₦airaland Forum

Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Northern Nigeria, Rev. Yakubu Pam, has advised the Federal Government and the Northern Governor’s Forum (NGF) to halt killing of Christians in the North; before the situation degenerates into a civil war.

Rev. Pam said this, yesterday, in reaction to the murder of two Catholic bishops and 17 others, on Tuesday in Benue, and killing of 44 persons on Wednesday, also in Benue and Nasarawa states.

Pam said the senseless and ongoing killing is avoidable.

“My fear is that if the federal government and the NGF do not do something urgent, the killing of Christians in the North would degenerate one day into civil war. People are being killed on daily basis, yet, nobody has ever been arrested and nothing tangible has been done by the federal government.

“Looking at how professional the attacks are being carried out, I believe that these people are terrorists, they are Boko Haram and government, at all levels, need to respond swiftly; to curtail the menace before the people are pushed to defend themselves which will lead to civil war.”

Rev. Pam lamented that the North, which is backward in infrastructure, its economy is further devastated by attacks.

“I have the firm belief that these attacks are beyond ordinary herdsmen, they are terrorists who unleash terror on innocent persons in the North.

“Government has to declare these people as terrorists and investigate the recent killings in the North.”

Pam, who doubles as the chairman of the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, in Plateau State, added that ongoing attacks on churches in the North, if not checked by the government, could plunge the northern states into religious crisis that will be difficult to control.

He urged Christians in the North not to go to sleep over the security challenges facing them, but go all out to secure their places of worship “to avoid being attacked and killed by the enemies of Christian faith in the North.”

The cleric appealed to the people of Benue state to keep faith in God; to expose those who are bent on causing mayhem in parts of their state and other parts of the North.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/killing-of-christians-will-plunge.html

Former Director-General (DG) of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Mohammed Sani Sidi, allegedly maintained 20 different accounts in various banks, as a public servant.

This was part of the revelations at the ongoing public hearing by the House of Representatives committee on emergency and disaster preparedness.

The lawmakers have been investigating alleged violations of public trust in NEMA, following a motion by Hon. Benjamin Wayo in February 2018.

Barrister Edward Omaga, while making presentations on behalf of a civil society group, Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency, on Tuesday, told the committee how the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) discovered suspicious deposits totalling $164,000 in the domiciliary account of the former DG NEMA.

Omaga also said the anti graft agency found the sum of £58,000 in Sidi’s Pounds Sterling account at Standard Chartered Bank, all within a space of 18 months.

The international group submitted that the Directors that were suspended by the current leadership of NEMA under Engr. Mustapha Maihaja, were grossly engraved with corrupt activities and that the EFCC had traced various accounts to their names.

“The suspended Director of Finance and Accounts, Akingbola Hakeem Gbolahan also maintained many bank accounts with questionable transactions. His account with Guarantee Trust Bank contained suspicious deposits amounting to N27,650,000. Deposits of over £37,000 and $120,000 were found in his domiciliary accounts, and much of these deposits flowed directly from NEMA.

“The acting Director of Special Duties, Mr. Umesi Emenike diverted funds meant for programs and maintenance of the South-South zone operations of NEMA under his supervision. The funds were paid directly into his accounts, 14 of them have been discovered by the EFCC in various banks, instead of the zonal office account. Mr Emenike was found to have withdrawn these funds freely in cash, by electronic transfers or through ATM machines”, the group alleged.

The group also told the lawmakers that the Director of Risk Reduction of NEMA, Mr. Alhassan Nuhu, also maintained five bank accounts “which were apparently used as conduit to receive and distribute money from NEMA coffers. So far, Mr. Nuhu has not been able to give a satisfactory account of his transactions, including NEMA funds moving through him to a company called Dambo Farms Limited”.

The Pilot in charge of NEMA’s air ambulance, Mamman Ali Ibrahim was also indicted by the group, which accused him of commercializing both NEMA air ambulance and helicopter.

According to their submission, “the EFCC traced at least N285m to him, out of which only N63m was paid to the Accountant-General’s office and another N11m was paid to NEMA while the balance could not be accounted for”.

The revelation also touched the Director of Welfare, Kanar Mohammed, whose six bank accounts were allegedly found to be replete with NEMA funds, “including the sum of N214m meant for displaced traditional rulers in the North East but diverted, N 184m paid by him to one Crystal Chambers based in Abuja and N29.5m paid by him to a former Minister, Abdul Bulama”.

The group questioned the integrity of the House committee for instituting on such an investigative hearing without inviting the former DG and the suspended Directors, whom they described as the “real culprits”.

In their prayers, the group called on the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, to forthwith, suspend the investigation, saying, if it must continue, then the former DG and suspended Directors must be part of the probe.

Responding, the acting Chairman of the committee, Hon. Ali Isa, said the ongoing public hearing was not targeted at anybody and that there was no vested interest by the National Assembly.

He said, the committee was specifically vested with the mandate to investigative the violation of public trust in NEMA for the last one year.

Isa, however, said if the present DG of NEMA mentions in his presentation, or any other person submits petition that the former DG should be invited, the committee would not hesitate to invoke section 89 of the constitution and invite him or any other person.

The hearing continues tomorrow, Wednesday 25th April.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/former-dg-nema-maintained-20-bank.html

Presidential aspirant, Fela Durotoye, has vowed that he will use God to win the hearts of the Nigerian people for his campaign as that is the only way to build Nigeria into the most desirable nation to live in.

The presidential aspirant took to his Instagram account (@feladurotoye) on Sunday, April 22, 2018, to declare that bringing God back into Nigerian politics and governance is the best way to rebuild the country.

This is believed to be in reaction to the public criticism that has trailed the publication of his mission and vision statement that he delivered during a recent "TeamFD" roundtable in Lagos.

Many Nigerians on social media criticised Durotoye for claiming that a divine vision from God kick-started his ambition to run for the highest political office in the country.

In his response, Durotoye said the greatest countries currently in the world, including the United States of America and the United Kingdom, were built with God as a solid foundation.

He wrote, "Some people say that mentioning God in politics is outdated. Here are my thoughts:

"In the good old days when Britain became a truly great nation, their anthem was God save the King/Queen; when USA became the most prosperous nation on earth, their currency carried on it "In God We Trust"; when Nigeria, devastated by a civil war, needed to reunite and soon after, entered into our golden years of prosperity, we sang 'O God of Creation'.

