A Niger Delta militant group that styles itself Koluama Seven Brothers on Sunday said it carried out a “warning” strike on an oil facility owned by energy company Conoil in Bayelsa.

The attack was carried out on Friday, by the new group at 12:20 a.m. on Jan. 4 at Conoil’s Angle 2 Field. The group said the attack “is just a warning”.

The organization said it had “no other option than to launch a strike to shut down Conoil” if demands were not met.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps confirmed that a blast was heard on Friday around a Conoil pipeline in Bayelsa.

The militants threatened a production shut down at the facility owned by Mike Adenuga.

The Koluama Seven Brothers said in a statement it would carry out further strikes if its demands, including job creation, were not met by the company and a traditional leader.

Conoil Producing Nigeria operates six highly prospective blocks in the Niger Delta and produces over 80,000 barrels of oil per day, according to information on its website.

Attacks on pipelines and other facilities in the Niger Delta reached a peak in 2016, cutting Nigeria’s crude production from as much as 2.2 million barrels per day (mbpd) to near 1 mbpd – the lowest level seen in at least 30 years. (NAN)

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/07/niger-delta-militants-resume-war-bomb-oil-facility/

Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has said that his re-election will be premised on sustenance of peace, development and equity in line with rotation of political offices in the state.

He stated this on Saturday at the campaigns of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at Koko and Sapele, Warri North and Sapele local government areas of the state.

At the two local government areas visited, Governor Okowa expressed confidence that his administration has delivered on the promises made during the 2015 campaign, stating that the next four years of his tenure as Governor will be better.

“I thank the people for the large turnout for the rally; the people of Warri North are always reliable, great followers, members of the PDP; I am here to tell you that I am going for second term; we have done a lot of projects; during the administration of our Leader, Chief James Ibori, we worked for him for two terms, in the last administration, I was the Director-General of the Campaign, as a government, we have executed a lot of projects, we enjoy peace in our state and if we take the line of equity, we will complete two terms,” he said at Koko.

At Sapele, the governor called on opponents to engage in campaigns and tell the people what they can do rather than holding nocturnal meetings and be scheming on how to snatch ballot boxes and engage in electoral malpractice.

His words: “We promised to dualise the road, it has been done and will be commissioned soon, we promised to complete the market, it has been commissioned, the Sapele technical college has been revamped and in the next four years, we will do more. Our opponents will not campaign, they will be at home planning bad things, but, they will not succeed, we will get unprecedented number of votes in Sapele and all over the state; the opposition should come out and campaign, they should not be planning on how to disrupt the elections.”

Those who spoke at campaign grounds included Deputy Governor Burutu Otuaro, Dr Isaac Wilkie, Comrade Olumami Oyibo, Chief Solomon Areyenka, Chief Charles Obule, and Hon. Joyce Overah, among others. They all expressed confidence that the PDP will get the votes from the people.

Chairman of the PDP in the state, Barr. Kingsley Esiso, presented candidates for different electoral positions to the people.

•Photo by Bripin Enarusai shows Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (3rght), his wife, Dame Edith (2nd left), Deputy Governor, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro (left), State PDP Chairman, Barr. Kingsley Esiso (right), and the DG of the Campaign Organization, Hon Funkekeme Solomon, during the State PDP 2019 general election campaign in Sapele LGA.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/06/re-election-delta-governor-will-sustenance-peace-development-equity-okowa-%e2%80%a2challenges-opposition/

The rise in theft of panties has caught the attention of the Nigeria Police.

In recent times, some old and young Nigerians have been caught with ladies’ underwears, including bra and pants, the most common.

Some days ago, a 60-year old man was arrested with panties and used sanitary pads.

Reacting, the police said most confessions by suspects confirm that the items are being used for ritual purposes.

According to the security agency, such will henceforth be treated as serious cases while those apprehended will be charged for attempted murder.

Zonal Police Public Relations Officer (ZPPRO), CSP Dolapo Badmos, said this at the weekend on her Instagram page.

She wrote: “What is the in thing about about the increase in stealing of underpants! Learnt the ones caught in the act always confess to using it for rituals whereof the owner die prematurely.

“Henceforth, anyone caught stealing pants might not be charged for stealing but attempted murder. This has to stop.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/05/will-happen-pant-thieves-police/

Senator representing Kogi West senatorial district, Dino Melaye On Friday collapsed at the Nigeria Police Force headquarters In Abuja.

The lawmaker, who surrendered to the police on Friday, was reportedly rushed to a police clinic in Garki Area 1 of Abuja, after he was arrested and taken to SARS Headquarters.

According to Channels Tv, a police officer, who confirmed the incident, said Senator Melaye is currently on bed rest as the police determine their next line of action.

According to him, the police’s expectation is that as soon as the lawmaker recovers, he will return to detention.

DAILY POST had reported that an Abuja High Court had on Thursday, refused an ex-parte application brought by Melaye, to order the removal of police blockage on his residence.

Melaye came out of hiding one day after human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, advised him to surrender.

The lawmaker was accused of culpable homicide, an allegation he denied.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/05/dino-melaye-collapses-rushed-police-clinic/

A Human rights lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome, has reacted to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, appointment of President Muhammadu Buhari’s niece, Amina Zakari as its head of collation center.

By her new appointment, Zakari, who was once the Commission’s Director of Operations, will be responsible for announcing the result of the presidential election.

