₦airaland Forum

The aspiration of the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to govern the state got a major boost on Sunday, with Igbo residents picking him as their sole candidate for the top seat.

At an event held at the National Stadium in Surulere, Igbo residents gathered in their large numbers to pledge their endorsement of Sanwo-Olu and his running mate, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.

The Eze Ndigbo of Lagos, Eze H.N. Ohazurike, also conferred “Ugo Chinyere Eze” title on Sanwo-Olu, which means the “greatest gift from God”.

The event was attended by all Eze Ndigbo from all local government areas in Lagos, each pledging to mobilise Igbo residents in their communities to work for the success of the APC candidate.

Responding to the gesture, Sanwo-Olu described Igbo people as “critical stakeholders” in the Lagos project, promising to give Ndigbo a good representation in his government if elected.

The APC candidate said the story of the commercial nerve-centre status which Lagos attained many decades ago would not be complete without the resilience of Igbo traders in the state, adding that the endorsement would be the beginning of a new mutually benefiting relationship between the government and Igbo community.

Sanwo-Olu said: “I am expressing my profound appreciation to the Ndigbo community in Lagos for the traditional title bestowed on me, the “Ugo Chinyere Eze”. I thank you all from the depth of my heart for this honour and the endorsement you have just given me and my running mate.

“We are starting another journey together in our effort to build a greater Lagos that will be prosperous for all residents. We will not discriminate against any ethnic groups in this journey. Every ethnic group represented in Lagos is a critical stakeholder and we will carry everyone along, as we have resolved to run an all-inclusive government. Just as you pronounced me to be gift from God, I promise to be a precious gift you will be proud of if elected as your governor.”

Eze Ohazurike prayed for the APC candidate and his running mate, reassuring them that Igbo votes in Lagos would go for APC.

The highpoint was the conferment of the traditional title on Sanwo-Olu. The event was witnessed by APC leaders, including the Director-General of Babajide Sanwo-Olu Campaign Organisation, Mr Tayo Ayinde, his deputy, Cardinal James Odumbaku, and APC Publicity Secretary, Mr Joe Igbokwe.

•Photo shows, L-R; Deputy Director General, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu Campaign Independent Group (BOSICG), Cardinal James Omolaja Odunmbaku; Eze Ndigbo of Lagos, Eze H.N Ohazulike; APC Governorship Candidate in Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu; his Deputy Governorship Candidate, Dr. Kadir Obafemi Hamzat; Financial Secretary of Council of Ndieze Lagos, Eze Nwajei Ofurile Ikechukwu and Eze Christian Nwachu, after the conferment of Ugo Chiunyere Eze Ndigbo tittle on Mr. Sanwo-Olu and his formal endorsement by Ndigbo in Lagos . . . on Sunday.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/17/ndigbo-lagos-endorse-sanwo-olu-%e2%80%a2apc-candidate-honoured-ugo-chinyere-eze-traditional-title/

Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho, has named the ‘untouchable’ player at the club.

According to Mourinho, forward, Marcus Rashford is the untouchable player in his squad.

Mourinho stated this ahead of Man United’s Premier League clash with Liverpool on Sunday evening at Anfield.

Rashford has been impressive for Mourinho’s side so far this campaign.

The England international scored a goal in United’s 2-1 defeat against Valencia on Wednesday night in the Champions League encounter and Mourinho said he was impressed by Rashford’s work ethic and commitment.

“I’m always pleased because he always plays on his limits,” Mourinho told MUTV.

“He gives absolutely everything and that’s what I demand from players.

“After that, more quality, less quality, better performance, not as good.

“But I think that’s the basic thing of a professional and, at that level, Marcus is untouchable because he’s fantastic in terms of his contribution for the team.”

Mourinho’s men currently sit in sixth position on the Premier League table with 26 points from 16 games.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/16/epl-mourinho-names-untouchable-player-man-united/

A member of the House of Representatives, representing Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State, Hon. Linus Abaa Okorie, has disclosed that his relationship with former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Pius Anyim, and Governor David Umahi remain cordial.

Social media reports had claimed that the grassroots politician may have moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to perfect his re-election bid following controversial primaries in which he was denied a return ticket.

However, Okorie said that as a founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he cannot abandon the party, especially now that his political ally and former Vice President of the country, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, is now its presidential candidate.

The ranking lawmaker spoke at his Egunkwo Onicha Igboeze hometown while addressing the people of the clan on the circumstances surrounding the recently concluded party primaries and the way forward for him and his people.

While lamented how he was severally dribbled by the state governor and his party men over the ticket, he, however, stated that he was not bearing any grudge against the Governor, the zonal Vice Chairman of the party, Austin Umahi, and the former SGF, Senator Anyim, over the whole issue.

Okorie, who was first elected into the lower chamber of the National Assembly in 2011 is currently the Chairman House Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions.

He further urged the people to vote massively for Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, Mr. Peter Obi, in next year’s presidential election, adding that the duo has the magic wand to re-fix the economy of the country.

“I have no problem with Governor Umahi, I don’t also have problem with Anyim Pius Anyim, I have no problem with anybody. In this forthcoming general election, I am totally for PDP. I am supporting Atiku and he is the one God has brought out to salvage this country.

“I am working for him and I have opened a befitting campaign office in Abakaliki for that purpose. We shall be operating under the name: Friends of Atiku (FOA) of which I am the state Co-ordinator, and I have collapsed my political structure into it.

“In the general election, I want you to do what our Governor, Umahi normally say. When any candidate comes to beg for your votes, sit the person down and ask him or her what such person will do for you and the entire local government if elected.

“This is very necessary to hold such a person accountable when elected and if he/she fails to deliver. You should set up a committee that will negotiate with candidates on what they will do for you when elected,” he said.

Some stakeholders and leaders of the clan, in their separate remarks, described Hon. Okorie as their true leader and promised to always follow him wherever he goes politically.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/16/2019-relationship-anyim-umahi-cordial-hon-okorie/

The South-East Zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested three suspected internet fraudsters in the state.

The Head of Public Affairs of the commission in the zone, Mr Chris Oluka who disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, said that the suspects, including the wife of one of them, were arrested in their homes at Independence Layout, Enugu, following intelligence reports.

