₦airaland Forum

An 18-seater commercial bus loaded with passengers has been hijacked by some unidentified gunmen in Rivers State.

It was gathered that the incident occurred about 7 am on Evekwu area along the East-West Road in Emohua Local Government Area of the state.

The bus, it was learnt was travelling from Ahoada to Port Harcourt before the armed hoodlums’ attack.

Information available to the correspondent showed that 18 passengers were on board; the bus was later diverted into the bush by the hoodlums.

According to a source, when drivers plying the road heard news of the incident, they stopped working, leaving people travelling outside Port Harcourt stranded.

The source also alleged that the gunmen attacked and vandalised the car he boarded, after hijacking the 18-seater commercial bus.

But when the Police Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State command, DSP Nnamdi Omoni, was contacted, he denied knowledge of the attack.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/12/gunmen-hijack-18-seater-passenger-bus-in-rivers/

The Governor of Adamawa State, Sen. Mohammed Jibrilla Bindow has presented a budget proposal of N230.9 billion for the 2019 fiscal year.

Presenting the budget before the State House of Assembly Tuesday, Bindow clarified that of the total N230, 989,412,375, the sum of N127,494,176,800; representing 55 per cent, would be spent on development projects while N103,495,235,575; being 45 per cent, would take care of recurrent expenditures.

Bindow said the fiscal proposal, otherwise named Budget of Next Level, would be used to consolidate on the development projects that his administration has executed, and appealed for accelerated passage.

“I thank you for the good partnership we’ve always had. We will continue to justify the confidence that you have reposed in us,” Bindow told the legislators.

The Speaker of the House, Hon Kabiru Mijinyawa, said the House would give the fiscal proposal accelerated deliberations, and he followed through immediately by presiding over a second reading of the proposal before the governor was ushered out of the House.

Explaining the reason for the speedy start of work on the proposal, the speaker told newsmen after the plenary session that the House intended to conclude work on the proposal before the end of this year.

“The presentation of the budget proposal by the governor is the first reading while the reading that we members of the House did after the governor’s presentation is the second reading,” the speaker explained, adding that the budget proposal would now pass to committee level for closer scrutiny.

Meanwhile, Governor Mohammed Bindow who also addressed pressmen after the House session said the Budget of Next Level would be used largely to execute projects to develop education and health sectors, as the government had done much to develop road infrastructure in the last three and a half years.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/11/adamawa-state-governor-bindow-proposes-n230bn-budget-for-2019/

Former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Senator Godswill Akpabio has said that he will continue to speak for the people of the state till he dies.

The Senator, who represents Ikot Ekpene at the National Assembly, spoke at Ukana, in Essien Udim council at the weekend, adding that he represents the three senatorial districts of the state.

He said, ‘’I am not only a Senator representing Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District. I am a Senator representing the whole of Akwa Ibom State.

‘’I have projects I have commissioned in Uyo Senatorial and Eket Senatorial Districts even when I am meant to only represent Ikot Ekpene Senatorial district.

‘’I shall continue to speak for the people of Akwa Ibom State till I die. I am for everyone. I am for all the 31 Local Government Areas in Akwa Ibom State. I am for the 10 Federal Constituencies in Akwa Ibom State.

“I am for the 3 Senatorial districts in Akwa Ibom State. I am for the voiceless, I am for the less privileged and I am even for you that is opposing me.’’

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/10/2019-election-ill-keep-representing-3-senatorial-districts-in-akwa-ibom-till-i-die-akpabio/

Mike Ozekhome, Constitutional lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, says President Muhammadu Buhari is afraid of imminent defeat in 2019 presidential election, hence his reason for refusing assent to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.

Buhari had for the third time withheld his assent to the bill.

Buhari in a letter transmitted to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara dated December 6, 2018, explained that passing the bill could cause “some uncertainty about the applicable legislation to govern the process.”

This has attracted a lot of criticisms from many quarters, including the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the Coalition of United Political Parties, CUPP, amongst others.

Ozekhome, speaking on the development, pointed out that Buhari by refusing to sign the Electoral Act Amendment Bill is to provide a suitable environment to enhance electoral manipulation to pave way for his re-election.

He, however, called on both Houses of parliament, the National Assembly to muster 2/3 majority votes to override the President under section 58 of the 1999 Constitution.

Speaking with Vanguard, he said, “Buhari is obviously afraid not just of defeat, but of routing in the next presidential election.

“His refusal is an unveiled and desperate attempt to foist on Nigerians, the grand electoral fraud and larceny of bazaar votes we witnessed in the North West, especially in Kano in 2015.

“Recall that the then Kano Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Returning Officer was burnt to death with his entire family as soon as the results were announced. Till date, no arrest has ever been made of the culprits who annihilated an entire family just so that a person will have power.

“That desperation has been lampooned again and again by Aisha, his very wife. The amendments were aimed at sanitizing and deodorizing the electoral process, enthrone integrity in it,transmit results automatically from the polling units to the announcement centres after parties representatives have signed and endorsed. This prevents rigging, especially after-count rigging, when declared results are brazenly altered.

“How can any genuine democrat ever be against such auspicious amendments, if not for sinister purposes? All hope is not lost.

“The simple answer is for both Houses of parliament, the National Assembly to muster 2/3 majority votes to override the President under section 58 of the 1999 Constitution.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/10/buhari-wants-to-rig-2019-presidential-election-ozekhome-tells-nass-to-veto-electoral-act/

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has condemned the freezing of the bank accounts of the presidential running-mate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Peter Obi.

The PDP in a statement on Saturday cried out over the stoppage of transactions on all accounts belonging to Obi, wife, his family members and their businesses by agencies of the Muhammadu Buhari administration.

Frank in a statement made available on Sunday described freezing of Obi’s accounts as an act of wickedness, senselessness and desperation by the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

He noted that President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration by using such tactics of depriving the opposition figures access to their personal resources had failed.

According to Frank, if the PDP and former President Goodluck Jonathan, who performed well could lose election in 2015 despite access to huge resources, nothing will stop Buhari’s and APC’s total defeat in 2019.

The statement read: “In the history of Nigeria, and in the history of democracy in Nigeria, we have never seen a government this wicked to its citizens and to the opposition like this present government.

“Let me remind Buhari not to forget that he was poor before he became President in 2015, if today he has corruptly enriched himself – thinking that he will use the proceeds to buy votes during the election while trying to impoverish the opposition – Nigerians will prove him otherwise.

“He has forgotten that his election was sponsored by Nigerians who believed in his course, otherwise he would not have become President.

“No amount of blackmail and witch-hunt against businessmen and opposition politicians in the country will give him victory come 2019. No true Nigerian will behave the way he treats Nigerians and opposition.”

While accusing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of bias, Frank queried why the anti-graft agency has not frozen the accounts of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo -who is allegedly involved in NEMA’s financial scandal – and that of the National Chairman of APC, Adams Oshiomhole – for allegedly receiving bribes during the party’s primaries.

“Buhari’s actions are beginning to make us doubt if indeed he is the Muhammadu Buhari we know or the Jubril from Sudan as alleged by so many people. It will only take a foreigner to treat citizens and the opposition the way Buhari is treating Nigerians at the moment.

“I want to remind Buhari that he was once in the opposition and he was never treated the way he is treating Atiku Abubakar and the opposition today.

“In any case, whether it is Buhari or the alleged Jubril that is at the helm of the affairs in Nigeria, come February 16, 2019, Nigerians will take their country back by voting out Buhari or Jubril or both,” Frank stated.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/10/peter-obi-buhari-making-us-think-he-is-jubril-of-sudan-timi-frank/

Athletes and officials of the Rivers State contingent to the 19th National Sports Festival are still threatening to withdraw from the event if their salaries and allowances are not paid, Several of the athletes and officials, who spoke to LEADERSHIP sports on the condition of anonymity, have said they have not been paid their emoluments for the past one year, and are now considering withdrawing from the Sports Festival.

The Rivers State contingents arrived Abuja late on Thursday evening and missed the parade and march-past of the opening ceremony as a result, fuelling speculations they may have already boycotted the event, and media reports on Saturday claimed they had threatened to withdraw.

“We have not been paid for a year now and we left Port Harcourt on the day the festival began, arriving Abuja late at night,” a visibly piqued athlete told LEADERSHIP sports on condition of anonymity. “All they’re talking about in Rivers State are the 2019 elections and nothing else.

We have always represented the state well, and we deserve to get paid for our efforts,” the athlete further lamented.

The complaints notwithstanding, the state bagged a gold medal in cycling on the opening day of the festival. Gladys Tombrapa won the medal in the women’s 200 metres event inside the velodrome of the Abuja National Stadium.

Following the medal win, one of the team officials informed that winning the medal shows the potential they have, but warned that they could leave Abuja because of ‘hunger’, calling the Rivers State government and its governor, Nyesom Wike, to come to their rescue.

“The gold we won in the cycling event shows you the amount of potentials we have and that we could easily win this festival.

