₦airaland Forum

The Department of State Services (DSS) said it had returned Mr. Sani Baba-Inna, Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to Wife of the President, Aisha Buhari, to the Police.

Mr. Peter Afunanya, Public Relations Officer of the service disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

The police had on Sept. 22 handed Baba-Inna to DSS for investigation over alleged use of office of the First Lady for extorting people.

Afunanya said that the suspect was alleged to have carried out the illegal and other unethical activities in the name of Buhari on whose behalf he falsely claimed to have acted.

“Investigation, however, revealed that he was never, at any given time or circumstance, directly or indirectly, instructed, by the First Lady, to act or collect, in her name, money or material gifts from any person(s) or group(s).

“In line with standard procedures expected in handling a matter of this nature, Baba-Inna is returned to the Police for appropriate regimental action.

“Accordingly, the details of the investigation have also been forwarded to the relevant authorities,” he said.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/27/dss-gives-update-aisha-buharis-adc-arrested-fraud/

The AkwaIbom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has said he would rather embark on life-touching projects than on monumental projects which have no direct impact on the people of the state.

He stated this at the wake of criticism from the opposition in the state that he has never executed a monumental project since he became governor in 2015.

In his Christmas Broadcast on Tuesday, the governor said, “I will like to make this profoundly fundamental point: we are not engaged in building monuments that have no direct impact or meaning to our everyday lives; we are not grandstanding with the construction of white elephant projects, we are not on a course for fleeting applause.

“We are not here to create a cult of personality or to play God or to define ourselves as the sole repositories of knowledge and power; we are not here to sell our State on bended knees or to cut deals that will imperil the future of our State or our children. We are not here sorely to protect our selfish interest while sacrificing the collective good.

“We are here because we genuinely care about you, your children’s future, the place of our State in the socio-political calculus of our Nation. We are here, because we believe the resources God has so generously endowed our people with, should be used to develop Akwa Ibom State and empower our people to rise further to the faith of their greatness.”

Emmanuel said he would remain focused in fostering development projects for the benefit of his people and never to feel deterred or intimidated by the antics of the opposition.

“I will not be intimidated, I will not bend, I will not give in to blackmail, lies or attacks on my person or my administration. I will not cut deals to sell our State to the highest bidder neither will I sacrifice the elements that define us as a people simply to further a political goal,” he said.

He also explained that his administration had done much for the past three and half years despite the election litigation the government was bedevilled with at inception.

“Three and half years ago when we came in, we were bogged down by issues of election litigations but we nonetheless kept our eye on the ball, because we came in here with a bold agenda predicated mainly on the need to rapidly industrialize this State and engender in our people’s psyche a new attitude, a new mind-set predicated on the dakkada philosophy and nothing, I mean nothing was going to derail us from pursuing that path of sustainable development,” he added.

Giving insight to his sectoral achievements, the governor said, “Our public education system is one of the best in the nation. We have improved the free and compulsory education by insisting on recruiting over 3,000 quality teachers to teach our children, we have provided modern tools and a conducive environment for our children to learn, preparing their future and getting them ready to compete fairly with their counterparts all over the world. This has been an abiding article of faith that I am dedicated to pursuing.

“Health is wealth and this critical positive right is key to our developmental strides. From the remodelling and equipping of the Methodist Hospital, Ituk Mbang, to those of Etinan, Ikono, Emmanuel Hospital, Eket, the General Hospital, Ikot Okoro, the General Hospital in Iquita among others, to the great works my wife, Her Excellency, Mrs. Martha Udom Emanuel has done through FEYReP, we will continue to invest heavily in this sector.

“Electricity has improved tremendously across the State because of the huge investments we have made in the power sector; most of our major streets are well illuminated at night. Our investment in agriculture is yielding results. Staple food prices have dropped significantly compared to what was obtained at our advent. We will be flooding the market with our locally produced rice from Ini Local Government, whose mill we had commissioned about two weeks ago.

“My fellow Akwaibomites, these are what in the Western world form what is called Kitchen table issues: issues that form part of the positive and negative rights and which directly affect the people, not monuments, not white elephant projects. Any responsible government must provide these critical services and I make bold to say here, that we have done well in providing these drivers of development and in my second term by the grace of God and your support, we will continue to provide these services to you my dear people.”

On the Infrastructural development, the governor said, “Our infrastructural drive is moving steadily and assuredly, in spite of what the naysayers may say, the roads we have built are all there for everyone to see, and these roads cut across the entire three senatorial districts. The strategy of the other side is to lie to you that what we have achieved are all lies. In their hurry to lie to you, they forget the fact that Akwa Abasi Ibom people are smart and can see things for themselves. Ibom Deep Sea Port is moving steadily, soon, IBOM AIR, the only State owned, State run and State operated airline in the whole of Africa will be in operations. I think we should all be very proud to be Akwaibomites and shame those who only traffic in lies and have nothing to offer you.”

He also said that his government has attracted close to 15 verifiable industries to the State.

According to him, “if you go to the Coconut Refinery, you will see a gigantic project that should bring joy and pride to us all as Akwaibomites, yet the other side say it doesn’t exist, which leaves me wondering why a few mischief makers should take delight in lying to cover up their lack of plans to move our people forward? The Flour Mill will soon be commissioned, yet the opposition say it doesn’t exist, do they think you don’t have eyes to see good things that are happening in our State? The Syringes Manufacturing Company occupies a sprawling space and is producing syringes that are being used in hospitals, clinics and other health care facilities, yet the opposition say they don’t exist; do they think we are all so gullible? The Metering Solutions can hardly keep up the demands for meters nationwide, yet the opposition say they do not exist.

“Do they think we don’t have eyes to see the good things that are happening in our State? Two weeks ago, we commissioned our Rice Processing Mill in Ini yet the opposition say the mill does not exist, do they think our people are so gullible? The AKEES Mini Industrial Park is helping interpret our vision of encouraging small scale enterprises, yet the opposition say they don’t exist, same with Fertilizer Blending Plant and other industries.”

The governor, however, prayed that those fanning the embers of war and violence in the state shall be put to shame.

His words “The future of Akwa Abasi Ibom people is very important to be sacrificed at the altar of those who want to return us to the days of slavery and servitude.

“A few years ago, we lived in the inglorious world as captured by Thomas Hobbes- a society where life was nasty, brutish and short, you are all living witnesses to those dark years when our people were kidnapped, murdered or brutally killed for holding different political opinions; you are all living witnesses to a sick and inglorious times when old men and women were not spared the horrors of politically motivated killings.

“Three and half years as your Governor, no one has been kidnapped for political reasons, no one has been assassinated for holding a different political view point; no one has been harassed for speaking his or her mind. I have been insulted, called all manner of names but I have taken it all in the chin, knowing full well that our people who enjoy the peace and security in this State are with us. Do you, my dear Akwa Ibomites want to go back to the days of horror, of killings and of kidnappings? The same people who brought you those years of horror are back together and they have promised you and the entire world that they will unleash violence upon you in the fashion of Warsaw saw war.

“As we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace, may their plan to unleash violence on our peace-loving people never come to pass; may the peace and progress we currently enjoy continue to be our portion in Jesus name, and you my dear people say Amen!

“We are not arming people and sewing fake army and police uniforms to unleash terror on our innocent children just to win elections, we are here, because we genuinely care about you, your children’s future, the place of our State in the socio-political calculus of our Nation. We are here, because we believe the resources God has so generously endowed our people with, should be used to develop Akwa Ibom State and empower our people to rise further to the faith of their greatness.

“My dear Akwaibomites, when they tell you these politically motivated lies, tell them that you have seen what Udom Emmanuel has done in three and half years and that you are satisfied and you will go with the train of peace and security; of development and industrialisation.

“Politics will come and politics will go, but Akwa Abasi Ibom State will remain non-negotiable and sacrosanct. May we have a peaceful and violence-free electioneering campaign and elections come 2019 and may the might and the will of the people supersede every other “might” and our people say ‘Amen’.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/26/will-not-waste-time-embarking-white-elephant-projects-gov-emmanuel/

The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has urged Nigerians to ensure they elect the right candidates during the 2019 elections.

He made the appeal while counselling Nigerians that the decision they make during the election will determine how the country fares in the nearest future.

In his Christmas message to Nigerians and forwarded to DAILY POST, Ortom also cautioned politicians against violence during the election period.

The governor, while assuring of adequate security in the state, urged people of the state to go about their lawful activities.

He also highlighted some of the efforts his administration was making to ensure the betterment of people of the state.

The message reads: “My dear people of Benue State, on behalf of my family and the Government, I join you in celebrating the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. The yearly commemoration of the birth of our Lord Jesus presents us with the opportunity to re-assess our ways and correct the wrongs we might have done to God and fellow human beings.