Oluka said that the commission got information about some residents of the area who lived in opulence without any visible means of income.

He said that further enquiries showed that suspects had defrauded unsuspecting victims of huge sums of money and used same to acquire choice property across the region.

“The raid was consequent upon the resolve by Acting Chairman of the Commission, Ibrahim Magu to intensify the onslaught against internet and cyber fraudsters across the country.

“The commission got information regarding some people living in opulence without any known means of livelihood.
“Our intelligence revealed that the suspects have been defrauding unsuspecting victims of huge sums of money and use such to acquire choice properties across the zone,” he said.
Oluka added that a search conducted in homes and premises traced to the suspects was quite revealing.

He said that the commission recovered incriminating items which include a mercury fluorescent lamp used in detecting fake currencies, suspected counterfeited foreign currencies and telephones.
Others are items suspected to be tools for their despicable trade, a Toyota Venza SUV, ATM Cards from various banks, and an Apple Macbook laptop, according to him.

Oluka said that the suspects would be charged to court at the conclusion of investigations.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/15/efcc-arrests-suspected-internet-fraudsters-enugu/

President Muhammadu Buhari’s plan to present the 2019 budget proposal to the Joint Session of the National Assembly on Wednesday may not be achieved.

This is because of a four-day warning strike to be embarked upon by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN)

In a letter of notification sent to the leadership of the National Assembly on Friday, the association stated that all its members would stay at home for four days beginning from Monday.

The letter signed by the association’s chairman, Musa Bature Muhammed, reads:

“Sequel to our earlier notice of strike action as contained in the Communique dated 29th November 2018, the Congress of Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), National Assembly Chapter, unanimously resolved at its emergency Congress held on 14th December, 2018 to embark on a 4-day warning strike commencing from Monday, 17th to 20th December, 2018.

“By this notice, be kindly Informed that the entire Members of PASAN shall stay off their respectlve duties on the above mentioned dates”

In a letter to the National Assembly leadership, President Buhari had last Thursday hinted that he would be at the National Assembly on Wednesday to present the 2019 budget proposal before the two houses of the National Assembly.

Buhari’s letter had read: “May I crave the kind indulgence of the House of Representatives to grant me the slot of 11 hours on Wednesday, 19th December, 2018 to formally present the 2019 appropriation bill in a joint session and lay before the NASS the 2019 budget proposal.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/15/2019-budget-nass-staff-strike-threatens-buharis-presentation/

There was a mild drama on Friday at the Victor Attah’s International Airport when wife of former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Unoma Akpabio, disrupted the protocol during first official visit of the wife of the President, Aisha Mohammed Buhari to the State.

The incident occurred when Mrs. Akpabio attempted to assume the responsibility of the wife of the Governor, Mrs Matha Udom Emmanuel, which compelled the protocol officers from the presidency to intervene.

It was gathered that while the door of the aircraft opened and the First Lady Aisha Buhari made to start coming down, Mrs. Akpabio suddenly sprang from her place to shove aside Mrs. Emmanuel in order to receive the President’s wife to the state.

Akpabio’ wife, it was gathered had shoved aside the wife of the Governor of the State, who had been positioned rightfully by the presidential protocol team as the state’s first lady to receive the country’s First Lady formally into Akwa Ibom.

This led to the door of the aircraft being shut as the President’s wife retrieved and waited inside for some minutes before the senator’s wife was persuaded to stop further attempts to ridicule the state by her actions.

Once normalcy was restored, the aircraft doors were opened once again for Mrs Buhari stepped down to a warm embrace of Mrs. Emmanuel who introduced her to other Akwa Ibom women at the airport to receive her.

Meanwhile, some women at the airport who spoke with some reporters expressed displeasure at the action by Mrs. Akpabio.

“She received the wife of President Yaradua during her time, and also received Mrs Patience Jonathan, no woman ever insulted her this way,” an angry Mrs. Akon Umoren said.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/14/akpabios-wife-unoma-disrupts-protocol-aisha-buharis-visit-akwa-ibom/

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), on Thursday said the association did not endorse anyone, but only met with 14 Presidential Candidates in Abuja to speak on their plans for the nation.

The President of CAN, Rev. Samson Ayokunle made the explanation in a statement issued by Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, the Special Assistant, Media and Communications to the CAN president, in Abuja.

Ayokunle explained that the issue of endorsing anyone for a second term did not form part of discussions during the meeting.

“Our attention has been drawn to a news story published by an online news outfit that has become notorious for publishing fake stories.

“The story says CAN has endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari for the second term in office after it met with some 14 presidential candidates in Abuja.

“There was nothing like that, either before, during or after the parley; not even at the tail end of the programme.

“The church cannot take the back seat in this situation because it can only prosper when Nigeria prospers. If the election is not free and fair, then, all Nigerians, including the church, will be in trouble.

“So, we decided to reach out to the presidential candidates to ask them their credentials for aspiring to the highest office in the land.

“Also, to interrogate their plans for all, including the church.

“We also brought them together to speak to their consciences so that they don’t set this nation on fire,” he said.

Ayokunle said that when he was asked for the outcome of the parley, he replied that conclusion would be drawn at the end of the meeting.

Speaking on the Buhari’s decline of assent to the Electoral Act amendment, he said: “the Executive and the National Assembly should put their house together.’’

“Whenever there is this kind of disagreement or a stalemate, the executive and the legislature should come together as partners in progress to mutually find a way forward.

“They can’t afford to play with the future of the country as the 2019 general elections is at hand.

“Everything must be done to ensure that the election is free and fair.”

The cleric appealed to the general public to beware of fabricators of fake news for whatever reasons.

Present at the forum were the former governor of Anambra and Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Peter Obi, while the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amechi, represented the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Also the former Minister of Education, Mrs Obi Ezekwesili, the Presidential Candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria, (ACPN) was at the meeting. (NAN)

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/14/2019-not-endorsed-candidates-says-can/

National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus has raised alarm over alleged secret pact between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) and the Nigeria Police to destabilize PDP-controlled states.

Secondus said this in a statement by his special adviser on media, Ike Abonyi.

He listed Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Ebonyi as states pencilled down for destabilisation by federal government agencies before 2019.

