’t have any intention of stealing the items it was Olaniyan’s brother (buyer) that lured us into committing the crime. What we invited him to buy from the site were scraps, which littered the site. But when he came, he saw the generators, a vibrating machine and some cables and insisted that he would buy them all.

“He offered to pay us N1.4 million for the goods; the money was tempting. I called my colleagues, explained the situation to them, we discussed and accepted his offer. He carried everything he wanted and we immediately also left the site. We alighted at Olaniyan’s place to wait for our money, but the buyer didn’t show up. If not for Olaniyan’s brother, who delayed our money, I would have been long gone before the company realised that their items were missing.”

Mohammed added that he came to Lagos in February 2018 and worked for the company as an Iron bender.

He said: “That was how I got the knowledge of selling the company’s cement. I wasn’t the only person stealing and selling the company’s cement. Olaniyan was one of my customers. We became very close because he pays me regularly. He doesn’t owe like others. My monthly salary back then was N30,000, but after working for just a few months, the company started downsizing. I was sacked as an iron bender. In August I begged to be retained. I was offered a job as a security guard and I accepted. I was made the head of the security and placed on a monthly salary of N28,000, with four other men working with me.

“Sometime in September, I had financial difficult and had to call on Olaniyan. I told him that there were scraps for sale. He brought a greedy man, who he introduced as his brother. The man got everyone of us into trouble.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/drama-as-police-officers-storm-church.html

Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, has announced Ex. Secretary of Kaduna Primary Health Care Development Agency, PHCDA, Hajiya Dr. Hadiza Balarabe as his new running mate for the 2019 election.

She would be replacing his present Deputy Governor, Bala Bantex, who is running for Kaduna South Senatorial seat under the APC.

They would be running on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress.

The announcement was made in a post on Twitter handle of APC Kaduna, @OfficialAPCKD.

The tweet read: “Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-rufai has announced the selection of a female in the person of Dr. Hadiza Balarabe as his running mate for the 2019 general election.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/2019-election-el-rufai-picks-balarabe.html

Ahead of the 2019 battle between President Muhammadu Buhari and Atiku Abubakar, a former Vice President, youths in the North say they were yet to take a definite stand on who to support.

According to them, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates were yet to clearly spell out their plan for youths in the region.

Malam Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, leader of the Northern Emancipation Network, NEN, said this in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday.

Suleiman said it was hasty for any group or individual to declare publicly that the Northern block had arrived at a consensus with regards to either Buhari or Atiku.

“Every Nigerian, northerners most especially, know that the factors that will determine 2019 are distinct from those that shaped the pattern of the 2015 elections.

“Unlike the previous contest, 2019 is going to be fought between two northerners of the same religious faith and both of the same Fulani stock.

“What may dominate the debate for 2019 would, therefore, be critical physical and human development issues for the North and integrity to a large extent.

“It is therefore hasty for any individual or group to claim that the North has agreed on a preferred candidate among the two.

“This is not to take away the right of individuals or associations to form opinions in accordance with their personal set of biases.

“The North and those individuals or groups that genuinely aim to promote and protect the collective interest of the region must not be in a hurry.

“They should allow their decision to be informed by the commitment of each of the candidates to the fate of the North,” Suleiman said.

According to Suleiman, Buhari and Abubakar must be able to show their scorecards for the Northern youths to take them serious ahead of the 2019 Presidential Election.

This, he said, would determine who the majority of the youths would give the mandate come 2019.

“President Buhari should make a comprehensive and articulate presentation of his efforts for the North in the last three years and the plans he has for the region, if given the second chance.

“On the other had Atiku must give convincing clarifications about the myriad moral bankruptcy issues raised against him as well as make available whatever alternative programme he might have for the region. All these have not been done.

“The fact that both candidates belong to the same old brigade that oscillated the total available activity of the region in one way or the other since independence, makes it more imperative for the younger generations to tread with caution.

“Young northerners who have all along been at the receiving end of every harsh reality should no longer be taken for a ride by staking their fate in the hands of self-appointed regional leaders and sectional elders, who themselves constitute a major hurdle in the path of the region’s progress in particular and the country to a large extent.

“To borrow from the words of a second republic politician, we are living today in times of great changes with the old order crumbling past and new systems of life and activity emerging.

