₦airaland Forum

After weeks of speculations, horsetrading and intense campaigns, all the major political parties eventually fielded their presidential candidates. In this report, JONATHAN NDA-ISAIAH x-rays what some of the contenders for the number one seat in Aso rock think about their political credentials.

For the first time in the history of Nigeria, the number of persons who came out to take a shot at the presidency is legion. About 50 persons indicated interest in the nation’s number one job. Reasons for this large turn out, political observers say, are not far fetched. Political consciousness in the country is at an all time high. There is a new wave of political awakening among Nigerians and certain dynamics in the country’s political space may have given filip to the number of candidates.

Sunday October 7 was the deadline given by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for submission of names of presidential candidates and other offices. With this in mind, political parties adopted a rapid fire approach in ensuring that they put their acts right. As at Sunday, the parties who intended to field presidential candidates had already wrapped up their presidential primary elections. Bellow are some of the presidential flag bearers for the 2019 presidential poll and what they have to say about their credentials.

Muhammadu Buhari

The incumbent president, Muhammadu Buhari, was the sole candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Like all advanced democracy in the world, the incumbent president is always given a right of first refusal and it was no different as Buhari ended up as the sole candidate of the APC. Another factor that led to him becoming the sole candidate was the high cost of presidential forms of the party, which was sold at N45 million. In spite of the fact that Buhari was the sole candidate of the APC, a direct primary system was adopted for the election where he polled 14 million votes.

Last Saturday night, the APC held a special session to ratify Buhari’s candidature. A total of 7000 delegates affirmed President Buhari as the candidate of the party in the 2019 presidential election through voice vote under the supervision of Ekiti State governor-elect, Kayode Fayemi.

The affirmation was done after the results of the direct primary election from all the 36 states and the FCT were announced. President Buhari scored 14, 842,072 votes from the 36 states and FCT.

At the convention, after a voice vote to affirm the president’s candidacy, Fayemi disclosed that President Buhari’s name would be sent to INEC for ratification. Chairman of the convention planning committee, Governor Abiola Ajimobi, urged all the delegates to affirm Buhari.

Hear Ajimobi: “We have a tested general who is complemented by his deputy, Vice President Yemi Osibanjo and supported by political veterans. This convention opens yet a new chapter in our political space. This party today will again pick a time tested general in the person of Muhammadu Buhari as its sole candidate. He is the antidote of all political locusts, the machine gun for all the political mercenaries. He is the best president for the people.

“I call on all of us to reaffirm the greatness of Nigeria by endorsing President Muhammadu Buhari as a man to lead us simply because his records represent a man that can lead us. Let us not succumb to the wicked propaganda of our opponents; let us be steady and keep our eyes on the goal. Let’s join hands with President Muhammad Buhari and roll up our sleeves.”

On his part, APC national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, said “Sir (president) we are most privileged. I will give thanks to Almighty God for making today possible for us to be able to hold this convention. The purpose of today is to formally affirm the presidential candidate of our great party. But even before now we had decided with your encouragement that we will conduct direct primaries for the presidential candidate. We are very appreciative of the support you gave.

“You are the first president to be elected through direct primaries. When I saw while you (President Buhari) were away how party members turn out to support you, that meant everything. It means that we have moved from the era of deceit”.

In his acceptance speech, Buhari reeled out his achievements in the last three years. He said, “The result of the presidential primaries of the All Progressives Congress this time is different because I am the only candidate. I thank all other eligible candidates who deferred to me in the interest of our party unity and over-all national stability.

“Fellow party members, it is with a deep sense of humility that I stand before you today to accept the nomination of our party, the All Progressives Congress, to be its candidate and flag-bearer in the 2019 presidential elections.

“As I stand today before you, there is no honour greater than the confidence given to me by all of you when you affirmed my nomination. I thank you for your support. I thank you for your guidance. I thank you for staying committed to the CHANGE agenda. I accept this honour as a tribute and mark of confidence to carry the responsibility as we all join hands to continue the good work of the APC government to 2023 and beyond.

“We are very proud of our record from 2015 to date:a. We have arrested and checked the slide to anarchy on the security and economic fronts.. Boko Haram is reduced to dastardly attacks on soft targets. Normalcy has returned to much of North East and neighbouring North West states. Our currency has stabilised. Our reserves are now $44 billion, a lot higher than we had in 2015.

“Power generation capacity has reached 8,000 megawatts against less than 4,600 when we came into office. As we invest in new power generation infrastructure we are strenuously working to address the legacy deficiencies and challenges of transmission and distribution networks across the country.

“We are executing Independent Power Projects in 9 Federal Universities to deliver uninterrupted power supply and we intend to expand to a total of 37 Universities. We have revived most of our capacity to produce fertilisers locally. Security down! 18 local governments of Nigeria under control of a hostile army of insurgents.

Reserves depleted! Bankruptcy around the corner.What did they do with your money? Internationally, Nigeria is now respected. My interaction with foreign heads of state and government has been very encouraging. The international community is very supportive of our efforts to put our country in order”.

Atiku Abubakar

After many years of vying stubbornly for the presidency, former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, on Sunday emerged the candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Since 2003, Atiku Abubakar has been contesting the presidential elections, either as an aspirant or candidate. In 2011, he lost in the PDP presidential primary to then incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan. He also lost the 2015 primaries on the platform of the APC to Buhari.This year, he is third time lucky as he will be flying the flag of major a political party. In 2007, he contested the presidential elections on the platform of the ACN.

In last Saturday’s convention of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar polled 1532 votes to get the ticket, defeating his closest rival the Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, who polled 693 votes at the party’s National Convention held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, chairman of PDP Convention Committee, disclosed this on Sunday at the Adokiye Amaesiamaka Sports Complex, Igwurita-Ali, Port Harcourt while announcing the results of the 2018 special national convention of the party.

In his acceptance speech, Atiku said he learnt a lot under Obasanjo when he served as his deputy from 1999 to 2007. He also described the primary election as the most credible since the return of democracy in Nigeria.

Atiku said, “Today, we are witnessing a landmark event. A landmark event in the sense that since the rebranding of our great party, the PDP, and infact I daresay, since the return of democratic rule of governance in this country, we have witnessed the most credible transparent and fair primaries.

“Let me also commend my fellow competitors for displaying a sense of unity, a sense of purpose and a sense of commitment. This is a very rare event; my fellow compatriots have really shown that the interest of the party and that of the people of this country is paramount and more important than our individual interest.

“I want to pay tribute to each and every one of them assure you that I am ever ready to work with each and every one of them for the realisation of the victory of our party in the forthcoming elections.

“I cannot do it alone, I need your support, your assistance, I need your understanding and I need your participation. It is not a one man’s job, it is a collective responsibility and I am prepared to listen to you, to take your advice, consult with you, work with you and together, we’ll succeed and after we succeed, we shall all be partners in that success.