“According to the teachings of Jesus our Lord, let us embrace peace, harmony, tolerance and show love to one another at this Christmas and carry the same virtues into the coming year.

“As a government, we have provided adequate support to security agencies to ensure that all parts of the state remain crime-free during the Christmas and New Year season.

“I therefore urge you to go about your normal activities without the fear of molestation. A few days ago, we presented the 2019 Budget to the State House of Assembly which is christened ‘Budget of Peace, Security and Prosperity in Benue’.

“Our plan as contained in the 2019 Appropriation Bill is to ensure that the security challenges confronting our people are overcome to pave way for greater development in all sectors of the economy.
We will not relent in the efforts we are making through the construction of rural roads, health and school facilities, electrification, water supply and other critical infrastructure in various communities of the state.

“We will also sustain the payment of salaries as and when due while we source funds to clear the arrears.

“In 2019, our country will conduct elections to choose leaders at various levels of government. The choices we make during the elections will determine how we fare as a country and state in the following years. It is therefore important that we make the right decisions at the polls.

“I urge political parties and their supporters to conduct peaceful and issue-based campaigns to avoid acrimonious engagements which will heat up the polity. Let’s remember that we must have a state and its people for us to be called leaders. We must therefore promote decorum and harmony in our campaign speeches and activities, knowing fully well that power belongs to God and He gives it to whomever He wills.

“May this year’s celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ strengthen our faith in the affairs of the state and country.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/25/2019-gov-ortom-speaks-politicians-campaigns-choice-nigerians-make-elections/

The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Stalwart, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has said that though there are things upon which Nigerians can disagree and differ, but they must rise over these differences and treat one another with kindness and decency.He stated this in his Christmas message to Nigerians yesterday in Lagos.

The former Lagos State governor said: “There will always be things upon which we will disagree and differ. Such is the way of life. But we must always transcend these inevitable differences to treat one another with fundamental kindness and decency. This is the real spirit of Christmas and this must be the spirit of the Nigeria we seek to build.

“As we gather in our homes to celebrate the day, let us take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of the season. Jesus Christ came into the world not that we may use His birthday as an excuse for festivities. He came into this world to teach us how to show us the best aspects of our common humanity and to point the way to spiritual salvation.

“He is known as the Prince of peace but He came into the world not cloaked in temporal power or visible wealth. He came dressed in humility and in compassion for those whom society has tossed aside. Let us remember these things as we eat and drink on this day. Let us, on this day, resolve to help our fellow man a bit more than we have in the past.

“It is easy to be good to family and friends. However, we must do better than this. We must strive to be kind and generous even when hard to do so. We must exercise tolerance regarding those who even oppose us and must douse hatred and conflict where we find it.

“As a Muslim, I understand that Jesus Christ knew the road to our better existence and that His life was dedicated so that we may walk this path as well. Jesus holds something value for us. His teachings are of a most ethical and humanitarian existence. To follow them will make of each of us a better person and to make of Nigeria a better nation.”

“We are a young and growing nation. We are still shaping our national identity and political culture. It would be easy for us to descend into the way of endless squabbling and mindless conflict, to seek power solely for the sake of holding power. But this is not how we build our nation. We must strive to serve the greater purpose. Whether Christian or Muslim, we must recognize each other as part of the same human family and must act as brothers not antagonists.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/25/bola-tinubu-implores-fellow-nigerians-rise-differences/

Former Premier League champions, Chelsea are in pole position to sign midfielder, Nabil Fekir from French Ligue 1 side, Lyon.

According to L’Equipe, the Blues have already begun talks with Lyon over the possibility of signing the player next summer.

Fekir, who has less than 18 months in his current deal at Lyon, is yet to sign a new contract with the club.

Fekir was close to joining Liverpool in the summer after a £53 million fee was agreed with Lyon.

The 25-year-old had completed a medical at France’s Clairefontaine training base and even held interviews with Liverpool’s media team.

But Jurgen Klopp’s side opted not to go through with the deal after concerns were raised over his right knee.

Chelsea will tackle Watford on Wednesday in the Premier League fixture.

Maurizio Sarri’s side head to the game after losing 1-0 to Leicester City over the weekend.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/24/epl-chelsea-lead-race-sign-new-midfielderepl-chelsea-lead-race-sign-new-midfielder/

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani named two former heads of the intelligence services to key security posts in his government on Sunday in a step that could affect both next year’s presidential election and moves toward peace with the Taliban.

Asadullah Khalid, who suffered horrific injuries in a Taliban suicide attack shortly after taking over the National Directorate for Security in 2012, was named as acting defense minister. Amrullah Saleh, who served as NDS chief until 2008, was appointed acting interior minister.

Both men, veterans of decades of conflict in Afghanistan, have been uncompromising opponents of the Taliban and of Pakistan, which they accuse of supporting the insurgency, but both have also been at times strongly critical of Ghani.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/24/afghanistan-president-names-two-former-spy-chiefs-key-posts/

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit asking the Federal High Court in Lagos to stop the Senate President, Bukola Saraki from paying former Plateau State governor, Senator Joshua Dariye N14.2 million monthly salary and allowances while he serves out a 10-year prison sentence.

According to SERAP’s lawsuit, Dariye is still receiving the N750,000 salary and N13.5 million monthly allowances from the Nigeran Senate six months after his conviction.

In June, an FCT high court convicted Dariye for diverting N1.162 billion state ecological funds while he was governor. He was sentenced to 14 years in prison, which was later reduced to 10 years by a court of appeal in Abuja. Dariye is said to have been paid N85.5 million as allowances since his conviction.

Joined as Defendants in the suit are: Mr Dariye and the National Assembly Service Commission.

In the suit number FHC/L/CS/2146/18 filed last Friday, SERAP argued: “Mr Saraki and the National Assembly Service Commission are trying to override Nigerian law and the judgment of our court by continuing to pay Mr Dariye’s allowances while he serves out a 10-year prison term and unable to sit and perform the functions of a senator. This action undermines the rule of law and is a great moral failure because it sends a message that corruption pays—it’s the opposite of Nigerian Constitutional principles and international obligations.”

The 15-page lawsuit read in part: “Mr Saraki and the National Assembly Service Commission should be immediately restrained from unlawfully paying salaries and allowances to Mr Dariye who is serving jail term. Restraining them would send a clear message to Nigerian elected officials that corruption does not pay and contribute to promoting accountability and fostering public trust and confidence in Nigeria’s democracy, the rule of law and the governance system.

“By paying Mr Dariye’s allowances while in prison, Mr Saraki and the National Assembly Service Commission have destroyed the efficacy and purpose of Mr Dariye’s conviction and have brought the rule of law and administration of justice into disrepute. SERAP and the public are alarmed by the action of Mr Saraki and the National Assembly Service Commission and they ought to be restrained by this Honourable Court.

“Mr Saraki and the National Assembly Service Commission should not be allowed to continue to make a mockery of the rule of law, our process of administration of justice and our judicial system by behaving as if the Nigerian Senate is not bound by the court judgment which convicted and sentenced Dariye for corruption. Mr Saraki and the Nigerian Senate should be compelled to respect and obey decisions of the court.

“By continuing to pay Mr Dariye’s allowances after his conviction and while in Kuje prison and unable to sit and perform the functions of a sitting senator, Mr Saraki and the National Assembly Service Commission have played a negative role to wit: undermining the authority and integrity of the court. Mr Saraki and the National Assembly Service Commission knew or ought to know that Mr Dariye has been convicted and sentenced and now serving his jail term in Kuje prison pursuant to a decision of a competent court.

“Mr Dariye, having been convicted, sentenced and currently serving jail term in Kuje prison can no longer by virtue of his imprisonment lawfully carry out or perform the duties of a senator. Mr Dariye ordinarily ceases to be a senator, as per the provisions of section 66 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended).

“Mr Dariye is no longer a senator having been convicted, sentenced and currently serving prison terms and having been in prison since June 12, 2018, he is caught by the provision of section 68(1)(f) as it is practically impossible for him to sit as senator.”

“Mr Dariye, having been absent for a period amounting in the aggregate to more than one-third of the total number of days during which the Senate meets in 2018, is disqualified and therefore his seat has automatically become vacant. Mr Dariye is no longer entitled to be paid and/or to receive the allowances of a sitting and serving senator.”

“Mr Dariye’s conviction remains in effect until it is set aside. Therefore, the argument that he has appealed his conviction will not hold water. A judgment of a competent court of law subsists until set aside on appeal. The Supreme Court of Nigeria has made this point very clear in several cases.”