“The task before the younger generation is therefore, to understand these changes and utilise them for human progress,” he added.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/apc-vs-pdp-why-we-are-yet-to-decide-on.html

• Police arrest 400

Olawale Ajimotokan and Alex Enumah in Abuja

A police vehicle was burned while scores of people were injured yesterday in Wuse 2, Abuja, during the violent protest by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) otherwise known as Shiites.

The police in a statement last night said 400 persons had been arrested in connection with the protests that started at the weekend.

The adherents of the Shiite sect have since Saturday engaged security operatives in bloody confrontations in protest against the continued detention of their spiritual leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, by the Department of State Services (DSS) without regard to the several court orders asking for his release.

They have been gathered from all over the country for the past three days for the observance of the annual Arbaeen religious trek.
The crisis has resulted in a heavy toll since it started, with about 20 followers of the sect reportedly fatally shot in clashes with soldiers in Zuba, Nyanya and Kugbo areas of Abuja.

Yesterday, the unrest turned bloody in Wuse 2, Abuja, with several persons injured after policemen fired live bullets and used teargas to disperse the Shiite procession through the heart of the nation’s capital.
Many of the protesters and some members of the public, were injured as a result of the flare up.
We gathered yesterday that the members of the Islamic group were marching towards Abuja Central Business District, before they were intercepted by a joint team of the police and soldiers.

The sect retaliated by pelting stones and other objects at the security operatives.
The Amnesty Nigeria referred to the incident on its Twitter handle saying: “Reports of riot police shooting and throwing tear gas at #IMN protesters seeking the release of their leader in Wuse 2, and some parts of Central Area.” adding: “#IMN Protests so far this week: Day One: Saturday: At least 3 killed by soldiers at Zuba. Day Two: Monday: Many murdered by soldiers and police in Maraba-Nyanya axis. Day Three: Tuesday: Shooting and tear gas on protesters by the police around Wuse 2.”
Meanwhile, the police disclosed last night that no less than 400 members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) were arrested in the third day of their protest in Abuja.

Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, (IG), Ibrahim Idris, has condemned what he described as unprovoked attack on police personnel and the setting ablaze of a police vehicle by the sect during their protest yesterday in Abuja.
Consequently, Idris directed a total clamp-down on the perpetrators, thorough investigation and prosecution of the members of the El-Zakzaky Islamic Movement of Nigeria, now in police custody.

A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Jimoh Moshood, last night in Abuja, said, Commissioners of Police in states with presence of El-Zakzaky Islamic Movement Groups are now on Red-alert to deal decisively in accordance with the law and prevent the group from causing breakdown of law and order in those states.

The statement read, “Consequent on the disturbance of public peace, unprovoked attack on police personnel and the setting ablaze of police vehicle in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja today, 30th October, 2018 by members of the El-Zakzaky Islamic Movement of Nigeria, the IG, Ibrahim K. Idris, has placed the Commissioners of Police and their personnel in states with presence of El-Zakzaky Islamic Movement on Red-alert.

“They are to deal decisively in accordance with the law with the sect and prevent the group from causing breakdown of law and order in those states.
“The IG condemns the attack and has directed a total clamp-down on the perpetrators within the ambit of the law, thorough investigation and prosecution of the members of the El-Zakzaky Islamic Movement of Nigeria, now in Police custody.”

Moshood added that 400 members of the group arrested yesterday for disturbance of public peace and law and order in the FCT as well as the burning of police vehicle, and those arrested with 31 bottles of petrol bombs and other dangerous weapons, now in police custody, will be arraigned in court on completion of investigation for acts and offences prohibited under the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2013.

He stressed that the Force would not condone lawlessness and disturbance of public peace by any group(s) under any guise that runs contrary to the constitutional provisions and other enabling laws on preservation of law and order and protection of lives and property of all Nigerians.

