The Kaduna State Police Command yesterday said no fewer than 55 people were killed and 22 others arrested over the recent crises in Kasuwan Magani in Kajuru local government area of the state.
The state commissioner of police, Ahmad Abdul-Rahman, disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Kaduna yesterday. Abdul-Rahaman said when the command was alerted to the incidents, he immediately dispatched teams of mobile and conventional policemen as well as Operation Yaki agents to restore normalcy in the area. The CP noted that the command also engaged youth leaders, traditional and religious leaders with a view to forestalling future occurrence. He assured that the situation had been brought under control, and warned that the command will not condone acts of lawlessness. According to him, the command is working in synergy with sister security agencies to maintain law and order across the state. The commissioner commended the Kaduna State government for imposing a curfew which, according to him, had doused tension in the area. “Anybody that has a hand in this crisis must face full wrath of the law. We will not allow lawlessness. We remain committed to saving lives and property of every citizens,” he said

He appealed to the public to continue to live in peace, and assist the command with every useful information. Earlier, Governor Nasir el-Rufai had visited the Kasuwan Magani market to sympathise with the victims and assess the situation. The governor warned that the security agencies would deal with anybody causing trouble in the area. He, however, urged the people of Kasuwan Magani to embrace peace and harmony despite their religious and ethnic diversity. The governor added that government would not spare those who instigate crisis in the state. The Kaduna State government had imposed a 24-hour curfew on the Kasuwan Magani Community following the violent skirmishes by hoodlums. Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Peace Commission has called on the residents of Kasuwan Magani to remain calm following the violent skirmishes in the area by the hoodlums.

In a statement issued by Barrister Priscilla Ankut, chief executive officer of the commission, she sympathised with the victims and urged the public to work with the government and the security agencies by promptly reporting any suspicious actions that will threaten peace and security. The statement reads: “Around 5.30pm on Thursday 18th October 2018, the peace and security of Kasuwan Magani town in Kajuru local government of Kaduna State was disturbed by the activities of some hoodlums who caused pandemonium in the market area. The action of the hoodlums triggered fear and anxiety that further led to threat to peace involving the looting of properties and attempts to transform the skirmishes into ethno-religious disturbances. “The Kaduna State Peace Commission conveys its deepest sympathy to all those that were affected in one way or the other by the violence. The Commission is appealing to all the people of the area to remain calm, respect law and order and refrain from all actions that will lead to violence.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/55-dead-22-arrested-in-kaduna-clash.html

I have watched the video clip in which Dr Gumi gave reasons why he took part in the secret conference along with Bishop David Oyedepo, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah and the two heavyweight politicians – Obasanjo and the presidential candidate of the PDP,Atiku Abubakar. In the said video clip (Dr Gumi) claimed that he was called upon to reconcile between Obasanjo and Atiku; meaning a reconciliation between Atiku and his political godfather with a view to burying the hatchet so that Obasanjo may support Atiku’s candidacy in the 2019 elections.

Apparently, this reconciliation is for political gains, from whatever angle you look at it, coming, especially, after Atiku’s emergence as the candidate of the PDP.

Dr Gumi’s attempt to exculpate himself is baffling in that he cited the hadeeth of “HILFUL FUDHUL” as a proof in Shari’ah to what he did. And this is exactly what we dread – a Muslim scholar’s artifice in assigning a place in the Shari’ah for his political manoeuvres.

This is the Hadeeth that (Dr Gumi quoted):

“I was present in Abdullah bin Jud’an’s residence when the oath was covenanted. To my mind, that oath is dearer to me than owning red-haired camels. If I am summoned to it during the Islamic era, I will accept it.”… Al-Baihaqy’s Sunan al-Kubraa (6/596)

Now, “Hilful Fudhul” (League of the Virtuous) is a known incident in the corpus of the Seerah (history) of the Messenger of Allah, Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam. We shall examine how this is analogous or not with the reconciliation that Dr Gumi attended in Abeokuta with a view to establishing its propriety.

1- Is the word ‘Hilf’ synonymous with ‘Sulh’ in the Arabic language, or the Shari’ah, or Urf?

Whoever examines the two words will find out that they do not mean the same thing. This is the meaning of ‘Hilf’:

‘The origin of ‘al-Hilf’ (Alliance): ‘is’ Treaty, and Covenant on mutual support and agreement’. An-Nihaayah fee ghareeb al-Hadeeth wal Athar (1/424)

‘Sulh’ (reconciliation), on the other hand, is to make two parties become friendly with each other after quarrelling.

‘And reconciliation is the removal of contention among people.’ Al-Mufradaat fee ghareeb al-Qur’aan (p.489)

Therefore, reconciliation is to ameliorate the contention ‘between two parties’, while ‘al-Hilf’, alliance, is to contract a treaty on something or a covenant on mutual support. There is a mighty space of distance between the two!

2- The difference between the subject matter of “Hilful Fudhul” and that of the Abeokuta Reconciliation.

What happened at “Hilful Fudhul” was a concurrence in the formation of an alliance against injustice and its perpetrators, so that the oppressed could be succoured.

Ibn Hishaam narrated from Ibn Is’haaq that the leaders of Makkah convened the ‘Hilf’ and he said:

“They contracted and covenanted that there would not be an oppressed person among the inhabitants of Makkah, or among any foreigner that entered the city, but that they would come to the aid of such an oppressed person and restore to them their rights and whatever was taken from them.

“From then on, the Makkans christened that alliance as “Hilful Fudhul”.” Seerah ibn Hishaam (1/133-134)

What transpired in Abeokuta was reconciliation between Atiku and Obasanjo because of their longstanding feud, at a time when the former has emerged as the presidential candidate of the PDP; he needs Obasanjo’s endorsement, thus the reconciliation, which may help him to win the coming election.

Therefore, plainly there is no resemblance between “Hilful Fudhul” and the Abeokuta Reconciliation!

3- Making peace between two (contending) non-Muslims or between a non-Muslim and a Muslim:

On the basis of the Prophet’s saying “If I am summoned to it (Hilf) during the Islamic era, (as the one in the benighted period of Jaahiliyyah) I will accept it.”… Dr Gumi inferred that the Abeokuta Reconciliation he attended was compliant with the Shari’ah, since “Hilful Fudhul” was convened by non-Muslims (and witnessed by the Prophet, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam), he could, therefore, reconcile between two non-Muslims or between a non-Muslim and a Muslim.

There is nothing in the Hadeeth to support that inference as the Prophet, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam, did not praise the participants of the ‘Hilf’, but rather, his concern was on the subject matter of the alliance which aimed at stopping oppression, assisting those who were wronged and establishing justice. Therefore, the Prophet, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam did not pay attention to the participants, but to what they did as their reason for the alliance!

Commenting on the Hadeeth of assisting an oppressed person, Al-Qaadhy ‘Iyaadh said:

“Such confederation is permissible since it purposed to uphold the truth as occurred at “Hiflul Fudhul” when he said:‘If I am summoned to it during the Islamic era, I will accept it.’…” Ikmaalul Mu’allim bi fawaa’id Muslim (8/53)

Similarly, Ibnul Qayyim, in an exposition of the forbidden ‘Hilf’, he expounded the lawful ‘Hilf’ thus:

“Islam confirms the kind of ‘Hilf’ that took place during the pre-Islamic era as part of what it urges and encourages – mutual support, helping one another, making Allah’s word to be the uppermost, exertion in the cause of Allah, and preservation of unity (amongst people)…” Aunul Ma’buud wa Haashiyatu ibn Al-Qayyim (8/101)

The composition of the parties in a ‘Hilf’, therefore, is of less significance than the reason for convening the ‘Hilf’. Likewise the reconciliation; if it facilitates a rapprochement between people who will, afterwards, forge alliances to perpetrate oppression, then, that reconciliation is unlawful, because reconciling wrongdoers is oppression in itself.

Also, we have to look closely at the Abeokuta Reconciliation. It is apparent that the advancement of political gains was at the heart of the convention; seeking for Obasanjo’s assent and support for Atiku’s candidacy and to ensure victory in the elections. The Abeokuta Reconciliation was not a gathering to uphold truth; it was rather a political expedient.

The close relationship between Dr Gumi and Atiku is open to all, as well as Dr Gumi’s consistent, even better than the opposition’s, disparagement of the Buhari government, which further confirms that the quasi-secret conference of Dr Gumi and co. was for political capital in favour of Atiku. Even in the video clip under review, Dr Gumi campaigned for Atiku by criticising Buhari, in as much as he said: “Whoever is not satisfied with their current condition, let them vote for an alternative in the forthcoming elections.”

From whatever angle you view the ‘Hilful Fudhul’ Hadeeth, doubtless, there is neither immediate nor remote correlation between it and the Abeokuta Reconciliation; and citing it as an evidence for that sordid meeting is a horrid disservice to Islamic scholarship and the Shari’ah.

On account of the above, the video clip of Dr Gumi that went viral contains egregious mistakes as it betrays textual analysis that is deficient in the understanding of the Hadeeth.