SERAP is seeking an order restraining Saraki and the National Assembly Service Commission from paying Dariye any further allowances while serving his jail term in Kuje prisons, Abuja.

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/23/saraki-dragged-court-dariyes-allowances/

Manchester United caretaker manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has included Angel Gomes and James Garner in his first squad.

The duo featured in the under-23’s draw against Derby on Thursday night and were pictured travelling with the first team squad to Cardiff.

Jose Mourinho’s sacking as Reds boss on Tuesday was explained, in part, by the stagnation of United’s brightest prospects under his tutelage.

And Solskjaer, who coached United’s second-string between 2008 and 2010, has been quick to signal his intentions with the resources at his disposal.

Mourinho gave Gomes his United debut at the age of 16 and Garner, 17, played for United on their pre-season tour of the United States and was a substitute in last week’s Champions League defeat to Valencia.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/22/epl-solskjaer-makes-two-surprise-inclusions-man-utds-squad-face-cardiff/

The popular Banex Plaza located in Wuse 2, Abuja, was on Friday sealed off on the alleged order of a magistrate court.
Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) had gone to court asking for the vacation of the premises by Banex Plaza tenants.

Mr Chibuike Nzedinma, Chairman, Banex Plaza Wuse 2 Tenants Association, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the closure was uncalled for.

Nzedinma said that the board failed to officially notify them about the said court order.

“Some weeks back, the AEPB told us that they were going to use the plaza as a mobile court.

“But we could not see any mobile court on the said date, I personally went round to check but could not see, surprisingly, today (Friday) they sealed off some of our shops,” he said.

The chairman, who sued for calm, said they would seek redress in court for such an order to be vacated.

Also, Mrs. Nkoli Unachukwu, a tenant, said that such closure was detrimental to economic development of the country.

Unachukwu said that they had lost millions of Naira due to the closure.

She called on the Federal Government to intervene to prevent shut down of business in the plaza.

AEPB had allegedly demanded to use the premises for mobile court.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/21/court-seals-popular-shopping-mall-abuja/

Manchester United’s new manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed how he will manage midfielder, Paul Pogba at the club, following Jose Mourinho’s sack.

Solskjaer was appointed on Wednesday as Manchester United’s caretaker manager until the end of the season after the sack of Mourinho.

When asked specifically about how he will manage Pogba, Solskjaer was quoted by Metro UK as saying: “My job is to help the players, make them grasp the opportunity, they all want to be part of Manchester United, I’m here to help them, help the team, down to man management.

“I had the best manager as a player and coach to deal with players and it’s about communication, I’ll sit down and speak to the ones not playing.

“When you’re at Manchester United there are a set of demands and one is to be a team player and I don’t think anyone has been on the bench more than me!

“That’s all my comeback to players, you might come on, make an impact.”

Solskjaer will hope to lead United to victory when they tackle Cardiff City on Saturday in the Premier League fixture at Old Trafford.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/21/epl-solskjaer-reveals-hell-pogba-man-united-following-mourinhos-sack/

Former Manchester United captain, Gary Neville, has insisted he will not return to Manchester United.

Neville harbours mixed emotions over the club’s decision to fire Jose Mourinho as manager and appointing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on an interim basis, with a permanent coach to come in during the summer.

He has however downplayed his suitability to the club, insisting he does not have ambition to one day return to Old Trafford, with Salford his main focus.

“Absolutely not. I am not fit for purpose at that football club.

“I own Salford, a non-league, National League club. I love what we are doing here.

“Absolutely no way in a million years, one would I ever get employed at Manchester United.

“And secondly should I be employed at Manchester United, maybe 15 or 20 years time if I go and prove myself as an incredible sporting director, which I am not planning to do.

“This needs to be the best in class, internationally. We have to take emotion out of it. ‘Get him back!’ No, get the best people, who have run the best clubs in the world and reset properly,” Neville told The Debate.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/19/epl-gary-neville-speaks-returning-manchester-united-mourinhos-sack/

An Appeal Court Tuesday declared a Ladi Adebutu the flag bearer of the Ogun State People’s Democratic Party governorship candidate.

The appellate court set aside the order of a high court making Buruji Kashamu candidate.

This was disclosed by the PDP’s spokesperson Kola Ologbondiyan.

“Appeal Court declares Ladi Adebutu as authentic @OfficialPDPNig governorship candidate in Ogun State, sets aside High Court order making Buruji Kashamu candidate,” Ologbondiyan tweeted.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/19/court-sacks-kashamu-as-ogun-pdp-governorship-candidate/

It’s joyous times for Nigeria’s new song bird, Teniola Apata a. k. a Teni the Entertainer, as she has been nominated for the category of Best New Artiste of the Year 2018 at the Soundcity MVP Awards.

The Ekiti State-born rapper and songwriter whose song “Pray” is enjoying generous airplay appeals to her fans, well wishers and indeed all Nigerians to vote for her in order to ensure she brings back the coveted crown. To vote Team Teni, visit www.soundcitympv.com NOW!

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/18/teni-nominated-best-new-artiste/

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Monday launched the state’s Security Trust Fund/Security Architecture.

He also launched brand new 50 patrol cars, 30 hilux, 30 patrol motor bikes, two Armored Personnel Carriers for the security outfit code named ‘Operation Wabaizigan.’

The Governor said the new security architecture was in fulfillment of his electioneering campaign promises and that it would address the security challenges in the state.

“We are making unequal statement about our commitment to improve the security apparatus of the state.

“Our new security architecture will address the long overdue challenge of redefining the roles and the relationship between the various security agencies in the state.

“We are resolved to tackle head-long, all flash points of insecurity and to get rid of violence and other crimes from our dear state.

“In furtherance to the promise I made to the people of Edo state that we will turn Edo state around by fashioning out innovative ways to deal with key development challenges.

“We therefore decided that the new security architecture is something we must do as a matter of priority,” Obaseki said.

The Governor disclosed that the sum of N2 billion has been set aside for security in the 2019 budget.

Chairman of the state security trust fund, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, in his remarks, noted that there is no price too high to pay for security.

Aig-Imoukhuede noted that security is not a business left to the government alone.

He added that the private security outfits and corporate bodies should join hands with the state government in the fight against insecurity.

Earlier in his speech, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Babatunde Kokumo, who spoke on behalf of other security agencies, thanked Obaseki for his unflinching support to the agencies in the state.

He said security in the state remained paramount, not only for the governor, but for all security agencies.

Kokumo said the command is working with other sisters agencies in the state to tackle crimes and criminality.

He promised to make judicious use of the logistics provided by the state governor for the overall well being of the people of the state.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/18/godwin-obaseki-launches-edo-security-trust-fund/

The member representing Jema’a/Sanga federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Shehu Nicholas Garba, has reacted to the fresh attack on Ungwan Pah along Jagindi- Kogum Road.

Garba said the attack was yet another affront on the fragile peace the Southern Kaduna has been nurturing.

In a statement he personally signed, he said, “There has been a brewing crisis of recent between indigenous Fulanis and some Communities in that environ which led to killings of 12 people and some casualties.

“Frantic efforts were made by local authorities, including notable leaders within the communities to contain the situation and prevent it from escalating.

“These efforts included bringing the Military task force, which has a unit in Jagindi Tasha, into the matter. Sadly, it is now obvious that we are confronted with yet another unexpected tragedy.”

While commiserating with the injured victims and families of the bereaved, he urged the people to remain calm and vigilance in the affected communities while security personnel are mobilised into the affected areas to ensure peace.

“Our Communities were denied the joy of Christmas celebration last year. We should refuse to be pushed into taking retaliatory measures which the enemy wants to exploit to deny us yet another Christmas and New Year celebration and perhaps peaceful elections next year.

“I urge the security establishments to fish out the perpetrators of this dastardly act for the law to take its cause and also reinforce its presence in these Communities to restore confidence,” he lamented.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/18/southern-kaduna-fresh-attack-another-affront-fragile-peace-area-reps-member/

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday congratulated and “prayed” for President Muhammadu Buhari as he marks his 76th birthday.

PDP said at the age of 76, President Buhari has attained a “father-figure position and should do everything to respect the aspirations and will of the Nigerian people on all issues, particularly as the nation heads to the 2019 general elections.”

In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Kola Ologbondiyan, PDP urged President Buhari to “leave a lasting legacy by doing all within his powers to ensure that the nation he leads knows peace; to ensure that rules are obeyed and that the sensibilities of the people, in our diversities are fully respected.”

The statement reads, “In this regard, the 2019 general elections place a heavy responsibility on the shoulders of President Buhari to guarantee peaceful, credible,
free and fair elections, particularly, the Presidential election, by ensuring that all electoral laws and rules are obeyed; that opposition members are not molested; that the amendment to the Electoral Act is signed; as well as to declare like his predecessor, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan did in 2015, that his 2019 re-election ambition is not worth
the blood of any Nigerian.