But we are hungry, and if this hunger continues, we will be forced to leave Abuja and return back to Port Hacourt. “One year is a long time to work and not get paid and we are calling on Governor Nyesom Wike to come to our rescue by paying the monies owed to us.” Efforts to reach the Rivers State Government have so far proved abortive. The Festival runs from December 6 through the 16th.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/09/abuja-2018-hunger-may-chase-rivers-athletes-out-of-competition/

Minister of Budget and Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma has insisted that President Muhammadu Buhari has delivered on three key campaign promises to fix the economy, fight corruption and combat insecurity in the North East geopolitical region of the country.

The minister, also, said the administration’s strategic economic plan, the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, was a product of wide consultation among a cross section of Nigerians.

He stated this in his keynote address at an event organised by the Institute of Chartered Secretary and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) which held in Lagos recently.

He stated that the aim of the ERGP was to re-route Nigeria from being import dependent to one that produces most of what it consumes as a way to reduce the nation’s import receipts, conserve foreign exchange and boost its external reserves.

“Buhari had promised to do three things – fight corruption; restore security; and fix the economy. We were therefore determined to halt the economic decline.

“We accomplished this, first, by introducing an expansionary fiscal budget in 2016 to reflate the economy and stimulate economic activity. This expansionary budget was accompanied by the Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP).

“The SIP consisted of a series of short-term measures aimed at boosting economic activities so as to restore confidence. We followed this up, after extensive consultations with all segments of society, with the launching by the President of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) 2017 – 2020.

“In developing the ERGP we consulted the States; we consulted the National Assembly; we consulted our development partners; we consulted members of academia and leaders of thought. Most importantly, we consulted the private sector, including small and medium scale enterprises.

“When the ERGP was launched it received broad acceptance. It was designed to stop the economic decline and restore the economy to the path of sustained, inclusive and diversified growth driven mainly by the private sector.

“As you are aware, the ERGP has three broad objectives of restoring and sustaining growth, investing in our people and building a globally competitive economy. The Plan seeks to achieve growth that also generates jobs for Nigerians and widens economic opportunities for all our people.

Also at the event, President of the institute, Mr. Samuel Kolawole said the communiqué from its 2018 annual conference is a resourceful document that would impact the nation in various ways even as he said it will be made available to the federal government.

The annual conference of the institute held in Lagos had as its theme “Exploring the diversification agenda towards the emergence of a resilient economy.”

The sub themes for the conference were “The Diversification Agenda: The key areas of focus, the effect of fiscal and monetary policies on the Nigerian economy” and “The role of the chattered Secretary and Administrator in the diversification agenda.”

In his goodwill message, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye hailed the theme of the conference “Exploring the diversification agenda towards the emergence of a resilient economy noted that the country needed to diversify its economy from its continued dependence on oil.

“I believe we need a developmental plan, a 10-year plan reviewed every five years irrespective of which party is in power or government. It is all a matter of national interest which transcends political considerations.

“Any government in power must consult widely and get inputs from opposition parties and other stakeholders before the government of the day starts implementing and taking the decisions necessary to move the economy forward and it must do so with accountability, transparency through an autonomous Economic Development Agency insulated and shielded political considerations and interference.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/09/udoma-buhari-has-delivered-campaign-promises/

The inaugural National Anti-Corruption Marathon, organised by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Crimes (ICPC), Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and Fair Play International, will take centre stage in Abuja on Monday, December 10, 2018. The half marathon race, tagged: “Abuja Marathon 2018” is in honour and support of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration’s fight against corruption which will cover a total area of 23.04km and total distance: 21.03km (13.07m) Speaking at a press conference heralding the event, the national coordinator of the event, Jacob Onu, said the registration, which will be online, is opened to all segments of the society, adding that the campaign was aimed at raising national consciousness on the scourge and danger of corruption.

“We intend to use the image and popularity of marathon races to create massive awareness and bring together all segments of the Nigerian population in support of Mr President’s fight on corruption in all facets of national life,” he stated.

“This will strengthen unity among the citizens of this country and also satisfy the desire to exploit and harness the abundant talents in our youth for national integration.

“This campaign is aimed at raising national consciousness on the scourge and danger of corruption to the country and humanity in general.” According to Onu, “There is no political gimmick about the race.

Besides, there is no government in the world that is not committed in fighting corruption if they want the country to move forward. Nigeria may be making history to be the first country to use marathon race to create awareness on anti-corruption.” The Anti-Corruption Marathon is expected to be flagged off by President Muhammadu Buhari, alongside President Paul Kigame of Rwanda and Sports minister, Solomon Dalung in commemoration of the United Nations World Anti-corruption day. The eventual champions will smile home with monetary gifts; N1 million for first position, while the second and third positions will be gifted N500, 000 and 300,000 respectively.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/08/maiden-anti-corruption-marathon-race-holds-dec-10/

The wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, Aisha has cautioned against discriminating against those involved in the usage of hard drugs.

Mrs Buhari said rather than isolating and discriminating drug users, the society should look beyond the problem and begin to look at the main cause of the problem.

The wife of the President spoke at the official flag-off of Youth Against Drug Abuse, YADA, campaign organized by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, at the Kano Government House, yesterday, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports.

Represented by the wife of the Vice President, Dolapo Osinbajo, she said the problem of drugs should be addressed for a lasting solution.

According to her: “As a result of drug influence, the lives of many youths have been destroyed as they engage in all sort of heinous crimes which has led to their incarceration.

“It must be understood that whatever crime someone under the influence of drugs commits is influenced by the drug.

“I want to commend the efforts of all government agencies in the fight against drug abuse in the country and that such efforts has led to the arrest and confiscation of 86 containers containing prohibited drugs.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/07/aisha-buhari-warns-against-discriminating-against-drug-addicts/

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali N’abba, has dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC).

N’Abba announced his decision in a resignation letter released Thursday night.

The former Speaker hinged his reason on what he termed ‘”the cavalier manner in which both the Federal Government, States controlled by the APC and the APC itself are being run.”

His resignation letter reads.

“This is to notify you of my resolve to resign from the All Progressives Congress (APC), effective today 5th December 2018,” he wrote.

“My decision to resign from the party follows the cavalier manner in which both the Federal Government, States controlled by the APC and the APC itself are being run, as a result of which anybody who has eyes to see only sees doom and not prosperity for our dear country.”

He also noted that APC administration is characterised by “lack of consultation, crass incompetence, lack of vision, arrogance, and dangerous fixation.”

“It is a measure of the incompetence of the APC government that after all is said and done, it has lost a Senate President and a Speaker of the House Of Representatives and many others for reasons that border on meanness, lack of simple management skills and capacities and a great measure of arrogance.”

“It is also a measure of the incompetence of the party that there is almost no state in the Federation where there is no conflict .”

“While it is generally accepted that no human organisation can be rancour-free, it is disheartening that these conflicts in the party are inflicted by its leaders, some of whom can be said to be poorer in human qualities than the poorest of men.”

He also alleged that some state governors had hijacked the party, doing whatever they liked.

“In their endeavour to perpetuate themselves on the system, they not only snatched away the political rights of the people but also blocked all avenues with which and within which they would be held to account.”

“Because under these conditions no person can be politically mobile except he becomes a sycophant, it becomes necessary for me to speak up.”

“This I did many times, unfortunately only to be met with complicit silence.”

He also attacked President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a “president under whose watch all these negative traits are recurring.”

“He instead prefers to give the country a lethargic and insular leadership informed by grudges, hatred and a general lack of understanding of what democracy and compassion are all about.

“All these masqueraded as war on corruption.”

Although, the former Speaker did not state the party he is defecting to, he is expected to join the main opposition party, PDP.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/06/breaking-former-speaker-nabba-dumps-apc-gives-reasons/

Former Military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar has urged politicians who are above 70 years to retire from politics and give way to younger ones for the progress of the country.

Speaking on Thursday at Arewa House Kaduna as chairman of the presentation and launching of the book, ” Yakowa: A Dream Differed,” Abdulsalami stressed that politicians who are above 70 years should retire for the young politicians.

He however, added that if they consider themselves fit to run for political offices at 70 years or above, they should be jealously continue to safeguard the peace of the country through their utterances during and after elections.

The ex-head of state said, “Politicians who consider themselves worthy to run for political offices should jealously continue to guard the peace of our country.

“I urge you to base your campaign on issue based campaign. Politicians and their political parties hold the key to the creation of an environment that could foster peace, fair and credible elections and we will ask them to do the needful for the interest of, and well-being of this great country.”

On his role as a mentor to late Patrick Yakowa, Abdulsalami said, “as former head of state, who appointed late Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa as Minister for Solid Minerals, I thought that it was late Patrick Yakowa that built the foundation of solid mineral resources upon which all that was accorded. Late Patrick Yakowa remained close confided even after my retirement.

“Since Yakowa left the federal government, and returned to Kaduna to serve in the state as secretary to the government, rising to be elected as deputy governor, and then, governor of kaduna state, I have followed his track record with great interest. I am proud of his achievements. I bear witness to his commitment to peace, service, justice and truthful to the country,” he said.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/06/ex-head-of-state-abdulsalami-advises-politicians-above-70-years-to-leave-the-stage-for-young-ones/

The EFCC needs less than 72 hours to comply with Tuesday’s court order mandating it and other security agencies to produce Diezani.

Iheanacho Nwosu, Abuja

Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, has vowed that the anti crime agency will get former minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, to answer to allegations of graft leveled against her.