"In his book, My Vision, Sheik Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Mahktoum mentioned God in almost every page as he described how they built Dubai into 'The Miracle in The Desert'.

"In Rwanda, one million people were killed in just 100 days! Thereafter, President Paul Kigame went in search of Rick Warren and asked him to help them rebuild Rwanda into a purpose-driven nation. "Seven years later, Rwanda became the fastest growing economy in Africa.

"Recently, Rwanda was voted the most desirable nation to live in Africa. A strong, prosperous united nation was rebuilt in less than one decade because they brought GOD into their governance.

"So you may rightly say "Fela, the mention of God may seem to be outdated in politics", but perhaps that is why one of the most blessed nations is now home to some of the poorest people.

"Perhaps it is because our 'politricktians' and rulers no longer fear God or even mention him. Otherwise, how do you explain the level of impunity in stealing, oppression, corruption, killings and lawlessness many of them operate with so blatantly?

"It cannot be wrong to mention God in politics. But it is wrong for a blessed nation like Nigeria to have so many people living in abject poverty. That is so wrong.

"I believe with all my heart that, by bringing God back into politics and governance is exactly how we will build Nigeria into the most desirable nation to live in.

"So, let me be absolutely clear: I will carry God on my head and if by mentioning God, we cannot win the heart of the people, then that is alright by me.

"As far as I know, except God builds a nation, the nation builders will labour in vain. Our generation cannot afford to labour in vain. Bring God back into politics."

Durotoye to contest with ANN

Durotoye declared his intention to run for president on the platform of the Alliance for a New Nigeria (ANN) on February 22, 2018.

He believes Nigeria has all the resources it needs to be a desirable place for anyone to inhabit, provided it gets the right leadership.

In his declaration speech, he disclosed that he wants to see a Nigeria where old parties with their old ideology of godfatherism would become history.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/presidential-aspirant-vows-to-carry-god.html

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has congratulated Miracle Igbokwe, the winner of the 2018 edition of reality television show, Big Brother Naija, hailing his victory as further proof of the hardworking spirit of Nigerian youths.

The former vice president's comment is an obvious jab at President Muhammadu Buhari's recent remark that a lot of Nigerian youths are lazy.

While speaking at the Commonwealth Business Forum in Westminster on Wednesday, April 18, 2018, President Buhari remarked that a lot of Nigerian youths wait on handouts from the government.

"More than 60 percent of the population is below 30, a lot of them haven't been to school and they are claiming that Nigeria has been an oil producing country, therefore, they should sit and do nothing, and get housing, healthcare, education free," he said.

He has been heavily criticised by Nigerians for his utterance, with Atiku previously commenting that Nigerian youths are hardworking with great entrepreneurial spirit, work ethic, and creative abilities that should be nurtured.

After Miracle was declared the winner of the reality show on Sunday, April 22, 2018, Atiku took to his Twitter account (@atiku) to congratulate him and urge Nigerian youths to believe in themselves.

He wrote, "Congratulations to Miracle, winner of BBNaija. Miracle is proof that Nigerian youths are hardworking, innovative and creative.

"May this victory lead to the miraculous for Nigeria's youth who have shown that they have what it takes to help take this great nation of ours to the next level. To Nigeria’s youth I say, continue to believe in yourselves."

Buhari's words manipulated - Presidency

After the relentless wave of criticism that trailed Buhari's comments, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, released a statement to allege that his words had been deliberately twisted by mischief makers to fit their agenda.

According to him, the president did not say that all Nigerian youths are lazy, but rather a lot of them. He further argued that the president could not have taken a swipe at all Nigerian youths because he values the youths, and knows that they are the fulcrum on which the future of the country rests.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/ex-vp-says-bbn-winner-miracle-is-proof.html

Officers of Oyo State Joint Patrol Team code named “Operation Burst” have disclosed that no fewer than three suspected armed robbers have been killed as a result of gun shots they sustained after the team engaged the hoodlums during a robbery operation in Adegbayi area of Ibadan, the state capital early morning of Sunday.

Special Adviser to Governor Abiola Ajimobi of the state on Security, Mr. Segun Abolarinwa, who disclosed this in a statement made available to MC EBISCO explained that the team responded to a distress call from the residents of the area when the robbers were operating.

Abolarinwa, who disclosed that one of the robbers escaped with gun shot wound, however, added that two of the robbers were arrested during the operation.

He noted that the team were able to dislodge the six-men armed robbery gang who had been terrorizing residents of Adegbayi area of Ibadan the state capital in the last three weeks.

Abolarinwa said that men of the team had been performing surveillance exercise since they got reports about the armed gang terrorizing the area, noting that the distress calls by the residents led to a prompt action which yielded positive result.

Abolarinwa said “Early this morning, the office of the Operation Burst, the joint patrol team set up by Governor Ajimobi to combat crime, got distressed calls from the residents of Adegbayi area, Ibadan. The OB men swift to action immediately and engaged the robbers in cross fire while they were operating at Emirate, Hotel, Adegbayi.

“The engage of gun fire led to one dead instantly while two died in the hospital and one escaped with gunshot wounds. Two are in the custody of OB. We are optimistic that OB team and other Security agencies will not relax on their oars to make Oyo State safe for all and sundry.”

He enjoined people of the state to be vigilant about their environment and avail themselves the contact detail of Security teams in their vicinity.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/3-shot-dead-2-arrested-as-oyo-special.html

No fewer than four persons were on Sunday killed and eight others wounded in a suicide bomb attack on a mosque in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the attack came barely four weeks after thousands of displaced persons were resettled in the community.

Chairman of the Council, Mr Baba-Shehu Gulumba, confirmed the incident to NAN that four persons were killed in the early morning attack.

Gulumba disclosed that two teenage suicide bombers, a male and female, infiltrated a mosque at Bama-Dina quarters and detonated Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) strapped to their bodies.

He explained that the incident occurred at about 5: 00 am, when Muslims faithful gathered for early morning prayers.

Gulumba said that three persons died on the spot while one other died later at the Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri, adding that the wounded persons were also referred to the hospital for treatment.