He said the aim was to cause affection and pave way for the All Progressives Congress (APC) to win in 2019.

The statement read: “In most PDP states, despite the governors being chief security officers, police commissioners have set up parallel structures to undermine the security of the states, just to satisfy their pay masters

“They have resolved to inject crisis in PDP controlled states and ensure that our governors who are refusing to play ball are permanently distracted for their re-election bid.

“They have deployed huge cash in these states to either use labour or state legislators to inject crisis, frighten the governors and force them to do a deal with them,” he said.

The PDP National Chairman noted that the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has posted eight police commissioners to Bayelsa State, in less than three.

Secondus also accused Imspector General If Police, Ibrahim Idris and Magu of campaigning for Buhari.

The PDP Chairman stressed that APC is engaging in underhand tactics to win election at all cost.

“That is why they are not campaigning or seeking votes from Nigerians; that is why President Buhari has refused to sign into law an amended Electoral Act that would have guaranteed this nation a freer and fair election.

“Nothing clearly underscores the fact that the APC is not interested in having a transparent election than the refusal of the president to sign the Electoral Act into law,” the Chairman stated.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/13/2019-presidency-efcc-police-in-secret-pact-to-destabilize-pdp-states-secondus/

The presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has said he was not invited to the signing of a peace pact for 2019 presidential candidates in Abuja.

Mazi Paul Ibe, Media Aide to Atiku, said his principal did not receive any invitation to the event which was attended by President Muhammadu Buhari, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) among others.

“Following media enquiries as to the absence of HE @atiku from the signing of the Peace Pact, I wish to state that the PDP presidential candidate did not receive invitation to the event,” Atiku’s spokesman, Paul Ibe tweeted on Tuesday.

The 2019 peace pact, convened by a former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, was to commit the candidates and the political parties to a peaceful poll.

However, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari attended the event alongside other candidates to sign the peace agreement, which was drafted by the National Peace Committee.

This is not the first time such event will be held: a similar pact was signed by presidential candidates in 2015.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/12/i-wasnt-invited-to-peace-accord-meeting-atiku/

A member of the House of Representatives from Katsina State, Ibrahim Murtala, has defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Murtala, who is representing Matazu/Musawa Federal Constituency, announced his defection in a letter read by the Speaker, Mr Yakubu Dogara, on the floor of the House on Tuesday.

According to NAN, Murtala, in the letter, said that he wished to inform the House and the general public that he was no longer a card-carrying member of the APC.

Murtala said he would from now pursue his political career under the umbrella of the PDP.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/11/katsina-federal-lawmaker-dumps-apc-for-pdp/

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has admitted that his aspiration was to be appointed Chief of Staff, but “God has turned the table around”.

He made this revelation at a special prayer session, organized by the Nasrul-Lahil-il-Fath Society (NASFAT) at its headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja on Sunday.

Sanwo-Olu promised to “carry everyone along” if elected.

“I will carry everyone along as a governor. In the NASFAT’s prayer for me, they advised me to choose good adviser and be a listening governor.

“Four years ago, my deputy wanted to be the governor and I was aspiring to be the Chief of Staff but now God has turned the table around.

“I will concentrate more, if elected the governor, on expansion of roads, building bridges and traffic control,” he said.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/10/lagos-2019-sanwo-olu-reveals-he-never-wanted-to-be-governor/

Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige has warned the South-East not to vote against President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.

Ngige said the Igbos could miss the opportunity to produce the president of the country in 2023 if they fail to support the president.

Ngige, speaking with reporters in Obosi in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State on Sunday, said Igbos have the chance to take over from Buhari in 2023 only if they play their cards right in the 2019 general elections.

Ngige stressed that President Buhari’s reelection was the South-East’s shortest route to the presidency.

He said, “This man (Buhari) has only one term (four years) to do and go home, and an Igboman will replace him. But if you leave this shortest route and take a gamble, you are on your own.

“If Igbo refuse to play their cards right in next year’s general elections, the South-West will take away the chance from them.

“They will produce the next president after Buhari, because the zone has shown demonstrable commitment to Buhari’s cause.

“My good friend Babatunde Fashola has blown the whistle. What he said should be a warning signal to the Igbo, because you can’t stop the South-West from producing the next president of the country after supporting Buhari and the APC government.

“That is why I’m telling our people now to come out en masse in next year’s election and vote for Buhari, so that nothing will stop you from succeeding him in 2023.”

He further described the vice-presidential slot given to the Igbo by the Peoples Democratic Party as a “mere spare tyre that might be used for over six years”.

The South-East zone has failed in their bid to have one of their own as the leader of the country since the return of democratic rule in 1999.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/10/2019-what-will-happen-to-igbos-in-2023-ngige/

The lawmaker representing Delta Central at the upper legislative chamber, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has said that he and his colleagues in the All Progressives Congress, APC, will not allow Senate President, Bukola Saraki, humiliate President Muhammadu Buhari.

Omo-Agege was responding to claims that the Senate could override President Buhari on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.

The lawmaker, dismissed any such move, saying that they will never allow Saraki and the PDP Senators to carry out such an act.

“As a caucus, we the senators of APC extraction will not allow Saraki and his PDP crew to humiliate Mr President.

“We will not allow any override. They don’t have 73 votes in the senate to carry out their threat.

“You must understand that Mr President has no problems with the content of the bill as passed.

“His problem is with the timing and the chaos the bill could generate where it to become law.

“Those who support the bill like myself are happy that it would not be signed into law and be used,” Vanguard quoted him as saying.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/10/electoral-act-well-never-allow-saraki-humiliate-buhari-senator-omo-agege/

President of the Nigeria Rowing, Canoe and Sailing Federation (NRCSF) Real Admiral Festus Porbeni, Rtd on Friday commissioned Admiral Porbeni Canoe and Kayak Lane at the Jabi Boat Club in Abuja.

The Olympic standard Kayak Lane which covers a total distance of 1000meter is expected to host the canoeing events, starting later today in the ongoing 19th edition of the National Sports Festival.

Speaking after the commissioning and tour of the facilities the NRCSF president Real Admiral Festus Porbeni, rtd disclosed that the facilities had been put in place to foster grassroots development and to enable the country to host international competitions.