Reacting to the appointment, Ozekhome said INEC’s action was a clear pre-election rigging strategy.

Speaking with Independent yesterday, the Senior Advocate wondered how Zakari would announce the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar winner over Buhari.

He said, “How can any sane human being expect Mrs. Zakari in charge of collation to announce Atiku as winner over his uncle? Is she an angel?

“Even Angel Lucifer fell from grace. How can a cockroach win a battle in the midst of lizards?

“It’s clear that 2019 election is already gravely compromised by the rejection of card Readers and putting Amina Zakari in charge of collation. There is no democracy any more.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/04/2019-ozekhome-reacts-inec-names-buharis-niece-official-announce-presidential-results/

The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to adhere to its promise not to use incident forms for the 2019 general election.

Abubakar, in a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe on Thursday in Abuja, said that he was worried about reports contrary to promises made by INEC that it would not use the incident forms.

He said that any change in the decision by INEC to reverse to use of incident forms was unacceptable to the PDP and to him.

According to him, any decision to use incident forms in the Feb. 16 election is to encourage rigging.

Abubakar said that data from the 2015 elections showed that 75 per cent of the almost 14 million people who voted without biometric accreditation in 2015 were linked to President Muhammadu Buhari.

“There are no reliable and accurate means of knowing who those voters were and whether they were genuine voters or sham voters.

“This disproportionate number of voters who voted without biometric accreditation in 2015 affected the integrity of those elections and we hold the INEC to its oft-repeated promise not to use anything but the Smart Card Readers and PVCs for the 2019 elections,’’ he said.

Abubakar said that the commission should remember that the world was watching and that Nigerians were alert to see if the present Chairman and board of INEC would place national interest above narrow interest.

He reminded the Chairman of the INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, of his promise to Nigerians at the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room National Stakeholders’ Forum on Elections which held in Abuja on Dec.10.

He said that Yakubu, at the event, assured Nigerians that the smart card reader had become an integral part of the electoral process and would be deployed for the conduct of the 2019 general elections.

Abubakar said that at ₦143 billion, it was safe to say that more than enough funds were appropriated for the INEC to acquire and distribute Smart Card Readers, hence no reason for change of decision.

He said that the job of the INEC was to give Nigerians a level playing field and also conduct an election that reflects the will of the people.

“We once again want to sound the alarm that only the strict use of Smart Card Readers and Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) can guarantee free, fair and credible elections that will be accepted by Nigerians and the international community,’’ he said

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/03/2019-presidency-atiku-cries-inecs-decision-use-incident-forms/

Manchester United interim boss, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has revealed he told his players to cut out mistakes and stop offering the Newcastle crowd encouragement, as they won a fourth league game on the spin under him.

Solskjaer was unimpressed with his side’s first-half performance and instructed his players to think carefully about how they managed the game in the second half.

In the second half, Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford both got on the scoresheet to earn another vital three points for the Red Devils, as the Norwegian became just the second Manchester United manager after Sir Matt Busby, to win his first four league games in charge of the club.

“The team talk today was about game-management.

“And part of the game management is to keep the crowd quiet and I think the first 10 or 12 minutes we did really well, kept them at bay.

“But then made one or two mistakes that got the crowd going and suddenly you’re under pressure. [Christian] Atsu a couple of times. Phil made a great block when he got back in and tackled again.

“But those are the moments you don’t want to give a crowd and a club like this, I thought the lads got really into the game again and our fans, I’ve said it so many times, are the best in the world,” Solskjaer said after the game.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/03/epl-solskjaer-told-man-utd-players-half-time-2-0-win-newcastle/

The Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha has denied reports making the rounds that he has announced his defection from the All Progressives Congress, APC, to Action Alliance, AA.

The report had it that the Governor made his decision to dump the ruling APC to join his son-in-law, Uche Nwosu public during the New Year Crossover Service in Government House.

But in a press statement signed by Sam Onwuemeodo, his Chief Press Secretary, on Wednesday, Okorocha refuted the viral report.

The statement said, “An amusing tale with the referenced caption has been trending on the social media for days now.

“And those behind the balderdash said that the governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has announced his defection from APC to AA to join his son-in-law, Uche Nwosu during the New Year Crossover Service in Government House.

“Now our response to the unfounded story: Imo people do not support stolen tickets and that is why all those who stole the guber tickets of their parties for the 2019 election cannot fly.

“They have become stranded and looking for who to blame for their woes or misfortune. They know this fact. Imo people do not support anything stolen. That was the reason they dealt with 419ers in 1997.

“It was out of frustration that those concerned came up with the story of Governor Okorocha leaving APC for AA, which is not true.

“With the ill-gotten ticket they have also seen that the sound of bitter-kola in the mouth does not reflect its real taste.

“They used blackmail and what they know how to do best to get the ticket of the party and their challenge now is how to convince Imo people to vote for them.

“In their blackmail in Abuja they told their audience that they would win Imo without Rochas Okorocha.

“Then, if that is true why are they still bothered about Rochas and his politics. Rochas Okorocha, who defeated an incumbent governor of PDP extraction in 2011 with APGA ticket and with the APC ticket defeated a sitting Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of PDP extraction too, who had the backing of the Federal Government, in 2015.