While urging residents of the FCT to be vigilant and go about their lawful engagements without fear or apprehension, as the situation has been fully brought under control, Moshood warned that the full weight of the law would be applied on perpetrators of violence and lawlessness that can lead to breach of the peace, and law and order anywhere in the country.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/many-injured-as-shiites-protests-persist.html

Ben Dunno, Warri
A 48-year-old man, identified as Mohammed Sali, who had been parading himself as an Army Major has been arrested by men of the Nigerian Police in Delta State.
The suspect had reportedly been defrauding unsuspecting members of the public, including security operatives within Warri metropolis and its environs.
Investigations carried out by Daily Sun revealed that the suspect, who often carried out his antics in mufti, had been moving around claiming he was attached to the intelligence unit of the Nigerian Army, specifically assigned to the Niger Delta region as an undercover agent.
It was learnt that he had operated in the region particularly in Warri area in the last four years within which he had established a close knitted cartel that he uses to extort money and enjoy the patronages of his victims.
It was further gathered that the fake Army Major had used his position to successfully defrauded high profile individuals and top government officials as well top ranking security personnel, especially Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) who he often brainwashed to doing his bidding as a senior military officer.
Luck, however, ran out on him when he had gone to the Eburumede Police Station in Okpe Local Government Area of the state to request the release of a suspect that was being investigated by the police.
Unknown to him that his fake identity had been uncovered, on sighting him at the police station as men and officers of the 3 Battalion, Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area, were immediately contacted and arrested him.
The Army team, led by an Army Captain, on reaching the police station, demanded that Saki should identify himself and sensing that the soldiers had come for him personally, he denied the allegations of ever parading himself as an Army officer at any time.
He was immediately arrested and detained by the police for impersonation and fraud.
The Delta state Police Command Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Andrew Aniamaka, who confirmed the arrest of the suspect when contacted, on Tuesday, said the Command had directed that case be transferred to the state CID in Asaba for further investigations.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/fake-army-officer-arrested-in-delta.html

Angered by the orders of the soldiers, the group was said to have opened fire at the soldiers and used other dangerous object to stone them.

Molly Kilete, Abuja

Hell was let loose yesterday in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), when members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) overpowered police operatives who had been preventing them from gaining access into Abuja and engaged troops of the Guards Brigade in a shootout. In the process, an unspecified number of persons were said to have been killed and several others injured while some motorists had their vehicles destroyed by the Shi’ite group, who threw stones and other dangerous items at innocent people.

The Shi’ites were said to have stormed Nyanya in their thousands. The pandemonium that ensued led to a traffic gridlock on the ever-busy Nyanya/Keffi road, as thousands of residents and travellers spent several hours stranded on the road.

Those who could not withstand the situation abandoned their vehicles and trekked home. The situation was so bad that even commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as okada, could not ply the route.

Men of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Vehicle Inspection Office, Special Marshal’s and other security agencies called to help with the traffic situation were overwhelmed by the situation. One motorist told Daily Sun that it took him two hours to get to AYA Junction from Powerhouse Junction and he wondered when he would get home.

Trouble started after members of the IMN overpowered the police who had been preventing them from entering the FCT at Mararaba and marching into the city when they were stopped at a military checkpoint by soldiers who forbade them from going any further.

Angered by the orders of the soldiers, the group was said to have opened fire at the soldiers and used other dangerous object to stone them. The incident, which happened at about 3:30pm, led to a shootout between the Shi’ite group and the soldiers.

Daily Sun gathered that policemen who had been battling since Saturday to confine the group at Mararaba, a satellite town in Nasarawa State near Abuja, were eventually overpowered by the group, thus forcing the police to retreat.

When contacted on the matter the commander of the Guards Brigade, Brig. Gen. U.T. Musa, confirmed the incident but said normalcy has been restored in the area and urged people to go about their lawful business.

He, however, warned that the brigade would not tolerate a situation where innocent persons were attacked without the slightest provocation.

Musa said the standing rule of the brigade was that nobody was allowed entry into the city of Abuja without due permission, adding that the brigade would do all in its power to ensure no person or group violated the order.

Narrating what happened, the commander said it was the Shi’ite group that opened fire at the soldiers after they refused them passage and the soldiers had no option than to defend themselves.

“They started shooting at us and we had no option but to defend ourselves and that is exactly what we have done. The Shi’ites came in their thousands stoning soldiers, police and even motorists plying the road and everybody. So, we operated as per the rule of engagement, so that was what happened.

“This whole mess started about 3:30 p.m. or thereabouts and it started from Nyanya, where they stoned the police and overpowered them. You know, we have a checkpoint around Karu Bridge and we have a rule that nobody enters this city without permission; so it was actually at the checkpoints that this thing happened.