“Finally, on a personal note, I wouldn’t have been standing where I am standing today if my former boss, President Olusegun Obasanjo have not made me his vice-president. Under his tutelage, I learnt quite a lot and I believe the experience and care I got is going to definitely impact on how we eventually govern this country, I wish to pay my personal tribute to him.”

Donald Duke

Former governor of Cross Rivers State, Donald Duke, emerged the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). The former governor was declared winner at the party’s national convention held at Old Parade Ground, Abuja. Abdul Isiaq, the returning officer, said Duke polled 812 votes to defeat Jerry Gana, former minister of information, who polled 611 votes.

In his acceptance speech, Duke said his emergence was a collective victory for all aspirants that participated in the contest. While calling for the support of other aspirants and party members, Duke said he “will reawaken in Nigerians that yearning that we are destined to be, but we cannot do this alone.

“What divides us is inadequacy and wants, because in the face of this survival of the fittest comes in, which ought not to be so because there is more than enough for everyone. This is what good governance is all about and that is what I stand for”, he added.

Kingsley Moghalu

Former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Kingsley Moghalu last month emerged the presidential candidate of the Young Progressive Party (YPP). His emergence was at a delegates’ election at the party’s first national convention and presidential primaries. Moghalu obtained 243 votes from 253 accredited delegates to beat his only opponent, Donald Igwegbu, who stepped down for him.

Igwegbu, while announcing his decision to step down for Moghalo, said he took the decision not because he was not qualified to contest in 2019 but because Moghalu shared the same vision with him. CallIng on party members and his supporters to support Moghalu, he urged other politicians to emulate his spirit of sportsmanship.

In his acceptance speech, Mogbalu noted that Nigeria needs a leader of international repute, not politicians that had failed the country. He said, “More than ever before, Nigeria needs to be driven by a vision, informed by a worldview that determines everything else. Up till about 40 years ago, China was viewed as a basket case; overpopulated, unproductive and ruined economically by policies of the decades prior to that.

“Today, they snap their fingers and nearly every single African Head of state shows up in China with their hands out, eager for Chinese largesse. That’s what a country driven by a worldview can achieve. In accepting the presidential ticket of this great party, I stand here before you to say that Nigeria is fully capable of achieving greatness at home and abroad in our lifetimes.

“But this cannot happen with the normal way of doing things, the so-called Nigerian way. It is a choice between remaining a mere fractious assortment of ethnicities and religious on one hand and building a real nation on the other.

“It is a choice between freedom and slavery under our recycled and corrupt politicians; between poverty and prosperity for our masses of the poor, and the unemployed, and between stability and continuing instability of the Nigeria state.”

Isaac Ositelu

Accord party unanimously presented the party’s flag to Isaac Ositelu to contest against President Muhammadu Buhari in the forthcoming presidential election slated for February next year. At a national convention held in Abuja at the party’s national secretariat, the delegates from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) ratified Ositelu to be the party’s flag bearer in an indirect primary election monitored by INEC official.

In the election, there were 98 delegates, all of who voted for Ositelu, without any voided vote. Speaking during convention, the national chairman of Accord, Muhammad Lawal Nalado, said it was the first time the party will be presenting a presidential candidate since it was registered by INEC in 2007.

He said though many people had approached the party in previous general elections to fly the presidential flag of the party, Accord refused because it did not want to go into the presidential election for mere show, especially given that it felt it did not have the required national spread to win presidential the election.

He expressed confidence that given how fast the party had spread over the years across the country, Accord is convinced that it now has what it takes to win the 2019 presidential election, hence it is fielding Isaac Ositelu, who he said will not disappoint Nigerians.

Speaking further, Nalado said Accord remains one party that does not have a godfather or sole financier like other parties, adding that the convention remains the highest decision making organ of the party.

In his acceptance speech, Ositelu said he took interest in the presidential election because he believes that Nigeria should be mindful of the kind of future to bequeath the upcoming generations.

He lamented the high level of joblessness, lack of basic infrastructures like road and social safety facilities in the country. He said if elected, the government of Accord will create six million jobs yearly. This he said, is achievable if the government has both the right policy and political will to implement such policies.

While vowing to confront the root causes of corruption rather than the symptoms as being done by the APC government, Ositelu said he has packaged a radical manifesto called I-TEN, which implies grassroots infrastructure development, trust between government and the citizens, economic revolution and provision for the next generations.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/2019-presidency-gladiators-and-their.html

There is profound resentment among thousands of agents used by the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the just-concluded Osun gubernatorial election, as none of them has been paid for their electoral duties, DAILY POST, gathered through investigation.

The agents, who were on ground to monitor votes for the APC in 3379 polling units in the September 22, and 27 election, and rerun respectively are presently bittered as the party has refused to pay them for their services.

It was gathered that the agents were promised to be paid between N10,000 and N20,000 for the exercise.

Some of the agents who spoke with DAILY POST on Tuesday expressed their displeasure over the incident, saying the party used and dumped them despite their, “commitment and relentless efforts,” in the contest.

One of the agents who pleaded anonymity and claimed to have worked at a polling unit in Ila Local Government condemned the attitudes of the APC leadership in the state.

He wondered how a ruling party could be enmeshed in such a deceptive activity without consideration of its attendant consequences.

” We were mobilised by the party to serve as agents; I worked at a polling unit in Ila local government, like many other young members of the party, with a promise to get paid at the end of the exercise.

” This is unfortunate to say the least, we believe this should not go unnoticed and must be addressed appropriately. We must get compensation for our services”.

In the same vein, another agent, who worked at Ayedaade local government of the state said,” the declaration of the Saturday’s election as inconclusive did not allow most of us to agitate for payment in the first place.

“We later agreed to wait till after the rerun. Unfortunately, almost two weeks after the rerun, we are yet to get our allowances, and this is in all local governments.

“None of the agents who worked for APC has been paid, this is a serious issue generating a lot of concern in the state.”

Meanwhile, the Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy of the party, Barrister Kunle Oyatomi in his reaction said he could not comment on the issue.

He said, “Sorry please, I cannot say anything on the matter, I am sorry please.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/osun-guber-apc-agents-cry-out-over.html

Famous dramatist and evangelist couple and founders of Mount Zion ministries, Mike and Gloria Bamiloye, have just celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary at RCCG House on the Rock parish, Grand Prairie Texas.

The notable couple who are both actors, and evangelists met at Oyo State College of Education, Ilesha-Osun state.

Mike Bamiloye started the household name, Mount Zion on August 5, 1985; just after his wife, Mummy Gloria Bamiloye said ‘YES’ to his proposal. Gloria replied her husband’s proposal a month after intense prayer and soul searching by writing on a small paper –‘’I will marry you’’

The couple’s marriage, at the beginning, was not all rosy because of abject poverty. Gloria Bamiloye, once confessed during an interview, that poverty made them “eat corn three times a day.”