“They told lies to those who do not know them and got the ticket but Imo people know them and won’t entertain lies from them. It is very interesting that nobody has accused Rochas of non-performance and nobody has challenged him on his Constant Claim that he has achieved more than those before him put together.

“The only blackmail tool they have is the son-in-law issue. And nobody has gone to Court to say that a man from Nkwerre LGA cannot be governor because his in-law from Ideato South LGA is a governor.

“Rochas Okorocha does not play hide and seek game. He has assured that President Muhammadu Buhari would win overwhelmingly in the State and all the APC marketable Candidates, because you cannot force Imo people to vote for someone they know cannot govern them.

“The Igbo proverb that “Ihe aputara na akuku ite na aga na akuku onu” (whatever one gets from the side of the pot goes to the side of the mouth) has come to play out.

“Nobody can help such situation. All those who stole the tickets of their parties in the State are having serious problem. Finally, Rochas Okorocha ‘full-ground’ in APC.

“And he is working hard for the success of the party in the elections. Those entertaining serious fear are those with strange tickets. And they do not blame anybody but themselves. The day of reckoning is here with us. Gulakate has come and gone. Imo people will ensure, one man, one vote.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/02/2019-elections-gov-okorocha-speaks-announcing-defection-apc-aa/

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has lost its national organizing secretary, Mr Mike Kwentoh.

Kwentoh, a staunch member of the party and former state chairman, reportedly died December 27, after he had Christmas celebration with his family members in Onitsha, Anambra State.

Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State, who is also the Chairman Board of Trustees of the party, in a condolence message to announce the death, expressed shock at his sudden demise.

Obiano described Kwentoh as a fine gentleman, staunch party stalwart and a member of the prestigious traditional Agbalanze society in Onitsha.

Grieving over the loss, Obiano lamented that he died at a time that the party and ndi Anambra needed his wise counsel.

“This is a sad loss for Ndi Anambra and APGA. This tragedy struck at a critical time in the state and country, particularly when the party has been going through turmoil since the last primaries,” he said.

Obiano eulogised Kwentoh as a quintessential and charismatic leader, trusted ally and a faithful friend, who played a major role in his famous 21/21 victory at the polls in 2017.

He observed that Kwentoh’s jovial and convivial nature endeared him to many, who crossed his path in life.

“Truly in the midst of life, death surrounds us. Akunwata Mike Kwentoh is dead, but he will be remembered for his legacies and good works in this life,’’ the Governor said.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/01/apga-loses-national-organizing-secretary/

Chelsea boss, Maurizio Sarri has spoken on his side’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League encounter on Sunday.

A goal from midfielder, N’Golo Kante gave Sarri’s side all three points against Crystal Palace.

Sarri said that his players were in control of the game but didn’t kill the match.

The Italian gaffer, however, admitted that the Blues played against a dangerous opponent.

Speaking about the win over Palace, Sarri was quoted by Metro UK as saying: “I think we played against a dangerous opponent. They are dangerous on attacks. We had to have good positions.

“We were in good control of the match. We didn’t kill the match so for us it is difficult to defend in the box.

“For 85 minutes we were very good, without conceding for the opponents. I didn’t like that we weren’t able to kill the match before.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/31/epl-sarri-said-chelseas-1-0-win-crystal-palace/

Former Arsenal striker, Ian Wright, has said manager Unai Emery should be handed transfer funds, after their 5-1 hammering at the hands of Liverpool.

The Gunners started brightly at Anfield and took a surprise lead through Ainsley Maitland-Niles in just the 11th minute.

But the away side’s joy was short lived as Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah dismantled Emery’s men, smashing five goals past them.

Wright spoke about his former team on his YouTube channel, where he made the claim that the club needs to sell certain players.

He added that the money saved from letting these players go could hopefully result in funds being made available to the Spaniard.

“We’ve got to move players on that need to be moved on.

“What that showed me is we need players, there’s three or four players in that starting line-up that should be moved on or farmed out because we need to start to progress.

“Hopefully that result will start to release some funds for Unai,” Wright said.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/31/epl-ian-wright-reveals-arsenal-emery-5-1-defeat-liverpool/

The Coalition on Conflict Resolution and Human Rights in Nigeria (CCRHRN) has released its report on recent killings in Zamfara State.

The human rights group said accusations of war crimes against troops was mischievous, fallacy and an attempt to dent the image of Nigerian military.

The Coalition said it conducted a preliminary investigation into the anti-bandit protests held by youths in parts of Zamfara state following reports that the rights of citizens might have been violated.

Maxwell Gowon Esq, CCRHRN Executive Director, while presenting the report during the weekend, said findings have shown that the protesters were legitimately expressing their grievances against perceived lack of action against bandits that have been killing people in some parts of the state.

It report further noted that the protests were hijacked in some instances by hoodlums that specifically recruited for that purpose by some political players.

“Property were destroyed and some people injured by the hoodlums. They then tried to shift the blame for this destruction on the responding security agencies that were drafted to the scenes to maintain order.

“The military was deployed to contain the situation when the protests became unruly and violent beyond what the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) could manage.

“The military, with other responding security agencies, managed the protests consistent with the recognized rules of engagement.

“There was no evidence that the military massacred, brutalized or indiscriminately arrested protesters.

“The reports carried by some online sites, which reported large scale extra-judicial killings, were not reflected in the mainstream and legacy organizations. The content of such reports did not stand up to scrutiny and were totally at variance with the accounts given my respondents.”