“They were in their thousands chanting and stoning everybody and destroying everybody’s vehicle along the road and we cannot take that. We have restored normalcy and traffic is flowing now,” he said in a telephone interview.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/many-dead-as-shiites-clash-with.html

Butchers in Gbagi market, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital on Friday, clashed with officials of the State Joint task force team over enforcement of relocation order to Central Abattoir in Amosun, Akinyele Local Government Area of the state.

DAILY POST recalls that the state government under the leadership of Senator Abiola Ajimobi, few months ago had ordered all butchers in the 11 local government areas in Ibadan to relocate to a private abattoir situated at Amosun, a village in the outskirt of Ibadan.

The decision to move the butchers from some markets such as Bodija, Gbagi, Babarere, Gege and Oranyan among others was, however, resisted by the butchers who argued that the state government does not have the power to relocate them forcefully.

The relocation order later led to a clash between the butchers and men of the state police command, the mayhem which later claimed no fewer than three lives at Bodija market in June this year.

A human rights group, Veteran Organization for Human Rights (VOHRI) led by Comrade Sakirullah Busari (Lead Activist) and Comrade Adekunle Abimbola (General Secretary), after the incident insisted that the state government and the police should compensate the families of the victims for violating the victims’ fundamental human rights but DAILY POST gathered that nothing had been done by either the state government or the police to compensate the victims or their families since the unfortunate incident.

DAILY POST reports that though, no live was lost during the Friday’s clash, but no fewer than two buses of the Pacesetter Transport Services owned by the state government were vandalised.

It was gathered that the task force comprising officers of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), State Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development, among others, had arrested some butchers for flouting the relocation order.

The butchers, it was learnt clashed with the task force team when they discovered that their members were being taken away in government’s busses.

The task force, it was gathered was compelled to release the arrested butchers so as to leave the volatile scene alive.

Executive Secretary, Oyo Bureau of Investment Promotion and Public Private Partnership, Mr Yinka Fatoki while reacting said the culprits had been identified and will be prosecuted.

Fatoki decried the butchers’ attack on the state government’s task force as impunity, pointing out that the government may be forced to increase the number of personnel in the task force to go all out against erring butchers.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/again-butchers-clash-with-oyo-task.html

Chairmen of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the states of the South South geopolitical zone have described those ganging-up against the party’s national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, as enemies of President Muhammadu Buhari.

They said this on Friday in a communiqué sent to DAILY POST at the end of their emergency meeting in Abuja.

The state chairmen also passed a vote of confidence on Oshiomhole, saying they were satisfied with the work he was doing to reposition the party for victory in the 2019 elections.

The communiqué jointly signed by Prophet Jones Ode Erue (Delta), Anslem Ojezua (Edo), Hon.Ini Okopido (Akwa Ibom), Hon.Amos Jothan (Bayelsa) and Dr Matthew Achigbe (Cross River), reads: “We passed a of confidence in the leadership of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole led National Working Committee (NWC) of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“We declare that the leadership of the APC under Comrade Oshiomhole has been working satisfactorily in repositioning the party.

“That we are satisfied with the conduct and outcome of the Presidential, National Assembly and State House of Assembly Primaries held at the National and state levels. The party under the leadership of Comrade Oshiomhole, our National chairman, is on course towards ensuring victory for our party in 2019.

“That all mechanisms set in place to address disagreements on the outcome of the exercise are in the right direction and well received by us.

“That we urge all aggrieved members of our great party to explore the internal mechanism provided by the party in finding amicable solution. In any such exercise such conflicts are bound to occur and we are satisfied that they are being addressed.

“We stand by the leadership of the party under Comrade Oshiomhole and we will resist alleged efforts of fifth columnist to cause disaffection in the party. All those allegedly working for the removal of our national Chairman are not only doing so for selfish reason, but working to cause crisis in our party ahead of the election and we will resist all such moves.

“We are convinced that all their plans indirectly aimed at the second term victory of President Muhammadu Buhari come 2019.

“We want to add that those calling for the resignation of our amiable National chairman, Comrade Oshiomhole are enemies of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“We appeal to all our governors, party leaders and members to unite as one and continue to support the Comrade Adams Oshiomhole led National Working Committee (NWC) of our great party and we are sure of victory come 2019 general elections.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/those-ganging-up-against-oshiomhole.html

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Senator Kabiru Garba Marafa (APC, Zamfara) has faulted the protest in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, calling for the sack of the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

A number of sponsored protesters stormed Gusau, the Zamfara State capital yesterday calling for the removal of Oshiomhole over his alleged lack of respect for the rule of law.