The chairman noted that the state government, in collaboration with the military, police and other security agencies had deployed personnel and constructed trenches to fortify security in the town.

He said: “We restricted movement from 6 : 30 pm in the town and called on people to abide by the restriction order”.

Gulumba stressed the readiness of the government to continue with the resettlement exercise, noting that the attack would not affect its implementation.


http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/4-dead-8-wounded-as-suicide-bombers-hit.html

The Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, has reacted to the recent invasion of the National Assembly by thugs.
Thugs suspected to be loyal to the suspended Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial district, Ovie Omo-Agege, on Wednesday, invaded the red chambers and forcefully took away the parliament’s symbol of authority.

NLC President, Ayuba Wabba in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja, yesterday, described the attack as a primitive violation of the sanctity of the Senate.

He also said it was a huge threat to Nigeria’s democracy, calling for the probe of the security unit.

He stated, “It represents a throw-back to those dark old days we are better off without. It is equally a sad commentary on the quality of representation.

“We therefore condemn it in its entirety. We similarly invite all who love Nigeria to rise and condemn this crude and sordid act or conduct.”

Wabba advised that any conflict should be resolved in a dignified manner befitting of men and women of character and learning.

He further called for thorough probe of the role of the National Assembly security personnel in the lapse.

According to him, “We do also believe that the National Assembly Security apparatus should be called to question for laxity or compromise.

“Whereas they have often distinguished themselves by keeping at bay constituents and peaceful protesters from the precincts of the National Assembly, these thugs seem to have walked on a laid red carpet.

“Could these agencies have been acting alone? What is the degree of their complicity? Whichever way, we condemn this primitive conduct and demand sanctions. Let it never happen again.

“There are better methods no matter the issues.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/snatching-of-senate-mace-nlc-reacts.html

Mavin Record’s artiste, Sidney Esiri a.k.a Dr Sid has been allegedly `ruffled’ by Special Anti-robbery Squad (SARS) operatives in Lagos.

According to various online media, Sid, a medical doctor (dentist) turn musician, the SARS operatives mistook the singer for a ‘Yahoo boy’ seized his phone, intimidated and harassed him on Wednesday.

But for the intervention of label mate, Reekado Banks and comedian Basket mouth.

According to the reports, an eyewitness identified as Laide, said “SARS operatives stopped a random vehicle on freedom way, Lekki Phase 1, thinking the driver was a yahoo boy.

“After routine check, they found nothing implicating, and resorted to seizing the phone of the driver. Little did they know that this person is Dr Sid.

They insulted and attempted to assault him physically.

“Thanks to ReekadoBanks and K-Solo, who were there, before basket_mouth @basket_mouth who was driving by saw them and stopped to know what was wrong.

Then, it dawned on the SARS operatives that these guys were not their “yahoo boy customer’’, it said.

The act of alleged police brutality is not strange for artists in the entertainment industry.

Damini Ogulu aka Burna boy was some months ago arrested and detained on allegation of robbery at Eko Hotel, Victoria Island.

Meanwhile, Singer Michael Stephens aka `Rugged Man’ recently released a 253 seconds music video titled “Is Police your Friends’’ speaking for the alleged victims of police brutality.

It showcased the rapper protesting against police violence and gross abuse of human rights as captured by the recent social media campaign under the hash-tag #EndSars.

The #EndSARS campaign which went viral late last year called for the scrapping of the SARS due to their high-handedness, intimidation, unwarranted arrests and allegations of murder.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/singer-dr-sid-allegedly-ruffled-by-sars.html

If you've logged out of Nigeria-related comedy over the past few hours, then you have missed out on one of the most intriguing political episodes found in any part of the world.

On Wednesday, April 18, 2018, hoodlums stormed the upper legislative chamber in the National Assembly complex, seized the sacred mace of the chamber and ran out of the door into the unknown.

For the uninitiated, the mace is a very important component of legislative processes in the National Assembly, so it's kind of a big deal. It's the same as if someone comes into your house and steals your power fuse box and you suddenly cannot watch Big Brother Naija on your television until they bring it back.

This disgraceful attack on Nigeria's democracy has been blamed on the lawmaker representing Delta Central senatorial district, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, who had reportedly entered the chamber the same time as the perpetrators of the crime.

The lawmaker is a prime suspect because he has a standing beef with the Senate after he was suspended for 90 legislative days for his conduct in objecting to the electoral amendment bill which is seeking to reorganise the order of elections in the country.

Senator Omo-Agege was arrested after plenary session yesterday but was released hours later after he applied the Shaggy defence, "It wasn't me," we assume he said.

Anyway, as the controversy swerves and turns, here are a few things you should know about the mace and the events around its theft.
1. The mace is a really big deal

The mace is the symbol of authority in the Senate and no plenary sessions can legitimately take place in its absence from the chamber. It signifies that the Senate is formally in session and that its proceedings are official.
2. It has its own personal security

Like all elected officials in the National Assembly, the mace is important enough to get its own personal security in the mould of the sergeant-at-arms. The sergeant-at-arms is tasked with the safety of the mace but he was reportedly overpowered by the hoodlums that stole it on Wednesday.
3. The Senate President sort of needs it for recognition

The mace is used to announce the arrival of the Senate President into the chamber which typically leads to the commencement of plenary sessions where legislators of the Republic deliberate on all the important stuff that Nigerians never seem to understand.
4. It's made of gold...

...or, at least, gold is one of the core components of the mace; so maybe someone might be tempted to sling it around to be able to cover ticket fees to leave Nigeria for good.

5. It has a replacement (poor thing)

Despite the veneration tied around the mace, it turns out stealing it does not mean the Republic crumbles. When the mace was stolen on Wednesday, Senators proceeded to hold a closed door executive session where it was decided to recommence the day's plenary session with a spare mace. What a way to make a guy feel important.
6. It's been stolen before!

Wednesday's abduction is not the first time the National Assembly's mace has been stolen for selfish reasons. Way back in 2000, then-Senate President, Chuba Okadigbo, abducted the mace in an attempt to stall impeachment proceedings against him.