“First and foremost, there was a time Nigeria wanted to host commonwealth games and we found out that we had no lane for rowing and it annoyed me that we could not host the Games.”

“This sport is not for riverine areas alone, it’s for any place where there is a body of water, for training and for people to use it as much as possible, we have spoken to the owner of the club in Jabi Lake to open to athletes and those that want to train.

He further stated that the national sports festival will be used to selected athletes for Tokyo 2020 “We are already planning towards it and that’s why we will use this National Sports Festival to select our athletes for the All Africa Games and Tokyo 2020. Once the athletes are selected, they will be based in this town.”

“We put this up because when I found out that football has a stadium, boxing has a gym but rowing has nowhere and saw no reason why rowing would not feature in the Sports Festival, with the way things are going, governors are already calling to sponsor athletes.

There are lots of medals in rowing, about 14-15 medals. “ On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development Mr. Olusade Adesola who was represented by the Director of Grassroots Sports Development Dr, Ademola Are lauded the federation president for his efforts towards the sports development in the country adding that it would help the nation in producing podium finish athletes.

“This is in line with what President Muhammadu Buhari has been preaching, this is a change in the podium process for Nigeria in future sporting programs” “With the cooperation of the boat club management and the enthusiasm of Rear Adm. Festus Porbeni, Nigeria should look forward to more medals in rowing.”

According to him “the sports ministry will cooperate fully with the Rowing and yachting Federation to utilise maximally these Olympics lanes for podium success of the country. In the next two years, we could replicate this around the country”. He concluded

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/09/abuja-2018-porbeni-canoe-kayak-lane-commissioned/

Unbeaten Manchester City travel to the capital to take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this evening.

City maintained their two point advantage over Liverpool in midweek with a 2-1 away win at Watford. Riyad Mahrez scored one and assisted Leroy Sane as a rotated City side claimed another three points.

Chelsea suffered a shock 2-1 defeat away at Wolves. The Blues took the lead in the first half after Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s goal deflected in. Wolves hit back with a quick-fire double in the second half to stun the visitors.

Chelsea have won just one of their last four matches in the Premier League, which has seen the drop down to fourth in the table. Defeat this evening would likely see the Blues be leapfrogged by London rivals Arsenal.

Manchester City did the double over Chelsea last season, winning 1-0 on both occasions. Kevin de Bruyne scored the winner at Stamford Bridge last September.

With no new injury concerns, ​Chelsea boss Sarri is likely have a full strength matchday squad at his disposal once again, after the Italian made five changes for the defeat against ​Wolves.

​David Luiz is likely to come back in for Andreas Christensen in defence, with Jorginho taking back his place from ​Cesc Fabregàs. Sarri may find space for ​Ruben Loftus-Cheek as a reward for his good performances of late.

Having rotated their squad in the ​Watford game, City will look to put out their strongest team with returns likely for ​Sergio Agüero and ​Raheem Sterling. The back four will likely be restored with Aymeric Laporte coming back in for ​Vincent Kompany.

Guardiola is unable to call upon first choice left-back ​Benjamin Mendy (knee), so ​Fabian Delph is likely to take his place, with young Oleksandr Zinchenko missing due to injury (face). Kevin de Bruyne (knee) remains out and is unable to feature against his former club.

The two sides have faced each other 42 times in the competition. Chelsea have 24 wins to City’s 11.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/08/chelsea-man-city-set-for-war-at-stamford-bridge/

Doyin Okupe, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has listed areas which, according to him, the government of President Muhammadu Buhari failed.

Doyin Okupe, who has been very active in criticising the Buhari government in recent times, listed integrity as one of the areas the President has failed.

The former presidential aide also said Buhari has failed on security, and the fight against corruption.

He also noted that Nigerians are more hungry now and are languishing in poverty.

Okupe tweeted, “PMB failed on INTEGRITY (certificate scandal) SECURITY, terrorism [is] index Down.

“ANTI CORRUPTION index down to 148 frm 137 and poverty and hunger.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/07/2019-presidency-doyin-okupe-lists-areas-buhari-failed/

The Nigerian Army on Thursday authorised the posting and appointments of some of its senior officers.

This was made known in a statement by Brigadier General, Sani Usman, Director of Army Public Relations.

Those affected by the new posting and appointments include some Staff Officers and Commanders at various levels.

The newly promoted Major General OT Akinjobi, Head of the Operations Monitoring Team at the Office of the Chief of Army Staff, has been appointed Commander, Sector 3 Operation LAFIYA DOLE, while Major General MG Ali, Commander 9 Brigade has been appointed Commander of the newly created Nigerian Army Special Forces Command, Brigadier General BR Sinjen, Commander, Integrated Fire Support and Brigadier General FO Omoigui, has been moved from 2 Division Nigerian Army to Army Headquarters Department of Training and Operations and appointed Director of Operations

Brigadier General TA Lagbaja is to take over as Commander 9 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General OR Aiyenigba, Director Land Warfare at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College is to move to the Office of the Chief of Army Staff as Head of Operations Monitoring Team, while Brigadier General AU Kuliya is to take over as Director Land Warfare at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College.

Similarly, new Brigade Commanders have been appointed for some of the Brigades at Operation LAFIYA DOLE.

These include Brigadier General EF Oyinlola, 22 Brigade, Brigadier General VU Okoro, 25 Task Force Brigade, Brigadier General AB Mohammed, 26 Task Force Brigade, Brigadier General AO Oyelade, 27 Task Force Brigade, Brigadier General MT Usman, 28 Task Force Brigade and Brigadier General MG Kangye, 37 Brigade, while Brigadier General AS Ishaq has been appointed as Coordinator, Nigeria Police Force for Operation LAFIYA DOLE.

Also, new Commanders have also been appointed for the various Army Headquarters Logistics Commands at the theatre.

They include Brigadier General AG Ibrahim, Brigadier General PN Okeson and Brigadier General OA Aminu for Logistics Base I, II and III, respectively. Similarly, the posting has affected several Commanding Officers of the various units in Operation LAFIYA DOLE, amongst others.

The statement added that the Chief of Army Staff has also directed that all those affected by the posting in the theatre, must remain committed and fully in charge until they are properly relieved in line with standard operating procedures and military professional ethics.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/06/boko-haram-army-effects-major-shake-up/

A Lagos lawmaker, Victor Akande, on Thursday said that President Muhammadu Buhari’s second term in office, would be a time of harvest for Nigerians.