Marafa in a statement he issued in Abuja, said the protesters were mobilised by the state governor, Abdulaziz Yari following his inability to bend rules to impose candidates who are his cronies on the party in the state.

The ranking Senator who is the leading governorship aspirant of the APC in Zamfara, said Yari should be the one to be sacked and not Oshiomhole who he described as a law abiding leader.

“ Yari and his co-travellers are wrong and Comrade Oshiomhole is right as far as the issues in the party are concerned,” he said.

Recalling the genesis of the party’s crisis in Zamfara, he insisted that primaries were not conducted in Zamfara State and that there was no consensus either.

“ There was a court order that says all parties should not take any step that will render useless the litigation before it. The party under the able leadership of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole respected the order and said all parties in the crisis should hands off. The party and its leadership should be commended for respecting the law, a foundation upon which APC was built.

“ Two, when the committee of the NWC came to conduct the primary in Zamfara, violence orchestrated by Yari’s people erupted, the committee was forced to cancel the election. This is also a valid thing. The position taken by the governor that primaries should be conducted by the executives in his camp was irresponsible, contemptuous and height of lawlessness.

“The crux of the matter is that there was no election and there was no consensus in Zamfara. So, we are commending Comrade Oshiomhole and INEC for respecting the court order,” he said.

Marafa said the millions of naira spent by Yari to organise the protest should have been channelled towards securing the release of 17 persons including two young girls kidnapped in Dauran, Jangebe, Magami and other locations in the state.

“The money spent on the protest should have been used to assist the security agencies in the state to rescue the abducted persons. The governor has stopped assisting security agencies with fund in the state in the last five months,” he said.

Marafa assured that majority of APC members in Zamfara are solidly behind Oshiomhole and the leadership of the party.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/marafa-slams-gov-yari-over-oshiomhole.html

The Director General of the Atiku Abubakar Campaign Organisation, APCO, Gbenga Daniel, has maintained that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar will defeat President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.

Daniel, a former Governor of Ogun State expressed optimism that the former Vice President will defeat Buhari in a landslide.

Featuring on Arise News on Thursday, Daniel explained that Nigerians are tired of the current Buhari government, hence the need for change which Abubakar was willing to offer.

According to Daniel, “Atiku will win, and I’m looking at a possible landslide. And I’ll explain to you.

“In the last one year, I’ve travelled round Nigeria twice; physically visited all the 36 states of Nigeria towards the end of last year when I was trying to run for (PDP) chairmanship.

“And with the current one, I’ve gone round all the states of this federation with Atiku Abubakar.

“The narration has not changed and what I can tell you is that going round this country in the last one year, the people are fed up.

“Everywhere we went, it’s the same story.

‘We want to change the change’. Don’t discountenance that.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/atiku-vs-buhari-why-ex-vice-president.html

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, on Wednesday declared the seat of late Funke Adedoyin vacant.

Adedoyin, until her demise last month, was a member of the House of Representatives from Kwara State under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“I wish to declare vacant the seat of late Olufunke Adedoyin, who was until her death an honorable member representing Ekiti/Irepodun Constituency of Kwara State in the House of Representatives.

“This is in compliance with the requirements of the 1999 Constitution as amended,” the Speaker announced on the floor of the House.

Meanwhile, two members of the House of Representatives on Wednesday defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to other parties.

Whereas Musa Soba from Kaduna State defected from the PDP to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Hassan Omale from Kogi State defected from the APC but is yet to announce his new political party.

Speaker Yakubu Dogara, who announced the two defections on the floor of the House during Wednesday’s plenary, said it was in line with Section 68 (1) (g) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/dogara-declares-adedoyins-seat-vacant.html

The executive chairman of Etsako East local government council of Edo State, Alhaji Aremiyau Momoh-Mbakwe, has charged his colleagues and APC faithful across the country to rally round the national chairman of the ruling party, Adams Oshiomhole.

Aremiyau who in a statement described Oshiomhole as God sent, expressed satisfaction with his leadership ingenuity, saying he has no doubt such quality is enough to return President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.

“Although he met the party at the verge of collapsing due to internal wrangling that eventually led to the defection of some key stakeholders of the party to the opposition, the Oshiomhole led National Working Committee has brought some level of sanity and rule of law to the party.