“If President Buhari looks at the state of the nation today, he will discover, and we believe he is aware, that the situation has become horrendous for the average Nigerian.

“We urge President Buhari to use this occasion to
reflect on his administration and do all to ensure that posterity does not remember him for violation of human rights, suppression of opposition and dissenting voices; disobedience to court orders, nepotism and divisiveness; escalation of violence, bloodletting and concealment
of corruption under his administration.

“In all, the best gift President Buhari can give Nigerians is, having openly agreed that he lacks the capacity to manage our economy, to allow a credible election to enable Nigerians to vote our Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, who understands the nuances of our national
challenges and who has a blue print for economy recovery, to come and turn things around for all our people, while he withdraws to Daura for a well-deserved rest.

“On this note, we congratulate President Buhari as he turns 76 and prays that the Almighty Allah grant him good health and many more years ahead.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/17/pdp-prays-buhari-turns-76-tells-president-next/

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has reacted to President Muhammadu Buhari’s remark that Nigeria’s economy was in a bad shape.

Abubakar said Buhari should vacate his post over his confession on the bad state of the country’s economy.

Buhari had on Friday made the remark while meeting with governors of the federation.

But, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Mr. Phrank Shaibu, on Sunday, the former Vice President said Buhari has continued to exhibit his cluelessness, incapacity and ineptitude in handling the country’s economy

He described Buhari’s confession that the “Nigerian economy has collapsed under his watch as not only a pathetic ploy to attract the sympathy of Nigerians with his false honesty but also, a disguise to get a soft landing from the people he has put under terrible suffering and hardship in the last three and half years.”

The statement reads, “The result, of course, is this late hour confession of failure on the eve of our general elections, in the hope that millions of Nigerians, whom he has condemned to poverty and hardship, will give him a clap for failing abysmally. I dare say that President Buhari has miscalculated badly on this matter because Nigerians are simply fed up with him.

“The economy has collapsed under his watch and he has by this frank remarks admitted that he has no idea on how to fix it and that is why he summoned the governors to help him. This is really very sad because President Buhari has run out of time and what Nigerians need now is a leadership which has the political will, administrative experience and sound economic acumen to get Nigeria working again.”

The Waziri of Adamawa stated that Buhari’s “confession of the failed economy has continued to exhibit his cluelessness, incapacity and ineptitude in handling the economy by once again invoking the tired mantra of blaming the past administration and 16 years of PDP rule for his own failure.

“The honourable step to take is for the President to step down from his position. The confession by the President that the economy had gone out of control” was a confirmation of the forecast by the British multinational bank, HSBC “which predicted that re-electing President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019 could plunge Nigeria into deeper economic hardship.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/17/2019-buhari-must-resign-president-atiku/

When Mr. Ayodeji Ojo, a middle-aged man, visited the United States of America (USA), in August 2016, together with his wife and two other persons, Mr. Olufolajimi Ayodeji Abegunde, a Nigerian resident in Atlanta, Georgia, out of caring friendship and affectionate compassion, warmly hosted and accommodated his friend, and his immediate family members.

But that act of brotherly love and kind generosity will soon turn out to be his greatest undoing, as Olufolajimi, few months after, was arrested and has been in detention in US, since February this year.

PRNigeria gathered that Olufolajimi, 32, had gone to make a date-change for a proposed trip to the Dominican Republic at the Hartsfield Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, on 7 February 2018, when the Airport’s officials arrested him as he was about to leave.

They accused him of attempting to flee the country on account of a Federal Indictment by FBI in August 2017.

He was thereafter charged with conspiracy to commit fraud, money laundering and aggravated identity theft.

According to Anjolaoluwa Abegunde, the brother to the detained Olufolajimi, the genesis of the worrisome incident began in 2016 after Mr. Ojo and his family visited US.

“He was selflessly accommodated by my younger brother, Olufolajimi, for some days,” Anjolaoluwa said, adding: “It happened that Mr. Ojo, during his trip, needed to withdraw some cash from his Bank of America account. However, the account had been closed by the bank authorities.

“So the only option left available for him to access the money domiciled in the account was to open a new account. My younger brother offered to help by providing his residential address as part of requirements for a new account to be opened. But sometimes around August 2017, two special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) stormed his US apartment and questioned him on issues related to fraud and money laundering.”

He further stated that though the FBI, without any judicial pronouncement, indicted his brother in August 2017 after invading his home. He wasn’t at any time arrested or summoned by America’s security personnel.

He said his younger brother, Olufolajimi, freely moved about and carried out his personal commitments without let or hindrance, up till February 7 when he was finally arrested.

When asked if Mr. Ojo, who stayed with his brother, may actually have engaged in fraudulent activities while opening a new account using Olufolajimi’s US home address, Anjolaoluwa, who is also a lawyer, described Mr. Ojo as a responsible and young man of good moral character.

“Mr. Ojo is someone who is well known to our family. We have never known him to be a dubious, criminal or fraudulent. Hence, we are very confident he didn’t do anything illicit, though my brother’s ordeal started after his visit to US sometimes in 2016,” he added.

In a phone chat with PRNigeria, Mrs. Oluseyi Abegunde, mother of Olufolajimi, said her son was initially detained in Atlanta while his bond application came up.

“The bond was however denied, and he was moved to Tennessee, where he has been held at the Dyton Detention Facility in Mason. Efforts made to appeal the earlier bond application dragged on from February until June 25, 2018 when it was again denied. Then, the trial was fixed for October 9, 2018. In the intervening period between June and the proposed trial date, a superseding Indictment came up with, ‘Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, Money laundering conspiracy, Marriage Fraud conspiracy and Witness Tampering’ as the new offences my son was accused to have committed. The new charges were due for hearing on December 10, 2018. The earlier charge of aggravated identity theft however was dropped, as it is not contained in the superseding indictment,” she added.

The utterly traumatized mother said, amidst grief, that the ugly issue has seriously traumatized her and the entire members of her family.

Mrs. Abegunde said: “It has been emotionally terrible for me, in view of the fact that I have had to raise Olufolajimi from age 6 when he lost his father in 1992. My family has had to endure the agonizing experience of long-drawn appearances in court, coupled with the unfortunate experience with pick and drop legal representations on whom we have spent all our resources.”

She said as part of efforts to get her son quickly released from continued incarceration, she had in November written a letter to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, seeking her benevolent intervention and assistance, considering the fact her son has been detained for over 9 months now.

Meanwhile, a correspondence from Mrs. Abegunde had, on November 7, been forwarded the Consular-General, Nigerian Consulate, in Atlanta, Georgia.

But PRNigeria gathered that her letter which was dated November 15, and received by an official of the National Diaspora Commission, is yet to be replied.

Attempts to get Mrs. Dabiri-Erewa to speak on the efforts been made by her Commission to resolve the issue diplomatically were unsuccessful at the time of going to press.

Several calls put to her mobile number and also a text message sent by our reporter were not responded to. (PRNigeria)

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/17/family-us-detained-nigerian-man-cries-seeks-fgs-intervention/

The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has said that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was plotting to operate “container economy” if voted into power in 2019.

Tinubu made the allegation while reacting to the Vice Presidential debate.

Speaking at the Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi’s Roundtable entitled: ‘The Imperatives of Building Institutions for Lasting Legacies,’ held at Ibadan, yesterday, Tinubu said the outcome of the debate has shown that the ‘developmental economy’ of APC cannot be compared with the ‘container economy’ of PDP.

The former Governor of Lagos State argued that the developmental economy would take Nigeria to a secured next level of economic prosperity.

He, however, stated that the container economy would return the country to perpetual slavery and poverty.

The former governor also assured that he would support the APC governorship candidate for the 2019 poll in the state, Chief Adebayo Adelabu.

He said: “I saw the debate yesterday, to crown my remarks. You could see the difference between a developmental economy and a container economy.

“Is Oyo State going APC? Oyo State is APC. It is progressive politics. I said in one place before, our Moses has crossed the Red Sea, no going back to Egypt. Success all the way.”

He stated that he did not feel bad if opposition parties in the State associated him with the process that threw Adelabu up as governorship candidate.

“If we do indirect primary again, I will still vote for your (Governor Ajimobi) choice of successor, because reforms, re-engineering, reinvigoration of the institutions can only continue beyond us. If the foundation is bad, the house will crumble,” he said.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/16/2019-elections-pdp-plotting-operate-container-economy-tinubu/

Religion leaders, including the Imams, are encouraging corruption in the society for not shunning people of such character among their followers.