Their marriage is blessed with three children; Damilola, Joshua and Darasimi Mike-Bamiloye.

See photos

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/dramatists-gloria-and-mike-bamiloye.html

Former Governor of Ogun State, and Director-General of Atiku Presidential Campaign Organisation (APCO), Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has reassured Nigerians that Atiku Abubakar will provide exemplary leadership and bring Nigeria out of the woods if elected as the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the forthcoming general election.

He gave the reassurance in a statement on Monday, in which he expressed his appreciation to delegates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who converged on the Adokiye Amiesiamaka Stadium in Port Harcourt over the weekend to elect former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential standard bearer in the 2019 general elections.

Expressing his heartfelt gratitude in the choice of Alhaji Atiku by the majority of the delegates, Otunba Daniel described the presidential primary election as a watershed in the political history of the country in terms of organisation, transparency and peaceful conduct considering the constellation of political heavyweights who were involved as aspirants.

He specifically thanked the leadership of the PDP with special reference to the National Chairman of the Party, Prince Uche Secondus, members of the Convention Planning Committee headed by the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, and the Governor of Rivers State, Nyeson Ezenwo Wike, for providing necessary logistics and level playing field to ensure a hitch free exercise.

Otunba Daniel, who described the emergence of the former Vice President as victory for all Nigerians and democracy, saluted the sense of purpose, unity and cooperation among party members and aspirants who contested along with the former president reiterating the fact that the PDP is one big, indivisible family committed to good governance and global democratic ideals.

He also gave kudos to electoral agency who observed the conduct of the exercise and security agencies for providing adequate protection to members of the party and citizens of Rivers State which ensured a hitch-free Convention that will be a reference point in subsequent electoral processes.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/atiku-will-provide-exemplary-leadership.html

Early results have indicated that deputy speaker of the Katsina State, Shehu Dalhatu Tafoki, and no fewer than nine other members of the 34 seat Katsina State House of Assembly have so far clinched the tickets of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to vie for a second term in 2019.

LEADERSHIP gathered at least eight of the incumbent law makers did not pick the expression of interest and nomination forms of the party while at least four others had lost out in last weekend state assembly primary elections of the party. It was also gathered that voting in two constituencies were suspended on Saturday until yesterday due to violence in Batsari local government area and delayed arrival of voting materials in Bakori local government area as the exercise went ahead peacefully in other council areas.

Results so far announced as soon as voting were completed in different local government areas revealed that Ahmad Abubakar Adidas (Mai’adua), Nasir Yahaya (Daura), Abubakar Mohammed (Funtua), Haruna Aliyu Yamel (Dutsi), Lawal Isa (Charanchi), Garba Yau (Kankara) and Salisu Hamza Rimaye (Kankia) among others won the primary elections in their constituencies.

Similarly, the speaker of the Assembly, Abubakar Yahaya Kusada, who vied for Kusada/Ingawa/Kankia federal constituency ticket of the party instead of Kusada constituency seat in the state Assembly, emerged victorious. However his counterparts: Salisu Haruna (Mashi), Kabir Lawal (Kurfi), Yunusa Idris (Musawa) among others lost their bids for APC return tickets while the law maker representing Batsari reportedly withdrew after the brakes were applied on the primary on Saturday. LEADERSHIP learnt that the results of Bakori and Batsari were yet to be completed as at press time because prevailing issues were still being resolved.

Contacted, the chairman of the primary elections in the state, Dr Isah Adamu, who confirmed that results were being announced at the various constituencies though the exercise was still in progress in Batsari and Bakori, declined to release details of the results so far declared.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/tafoki-others-win-apc-tickets-for.html

Nigerian government officials met with fund managers in New York last week on a non-deal roadshow held to update bondholders on the country’s growth plan after getting out of recession, an investor presentation seen by Reuters on Saturday showed.

The economy recovered from its worst downturn in a quarter of a century last year, but growth is still fragile and the government is trying to diversify its revenue away from an over-reliance on global oil prices to greater tax collection.

The government sees growth of 4.6 percent by 2020 from the 1.5 percent achieved in the first half, by boosting local production, investing in infrastructure and creating jobs. Nigeria’s economy grew just 0.8 percent in 2017.

Zainab Ahmed, who took over as finance minister after Kemi Adeosun resigned last month, was joined by Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele, the head of the debt office and the budget and trade ministers for the meeting held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly on Sept. 27.

Emefiele told investors Nigeria would continue to welcome foreign investment and that the bank was engaging with MTN after it claimed that the South African telecoms firm had moved $8.1 billion out of Nigeria illegally, with a view to finding a solution.

Officials also outlined plans for the power, transport, agriculture and social sectors including improvements in the business environment.

The West African country wants to raise $2.8 billion of debt offshore as part of its 2018 budget of 9.12 trillion naira, but the government needs approval from parliament before going ahead with bond sales.

Parliament is due to resume on Tuesday after political parties on Oct. 7 pick their candidates for next February’s presidential election, when President Muhammadu Buhari plans to run for a second term. The ruling party has nominated Buhari for re-election.

Nigeria has said it would borrow more abroad even as interest rates rise in the United States, which could see the west African country pay a higher premium than on its most recent debt sale, held in February.

It wants foreign debt as a percentage of its total loans to hit 40 percent by next year from 30.2 percent in the first half of this year, the presentation showed. (Reuters)

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/nigeria-promotes-growth-plan-to.html

Twelve aspirants are in the race to fly the flag of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 Presidential elections after former Senate President David Mark apparently droped out at the last minute.

As at 6pm today (Saturday, October 6) when this report was being filed, all the stands for different delegates of the party were already seated at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, Rivers State venue of the Convention.

The Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), among others, were on ground to ensure smooth exercise while officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) were seen controlling the movement of vehicles.

As at the time of filing this report, the aspirants were Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Senator Bukola Saraki, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, Alhaji Waziri Tambuwal, Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo, Hon. Datti Baba-Ahmed, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, Sule Lamido, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, Jonah Jang and Kabiru Tanimu Turaki.

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, who is the Chairman of the planning committee of the Special National Convention, has commended the large turnout of delegates for the convention.

He stated: “We are happy with the large turnout of delegates for the convention, you can see that almost all the delegates are on their designated areas and I can assure you that in few minutes time, voting will commence.

“I commend the aspirants for the show of love for our party and our country, the voting pattern will be credible, transparent; there will be no room for anyone to know who voted for him or not, we are one family and the overall vote will determine who will be our Presidential candidate in 2019,” he said.

Continuing, Okowa said: “We are taking our time to conduct a very free, credible, transparent convention that will be acceptable to our party, Nigerians and all lovers of democracy.”