He took the mace to his residence in Abuja and refused to hand it over to armed police officers sent to politely recover it. He eventually lost and was impeached.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/6-thingsyou-should-know-about-stolen.html

Nigerian actress Biodun Okeowo aka Omobutty is constantly becoming the pawn of criticism by follower who seems to find a cause to attack her in any post or statement she makes.

Recently she was heavily blasted by fans who believed she lied in her grass to grace story which she revealed that she got married while she was a virgin.

In a previous interview which she had granted, she had said otherwise and this really got her fans and critics to come after her.

In this recent blast by a fan, she had shared a photo which a fan who thinks she wore a waist trainer in the picture. The fan has advised her to stay true to herself which she knows she does not have the hour glass shape and she should not try to suffocate her intestines just to look good.

See the beef between them;

Jaaron_juice: Waist trainer o. Stop suffocating your intestines o. I have watched your movies severally o.. It wasn’t exactly like this MA@officialomobutty

Officialomobutty: @jaaron_juice and what’s your business madam? Is it your intestines instagram doctor. Please take your negativity off my page. Just say you’re intimidated.

Jaaron_juice: I am not intimidated.. I am just not gullible like some social media parasites that are easily swayed by deceitful celebrities like your kind.. Stay true to yourself .you do not have this hour glass shape.. Wake-up from your mirage @officialomobutty

Officialomobutty: @jaaron_juice you must be crazy upstairs. Go see your optician sure need one girl. Get off my page jare I have no time for an idiot like you.

Officialomobutty: @jaaron_juice you’re sure the parasite. See how stupid you are.. calling people made of God parasites, what is your pain gangan?

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/biodun-okeowo-stop-suffocating-yourself.html

Nigerian BBNaija evicted housemate Teddy A has taken to social media to show off his lovely mother for the eye of the public.

Teddy A who is now feeding on the publicity and fame given to him by BBNaija now appears in the news on a daily basis.

After his eviction, many artistes have been running after him to get collaboration and it seems he will be getting much of that this year.

Teddy A has been seen everywhere if not always with his strategic and love partner Bambam, and since his eviction this is the first time he will be appearing with someone that is not Bambam.

Pictures of him and baby mama with his son is yet to surface and maybe much later we will see that.

He shared a photo in the company of his mother who may in future be the mother in-law to now Gospel singer Bambam.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/teddy-shows-off-his-mother.html

The General Overseer of the Grace Dispensation Prophetic Ministry International located in Amukpe Axis of Sapele Delta State, Nigeria has disowned a pastor believed to be working with his church who has been shot dead by the police as he tried to escape when police accosted a robbery gang he was a member of.

One pastor Emmanuel lost his life while running away after police found him in the company of some suspected Kidnappers.

Obviously the incident is likely to damage the reputation of the church, hence its overseer, Apostle Joshua Oribhabor has distanced the church from the alleged criminal conducts of the deceased pastor.

He said: “My Ministry Grace Dispensation Prophetic Ministry Int’l is not and can never be a party to his evil deed, we are informing the general public that we know nothing about it and the name of our Ministry should not be dragged to the mud.”
Apostle Joshua Oribhabor further explained that Pastor Emmanuel was never an ordained pastor of his church, saying: “I don’t have other Pastors in my Ministry and I have never ordained any, I don’t know where and who ordained Pastor Emmanuel, he do attend our programs and became a friend to the Ministry, but we were never aware of his illicit act and we never recognize him as a pastor.”

Find more photos of the deceased pastor cum armed robber below:

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/police-shoot-to-death-pastor-who.html

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, Friday, struck out a forfeiture application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for the sum of $8, 435,789.84 and N9,185, 327, 362, allegedly linked to the former first lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan and six others.

The funds were said to be lodged in Skye Bank Plc, Diamond Bank Plc, Stabic-IBTC and First Bank Plc. Respondents in the suit are Mrs. Jonathan, Globus Integrated Service Limited, Finchley Top Homes Limited, AM-PM Global Network Limited, Pagmat Oil and Gas Limited, Magel Resort Limited and Esther Oba.

The trial judge, Justice Mojisola Olatoregun, struck out the application, for being an abuse of court processes.

The court had earlier granted an exparte application by the EFCC, for temporary forfeiture of the said amount, after it ordered the Commission to file an affidavit showing that the sums were not subject of litigation before another court.

Striking out the suit, Justice Olatoregun stated that the anti-graft agency had not shown enough evidence to indicate that the matter before her court was not subject to litigation before any other court.

The judge also berated EFCC for being in the habit of carrying out media trial against suspects rather than do justice to accused persons and the society. She also criticised EFCC’s act of forum shopping, running from one court to another, in order to denigrate and malign suspects without putting its acts together.

The judge held that it was an abuse of court process to file similar cases such as the one before her in different divisions of the Federal High Court as the EFCC did before Justice Binta Nyako, herself and Justice Tsoho of Abuja and Lagos Divisions of the same Federal High Court.

The court held that fighting corruption does not equate to not respecting citizens’ rights. She consequently, struck out the EFCC’s application for being an abuse of court process.

Before the court’s ruling, Mrs. Jonathan, through her lawyers, Mr. Ifedayo Adedipe and Mr. Mike Ozekhome, both Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SANs, had urged the court to dismiss the EFCC’s application against their clients, for being abuse of court processes.

At one of the hearings of the matter, the two senior lawyers told the court that the EFCC had filed similar application before a Federal High Court, Abuja, which was yet to be determined, before the application on the same matter was filed before the present court.

However, the EFCC through its lawyer, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo had told the court that his employer, EFCC, had filed a notice of discontinuation of the case before Justice Binta Nyako

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/efcc-loses-bid-to-seize-patience.html

The family spokesman, Emma Kanu, told Daily Sun that the federal government should release Nnamdi’s corpse to them so as to give him a befitting burial.

Emma said ever since the IPOB leader disappeared last year, when his home was raided by the military, the family had always feared for his life.

“Now that it has been reported that he is dead, the federal government should, without hesitation release his corpse to his family, so that we and the entire Igbo nation can give him the befitting burial he deserves because he is a true Igbo son,” he said.

The younger Kanu said even if the IPOB leader was out of Biafra struggle, it would not vitiate the resolve of IPOB and indeed the whole of Igbo to actualise Biafra.