“He has given the APC a new face and by so doing transfered power to the electorate who had long been denied the voice to elect their representatives at all level. These is rare, particularly in a complex political environment like ours,” the statement reads.

The former Edo State Produce Board chairman and executive director noted that the open direct primaries proposed and recently conducted by the party across most states in Nigerians is step towards not only bringing back power that had long eluded the people to them but was also a measure to deepen the party’s internal democracy.

“I am confidence that Oshiomhole will lead the party to victory in 2019. We saw what he did in Ekiti and Osun, we saw the recent one in Plateau State where APC swept the entire local government councils with ease and this was coming when people thought it was over for APC in that part of the country.

“He will replicate same in 2019 by God’s willing. He has displayed enough expertise in party politics and that is why APC is gradually redeeming its image.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/council-boss-rallies-support-for.html

Ahead of the 2019 general elections, the structure of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Obot Akara Local Government Area collapsed at the weekend with the defection of all the chapter chairmen and leaders as well as over 5,000 others who pitched their tent with ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

It was at the ceremony held at the weekend at Nto Edino, headquarters of the Local Government, whereby the political leader of the Local Government, Obong Chris Ekpenyong, who doubles as the PDP candidate for Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District (Akwa Ibom North-West), joined other party leaders to receive the decampees.

Others include the PDP State Chairman, Obong Paul Ekpo; the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Sir Monday Ebong Uko and other chieftains of the party.

The PDP chairman, Obong Paul Ekpo, who received the ex-APC Ward leaders and others, assured them of adequate protection and welfare in the PDP, adding that it was time for everyone to close rank in order to defeat opposition forces in Akwa Ibom.

He noted that “Akwa Ibom, as a PDP State since 1999 must not be allowed to sink under the influence of the opposition”. He to further assured the decampees of a comfortable place in the party.

“Our umbrella is big enough to contain everybody, so you are welcome to where your future will be secured because we are ready to accommodate all who are willing to embrace a people – oriented government with the big heart to spread the dividends of democracy to all and sundry”, Ekpo assured.

Also, the political leader of the Council and former Deputy Governor of the State, Engr. Chris Ekpenyong, lauded the decision of the former APC leaders to lead hundreds of others into the ruling PDP in the state and enjoined them to ensure they bring their ingenuity to bear in the task of ensuring the part retains its hegemony in Akwa Ibom.

He assured them of a comfortable place in the PDP, even as he vowed that “the party will carry everybody along when the forces trying to hijack the state are resoundingly defeated in 2019”.

“We are going into this contest together, so I want to urge all the decampees, who have seen the need to retrace their steps back into the ruling party that no one will be disappointed when the ship of victory berths in 2019.

“Governor Udom Emmanuel is resolute in the course of repositioning the state and to equitably distribute the resources and infrastructure across all the 31 Local Government Areas. And what I am appealing to you to do, is to embrace his second term mandate and my mandate to rescue the sinking ship that was abandoned by our brother, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

“You are already in the know about what the elders, leaders and stakeholders mandated me to do; to rescue the mandate by taking over at the Senate as your next representative in 2019, so that your pride, yearnings and aspirations will not die.

“I want to inform you that I am ready for the big task and I implore you that as you return to our party that we all built since 1999, every sentiment should be buried for the common goal of ensuring Akwa Ibom remains a PDP state with Udom Emmanuel, as your governor; Obong Chris Ekpenyong, as your senator for Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District and all the PDP contenders in the House of Representatives, Senate and the House of Assembly”, he stressed.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/5000-members-dump-apc-join-pdp-in-aibom.html

As Lagos State is set to host the second edition of the Nigeria Beer Festival from October 25th to Wednesday October 31st, 2018, organisers of the event has promised to crown the week-long event with maximum entertainment to fun loving Lagosians. Speaking at a press conference to announce the event in Lagos on Wednesday Akinola Oluwaleimu, General Manager of On and One Events Limited, the organisers of the festival informed that the festival will be held at the Eko Atlantic City, Bar Beach Water front Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos to give it a carnival atmosphere. He noted that the festival, will promote responsible drinking among drinking-age (18 +) consumers at all its touch points. According to him, the event, since it debuted last year, has seen Nigeria enrolled into the league of Beer Festivals around the world, and boost the country’s tourism opportunities. “It will be a gathering of the largest community of beer consumers from across the country and beyond. This year’s edition will be bigger, better and “beertiful”, he said.