•Photo by Jibunor Samuel shows Governor Ifeanyi Okowa (left) and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, during 2018 PDP Convention held at Adokiye Amasiemeka Stadium, Port Harcourt

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/12-aspirants-jostle-for-pdp.html

The Governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El-Rufai, has said President Muhammadu Buhari directed him to initiate the recall of Shehu Sani, senator representing Kaduna central district, over acts of contempt and disloyalty.

El-Rufai disclosed this in a letter dated October 2 to the president.

In the letter, he listed the ‘compendium’ of sins committed by Sani against him, the president and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The letter read, “When your excellency travelled to London in April 2018 for medical consultation, Shehu Sani ridiculed it on Facebook as ‘Voyage to London, Season 3.

“In May 2018, he lamented what he said was Buhari’ s three years of failure to protect human lives.

“In the same month, he wrote that ‘Baba should protect his testicle from any man who always bends down to greet him.

“Your excellency will recall that earlier this year, you directed me to initiate processes to recall Shehu Sani from the senate to punish his repeated acts of contempt and disloyalty.

“Following your directive, our team in Kaduna studied what was being done in Kogi state regarding the recall of Dino Melaye and drew up a budget. Upon examination of the costs and loopholes in the recall process as brutally exposed in Dino Melaye’s case, and in recognition of the immense of preparations for the next elections, it was decided that it may be more prudent to oust him at the ballot.

“The party executives in his ward in Kaduna suspended him from APC in December 2015 for negative comments about your Excellency. It was later extended to indefinite suspension in 2016.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/el-rufai-lists-senator-shehu-sanis-sins.html

The Federal Government reiterated its resolve to concession major international airports in the country to ensure they are run efficiently and profitably.

However, this does not imply ceding its assets entirely to the private sector as the designated airports would be handed to the concessionaire for a maximum of 30 years.

Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika disclosed this on Friday during the Grand opening of the Legend Hotel Lagos Airport Curio Collection by Hilton where he disclosed that the new terminals in Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and Port Harcourt International Airport would be opened by the end of October this year.

The opening of the state of the art Hotel which had the President of Hilton Worldwide, Christopher Nasette in attendance also attracted the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Managing Director of Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe, Chairman of Oando, Mr. Wale Tinubu, among others.

Dangote who hailed the aesthetics and the architectural masterpiece of the new Hotel located within the premises of private terminal facility of Quits Aviation challenged the Federal Government to replicate such structures at all the nation’s international airports.

But the Minister in his response said the Federal Government would spend huge sum of money in improving infrastructures at the airports especially the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, adding that two of the newly constructed terminals (Abuja and Port Harcourt funded by the China Exim Bank would be opened for operations by the end of October, adding that the two others in Lagos and Kano would follow suit.

Sirika said while many Nigerians have taken to the social media celebrating the new terminal in Kotoka International Airport, Ghana, the facility is a child’s play compared to the new terminals to be commissioned in Nigeria soon.

The Minister, however, disclosed that the terminals would be concessioned for a period of 25-30 years to enable the private sector run them profitably while providing first-class services to Nigerian air travellers and foreigners.

The Minister lauded the CEO of Quits Aviation, Mr. Sam Iwuajoku for bringing the Hilton brand to Nigeria and assured him and potential investors of government’s support, saying Nigeria is the best place to be for investments as the rate of return has been discovered to be 24 per cent.

He said, “This (The Hotel) is unique not only because it is 10 steps to aircraft but because there is nothing like this in the continent of Africa and I believe this is the beginning of the journey of the investments of private sector into aviation to achieve the kind of aviation that we need in this country.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/fg-approves-concession-of-lagos-abuja.html

In this report, SUNDAY ISUWA writes on the emerging new tactics by politicians seeking elective offices. Since the return of democracy in 1999 till date, politicians in Nigeria have been devising means of winning the support of their people in order to get elected into one office or the other. Most politicians vying for political offices will always say they are contesting because ‘their people’ asked them to run for a office. As Nigeria is set for the conduct of another general elections in 2019, the country is now witnessing a change of tactics by politicians. There seems to be new tactics being employed by politicians suggesting they are not desperate for the political offices they are vying for. The new trend, LEADERSHIP Friday gathered, is the purchase of nomination and expression of interest forms by ‘groups’ or ‘constituents’ for aspirants as if the office-seeking politicians are prompted to do so as thier wish.



Checks revealed that some persons or members of the ‘groups’ that purportedly purchased nomination forms for these aspirants, don’t even know the cost of the forms. It was further gathered that some of them are just hoodwinked into the ‘groups’ just to score cheap political points. Former vice president Atiku Abubakar, President Muhammadu Buhari, Deputy Senate President Ike Ikweremadu, Governor Nasir El-Rufa’i, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and Kano state governor Abdullahi Ganduje are beneficiaries of free nomination forms purchased by ‘groups’. A presidential aspirant under the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prof Hagher Iyorwuese and many others also got their forms through groups. Speaking while receiving his forms, President Buhari said that his protest at the APC national secretariat on the ‘very expensive cost of the presidential nomination form,’ endeared many offers from different associations and organisations whose members were ready to pool their resources to buy him the form.



“The 12 million members of the Rice Farmers Association offered to buy me a form,” Buhari said adding that members of the Fertiliser Producers Association also contacted his office with the same offer. “Some members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association also offered to buy the nomination form. I can go on and on. I am very touched by these gestures. And I want to assure you all that my commitment to our Change Agenda is as strong as ever,” he noted while accepting the nomination form from the group by the name NCAN. “I want to ask all the other groups who have offered to buy my nomination form to redirect their contributions to the NotTooYoungToRun wing of the APC,” Buhari added. For his part, former vice lresident Atiku was the first to receive such a gift as he wept at his campaign office shortly after receiving the forms. The group, Atiku Support Groups (ASG) which purchased the forms, said they were committed to the Nigerian cause.



Atiku, thereafter promised to do everything possible not to disappoint Nigerians if given the opportunity at the general election. “So, for such a woman to believe that I have got those leadership qualities and including those of you who have brought out your monies to buy this form, is one of the most serious challenges I have ever faced in my political career,” Atiku said. Also, Ekweremadu’s forms were purchased by some contituents of his senatorial zone.The group said they are in support of Ekweremadu’s re-election because he has performed creditably well in office and positively touched the lives of the people of the five local government areas in Enugu West despite the prevailing economic challenges in the country. Presenting the nomination forms, the President of Enugu West Parliament, Hon. Paul Anikwe, described Ekweremadu as ‘God-sent.’ “He is a developer and a man of the people who honours God and respects mankind,” Anikwe disclosed. Ekweremadu was apparently carried away buy the gesture given his strange response. Elated, he said he can stay in the Senate as long as he want.