On the call by Gen T.Y Danjuma for Nigerians to protect themselves since those saddled with the responsibility had failed them, Kanu said although the call was belated, however, it was a clarion call which IPOB would not take lightly.

“The call by Danjuma for people in the country to defend themselves means that the elder statesman has just started seeing what the IPOB leader, Kanu saw years back.

“All the same, it is a clarion call which IPOB will adhere to, no matter the circumstance,” he stated.


http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/nnamdi-kanus-family-demands-his-corpse.html

•10 months to poll, aspirants still shopping for platforms
• Ijebu contestants reject consensus candidate
• West, Ogun East senatorial districts spoil for showdown

The political atmosphere in Ogun State is cloudy, just 10 months to the general elections, and temperature is rising.

Currently, there are over 20 governorship aspirants. The All Progressive Congress (APC) has more than half of the contestants. Among the APC aspirants are Tolu Odebiyi, Chief of Staff to Governor Ibikunle Amosun; Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry; Kola Lawal, Commissioner for Forestry; Muyiwa Oladipo, Commissioner for Tourism; and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Suraj Adekunbi.

Negotiations for merger are still going on among the smaller parties while some aspirants are still looking for a platform that would give them the governorship ticket.

Over 10 aspirants on the platform of the ruling party are still waiting for the governor to endorse them and subsequently announce one of them as the party’s flag bearer.

The major opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) already is weakened due to internal wrangling and has remained the shadow of itself less than a year to the election.

Last Thursday, some notable PDP members, including former Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Remmy Hassan and Senator Lekan Mustapha decamped with their supporters to the APC. Mustapha is a former Ogun East Senator.

About a month earlier, the former Minister of Power and Steel, Tunji Sharafa- Ishola also decamped to the APC.

Ashiru

Rumour has it that Senator Buruji Kashamu, who represents Ogun East on the platform of the PDP and a major financier of the party is however struggling to recover his lost influence after the party’s December 9 National Convention in Abuja.

Kashamu’s influence in the party was said to have reduced since Prince Uche Secondus emerged the PDP national chairman against the desire of the camp he belongs.

The other smaller parties are Labour Party (LP), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Accord Party (AP). As it appears, the only way for these parties to make appreciable impact in the coming elections is to merge with other parties.

The Guardian investigation has revealed that the Labour Party has broken into two factions due to struggle over who should be the governorship candidate. Oladipupo Adebutu, though still a card-carrying member of the PDP, is said to be controlling a faction while the other faction is loyal to Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka (GNI).

Amosun had disclosed he would endorse a candidate from Yewa Ogun West. The only zone yet to take the governorship seat in the state since the country returned to civil rule in 1999. It was therefore understood why the 10 aspirants from the area are anxiously waiting to be endorsed.

But the governor gave a hint recently that the one he is likely to support may not be among those waiting.

In one of his recent comments, Amosun said, “Concerning my succession plan, the person I will choose might not be a party man.”

To political observers in the state, the governor’s comment gave confirmation to speculation that he may eventually endorse a London-based woman as his successor.

To some APC faithful, if the Governor’s intention turns into reality, it would be the greatest mistake he would have ever made in his political career. They argued that Ogun people would find it difficult, if not impossible, to vote for a “stranger.”

Amosun had repeatedly insisted that the incumbent senator representing Lagos West on the APC platform, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (a.k.a Yayi), one of the top contenders of the governorship seat is a ‘stranger’ in Ogun, hence he is not qualified to contest the number one seat, apparently due to the fact that Adeola has spent all his political career outside Ogun State.

Amosun with overconfidence has insisted that Adeola or any other contestant he regarded, as stranger would not succeed him.
His audacity stems from his perceived control of the APC political machinery in the state.

Political observers in the state have also concluded Amosun’s preferred candidates will record a landslide victory whenever the party holds the primary.

But Adeola’s camp is now rejoicing over a report that, the APC National leadership has ordered that the party’s primaries at the ward, local government and state levels should be re-conducted.

The former State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba’s camp had issues with the last party’s congresses, which Amosun’s candidates overwhelmingly won and called for cancellation and fresh congresses. But the party did not accept their plea.

The APC National Leader, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu and Osoba appear to be supporting Adeola’s governorship aspiration.

But will Osoba’s political influence and supporters, coupled with Tinubu’s clout be able to turn the table for Adeola? This is a question being asked among the party faithful particularly looking at the development of things at the national level where Tinubu’s influence is also being challenged.

For instance, one of the challenges Tinubu is facing in the reconciliation task given to him by President Muhammadu Buhari recently, was the fact that some governors in the party, Amosun inclusive, gave him (Tinubu) a condition not to meddle in the political affairs of their states if he hopes to succeed in the assignment before him.

Olamilekan Solomon Adeola

That Osoba is also supporting Adeola’s governorship ambition is speculative. Although, the erstwhile governor of Ogun had openly expressed his desire that the governorship should go to Ogun West being the only senatorial district yet to produce the governor since 1999. At no place has he ever expressed open support for any aspirant.

And anonymous source told The Guardian that Adeola has been directed to drop his governorship ambition in Ogun but to concentrate his efforts in returning to the senate in Lagos West. This informed the near clash between his supporters and those of the former Minister of State for Defense, Musiliu Obanikoro, who recently defected to the APC from PDP during the second term endorsement rally organised for Governor Akinwunmi Ambode in Lagos.

The immediate factor that almost triggered the faceoff among the two factions was that most of the supporters of the incumbent senator wrote at the back of their vests ‘No vacancy in Lagos West’, a message to Obanikoro who has also indicated interest to contest the Lagos West senatorial seat on the premise that Adeola is no longer contesting the post, but Ogun governorship seat.

There are two political Movements operating in the state, that of former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s Coalition for Nigeria Movement (CNM) which former Cross Rivers State Governor, Donald Duke and former Osun State Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola are among the top members. The other one is the Nigeria Intervention Movement (NIM) which the former President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olisa Agbakoba and Jelili Tafawa Belewa are coordinators.

Investigation revealed that the two movements, with the backing of powerful people are working seriously to transform the two groups into a political party soonest.

Prince Rotimi Paseda, the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) governorship candidate in the last election and Isiaka are said to be negotiating with the NIM and CNM for the governor and deputy governorship tickets any time they transform into a political party.