The Comptroller General (CG) of the Nigerian Customs Service, Hammed Ali made this claim during a seminar organised by the Committee of FCT Imams Initiative, (CFII) for its members in Abuja, on Saturday.

The Customs CG, who was among the dignitaries invited to make presentation, opined that the religious leaders could play a better role in fighting the menace by not giving respect and honour to corrupt people in the society.

“Certainly, you must imbibe that in your speech and deeds as we don’t have a choice but to follow suit in order to succeed in the fight against corruption” Ali emphasized.

Earlier in his address, the guest lecturer in the event, Professor Auwalu Yadudu of the Bayero University Kano, tasked the Imams to get as a source of income rather than relying on charity.

Prof Yadudu, who was represented by the forum’s Amir Sheikh Tajuddeen Bello, the Imam of the Wuse community jumma’at mosque Abuja, said such step would shield them from corruption.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/16/imams-encouraging-corruption-customs-boss-hameed-ali/

The federal government has commenced ‘N-Power-Enhance’, designed to advance the social investment programme (N-Power)

Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Job Creation and Youth Employment and the National Coordinator of the Federal Government Social Investment Programme, N-Power, Mr. Afolabi Imoukhuede, announced this on Saturday.

He noted that candidates qualified for ‘N-Power-Enhance’ are Batch A beneficiaries.

He disclosed this at the N-Power Edo South programme, with the theme “Build the Future” which held in Benin City, Edo State.

Imoukhuede urged beneficiaries to fully utilise the opportunity provided by the federal government through the N-Power programme to achieve more for themselves both professionally and entrepreneurially.

He noted that from “the beneficiaries’ testimonies, the N-Power programme has achieved its objectives.”

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, described the N-Power programme as world-class and urged beneficiaries to see it as an opportunity to acquire skills and work experiences which they could use to build a future for themselves.

Over 2,000 beneficiaries in Batches A and B attended the event, which also had in attendance the Director, National Orientation Agency, Mrs. Grace Eweka; APC State Youth Leader, Mr. Valentine Aisuen, special advisers to Governor Obaseki and other dignitaries.

The N-Power Volunteer Corps is part of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s Social Investment Programmes (SIP) under which 500,000 graduates have so far been recruited.

Beneficiaries are engaged on different areas of public service, including education (N-Teach), health (N-Health), agriculture (N-Agro), building/construction (N-Build). Beneficiaries are paid a monthly stipend of N30,000 during their period of engagement.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/16/nigerian-govt-commences-fresh-n-power-category-reveals-procedures/

Ahead of the 2019 general elections, at least 50 per cent of the 360 House of Representatives members of the eighth assembly will not return to the ninth assembly next year.

A review by News men show that many of these lawmakers either lost the primary elections that were recently concluded or have moved to seek different elective positions.

Below are some of the House members who are certainly not returning in 2019 for various reasons.



ABIA

In Abia, the member representing Bende federal constituency, Nnenna Elendu-Ukeje, is not returning to the house as she did not clinch the ticket of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the last election.

Unlike many of her colleagues, she did not seek to contest on a different platform.



ADAMAWA

Three out of the eight House of Representatives members from the state are not coming back.

Out of the three, two lost the APC primary while the third contested for the Senate but failed to clinch the ticket.

The two lawmakers who lost the primary are Shuaibu Abdulrahman and Abubakar Lawal. Their colleague Adamu Kamale contested for the Senate and lost.



AKWA IBOM

Two out of the 10 federal lawmakers from Akwa Ibom lost their party primaries and will not return.



The lawmakers are Emmanuel Ikon and Owoidighe Ekpoatai.



BAUCHI

Three out of 12 House members form the North-Eastern state are not returning to the next assembly.

They are Shehu Aliyu, Haliru Jika and Adamu Gurai.

While Messrs Aliyu and Gurai lost out in their various party primaries, Mr Jika was able to clinch the ticket to contest for the senatorial election. He is expected to challenge the serving senator, Isa Missau.



BAYELSA

The oil rich south-south state has one Rep member who will not return.

The lawmaker, Sodagumo Omoni, who represents Ogbia federal constituency, lost the PDP primary.



BENUE

Five of the 11 House of Representatives members from Benue are not returning to the next assembly.

The lawmakers are Emmanuel Orker-Jev, Dickson Tackighir, Saleh Hassan, Emmanuel Udende and Ezekiel Adaji.

While Mr Orker-Jev is flying the flag of the PDP in a senatorial election, the others lost their respective primaries.



BORNO

Three of the 10 House of Reps members are not returning to the House over their failure to get nomination of their party.

The lawmakers are Asabe Vilita, Muhammed Sheriff and Ayuba Bello.



DELTA

Three out of the 10 House of Representatives members of Delta state are not returning to the ninth assembly having lost their party primaries.

The lawmakers are: Onyemaecho Mrakpor, Idisi Lovette and Daniel Reyanju.



EBONYI

One out of the six lawmakers from Ebonyi is certainly not returning to the ninth assembly.

The lawmaker, Linus Okorie, who represents Ivo/Ohaozara/Onicha federal constituency, failed to clinch a return ticket.



EDO

The case of the Edo lawmaker is quite different from the norm.

The House deputy whip, Pally Iriase, is not returning in 2019 because he did not contest the elections due to local arrangements in his constituency.



EKITI

One lawmaker from Ekiti state won’t make it to the next assembly.

The lawmaker, Olamide Johnson, who represents Ijero/Ekiti West/Efon federal constituency, failed to secure a return ticket in the last primary.



ENUGU

Just like Ekiti, one lawmaker from Enugu state is confirmed as not returning in 2019.

The lawmaker, Chukwuemeka Ujam, who is a first timer representing Nkanu East/West, failed to secure a return ticket.



FCT

The two members from the FCT are not returning in the ninth assembly.

The lawmakers are Zephaniah Jisalo and Zakari Angulu, who both contested the FCT senate primary. It is still not clear who is flying the party ticket to challenge Philip Aduda of the PDP.



GOMBE

Two out of the six lawmakers in Gombe state are not returning to the House of Representatives in 2019.

Binta Bello, the deputy minority whip, was able to clinch the PDP ticket for Gombe South Senatorial district while Samaila Kashena lost out in the primary.



IMO

Two out of the 10 House of Representatives members from Imo are not returning to the house for the same reason.

The two lawmakers, Chukwukere Austin and Goodluck Opiah, lost out in their party primary.



JIGAWA

In Jigawa, three of the 11 federal lawmakers are not returning in 2019 after failing to secure return tickets.

The lawmakers are Sani Zorro, Rabiu Kaugama and Muhammed Boyi.



KADUNA

Of the thirty six states and FCT, Kaduna has the highest number of Rep members who are not returning in the 9th assembly.

The seven lawmakers are Adams Jagaba, Muhammad Soba, Sunday Marshal, Muhammed Abubakar, Yusuf Bala, Mohammed Usman and Lawal Rabiu.

Mr. Jagaba lost in the PDP Kaduna South primary while Mr Marshal was picked as a runningmate of the governorship candidate of the PDP, Isa Ashiru.

The rest lost out in the primary.



KANO

Four out of the 24 members of the Kano state caucus of the House of Representatives, are not returning to the house.

The four are Aliyu Madaki who is the PDP candidate for Kano Central Senatorial district, Bashir Baballe who did not contest for any election and Nasiru Baballe and Mukhtar Chiromawa who lost their respective party primary.



KATSINA

So far, only one member of the House of Representatives from Katsina is not returning to the next assembly.

The lawmaker, Aliyu Sani, lost in the just concluded APC primary.



KOGI

In Kogi State, it is so far clear that one lawmaker is certainly not returning in 2019.

The lawmaker, Sunday Karimi, contested for the senatorial ticket of Kogi west under PDP but lost to Dino Melaye.



KWARA

Out of the six lawmakers from Kwara, three are confirmed as not coming back to the 9th assembly.

The lawmakers are Razak Atunwa who is flying the ticket of the PDP for the Governorship election, Zakari Mohammed who is also flying the PDP ticket for Kwara North Senatorial district and Amuda Kanike who did not contest the primary.



LAGOS

Six out of the 24 Lagos federal lawmakers are not returning to the House of Representatives in 2019.

The lawmakers are Tony Nwulu, Adaranijo Abiodun, Joseph Adebayo, Bamgbose Joseph and Diya Babafemi.

Apart from Tony Nwulu who is contesting for Imo Governorship election under the United People’s Party (UPP), the rest failed to secure a return ticket to the House.



NASARAWA

Out of the five lawmakers from Nasarawa State, only two may likely return to the house in the next assembly.

The other three lawmakers who are not returning are David Ombugadu, Mohammed Onawo and Jaafar Ibrahim.