The Speaker of the House, Hon. Dogara also had his forms purchased by his constituents. In his case, the scenario was dramatic. His people picked the nomination forms of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for him when he was still (officially) in the All Progressives Congress (APC). Dogara said having spent nearly 12 years in the House of Reps, the ‘overwhelming’ demand of his constituents forced him to seek for re-election. Also, amongst the governors that got free forms is El-Rufa’i of Kaduna State. His forms were purchased by the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and four other groups including Kaduna traders even though another group of traders denied being party to the free gift.



The latter group issued the disclaimer on the ground that he ‘destroyed’ their markets while the other groups said they want Governor El-Rufa’i to seek re-election in 2019 because they believe in his leadership. The four other groups which joined in buying the form are Petroleum Tankers Driver (PTD), National Association of Road Transport Workers (NARTO), Traders of Sheikh Mahmud Gummi Market and The Katsina and Daura People’s Association based in Kaduna. El-Rufa’i, who expressed surprise at the gesture, dropped what seemed like a bombshell as he said didn’t have N20 million to buy the nominations forms. “I don’t have N20 million also to buy my form. The money I have in the bank is not close to that amount. I have only one account in GTB. Except I sell my house will I be able to raise that amount,” El-Rufa’i was quoted as saying.



Meanwhile, speaking on the new trend, a former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Kaduna State, Barr. Mark Jacob, said the current trend of free nominations forms, which he described as a shame, is the handiwork of APC politicians. But for a Kaduna-based lawyer and a human rights activist, Barr. Gloria Babeiam Ballason, it is an “interesting season” of the abject poor obtaining forms for the stupendous rich. “That’s what the curators of the funny skits would have us believe. Away from the satire of it, it speaks of how disrespectful the elite are to the rest of us.



The networth of assets for most of these ‘the poor crowd-funded for my forms’ actors are in the public domain,” she said. Ballason added that some of the politicians have converted public property to their private use and citizens are just waiting for the garb of immunity to be stripped off them so they call them to account. “So, really the facts are before us and facts are sacred. Many Nigerians do not believe the drama. I think also that citizens deserve more respect than to have their names or associations ‘falsely’ used as those who buy forms. Of course we are already reading disclaimers but the real point is, there is the need for basic decency and decorum to be observed even during electioneering,” she noted.



The lawyer further said that Nigerians especially young people need to grow beyond gullibility, adding that having championed the Not-Too-Young-To-Run mantra, there is need to be a demonstration of value in young leadership and confidence in what they can deliver. “Rather than follow blindly, young people should take their seats to the table when they are neglected rather than be at the forefront designing these preposterous designs of politicians,” she said, insisting that the country’s democracy need to move beyond nascent adjectival descriptions. “Money politics ought to be outdated by now,” she noted, adding that Nigerians cannot afford to mortgage their future for cheap and instant gratification. “The concept of democracy and the choice it guarantees should cause Nigerians to grow beyond certain proclivities to ensuring we have credible leadership for the greater good, growth and development of our beautiful country. “Citizens need to know the power they possess and how that power can make all the difference between a great country and a ruined polity.



We need to get to the point where we demystify power and decide to whom power in a democracy should reside in concentrates. Despite the odds, those who love this country and are committed to it are the people who can and will save this country and create a better image of it. In the end, what really matters is how much investment Nigerians are willing to make and how resistant and resilient we are against the things that plague us.” “First, we should understand the meaning of democracy, it grants the right for everyone to vote or be voted for but does not guarantee you will win.



That right can only be advanced by the one seeking votes. Now to convince voters is not a small business as you know it involves, dedicated and well organised campaign using both traditional and sophisticated methods and these costs money and so it is anywhere democracy is practiced in the World. “Now, lets consider the role of political parties. To midwife and promote a political party is very costly too. Such association must establish presence in 24 states and FCT as required by law.



Now, anyone can attempt this process but not all may succeed. Parties are not run by mere words or wishes, parties require funds on a daily basis to stay alive. “During elections, parties are required to follow standard procedures by law to nominate candidates on their platforms, beginning from Congresses to Primaries and general elections,” she said. For his part, the national chairman of United Peoples Congress (UPC), Kenneth Ibe-Kalu, said a large percentage of the country’s population are gullible, adding that it’s all credit to lawlessness, religious and ethnic intolerance, poverty epidemic and economic situation of the country. “Desperation is the order of the day and gullibility is gradually becoming a national status,” Ibe-Kalu said. He pointed out that the country’s democracy cannot develop when political parties that are meant to strengthen the system have become oligarchic in nature. “The political space has become so restrictive to favour a few who are termed ‘consensus candidates.’



We are on a race to the bottom with this undemocratic practice: we have now moved from no democratic primaries to hoarding of nomination forms in the established parties,” the mational chairman of Youth Party (YP), Suleiman Ibrahim said. “Democracy cannot develop in a country where nomination forms are hoarded and where the people can’t choose their own representaive because a few people handpick and impose their own candidates in the general populace,” the YP chieftain said, noting that the key concepts of democracy such as transparency, representation and participation are gradually becoming an illusion. “The good people of Nigeria should condemn this despicable brand of politics by shunning these parties and joining transparent parties like the Youth Party,” he added.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/politics-of-free-nomination-forms.html

Sokoto State Governor and presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, Aminu Tambuwal, is currently in a closed-door meeting with former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.

The meeting is holding at the Abeokuta residence of the former president located within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library complex.

Tambuwal was said to have arrived at Obasanjo’s residence at exactly 7:39 p.m.

The meeting between both leaders might not be unconnected with his 2019 presidential ambition.

Details later….

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/tambuwal-obasanjo-in-closed-door-meeting.html

The candidate of the Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the forthcoming 2019 election, Seyi Makinde has attacked a national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Ahmed Tinubu.

Makinde alleged that Tinubu and some businessmen interfere in the politics of Oyo State and that such had dragged the state backward.

According to him, a repeat of the interference was witnessed even in the governorship primaries that took place in Ibadan, the state capital, on Sunday.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Makinde’s Campaign Office and signed by the media coordinator, Dotun Oyelade.

The PDP candidate said it was disrespectful to party members and the Oyo State people for Tinubu to dictate who should rule the state.

He alleged that the problems Tinubu created in Lagos was still unresolved and festering.

He said, “Recall that similar imposition occurred in 2011 when a former Governor Lam Adesina was sidelined in the process leading to the adoption of Governor Abiola Ajimobi, a decision that has drawn the state back leading to record indebtedness yet unsurpassed since the creation of the state in 1976.

“Why must outsiders insist on their stooges to rule us in Oyo State and why must we always accept their orders when what is left is a crumbling empire?

“For me, the masses of the state remain my motivators because they will insist that we build the state together for the benefit of all.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/2019-makinde-attacks-tinubu.html

Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo state on Sunday elected Engineer Oluwaseyi Makinde as the gubernatorial candidate of the party ahead of the 2019 general election.

Makinde emerged as the gubernatorial candidate of the party as its primary election held at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium (formerly Liberty Stadium) Oke Ado, Ibadan, the state capital.