Yayi, according to a source has also contacted them for the governorship ticket in case he fails to get that of the APC.

Paseda is the sole financier of (UPN), he is a man of immense wealth.

Isiaka contested the 2011 governorship election under the platform of the Peoples’ Party of Nigeria (PPN) against the incumbent governor, but lost. He again contested the 2015 governorship election on the platform of PDP and lost again.

About three months ago, it was reported that ‘Ijebu Agenda Forum’ conducted a screening exercise, where a consensus Ijebu governorship candidate, in the person of Otunba Bimbo Ashiru was chosen. However, Ashiru’s sole candidature is being challenged.

Those who participated in the exercise include, Jimi Lawal, a top contender of the 2019 governorship contest, Senator Gbenga Kaka and former Minority Leader in the Senate, Dr. Olorunimbe Mamora. Seven of the nine contestants have rejected the result of the screening on grounds that it was not transparently carried out.

Gboyega Isiaka

Lawal, who is the present Special Adviser to the Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, told The Guardian, “Seven of us who participated in the exercise have totally rejected the result because the process leading to it was not transparent.”

It is learnt that the Awujale of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona is persuading his subjects to forget their political differences and jointly campaign for an Ijebu candidate.

A source from the palace told The Guardian that: “Kabiyesi has thrown his full weight behind an Ijebu candidate, encouraging us to work together to ensure that a core Ijebu man becomes the governor.”

All indications point to the fact that the next governorship election is going to be one of the keenest ever contested.

Traditional rulers in Ogun West are also not resting on their oars to ensure the zone produce the next governor in 2019. Some of the factors that would make the contest interesting are; it is going to be a battle between Ogun West and Ogun East, Ijebu area and Yewa especially. While Ogun West is latching to the argument it is the only zone yet to produce the governor, Ogun East’s excuse for insisting to get the 2019 governorship slot is that the slot which Amosun is using ought to have been taken in 2011 by Ogun West and going by the existing zoning arrangement, the East is saying it is none of its business if the West slept on its rights and allowed Ogun Central to snatch what belongs belonged it (West).

Another factor is that Ogun West, even less than a year to the exercise is still wallowing in crisis most especially as some of its traditional rulers are bent on supporting a contestant that is not in the good book of Amosun.

It is also going to be interesting that both the ruling party and the major opposition are enmeshed in internal crises and the chances of resolving the differences, which could lead to implosion, are remote before the election.

Can the ‘Third Force’ take advantage of the situation, or can another major opposition party such as PDP take over Ogun next year? Only time will tell

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/ogun-2019-governorship-election-still.html

Governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike has claimed that security in the country degenerated seriously because the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government chose to play politics with the security challenge.

Wike said this at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, when the Governing Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) paid him a courtesy visit.

According to the Governor, when Rivers state was battling with issues such as kidnappings, the FG plotted to declare a state of emergency in the state, instead of addressing the security challenges.

“The Federal Government politicised the issue of security in Rivers State at a time when her intervention was required.

“That is why the whole country has been engulfed by insecurity.

“Every day you hear (about) people being killed like chickens. In Taraba, Plateau, Kogi, Benue, Zamfara, Kwara, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Yobe and Borno States,” Wike said.

Governor Wike also spoke about the armed robbery incident in Offa, Kwara State where up to 30 persons were reportedly killed.

He added: “After 50 persons were murdered in cold blood, the very next day, the authorities claimed that 7 persons have been arrested. If the security agencies have the capacity to arrest almost immediately, why not stop the killings?”

The governor said the country had failed to uphold the rule of law, conduct credible elections and institute good governance.

To help reverse the trend, he called on professionals to show interest in political developments in the country, to ensure that the APC-led Federal Government returns to the right track.

He said every profession had a role to play in the development of the country, especially speaking out against the destruction of the tenets of the rule of law.

“If there is no rule of law, it negatively affects the professions. Professionals can no longer stand aloof while the country degenerates,” Governor Wike said.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/wike-reveals-how-buharis-govt-worsened.html

A woman has disappeared after her 35-year-old lover, identified simply as Sikiru, drowned in the swimming pool of a hotel in the Ishashi area of Lagos State.

Sikiru and the woman had visited the hotel, Regional Hotel and Suites, when the incident happened.

The girlfriend fled the facility.

The hotel manager, however, reported the case to the police who removed the corpse and deposited it in a morgue.

Reacting to the incident, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Chike Oti, told Punch that a preliminary investigation by detectives who visited the scene showed that there was no injury on the corpse.

He said, “The hotel manager reported that one of his customers, identified simply as Sikiru, whose address is still unknown, was found dead inside the hotel’s swimming pool upon diving into the water.

“Detectives went to the scene of crime and recovered the remains of the said man.

“No trace of injuries was found and no identification or phone recovered from him.

“The girlfriend that came with him disappeared immediately with all links of identification of the deceased.

“The corpse has been deposited in the Badagry General Hospital morgue for autopsy. Investigation is ongoing.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/woman-disappears-as-lover-drowns-in.html

The bodies of a young couple was discovered hanging from a tree at Madarganj upazila in Jamalpur, Bangladesh in a suspected suicide.

Locals discovered the bodies of Sujan Mia, 25, and Joya Akhtar, 22, from Nalachhiya village under the upazila on Wednesday. They immediately informed the Madarganj police who responded and brought down the bodies.

When the families of the couple did not show up at the police station, police filed an unnatural death case and sent the bodies to Jamalpur General Hospital for autopsies.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/couple-commit-suicide-together-after.html

The Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev Nicholas Okoh, has insisted that Boko Haram has not been decimated as claimed.

He called on the Nigerian government to rather take certain steps to document the insurgency problems, so that Nigerians can learn some lessons from it.

“We have not decimated Boko Haram; if they have been decimated, they will not be disturbing people,” he stated.

Speaking at the dedication of the Anglican Diocese of Abuja Bishop’s Court, yesterday, Okoh warned against plans by the government to grant amnesty to repentant Boko Haram members, saying it is not the right thing at this moment.

He said: “I don’t know what class, because you know there are many classes of Boko Haram. If they have been screened, one would have expected that there would be a document to say this is why they are fighting, this is their anger, this is what Nigerians have done against them, this is why they have taken up arms against us.