Akande, representing Ojo Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, stated this in an interview with NAN.

According to him, it is not easy to repair in three years what was destroyed for 16 years under previous administrations.

“After we have moved from this stage to the next level, which is a performing level, we will do better.

“When you want to plant, you clear the ground and plow it. That is what you are seeing now.

“We are sieving corrupt minded-people away.

“We have planted, we have watered it, so the people should wait because it is germinating now and it will soon be harvest time,” Akande said.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/06/2019-lagos-lawmaker-reveals-what-will-happen-to-nigerians-if-buhari-is-re-elected/

The Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu has said that the Commission needs less than 72 hours given by the court, in producing a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison Madueke, to face her corruption charges, stating that the only problem the Commission has is that she is being held “in another man’s country”.

Magu made this known on December 5, 2018, during an interactive session with journalists and social media influencers, at the Commission’s headquarters in Jabi, Abuja on Wednesday.

Expressing optimism with complying with the court order, Magu 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 72hours 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”.

Responding on the issue of not finding anything against the former minister, Magu said, “Nobody can say she has not committed anything. All the neighbouring countries in Europe and America and all the law enforcement agencies in the world have knowledge of Diezani’s money laundering activities”.

Speaking on looted funds still hanging outside the country, Magu wondered why it was difficult for the countries concerned to repatriate the looted funds.

He said: “More than 80 per cent 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 $300million hanging in the United Kingdom”.

Responding on the Halliburton issue, the anti-graft czar, said “We are only looking at the way the money was expended, the manner in which it was shared, and used. There was money that was received from Halliburton. There was settlement. So now, our problem is how that money given to Nigeria was shared. We are very much on it. We will see to the end of it”.

He, thereafter, urged the general public to collaborate with the Commission in the corruption fight, stating that the whistle-blower policy was still very much on.

“This whistle blowing policy is working. This boy that blew the Ikoyi whistle has become a millionaire and he is not calling me again,” he added.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/06/diezanis-arrest-our-hands-are-tied-efcc/

The Army Council has approved the promotion of 29 Brigadiers-Generals to Majors-General, 95 Colonels to Brigadiers-General, 106 Lieutenant Colonels to Colonels and one Major to Lieutenant-Colonel.

Among the newly promoted Major-Generals are the commander Guards Brigade, US Mohammed, Director General National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), SA Kazaure and the Director Army Legal Service YI Shalangwa.

Director Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman who made this known in a statement said the promotion is expected to re-energise the beneficiaries towards the discharge of their tasks and responsibilities.

Gen. Usman, in the statement, listed other officers promoted to the ranks of Majors-General to include TOB Ademola, Nigeria’s Defence Attaché to China, Brig.-Gen. KO Ogundele, Director Coordination at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Brig.-Gen. ON Ugo, Brig.-Gen. AO Uthman, Brig.-Gen. M Bashir and Brig.-Gen. MM Mshelia.

Usman’s statement reads “The Army Council has approved the promotion of some senior officers of the Nigerian Army to the ranks of Majors-General, Brigadiers- General, Colonels and a Lieutenant Colonel, respectively.

“A breakdown of those that benefited from the promotion shows that 29 Brigadiers- General were promoted to the rank of Major-Generals, 95 Colonels to Brigadiers-General, 106 Lieutenant-Colonels to Colonels and one Major to Lieutenant Colonel, respectively.

“Among those promoted to the rank of Major-General are, Brig.-Gen. TOB Ademola, Nigeria Defence Attaché to China, Brig.-Gen. KO Ogundele, Director Coordination at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Brigadier General ON Ugo, Brig.-Gen. AO Uthman, Brig.-Gen. M Bashir and Brig.-Gen. MM Mshelia.

“Others included Brig.-Gen. US Mohammed, Brig.-Gen. IO Ehiorobo, Brig.-Gen. CG Musa, Brig.-Gen. CO Ofoche, Brig.-Gen. DH Alli-Keffi, Brig.-Gen. A Kigbu, Brig.-Gen. YI Shalangwa, Director Army Legal Service and Brig.-Gen. SA Kazaure, Director-General National Youth Service Corps, amongst others.

“Those promoted to the rank of Brigadier Generals include Colonel AA Ayanuga, Col. SC Ogbuanya, Col. FO Ilodibia, Col. EF Oyinlola, Col. SO Oloyede, Col. S Kawugana, Col. FG Dimlong, Col. OK Falade, Col. IZ Ohiaka, Col. CS Okafor, Col. A Yellow-Duke, Col. MA Etsu-Ndagi, Col. AM Alechenu, Col. Y Yahaya and Col. IG Lassa. Others include Col. PAO Okoye, Col. AO Oyelade, Col. MLD Saraso, Col. VE Emah, Col. RI Odi, Col. WD Nasiru, Col. LA Jimoh, Col. AP Ahmadu, Col. QA Ahmed and Col. JS Sura, amongst others.

“Similarly, Lieutenant-Colonels CA Magaji, AA Bello, CE Ugworji, CY Ufurumazi, K Imam, CE Aniorha, MC Akin-Ojo, KO Kalu, AY Emakoma, MA Dogo, MG Udotong, BA Adeshina and I Sadiq, were promoted to the rank of Colonels.

“Others promoted Colonels include NC Achikasim, BI George, YD Ishaku, EA Otseh and SB Salisu, amongst others.

While Major UA Musa is promoted Lt-Colonel.

“The approval of the promotion by the Army Council for the senior officers today, is the last for the year.

“The promotion exercise is expected to re-energise the beneficiaries towards the discharge of their tasks and responsibilities”.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/04/army-promotes-29-major-generals-95-brigadier-generals-106-colonels/

Chief Press Secretary to the Benue State Governor, Mr Terver Akase says the victory of Governor Samuel Ortom in next year’s election will be victory for the people of the state.

Akase stated this yesterday while playing host to Masev Youths in Media, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office at the Benue Peoples House, Makurdi.

He said a vote for Governor Ortom in the 2019 election is a vote for a greater future of the state.