Mr. Ombugadu is flying the PDP flag in the upcoming general elections while he is being deputized by Mr. Onawo. The third lawmaker, Jaafar Ibrahim lost in his bid to clinch the APC Governorship ticket.



NIGER

Despite the controversies in Niger State, PREMIUM TIMES has been able to confirm that three lawmakers from the state are not returning in 2019.

The lawmakers are Adamu Chika, Faruk Mihammadu and Saleh Shehu who failed to secure a return ticket.



OGUN

Two lawmakers from Ogun State failed to secure their tickets back to the House.

The lawmakers are Olusegun Williams and Kehinde Olusegun.



ONDO

Out of the nine lawmakers from Ondo state, three of them are confirmed not to be coming back in the ninth assembly due to their inability to get a return ticket to the House.

The lawmakers are Babatunde Kolawole, Baderinwa Samson and Akinfolarin Mayowa.



OSUN

In Osun state, the deputy speaker, Yusuf Lasun, is not returning in the ninth assembly.

He did not contest the House of Representatives primary.

He contested the just concluded governorship primary of the APC but lost to Gboyega Isyaka, the governor-elect.



OYO

Two lawmakers from Oyo are not returning in 2019 because they failed to secure their party nomination.

The lawmakers are Ayoade Ojoawo and Oladele George.



PLATEAU

In Plateau state, two of its members contested for senatorial primary while one lost in his bid to secure the ticket of the House of Representatives.

Edward Pwajok who is the House chairman on rules and business, contested and lost the APC senatorial primary for Plateau North while his counterpart Istifanus Gyang is flying the PDP ticket for Plateau North.

Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande lost out in his bid to return for the third term in the House of Representatives.



RIVERS

Two members have so far been confirmed in Rivers as not returning in 2019.

The lawmakers are Chidi Frank who lost in the primary and Betty Apiafi who is a senatorial candidate.



TARABA

Just one member has been confirmed as not returning in 2019 due to his inability to secure his party ticket.

The lawmaker, Malle Ibrahim represents Jalingo/Yorro/Zing federal constituency.



YOBE

In Yobe, the member representing Fika/Fune federal constituency, Ismail Gadaka, will not be returning in the ninth assembly for his inability to secure his party ticket.



ZAMFARA

Baring any last minute change, all the APC members from Zamfara will not be returning in 2019 due to INEC’s decision to reject any list from Zamfara APC.

The APC in Zamfara, according to INEC, cannot submit any list of candidates because it failed to conduct primaries within the stipulated time.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/16/rep-members-will-not-return-house-2019-see-list/

The Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has pleaded with his colleagues in the Senate and House of Representatives not to boycott the 2019 budget presentation by President Muhammadu Buhari.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/15/2019-budget-senator-ndume-addresses-lawmakers-threatening-boycott-buharis-presentation/

Grammy award-winning singer, Nancy Wilson, whose hits ranged from R&B to jazz and funk, is dead, NAN reports.

She died at her California home at age 81 on Thursday after a long illness, her publicist said.

Wilson, who came to fame as a torch singer in the 1960s, called herself a “song-stylist” and resisted labelling as a jazz singer for most of her career, since she could cross many genres.

“She was one of those rare vocalists who could do it all,” longtime publicist Devra Hall Levy told Reuters.

“Jazz, blues, pop and even funk. She did it all.”

Wilson’s “How Glad I Am” earned her a Grammy in 1965 for best R&B performance.

She won more Grammys in 2005 and 2007 for jazz, along with a 2004 lifetime achievement award, the Jazz Masters Fellowship, from the National Endowment for the Arts.

“Nancy gave her all for her fans,” Levy said.

A music critic, once called Wilson the heir apparent to iconic jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald, and she was influenced by Nat King Cole and other legendary vocalists.

Her first album “Like in Love” came out in 1959 to commercial success and she frequently topped the Billboard pop charts in the 1960s.

Jazz historian and author Ted Gioia told Reuters that the jazz world had lost a music giant whose supple talents brought her songs emotive heights.

“She was one of those rare vocalists who could sing any style, cross any genre but still put her unique imprint on the music. Her albums were full of gems,” Gioia said.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/14/grammy-award-winning-singer-wilson-dead/

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says there will be no Diaspora or Out-of-Country voting for Nigerians in the 2019 general election.

INEC gave the clarification in a statement issued by its National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Festus Okoye, on Thursday in Abuja.

Okoye said that INEC attention had been drawn to a report by a section of the media which gave a false impression that the Commission has “made special provisions for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) outside Nigeria to vote in the 2019 General Elections.”

The Commission wishes to state unequivocally that there will be no Diaspora or Out-of-Country voting for any Nigerian, in accordance with extant provisions of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended).

“Only duly registered IDPs within Nigeria will be allowed to vote.

“The Framework and Regulations for lDP Voting was presented and validated by stakeholders at a conference held in Abuja on December 12.

He said that the framework validated by stakeholders at the conference is in consonance with the provisions of Section 26 (1) of the Electoral (Amendment) Act 2015.

The sections according to Okoye provides that “in the event of an emergency affecting an election, the Commission shall as far as possible ensure that persons displaced as a result of emergency are not disenfranchised.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/14/no-diaspora-country-voting-2019-%e2%80%95-inec/

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and Wife of the President of the Federation, Aisha Buhari, have called for the sensitisation of stakeholders on the empowerment of the female gender in the country.

Speaking on Tuesday at the launching of two books by Dame Esther Uduehi in Asaba, they said that there was the need for an attitudinal change on gender mainstreaming in the country and ensure the empowerment of the women folk.

The books launched were “Motivational Factors In The Nigerian Civil Service” and “Global Development In Gender Mainstreaming-The Nigerian Experience”.

Governor Okowa said that “ there is an oppressive attitude within our society and we need to change, we need to re-educate our people down to the villages and towns, provide space for our women. The empowerment of the Nigerian women is driven towards the empowerment of the family as she will know what to do for the family.”

“Until they become empowered they cannot compete with the men, but the drive has to come from the women as most of them do not encourage their own, women on their part have to start putting subtle pressure on the society,” he added.

Identifying the challenges facing the civil service today, Senator Okowa called for a review and rededication in public service so as to meet the 21st century contemporary issues.

“I am worried what kind of civil service we are going to leaving for the future generation, we need to have a real total review of the civil service and begin to plan, we have to have an appropriate number and do a rethink to move the service forward”, he said, adding’ “can a Nigerian civil servant give her best with the kind of wages we have especially if he live and work in towns like Abuja”.

The governor commended the author, Mrs Uduehi for a job well done and charged other retired Permanent Secretaries to mentor todays’ and future generations of civil servants for improved development in the country and state.

Mrs Buhari, represented by Dame Pallen Tallen, commended Mrs. Uduehi for finding time to pen them, explaining that the books are valuable tools in gender mainstreaming and review of the civil service.

Chief Odigie Oyegun, chairman of the occasion, in his remarks, said that the civil service is the engine room of the country and there was the need to stabilise it and isolate it from partisan politics, stressing that “there cannot be development unless we have a civil service that is knowledgeable, committed and be able to adapt to the passion and objectives of government”.

He commended Governor Okowa for his steadfastness and commitment to the development of the state.

Mrs. Uduehi in her welcome address, said that the books were meant to contribute to the development of the country especially to the empowerment of women and celebrate the civil service in Nigeria.

•Photo by Jibunor Samuel shows Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (2nd right); Deputy Governor of Delta State, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro (right); former Governor of Edo State, Chief John Oyegun (2nd left) and Engr. Donald Udhehi, during the Book Launch Title, Motivational Factors in the Nigeria Civil Service and Global Development in Gender Mainstreaming the Nigeria Experience, at Grand Hotel Asaba.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/12/okowa-aisha-buhari-call-for-sensitisation-on-gender-streaming-advocate-a-re-engineering-of-the-civil-service/

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested a son of a former Governor of Abia State, Theodore Orji, Ogbonna Orji.

According to Tribune, the 32-year-old Ogbonna was arrested at a nightclub in Abuja by operatives of the anti-corruption agency.

His arrest followed an investigation of the former governor, who is a serving senator representing Abia.

The newspaper reports that in the course of investigating the former governor, it was discovered that he laundered money through his son.

The son was alleged to have used part of the laundered funds to purchase exotic vehicles, including a Range Rover worth about N100million.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/10/efcc-reportedly-arrests-ex-abia-governor-orjis-son/

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Abia state and the Director General of the Uchechukwu Ogah Governorship Campaign organization, Barrister Kelvin Ugboajah, has declared that Governor Okezie Ikpeazu-led Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, administration is the worst government since the creation of the state.