Another grave mistake in the video clip is the attempt to paint, with a takfeer brush, Muslims who opposed his position on the reconciliation, by calling them ‘Maguzawa’, idolatrous Hausas. Honestly, this is a serious mistake that Dr Gumi should correct; as we all know, only innovators in religion declare Muslims as renegades in their creed.

Finally, we call on religious scholars to maintain their position as leaders of the Ummah, and avoid plunging their reputation into (the rocky ravine of) politicking.

Written by Sheikh (Dr) Aliyu Muhammad Translated from Hausa to English by Abubakr Siddeeq Muhammad


https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/hilful-fudhul-league-of-virtuous-is.html

I have watched the video clip in which Dr Gumi gave reasons why he took part in the secret conference along with Bishop David Oyedepo, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah and the two heavyweight politicians – Obasanjo and the presidential candidate of the PDP,Atiku Abubakar. In the said video clip (Dr Gumi) claimed that he was called upon to reconcile between Obasanjo and Atiku; meaning a reconciliation between Atiku and his political godfather with a view to burying the hatchet so that Obasanjo may support Atiku’s candidacy in the 2019 elections.

Apparently, this reconciliation is for political gains, from whatever angle you look at it, coming, especially, after Atiku’s emergence as the candidate of the PDP.

Dr Gumi’s attempt to exculpate himself is baffling in that he cited the hadeeth of “HILFUL FUDHUL” as a proof in Shari’ah to what he did. And this is exactly what we dread – a Muslim scholar’s artifice in assigning a place in the Shari’ah for his political manoeuvres.

This is the Hadeeth that (Dr Gumi quoted):

“I was present in Abdullah bin Jud’an’s residence when the oath was covenanted. To my mind, that oath is dearer to me than owning red-haired camels. If I am summoned to it during the Islamic era, I will accept it.”… Al-Baihaqy’s Sunan al-Kubraa (6/596)

Now, “Hilful Fudhul” (League of the Virtuous) is a known incident in the corpus of the Seerah (history) of the Messenger of Allah, Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam. We shall examine how this is analogous or not with the reconciliation that Dr Gumi attended in Abeokuta with a view to establishing its propriety.

1- Is the word ‘Hilf’ synonymous with ‘Sulh’ in the Arabic language, or the Shari’ah, or Urf?

Whoever examines the two words will find out that they do not mean the same thing. This is the meaning of ‘Hilf’:

‘The origin of ‘al-Hilf’ (Alliance): ‘is’ Treaty, and Covenant on mutual support and agreement’. An-Nihaayah fee ghareeb al-Hadeeth wal Athar (1/424)

‘Sulh’ (reconciliation), on the other hand, is to make two parties become friendly with each other after quarrelling.

‘And reconciliation is the removal of contention among people.’ Al-Mufradaat fee ghareeb al-Qur’aan (p.489)

Therefore, reconciliation is to ameliorate the contention ‘between two parties’, while ‘al-Hilf’, alliance, is to contract a treaty on something or a covenant on mutual support. There is a mighty space of distance between the two!

2- The difference between the subject matter of “Hilful Fudhul” and that of the Abeokuta Reconciliation.

What happened at “Hilful Fudhul” was a concurrence in the formation of an alliance against injustice and its perpetrators, so that the oppressed could be succoured.

Ibn Hishaam narrated from Ibn Is’haaq that the leaders of Makkah convened the ‘Hilf’ and he said:

“They contracted and covenanted that there would not be an oppressed person among the inhabitants of Makkah, or among any foreigner that entered the city, but that they would come to the aid of such an oppressed person and restore to them their rights and whatever was taken from them.

“From then on, the Makkans christened that alliance as “Hilful Fudhul”.” Seerah ibn Hishaam (1/133-134)

What transpired in Abeokuta was reconciliation between Atiku and Obasanjo because of their longstanding feud, at a time when the former has emerged as the presidential candidate of the PDP; he needs Obasanjo’s endorsement, thus the reconciliation, which may help him to win the coming election.

Therefore, plainly there is no resemblance between “Hilful Fudhul” and the Abeokuta Reconciliation!

3- Making peace between two (contending) non-Muslims or between a non-Muslim and a Muslim:

On the basis of the Prophet’s saying “If I am summoned to it (Hilf) during the Islamic era, (as the one in the benighted period of Jaahiliyyah) I will accept it.”… Dr Gumi inferred that the Abeokuta Reconciliation he attended was compliant with the Shari’ah, since “Hilful Fudhul” was convened by non-Muslims (and witnessed by the Prophet, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam), he could, therefore, reconcile between two non-Muslims or between a non-Muslim and a Muslim.

There is nothing in the Hadeeth to support that inference as the Prophet, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam, did not praise the participants of the ‘Hilf’, but rather, his concern was on the subject matter of the alliance which aimed at stopping oppression, assisting those who were wronged and establishing justice. Therefore, the Prophet, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam did not pay attention to the participants, but to what they did as their reason for the alliance!

Commenting on the Hadeeth of assisting an oppressed person, Al-Qaadhy ‘Iyaadh said:

“Such confederation is permissible since it purposed to uphold the truth as occurred at “Hiflul Fudhul” when he said:‘If I am summoned to it during the Islamic era, I will accept it.’…” Ikmaalul Mu’allim bi fawaa’id Muslim (8/53)

Similarly, Ibnul Qayyim, in an exposition of the forbidden ‘Hilf’, he expounded the lawful ‘Hilf’ thus:

“Islam confirms the kind of ‘Hilf’ that took place during the pre-Islamic era as part of what it urges and encourages – mutual support, helping one another, making Allah’s word to be the uppermost, exertion in the cause of Allah, and preservation of unity (amongst people)…” Aunul Ma’buud wa Haashiyatu ibn Al-Qayyim (8/101)

The composition of the parties in a ‘Hilf’, therefore, is of less significance than the reason for convening the ‘Hilf’. Likewise the reconciliation; if it facilitates a rapprochement between people who will, afterwards, forge alliances to perpetrate oppression, then, that reconciliation is unlawful, because reconciling wrongdoers is oppression in itself.

Also, we have to look closely at the Abeokuta Reconciliation. It is apparent that the advancement of political gains was at the heart of the convention; seeking for Obasanjo’s assent and support for Atiku’s candidacy and to ensure victory in the elections. The Abeokuta Reconciliation was not a gathering to uphold truth; it was rather a political expedient.

The close relationship between Dr Gumi and Atiku is open to all, as well as Dr Gumi’s consistent, even better than the opposition’s, disparagement of the Buhari government, which further confirms that the quasi-secret conference of Dr Gumi and co. was for political capital in favour of Atiku. Even in the video clip under review, Dr Gumi campaigned for Atiku by criticising Buhari, in as much as he said: “Whoever is not satisfied with their current condition, let them vote for an alternative in the forthcoming elections.”

From whatever angle you view the ‘Hilful Fudhul’ Hadeeth, doubtless, there is neither immediate nor remote correlation between it and the Abeokuta Reconciliation; and citing it as an evidence for that sordid meeting is a horrid disservice to Islamic scholarship and the Shari’ah.

On account of the above, the video clip of Dr Gumi that went viral contains egregious mistakes as it betrays textual analysis that is deficient in the understanding of the Hadeeth.

Another grave mistake in the video clip is the attempt to paint, with a takfeer brush, Muslims who opposed his position on the reconciliation, by calling them ‘Maguzawa’, idolatrous Hausas. Honestly, this is a serious mistake that Dr Gumi should correct; as we all know, only innovators in religion declare Muslims as renegades in their creed.

Finally, we call on religious scholars to maintain their position as leaders of the Ummah, and avoid plunging their reputation into (the rocky ravine of) politicking.

Written by Sheikh (Dr) Aliyu Muhammad Translated from Hausa to English by Abubakr Siddeeq Muhammad

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/hilful-fudhul-league-of-virtuous-is.html

Blessing Onuh-Mark, one of the daughters of immediate past President of the Senate, David Mark, has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

DAILY POST reports that her defection came barely two weeks after losing the party’s ticket for Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency to her uncle, Johnson Egli Ahubi.

Ahubi is the current Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly.

It was gathered that Blessing, who is wife of the former Local Government chairman of Otukpo, Innocent Onuh, was advised to step aside for her uncle, Ahubi, but she refused.

Before the party’s primaries, Mrs. Onuh pitched her tent with Chief Mike Onoja, who also lost the Benue South Senatorial district ticket of the PDP to Abba Moro, former Interior Minister.

Few weeks after losing the PDP ticket, Onoja joined the Social Democratic Party where the former party’s senatorial flag bearer, Adakole Ijogi, stepped down for him.

A source hinted our reporter on Tuesday that Mrs. Onuh had equally picked the SDP ticket to slug it out in the 2019 general elections with his uncle, Ahubi, and other contenders.

“The truth is, Blessing was not happy with the whole drama that played out. She is also not happy because her father did not use his influence to get her the ticket.

“But (Okpani) Mark told her to wait until 2023 but she refused. Senator Mark doesn’t want to impose his daughter on the people. Now, she has picked the SDP ticket with Mike Onoja who also decamped from PDP last week,” the source hinted this reporter.