Magu, who made the disclosure in Abuja, yesterday, said the EFCC needs less than 72 hours to comply with Tuesday’s court order mandating it and other security agencies to produce Diezani.

In the event that the EFCC cannot, Magus said he would inform the court of their constraint as the former minister does not live in Nigeria, presently.

Magu, however, said the EFCC has already commenced legal process towards bringing her back, to face corruption trial.

He disclosed these at a session with newsmen and social media influencers at the Commission’s headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, yesterday.

Justice Valentine Ashi of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, sitting in Apo, Abuja, had, on Tuesday, ordered EFCC, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Service and other security agencies to arrest and produce the former minister within 72 hours.

The order followed a motion ex parte filed by EFCC’s counsel, Msuur Denga, praying for a warrant of arrest against Alison-Madueke to enable the Commission arraign her for alleged financial crimes in Nigeria.

The former minister has been residing in London since 2015.

Magu also said Nigeria’s looted $300 million remains stuck in the United Kingdom.

He also revealed the commission is collaborating with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and others, to stop vote buying in 2019.

The EFCC boss also lamented that a lot of Nigeria’s monies stashed abroad by some Nigerians are yet to be released, despite several promises by authorities of the countries where the funds are.

He added that the looted funds outside Nigeria were massive.

In a statement by the acting EFCC spokesman, Tony Orilade, yesterday, Magus said: “We will comply with the court order. In fact, it is in our character to do so. If we won’t comply with the court order, that means we have reasons to appeal against the court decision.

“We need less than 72 hours to produce Diezani. But she is being prosecuted by other law enforcement agencies outside this country. This is our predicament.”

Talking about the challenge in getting her, he said, “Another law enforcement agency is in the matter. You know she is in the United Kingdom. And we are making preparations to get her. We have already gone to the court, in fact that was our request for extradition that compelled the court to issue a warrant of arrest against her. I need just less than an hour. If she is here, I will get her immediately and take her before the court. Our problem is that she is another man’s country.”

On looted funds still hanging outside the country, Magu said: “More than 80 percent of the loot recovery outside this country is still hanging. Ask them why is it hanging? Why is it so difficult to repatriate this money, when you have established that this only came from Nigeria and you know that this person does not own this money? There is no justification. It’s not small money. We have over $300 million hanging in the United Kingdom.”

On the commission’s plans for next year’s elections, Magu disclosed EFCC is on the trail of politicians to ensure that they do not have the opportunity to sell ill-gotten properties to finance campaigns.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/06/well-get-diezani-magu-says/

The Publicity Secretary of the Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Jones Onwuasoanya has resigned.

Onwuasoanya, who described APC as a cult and not a political party, accused the National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, of destroying the platform.

He said, “The Chairman left no one in doubt that he was not, from the onset, prepared for the task of serving the interest of members of the Party and upholding the provisions of its constitution, but to institute a most dangerous brand of feudalistic idealism and corrupted form of communism, where the whims of a few override the interest of the majority.”

The statement reads, “After a careful and sober review of events within our political Party, especially, in the last two months, I have come to the conscientious conclusion that our party, which before now was touted as the beacon of integrity, democracy and fairness, has dangerously veered off from its own Constitution, philosophies and ideological inspirations.

“Our Party has ceased to, in my own considered opinion, be a political party, but a cult, where some well-positioned members have formed themselves into a cabal of capons, with a dangerous end in mind for our dear country and its fledgeling democracy.

“I am pricked in my conscience anytime I sign off as the state publicity secretary of this party, remembering that this is a party that has woefully failed to manage its internal electoral processes in a manner that may raise hope for our democracy. Conversely, this Party has exhibited a most reckless rapaciousness against our democracy and a careless disregard for the sanctity of the ballot.

“I can no longer muster the moral verve to market a political Party, who has left no one in doubt, that its 2019 electoral plans are wholly centred on manipulation of the electoral processes and imposition of unpopular candidates on the people with the full cooperation of the electoral umpire and maybe, security agencies. I choose to delink myself from a well-orchestrated plan to institute a most ridiculous form of incompetent hegemony in Imo State and other parts of Nigeria”.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/04/apc-spokesperson-resigns-calls-oshiomole-led-ruling-party-a-cult/

There is growing concern among stakeholders that nothing much would be achieved in terms of the 546 pending Bills in the National Assembly before the legislative calendar ends on June 8, 2019.

This is despite the avowed commitment acting British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Harriet Thompson, said she extracted from Senate President Bukola Saraki that some critical Bills still pending would be passed before the expiration of the 8th National Assembly.

According to them, except the ‘legislative agenda’ principles the 8th Senate adopted to absorb pending bills from the 7th Senate is adhered to, current pending bills will be laid to waste if they are not passed before June 8, 2019.

Stakeholders fear that they may have to start from the beginning by re-initiating the bills and lobbying members of the 9th National Assembly in order to begin fresh legislative process for the passage of the bills.

Statistics obtained by LEADERSHIP Sunday last week indicate that after its inauguration on June 9, 2015, the 8th Senate has so far passed a total of 219 bills, including Senate bills, concurrence bills and constitution amendment bills.

However, pending bills at committee stage are 167; those awaiting first reading and second reading at both chambers of the federal legislature are 95 and 236 respectively, while pending bills for concurrence are 48.

President Muhammadu Buhari has so far assented to 32 out of 78 bills transmitted to him. He declined his assent to 42 bills, just as the Electoral Amendment Bill, 2018 and few others are pending before him for assent.

The Senate had last Tuesday re-passed seven of the 17 bills he rejected on October 10, 2018 for onward transmission to him this week.

Stakeholders observed that despite the number of bills passed by the National Assembly so far, the federal legislature began to lose steam in the conduct of its legislative work and, by extension, the passage of these bills during the build up to party primaries, which began on August 18 and ended on October 7, 2018. The National Assembly also deferred its resumption from September 25 to October 9, 2018.

LEADERSHIP Sunday reports that as soon as the National Assembly resumed, it went on two weeks off for oversight function, adjourned for one week due to lack of quorum and adjourned plenary abruptly on Thursday, November 22, to honour the slayed 44 soldiers by Boko Haram insurgents at Metele Army Barrack in Borno State.

It also adjourned on Thursday, November 29, to allow the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senators attend their party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held last week to resolve some grievances and set the stage for the party’s campaigns next week.

The party primaries produced too many casualties among National Assembly members, and more of that is expected after next year’s elections. Most of the lawmakers who lost in the primary elections have not been coming to plenary session.

After her meeting with the Senate President Saraki and the Senate Leader, Ahmed Lawan, at the Senate complex building on November 19, 2018, UK envoy, Harriet Thompson, said that she cautioned the National Assembly against abandoning its constitutional legislative duties to canvass for votes ahead of the 2019 elections.

Thompson who said that she extracted commitment from Saraki and Lawan that they won’t derelict in their duties said she was concerned about some pending bills which are very important for the economic wellbeing and development of the country.

He urged the Senators to complete processes of the passage of the bills before the end of their tenure.

Specifically, Ms Thompson mentioned Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB), the Police Reform Bill, Company and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) Amendment Bill, the Gender Equality Bill and the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Bill, saying they ought to be passed before the end of the 8th National Assembly.

“We are very pleased to hear from both the Leader of the majority and the Senate president that there is a great commitment to continue their important work. These are all bills that we believe would make things better for Nigerians, for their rights, for their opportunities and for economic development. So, we are really pleased that they will continue with their works’’, the UK envoy said.

On Thursday November 22, 2018, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, had led a powerful judiciary team before a technical committee constituted by the Senate to revive 17 different bills that were refused assents by President Buhari on October 10, 2018.

Of great concern to the judiciary and CJN is the Constitution (Fourth Alteration) Bill No 20, which seeks to strengthen the judiciary for speedy dispensation of Justice.

The submission from the judiciary began when the former CJN, late Justice Dahiru Musdapher, set up a 28-man stakeholders’ Judicial Reform Committee with four former CJNs as members.

On December 15, 2012, Justice Musdapher summited to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters a Constitution amendment proposals tagged, ‘Review of Constitutional Provisions on Administration of Justice, Fundamental Human Rights and related Matters’.

By July 26, 2017, the Senate had, by votes of 95 to 2, passed the Bill tagged, ‘A Bill for an Act to alter the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to further strengthen the Judiciary for speedy dispensation of Justice and for related matters, 2017’

The fear of starting that process all over again, according to a source in the Judiciary, was what informed CJN Onnoghen to appear before the technical committee to revive the 17 bills President Buhari refused to sign into law.

Senate committee chairman on Judiciary, Senator David Umoru, had disclosed that President Buhari had directed the Attorney General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), to interface with the CJN to remedy the defects in the Bill to enable him assent to it in order not to render enormous work on it useless.

Aside the CJN, other stakeholders approached the Senator Umoru-led technical committee to resurrect their rejected bills include representatives of the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, chairman of Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) and Post Master General of the Federation.

They all took turns to explain to the committee why the rejected bills concerning them can be redrafted and forwarded to the president for assent.