The Chief Press Secretary charged youths of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in particular to take Governor Ortom’s reelection campaign to all corners of the state.

While thanking the youths for the visit, Mr Akase urged them to go to their villages and canvass support for the Governor and enlighten their people to beware of deceitful individuals who are going round purchasing permanent voter’s cards from unsuspecting members of the public.

He admonished youths to make friends beyond their enclave as well as assist those in need without asking where they come from, disclosing that he had learnt the virtue from Governor Ortom who is open-minded and does not discriminate.

Responding, leaders of the delegation, Philip Mbakuuv Ankyhquwa and Collins Ahokegh said they had visited Mr Terver Akase to demonstrate their solidarity to him and commend him for the great job he is doing for his principal and Benue State.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/11/30/2019-ortoms-victory-will-be-for-benue-people-akase/

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has denied issuing presidential campaign time table for its candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

The party said on Tuesday that its attention has been drawn to a phoney post circulating on the social media, purported to be the party’s presidential campaign timetable.

A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Kola Ologbondiyan, said: “The fabricators of the post even went further to allocate venues and dates for zonal rallies, which they claimed to have emanated from the PDP Presidential campaign council.”

The party however clarified that it has not yet released any timetable or timelines and has not yet allotted any dates or venues for the campaigns.

The leadership of PDP therefore urged all its members and supporters across board to completely disregard the said timetable on the social media, as it did not emanate from the PDP.

The party concluded that the Presidential Campaign Council led by Senate President Bukola Saraki, will soon make public the authentic timetable for the Presidential campaign and the information will have the full seal of its party and disseminated through PDP official handles.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/11/28/pdp-disowns-presidential-campaign-timetable/

The Nigerian Youth Organisation (NYO), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter has commended the FCT minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, for the recent appointment of Barrister Amanda Pam, as the secretary for Social Development Secretariat (SDS).

Speaking with journalists in Abuja yesterday, chairman of the group, Comrade Israel Opaluwa, described the appointment as timely and an act of inclusive governance.

Opaluwa noted that the Bello-led administration has proven its capacity to father all FCT stakeholders, adding the appointment would unite members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the FCT, especially in the just concluded primary election of the party.

The group chairman stated that the appointment of Amanda Pam would move the Social Development Secretariat (SDS) to enviable heights considering her pedigree.

He further revealed that the Nigerian Youth Organisation has so far mobilised over 10, 000 members with PVCs across the FCT who he said are ever ready to participate at the 2019 poll in the territory.

Opulawa further urged the youths to resist the temptation of selling their vote by collecting monies from politicians and to eschew violence, political thuggery, and ballot box snatching during elections.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/11/27/youths-laud-minister-for-appointing-new-social-development-secretary/

Kim Kardashian West has dropped some bombshell about her wild years during a conversation with Scott Disick and Kendall Jenner. During the conversation, the reality TV star revealed that she was high on ecstasy when she had her first marriage and also when she recorded her famous sex tape.

“I got married on ecstasy. The first time,” Kardashian West, 38, said of her wedding to music producer Damon Thomas in 2000.

“I did ecstasy once and I got married,” she continued. “I did it again, I made a sex tape. Like, everything bad would happen.”

“You were high on ecstasy when you made that sex tape?” Disick asked of the 2003 sex tape Kardashian West starred in with Ray J, which went public in 2007 and catapulted her into fame.

“Absolutely. Everyone knows it,” Kardashian West responded. “Like, my jaw was shaking the whole time.”

Kim also recalled a time when she and Paris Hilton traveled to Ibiza together where they decided to sleep on interlocked rafts in the ocean after leaving a party by 7.am.

“I just can’t believe that that was you,” Jenner marveled.

“I still can do crazy things,” Kardashian West insisted.

“Kendall, honestly, has no clue,” she added later. “I definitely went through a wild phase, I would say in my late teens. I’m not like that anymore. But I still have fun — don’t get it twisted, I’m always the life of the party.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/11/26/kim-kardashian-says-she-was-high-on-ecstasy-during-her-first-wedding/

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Support Group, has warned the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, against sponsoring negative propaganda against the president ahead of the 2019 general elections.

Mr Kassim Kassim, the National Secretary of the group, issued the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja,

According to him, PDP was doing using its machineries within and outside the country to concoct negative stories about the president.

Kassim maintained that the antic would not in any way improve the PDP’s chances in the 2019 elections as Nigerians were wise enough to differentiate between falsehood and truth.

He, however, urged members of the ruling party to discard antics of PDP and remain steadfast and continue to work hard to ensure the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.

Kassim, also a member of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly added: “I urge those that are opposed to Buhari`s policies and re-election bid to desist from such act as he remained the best president for the country at the moment.

“politicians should focus their electioneering campaigns ahead of the elections on issues rather than on individuals and avoid heating up the polity with incisive statements.

“Some members of the PDP are even working behind the scene to ensure the re-election of Buhari.”

http://www.mcebiscoo.com/2018/11/2019-presidency-apc-warns-pdp-over.html

Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has accused former President Goodluck Jonathan of making lopsided appointments during his administration.

Fayemi alleged that Jonathan concentrated influential political appointments in a certain zone in the South, while the South-west was allegedly neglected under his reign.

According to him, neglect by previous administration was enough reason why people of South West should vote for President Muhammadu Buhari.

He therefore urged the people to reciprocate the concentration of juicy political positions allotted to the zone under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government by voting massively for President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2019 presidential race.

The governor said this in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday while receiving a letter from a group under the aegis of Artisan, Traders and Allied Technicians’ Association, Ekiti chapter, endorsing President Buhari for the 2019 presidential poll.

The letter was submitted to Fayemi for onward delivery to President Buhari by the state President of the association, Mr. Ebenezer Fadipe and members of his executive.

The group said they decided to support Buhari because of the landmark achievements he had recorded in every facet of the country’s economy and the virulent manner he has been prosecuting the war against corruption.

Receiving the letter, Fayemi said it will do the South-west a great deal of benefit to vote Buhari for rescuing the region from the political obscurity the PDP, under Jonathan, allegedly caused the zone.

“Under President Jonathan, we saw how the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Minister of Finance, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Chief of Staff to the President were concentrated in just two zones in the South while the South-west was abandoned.