A chieftain of the party in Benue South, who pleaded anonymity, described her exit as ‘immaterial’

“She was not known before now as a member of the party, she was only riding on her father’s influence. Her defection is immaterial and we don’t care if she’s leaving or not.

“Well, it has not been made known but I don’t think it is worth discussing,” the PDP chieftain told our reporter in Otukpo.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/david-marks-daughter-blessing-onuh.html

Real Madrid have opposed staging a Spanish league game between Barcelona and Girona in the United States.

La Liga asked the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) for permission to hold the match in Miami on 26 January.

In a letter to the RFEF Real said it was “fundamental” teams play “home and away at each other’s stadium” for “the integrity and equality” of La Liga.

The RFEF president Luis Rubiales has spoken out against the game, as has the Spanish players’ union (AFE).

European governing body Uefa, the US Soccer Federation and Concacaf, which governs the game in north and central America and the Caribbean region also need to give their permission for the game to happen.

The proposed ‘home’ match for Girona, a Catalan town situated around 60 miles north of Barcelona, would take place at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium on 26 January at 19:45 GMT.

La Liga, Spain’s top division, has agreed to play one game a season in the US as part of a 15-year deal with media company Relevent.

In their letter, Real said: “First of all we would like to declare that Real Madrid were never informed that La Liga had requested to play the game nor of the intention to make the request, and we were never asked our opinion on it.

“Nor, obviously, did La Liga obtain Real Madrid’s agreement, despite the fact that this game affects a competition in which we participate.”

Following a meeting with La Liga, the AFE said the players would have the “final say”.

La Liga President Javier Tebas recently said: “Teams have also played at other stadiums while their grounds are being renovated or in order to generate more revenue.

“If we really believe in this sporting puritanism then we would need to make many changes in football.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/real-madrid-protest-to-spanish-fa-over.html

In this report, AHURAKA YUSUF ISAH takes a look at the antecedents of the two major presidential flag bearers, President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stating that the prevailing conditions rather than candidates’ backgrounds will determine choices of Nigerians in 2019 presidential election.

Barring unforeseen circumstances, it is most certain that Nigerians will have to make a choice between incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential flag bearer, Atiku Abubakar, in the 2019 Presidential election. The emerging political theatre may remind one of a discourse in Charles Dickens’ “A Tale of two cities’’ which is set in London and in Paris and the French countryside at the time of the French Revolution. The book is sympathetic to the overthrow of the French aristocracy but highly critical of the reign of terror that followed. With dramatic eloquence, he brings to life a time of terror and treason, a starving people rising in frenzy and hate to overthrow a corrupt and decadent regime.
Dickens, perhaps tells it all in a terse summary; ‘’ It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, …in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, …’’

The strongest point upon which Buhari was voted president of Nigeria in 2015 was his avowed campaigns to rid the country of corruption and insurgency ravaging the country.
Nigerians won’t forget easily, he came to rout out the Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Shagari’s administration on charges of corruption in 1983 and mounted an offensive against entrenched interests. Buhari justified his barely two years military’s seizure of power from 31 December 1983 to 27 August 1985, by castigating the civilian government as ‘’hopelessly corrupt’’; arguing that “a flawed democracy was worse than no democracy at all”. In 20 months as Military Head of State, about 500 politicians, officials and businessmen were jailed for corruption during his stewardship. Detainees were released after releasing sums to the government and agreeing to meet certain conditions.

However, President Buhari constituted his cabinet six months after his inauguration with claims that he was taking his time to choose the right team for his government. After the long wait, Nigerians were greeted by a not too inspiring list of nominees for the cabinet, as many believed that they were made up of people with questionable past, incompetence and tired hands, many of who contributed to the dismal state of the country he promised to set a right. This is just as most of his aides are people he grew up with or know for quite a long time, thereby appointing them in highly sensitive positions, irrespective of their qualifications. There are those he simply entrusted with official responsibilities due to his relationship with the persons’ parents or family connections.
He promised to turn exchange rate then from near N150 per one dollar to N1 per $1. The Central Bank Governor he inherited from previous government is still there managing 5-different exchange rates, with dollar exchanging for over N500 at a time. The finance minister has just bowed out after he was caught to have forged her NYSC exemption certificate.
No doubt, there are, however, some trusted and competent professionals in the team. Now, over 3 years down the lane or into inauguration of this administration, however, the country has yet to experience the needed progress in some critical sectors. Many have given the administration a low score, and attributed the failure of the executive largely to some poor-performing members of the cabinet, which the President has refused to change; except for those trapped in wild controversies. This is aside the ugly scenes of in-fighting amongst members of the same government, just as some with unprecedented audacity counters President’s nominations without serving punishments for it.

A cursory glance at the governors who have scored low points on performance and failed to pay workers’ salaries in their states are governors so dear to President’s heart. Ditto, the ministers, aides and assistants highly close to the President are the very ones so indulgent of him and also undoing him with cheerless performance. One of the greatest let down of the administration is the obtuse or thick-headedness, highly inaccessible to their constituencies, whether of abode or profession. No sooner than they got to their present positions, when they abandoned or distanced themselves from their childhood friends, professional colleagues and erstwhile contacts and benefactors. This is why there are general complaints of hunger, misery, deprivation and insistence that the wealth is getting concentrated in few hands of those in government, President’s men and women and their relatives.
Salaries are not paid by many state governors for 20 to 30 months running despite the monthly allocations, federal government bailouts, Paris club sharing and internal generated funds. They are not under any control just as they turn states fund to their fiefdom. It’s just recently governors were told to render returns on salary payment updates before accessing the new bailout, yet most of the defaulting governors are already forging documents to meet needed requirements. This is just as most of them have not invited the president to commission projects, yet no one ask them to explain.
The anti-corruption war is being fought without a confirmed EFCC chairman, Senate has relied on DSS reports signed by its ousted boss, Lawal Daura indicating that Ibrahim Magu is not fit and proper for the job. This is just as anti-corruption suits are easier lost in the courts than won in courts under the AGF Abubakar Malami (SAN) due to poor prosecution. Besides, Malami hardly attend judiciary events even at the Supreme Court unlike previous AGFs. It was more than a stab at the back of judiciary when he disclosed on November 29, 2016 that he authorised the raid on the homes of judges on October 9, 2016 and their subsequent arrest by the DSS. Malami made the revelation when he finally appeared before the House of Representatives ad hoc committee investigating the invasion of property and arrest of persons for reasons outside the general duties of the DSS.

The endless presidency-National Assembly conflict is President Buhari’s greatest albatross, seeing to yearly budgets being passed between May and July. Roads have further degraded in the country under APC ruling, for instant, it takes two hours to drive from Itakpe Junction to Okene for a distance of less than 5km, while internal roads within Okene town are better seen than imagined. No electricity, no pipe borne water just as school dropouts have snowballed due to none payment of salaries for upward of 24 months.
The House of Representatives have advised President Buhari to use the recovered $321m Abacha loot to revamp Ajaokuta Steel Company, after Malami was ‘’stopped’’ from paying $17m out of it to Oladipo Okpeseyi (SAN) and Temitope Isaac Adebayo, the two lawyers he claimed he hired to recover the fund; same job a Swiss Lawyer, Enrico Monfrini, was engaged and paid upfront in 1999 to do and he did. Curiously, the Federal Government have in the widest economic imagination is said to be sharing this money ‘’to empower’’ some people, which many say is euphemism for re-looting.
Nobody can doubt President Buhari’s intention and determination to put the country on good pedestal, rid the country of corruption and insurgencies, but many Nigerians believe that his aides and lieutenants are merely taking advantages of his health challenges to undo the country. Many will easily praise him for measures adopted to crush Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Niger-Delta Avengers or Militants which were set to tear unity and economy of the country into pieces respectively. Boko Haram insurgents were curtailed to some extents, though exploits of these insurgents in recent time are about robbing off the gains secured by the military two to three years back. But his military swift actions to rid their erstwhile occupations of some territories will continue to deserve praises, notwithstanding that invading herdsmen in the middle belt of the country were not summarily tackled.
On Sunday October 7, 2018, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, emerged as the PDP Presidential Flag bearer in the 2019 elections.
Atiku scored 1,532 votes to defeat 11 other contestants including Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, who scored 693 votes and Senate President, Bukola Saraki who placed third with 317 votes.
Rabiu Kwankwaso polled 158 votes, Ibrahim Dankwambo (111 votes), Sule Lamido (96 votes), Ahmed Makarfi (74 votes), Tanimu Turaki (65 votes), Attahiru Bafarawa (48 votes), David Mark (35 votes), Jonah Jang (19 votes), Datti Ahmed (05 votes).