Among other 17 rejected bills are the National Research and Innovation Council (Est.) Bill, 2017; National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (Est.) Bill, 2018; National Agricultural Seeds Council Bill, 2018; Subsidiary Legislation (Legislative Scrutiny) Bill, 2018; Chartered Institute of Entrepreneurship (Est.) Bill, 2018; Industrial Development (Income Tax Relief) (Amendment) Bill, 2018; Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2017; Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2017; National Research and Innovation Council (Est.) Bill, 2017 and the Stamp Duties (Amendment) Bill, 2018.

In his letter of rejection read by Saraki at the plenary on October 10, 2018, President Buhari however introduced Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences Bill, 2018 to the upper chamber, saying that the bill should be considered and passed into law. He explained that the bill is intended to curtail illegal activities of pirates at sea as well as reduce the incidences of theft in domestic and international waters.

LEADERSHIP Sunday recalls that the House of Representatives on November 21, 2018 discharged 16 committees from referrals on 25 bills pursuant to Order 17, Rule 3 (1) (g) of the Standing Orders of the Green Chamber.

The rule states that “any matter referred to any Committee shall be treated within 30 days, otherwise the Committee shall stand discharged after 60 days and the matter committed to the Committee of the Whole for consideration.”

The discharge followed a unanimous adoption of a motion by the chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business, Edward Pwajok (APC-Plateau) at the plenary presided over by Speaker Yakubu Dogara.

Some of the bills are Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Registration Act (Amendment) Bill, 2016; Investment and Security Act (Amendment) Bill, 2015; Inland Fisheries Act (Amendment) Bill, 2016, and Loans (State Development) Act (Repeal) Bill, 2016.

Others are Food, Drugs and Related Products (Registration, Etc.) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2016; Standards Organisation of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2015; Communications (Reducing Unsolicited Telecommunications Phone Calls and Text) Bill, 2016 and Unclaimed Financial Assets Bill, 2016, among others.

The committees discharged of the bills are House Committees on Health Services; Capital Market and Institutions; Ports, Harbours and Waterways; Aids, Loans and Debt Management; Industry; Telecommunications; and Commerce.

They also include National Planning and Development; Insurance and Actuarial Matters, and Finance; Agricultural Production and Services; Federal Capital; Special Duties; Justice; Police Affairs, among others.

Pwajok recalled that the bills were read a second time separately between 2016 and 2017 before they were referred to the respective committees for further legislative actions.

According to him, the committees are yet to present reports on the bills contrary to the provisions of Order 17, Rule 3 (1) (g) of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives.

In his ruling, Speaker Dogara discharged the committees of the bills and committed same to the committee of the whole house for consideration.

Reacting to the development, a lecturer at the Agricultural Economics Department of the University of Ibadan, Professor Victor Olugbenga Okorua, told LEADERSHIP Sunday that “although efforts of the 8th National Assembly is commendable, they are found wanting in terms of legislations on matters that go down to address economic and political fabric of the nation.

“They began to lose steam in the conduct of their legislative work and by extension to the passage of these bills during the build up to party primaries which began on August 18 and ended on October 7, 2018. It deferred its resumption from September 25 to October 9, 2018”, he added.

Also, a constitutional lawyer, Barr Alasa Ismaila, who expressed concern about the matter said, “My only fear is whether the leadership of the 9th National Assembly shall be ebullient and pragmatic enough to toe the steps of the Saraki-led NASS. One may not share in his ideals but we should give it to him for initiating ‘legislative agenda’ principles to adopt pending bills from his immediate predecessor (the 7th NASS) which hitherto were laid to waste.

“We must continue to hammer on that; otherwise the current pending bills shall become waste once the 8th NASS winds down”.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/02/546-bills-pending-at-nass-as-8th-assembly-winds-down/

Inadequate funds, lack of awareness and stigmatisation have been identified as some of the factors posing serInadequate funds, lack of awareness and stigmatisation have been identified as some of the factors posing serious threat to the fight against the scourge of HIV/AIDS in Yobe State.

This was disclosed by Alikime Dauda, the Executive Director of the Yobe State Agency for the Control of AIDS (YOSACA) in a exclusive interview with DAILY POST at an occasion marking the 2018 World AIDS Day in Damaturu on Saturday.

According to him, the challenges of fighting the scourge of HIV/AIDS is not only peculiar to Yobe state alone, but it’s a national challenge.

“The fight against HIV/AIDS when it started was a donor driven. The greatest challenge we are having is the issue of funding as more than 75% of the funds are provided by the donor agencies and now donors’ funds are dwindling.

“YOSACA for instance was being funded by the World Bank project for about eight years, they called it HPDP I and HPDP II each for four years and also a 15 months extension was given that ended in February 2017 nationally. So now, none of the agencies in charge of HIV/AIDS control are being funded by any donor agencies. We are the mercy of state governments and various implementation partners,” he revealed.

The Executive Director also pointed out that stigmatization and discrimination against people living with AIDS are among other factors militating against the fight against the disease as that leads people to be sceptical about knowing their status, while saying about 66% of Nigerians do not know their HIV/AIDS status.

“In Yobe state, we brought testing of HIV to the doorsteps of everybody in the state. Because this year we expanded the testing centers from 38 to 178 at ward levels, hence we have started HIV/AIDS at every primary healthcare center across the state, but for people to go and test is becoming problem and the test is free of charge,” Dauda lamented.

He said the World AIDS Day is dedicated to creating awareness about the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of the HIV infection around the world.

“Just to commemorate the World AIDS Day 2018, we distributed sermons to about 24 mosques and churches across Yobe state to preach to people about stigmatization and discrimination so that people can come out and do a test to know their status because we want to end the scourge of the virus by 2030 and mother to child transmission by 2020.

“We are calling on people to come out en masse to know their status and they should cooperate with the team of surveyors going round the state doing health survey and that we have HIV testing facilities at almost every word in the state”, he stressed.

On the current prevalence rate of the disease in the country and the state in particular, Dauda said, “Nigeria’s prevalent rate is put at 3.2% and Yobe state prevalence rate is 1.5% in the last prevalence research conducted in 2014.

“Currently, we are about to recalibrate our status in terms HIV/AIDS intervention, not only prevalence, even in various interventions that were put in place and that is why the Nigerian AIDS Indicator Impact Survey and fortunately is ongoing in Yobe state. They are now in eight LGAs and hopefully they will cover the 17 LGAs.”

He noted that with the ongoing Health survey, soon Nigerian will come out with its real HIV/AIDS as well as Hepatitis ‘B’ and ‘C’ prevalence rates and that of various states.

Meanwhile, the Yobe state Coordinator of People Living with HIV/AIDS, Adamu Aliyu Kaduwa, has identified lack of job opportunities, stigmatization and discrimination as some of the challenges bedevilling members of the association in Yobe state.

“Among us there are orphans and vulnerable ones whose parents cannot afford to pay for their school fees and carter for their feeding and clothing.

“It is against this backdrop that, I am appealing to the state government, individuals, philanthropists and donor agencies to come to the rescue of these
less privileged by putting smiles unto their faces,” he appealed.

The 2018 edition of the World AIDS Day comes with a theme, “Know Your Status” and was first commemorated in 1988.

ious threat to the fight against the scourge of HIV/AIDS in Yobe State.

This was disclosed by Alikime Dauda, the Executive Director of the Yobe State Agency for the Control of AIDS (YOSACA) in a exclusive interview with DAILY POST at an occasion marking the 2018 World AIDS Day in Damaturu on Saturday.

According to him, the challenges of fighting the scourge of HIV/AIDS is not only peculiar to Yobe state alone, but it’s a national challenge.

“The fight against HIV/AIDS when it started was a donor driven. The greatest challenge we are having is the issue of funding as more than 75% of the funds are provided by the donor agencies and now donors’ funds are dwindling.

“YOSACA for instance was being funded by the World Bank project for about eight years, they called it HPDP I and HPDP II each for four years and also a 15 months extension was given that ended in February 2017 nationally. So now, none of the agencies in charge of HIV/AIDS control are being funded by any donor agencies. We are the mercy of state governments and various implementation partners,” he revealed.

The Executive Director also pointed out that stigmatization and discrimination against people living with AIDS are among other factors militating against the fight against the disease as that leads people to be sceptical about knowing their status, while saying about 66% of Nigerians do not know their HIV/AIDS status.

“In Yobe state, we brought testing of HIV to the doorsteps of everybody in the state. Because this year we expanded the testing centers from 38 to 178 at ward levels, hence we have started HIV/AIDS at every primary healthcare center across the state, but for people to go and test is becoming problem and the test is free of charge,” Dauda lamented.

He said the World AIDS Day is dedicated to creating awareness about the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of the HIV infection around the world.

“Just to commemorate the World AIDS Day 2018, we distributed sermons to about 24 mosques and churches across Yobe state to preach to people about stigmatization and discrimination so that people can come out and do a test to know their status because we want to end the scourge of the virus by 2030 and mother to child transmission by 2020.

“We are calling on people to come out en masse to know their status and they should cooperate with the team of surveyors going round the state doing health survey and that we have HIV testing facilities at almost every word in the state”, he stressed.

On the current prevalence rate of the disease in the country and the state in particular, Dauda said, “Nigeria’s prevalent rate is put at 3.2% and Yobe state prevalence rate is 1.5% in the last prevalence research conducted in 2014.