He scored 2,772 votes to defeat his rival in the race, Senator Hamzat Ayoade Adeseun who got 21 votes in the result of the election announced Sunday night.

Adeseun, DAILY POST recalls, had earlier called for cancelation of the election due to alleged manipulation of delegates’ list.

Details later…

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/09/oyo-2019-seyi-makinde-emerges-pdp.html

There are indications pointing to the fact that the fate of the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Tinubu may have been sealed by a national leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu.

On Friday, a top ranking personality in the APC disclosed that Tinubu has no plans to endorse the candidature of Ambode for a second term.

This claim was in reaction to reports from the camp of Ambode saying Tinubu was set to endorse the governor, ahead of Sunday’s APC primary election.

Pulse quoted the source as saying Ambode was keen on a second term ticket on the APC platform.

“Ambode’s camp is desperately trying to mislead Lagosians with these stories.

“The Ambode camp just rose from a meeting and agreed to publish a news story that Asiwaju is set to endorse and anoint Ambode in the early hours of Saturday morning before the primaries.

“There has been no meeting between Asiwaju and Ambode. This story is concocted and a lie from the pit of hell.

“The aim of this is to misinform the electorate in Lagos and to cause confusion. A number of similar false publications are already in the works.

“The claim of an endorsement is a total fallacy. It’s not going to happen. The governor has challenged the people of Lagos to a fight. Let him face it,” the source said.

Ambode is expected to slug it out with Mr Jide Sanwo-Olu, the Managing Director, Lagos State Development and Property Corporation, and Dr Femi Hamzat, a former Commissioner for Works, for the governorship ticket.

Vice Chairman of the APC in Lagos East Senatorial District, Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, had recently disclosed that the 57 Local Council Chairmen in the state have been asked to work towards the emergence of Sanwonolu as the next governor of the state.

When DAILY POST contacted Tinubu’s spokesperson, Tunde Rahman in an attempt to get his reaction on the face-off, he did not pick up.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/09/tinubu-vs-ambode-apc-leader-reportedly.html

The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has claimed that the federal government did not place a ban on tramadol and cough syrup containing codeine. Chairman of PSN in Rivers State, Wale Oladigbolu, made the declaration yesterday while addressing journalists as part of activities marking the 2018 World Pharmacists Day in Port Harcourt. Oladigbolu said the federal government only put on holds the production and importation of codeine-containing cough syrup.

He said: “They were not actually banned; it was an erroneous information. What the minister said that time was to put on holds production and importation of codeine-containing cough syrup. “In order words, in pharmacies, there are certain quantities that we use. We have to report to the regulatory authorities that this is the quantity I am having and from there, they monitor the sales and dispensing of those products.

That is what happened to codeine-containing syrup. “On tramadol, it was never actually banned. Tramadol is still very central to healthcare delivery in Nigeria. But, the use has to be under controlled-conditions.” The PSN chairman stated that pharmacists and other health-related professionals have resolved to work together to improve health care system in Nigeria. Oladigbolu said: “Incidentally, today, I just received a letter of interprofessional collaboration.

We have seen that the path we are towing is not in the benefit of the public and it is not also to our benefit. So, we have decided to work together for the good of the nation.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/09/fg-did-not-ban-codeine-containing-syrup.html

President Muhammadu Buhari says the Federal Government was committed to winning the war against corruption in Nigeria.
Hide quoted text

Buhari said this in New York at the African Union High-Level Dialogue with the theme: “Winning the Fight against Corruption: A Sustainable Path to Africa’s Transformation.’’

Buhari commended African leaders for the honour bestowed on him to champion the course of fighting corruption in Africa in 2018 and beyond.

The president, however, urged African leaders to also remain committed to the fight against corruption to ensure rapid development of the continent.

According to Buhari, Africa loses about 50 billion dollars to illicit financial flow annually.

“Illicit financial flow out of the continent has become a major concern because of the scale of its negative effects on economic development and governance agenda.

“Some of the effects of corruption include draining of foreign exchange reserves, reduction of tax revenue collection, poor investment inflow and escalation of poverty,” he said.

He said that efforts were being made by African leaders to checkmate the illicit financial flow from the continent

Buhari said that one of the measures necessary if Africa was to make headway in the fight against corruption, was to evolve laws and policies which encourage transparent financial transactions.

He said that another measure was to ensure implementation of measures that would mitigate the incentive that facilitate the illegal outflow of funds from the continent.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/09/buhari-claims-victory-in-war-against.html

Justice Rakiya Haastrup of Industrial Court of Abuja has stayed further proceedings in the suit filed by 110 sacked workers of Amadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. Rakiya held that she was staying further proceedings in the matter in order to wait for the decision of the Court of Appeal pending application that was yet to be determined.

The judge stated at the resumed hearing of the case yesterday in Abuja that “In view of the pending motion for stay of proceedings at the Court of Appeal, this court will wait until it is determined.” The workers in the suit are seeking the garnishing of ABU’s bank accounts with the CBN and three other banks. LEADERSHIP recalls that 110 workers, whose appointments were terminated in 1996, had dragged the university to court, claiming that their appointments were wrongly terminated.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/09/court-stays-further-proceedings-in-abus.html

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in Benue State, yesterday expressed shock over the alleged withdrawal of the final tranche of the Paris Club refund earlier paid to the state government.

Governor Samuel Ortom had last Thursday confirmed the receipt of N 14.9bn Paris Club refund.

Also on Monday, the governor directed the state Ministry of Finance to commence the payment of workers’ salary arrears and allowances to pensioners.

But in a new twist, the federal government allegedly recalled the Paris Club refund for yet-to-be disclosed reason.

In a chat with the media yesterday in Makurdi, the state Chairman of the NLC, Godwin Anya, said; “I don’t know the reason for the recall of the Paris Club loan refund.

“Everybody has been expecting to be paid because the governor on Monday directed the payment of salary arrears.

“I don’t know the reason for that nonsense; I don’t know where this country is heading to.”

Meanwhile, the convener of the Middle Belt Movement for Justice and Peace, Joe Bukka, yesterday, also described the decision of the Federal Government to recall the Paris Club refunds paid to Benue and four other states as “the height of impunity, executive recklessness and a witch – hunt against ordinary Nigerians.”

Speaking also in Makurdi, Bukka insisted that the Federal Government had embarked on a systematic witch-hunt of some state governments probably for political reasons at the detriment of the ordinary Nigerian and civil servants.

He said: “In the first place, it is not the responsibility of the Federal Government to monitor how states disburse and utilise their funds. Moreover, the Paris Club refund was only warehoused by the Federal Government on behalf of the states; it is not a gratification or loan.