The Chief Returning Officer at the convention and Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, declared Atiku as the winner after the votes were counted at the Adokiye Amiesemeka stadium, the venue of the PDP National Convention in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. A day before then, the ruling APC confirmed Buhari as its candidate at a non-competitive convention in Abuja,
Atiku, a retired deputy director of Nigeria Customs and vice president between 1999 and 2007 was born on 25 November 1946 to a Fulani trader and farmer Garba Abubakar, and his second wife, Aisha Kande, in Jada village of Adamawa State. The story has it that Atiku did not start school until at the age of eight because his father opposed western education. When his not going to school was noticed, his father was arrested and jailed until he paid a fine. Consequently, Atiku got registered into Jada Primary School, and after his primary school, he was admitted into Adamawa Provincial Secondary School Yola in the year 1960. He later finished his secondary school in 1965 after he made grade three in the West African School Certificate Examination. Atiku then proceeded to Nigerian Police College, Kaduna. He left the college for a position as tax officer in the Regional Ministry of Finance. Later he got admission to study at the School of Hygiene Kano in 1966. In 1967, he graduated with a Diploma. That same year, Atiku was admitted for a Law Diploma at Ahmadu Bello University on a scholarship. He graduated in 1969 and got employed by Nigeria Customs Service that same year.
However, he was married five times, but he divorced one of his wives, Ladi. He has 26 children from all five women. Atiku has expressed his desire to become the President of Nigeria. He ran for presidency in 1992, 2006-2007, and 2011, 2015; until he now secured ticket to run for it under the PDP in 2019.
It is a well known fact that Atiku is highly involved in business just as in politics. He is estimated to worth over $1.6 billion. But he began his business life while in Customs through a loan of N31,000 he obtained in 1974 to build a house for rent in Yola.

In 1981 he moved into agriculture, acquiring 2,500 hectares of land near Yola to start a maize and cotton farm. The business fell on hard times and closed in 1986. He then ventured into trading, buying and selling truckloads of rice, flour and sugar. His most important business move came while he was a Customs Officer at the Apapa Ports. Gabrielle Volpi, an Italian businessman in Nigeria, invited him to set up Nigeria Container Services (NICOTES), a logistics company operating within the Ports. NICOTES would go on to provide immense wealth to Atiku. The company was later known as Intels, and it is an oil servicing business that has extensive operations inside and outside of Nigeria. Nevertheless, along with large sums of money, Atiku’s involvement in the creation of NICOTES/Intels has also brought various accusations of money laundering and conflict of interest. But as one can observe, not much has come out of those allegations, and Atiku is still one of the wealthiest people in Nigeria.
As the saying goes, behind every great fortune, there is a great crime; or behind a big wealth is a big crime, as the Russians will want to put it.
Atiku was the subject of a probe 10 years ago, by a U.S. Senate Permanent sub-committee on Investigations, chaired by Senator Carl Levin. The probe was motivated by U.S. government concern about corruption in the Third World and its corrosive effects on the development of honest government, democratic principles, and the rule of law.
“It is also blamed for distorting markets, deterring investment, deepening poverty, undermining international aid efforts, and fostering crime. Some have drawn connections between corruption, failed states, and terrorism. Corruption also continues to be a massive problem. The World Bank has estimated that $1 trillion in bribes alone exchange hands worldwide each year,” the committee noted in its bulky report.
Abubakar was not the only foreign Politically Exposed Person (PEP) probed by the committee. He had company in Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, now the 48-year-old son of Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mbasogo, the President of Equatorial Guinea (EG), late President of Gabon, Omar Bongo and three Angolan PEP accounts, involving an Angolan arms dealer, an Angolan government official, and a small Angolan private bank.

The committee submitted its report on 4, February, 2010, three years after Atiku left office. The report unveiled violations of U.S. laws by Atiku and his fourth wife, Jennifer Douglas, now Jamila Atiku. It also included revelations about Siemens bribe paid into one of the accounts. The report of the Committee indicted Atiku as being responsible for the laundering of over $40 million into the United States illegally.
Of the $40 million in suspect funds, $25 million was wire transferred by offshore corporations into more than 30 U.S. bank accounts opened by Ms. Douglas, primarily by Guernsey Trust Company Nigeria Ltd., LetsGo Ltd. Inc., and Sima Holding Ltd. In a 2008 civil complaint, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission alleged that Ms. Douglas received over $2 million in bribe payments in 2001 and 2002, from Siemens AG, a major German corporation. While Ms. Douglas denies wrongdoing, Siemens has already pleaded guilty to U.S. criminal charges and settled civil charges related to bribery and told the sub-committee that it sent the payments to one of her U.S. accounts. In 2007, Mr. Abubakar was the subject of corruption allegations in Nigeria related to the Petroleum Technology Development Fund.
Atiku said in an interview with Dele Momodu which was published in The Boss Newspaper in December 2017, that the U.S. authorities have nothing against him. This is just as Atiku alleged that President Buhari was banned from entering the United States for 15 years before he became president because Americans had reservations about his religious views. “For about 15 years, Buhari could not enter America on account of religious considerations,” Atiku said.

But the Presidency in a swift reaction then denied the allegation, saying that President Buhari was never barred from entering the US.
Atiku however said he said he was able to visit Europe regularly without being arrested for onward extradition to the U.S., adding that if Nigerians elect him president, he would be allowed into the United States just like President Buhari and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, both of whom are now being accorded red carpet treatments in the U.S. after becoming leaders of their respective countries.
However, the Special Adviser on media and publicity to the President Femi Adesina in a statement said that such comment from the former Vice President was a concoction being passed off as truth.
Meanwhile, Atiku has chosen former Anambra state governor, Peter Obi, known for fiscal discipline, infrastructural development economic reform as his running mate. Many people especially of south eastern extractions said he has sticky hands, meaning not generous unlike Atiku who is a philanthropist.
What seems to be at stake in Nigeria is the prevalence of hunger, high cost of food items, high exchange rate and bad roads all over the country.
According to one Suleiman Onuche, ‘’the ruling government should better look for what to say other than Atiku’s corruption baggage because Nigerians are prepared to look the other way with him if he has what it takes to provide food for their drained stomachs’’.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/will-candidates-antecedents-count-at.html

There seems to be some kind of resonance between former Big Brother Naija contestant, TBoss Idowu and every camera that focuses on her.

Whenever this Romanian beauty strikes a pose, she does so effortlessly, and the result never comes short of beauty. It is however, safe to say that she is Big Brother’s Top Model.
TBoss Idowu shares new pictures.

In these new pictures of the TV star turned actress, she looks angelic in a beautiful white gown as she poses by a lakeside. Holding fast to some sort of gem, the beautiful lady can only be described as what she is; beautiful. A follower even said she looks like Merlin’s Guinevere.

Pictures below;

TBoss Idowu

Her follower’s comment below;

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/bbnaija-star-tboss-idowu-looks.html

The Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, has said that it would be suicidal if President Muhammadu Buhari returns to power in 2019.

Tambuwal, who was one of the 12 presidential aspirants on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, alleged that Buhari was not in charge of the country.

Tambuwal claimed that the President ran the country by proxy.

He spoke in Abuja on Monday when the Peace and Reconciliation Committee of the PDP paid him a visit in his Maitama (Abuja) residence.

He said, “I want to reassure you, our party men and women and Nigerians that I am committed to the success and victory of our party at the general elections, come February 2019.

“We have had a robust and fruitful engagement on the way forward and I have made my commitment immediately after the convention that I am going to support our candidate, Wazirin Adamawa, Atiku Abubakar, 100 per cent for us to have a victory at the general elections. So, I am not wavering, I am not looking back.

“Work has started for us to ensure that the PDP family remains united and other lovers of democracy come and partner with us for us to ensure that we convincingly win the election.”

According to the former House of Representatives Speaker, the task of wresting power from the ruling party was not his personal ambition, adding that “all of the issues we have discussed, canvassed and traversed for during our meeting with delegates and party leaders, have remained there.”

He added, “The maladministration and the way the country is being run through proxies is unacceptable.

“President Buhari is not in charge. It will be suicidal for him to return to power for another four years. So, we don’t want a situation whereby that will continue anytime after May 29, 2019.

“We want a government in which the President of Nigeria will be right on top of issues. One that will respect the rule of law.

“So, I have given my commitment and I mean it, I am out for it. By the grace of God, we shall support Atiku Abubakar and the PDP to win elections throughout Nigeria.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/2019-presidency-what-will-happen-if.html

The Coalition for Nigeria Movement led by former President Olusegun Obasanjo has blasted the President Muhammadu Buhari administration for imposing a travel ban on 50 Nigerians.

The federal government on Saturday banned 50 Nigerians from traveling abroad over corruption cases.

Presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, in a statement, said Buhari had mandated the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice to implement the Executive Order 6 in full force.

He wrote: “To this end, a number of enforcement procedures are currently in place by which the Nigeria Immigration Service and other security agencies have placed no fewer than 50 high profile persons directly affected by EO6 on watch-list and restricted them from leaving the county pending the determination of their cases.

“Also, the financial transactions of these persons of interest are being monitored by the relevant agencies to ensure that the assets are not dissipated and such persons do not interfere with, nor howsoever corrupt the investigation and litigation processes.”

Reacting to the ban which has generated reactions, CNM in a statement by its Director, Strategic communications, Akin Osuntokun, on Sunday described the ban as a subversion of the rule of law, reminiscent of military decrees.

The CNM disclosed that the new executive order was an attempt to muzzle the opposition, adding that Buhari had been planning to use security agencies to achieve a hidden agenda.