“Currently, we are about to recalibrate our status in terms HIV/AIDS intervention, not only prevalence, even in various interventions that were put in place and that is why the Nigerian AIDS Indicator Impact Survey and fortunately is ongoing in Yobe state. They are now in eight LGAs and hopefully they will cover the 17 LGAs.”

He noted that with the ongoing Health survey, soon Nigerian will come out with its real HIV/AIDS as well as Hepatitis ‘B’ and ‘C’ prevalence rates and that of various states.

Meanwhile, the Yobe state Coordinator of People Living with HIV/AIDS, Adamu Aliyu Kaduwa, has identified lack of job opportunities, stigmatization and discrimination as some of the challenges bedevilling members of the association in Yobe state.

“Among us there are orphans and vulnerable ones whose parents cannot afford to pay for their school fees and carter for their feeding and clothing.

“It is against this backdrop that, I am appealing to the state government, individuals, philanthropists and donor agencies to come to the rescue of these
less privileged by putting unto their faces,” he appealed.

The 2018 edition of the World AIDS Day comes with a theme, “Know Your Status” and was first commemorated in 1988.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/01/factors-affecting-fight-against-hiv-aids-in-yobe-exposed/

FC Salzburg won the Red Bull derby against Leipzig 1-0 to reach the knockout stages of the Europa League on Thursday, NAN reports.

They were joined in the last 32 by Zenit St Petersburg and Sporting.

The Austrian champions, who reached last season’s semi-finals, sealed first place in Group B after Fredrik Gulbrandsen grabbed the winner in the 74th minute to ensure their progress.

Zenit secured top spot in Group C after Robert Mak’s second-half strike gave the Russians a 1-0 home win over FC Copenhagen.

Sporting thrashed Qarabag 6-1 in Azerbaijan to progress behind already-qualified Group E winners Arsenal, who beat Vorskla Poltava 3-0 in their relocated clash in Kiev.

Fenerbahce and Real Betis also made it through to the next stage after the day’s early batch of fixtures.

The Turkish side drew 0-0 at home to already-qualified Dinamo Zagreb in Group D.

But it was enough to see them through along with Betis who beat Olympiakos Piraeus 1-0 in Group F.

Russians Krasnodar qualified from Group J after coming from behind to beat Akhisar 2-1.

Dinamo Kiev won Group K after a solitary Benjamin Verbic strike secured a 1-0 win at Astana, while Scott Sinclair’s header gave Celtic victory at Rosenborg.

With Leipzig having lost, the Scottish champions need a draw at home Salzburg in their final Group B match to guarantee progress as they sit three points ahead of the Germans.

Bayer Leverkusen, FC Zurich, Eintracht Frankfurt, Lazio and Chelsea had also already secured places in the next stage.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/11/30/europa-league-all-the-teams-that-have-qualified/

The House of Representatives, on Tuesday, began investigation into the 1 billion dollar appropriated for procurement of arms and equipment in the fight against Boko Haram in the North East.

The lawmakers also demanded that the Nigerian Army should, after due consultations with families of soldiers killed in the Nov. 18, insurgents’ attack in Metele village in Borno, release all their names.

The resolution was sequel to a motion by Rep Chukwuka Onyema (PDP-Anambra) at the plenary presided over by Speaker Yakubu Dogara in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the release of 1 billion dollars for the procurement of security equipment to be used in the fight against Boko Haram insurgents.

Moving the motion, Onyema, who is the Deputy Minority Leader, noted that many Nigerian soldiers of the 157 battalion were massacred by Boko Haram insurgents, who now called themselves Islamic State West Africa, in Metele in Borno State.

According to him, the initial figures of the casualty put the death toll at 44 but as more details emerged, it is now confirmed that many more soldiers and officers were killed together with their commanding officer, Lt. Col. Ibrahim Sakaba, while others are still missing.

“The House notes that according to reports, the insurgents carted away large consignment of weapons from the Melete army base which security experts say would embolden them and pose great danger.

“The House observed that while the news of the attack and death toll continued to increase, neither the President nor the Minister of Defense or the army authorities said anything about the report as there was silence for more than five days.

“The House notes that the President and C-In-C finally broke his silence six days after the attack in a statement issued on his behalf,” he said.

The lawmaker said it was unfortunate that in the last one year, no fewer than 600 Nigerian soldiers were killed by insurgents, mostly in Borno State around the fringes of the Lake Chad.

He enumerated instances of attacks launched by Boko Haram against Nigerian soldiers within the year under review.

Onyema, who expressed regret that while the executive continued to insist that the insurgents had been technically defeated, he said they seemed to be waxing stronger on a daily basis.

“The House recalls that twice in three years, the Commander-In-Chief gave directives to service chiefs to permanently relocate to the Theatre Command Centre in Maiduguri until Boko Haram is defeated,” he said.

The Speaker, Mr Dogara, after over an hour deliberation on the motion, described the development as an eye-opener.

He said it was time the leadership in the country began to take responsibility and not to apportion blame.

When the motion was out on a voice vote by the speaker, the lawmakers unanimously adopted it.

An ad hoc committee to investigate all funds appropriated for utilisation by the Armed Forces for the fight against insurgency was set up by the House.

The committee was also charged to look into the operational lapses that led to the killings of the soldiers.(NAN)

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/11/28/metele-attack-reps-probe-1bn-arms-procurement-demand-release-of-dead-soldiers-names/

A former Chief of Army Staff, General Ishaya Bamaiyi, yesterday, told a Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, how alleged fraud kingpin, Fred Ajudua under false pretence, obtained $8.4 million from him.

General Bamaiyi told the trial judge, Justice Josephine Oyefeso that Ajudua obtained the money from him purportedly on behalf of legal luminary, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) in 25 tranches.

According to him, the alleged fraud was committed by the accused persons and his syndicate while he was standing trial for the murder of late Kudirat Abiola for the purpose of hiring Chief Babalola as his defence lawyer.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned Fred Ajudua on a two count amended charge of conspiracy and fraud.

Ajudua’s co-defendant, Olorunke Idowu Rosulu opted for a separate trial and she had since been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo last year.‎

But Ajudua is still maintaining his not guilty plea. While giving evidence yesterday, the retired military officer claimed that apart from the money Ajudua collected from him, the accused person also obtained various sums from his friends, wife and staff. He testified that Ajudua obtained the money while he was in Kirikiri Maximum prison, hospital bed at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital and when he was discharged before going to an Indian hospital for treatment.

The witness further maintained that in 2004, the accused person collected money from him and his associates six times while in 2005, he collected money from the same categories of people nineteen times.

He said, “When on admission at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, my friends and personal staffs delivered money to him while in prison. He also collected money from my wife twice, once inside the prison and when I was outside the prison.

“Anytime money was released by me or any of my staff, I recorded them in my diary. In 2004, he collected money six times and in 2005, he collected money nineteen times.

“Anytime money was released both in the hospital and out of the hospital, he would call me on phone to confirm.

“There was a time I was worried and he was on bail then. I demanded to meet Chief Afe Babalola. Thereafter, one Barrister Richard Oma came and met me in prison. He claimed to come from the Chambers of Chief Afe Babalola. But to my surprise, he did not come with any letter from the Chief’s chambers.

“Later, he came with another letter which did not carry any logo from Chambers of Chief Babalola to me in the prison custody. I collected the letter from him.

“Also one man named Kenneth came to me in the prison custody and he claimed to be from Department of State Security Services. He said he came from General Aliyu Gusau, the then National Society Adviser. He said Gusau and Obasanjo had met and they discussed my issue and they want to be assured that I will not cause trouble if I am released from custody.

“I told him I had no problem with the president. He told me to write an undertaken that I will not cause trouble if I am released. I told him I will not write any undertaken,” Bamaiyi said.

Consequently, he said Ajudua, one Jonathan who was a personal assistant to Ajudua and alleged serial fraudster, Alumile Adedeji popularly called Ade Bendel collected money from him with intentions of securing the services of Chief Afe Babalola.

“On November, 22, 2004 in the presence of ACP Garba, I gave the sum of $20,000 to one Jonathan who was the personal assistant of the defendant. On November 30th of the same year, my wife Imuade, brought $400,000 and I counted the money and Jonathan his boy went away with the money.

“On December 4th, 2004, the defendant boy came with somebody who said he was orderly of Justice Oyewole and the sum of $1.5 million was counted before it was handed to Jonathan. On December 16th, 2004, my ADC Chechet, a major. He brought in $1million and gave the money to the defendant in visitor waiting room.

“At about 6pm, the defendant called me and told me that his wife was in the house of the then Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Ade Alabi waiting for Chief Afe Babalola. He called his wife to confirm and at about 11pm, the defendant called to tell me that Chief Afe Babalola had collected the money.

“Sometimes on December 27th, 2004 one of my associates brought in $350,000 which was given to the defendant. His boy Jonathan also collected $600,000 on January 15, 2005,” the witness affirmed.

He further told the court that he raised the fund that was stolen from him by the defendant as proceed of sale of his properties in Victoria Island, Dolphins Estate, Yaba and Lekki in Lagos.