“Without doing all these, we are just rubbing pomade on their faces and tomorrow, another group will rise up and do something nasty and ask for amnesty.”

On the $1billion approved by President Muhammadu Buhari for the purchase of military hardware, the cleric said: “Everybody believes that that amount of money is huge. We are waiting for the weapons to arrive.

“I am not in a position to know whether the money would be used for politics or strictly for weapon importation, but we hope they will do so, because Nigerians are suffering.”


http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/boko-haram-not-decimated-primate-okoh.html

What have you got to fear when you meet a team of agents of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on a highway doing routine stop-and-check? Nothing. Except if you are doing drugs.

For a Kaduna-based musician, Kamar Simon Tachio, meeting NDLEA a team on his way from Jos where he went to perform presented him an opportunity to appreciate the good work the men and officers of the Agency are doing.

The AllG entertainment frontline artist briefly stopped to strum his guitar and sing for the agents.

Kamar started his career working with Nigerian R&b Star Darey Art Alade. He has also lent his vocals to the songs of Burna Boy. He made it to the finals of the Season Four of Project Fame West Africa in 2012.

The multi-instrumentalist artist has released many singles including the hit track “Marry Juana”. His latest single, “Life goes on” is currently enjoying massive airplay.


http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/when-singer-kamar-tachio-meets-ndlea-on.html

Bibles can no longer be purchased online in China despite the government publishing a new document claiming that it allows freedom of worship.

The disappearance of Bibles on internet retailers is the latest restriction the country had placed on its fast-growing Christian population.

Religious freedom campaigners have said freedom for Christians in China has been the worst it’s ever been.

The crackdown on Christians in China has meant that crosses have been removed from churches, churches have been demolished, and Christians suspected of worshiping at home have been detained.

A new Chinese government white paper on religious freedoms published this week asserted that all faiths must “adapt themselves to the socialist society”.

The paper listing official Communist Party policies added: “Religious believers and non-believers respect each other, and live in harmony, committing themselves to reform and opening up and the socialist modernization, and contribute to the realization of the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation.”

William Nee, China researcher at Amnesty International, said the Vatican should address the online Bible sale ban with Beijing.

Chinese Catholic bishops and the Vatican have not good relations for decades because Chinese Catholic bishops are not appointed by the Pope. However, both sides have shown some progress in reconciliation in recent weeks.

Nee said, “The Vatican should probably take this issue into consideration in its discussions with their Chinese counterparts, since the banning of the sale of Bibles is obviously a worrying move, demonstrating the worsening state for freedom of religion in China.

“There is a broader trend under President Xi Jinping to more tightly control religion, especially Christianity.

“It’s absurd that the government claims to promote religious freedom at the same time that they’re banning the sale of Bibles.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/china-bans-sale-of-bibles.html

Nigerian singer Michael Owusu Addo popularly known as Small doctor is looking for Double wahala has he has declared interest in marrying BBNaija house mate Cee-C of the Double Wahala edition.

Cee-C is the most controversial housemate in the current edition of the reality show. She has been involved in fights after fight with different housemates since the start of the show.

Cee-C has been awarded as a drama Queen by viewers and small Doctors has agreed to that as he said he wants a drama queen in his life.

The penalty Crooner who is yet to be married recently declared his love for Cee-C issuing that he can’t wait to see her leave the house so that he will just wife her because he needs a drama queen in his life.

The words of Small Doctor;

“I’m just waiting for Cee-C to be back home. I Just Wanna Wife Her straight up... I’m excited already... I need a drama queen in my life” Small Doctor wrote.

Small Doctor was alleged by a friend who is also a musician of drink poisoning but Small Doctor has denied such act saying that his friend only wants cheap publicity.


http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/double-wahala-small-doctor-intend-to.html

Nigerian musical icon and reggae legend Majek Fashek has come out to show his support for the Kogi Senator Dino Melaye who is currently in war with the police and the senate.

Dino Melaye is currently battling with possibly getting recalled by the Nigerian national Assembly and also try to solve his issues with the Nigerian Police, following the recent arrest of political thugs linked to him.

Majek shared a photo of himself in the company of Dino Melaye on social media and revealed that he and Dino’s fans are praying for the senator and will stand with him through the raging storm.

He also went on to send fire to all those trying to bring the senator down saying no weapon fashioned against him shall prosper.

“Mesage from legendary prophet Majek Fashek to distinguish senator Dino Melaye,man of the people,we are praying for you,we stand with you and by you,no one can touch the anointed of God,No weapon fashion Against you shall prosper,fire go burn all your enemies Down in Jesus Name. Majek Fashek wrote.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/fire-go-burn-all-dino-melayes-enemies.html

Senator Dino Melaye, representing Kogi West in the Upper Legislative Chamber of the National Assembly, has advised his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, to stop the blame games.

According to him, it would be a wasted effort trying to change a country by fighting the realities on ground.

Melaye told his party that to change the country, they must build a new model that would make the existing one obsolete.

Melaye said this in a post he shared on Instagram on Monday evening.

The embattled Senator entitled his post, “Advice to APC.”

He wrote, “You never change a country by fighting the existing realities you meet on ground.

“To change a country, you build a new model that will makes the existing model obsolete.

“Stop accusation and start building.”


http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/you-cant-change-nigeria-by-fighting.html

Controversial on-air personality, OAP, has backed Big Brother Naija 2018 housemate, Cee-c, for destroying the traditional outfit given to her by the reality TV show’s sponsor, Payporte.

MC EBISCO recalls that Cee-c had on Saturday evening, while preparing for party, expressed disgust at the wear and damaged it by using scissor to cut it short.

Payporte, however, on its official Instagram, felt disrespected, and expressed disappointment at Cee-c’s action.

The sponsor wrote: “PayPorte is very dis-pleased by the comments made by @ceec_official about the outfit given to her.

“We take out time to style all housemates with respect to the theme of every Saturday party.

“We consider this a disrespect to our brand and consider this offensive.”

Reacting through his Twitter page, Freeze asked the sponsor to listen to Cee-c and fix the dress.

He wrote, “If Ceec says the dress is crap maybe the brand should listen and fix it.