The statement read in part, “Recall that journalists were jailed on account of a similar decree that criminalised any reporting that embarrassed his government. Against this background, what the Executive Order 6 portends is a significant step towards the creation of a police state.

“It is also against this background that the personalisation of the national security architecture makes sense.

“Otherwise there would have been no need to continue to reinforce the lopsided and parochial subversion and subordination of the security agencies to a personality cult agenda, at every available opportunity.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/obasanjos-coalition-reveals-why-buhari.html

The United Nations Secretary-General has said he is saddened by the devastating floods that has ravaged Nigeria, particularly with sad reports that over 200 people have been lost to the menace.

The UN Secretary -General in a statement signed by his spokesperson……. said “The secretary-general extends his condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and prays for very quick recovery.

The statement further said, “The UN expresses its solidarity with Nigeria during this difficult time and stands ready to support as required.”

The UN scribe said in addition to the rising devastating death toll , an additional 1,300 persons have been reportedly injured while nearly two million are affected by the recent flooding in areas along the Niger and Benue rivers in Nigeria.

The statement has it that “More than half a million have been displaced and over 350,000 are in need of immediate humanitarian assistance. “

Recall that officials of the National Emergency Management Agency, “Torrential rains have unleashed floods in different parts of Nigeria over the past few days, killing at least 200 people and damaging thousands of homes.

This is after a national disaster was initially declared in four states – Kogi, Niger, Anambra and Delta .

Spokesperson of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Sani Datti

had earlier revealed that “available data indicates that no fewer than 100 persons have died so far in ten (10) states

It would be recalled that a national disaster was declared in four states – Kogi, Niger, Anambra and Delta. Kogi and Niger are in central Nigeria whereas the other two are in the south.

In Lokoja, the state capital of Kogi, floods partially submerged several houses. The city lies at the confluence of the Benue and the Niger, Africa’s third-longest river, making it particularly vulnerable to high waters.

It’s no longer news that the rainy season, which typically runs from March to September, usually brings with it inevitable flooding. Such flooding is exacerbated by poor infrastructure and lack of planning to protect against the waters, but this year the destruction has been the worst recorded since 2012.

At least ,140 people were killed and tens of thousands forced to abandon their homes in 2012, in Nigeria’s worst flooding in more than five decades.

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency ( NIHSA ) said that nine states on the River Niger trough and three others on River Benue trough may experience flooding this year, following persistent rainfall. Some the states are: Niger, Anambra, Kwara, Kogi, Kebbi and Jigawa and Benue among others.

Besides the alert by relevant agencies, Nigerians are daily being inundated with news of effects of flooding, especially in Niger, where flood has led to loss of lives and destruction to farmlands, houses and other valuable property.

Hydrological experts have disclosed that the water level in some riverine state had risen to 10. 66 metres above the sea level. Related UN demands swift justice for perpetrators of Borno killings August 22, 2018

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/un-commiserates-with-nigeria-over.html

Following the choice of former Anambra State Governor, Dr. Peter Obi as the running mate to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar in the 2019 president election, former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Doyin Okupe, has predicted the percentage of votes that President Muhammadu Buhari will get in each state of the 6 geographical regions in the country.

The former presidential aide had yesterday conducted a similar poll on Buhari’s main challenger, Atiku Abubakar.

Okupe had said Atiku will poll 70% votes in North East and North Central states of Nigeria to defeat Buhari in 2019.

In a series tweets on Friday night, Okupe, gave Buhari no chance in the South East as a result of Obi’s choice as Atiku’s VP.

He tweeted:

North East:

Bauchi PMB 50%
Gombe PMB 20%
Yobe….PMB 50%
Borno PMB 50%
Adamawa PMB 20%
Taraba PMB 20%
Average…..PMB 35%

5. South South
Rivers…..PMB….35%
C/rivers PMB….35%
Akwa ibom PMB.35%
Delta PMB 40%
Bayelsa PMB 35%
Average PMB 30%

3.North central
Kwara PMB…30%
Kogi PMB 40%
Niger PMB 30%
Nasarawa PMB.. 35%
Benue PMB……..20%
Benue PMB………20%
Average. PMB…30% approx

South South

Rivers PMB…..35%
C/R…….PMB. 35%
A/ibom PMB.. 35%
Delta PMB….40%
Edo PMB..30%
Bayelsa PMB 15%
Average…PMB 30% approx

South West
Lagos….PMB….50%
Ogun PMB………50%
Oyo PMB……..40%
Osun PMB………50%
Ondo PMB………..50%
Ekiti PMB……….60%
Average PMB……50%

4. South East.
Enugu…..PMB 10%
Anambra PMB. 10%
Abia……..PMB 10%
Imo……..PMB 30%
Ebonyi PMB……10%
Average PMB…..14%

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/2019-presidency-doyin-okupe-releases.html

The President of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) worldwide, Pastor Abraham Akinosun has urged Nigerians to vote for a candidate who has displayed fear of God as president in 2019.

Akinosun, who spoke in Abuja on Thursday, advised Nigerians to take active part in the general elections.

The CAC leader said: “My message for Nigerians in general is that I am urging all and our leaders to look into the lord for solution to the numerous problems facing the country. We should look unto God for change of our behaviors and move nearer to God and call on him to help us.

“We have to be Godly in all our steps and everything that we should do as a good Christian is to be praying constantly.

“As the 2019 general election is approaching it is our duty to tell all those that have not collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in preparation for next year’s general elections. PVCs to go and do so.

“One of the duties of a good citizen is to vote for a Godly man. This time around I am not begging People to vote for party, they should vote for a Godly man and Godly men around them that they know if he or she is voted into office the person will perform.

“Any Christian who feels that he or she is called to meet the needs of people. People are suffering and what to change the situation the person can go into politics. They should have good intention.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/2019-presidency-cac-president-akinosun.html

A friend to a lawyer who allegedly murdered her husband, Maureen Offor, on Wednesday told a Lagos State High Court in Igbosere that the suspect, Udeme Otike-Odibi, sent her a text message on May 3 around 12.04am after the incident.

Udeme, 48, is standing trial for allegedly stabbing her husband, Symphorosa Otike-Odibi, to death at their residence on Diamond Estate, Sangotedo, Lagos State.

She was also alleged to have mutilated the corpse of her husband after killing him.

Offor, while being led in evidence by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Titilayo Shitta-Bay, said, “In the text message to her, I reminded her that our agreement was that she should travel first and take care of her health because she has a thyroid problem.

“We agreed that when she comes back, we will address the relationship with her husband and see if the marriage will work out.

“She sent me a second message that read, ‘I have tried.’ I called her several times, but she did not pick the locals. I sent Udeme another message asking why she did not pick my calls, but she did not reply till I went bed.

“Around 4 am, I got a call from Udeme’s mum that Udeme and Symphorosa had had a fight, asking if she should come to Lagos. But I told her that Udeme was billed to travel to the UK that day that she should exercise patience.

“I called Symphorosa’s younger brother, Andrew, around past 5 am; he did not pick the call. Later, Andrew called back and I told him that I received a call from Udeme’s mum.

“He said he also received a similar call from his mum the previous day that Udeme and Symphorosa were fighting. He added that they were adults and should be able to resolve their issues.”

Offor stated that Udeme’s mum called back and told her that Symphorosa was dead, adding that she started screaming until her husband came to collect the phone from her.

Offor, who said she had known the defendant since 1992 when they were both employed by Diamond Bank, added that Udeme was her chief bridesmaid when she wedded in 1996.

She stated further that since they met in 1992, they had been friends, adding that she knew the deceased at the University of Benin.

Offor said, “I knew the deceased for over 30 years; we met at UNIBEN and he was my elder brother’s friend and was even my elder brother’s best man when he got married in 1998.

“The deceased and the defendant got married in October 2014. I was present at their wedding; I was aware that they were having issues in their marriage and Udeme wasn’t happy. I knew because she confided in me last year that she was travelling to the UK to take some time off.

“She came back from the UK before Easter and she told me that Symphorosa wasn’t eating at home, so she did not bother to cook his food. I advised her to cook for him even if it was a small portion.

“On May 2, 2018, I saw Udeme; she had called and asked me to assist her to pack her things, so I drove to their house on Diamond Estate, Songotedo. We packed the things she needed for another UK trip and we went to a cinema to see a movie.”

During cross-examination by the defendant’s counsel, Oluseye Bamgbose, Offor said the defendant was a peaceful person and that for the 26 years that she had known her, she had never seen her arguing with anybody.

The presiding judge, Justice Asedayo Akintoye, adjourned the matter till October 30, for the trial to continue.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/what-my-friend-told-me-after-allegedly.html

As 2019 poll draws nearer, international election observation bodies, International Republican Institute (IRI) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) have urged the federal government to provide sufficient and timely funds to INEC, and ensure the timely passage of Electoral Act 2010 amendment to ensure credible polls.