Ugboajah slammed the PDP-led administration over the dilapidated state of infrastructure in the state, claiming that the governor has failed woefully to bring democratic dividends to the doorsteps of Abia people.

The former Abia Commissioner of Works explained that there is a conspiracy against the people of the state, adding that the time has come to change the narrative.

His words, “PDP-led administration is satanic government. Abia is one of the richest state in this country, but it has turned to the worst state in the federation.

“The government has failed woefully All the indices uses in measuring governance. Our people have endured the hardship a lot. The government cannot pay salaries, they cannot pay pension arrears, because the money is being stolen.

“There is a conspiracy against the people of Abia by the PDP. Teachers are not being paid. You go to Aba, Aba is very embrassing. There are a lot of infrastructure decay. No road, nothing at all.

“The late M.I Okpara of blessed memory used palm oil, I mean the money gotten through palm oil, in developing the entire south east zone. Okpara used palm oil money to build the Golden Breweries, Ceramics industry, Ulonna farm settlement, all these projects built by okpara are now moribund.

“Umuahia, the state capital has also remained a glorified village. So, we all have to wake up and fight this battle. We have huge money to develop this state. PDP has wasted public funds with nothing to show on ground.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/09/2019-gov-ikpeazu-pdp-running-satanic-govt-in-abia-apc-chieftain-kevin-ugboajah/

Popular Singer, Davido has revealed his plans for the year 2019.

The ‘Assurance’ crooner who has put in so much energy in 2018 and so far released 8 top songs, looks like he will be slowing down in 2019.

Davido in a post on his SnapChat page on Friday said 2019 is a year for him to enjoy and not ‘kill himself’

According to him, “The year 2019 is the year of I can’t come and kill myself.

“Getting too much money not to enjoy myself.”

Meanwhile, Davido had disclosed that the National Youth Service Corp, NYSC, cancelled his one-year orientation exercise.

Davido, a graduate of Babcock University. registered for NYSC with the 2018 Batch ‘B’ stream II corps members who were sworn in on August 30.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/08/davido-reveals-plan-for-2019/

For the fourth time, President Muhammadu Buhari has declined assent to the electoral act amendment bill (2018), saying signing the bill into law could create uncertainty and confusion during the 2019 general elections.

This is coming barely six months after the president rejected the bill for the third time.

The National Assembly had on November 7, 2018 passed and transmitted the fourth version of the Electoral Act 2010 (Amendment) Bill 2018 for the president’s assent.

Since President Buhari must sign the Bill into law within 30 days otherwise it would amount to declining assent or vetoing the bill, the bill became functus officio or expired last night as it marked the 30th day the bill was transmitted to the president.

Buhari’s decision to withhold his assent to the bill is contained in a letter addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara.

In the letter obtained by LEADERSHIP Weekend, the president explained that altering the electoral rules at a time the 2019 general polls are around the corner might offer the chance for disruption and confusion.

According to him, it would have been in the best interest of the country and its democracy if the National Assembly had specifically stated in the Bill that the amended Electoral Act will be applicable to elections commencing after the 2019 polls.

He said, “Pursuant to section 58 (4) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), I hereby convey to the House of Representatives my decision on 6th December, 2018, to decline presidential assent to the Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2018 recently passed by the National Assembly.

“I am declining assent to the Bill principally because I am concerned that passing a new electoral bill this far into the electoral process for the 2019 general election, which commenced under the 2015 Electoral Act, could create some uncertainty about the applicable legislation to govern the process.

“Any real or apparent change to the rules this close to the election may provide an opportunity for disruption and confusion in respect of which law governs the electoral process.

“This leads me to believe that it is in the best interest of the country and our democracy for the National Assembly to specifically state in the Bill that the Electoral Act will come into effect and be applicable to elections commencing after the 2019 general election”.

Identifying certain grey areas that should be reviewed before he appends his signature, Buhari noted: “It is also important for the following drafting amendments to be made to the Bill: Section 5 of the Bill amending section 18 of the Principal Act should indicate the subsection to which the substitution of the figure “30” for the figure “60” is to be affected.

“Section 11 of the Bill amending Section 36 should indicate the subsection in which the proviso is to be introduced.

“Section 24 of the Bill which amends Section 85 (1) should be redrafted in full as the introduction of the “electing” to the sentence may be interpreted to mean that political parties may give 21 days’ notice of the intention to merge, as opposed to the 90 days provided in Section 84 (2) of the Electoral Act which provides the provision for merging of political parties.

“The definition of the term “Ward Collection Officer” should be revised to reflect a more descriptive definition than the capitalised and undefined term “Registration Area Collation Officer.”

Earlier yesterday, the senior special assistant to the president on National Assembly matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang, said the president had communicated his decision to the legislature.

Speaking with State House correspondents, Enang said, “President Muhammadu Buhari has taken a decision on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2018 in accordance with his power under the 1999 Constitution and has communicated that decision to the Senate and House of Representatives in accordance with the law”.

Enang also disclosed that President Buhari has assented to National Open University Amendment Act, which allows the National Open University to operate as all other universities, having the same power and functions and the same administrative structures, and eliminating possible discrimination against its products and programmes.

“It has also allowed the establishment of some centres to be called study centres and given conditions for the establishment of such study centres”, he said.

Pressure Mounts On INEC Over Card Reader

Meanwhile, lawyers in the country have asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately issue guidelines, regulations and manual for election officials for the conduct of the 2019 general elections.

This followed President Muhammadu Buhari’s refusal to sign the Electoral Amendment Bill 2018.

The lawyers who spoke exclusively to LEADERSHIP Weekend argued that since the conduct of the 2019 elections shall be governed by the subsisting Electoral Act 2010, INEC should issue a guideline to streamline voter accreditation procedure vis-a-vis the extent of the use of card reader for the conduct of next year election.

Although the lawyers were unanimous in their call on INEC to issue guidelines, regulations and manual to guide election officials and the public ahead of the 2019 elections, they were however divided over what should constitute the guideline or manual.

Some of the legal experts insisted that since Section 49 (2), which directs INEC to use register of voters to authenticate eligibility of voters has not been amended, INEC must discard its use in the polls.

Some lawyers argued that Section 52 (2) of the same Electoral Act 2010 says the use of electronic voting machine for the time being is prohibited, and for that reason the card reader should not be applied in any way for the conduct of the next elections.

They contended that since INEC neither budgeted for the use of the card reader in the recently approved budget for the commission to conduct elections, nor trained officials for the use of it all this while, the use of the machine in view of the 2015 experience in the country is enough to discard any idea of using it anywhere in the country for the conduct of the 2019 polls.

The use of card reader, they held, requires INEC officials at the end of voting process to compare the number of voters verified by the card reader with the number of accredited voters and total votes cast for consistency, which led to avalanche of conflicting judgements in the court after the 2015 elections.

According to the lawyers, so many voters were disenfranchised in 2015 due to the widespread malfunctioning of the electronic device, leading to high collateral damage to political parties, candidates and voters.

They said INEC had been silent on its use for the conduct of re-run elections and state governorship elections held in some states after the 2015 general elections.

Some other lawyers however argued conversely that the process of presenting oneself to a presiding officer with one’s voter’s card and the process of checking a voter’s name on the voter’s register, including the ticking of the name, constitute what is referred to as accreditation.

They said that what Section 52(2) prohibits is the use of electronic voting machine and not the use of card readers for accreditation of voters.

According to them, for all intent and purposes, a card reader simply verifies and authenticates the identity of the voter, adding that card reader is not an electronic voting machine but a machine to be used for accreditation of voters only before the actual voting.

A distinguishing factor, they further argued, is that in electronic voting, ballot papers are not used and cannot be used, but the forthcoming 2019 general elections are ballot paper-based.

They insisted that the use of card readers for the purpose of accreditation hastens the process as the accreditation of a voter does not take more than a few seconds.

Besides, they said the use of the card reader is based on the use of the Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC), of which fake and stolen PVCs can be easily detected.

This, they noted, will assist in preventing certain electoral malpractices and ensuring free, fair, credible and peaceful elections across the country.

The commission, they said, should still include the use of the card reader for the conduct of the 2019 elections in the country, otherwise the polls would be dogged by ballot box stuffing, ballot box snatching and over-invoicing of votes, which characterised previous elections before 2015 .

A member of the inner bar, Chief Mike Ahamba (SAN), said, “Well, let’s see what the National Assembly shall do. We have to keep our fingers crossed till the option of overriding the president’s veto of the bill is exhausted.

“If the National Assembly fails to override the president, we fall back to the subsisting law. It won’t stop the conduct of the elections. After all, the process leading to the elections so far were conducted with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2010’’.

Executive director of Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) Auwal Musa said, “The country may be plunged into protracted legal fireworks if the 2019 elections are conducted based on the current Electoral Act.