He also said he sold his landed properties in Kaduna as well as proceeds from his farm which he had been engaged in since 1994.

“I was posted to Lagos in 1996.During the period I was able to acquired properties in Sanusi Fafunwa in Victoria Island which was allocated to me by the Lagos State government.

“I sold it as well as my property in Dolphins Estate. I also had duplex at Tajudeen Olanrewaju Estate, Tabatha which I sold.

This is part of how I raised the fund that I can remember,” Bamaiyi said.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/11/27/how-ajudua-obtained-8-4m-from-me-bamaiyi-tells-court/

New reports say Nigerian contemporary High-life singer Flavour proposed to Anna Banner, 1st Baby Mama, months before the birth of new son by Sandra Okagbue.

According to SDK that some months back,the crooner (who is currently responsible for Anna’s temporary relocation to Ghana to further her Education has refused to let go and asked her to marry him.

The insiders also allege that what happened thereafter is not known but Flavour is still on Anna’s case refusing her to move on and told her that he had broken up with Sandra but quietly relocated her to birth their child.
So smitten is Flavour that he gave Anna full ownership of one of the houses he owns in Lekki unknown to Sandra.

The two lovebirds Anna and Flavour did not stop dating but removed their relationship from the social media,same way Sandra was advised to do and that way,nobody is bashed online.

Insiders says Whilst Sandra is currently happy and Nursing her Child away from all the drama and stress,Anna Banner is currently in shock because the Pregnancy news hit her bad and she has refused to take calls from Flavour who has been apologising and begging her to forgive him.

The Rumour mongers allege that Sandra has affirmed her position as Flavour’s wife and whether he denies it or not,he knows the truth and so does Anna.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/11/26/how-flavour-proposed-to-anna-banner-months-secret-wedding-to-sandra-okagbue/

Chelsea boss, Maurizio Sarri has named one Tottenham player he would like to sign.

The Bluee are unbeaten this season and will look to extend it when they clash with Tottenham at the Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

Addressing a press conference ahead of the top-four clash, the Italian admitted that he would prefer to sign Tottenham midfielder Christian Eriksen ahead of their striker Harry Kane.

Sarri said he would like to have Eriksen in his side.

“Of course Harry Kane is the best English striker in the moment, so a very important player, but if I have to say another name, I like very much Eriksen,” Sarri said.

“Why? Because he is a very smart player, a very technical player.

“He’s able to play in midfield and, at the same moment, score eight or nine goals in a season.

“I think that he is a very important player.

“I like him very much, but I don’t want to talk about a player of Tottenham for the market, of course. I only answered a [hypothetical] question.”

http://www.mcebiscoo.com/2018/11/epl-sarri-names-one-tottenham-player.html

Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday met with former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Following pictures which surfaced online, Osinbajo was said to have had closed-door meeting with the former president in Ota, Ogun state.

However, the Vice President has cleared the air on the said meeting.

He noted that he met Obasanjo by coincidence at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport.

According to him, there was no secret meeting between them and the Director General of the President Mohammadu Buhari Campaign Organization, Rotimi Amaechi.

Osinbajo’s Senior Special Assistant, Laolu Akande said this in a post on his verified Twitter page.

The post read: “Ignore reports VP Osinbajo alongside Minister Amaechi held meeting with former President Obasanjo in Ota.

“Yesterday, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja, on his way to Lagos, Vice President ran into the former President who had just landed. They exchanged pleasantries. Period.”

http://www.mcebiscoo.com/2018/11/osinbajo-speaks-on-meeting-with-obasanjo.html

Shehu Sani, the Senator representing Kaduna Central has replied critics of President Muhammadu Buhari for describing Goodluck Jonathan as a true democrat.

President Buhari on Tuesday, hailed his predecessor, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, for conceding defeat following the 2015 general elections, describing him as a true democrat.

Buhari stated this while speaking at the launching of Jonathan’s new book titled “My Transition Hours”.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, the president said Jonathan’s act of courage had made him a patriotic leader and earned popularity among Africans and other leaders.

However, Sani in a post on Twitter questioned those against Buhari’s encomiums.

He noted that despite Jonathan’s failures during his adminstration, he proved himself as a ‘True Democrat’.

The Kaduna lawmaker wrote: “Some people are not happy or comfortable whenever PMB praises GEJ for conducting a credible elections and peaceful handover; I wonder if that didn’t happen where will they be?

“GEJ undoubtedly failed in a number of areas, but he has proven himself as a true democrat and patriot.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/shehu-sani-reacts-to-buharis-appraisal.html

Former president, Goodluck Jonathan, has claimed that ex-US president, Barack Obama meddled in Nigeria’s 2015 presidential election.

TheCable reports that in excerpts of his new book, ‘The Transition Hours’, Jonathan said Obama sent his secretary of state, John Kerry and made a video broadcast to Nigerians in ways designed to influence the outcome of the election against him.

Jonathan, who contested under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), lost the election to President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and conceded while the final results were yet to be announced.

“I can recall that President Obama sent his Secretary of State to Nigeria, a sovereign nation, to protest the rescheduling of the election. John Kerry arrived in Nigeria on Sunday January 25, 2015 and said ‘it’s imperative that these elections happen on time as scheduled’.

“How can the US Secretary of State know what is more important for Nigeria than Nigeria’s own government? How could they have expected us to conduct elections when Boko Haram controlled part of the North East and were killing and maiming Nigerians? Not even the assurance of the sanctity of the May 29, 2015 handover date could calm them down. In Nigeria, the constitution is very clear. No President can extend his tenure by one day.

“On March 23, 2015, President Obama himself took the unusual step of releasing a video message directly to Nigerians all but telling them how to vote. In that video, Obama urged Nigerians to open the ‘next chapter’ by their votes. Those who understood subliminal language deciphered that he was prodding the electorate to vote for the opposition to form a new government. The message was so condescending, it was as if Nigerians did not know what to do and needed an Obama to direct them.

“In his message, he said ‘all Nigerians must be able to cast their votes without intimidation or fear,’ yet his government was vehemently and publicly against the postponement of the elections to enable our military defeat Boko Haram and prevent them from intimidating voters. This was the height of hypocrisy!” Jonathan wrote.

Jonathan said the foreign pressure on the issue of election rescheduling was intense, suggesting that “the curious posture” was of one who had been “deceived before and therefore had every reason to cede no credence to our position. But there was no reason to have such a posture”.

He revealed that David Cameron, then the UK prime minister, called to express his concern about the election rescheduling, “just as John Kerry came from the United States to express further worry… In fact, John Kerry did not accept our reasons for the rescheduling”.

The former president said it was “unbelievable” because “we knew why the agitation was beyond what meets the eyes. There were deeper political interests”.

“In attendance at the meeting of the Council of State where the decision to reschedule the election was taken were almost all the living former Heads of State of this country. That should have convinced John Kerry of the good intentions of the government. He cannot claim to love and defend Nigeria more than all our former heads of state present at the meeting. I have stated earlier how Kerry’s visit was designed to humiliate a sitting Nigerian president and clearly take sides in the country’s election,” Jonathan wrote.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/jonathan-reveals-how-obama-other-world.html

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Ondo State, Ade Adetimehin has appealed to aggrieved aspirants not to allow the party collapse.

This followed the threat by some of the aspirants who were shut out during the party’s primaries, to dump the party for other political parties.

The party Chairman said this at a meeting with the aspirants in Akure, the state capital, yesterday.

He called on the aggrieved aspirants, “To put the issue of primaries behind them and join hands with the party to ensure victory during the general elections.

“We shouldn’t allow this building to collapse; we must be united to salvage it.

“We appreciate that you have spent money, and we know how difficult it is to raise money.

“However, we will continue to appeal for your understanding for peace and unity within the party.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/2019-election-apc-chairman-speaks-on.html

The Lagos Third Mainland Bridge measuring about 11.8 km in length is by every standard one of the most useful infrastructure in sub- Saharan Africa. In this report GEORGE OKOJIE examines why the imposing eight lane bridge linking Lagos Island with mainland has continued to record cases of auto crashes, suicides and robbery attacks and what could be done to salvage the situation.

For much of last week there were reports of a middle aged man that took a death plunge into the Lagos lagoon from the Third Mainland bridge.

He was later identified as Sheriff Oladejo, a driver with the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria,(FRCN). The man was said to have alighted from a commercial bus conveying him and some of his colleagues to work and dived into the lagoon immediately.

Ironically, to achieve his devious aim witnesses said he pretended that he wanted to ease himself and even when operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos state police command rushed to the scene immediately but could not rescue him. He took his own life.

This particular incident on the bridge that was commissioned by former self styled military President Ibrahim Babangida in 1990 came in quick succession with the tale of a member of a four-man gang which specialises in robbing unsuspecting passengers of their valuables in a commercial bus that leapt into the Lagos lagoon following a hot pursuit by armed police officers.

The ‘ one chance’ robbers were having a field day on the bridge when police officer attached to Rapid Response Squad (RRS) patrol van pulled up before the robbers on the Third Mainland Bridge and they abandoned their vehicle and were fleeing on foot when they were arrested.

But one of the robbers, who was later identified as Junior, 19, jumped into the lagoon with the gang’s loot.