Speaking on behalf of NDI and IRI during a second joint pre-election assessment mission to Nigeria in Abuja, the lead delegate, Mvemba Dizolele, professional lecturer at John Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies, urged the federal government to ensure security services maintain the highest level of professionalism and impartiality in facilitating the electoral process. He added that the security services should also refrain from actions that could be seen as motivated by partisan interests. They should also enable accredited observers and journalists to perform their duties, and protect the right of citizens to exercise their votes freely.

Dizolele urged government to enforce laws against election malfeasance (including vote buying) and establish Electoral Offences Commission and Tribunal. He also called on government to respect and uphold press freedom and freedom of information laws.

He recommended that the electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) take concrete measures to combat vote buying through voter education campaigns, enforcement of laws against voter inducement, and nationwide ban on cellphones in the voting cubicle; enhance as much as possible the physical space for voting to facilitate the processing of voters on election day. The commission should also prioritize training for polling officials on configuring polling units to enhance ballot secrecy while maintaining a transparent voting process.

The don also called for decentralization of Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) collection process from the local government level to the ward and community levels and intensify voter sensitisation to increase PVC collection rates.

He further urged all major key players in the nation’s political space including political parties, CSOs, the media, and international observers to play their part in driving a transparent and free and fair election in 2019.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/2019-iri-ndi-urge-fg-to-fund-inec.html

Justice Chiwendu Nworgu of the High Court in Port Harcourt has made a consequential order nullifying all actions taken by the Ojukaye Flag Amachree led All Progressives Congress in Rivers state.

Justice Nworgu ordered that the nomination and subsequent election of candidates for the Governorship seat and all elective positions in the APC in the State was null, void and of no effect.

The judge in an elaborate judgement also gave an order restraining the National Leadership of the APC from recognizing the results of the May 12, 19, 20 and 21, 2018 congresses that produced Ojukaye.

He said Ibrahim Umah and twenty-two other aggrieved members of the APC were denied their constitutional rights to participate in the congresses.

He added that the congresses were done against the Electoral Act, Article 21 of the APC Constitution and guidelines of the party for the congresses.

Reacting to the judgement, Prince Azundah who represents the APC in the matter said further action will be taken against the judgment.

“We have said it before that the Judge does not have jurisdiction over this matter. The judgement is a nullifying.

Meanwhile, Counsel to Ibrahim Umah and other applicants, Henry Bello commended the court for the verdict.

Justice Chiwendu Nworgu, however, delivered the judgement against all odds.

This was according to the Judge who said there were lots of bombardment to stop the judgement.

Justice Nworgu who referred to the attack on the Rivers state Judiciary in May, said he was confronted with four petitions to the National Judicial Council challenging his integrity to hear the matter.

He also said the perpetual injunction obtained by the Ojukaye Flag Amachree-led APC from a Federal High Court in Abuja was an insult on his court because both courts were of coordinate jurisdiction.

He also went ahead to slam Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Lateef Fagbemi whom he accused of taking over the APC matter without being briefed by the Head Legal Services of the APC, Tade Oguntade.

Justice Nworgu said the attitude of the APC was a bad sign and an evil omen to the development of the country.

Ibrahim Umah and the twenty-two other aggrieved members of the APC belong to the Senator Magnus Abe-led group.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/breaking-abe-vs-amaechi-court-nullifies.html

Ohanaeze Ndigbo has said that it would not support any presidential candidate in any of the political parties who is opposed to the restructuring of the country.

Special Adviser to the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emeka Attamah, spoke while congratulating both President Muhammadu Buhari and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar for winning the tickets of the All Progressives Congress, APC and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, respectively.

He said that Ohanaeze Ndigbo had earlier made its position known that restructuring of the country was more important to it than Igbo presidency, pointing out that the country would continue to remain underdeveloped if it was not restructured in line with the thinking of the founding fathers.

“Most Nigerians want the country to be restructured. Nigeria is being run like a unitary government instead of a federation. The people of Nigeria want restructuring according to their regions.

“Atiku Abubakar had repeatedly said he would restructure Nigeria. APC should make restructuring its main campaign issue in 2019.

“There are other presidential aspirants like Donald Duke and Oby Ezekwesili. We also congratulate them. They are welcome on board. Nigeria is full of talents and only restructuring can help all these talented people to reach their heights in all areas of human endeavour,” Attamah added.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/2019-ohanaeze-blacklists-parties.html

The Adamawa State Police Command has withdrawn its men and officials attached to politicians across the state.

The state Commissioner of Police, Abdullahii Ibrahim said the withdrawal of the escorts, attached to mostly politicians who were aspirants for various elective offices towards party primaries being concluded, would make available more men and officials to secure the general public.

The police commissioner also said in a statement obtained Monday that violent protests against the conduct of the primaries would not be condoned.

“Aggrieved politicians should seek redress through normal processes. Political leaders are hereby warned to advise their followers to be law abiding as the police command will not condone thuggery,” he stated.

•Sourced from The Nation report*Pls use police logo

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/police-withdraw-escorts-attached-to.html

National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Victor Oye, yesterday, boasted that his party will produce at least eight state governors in 2019.

Oye, who listed some of the states the party will win to include Abia, Imo, Zamfara, Enugu and Nasarawa said the party will spring surprises.

He said with the crisis currently rocking the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), APGA is now the better alternative.

Oye spoke yesterday at the party’s national convention, held in Abuja, where its presidential candidate General John Gbor from Benue State and his running mate, Jerry Chukwueke, were affirmed by members drawn from various parts of the country.

“There is crisis in Zamfara state APC. PDP is not on ground there. It means APGA is the party to beat there. APGA will take over more states in 2019.

“This is the first time we are presenting a presidential candidate in 10 years. We want to give Nigerians hope, confidence and development. Our governor is doing well in Anambra.

“Incoming governors of Nasarawa and Zamfara states will do well too. APGA won the governorship election in Nasarawa state in 2015, but we were shortchanged. This time around, we will not allow anyone to steal our mandate.”

“We are marching to Abia State. We won the election in Abia State. Within one or two hours, they changed the results and stole our mandate. Now the time has come for APGA to take over Abia State.

“APGA will spring surprises in all parts of the country.

In 2015, I said APGA will control a minimum of eight states in 2019. Some people think I am joking. They will watch and see.

“In Imo State too, we will take over. APGA has come to stay. The present leadership of APGA is focused. We are out to build a party that is strong. I want every member to be firm and focused. Big things will begin to happen soon.

“APC and PDP are in a coma. They will soon exit that coma and die. APGA will be there to take its place. We can’t miss this opportunity now,” he stated.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/apga-to-produce-8-governors-in-2019.html

After weeks of politicking, schemings and nocturnal meetings, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday elected Vice President Atiku Abubakar its Presidential flag bearer for the next general elections. MUYIWA OYINLOLA in this report presents issues that played out to enhance him victory. By the night of Friday October 5, 2018, Adokiye Amaesiamaka Sports Complex, Igwurita-Ali, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, venue of the Presidential primary of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had been made ready for the activity billed for the following day. Most of the contenders and their supporters had also arrived the oil rich city and had painted the town red. Activities at the Port Harcourt airport and major motor parks had also come alive, no thanks to the influx of party supporters, stakeholders and delegates that had besieged the city for the political exercise. Expectedly, hotels were fully booked, necessitating why those who did not make early reservation, were still roaming about till around 11:00 pm in search of where to lay their heads.

From Friday night till the early hours of Saturday, eagle eyed journalists noticed movements of some aspirants, party big wigs and delegates in and around Presidential Hotel and Le Meridian, Port Harcourt, engaging in one form of meeting or the other. Besides the nocturnal meeting, the aspirants also held a meeting on Saturday morning at Presidential Hotel. Whereas details of the meeting was not made public, it was gathered that the aspirants met on how to firm up the possibility of going into the contest with fewer aspirants.

LEADERSHIP recalls that past attempts to streamline the number of aspirants to about five had failed. It will be recalled that the host governor, and a major stakeholder in determining the fortune of who becomes the party’s flagbearer, Nyesom Wike, had insisted that all aspirants must face the primary.

Wike, it was gathered, had told some of the aspirants who paid him homage and to seek his last minute support, on their arrival in the city, on Friday that he would not support any aspirant against another, insisting that they should slug it out among themselves. While the meeting was ongoing, their loyalists broke into the rank of the delegates and divided them among themselves. Soon after they departed from the meeting, they arrived at Adokiye Amaesiamaka Sports Complex and into the waiting hands of delegates that would determine their fate. Soon after the National Chairman of the party, Uche Secondus, had declared the occasion open, the aspirants took turn to market themselves to the delegates. They included former vice president, Atiku Abubakar; Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, a two-time governor of Kano state; Sule Lamido, a two-term governor of Jigawa state; Aminu Tambuwal, current governor of Sokoto State and former speaker of the House of Representatives, and Senator Ahmed Makarfi, who was a two-term governor of Kaduna state.

Others included Dr. Bukola Saraki, current Senate president and a two-term governor of Kwara State; Alhaji Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, former governor of Sokoto state; Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, current governor of Gombe state; Kebbi State born Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, former minister of special duties and inter-governmental affairs, and Datti Baba-Ahmed, astute politician and proprietor of Baze University in Abuja. Also on the list of aspirants were Jonah Jang, former governor of Plateau state and a serving Senator of Nigeria, as well as former Senate President, David Mark. After marketing themselves, voting began late in the night and it ran into the early hours of yesterday. At the end of the exercise, Atiku, Tambuwal and Saraki emerged the three leading aspirants.