“But when President Buhari came on board, he made a South-west person his vice-president, the Minister of Works, Power and Housing is from this zone, Minister of Health and other juicy positions were also allotted to the region.

“So, the coming election is for the liberation of the Yoruba race and only Buhari’s presidency could bring about the actualisation of this dream,” he said.

http://www.mcebiscoo.com/2018/11/2019-how-goodluck-jonathan-neglected.html

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday insisted that there is no bad blood between him and the current Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode.

Obviously referring to recent scathing remarks about him by the governor, Sanwo-Olu said they were getting on well.

“On the ‘Ambode issue,’ let me state it here that there is no ‘Ambode issue.’ He is my governor. We are one party and our goals are the same. A better and greater Lagos is our challenge.

“There is no rancour. We meet. We talk. We are clear about what Lagos needs to excel and that is our collective goal,” Sanwo-Olu tweeted.

Ambode had in September accused Sanwo-Olu of undergoing rehabilitation at the Gbagada General Hospital in Lagos, saying the then governorship aspirant was unfit of ruling Lagos.

Despite this, Sanwo-Olu emerged as the governorship candidate of the party in the state.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/lagos-2019-sanwo-olu-speaks-on-fight.html

Nigeria head coach, Gernot Rohr has revealed the date when he will announce Super Eagles’ provisional roster squad for the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Cameroon.

Rohr’s men have already qualified for the competition following their 1-1 draw with South Africa last weekend.

Rohr said that he will release the list of Nigeria’s squad in May.

He, however, said that his team will commence preparations immediately since there’s only one window for international matches before next year’s AFCON.

”We only have one FIFA window in March and I have to give my list in April/May. First list in May, thirty-five (players) and then the final twenty-three,” Allnigeriasoccer quoted Rohr as saying.

”So, I want to see the players who I didn’t see so much. They have the opportunity to start this preparation and the match tomorrow is the first preparation match for the AFCON.”

Nigeria will Tuesday evening tackle Uganda in an international friendly game at the Stephen Keshi Stadium.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/cameroon-2019-rohr-reveals-when-hell.html

Mr Korede Lawrence is Head, Business Development and Sales at Mixta Nigeria, a subsidiary of Mixta Africa, one of Africa’s leading players in the real estate sector. In this interview with CHRISTIANA NWAOGU, he speaks elaborately on the existing deficit in Edo State housing, ongoing 1400-housing-unit project at the Emotan Gardens Estate and challenges faced by developers.

Tell us about Mixta Nigeria’s projects and what you do for the company?

We are a real estate development company focused on providing quality real estate products. We have operations across the entire market spectrum, and our focus is in affordable housing market. As our slogan says, “We Build Communities Across Africa”. Just as our fingers are different in size, in the communities we build, everybody is represented. So, we offer different housing types to everybody within these communities. As Head of Sales, I am in-charge of making sure that all our projects across Nigeria get the requisite visibility for the value we create and that they get to the right people seeking that value. For us, it means giving real estate value to different market segments in Nigeria.

What project are you handling for Edo government?

We are in Edo State to develop Emotan Gardens, which is located on approximately 70.1 hectares of land on Upper Sokponba Road, in Benin City. The plan is to offer, affordable and quality housing to every stakeholder in the State. To achieve this, we have partnered with the Edo State Government through the Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA) to make sure this is a success.

Tell us about the estate’s infrastructure, the roads, water and other facilities and how they will be managed

The plan as earlier stated is to bring value. For us, value is what is on the table. I will go back to our pedigree. We have done this in Nigeria and we are in other countries in Africa, in Senegal, Ivory Coast, among ûothers. We have experience in this field. Depending on where we build an estate, we inculcate some amenities and something to change that environment and give value. In the case of Emotan Gardens, we will have a one-hectare lake, which is man-made. It would allow the residents to relax. Road network is huge for us; electricity is particularly huge for us. In our estates, our pedigree is that we offer 24/7 electricity. It is what we do and what we have done. All of these obviously come at a cost. The plan is that, within that community, in whichever direction you go, you should be able to either go five minutes to leisure or five minutes to an area that is planned specifically for commercial activities. As it is, there are many people that want to bring their businesses to the commercial areas- hospitals, shopping malls and so on. The truth is that it will be a town within a town. That is what an estate is. An estate is that location where you comfortably obtain everything that enriches your life without moving. That is what we want to bring to Emotan Garden.

How affordable are these homes?

The thing about the word ‘affordable’ is that it is a relative term. We are however sensitive to the economic realities and have priced our offerings to cater to this. With as low as N5.7 million, subscribers can move into their own homes in the fully serviced estate- Emotan Gardens. We also have medium-high priced homes in the same estate to cater to those in these categories. There really is a house for everyone within Emotan Gardens. But the bigger question is really about access to funding. So, that probably is one of the hindrances. With us, even though we are real estate developers that are into the business for financial gain, we are primarily into the business of creating real estate value. Mixta Africa is wholly owned by Asset & Resource Management Holding Company Limited. From our investment background, spanning well over 20 years, we have sought to add value to people’s lives, from the cradle to even the legacies our customers leave after they exit this world. With a huge portfolio of products that allow you to take care of children, and parents, the emphasis on the quality of life for individuals remains paramount throughout our offerings. We are in real estate business with the same ethos, which is about value creation and that is what we brought to building houses and building commercial spaces for Nigerians.

Is there an arrangement for mortgage financing for the housing units?

There are quite a number of mortgage banks that are interested in offering accredited people, that is, those that they have vetted to buy these houses. There are a few of them that we usually do business with on a regular basis. They are already here, looking for customers to avail funds. There are about six of them. It is not only for people in the formal sector, like bankers, they will also look for people in the informal sector, that is, people that trade. This housing estate is for everybody. As long as you have a will to participate, we will try to make sure we accommodate that prospective client.

How do you intend to access the diaspora market?