“Being a sponsor doesn’t make you perfect or immune to mistakes.

“I hate it when brands try to subliminally bully just because they are sponsors.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/bbnaija-2018-freeze-backs-cee-c-over.html

Nigerian music producer, Samklef has reacted to Big Brother Naija 2018 housemate, Cee-c’s seeming disrespect of one of the sponsors of Big Brother Naija reality television show.

The housemate had called out Payporte for sending her Ibibio attire instead of that of Igbo.

She’s on brinks of being disqualified for her action and wrong use of words. Cee-c did not only reject the cloth, but ripped it.

She followed that up with warning to the dressmakers never to send her their product again.

Payporte sends housemates attires every Saturday afternoon for their night party.

She had said, “How can I wear this,” she asked fellow housemate, Nina.

“Payporte come and take your cloth! I hope you saw what I did to it.

“Yes I tore it. I am proudly Igbo not from Akwa Ibom

“Just look at this, imagine how I’ll look in this, God forbid. I won’t wear.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/bbnaija-2018-samklef-reveals-what-may.html

Beauty Entrepreneur Dabota Lawson and Nollywood actress and philanthropist Tonto Dikeh collaborated in an alluring photo shoot for Dabota Cosmetics spring campaign.

The pair who appear very fond of each other don’t hesitate to express their admiration for one another publicly on their social media handles.

Tonto Dikeh and Dabota Lawson share a lot in common and this is perhaps the reason why their new friendship and support for each other appears rock solid.

….Both hail from Rivers state and share the Month of June birth month.. .

…Both have experienced a very public desolation to their past relationships .

……Both are mothers.

Products : DABOTA COSMETICS
Photography: Olatunde Ajasa
Makeup : Danielles beauty world
Makeup : Neky_glam
Hair : Figures luxury hair

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/03/dabota-lawson-and-tonto-dikeh-look.html

Wema Bank was on Thursday ordered by a Federal High Court in Lagos to pay US-based Nigerian model, Nneoma Anosike, N10million as damages for the infringement of her intellectual property.

The bank was found guilty of breaching the model’s privacy by using her photograph in a campaign material without her consent.

Apart from awarding financial damages, the court gave an order of injunction restraining the bank from further passing off or enabling others to pass off Nneoma’s professional services.

Wema Bank was also directed to tender a letter of apology to the young woman, and to publish a written apology in two dailies in the US and in two national newspapers circulating around Nigeria.

Who really is Nneoma?

Below are 10 quick facts about her.

Nneoma announced her arrival on the modelling scene when she won the Elite Model Look Nigeria contest in 2013 at the age of 18.
She was a 2014 brand ambassador of Pepsi Cola Nigeria and took part in the Get Naked campaign for the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) the same year.
She entered into a three-year management contract with Ford Model Incorporated, New York in 2014 for which she travelled to the United States of America to continue her career.
She represented one of the dark shades of Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty’s foundation in a 2017 campaign
She took part in the casting call to be a part of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2018 rookie class.
She is obsessed with Andrea Iyamah, a brand specialising in custom couture, ready-to-wear and retro swimwear.
She is an avid traveller.
Nneoma loves doing hot yoga or enjoying an afternoon outside with her friends.
She is presently signed to ONE Management modelling agency.
Her father, Frank Anosike, serves as her lawful attorney in the case against Wema Bank

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/03/nigerian-model-nneoma-anosike-won.html

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will sanction any political party, individual or corporate organisation that commits electoral offence during the 2019 general elections.

Prof. Francis Ezeonu, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Imo, said this at a sensitisation meeting of stakeholders with Imo INEC management on Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) held in Mbaitoli and Owerri North local government areas.

Ezeonu said Section 94 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) stipulated guidelines for the conduct of primaries, electoral campaigns by political parties and behaviours of party faithful and stakeholders during elections.

He added that the same Electoral Act frowned at imposition of candidates, use of masquerades and any form of weapon, hate speeches, as well as campaigning in Churches, Mosques and public offices.

“We will monitor political parties to avoid anarchy. If after primaries anyone is denied his/her position, INEC will not be party to it and will intervene. It will also sanction defaulting party.

“The guideline is also against the use of thugs, private militia and vanguards on campaign grounds.”

The REC said the commission would use Resident Area Camp (RAC) to ensure that election materias were deployed to polling units on time.

He urged stakeholders to cooperate with the commission by creating an enabling environment to deploy the RACs, as well as provide security at RAC areas so that INEC’s property would not be vandalised.

The Electoral Officer (EO) in Mbaitoli Local Government Area, Mrs Ngozi Odilinye, said the forum was special as it offered political parties, town unions, women and youth leaders, and other stakeholders opportunity to interact with one another and with INEC management in Imo.

She said the local government area registered 122,555 voters during the 2014/2015 registration, adding that till date, 22,333 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) were yet to be collected.

Odilinye noted that the commission had since April 2017, embarked on nationwide CVR, including the correction of wrong particulars of voters, reprinting of omitted voter cards, lost and defaced cards and processing of voters’ data for inter and intra state transfer.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/03/2019-inec-talks-tough-on-electoral.html

Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Ogun State Governor, has identified lack of proper documentation and incomplete payment by applicants under the Homeowners’ Charter Programme as factors responsible for the delay in issuance of Certificates of Occupancy.

Amosun stated this during the 29th edition of presentation of Certificates of Occupancy and Building Plan Approval to another batch of beneficiaries at the Arcade Ground, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, explained that though government allowed payment by installment, some applicants who had taken advantage of the opportunity have not done the needful by completing their payment and other documentation.

“The question asked by some applicants is why the delay in the issuance of C of O. But, we found out that they have not done the needful. Some are yet to make full payment, though this government allows payment by installment. Others have not completed their documentation under the scheme.

Let me assure you that all applicants that meet the requirements will collect their C of O before the end of our tenure,” Amosun said.

He said proper documentation would assist government in fast tracking the process of issuing land title documents and free the owners from land grabbers, forging or cloning their documents.

In his welcome address, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Ministry of Urban and Physical Planning, Bola Ajayi, said the programme would also help to provide enumeration data for medium town planning for the provision of schools, hospitals and other essential services to the people.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/03/homeowners-charter-amosun-explains.html