Atiku polled 1,532 votes to emerge winner, while Tambuwal, who came second polled 693 votes. Saraki was beaten to the third position with 317 votes. Why Atiku Won Atiku’s emergence as winner in the race, according to pundits may not be unconnected to his experience in management of delegates. Recall that the politician has been involved in presidential elections for quite some time as his group, PFN/PFN has been doing this since 1990 when they beat the PSP group to seize control of the then SDP. In the same vein, Atiku has been described a man with tremendous resources which he was said to have deployed widely for the primaries. Besides, unlike some other aspirants who joined the race a few months back, Atiku started his campaigns since 2016 even as he also returned to the PDP from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) very early. Atiku, today, is perhaps one of the very few politicians with a wide and strong political structure, even as he was said to have widely deployed the old Shehu Yar’Adua PFN/PDM machinery to his advantage.

The Odds Against Saraki Whereas Saraki has been commended in many quarters for running issue-based campaigns as he moved round the country in his bid to get the party’s ticket, one point that counted against him is that he was a late starter. He joined the race barely two months ago, after his return from the APC to the party. It was also a miracle that he got up to 317 votes, because of the series of distractions in form of litigations and impeachment threat that he suffered. LEADERSHIP recalls that he suffered frequent distraction from the Presidency and APC, the ruling party that never wanted him to emerge against Buhari. According to pundits, this is Saraki’s first time in managing a presidential and national elections. He does not have unlimited resources as Atiku and Tambuwal who was financially supported by a governor in one of the oil rich states. In the same vein, Saraki’s North-Central was also not supported by the rest of the North in the just concluded exercise.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/pdp-presidential-primary-and-matters.html

Former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, has emerged as the Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party for the 2019 general election.

Duke polled 812 votes to defeat his close rival, former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, who polled 611 votes at the party’s National Convention held at Old Parade Ground, Abuja.

The Convention Returning Officer, Dr Abdul Isiaq, declaring the results of the presidential primary election at the early hours of Sunday, said Mr. John Dara,

former Special Assistant to Lt. General Theophilus Danjuma, former Defence Minister, scored 104 votes.

He also announced that former Ambassador and former Minister, Prof. Iyorwuese Hagher
polled 72 votes; former Ambassador, Felix Osakwe scored 10 votes, while the number of invalid votes was 63.

Duke in his acceptance speech, described his emergence as a collective victory for all aspirants that participated in the contest, as well for the party and the nation.

He said that primary was just a step in the contest, saying he will go through the nation to campaign and sell the party and it’s policies to citizens.

Duke called for the support of all aspirants, the party officials and Nigerians to win 2019 general election, saying “we will reawaken in Nigerians that yearning that we are destined to be, but we cannot do this alone.”

He said that Nigeria was not a divided nation but a country of common purpose.

“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.”

He said if Nigerians were productive and abide by rules and regulations, the nation would grow from strength to strength.

“This is what good governance is all about and that is what I stand for. (NAN)

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/donald-duke-emerges-sdp-presidential.html

The Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Mr Barnabas Bantex, has picked the APC ticket for Kaduna South Senatorial District following land slide victory at the primary election held in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area.

Announcing the results, the Returning Officer, Mr Gabriel Iduseri, declared Bantex winner haven polled a total of 2,287 votes against Caleb Zegi, former PDP senator, who scored 268 votes.

Speaking shortly in an interview after the exercise, Bantex expressed gratitude to the delegates and assured of a responsive and responsible representation, if elected at the general election.

He harped in the erroneous narratives making the rounds in Southern Kaduna especially as it bothers on religious and ethnic divides and promised to reverse the ugly trend in the overall interest of the zone and the state at large. (NAN)

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/kaduna-dep-gov-bantex-picks-apc.html

The National Executive Committee of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youths (Worldwide) led by Mr Kingsley Dozie has said they would only vote for candidates who would restructure and introduce policies that would improve lives of Nigerians.

Its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Osmond Nkeoma, Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Dr Okey Nwachukwu and Deputy National Legal Adviser, Emeka Odom, said this in a statement in Owerri on Saturday.

The group, however, said that it was not a political party, but would not endorse any political party or candidate whose mandate would not be restructuring the country.

It said that the apex Igbo cultural group would only seek for and vote government that had policies and programmes that would better not only the lives of Nigerians, but the Ndigbo in particular.

The group called on the public to disregard “the vituperation from fictitious Ohanaeze youths backing the PDP and demanding for the position of vice president from the South East in the 2019 general elections.”

It alleged that the said youths were using the name of Ohanaeze youths for dubious endorsements ahead of the 2019 general elections.

“We did not have any meeting where we discussed on who should be given ticket or not.

“We ask the public to be weary of rumour mongers and dubious elements whose work is to use the name of Ohanaeze Ndigbo youths to dupe, disorientate and endorse unsuspecting Nigerians.

”No meeting was held to discuss on the party vice presidential slot. These elements who parade themselves hide under the media to propagate lies against Igbo youths.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youths will only vote a candidate who will guarantee Igbo’s welfare and restructure Nigeria and on the basis of personal conviction.

“We never sat to endorse any particular political party nor demand for the position of vice president for any candidate,” it said.

The group called on the public to ignore the position of any other group parading itself as Ohanaeze ndigbo youth group. (NAN)

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/ohanaeze-youths-take-position-on-2019.html

Six delegate members of All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for Jigawa Northeast Senatorial district died few hours after casting their vote. The delegates, who came to Gumel local government from Guaiwa ‎local government, died in a ghastly motor accident on their way back home after casting their votes at around 10:30 pm. Guaiwa local government delegates were the first set to be screened and they cast their votes, and as at the time they left the venue, the primary election was going on with about nine local governments left to cast their votes out of 11. Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of Jigawa State Police Command, SP Abdul Jinjiri said, the accident occured at Dantado village along Gumel Babura road involving Mode F bus with plate number XB 421 KZR ‎and a car, Gulf 3 model.



He said all the drivers were on the same lane driving on high speed, loaded with the passengers mainly APC delegates conveyed from Gumel to Guaiwa. In an attempt by the bus driver to overtake the car, they brushed each other and lost control.



“When they lost control and drove into bush, the bus somersaulted and killed all the passengers including the driver instantly.” In his condolence message, the state governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Badaru Abubakar, expressed shocked over the sudden death of the deceased. He said, the deceased had defied all difficulties and went down to Gumel to exercise their civil rights and delivered the mandate entrusted on them as delegates for electing the leaders expected to lead the nation.



According to him, their participation in the election process is a demonstration of national patriotism and support for democratic development, which history will continue to remember them for. Governor Badaru then prayed Almighty Allah to forgive all their sins and shortcomings, grant them eternal rest in the paradise and also pray Allah to grant their brave families fortitude to bear the lost.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/six-apc-delegates-die-in-jigawa.html

Few hours to the emergence of Presidential flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chairman of the National Convention Planning Committee, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, expressed joy that everything has been put in place for a credible process to be delivered.

Addressing Journalists at the Adokiye Amasiemeka Stadium, Port Harcourt, Rivers State (chosen venue for the Convention) on Friday, Senator Okowa, who is also the Governor of Delta State, observed that members of the main organising committee and those of sub-committees have been working round the clock to ensure that no stone was left unturned for a credible and acceptable process to be delivered.

According to him, “You can see that everything is right on course; the stadium is beautifully decorated and we are set for tomorrow (Saturday, 06/10/18).”

“Accreditation of Delegates is a very sensitive issue, so, we are starting the accreditation process tomorrow at 7 am,” the governor said.

Fielding questions from journalists about withdrawal of aspirants from the race, the governor said: “There is a process for aspirants to withdraw from the race, none of them has stepped down, we have 12 aspirants for now.

“We are expecting a very good convention, we are working very hard to deliver a process that is credible, free, fair and acceptable.

“As you can see, I and my colleagues in the committee have been round the venue, ensuring that all that is needed for us to have a smooth sail is put in place; we have also made the stadium our secretariat that is why we held in one of the Executive Lounge here at the stadium to deliberate on sundry issues that have to do with the entire convention.”

•Photo by Jibunor Samuel shows Governor Ifeanyi Okowa (2nd right); Comrade Ozuozourie Macaulay (2nd left); Col. Bala Mande (right); former Governor of Kogi State, Idris Wada (middle) and former Governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu, Inspecting Adokiye Amasiemeka Stadium in Preparation of PDP Convention, by the Planning Committee Members.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/we-are-set-for-credible-pdp-convention.html

The 2018 World Cancer Congress organised by the Union for International Cancer Control in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia has elected 12 new board members to serve a two-year term. For the first time, a Nigerian, wife of the Kebbi State governor, Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, will serve on the board of the 85 year old organisation which, exists to accelerate the global fight against cancer. Dr Bagudu is a Pediatrician in addition to being the Founder of Nigerian NGO- Medicaid Cancer Foundation. Her nomination was based on her work in creating awareness, improving early diagnosis and raising funds for cancer patients in the country.