The report recommended that: “The Federal Government should review existing conflict zones in the country and properly identified the ones that warrant the deployment of military personnel.

“That matters that are deemed as falling within jurisdiction of the Police should be so assigned in order to minimize the distractions to troops from the military being deployed to deal with what the police should is able to deal with in other climes.

“That the Federal Government should urgently investigate the identities of those facilitating the bandits’ attacks. It must also those unmask the identities of those that hijacked the protests.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/30/zamfara-killings-human-rights-group-releases-report-findings/

The Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), has been given a grant of $6 million to execute a World Bank project under the aegis of Africa Centre for Excellence, funded by the World Bank.

Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Francis Ezeh, who disclosed this to newsmen shortly after an award presented to him by the National Association of the Nigeria Students (NANS) Zone B, as the best-performing Vice Chancellor of the zone 2018- 2019, said that FUTO was rewarded with the said sum after ranking 10th among the 132 universities that contested in the World Bank-organised research competition.

He explained that the money was renewable within a period of four years.

Another lecturer from FUTO, Bony Oba, the VC said, also won a national award, earning the sum of N70 million as one of the best researchers.

The VC, promised to make good use of the money by organising a series of training programmes for the institution’s lecturers and students.

Earlier, NANS Zone B Coordinator, Godson Okereke, maintained that the award was conferred on the FUTO VC for his infrastructural development and academic excellence in the school.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/30/futo-gets-6-million-execute-world-bank-project/

The former president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has said the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Vice Presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi and his principal, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar have great work to do for Nigeria.

Obasanjo stated this at a stakeholders meeting at the Ukpor Nnewi South local government area Anambra State residence of the former Minister of Aviation, Chief Mbazuluke Amechi.

He said the former Anambra State governor and his principal had become a beacon of hope to all Nigerians who have had it so rough in the last four years.

Chief Obasanjo said it was incumbent on Obi to think out of the box to take the nation out of the woods caused by incumbent clueless administration.

Chief Obasanjo said that with Mr. Obi’s pedigree as a governor, he is hopeful that things would work for Nigeria under his leadership as vice president of the country.

Obasanjo, however, urged the Igbo not to allow anybody relegate them to the background as they occupy a place of preeminence in the emergence of the nation.

He also pointed out that the Igbo must bury all their differences and work together for the actualisation of the Atiku /Obi candidature as president and vice president in the best interest of Nigeria and Nigerians.

He particularly urged the PDP Vice Presidential candidate to reach out to Mbazuluke Amechi and other eminent personalities in Igbo land to drum support for his candidature.

Obasanjo also said that the Igbo should be weary of the promise of the APC government to hand over power to them in 2023 as according to him “it’s dangerous to take the APC government seriously.”

The former president prayed for a successful outing for Atiku and Obi in the 2019 presidential election, even as tasked them to do the right thing for Nigeria and Nigerians in office.

In his welcome address, the host, Mbazuluke Amechi described Mr. Peter Obi as good man and his principal the country needed at a time like this.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Peter Obi, former Minister of Power, Chief Barth Nnaji, former Minister of Health, ABC Nwosu, former Imo governor Ikedi Ohakim, member of National Assembly Hon Chris Azubogu and Chief Innocent Chukwuma chairman CEO Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/30/2019-obasanjo-said-buhari-atiku-obi-nnewi/

The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom on Friday described a former governor of the state, Senator George Akume as a “great asset” to the North-Central state.

Ortom stated that Akume pays attention to the poor in the state.

Speaking during a reception to mark Akume’s 64th birthday in Makurdi, the state capital, Ortom urged people of the state to emulate the Senator, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports.

He stated that the Senator representing Benue North-West, is “a humble and humane leader”.

“Akume pays a lot of attention to the poor; that sets him out as a model for all of us to appreciate and emulate,” he said.

Ortom, who is the governorship candidate of the PDP, however, appealed to members of the APC to support his administration to enable it deliver on its mandate to Benue people.

In his remarks, Akume thanked God for sparing his life to hit 64, noting that other prominent Benue leaders like Sen. Joseph Tarka and former Governor Aper Aku, died before their 50th birthdays.
He appealed to those he might have wronged to forgive him as he had also forgiven those who offended him.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/29/gov-ortom-showers-praises-akume/

The governorship candidate of the Action Alliance, AA, Uche Nwosu, yesterday, gave reasons he did not end the sufferings of Imo pensioners as a Chief of Staff (CoS) to Governor Rochas Okorocha.

According to Nwosu, his role as CoS was advisory while the buck stopped at the table of his father-in-law who is the Imo state governor.

In a statement by Onwusanya Jones, his Campaign Director of Media and Publicity, Nwosu said that he was fully prepared to end completely, the sufferings experienced by pensioners in the state.

He said: “My duty as Chief of Staff was to make suggestions, while the governor decides whether to implement such suggestions or not. I didn’t have powers to do anything on my own. As governor, I shall implement those ideas that are beneficial to our people and make sure that our pensioners smile again.

“I know what the problems are and I also understand the predicament of the present administration in solving that problem once and for all. I shall step on toes, no matter how big those toes are.

“I am pained that our senior citizens have to go through avoidable rigours before getting their legitimate entitlements. It is also unfortunate that after these rigorous verifications, they still do not get paid what they are entitled to and when they are entitled to them.