“So, the Federal Government lacks the powers to recall the money, which belongs to the state from the onset. As far as we are concerned, this is the height of impunity, executive recklessness and a witch – hunt against the ordinary Nigerians who were expecting to get the backlog of their salaries from the fund.

“We just wonder if this Federal Government has the interest of the ordinary people at heart. Just take for instance a state like Benue that has over time been contending with socio-economic and security challenges as a result of the lingering herdsmen killings, and you want to treacherously sit on their legitimate funds.

“No doubt, this directive will cause collateral damage to the socio- economic life of the government and people of the affected states. Hence, it should be reversed without further delay because even if the states fail to transparently appropriate the funds, they would have the people to contend with.

“The Federal Government must realise that this move will deepen the animosity of the people of the states like Benue towards the APC-led Federal Government because they will be hurt the more and obviously unhappy.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/09/buhari-under-fire-for-withdrawing-paris.html

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has asked the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, to do the needful by declaring its candidate in the Osun State governorship election, Ademola Adeleke winner of the poll.

PDP made the call while maintaining that the Saturday’s governorship election in the state was concluded and Adeleke won.

In a statement by its statement by its Spokesperson, Kola Ologbondiyan, the opposition party also demanded the arrest and prosecution of the Osun State Governorship Election Returning Officer, Prof. Joseph Fuwape.

The statement reads partly: “PDP demands the immediate arrest and prosecution of the Osun State Governorship Election Returning Officer, Prof. Joseph Fuwape,
for succumbing to the pressure of the APC and declaring a decided election as inconclusive.

“We demand that INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu immediately summon the courage to do the needful by declaring our candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke, as winner.

“It is completely ludicrous, that INEC and the APC are now attempting to divert the narrative from the substance of the election by making outlandish allegations against the PDP and lobbying Civil Society Organizations and Electoral Observers to validate their illegality.

“Moreover, even if the Osun governorship election is conducted over and over again, the PDP will still win as the people of the state have chosen the PDP and its candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke.

“Nevertheless, we insist that the September 22, 2018 election, under our laws, is conclusive and our candidate must be declared winner.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/09/osun-decides-pdp-calls-for-arrest-of.html

Adaeze and Joseph Yobo’s little daughter, Lexine Yobo has delved into moddling at a young age, as she acquires her first paid modeling job

The toddler of famous footballer, Joseph Yobo little got paid for her first modeling job recently as announced by her excited mother, Adaeze.

Looking so beautiful, Lexine posed for the amazine pictures rocking two princess themes dress

Check out the photos below;

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/09/adaeze-and-joseph-yobos-little-daughter.html

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has commended the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun for taking the lead in the inconclusive September 22 governorship election in the state.

Ortom gave the commendation in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase, and made available to DAILY POST on Sunday in Abuja.

DAILY POST had reported that PDP candidate Sen. Ademola Adeleke, took the lead in the election declared inconclusive by the INEC with 254,698 votes, closely followed by APC’s candidate, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola who polled 254, 345 votes.

Ortom said, “The conduct of the Osun election reflects the resolve of many Nigerians to give their mandate to the PDP in the 2019 general elections.”

The governor also commended the people of Osun for the peaceful manner they conducted themselves during the poll.

Ortom urged them to sustain their support for the PDP and complete the good work they had started on the day of the re-run.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/09/osun-decides-ortom-reacts-hails-pdp.html

Senate President Bukola Saraki, has said that Osun State election was a test to Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and other security agencies.

Saraki made the statement on his Twitter page while urging INEC to monitor collation of results as the election is a test of democracy in Nigeria.

The Senate President also applauded Nigerians vigilantly following collation of election results and defending the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Saraki wrote: “As we await the result from Osun State, let us remember that collation is just a simple addition of results.

“This election is a test of our democracy. INEC and security agencies are under test. All well meaning Nigerians are awake monitoring the results closely.

“Just spoke to some of our volunteers on ground in Osun State. I’m delighted to hear that even at 2:50am, Nigerians are vigilant and defending PDP’s comfortable lead.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/09/osun-decides-what-election-will-prove.html

Toke Makinwa is living her best life and criticism is not about to stop her.

Hours after social media users called her out for “not paying in full” for her butt enlargement surgery, the media personality and entrepreneur has shown off more of her newly-enhanced backside.

Makinwa, who co-hosted the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) 2018 pageant last night, shared a video of herself twerking to Lil Duval’s Living My Best Life on a private jet.

She captioned the video, “Pop it like it’s Hot #lifeoftheparty ”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/09/toke-makinwa-responds-to-critics-with.html

A former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has declared that an ex-Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has what it takes to defeat President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.

Fani-Kayode said Kwankwaso, a Presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was a good man and a real fighter.

In a tweet, the PDP chieftain stressed that Kwankwaso has a solid support base which he can use against Buhari.

He wrote: “I listened to my friend and brother @KwankwasoRM on @channelstv yesterday and I was impressed.

“He spoke well. He has what it takes to defeat @MBuhari hands down. I know him well. He is a profoundly good man with a solid support base and he is a real fighter.

“Nothing reflects the inferiority complex of @MBuhari more than his eagerness to speak to the foreign media and his reluctance to speak to their Nigeria counterparts.

“He has contempt for Nigerians and he trembles and bows each time the foreign media and foreign leaders call him out.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/09/2019-presidency-why-kwankwaso-has-what.html

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Friday said the revelation that the Minister of Communication, Adebayo Shittu, dodged his compulsory one-year national service, validates its position that President Muhammadu Buhari has many persons of questionable character in his cabinet.

Against this backdrop, PDP “demands the arrest and sack” of Shittu.

In a statement by its spokesperson, Kola Ologbondiyan, the PDP said President Buhari, in appointing fraudulent persons to hold key offices in his government, has shown that he has a weighty integrity burden, contrary to the ‘Mr. Clean’ posturing, which his handlers had always wanted Nigerians to believe.

The opposition party noted Buhari has the moral burden of explaining what gains he derives from appointing fraudulent characters into very sensitive positions, a development that questions his integrity as a leader.

The statement said, “President Buhari should provide answer to allegations that such individuals are being used as henchmen to fritter away trillions of naira from our treasury to service All Progressives Congress (APC) interests and the Presidency cabal

“Nigerians know how President Buhari refused to sack, let alone prosecute the disgraced erstwhile minister of finance, Kemi Adeosun, despite her culpability in certificate forgery and how the agents of the Federal Government escorted her out of the country to prevent her from opening up on the humongous corruption in the Buhari Presidency.

“Mr. President has also not declared why he has refused to sack or prosecute his Special Assistant on Prosecution and Chairman of the Special Investigative Panel for the Recovery of Public Property, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, despite declaration by the West African Examination Council (WAEC) that he parades a fake certificate.

“This is in addition to official cover which the Buhari Presidency provides for corrupt officials in various sectors, including the Petroleum Ministry, where over N10 trillion is alleged to have been stolen under fictitious contracts and sleazy oil subsidy deals as well as the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), where indicted officials were reinstated by the Presidency.