Amid the frequent auto crashes on the long bridge one Allwell Oji, a medical doctor, ended his life on the same bridge last year by diving into the lagoon from the bridge. There have been different cases of suicide on the bridge which connects the mainland part of the state to the island.

There had been instances too in the past where the Police Command in Lagos State rescued people from trying to take death plunges into the lagoon from the bridge.

One of such cases was the one that involved Taiwo Momoh who attempted to jump into the Lagoon from the Third Mainland Bridge.

Momoh was in a taxi heading toward Oworonshoki on Third Mainland Bridge when she told the taxi driver to stop on the bridge and was about to jump into the lagoon when a police patrol team on a routine patrol sighted her and held her before she could do so.

The police authority then said from their interaction with the woman, she had depression as a result of unpaid loans and insisted that she wanted to end her life, not minding that committing suicide was an offence under the law.

Within the same period one Abigail Ogunyinka (61) also tried to take her life by jumping from the bridge into the lagoon, saying she decided to end it all because she was frustrated with life.

According to her, life had been unfair to her, saying she had no child and that her husband and only friend was at the moment sick.

In order to get drugs for her husband who is down with stroke, she said she had so far collected loan of N150,000. But she said she decided to take her life through third mainland bridge following disturbance from those she owed.

To act as deterrence to others the Lagos State police command attached to D4 Section of the Police Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, CIID, Yaba, arraigned Momoh before Magistrate Elias.

She was slammed a one-count charge of attempted suicide by the police.

Emotions aside, Sergeant Kehinde Omisakin, told the court that Momoh had, on 24 of March, 2017 at about 10a.m., on the Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos, attempted to commit suicide by jumping into the river. She said that the offence committed is punishable under Section 235 Cap C17, Volume 3 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

In all of these observers say the government has not really given the bridge the attention it deserves apart from the routine maintenance carried out by the federal government from time to time.

According to them, if there is heavy security presence on the long bridge many of the criminal acts being perpetrated on the bridge would reduce .

Before it got to the point of people trying to take their lives, a Christian cleric, Rev. John Adeyinka, said the problem could be solved by taking some proactive steps.

According to him, it is high time religious organisations created more platforms on which members with great emotional problems can seek counseling and prayers to prevent suicide.

Adeyinka, Presiding Pastor at Beloved Power Ministries in Lagos said, “Also, Nigerians should, more than ever, be their brother`s keepers. A situation where we stigmatise and deride those who share their problems with us is bad.

“Such people might be forced to see solution in suicide as they have been let down by the society. We should provide help as much as possible so that we can put a lid on the problem,“ he urged. He advised distressed Nigerians not to consider suicide but seek counseling and divine help no matter the challenges.

He expressed worry at the rate of suicides in recent times, saying that self-murder would never be a solution. “Self-murder or what people simply call suicide is on the rise in the country. Apart from the fact that God frowns at it, it is not the solution to life’s problems.

“God told us in the Bible that our body is His temple and that if we destroy that temple, we have sinned against Him. I know that some problems can be overwhelming, but there is no problem that has no solution with patience, divine intervention and help from people.

“Rather than people jumping into the Lagoon or hanging themselves, they should seek the face of God and share their problems with those around them. That could help to offer the solution,’’ he advised.

Adeyinka called on the church to counsel their members on the need to go closer to God for solutions. The cleric also called on the federal government to address the socio-economic problems of the country which, he said, contributed to suicides.

Lagos State Government said third mainland bridge was given priority attention in its “Operation Light up Lagos” project to curtail such occurrences.

According to the state’s commissioner for Tourism Mr. Steve Ayorinde , the Lagos State Government had since completed the illumination of the Third Mainland Bridge.

To ensure that the entire stretch is covered, Lagos state government under the initiative started the illumination process from the Ojodu Berger section of the bridge and covers the entire sections of the bridge.

Ayorinde said that the Third Mainland Bridge constitutes an important segment of the road network in the state, as such, the state Government cannot overlook its importance as it also serves as a connecting point to the high brow economic pot of the state.

He further explained that the effort is to fulfill the 24/7 economy promised by the state Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode during his electioneering campaign period.

“The economy of Lagos has gone beyond the day driven transactions, as such, the night economy component should be fully developed.

“Every businessman wants to invest in a safe and secured environment. Once an investor is assured that the operating environment is safe and secured; the assurance of more investment is guaranteed,” Ayorinde said.

Other reasons for this project, he said, is geared towards promoting further collaboration with the federal government, which is expected to go a long way to cement a good working relationship as well as boost the economy of the state and Nigeria.

Apart from the bridge some other areas that were lit up under this project include, Ikorodu to Lagos Island, Ikeja, Oshodi, Victoria Island and Ikoyi, Eko Bridge, among others.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police Mr. Edgal Imohimi said the command had since begun patrol of bridges across the state to forestall any likely suicide attempts.

The Lagos police boss who lamented the rate at which people commit suicide in the country, described it as worrisome.

Apart from Third Mainland Bridge, the police had also begun patrol of the metropolis to forestall other sundry crimes, saying henceforth, it would be an offence for individuals to walk on bridges in the state, and that no vehicle would be allowed to stop on any bridge to prevent suicide incidences.

The General Manager Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, (LASEMA) Mr. Tiamiyu Adesina, said officials of the agency are deployed to the axis on daily basis to constantly patrol the Third Mainland bridge notorious for all sorts of crimes.

He emphasised that they are mandated to ensure such incidences do not occur and if it occurs they are well equipped to respond and deal with such emergencies.

http://www.ebiscoo.com/72/again-another-takes-death-plunge-on-lagos-third-mainland-bridge#138

Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing of Miss Seiyefa Fred who was gunned down last Thursday evening by hoodlums in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state capital.

The suspects were apprehended by the Bayelsa State Vigilante Service at Amarata area of the state this morning by 5:am.

They are, Junior Danumunabo from Nembe Ogbolomabiri, 20 and Ezeagi who is allegedly the boss .

Seiyefa Fred, a 100 level student of Niger Delta University in Amassoma, was attacked on Thursday, November 8, by suspected cultists who asked for her new iPhone which she reportedly gave to them after hesitating.She had stepped out to buy suya(roasted meat) for her mum.

She was shot dead at close range near her compound in Amarata area.

http://www.ebiscoo.com/64/cultists-who-allegedly-killed-student-over-iphone-arrested#130

The Imo State All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has questioned his summon by the President Investigative Panel on Recovery of Public Property.

While denying reports that he was arrested by the panel, Uzodinma claimed that it was a clear case of witch-hunt.

Report emerged earlier in the week that the lawmaker was arrested by the Special Presidential Investigation Panel on Recovery of Public Property at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport Abuja.

The report stated that Uzodinma was arrested for failure of his company to execute a contract of 12 million dollars for dredging of Calabar channel.

However, Uzodinma, who doubles as Chairman, Senate Committee on Nigeria Customs Service, told News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Abuja on Wednesday that the reports may not be unconnected with his emergence as a governorship candidate.

Uzodinma said, “I was never arrested. I also read it in papers like every other Nigerian.”

On the contract, the lawmaker said Niger Global, the company that was accused of the complicity, had only two per cent share in the contract.

“Before I came to the senate, I came from the private sector. I was in oil and gas and marine operations. I operated Niger Global.

“In 2004 we participated in an international deal and Nigeria Ports Authority was looking for partners to manage the channels and we were lucky.

“We were one of the companies that formed the consortium to manage Calabar Channels.

“Calabar Channels Management Company is a joint venture being operated by the NPA. They have the major shareholders.

“They have 60 per cent shareholding and then the consortium of like six other companies had different shares.

“Niger Global had five per cent share and there is a five member board, where NPA has three and the consortium of companies two.

“Before I came to Senate, I was in the board and the technical partners to the consortium dredged the Calabar Channel under the supervision of the Calabar Management Board,” he said.

The lawmaker expressed surprise that the allegations were coming several years after the contract, adding that it was a clear case of witch hunt.

“All I know is that some aggrieved persons are behind this, otherwise where was this panel since 2004.

“I was in the 7th Senate from 2011 to 2015, why did this issue not come out. I have been here in the 8th senate from 2015 to date why didn’t the issue come up.

“To the best of my knowledge, the company worked, even though I am not in the management anymore but I am still one of the minority shareholders of that company.

“If there is any question that must be answered by the company, the majority shareholder should first answer their own query.

“If anything, I am a serving senator and a ranking one at that and the Chairman of the Southern Senators Forum.”

On allegations of non-declaration of asset, Uzodinma said coming from the private sector into politics, he was surprised at the request by the panel.

“Before I joined politics, of course I came from the private sector that is why I became even surprised when the panel said I should declare my asset for the past 20 years.

“I have never seen anywhere in any law where private people are made to declare their asset to government,” he said.

However, he said he obliged the panel by sending his declaration form and copying the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami.

“The Presidential Committee wrote me sometimes last month asking for my asset declaration form alleging that I did not declare my asset.

“I replied and attached my declaration form and copied the Attorney General of the Federation whom I suppose they are working under.”

The governorship candidate said he would not be deterred in ensuring that the people of Imo are liberated from the untold hardship they were subjected to.