He revealed that the 2017 edition attracted over ten thousand beer enthusiasts and consequently the Festival has proven to become amajor international tourist event in Nigeria with a potential to compete with other international beer festivals around the world. “Nigeria Beer Festival will be a carnival week of entertainment, sales and marketing and a gathering of the largest community of beer
consumers from across the country to bond and ‘beer’,” Oluwaleimu assured. He added that the Nigeria Beer Festival will provide a fitting ambience to showcase culture and lifestyle in a carnival atmosphere with various beer brands and other alcoholic drinks in Nigeria connecting with their existing and potential consumers. Oluwaleimu maintained that the festival, which will commence 4 p.m daily is a big opportunity for major breweries to exhibit and deliver various offerings of beer brands to the teeming consumers to strengthen brand relationship with them. “The timing promises an after
work relaxation environment to bond with friends and associates, he said.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/2018-nigeria-beer-festival-kicks-off-in.html

The man-made moon to be launched by 2020 as Beijing hopes to use ‘illumination satellites’ to light up city streets.

China is planning to launch its own ‘artificial moon’ by 2020 to replace streetlamps and lower electricity costs in urban areas, state media reported on Friday.

Chengdu, a city in southwestern Sichuan province, is developing “illumination satellites” which will shine in tandem with the real moon but are eight times brighter, according to China Daily.

The first man-made moon will launch from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan, with three more to follow in 2022 if the first test goes well, said Wu Chunfeng, head of Tian Fu New Area Science Society, the organisation responsible for the project.

Though the first launch will be experimental, the 2022 satellites “will be the real deal with great civic and commercial potential,” he said in an interview with China Daily.

By reflecting light from the sun, the satellites could replace streetlamps in urban areas, saving an estimated 1.2bn yuan ($170m) a year in electricity costs for Chengdu, if the man-made moons illuminate an area of 50 square kilometres.

The extraterrestrial source of light could also help rescue efforts in disaster zones during blackouts, he added.

AFP was not able to contact Wu nor the Tian Fu New Area Science Society to confirm the reports.

As China’s space programme races to catch up with that of the United States and Russia, a number of ambitious projects are in the pipeline, including the Chang’e-4 lunar probe – named after the moon goddess in Chinese mythology – which aims to launch later this year.

If it succeeds, it will be the first rover to explore the “dark side” of the moon.

China is not the first country to try beaming sunlight back to Earth. In the 1990s, Russian scientists reportedly used giant mirrors to reflect light from space in an experimental project called Znamya or Banner.

Chengdu’s artificial moon project was announced by Wu at an innovation and entrepreneurship conference in Chengdu on October 10.

In addition to Tian Fu New Area Science Society, other universities and institutes, including the Harbin Institute of Technology and China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp, are involved in developing Chengdu’s illumination satellites.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/china-to-launch-artificial-moon-to.html

The former governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission treated Nigerians to another round of comedy during the week. The former governor, who should seek a career in Nollywood, showed up at the EFCC office wearing a T-shirt with the inscription, “EFCC I am here.”

Those who have been following my column for a while would know I am not a fan of Fayose and I am one of those who believe Fayose and Senator Dino Melaye’s rightful place should be in Nollywood. However, the conduct of EFCC in this case leaves much to be desired.

I am not a prophet but I can predict how this case will pan out. The EFCC, which has elevated media trial to an art form, will regale us with tales of Fayose’s infractions. It will just end up as another media trial that would just excite our ears. The case will die a natural death due to lack of diligent prosecution by the EFCC. For now, let’s enjoy the circus.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/fayose-vs-efcc-another-circus-show.html

South Africa coach, Stuart Baxter, has revealed that Super Eagles manager, Gernot Rohr warned him about Seychelles before Bafana Bafana’s 0-0 draw with the Islanders in African Cup of Nations qualifying game on Tuesday.

South Africa threw away their chance of topping the Group E on match day four after their disappointing goalless draw with Seychelles.

Baxter said that Rohr had warned him about the bad playing surface and that it was difficult for the Super Eagles players when they played there.

”Immediately after the game, I was frustrated and angry with the way the game turned out,” Baxter told reporters.

”I met the Nigerian coach in London and he told me that the pitch was the worst he’d ever played on in a competitive game and I agree with him and that’s not an excuse because we still did enough to win the game.”