“There is no reason why these senior citizens should not get paid for their years of service to our State. Some of them are the teachers who taught us, others served us in different capacities in the civil service. Now, that they are old and retired, they deserve to be paid without any hassles.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/28/didnt-end-suffering-imo-pensioners-okorochas-chief-staff-nwosu/

Femi Falana, human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has accused the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) of deliberately refusing to issue the contract award letter to enable the successful consultant to deploy the software and save Nigeria from further loss of huge revenue”.

Falana, in a letter addressed to Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, dated December 18, 2018, said the refusal of NCC to issue the contract award letter is causing the nation to lose revenue of over N600billion per annum.

The lawyer therefore issued a two-week ultimatum to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to release the contract award letter to facilitate the collection of NCC’s 2.5 per cent annual operating levy and other government taxes from the Nigerian telecommunication industry.

The letter read: “We have confirmed that the Nigerian Communication Commission under your management has since concluded the procurement process for the deployment of the revenue assurance solution that will aid the government to block the leakages associated with the revenue collection and ensure that the revenue of over N600 billion that ought to accrue to the government from the Nigerian Telecommunication Industry is monitored, analyzed and collected automatically and deposited in the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

“We are however surprised to note that several months after the issuance of the Concurrence/Guidance on the award of the contract to the successful consultant by the Federal Ministry of Finance, your Commission has deliberately refused to issue the contract award letter to enable the successful consultant to deploy the software and save Nigeria from further loss of huge revenue.

“As you are no doubt aware, the Federal Government has announced its plan to diversify the economy by generating revenue from the non-oil sector. It is our belief that the speedy deployment of the revenue assurance solution will greatly increase the country’s non-oil revenue and reduce her dependence on loans from China, Western Countries and International Financial Institutions to fund the annual budget and the infrastructural development of the country.

“In the circumstance, we are compelled to request you to use your good offices to ensure the immediate release of the contract award letter to the successful consultant for the deployment of revenue assurance solution to facilitate the collection of the Nigerian Communication Commission’s 2.5 % annual operating levy and other government taxes from the Nigerian telecommunication industry.

“Take notice that if you fail or refuse to accede to our request within two weeks of the receipt of this letter we shall be left with no other alternative than to apply to the Federal High Court for an order of mandamus to compel the Nigerian Communications Communication to issue the contract award letter to the successful bidder in line with the provisions of the Procurement Act.

“Having regard to the facts and circumstances of this matter it is hoped that you will not allow us to resort to litigation which will lead to dire consequences for the Management of the Nigerian Communication Commission for causing the nation to lose the revenue of over N600 billion per annum.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/27/falana-accuses-ncc-making-nigeria-lose-huge-revenue-annually/

The ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has claimed that former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, was showing early signs of depression as a result of frustration ahead of the 2019 general elections.

The ruling party also accused Atiku, the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, of being unable to focus on his campaign ahead of the 2019 Presidential poll.

National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, said this in a statement on Wednesday in reaction to the comment by Atiku that the President Buhari has failed in his fight against corruption and that the problem was not with the system but with the President.

The APC asked Atiku to concentrate on his campaign and telling Nigerians why they should elect him rather than focus energy on the APC and President Buhari

The statement said, “The PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is exhibiting early signs of depression, resulting from obvious frustration.

“Consequently, he is unable to focus on his campaign. Otherwise, he should tell Nigerians why a discredited person like him should be elected as President instead of raising puerile allegations on a daily basis.

“President Buhari and APC, not his programmes for the country appear to be his main campaign issues. Nigerians are desirous of campaign that focuses on issues that matter to them.

“For Atiku and his PDP co-travellers, the only interest is to grab power and continue where they stopped in their avarice.

“The APC administration is eager to showcase the impressive achievements we have recorded in the last three and half years. This is the campaign that matters to us and this is what Nigerians are interested in.

“The trajectory is exciting as we see a brighter future shaping up. We won’t yield to the PDP’s shenanigans. The obvious strategy of the PDP is to truncate the country’s journey towards economic buoyancy and social stability. We will not play the PDP’s game. PDP is acting an anti-people’s script.

“President Buhari remains unshaken by the desperate efforts being made by Atiku and the PDP to blackmail the APC government.

“Everyone who was involved in corrupt practices would be brought to justice. PDP is not offering any alternative to the progressive course this government is pursuing.

“It is actually apparent that the party is not contesting the 2019 elections to redeem itself, least of doing any good for the country, but simply to seize power to escape justice for the grievous crimes committed against the people of this country. Nigerians won’t be fooled by the rapacious PDP gang. Never.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/26/2019-presidency-atiku-depressed-frustrated-apc/

Nigerian multi-millionaire businessman Femi Otedola is selling his 75% stake in oil marketing company, Forte Oil, to Prudent Energy, a local oil trading firm.

Publicly traded Forte Oil made the announcement on Monday in a press release signed by the company’s General Counsel, Akinleye Olagbende.

“Forte Oil Plc hereby notifies the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Securities and Exchange Commission, shareholders and the investing community that its majority shareholder, Mr Femi Otedola, has reached an agreement with the Prudent Energy team, investing through Ignite Investments and Commodities Limited, to divest of his full 75 per cent direct and indirect shareholding in the company’s downstream business,” the release said. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2019 subject to the satisfaction of various conditions and receipt of applicable regulatory approval.