He said: “with what has happened in Imo State, I thought by now, some of these underdogs should repent but they are still plotting.

“I thought what they would do in the spirit of democracy is to appreciate the fact that some people are now in the party and the party will be better for it.

“It is not easy to do what I have done in recent times. To make sacrifice, I followed my people and encourage them to be in the ruling party.

“So name calling, campaign of calumny and all of that is only a distraction. I have been around for sometimes and I understand the meaning of politics and I refused to be distracted.”

He further denied inducing the APC National Chairman, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, in order to be made the party’s flag bearer in Imo.

He called on the aggrieved persons and other stakeholders to work together to grow the country’s democracy.

He added that “some of us believe that this country must grow and we must be given the opportunity to contribute our own quota to national development.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/apc-crisis-senator-uzodinma-gives.html

Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola, has revealed why he shouted at his forward, Raheem Sterling after their 3-1 win over Manchester United.
David Silva scored the first goal 12 minutes into the game and Sergio Aguero added another at the start of the second half.

Anthony Martial, however, pulled one back from the spot kick after Romelu Lukaku was clipped by Ederson.

After a silky move, Ilkay Gundogan produced a wonderful first touch and a second of supreme composure to seal Manchester City the win

Sterling produced a few overzealous step overs, drawing some lunging tackles from the United players.

Guardiola took exception to his winger’s fancy antics and stormed over to Sterling at the full-time whistle.

The rant was caught by the TV cameras, as Guardiola can be seen passionately pointing and grabbing his player by the neck.

Sterling reacted slightly, pushing his boss away and questioning his vitriol.

Guardiola explained his actions in the post-match press conference, saying, “He made some movements with his legs that we could avoid.

“He’s young and will learn.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/epl-guardiola-reveals-why-he-shouted-at.html

The Peoples Democratic Party in Ini local government area of Akwa Ibom State has suffered a crippling blow with the defection of the strongman of the politics of the area, Dr. Godwin Udo Udo, to the All Progressives Congress.
The chieftain, a long-standing political kingmaker, popularly called Mentor by Ini politicians, defected on Friday at a rally at Methodist School, Mbiabong Ikot Udofia, Ini, with thousands of supporters, including a serving local government supervisor, two chapter executive members, 56 ward executive members and six former councillors.
Udo’s defection came barely three months after the defection of the apex political leader of Ini, Obong Otu Robert Akpan, and the earlier defection of a former House of Representatives Member for Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, Prof. Ini Udoka.
Udo said he defected to assist Obong Akpan, a former Chairman of the National Broadcasting Commission, to deliver the area to APC.
He said that with his defection, “God has answered the prayers of APC in Ini because I have never failed to deliver victory during elections and I will not fail this time.”
Receiving the defectors, Hon. Ini Okopido, the APC State Chairman, said with the number and quality of defectors, PDP was finished in Ini because there was no politician of substance left in the party.
Obong Nsima Ekere, the APC governorship candidate in the state, attributed the exodus from the PDP into the APC to the acknowledgement of the performance of the Federal Government of President Muhammadu Buhari by the people of the state and the rejection of the Udom Emmanue-led State Government.
Ekere said: “If the PDP State Government was performing, will people be leaving?
“There is nothing to show for three and a half years in Akwa Ibom State.”
Senator Godswill Akpabio, the immediate past Governor of the state, said it was all over for PDP, adding: “This is total collapse.
“I don’t like talking when it is all over.
“I don’t like to return to Egypt.
“I don’t want to see even a torn umbrella.
“It is torn.
“Go and bury it.”
Akpan said he left PDP because Ini had not benefitted for the three and half years of the government of Governor Emmanuel.
Hon Victor Udofia, the Member for Ikono State Constituency in the State House of Assembly, posited that with the massive defection, “PDP has lost the game” in Ini even before the election.
Itoro Efrene, the Ini APC chapter Chairman, said the Ini PDP, which he resigned from as chapter Secretary, has finally collapsed with the exit of Udo, whom he called “a big fish”/
Solidarity messages were also delivered by Edidiong Idiong, the APC House of Representatives candidate for Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, and Nyah Isong, the House of Assembly candidate for Ini State Constituency.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/akwa-ibom-pdp-strongman-supporters.html

Manchester United midfielder, Juan Mata’s possible next club after the Red Devils has been revealed.

Mata who scored a free-kick in United’s 2-1 victory over Juventus in the Champions League encounter played on Wednesday night, has been urged to quit the Old Trafford club due to his lack of regular playing time under manager, Jose Mourinho.

The 30-year-old’s contract with United will expire at the end of the season and the Spaniard could leave Old Trafford as a free agent.

But TalkSPORT is now reporting that Mata is set to join United’s Premier League rivals, Arsenal as a free agent.

Mata will hope to feature for United when they take on Manchester City in the Premier League derby clash at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/epl-mata-to-join-manchester-uniteds.html

The spokesperson of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Fatai Olotu, representing Akoko North-East state constituency at the house, has disclosed that the impeachment of the former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Bamidele Oleyelogun and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Iroju Ogundeji was due to alleged incompetence and financial misappropriation.

Olotu who spoke with DAILY POST on Thursday maintained that within the spate of six months the former leadership exhausted N1.5 billion budgetary allocation of the house meant to last one year.

He stated that the impeachment is in accordance with the law as 18 out of 26 members of the house supported their removal, which he said formed two-third majority needed and was also witnessed by the clerk of the house, Mr. Bode Adeyelu.

He said “In accordance with the rule guiding the house and by the power conferred on members of the house, the house as at today has successfully impeached the former speaker and deputy speaker.

“Immediately after their removal, Rt. Hon. Olamide George from Akure North state constituency was elected as speaker and was duly sworn in by the clerk of the house. Rt. Hon. Abimbola Fajolu representing Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo was also sworn in.

“For the avoidance of doubt, 18 members moved for their removal, that’s to say that’s two-third of the members of the house, so we’ve fulfilled that requirement.

“There are many reasons for their removal, but I want you to know that changing leadership is an inherent right of the members of the house. But this former speaker of the house has shown great incompetence. The have run the house aground financially.

“Just for an instance as at June this year, the Speaker and the deputy speaker have exhausted all budgetary allocation for the house with the knowledge of the member which is to the tune of 1.5 billion Naira.

“It’s when we stumbled on this, a budget that is supposed to run for a year they exhausted it within six months, which was already exhausted as at June this year. They never followed due process. If you have to run the finances of the house we have cash allocation committee which is their duty. It’s the parliament that must approve such monies not the sole responsibility of the speaker.

Also, Rt. Hon. Fatai Olotu who was once a former Deputy Speaker of the house has admonished the Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu not to interfere with the development.

“The speaker and the deputy are grossly incompetent in running the affairs of the house and they are in the habit of blackmailing members, because they know that their time is over.

“We have even informed the executive that we don’t want them again. But they have been telling the executive that once they are removed, the governor would be removed.

“I’ve been in the house for some time, there’s no nexus between removing the leadership of house and that of the governor. Because the governor has not committed any impeachable offence. To best of our knowledge the governor has not done anything wrong.

“You were elected by members, if the they say they no longer want you, then you comply.

“We have never seen that kind of leadership that has run the house in the manner that does not have regards for the house.

“They are lots of other things we would address the press in due course. But the house has carried out its constitutional role. We don’t have any problem with the governor; we don’t have any problem with the executive. The executive should stay out of this.

“The last time we impeached the deputy speaker, the pressure was on us. The pressure was just too much we have to reverse it. The reversal was unconstitutional, it was illegal, he stated.

Also, the new Speaker, Olamide George said that the impeachment was aimed at correcting the series of anomalies of the former principal officers.

“There are lots of undercovers going on the house and these are reasons why members have to come together and changed the leadership.

“In line with the rules of the House, two third which is eighteen members signed the impeachment of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker.

“So, it is a new dawn for us. We are not fighting the government. I belong to the APC and I stand with my party” he said.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/why-we-impeached-ondo-speaker-deputy.html

Joe Ajaero, President, United Labour Congress ( ULC) says the organised labour expects the National Assembly to fast-track action on the minimum wage report once presented because of its urgency.

Ajaero said this on Wednesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

According to the labour leader, the organised labour does not expect the implementation of the N30, 000 new minimum wage to exceed a month.

”We believe that money should not be a problem. If Appropriation Bill can be made on certain matters, minimum wage should also receive such attention,” he said.

He advised Nigerians to continue to keep faith with the struggle, adding that no positive change would be achieved without labour’s intervention.

President Muhammadu Buhari promised to hand over the minimum wage report to the National Assembly, after receiving the report from the tripartite committee on Tuesday in Abuja.

The organised labour suspended a nationwide strike after a prolonged deliberation based on agreement reached and document signed by the Federal Government on the new minimum wage.

The new minimum wage when signed into law it will be the 5th minimum wage to be approved for workers in the country.

The first one was negotiated in 1981 by the then NLC President, Mr Hassan Sunmonu.

The first minimum wage received by workers was N125 in 1981, Ñ250 in 1989, N3, 000 in 1990, N7, 500 in 2001 and N18, 000, approved by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/new-minimum-wage-what-national-assembly.html