“In fact, the effrontery with which Adebayo Shittu is trying to justify his crime against the nation speaks volume of the impunity in the Buhari administration.”

PDP expressed sadness that the “corruption of the Buhari administration has continued to smear our nation in the international arena, leading to the current dearth in foreign direct investments and development partnership to our country.

“We charge the police to immediately charge Adebayo Shittu, while President Buhari should note that Nigerians have lost confidence in his anti-corruption fight.

“We, therefore, urge President Buhari to prepare himself to accept defeat in the 2019 Presidential elections and quit the stage for a sincere, development-oriented President that will be elected on the platform of the PDP,” the statement added.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/09/what-buhari-police-must-do-to-shittu.html

Gianni Infantino, President of World Football ruling body, FIFA has sent a congratulatory message to Amaju Pinnick on his re-election as the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

In the polls conducted by the NFF Electoral Committee in Katsina, Pinnick beat three other contestants, polling 34 votes.

The second-placed Aminu Maigari got eight votes, with former international, Taiwo Ogunjobi securing only 2 votes, while there was none for club owner, Chinedu Okoye.

In the letter addressed to the NFF and copied to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Infantino congratulated Pinnick and the other executive members who were elected and wished them the best of luck for the challenges ahead.

“Dear Pinnick, allow me to extend to you my warmest congratulations on your re-election as President of the NFF for the 2018 – 2022 period, at today’s NFF Elective Congress in Katsina State.

“Also convey my congratulations to all your colleagues of the Executive Committee who were elected with you.

“I wish you and your team the best of luck, strength and every success for all the challenges that lie ahead.

“I look forward to continuing to work with you and seeing you soon to congratulate you in person,” Infantino said.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/09/nff-how-fifa-president-infantino.html

An Ebute-Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, on Wednesday arraigned one Tajudeen Oladega for allegedly obtaining the sum of N60 million from Stanbic IBTC under the pretext of constructing a filling station.

Sgt. Kehinde Omisakin, the Prosecutor, told the court that the accused committed the offences sometime in 2016 at Stanbic IBTC Bank, Idejo St., Lagos.

According to the prosecutor, the accused approached the bank for a loan of N60 million for the construction of a petrol station.

“When it was, however, time to pay back, the accused presented various cheques, which were all dishonoured for lack of sufficient funds,” he said.

The offences, he said, violated Sections 312, 319 and 419 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.

However, the Chief Magistrate, Mrs O.A. Komolafe, granted the accused to a bail of N10 million with two responsible sureties each in like sum.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.

The case was, thereafter, adjourned till Oct. 25, for mention.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/09/man-allegedly-defrauds-stanbic-ibtc.html

Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri has advised ladies to never shy away from making the first move on a guy they like. According to him, opening their heart to a man will make them a hero and not a prostitute.

Reno Omokri wrote:

“Dear women,

Life is short and happiness is rare. If you find a guy you like, but he is too shy, then make the first move. It does not make you a LovePeddler. A LovePeddler is a woman that opens her legs to any man. A hero is a woman that opens her heart to the man she loves. It does not mean you lack self esteem. Don’t mistake low self esteem for humility. There is a difference. If you believe other people are better than you, you have low self esteem. If you believe you are better than other people, you have pride. If you know that no one is better than you, you have God! #RenosNuggets”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/09/ladies-make-first-move-if-you-like-guy.html

A teenage girl is facing life in prison without the possibility of parole after she allegedly stabbed a fellow student in front of her classmates and teacher.

Tanaya Lewis, 17, was charged with premeditated first-degree murder after allegedly stabbing 16-year-old Danyna Gibson at Fitzgerald High School in Warren, Michigan, on 12 September.

According to Warren Police Commissioner Bill Dwyer, the former friends were embroiled in a dispute over Tanaya’s boyfriend and got into a fight in the classroom at around 8.30am.

Prosecutors said that Danyna tried to flee but Tanaya pursued, yelling “I’m going to kill her” while smiling and laughing. Tanaya allegedly then used what was described as a “straight-edged kitchen knife” to stab the victim four times in front of at least 20 witnesses.

Danyna, who was stabbed twice in the back and twice in the chest, suffered a punctured lung and died in the hospital an hour later.

“Premeditation is abundant in this case,” Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith said after the suspect was held in the county jail without bond.

“It’s simple as the fact that she brought a knife to school – that in and of itself is premeditation. But there was previous dispute, there (were) things said previous to this … the fact that the defendant chased the victim throughout the class while this was going on.”

In Michigan, a person is tried as an adult from the age of 17.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/09/im-going-to-kill-her-17-year-old-girl.html

The founder of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has declared that the Senate President, Bukola Saraki will rule Nigeria for just four years.

Ayodele disclosed that God told him that Nigeria will be in order if Saraki becomes President.

Speaking with The Sun, Ayodele also said the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, will defeat any party only if they stay united.

He said, “Saraki will rule for just four years and put the country in order. I am talking as a prophet of God. I said in 2015 that so many things will happen in Buhari administration and it happened. If PDP puts their house in order; that is what will defeat any party.

“If PDP wants to do well, let them be united, and know what they are doing and do the right thing. I don’t belong to any party.”

He also warned that those defecting from one party to another with corruption cases will end up in jail.

“Most people who are defecting will still land in jail because judgment is coming to all Nigerian leaders. Those who are defecting now are not seeing the consequences ahead of them.

“The forefathers of this nation are not asleep; they want to revenge, we have done a lot of blood sacrifice and that is why things are happening like this.

“It is politics everywhere. They are just doing packaging; nobody is talking about anything that is happening to Nigerians, or how they feel.

“I am not giving any opinion; there is poverty everywhere and because of this, people will vote against their conscience because this is the election of the highest bidder. People will not want to vote for the people they want, but they will vote for a temporal bail out, and that will not settle the case,” he said.

The prophet also warned that true federalism will lead to Nigeria’s breakup.

“True federalism will break Nigeria. Wrong practice of democracy and bloodbath will break the country. It will all start when a shocking referendum will be staged,” he added.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/09/2019-primate-ayodele-speaks-on-what-god.html

Barely two months after getting engaged, Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin have gone on to hold a secret wedding.

PEOPLE reports that the singer, Bieber and model, Baldwin got married in a New York courthouse on Thursday.

TMZ photographed the couple walking into the courthouse where marriage licenses are issued.

A source, however, told the magazine that the couple will be holding a big ceremony with family and friends later. The religious source said, “They’re going to have a big blowout, in front of God and everyone they love”.

Another source said, “As of now, they want a small ceremony with their families. They are not planning a huge, celebrity wedding. They are getting married for love and don’t want a flashy wedding.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/09/justin-bieber-and-hailey-baldwin.html