Otedola acquired a majority stake in petroleum marketing company Africa Petroleum in 2007 from the Nigerian government through his oil trading company, Zenon Petroleum. In 2010 the company rebranded and was subsequently named Forte Oil. Otedola is reportedly divesting from the downstream business in order to explore and maximize business opportunities in refining and petrochemicals.

Forte Oil is an oil marketing and power generation company. Originally a Nigerian subsidiary of British Petroleum (BP), Forte Oil has more than 500 gas stations across the country. It owns oil storage depots and manufactures its own line of engine oils.

Contact me via email at mfon.nsehe @ gmail.com or on Twitter @MfonobongNsehe

I previously worked as a reporter for Business Daily, Kenya's largest business newspaper. Now I travel across Africa, helping FORBES track the richest people on the continent and telling their stories. I also chronicle the stories of successful African enterprises and the en...

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/26/nigerian-businessman-femi-otedola-sells-controlling-stake-forte-oil/

Manchester United striker, Romelu Lukaku, could be set for an Old Trafford exit, with Juventus ready to make a move for the player.

The Serie A league leaders are on the hunt for forwards to take over from players like 32-year-old Mario Mandzukic, according to CalcioMercato.

Lukaku has scored six goals in 22 appearances for United so far in this campaign.

The 25-year-old, who missed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first win as United boss on Saturday due to compassionate leave, is not the only United player on the Italian club’s radar.

Sportsmail reported last week that Paul Pogba’s agent, Mino Raiola, held talks with Juventus but United do not wish to sell him.

Raiola is understood to have discussed a number of his clients with the Italian champions, who hold an interest in re-signing the midfielder they sold to United for £89million back in 2016.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/25/epl-lukaku-set-manchester-united-exit-solskjaer-takes/

Rivers State elders have accused Governor Nyesom Wike and the Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, of being the “source of great pains to the state.”

The senior citizens noted that their lingering political conflict has brought about insecurity and setbacks in the state.

After a meeting over the weekend in Port Harcourt, elites and elders under the aegis of Rivers Elders’ and Leaders Council, resolved to confront estranged Wike and Amaechi to realise the collateral damage to the state by their lack of communion.

Convener of the meeting, Chief Albert Horsfall, said, “The state was born before some of these people were born and people sacrificed their lives to give birth to Rivers.

“The state functioned, made progress before they cut their leadership teeth.

“We can’t have some young combatants coming to sabotage all the efforts of Rivers heroes past. We can’t live with peoples’ heads being cut off so the world can say Rivers is unsafe.”

Also speaking, Dr. Kalada Ireunabere, who drew attention of the elders’ forum to the matter, told them that, “The trouble and wave of fear in Rivers at the moment is not of upland-riverine dichotomy.

“It is caused by the fight between two brothers from same stock, one at the federal, the other holding sway in the state.

“Because they are not working together, youths gang up under their cover to cut off people’s heads, displace communities and when they are not doing these, they are robbing and kidnapping people.

“Piracy is driving people away. We now go to Lagos to buy trawler fish because the criminals have driven them away from our waters.

“The two men and their allies have brought much pain to Rivers. We must bring both Wike and Amaechi together to stop the menace.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/24/2019-well-wike-amaechi-rivers-elders/

The Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, has said the South East can only produce Nigeria’s next President if they vote for President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.

The former Senate Leader warned that other presidential candidates can’t guarantee an Igbo Presidency in the near future.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja over the weekend, the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senatorial candidate in Cross River State said, “Let me hazard what may happen and I think they will go with President Buhari.

“They are hoping to produce a President in 2023 and that opportunity can only come through a President Buhari because by the application of the law, come 2023, Buhari will become illegible to contest because he must end his tenure and that is when the south east can have their turn” he said.

“Any other person that comes, forget whatever promises they make. The moment they seat on that chair, they must take their constitutional two full terms. So, any other person will delay the chances for the south east. That is why I think the south east will go with President Buhari.

“It is not automatic though. We are talking about the opportunity and it is for the south east to go and organize themselves and ready itself for that opportunity.

“Will they have an opportunity in 2023 through President Buhari? The answer is yes, the opportunity will be there and you need to put your house in order. Will it be possible with other person in 2023 considering the fact that the person would have a constitutional two term. The answer is no.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/23/vote-buhari-produce-nigerias-next-president-2023-ndoma-egba-tells-ndigbo/

Liverpool manager, Jurgen klopp has warned Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City that his side are ready ahead of both teams clash on January 3, 2019 in the Premier League fixture.

The 51-year-old also said that his side has a different game plan against City.

Klopp stated this following Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Wolves on Friday night in the Premier League encounter.

Two goals from forward, Mohamed Salah and defender, Virgil van Dijk ensured the Reds defeated the hosts in front of their home fans.

Klopp told BBC: “It was clear that the whole game would be difficult.

“Everybody wants to press. We want to be compact but wide as well which makes it difficult. We defended it pretty well. The heavy rain was difficult for both teams tonight. It was a big fight. We knew that we needed to be ready.

“The first goal was brilliant, it was cool. And the second goal – yes, well done! I am completely happy with the result and it is big for us. We wanted to surprise our opponent. It was brilliant – both goals. It was perfect football, especially on a night like tonight when it was difficult to play proper football.