Her election to the UICC Board is expected to give traction, harness global opportunities, and build local capacities to combat cancer. In her profile obtained from UICC, she stated that she hoped to use experience garnered from grassroots mobilisation in her state, to reach global commitments to reduce premature deaths from Non-communicable diseases (NCD) by 25 per cent by the year 2025. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, UICC has a membership of over 1000 organisations across 160 countries.



It partners with bodies such as United Nations, International Atomic Energy Agency, World Economic Forum and others to tackle cancer on a global scale. This year alone, nearly 8 million people will die of cancer and if left unchecked, the number of deaths will increase to 13.2 million per year by 2030. Africa with its problems of poor awareness, late diagnosis and limited access to treatment bears the burden of cancer.



The president of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Prof Sani Mallami described her election as a breakthrough for low and middle-income countries and called for the urgent implementation of the National Cancer Control plan launched in 2018. Also at the 2018 congress, Project Pink Blue another Nigerian NGO won the World Cancer Day Spirit award for its event on 4th February. Other bodies present in Malaysia were Breast without spots, Cancer aware, Niola, Dorcas, Raise, Leah and Access to Basic Medical Care.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/kebbi-govs-wife-elected-as-director-at.html

The chief of staff, Katsina State Government House, Bello Mandiya, has clinched the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial ticket for Katsina South. Mandiya polled 1,469 votes in the primary election which commenced in the wee hours of yesterday to beat his closest rival and special adviser to Governor on Banking, Faruk Lawal Jobe, who secured 1,096 votes. At least eight contenders vied for the party flag with Nura Khalil polling 618 votes leaving former NYSC boss, Brig. Gen. Maharazu Tsiga, with garnered 39 votes while Garba Usman finished fifth in the race with only six votes.

In Katsina North, the Senator elect on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Ahmed Babba Kaita, has clinched the party ticket for the seat in 2019 general elections again. Kaita, Member of the House of Representatives who won the bye election for the Katsina North senatorial seat about two months ago and is yet to be sworn-in, beat his lone contender for the seat in last Wednesday’s APC senatorial primary, Dr Umar Katsayal, with 2,384 votes to nil. In Katsina Central, Kabir Abdullahi Barkiya with 1,466 votes defeated three other contenders including the incumbent Senator, Umar Kurfi, who garnered 141 votes, former Senator Ibrhim Ida, 897 and the younger brother of late President Umar Musa Yar’adua, Col. Abdulaziz Yar’adua (rtd), who polled 913 votes, while 64 votes were declared invalid.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/masaris-chief-of-staff-2-others-win-apc.html

President Muhammadu Buhari and eight Governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are currently in a closed-door meeting.
The meeting is holding at the State House, Abuja.

The governors in the meeting are Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Rochas Okorocha (imo), Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara), Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Sani Bello (Niger), Simon Lalong (Plateau), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), and Tanko Almakura (Nasarawa)

It’s yet to be known why the secret meeting is holding.

Details later…

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/apc-governors-meet-buhari-in-secret.html

Former spokesman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bolaji Abdullahi, has insisted that Senate President Bukola Saraki did not betray him.

He said this in reaction to reports that Saraki worked against his governorship ambition.

Abdullahi withdrew from the race during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary on Monday.

In a statement, Abdullahi said although the outcome of the primaries may have been disappointing, he has “accepted it as the will of Allah”.

“Following the reactions that have trailed the Governorship Primaries of our party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara state, it has become imperative for me to make the following clarifications.

“While the outcome of the primaries may have been disappointing, I have accepted it as the will of Almighty Allah, who alone gives power. I want to thank all those who have expressed concerns for me. I am humbled and flattered by your support.

“However, I will like to note that there are many factors at play in politics. Therefore, interpreting what happened as betrayal is not correct. My leader, Dr. Bukola Saraki, did not betray me.

“Whatever sacrifices I have made in the past were based on my personal principles, and were not contingent on expectations of any reward. I remain a loyal member of the Saraki political family under the leadership of Dr. Bukola Saraki,” Abdullahi said.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/kwara-pdp-primary-bolaji-abdullahi.html

A bid by Senator Gilbert Nnaji to return to the Senate in 2019 suffered a setback on Tuesday.

This is as a former Governor of Enugu State, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani polled majority of the votes cast in Nkanu West, venue of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, senatorial primary for Enugu West Senatorial Zone.

While Chimaroke scored 597 votes, Nnaji came distant second with 69 votes.

The election was conducted amidst tight security, which witnessed the presence of the Enugu State Police Commissioner and other top security operatives.

DAILY POST reports that the exercise suffered a hitch owing to the insufficient number of ballot papers, a development that stopped delegates from Enugu West from voting. They are said to be 160 in number.

There was tension as it took nearly three hours before the five aspirants eventually gave their consent for the votes to be counted.

With the votes cast and counted for the other five local government areas, the former governor and leader of the Ebeano dynasty in the State is already savouring his victory.

More to come…

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/enugu-east-pdp-primary-senator-nnaji.html

Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha ,has emerged winner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primaries in Imo.

Ihedioha won the contest with a total of 1,723 votes to defeat the Senator representing Imo East senatorial zone, Mr Samuel Anyanwu, who came 2nd with a total of 1,282 votes.

Announcing the results, the returning officer, Mr Emma Nwala, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed in various ways to the success of the electoral process.

“I am most grateful to all security personnel for their painstaking commitment to the security of lives and materials all through the night and on till this morning.

“Also, I thank all aspirants, delegates and officials for conducting themselves properly.

“With the power vested on me as returning officer, I hereby declare Emeka Ihedioha the winner and flag bearer of the PDP in Imo for the 2019 governorship election,” Nwala he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the exercise which was originally scheduled to hold on Tuesday Oct. 2 started at 4.00p.m on Monday and ended at 4.30a.m on Tuesday at the Kanu Nwankwo Sports Centre, Owerri.

The exercise which was largely peaceful, hitch-free and transparent had over 3,000 delegates drawn from the 27 local government areas in the state participating.

The party adopted the indirect primaries with delegates casting their votes in alphabetical order of their senatorial zones – Okigwe, Orlu and Owerri zones.

Other aspirants who participated in the process are: former senator representing Okigwe senatorial zone, Mr Athan Achonu, who scored 63 votes, Prof. Jude Njoku, 21votes, Chukwuma Ekomaru (SAN), 7 votes and Mr Chukwuemeka Ezeji, 1 vote.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/pdp-ex-reps-deputy-speaker-ihedioha.html

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expelled the Alhaji Ishola Balogun-Fulani-led Kwara State executive from the party.

The National Working Committee (NWC) approved the expulsion on Sunday.

The Balogun-Fulani led exco was sacked for conducting what was described as unapproved governorship primary in the state.

The development was communicated in a statement by APC spokesman, Yekini Nabena.

Former Majority Leader at Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Kayode Abdulwahab, had emerged governorship candidate of the sacked faction.

AbdulWahab polled 891 votes to beat other 12 contestants for the APC governorship ticket.

A total number of 1007 delegates participated in the governorship primary held at the factional state party secretariat, Onikanga road, GRA, Ilorin.

However, the statement reafiirmed that the NWC has also rescheduled governorship primaries in Ogun, Zamfara, Bauchi and Abia States to Monday.

It said: “Kwara State schedule of activities are scheduled as follows:

Monday October 1st, 2018 – House of Assembly Screening;

Tuesday October 2nd, 2018 – Senate Primary;

Wednesday October 3rd, 2018 – House of Representatives Primary:

Thursday October 4th, 2018 – Governorship Primary;

Friday October 5th, 2018 – House of Assembly Primary

Osun State schedule of activities are scheduled as follows;

Monday October 1st, 2018 to Tuesday, October 2nd, 2018 – House of Assembly Screening;

Wednesday October 3rd, 2018 – House of Assembly Primary;

Thursday October 4th, 2018 – House of Representatives Primary;

Friday October 5th, 2018 – Senate Primary.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/09/apc-cancels-sundays-guber-primary-in.html

Nigerian singer Timaya has labeled 2face Idibia as the only singer worth calling a legend. In an interview with SOUND CITY FM, Timaya slammed other singers who love to refer themselves as legends when it’s only just 10 years they have put in the industry.

“In this part of the world, many artistes when they get to 10 years, they start shouting ‘I’m a legend’, ‘legendary’. To me, in this industry, the only person that can call himself a legend is 2face. The others shouldn’t. Even if people call me a legend, I don’t like to be seen like that.”

The singer went on to state that a singer of his caliber doesn’t need to stress himself because shining comes effortlessly.

“The crown never leaves. I am Timaya anytime any day, 13 years is not three years. People don’t understand that making a hit song doesn’t mean you are a star. Stars always shine, some people can make a hit song and you will never hear of them again. There’s no year I’ve never dropped a hit song. I don’t want to be number one. I just want to be a musician. A lot of people have come and gone but I’m still here.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/09/2face-is-only-singer-worth-calling.html