“If the issues around the Electoral Act are not properly addressed, we are going to have a lot of challenges and problems. If this continues in the same manner, there would definitely be problems, which then means that what some are alleging or predicting that there is a calculated attempt to frustrate the 2019 election may come to reality.

“The implication is very clear; there are some lapses which the current Act has not been able to resolve. Remember that the financing of election campaigns is part of the amendments, and other sensitive issues. So, there are lots of issues that will throw-up confusion and chaos”.

On his part, former president of the Nigeria Bar Association, Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) said, “The Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2018 is the legal regime for the 2019 elections. It is therefore important that every person is familiar with its provisions.

“If you recall, the late signing of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2015 created so much confusion and resulted in widespread electoral malpractices. If you also recall, the late signing resulted in conflicting decisions in the courts, especially on the use of card readers.

“The Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2018 was passed by the National Assembly to address all the challenges created by the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2015. It is therefore important that you sign into law the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2018.”

Another learned silk, Chief Seyi Sowemimo (SAN), noted: “The law permits the lawmakers to override the president’s veto if he decides to take that route.

“But I believe that if the lawmakers are strong enough, they should muster enough votes to overturn that veto and pass the Bill into law. Otherwise we have to rely on the existing 2010 Electoral Act for the forthcoming elections”.

In his submission, human rights activist, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, said, “Currently, INEC should be working with the existing 2010 Electoral Act. If the electoral body keeps doing so, we are still on target for the 2019 elections.

“But if the National Assembly should proceed to override the president’s veto by two-third majority and pass the bill into law, then there may be some challenges. This is because the time schedule and the proposition contained in the amended Electoral Act can no longer be reversed”.

Another learned silk, Muiz Banire (SAN), said, “Some people have argued that the use of card readers is not allowed by virtue of Section 52 of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended). Section 52 of the Electoral Act, 2010 as amended provides that the use of electronic voting machine for the time being is prohibited.

“The implication of the above in line with subsection 2 is that electronic voting is forbidden in Nigeria. A card reader has been defined as “a data input device that reads data from a card-shaped storage medium. An electronic voting machine can be described as a device or machine by which electronic votes can be cast without the use of ballot papers.

“What Section 52(2) prohibits as indicated earlier is the use of electronic voting machine but not the use of card readers for accreditation of voters and that is where it stops. Thus, for all intent and purposes, a card reader simply verifies and authenticates the identity of the voter.

“The meaning of the above is that the process of presenting oneself to a presiding officer with one’s voter’s card and the process of checking a voter’s name on the voter’s register, including the ticking of the name constitute what is referred to as accreditation”.

Abuja based legal practitioner, Valentine Offia said, “The National Assembly can override the lack of assent by the president, and then it becomes law which INEC should comply with.

“If NASS fails to secure two-thirds to override the president, that will mean there is no new law. The current law will remain and INEC will adhere to it”.

Also, a constitutional lawyer, Muktar Abanika, noted: “INEC neither budgeted for the use of it in the recently approved budget for the commission to conduct election with it, nor trained officials for the use of it all this while. The use of the machine in view of 2015 experience in the country is enough to discard any idea for using it anywhere in the country for the conduct of the 2019 elections.

“For card reader to be used in 2019 elections, it means INEC officials still require at the end of voting process to compare the number of voters verified by the Card Reader with the number of accredited voters and total votes cast for consistency. This led to avalanche of conflicting judgements in the court after the 2015 elections”.

But another Abuja-based lawyer, Alasa Ismaila, said, “INEC should still include the use of card reader in its guideline and manual for election officials for the conduct of the 2019 elections in the country, otherwise, the 2019 elections would be dogged by ballot stuffing, ballot box snatching and over-invoicing of votes that characterised previous elections before 2015 election’’.

… PDP Urges NASS To Override Buhari

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Organisation (PPCO) has urged the National Assembly to override President Muhammadu Buhari’s refusal to sign the amendment of the Electoral Act.

The PDP Campaign says this legislative action has become imperative as the president’s decision is a calculated attempt to hold the nation to ransom, inject crisis into the electoral process and ultimately scuttle the conduct of the 2019 general elections.

Reacting to the refusal of the president to sign the Electoral Amendment Bill, director, Media and Publicity, PDP Presidential Campaign Council, Kola Ologbondiyan, said, “President Buhari’s repeated refusal to sign amendments passed to check rigging in the election raises issues of his sincerity of purpose and has the capacity to trigger political unrest and violence, which can, in turn, truncate our hard-earned democracy.”

The PPCO recalled that this is the fourth time President Buhari is withholding assent to the amendment, without any cogent reason.

“It is also instructive to note that President Buhari is mortally afraid of the amendments because they essentially checked the All Progressives Congress (APC) rigging plans, including the use of underage and alien voters, vote-buying, alteration of results and manipulation of voter register; for which the APC and the Buhari Presidency have been boasting of winning the 2019 elections.

“While urging the National Assembly to save our democracy and forestall an imminent electoral crisis, the PPCO also charges all political parties, other critical stakeholders and Nigerians in general to rise in the interest of our nation and demand the entrenching of rules and processes that will guarantee the conduct of free, fair and credible elections, as nothing short of that would be accepted,” the party said.

Appeal Court Affirms Prisoners’ Right To Vote

Meanwhile, the Court of Appeal sitting in Bénin City, Edo State, has granted an appeal seeking to direct the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to include the names of prison inmates on its voter register.

It, however, refused to grant a declaration that INEC should liaise with the Nigeria Prison Service to create a registration centre in each prison across the country.

The appeal was filed by five inmates on behalf of other inmates in Nigerian prisons across the country.

Those that filed the appeal are Victor Emenuwe, Onome Inaye, Kabiru Abu, Osagie Iyekekpolor and Modugu Odion.

Justice S. Oseji, who read the lead judgement on behalf of Justice Helen Ogunwumiju, said the appellant could appeal the ruling.

Speaking to newsmen after the court ruling, counsel to the appellant, President Aigbokhan of the Initiative for Rural Development, Information and Legal Advocacy (IRDILA) urged INEC to commence immediate registration of inmates across the country for them to participate in next year’s election.

He said, “Prison inmates have their community. Polling units should be located there. One of our clients is the inmate in prisons. We believe they have a right to vote in an election so as to decide those who ultimately decide their future.

“When franchise is given to them, attention will be focused there. Their situation and health conditions will be improved.

“In 2014, the Federal High Court granted our prayers that prisoners can vote but narrowed it to the four applicants in the suit even though it was stated there that those applicants were representing other inmates.

“We went to the Court of Appeal and the court agreed that the judgement represents all inmates in the country; that INEC should with immediate effect collate the names of inmates and allow them to vote in 2019.

“In 2015, the inmates were over 550,000. All INEC need to do is to update their voter register and liaise with NGOs as volunteers to help them. It is victory for Nigeria’s democracy.”

Aigbokhan, however, asserted that his clients would appeal part of the decision of the Court of Appeal, saying, “The judgement has disagreed that INEC should create polling units inside the prison.”

Sign Death Warrants For 2,500 inmates, NPS Tells Govs

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/08/gain-pmb-declines-assent-to-electoral-act-bill/

Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha says the All Progressives Congress (APC) has lost no fewer than 10 million supporters under the leadership of its current national chairman Adams Oshiomhole.

Okorocha who spoke through his commissioner for information, Patrick Nzeh, was reacting to a statement credited to Oshiomhole, that himself and the Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun are political liabilities with only one vote each.

According to Okorocha, Oshiomhole is a victim of his own actions, and that as a political liability, he was on a mission to destroy the ruling party which was handed over to him.

He boasted that his son in-law Uche Nwosu who is now the Action Alliance (AA) governorship candidate would defeat the APC governorship candidate in Imo state. (NAN)

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/07/apc-loses-10-million-supporters-under-oshiomhole-okorocha/

The Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2019 elections, Atiku Abubakar, has promised to revive the economy of the country to what it was between 2011 and 2015, if elected president.

Abubakar made the promise on Wednesday in Ilorin while addressing party members and supporters at a rally to launch his presidential campaign in the North-Central.

Atiku said that the nation’s economy was rated the biggest in Africa and third fastest growing economy in the world during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s regime

He also promised to tackle security challenges in the country, particularly in the North-East.

He called on the people of Kwara and other states in the zone to vote for him during the forthcoming polls to enable him to implement his programmes.

The National Chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus, in his address, called on Nigerians to massively vote for the presidential candidate of the party.

He later presented the flag of the party to the Presidential candidate and governorship candidates of the party from the zone. (NAN)

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/06/2019-atiku-promises-to-revive-economy-if-elected-president/