“We have Manchester City waiting and that will be really tough for the boys. We need to have different game plans but the boys showed they are ready for that.”

Klopp’s men will tackle Newcastle United on Boxing Day in their next Premier League fixture.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/22/epl-klopp-warns-pep-guardiolas-manchester-city/

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday intercepted $2.8million from two people suspected to be money launderers at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the EFCC acting spokesman, Tony Orilade, and made available to newsmen.

He said, “the suspects, namely Ighoh Augustine and Ezekwe Emmanuel, allegedly working for a company: Bankers Warehouse, were nabbed based on intelligence report.”

EFCC said upon their arrests, they were caught with consignments of two suitcases, containing $1.4 million each, totalling $2.8 million, at the departure lounge of the airport while about to board an Arik Air evening flight to Lagos.

The statement read, “During interrogation, the suspects confessed that they have been in the business of conveying cash for “some notable banks”, for over six years and were in the process of doing same for Union Bank Plc, located at New Market, Onitsha, Anambra State, when they were caught.

“the suspects further confessed that they had so far carried out such assignments, “four times this year.

“They are presently giving useful information to operatives of the Commission, and will be charged to court soon.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/21/efcc-intercepts-2-8-million-enugu-airport/

The Lagos State chapter of Accord Party has adopted the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Jimi Agbaje, for the 2019 election.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the party endorsed and adopted Agbaje on Thursday at a programme to flag off its campaign activities in Ikeja.

The endorsement followed the open pronouncement by the governorship candidate of the party, Mr Joseph Beckley, that he had agreed with the party to step down for Agbaje and support his ambition.

Mr Wale Oluwo, who recently resigned from the cabinet of Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode as Commissioner of Energy and Mineral Resources to join PDP, was with Agbaje at the occasion.

The Chairman, Board of Trustees of Accord, Rev. Adebayo Adeniji ,while presenting Agbaje to party men, said his adoption was strategic.

He said there was the need for well-meaning people to join forces to take the state from the All Progressives Congress(APC).

Adeniji said the party believed the adoption of Agbaje would help “rescue”the state and ensure residents enjoy the dividends of democracy.

“Today is a historic day because we have taken a step to give Lagos to the people.

“We have adopted Mr Jimi Agbaje so that together, we can take the mantle of leadership in 2019.

“Agbaje has the vision and capacity to win and even deliver.We believe it is better to join efforts with a candidate who will give the state to the people,” he said.

Adeniji explained that Accord was only supporting the PDP governorship for the election but would field candidates for other elections in the state.

He enjoined party members to give their best to ensure victory for Agbaje in the governorship election as well as Accord candidates vying for legislative seats in the state.

Beckley, in his brief speech, said he decided to step down for Agbaje because he had the capacity to govern Lagos and was better positioned to win the election .

He also urged party members to work hard to mobilise residents to vote for Agbaje in the 2019 election.

In his acceptance speech, Agbaje described his adoption by Accord as humbling.

He thanked the party and the governorship candidate for endorsing him.

Agbaje gave the assurance that he would reciprocate the gesture by winning the election and delivering real democratic dividends in the state.

He said his determination to dislodge APC and “free Lagos “ in 2019 was unwavering, urging all residents to support him to give them the state of their dream.

“My message to those who are still waiting on the other side is that the freedom train on the move.

“Let them join it before the momentum will move too much for them to catch up with. There is still room in the train and it is time to move in.

“And to the other people, the APC, my message is clear: their time is up. They will be defeated in 2019.

“Instead of delivering good governance to Lagosians, they are after my posters and campaign boards.

“I am telling them now that enough is enough. It is time for freedom. It is time for free Lagos from impunity, from imposition and from one-man rule”,he said.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/20/lagos-2019-ambodee-ex-commissioner-attendance-accord-candidate-endorses-agbaje/

Jesse Lingard has become the first Manchester United player, to break their social media silence, since the sacking of Jose Mourinho.

The England midfielder, who scored United’s final goal under Mourinho in the 3-1 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday, posted on his Instagram Story on Wednesday.

Lingard wrote: “Thank you for the wisdom,” along with a picture of Mourinho giving him instructions from the touchline.

No United player posted anything on social media relating to the sacking on Tuesday, when the squad all headed to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital to hand out Christmas presents to local children.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was confirmed as United’s new interim manager on Wednesday, signing a deal until the end of the season.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/20/epl-lingard-sends-message-mourinho/

A former minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has reacted to the drama which ensued while President Muhammadu Buhari was presenting the 2019 proposed budget before a joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday.

DAILY POST had reported that opposition lawmakers booed the President as he highlighted some of the successes so far recorded by his administration.

The actions of the lawmaker made the President to remind the aggrieved lawmakers that, “The world is watching us and we are supposed to be above this.”

But reacting, Fani-Kayode commended the lawmakers for “putting the President in his place”.

He tweeted, ”I commend the members of NASS for standing up to the tyrant today and putting him in his place.

”It is a sign of things to come. My advice to Buhari, Jubril or whatever your name is: resign before you are disgraced out of office.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/19/fani-kayode-reacts-senators-reps-boo-buhari-presenting-2019-budget-nass/

The Presidency and federal lawmakers have insisted that the presentation of the 2019 budget presentation by President Muhammadu Buhari as scheduled will still hold on Wednesday despite the ongoing strike of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria.