Nigeria will tackle South Africa at FNB Stadium on November 17.

The winner of the game will be guaranteed a place for next year’s AFCON in Cameroon.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/afcon-2019-south-african-coach-baxter.html

Ten suspected secret cult members, who allegedly attacked themselves at a public place, were on Wednesday brought before an Ota Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ogun.

The accused are: Michael Fagbenro, 19; Sodiq Olaleye, 19; Michael Idowu, 18; Matanmi Tunde, 22; Salako Taiwo, 25; Lekan Abiona, 21; and Temitope Ekeade, 26.

Others are Babatunde Karimu, 24; Sodiq Adebanjo, 29; and Salako Kehinde, 21.

The accused are facing a two-count charge of membership of unlawful society and breach of peace.

According to Police Prosecutor Abdulkareem Mustapha, the accused committed the offences on Oct. 10 at about 8.30 p.m. at Oju-ore, Ota.

Mustapha alleged that the men all belong to “Aiye Confraternity”, a secret society.

He said the accused, who also assembled at Oju-Ore, conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace by violently attacking themselves with dangerous weapons such as axe and cutlass.

The offences contravened Sections 5, 249 (b) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ogun, 2006.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Chief Magistrate Mathew Akinyemi, in his ruling, granted each of the accused N200, 000 bail with two sureties each in like sum.

Akinyemi said the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and should be gainfully employed.

In addition, the sureties should show evidence of tax payment to Ogun Government as part of the bail conditions.

Further hearing in the case has been adjourned until Dec. 19. (NAN)


https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/10-suspected-secret-cult-members-docked.html

Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, has announced the appointment of Abiodun Oyebanji, as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

Fayemi, in a statement, also confirmed Biodun Omoleye as Chief of Staff to the Governor and Yinka Oyebode as Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor.

Oyebanji, a former university lecturer, had previously served as Chief of Staff during the administration of Otunba Niyi Adebayo and was Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning during Fayemi’s first term.

Omoleye is a former university administrator and former chairman of Ijero Local Government and had also served as Special Adviser in the Governor’s Office.

Oyebode, a seasoned journalist served as Chief Press Secretary to the Governor during Fayemi’s first term. He later served as Special Adviser on Media to him when he was Minister of Mines and Steel Development.

The statement said the appointments are with immediate effect.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/governor-fayemi-appoints-ssg-chief-of.html

A man, Chinindu Innocent, has been nabbed by the police for allegedly kidnapping his girlfriend’s mother in the Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State.

Innocent and three other members of his gang –Ekendu Chidiebere, Tochukwu Samuel and Ikechukwu Nwankwo – were rounded up by operatives of the Inspector General of Police Special Intelligence Response Team, a few days after they collected a ransom of N300,000 and released the victim.

According to PUNCH,when interrogated, Innocent allegedly confessed to the crime , adding that the move was to punish her for allowing his girlfriend to date another man.

The Abia State Indigene said,

“I reside at Aparazu Ogwu community with my cousin. The woman we kidnapped was my girlfriend’s mother. They have a telecom mast in their compound and I used to go to their house to charge my phone. I made friends with them and the woman’s second daughter became my girlfriend.

“A few months into our relationship, I discovered that my girlfriend was seeing someone else. I confronted her about it and she threatened to end the relationship. I told her mother about it but she did nothing.

“My cousin in whose house I reside in Aparazu Ogwu community approached me and sold the idea of kidnapping to me. He told me that one of his friends, known as Onyemywa, who has made money from kidnapping told him that people in the community could pay us huge money when we kidnap them. I suggested that we kidnap my girlfriend’s mother.

The woman has been nice to me, but the misunderstanding between her daughter and I made me restless and I needed to punish her. I asked my brother to bring in his friends to kidnap the woman and we agreed that I would be on ground when she will be kidnapped.

“I did what they wanted and on the day she was kidnapped, I was at her house and we were both abducted and taken to a forest in Omuma village. My gang members demanded N1.5m from her brothers, but they ended up paying us N300, 000.”

Chinindu, however, stated that he and his brother did not get any money from the proceeds of the operation.

“The gang members who took the money refused to give my brother and me our share because they thought that the woman’s relative would pay more than they did.

“While we were still trying to get our share of the money, the police arrested my brother and me

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/man-kidnaps-cheating-girlfriends-mother.html