The Senior Special Assistant on National Assembly Matters (Senate) to the President, Senator Ita Enang, made this known while speaking with newsmen in the National Assembly complex.

According to Enang, there is positive signal that the 2019 budget presentation will still hold.

Also, Leader of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, said no amount of strike will stop the budget presentation on Wednesday.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/19/strike-presidency-lawmakers-insist-muhammadu-buhari-will-present-2019-budget-wednesday/

Manchester United executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward has revealed why the club sacked manager, Jose Mourinho.

Recall that Mourinho was on Tuesday morning sacked by United.

According to Metro UK, Woodward told United’s players at Old Trafford training ground shortly after Mourinho’s sack that one of the reasons the club fired the Portuguese gaffer was because of the Red Devils’ current position on the Premier League table.

The report claimed that Woodward also said that Mourinho’s relationship with some of United’s most high profile players was another reason why the former Chelsea coach was sacked, adding that United board could not continue under the circumstances.

The report also claimed that the United boss did not only put the whole blame on the 55-year-old.

Man United will tackle Cardiff City on Saturday in the Premier League fixture at home.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/18/epl-ed-woodward-reveals-man-united-sacked-mourinho/

No fewer than 500 aggrieved aspirants under the platform of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, in Anambra State have demanded immediate sack of the party’s national chairman, Chief Victor Oye, for over alleged deceit, fraud and extortion during the party’s primaries ahead of the 2019 general elections.

According to them, Oye lacked the required experience to manage the affairs of the party in line with national and international best practices.

At a meeting yesterday, which held in Awka, the aggrieved aspirants under the aegies of APGA Aggrieved Aspirants’ Forum, also demanded full refund of the money they paid for nomination and expression of interest forms in course of seeking tickets for the 2019 general election.

Their spokesman, Mr. Onyeka Mbanaso, an aspirant for Ekwusigo/Nnewi South Federal Constituency, said the National Working Committee, NWC, of the party headed by its national chairman, disappointed the teeming members of the party across the country.

He said: “Our party, APGA, was invaded by foreigners and that was why it happened and many people are unhappy. Some people turned APGA to a business venture and the only way APGA can breath fresh air is for Oye to step aside because he is now a leader without followers.

“The party knows that no primaries were conducted in most of the constituencies. So, if it is talking about reconciliation, the first thing to do is to compile names of all the aggrieved aspirants and send their money to them, which is over N1billion.

“In addition to returning our money, Oye should resign so that the party can maintain the already built legacy of its founding father, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/18/2019-500-aggrieved-aspirants-demand-sack-apga-national-chairman-victor-oye/

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), will need another strategic session in Dubai, in order to present a new alternative ahead of the 2019 polls.

APC Spokesman, Lanre Issa-Onilu, made the assertion in reply to a statement by PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, urging President Muhammadu Buhari to resign.

Atiku in a communique made on Sunday by his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, noted that Buhari’s recent assessment of the nation’s economy, in which he stated that it had gone out of control, was enough evidence that the president had failed.

However, disagreeing with Atiku, Issa-Onilu said, “It is very amazing that two months into the election, PDP is still not presenting any alternative governance agenda before the people of this country.

“Sadly, the main opposition party appears at a loss as to how to face Nigerians knowing they would have to explain why they so badly mismanaged this country at a period of surplus.”

The APC went on to reveal some of the achievements of the Buhari-led administration, via their official Twitter handle.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/17/2019-apc-reacts-atikus-call-buhari-resign/

The All Progressives Congress, APC, on Sunday reacted to allegation by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, that President Muhammadu Buhari was plotting to rig the 2019 presidential election by failing to constitute his campaign council.

PDP had alleged that Buhari was plotting with the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to rig the 2019 election by refusing to constitute his campaign council.

However, APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu challenged the former ruling party to focus on its campaign.

APC disclosed that it would soon begin a series of strategic engagements with Nigerians, adding that it started its campaign on assumption of office.

In a statement, the APC spokesperson said, “It is very amazing that two months into the election, PDP is still not presenting any alternative governance agenda before the people of this country. Sadly, the main opposition party appears at a loss as to how to face Nigerians knowing they would have to explain why they so badly mismanaged this country at a period of surplus. Rather than focus on its own campaign, the only apparent concern of PDP is whether APC has flagged off its campaigns or not.

“Of course, APC will soon begin strategic engagements with the people of this country. Unlike PDP, our party as the ruling party began our campaign immediately President Muhammadu Buhari resumed office.

“We have spent the last three and half years carrying out massive infrastructural projects in all the 36 states of the country. We have invested heavily in social intervention programmes targeted at the ordinary Nigerians, at a scale never seen before in this country. The onslaught against corruption, the lasting solutions being put in place to provide security across our country, the transformation in the agricultural and the solid minerals sectors are the real campaigns that the APC government has embarked on since June 2015. We understand that PDP cannot campaign on issues as they have none to present.

“PDP’s recent attempts to speak to issues have ended in disgrace as it became obvious they base their projections and analyses on fallacious data. In effect, PDP is left with no other option than to resort to sophistry. They obviously need another trip to Dubai. Perhaps, they may try China this time, hoping they would at least get their figures right”.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/17/2019-apc-speaks-buharis-alleged-plot-rig-presidential-election/