We see a lot of activities online, especially with the Edo State Diaspora community. They are looking back home always to see what is going on. Our plan is to be visible to them, wherever they are and to get them to visit the site. They need to see it and know that this is happening for real. The potential that they have heard it from somebody is very high. Somebody will tell them, ‘dem dey do this thing for here, una don see?” So, by the time they check online, they should be able to see some kind of representation that shows them that Emotan Gardens is here and is viable. Today, there are housing types that are already standing because one of the things we found is that there was a lot of skepticism. We see that a lot of people are wondering if this would happen. Some have asked, if these people do this, how much will we get it? It is because of such questions that we are making ourselves more visible online. We are offering as much information to give comfort and reassurance. This is not like previous experiences that some people had in the state. We take every opportunity to put information out there to assure people from day one that you are dealing with the right people. We have sales representatives on site, who speak languages people understand. We can also be contacted through EDPA. Our website and telephone numbers are out there for people to know they are dealing with genuine people.

How much value in monetary term is MIXTA Nigeria bringing to Edo State?

Really, our coming to Edo State is through a Joint venture partnership. The Edo State Government has taken it upon herself to offer value to Edo people. First of all, to build an estate you need different people to participate. You will need labourers, technicians, engineers, you will need agents to sell the houses and what the state government has done is to create an avenue where all of these economic opportunities are open to the indigenes and residents of the state. The investment Mixta Nigeria is bringing is substantial and I would not like to put a figure on that currently because it is still evolving. The thing about investment terrains is that you might have foreseen that you would do a particular amount, but as you come into the terrain and you engage with the people, you may see that you may want to do a little more. Generally, it is still an evolving relationship. But our investment is significant. Besides, we have different house types within the estate and we are executing the project in phases, and as such the contribution for every phase is different. So, even though we are doing 2 and 3-bedroom housing units first, which really are the lower priced products, our first release is somewhere around 400 units. A good number of them are two-bedroom units while others are of other types. That is to get people through the barriers of buying. The 2- and 3-bedrooms types are well-priced. The government has looked at how it would add value by subsidising some of the house types for civil servants and people that do their jobs adequately, as a way of rewarding people. So, that is also in the mix.

What is your idea of subsidy here?

Today we are selling for about N5.7 million. These houses cost more than that in the market, but the prices have to come down to a level where everybody can partake. We have gone a step further in the relationship with government by making sure that people can make payment in installments. So, you won’t pay N5.7 million at once. The payment plan depends on the individual. The thing with Mixta Nigeria is that we are big on the journey. Buying real estate generally is a journey for us; it is not a sprint. We try to understand the individual that is buying, so that we tailor their needs to whatever we are doing, regarding the payment options in acquiring these houses. One size doesn’t really fit all here. It is a conversation between individuals, with them deciding what they want to do and how they want to do it. With that, we will move the product forward.

What attracted Mixta Nigeria to the Governor Obaseki-led administration? Why did you choose to come to Edo State now?

There are a range of things that attracted us to Edo. I will touch on a few. For investment to come into Edo State, it is important to create a fertile, viable platform for such investment. First of all, the people must believe that the government of the day is upstanding. When they say something, they would as much as possible keep to their word on transactions with you, which is why you will go into a relationship with the government on a long term. We intend to be here for a few years. We are here for a few years because we believe that the government of the day has said they would do something and put things in place for the people and we have seen the commitment. We see the way they are going about their activities and that gives us the confidence to come here. When the government of the day asks us to take a particular parcel of land with the Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O), assuring that we will develop it together and that they would participate in one way or another, we are ready to work with them. We understand that it has been well over 16 years since the last estate was built by government. So, this is a big thing. We looked at a number of things.

Benin is not the first place we are building an estate. We know that the number of people who have uncles, aunts, brothers, sisters in the diaspora is huge. The remittance at some point last year was somewhere around N96 billion per month into the state. If we are to follow these numbers, verified or not, that alone offers a huge possibility and potential for anybody to invest in a state like this. So the time is right. The government of the day is responsive, responsible. We believe that they have the intention of the people at heart and they have created a viable environment for us to come in, take root and offer not only housing, but jobs to the indigenes of the state. That alone offers us a lot of confidence. In fact, what we see, since we have been here, is an increase in the number of people looking inwards. The government of the day has not stopped adding value. The more we stay, the more we are emboldened to stay and do a lot more here.

What does your relationship with the host community tell you about Edo State?

Who doesn’t want growth? Today, a client walked into the site and said that we are bringing Lagos to Edo. He is an elderly gentleman who travels to Lagos to see his son regularly. During the conversation, he said we are bringing Lagos down here. Who does not want growth? Everybody wants it. At the end of the day, regardless of how you see it, many indigenes are ready for the urban regeneration and potential prosperity that comes with this project. Everybody is aspirational; we always want more. Edo State wants more for itself; it deserves and through this Government is demanding more for itself. We see it with the way things are going. We have labourers from Edo State. In fact, as a proviso to this particular arrangement, it was important that we employ people from Edo State and that indigenes with the requisite skills work on the site. At the end of the day, all the materials used on the site are purchased here within the State. The multiplier value for a project like this is that the materials are sourced from within; wages are paid to labourers from within. The value will be felt by the people within, regardless of who buys it. Edo state prospers. There is a huge multiplier effect on how we touch lives and how monies go to different people and different spheres. It can only get better from here.

Tell us about the status of the Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O)

When government gives a C-of-O, it is said that they bequeath all powers on the land to the person. That is usually the source document from which projects like Emotan Gardens Estate gets a deed of assignment. These deeds of assignments are then given to individuals stating that they now own a portion of the property with their C-of-O. That is exactly what exists. At the end of the day, the individual that buys land from us has bought a parcel of land in Edo State, sold by the Government of Edo State to them.

As a public-private partnership project, will a change in government affect Emotan Gardens?

The thing about Emotan Gardens is that it is built like most good projects. Regardless of politics, the government of today has been responsive enough that they have put measures in place to make sure it is continued and sustained for future generations.

What is your assessment of the Nigerian housing sector?

The Nigerian housing market is growing and is characterised by an increased number of participants in the sector and across the value chain of operations from development to sales. Everybody is a potential agent, whether they are trying to sell property or lease property which in its entirety is good for the sector. It is a dynamic sector which is still growing but has a huge potential to do more. However there is a huge challenge with regulating the sector which currently seems to be in-process, spearheaded by developers and the professionals that offer service within the real estate value chain. At Mixta Nigeria, we strive to push boundaries and are deliberate about moving the real estate industry forward as a key stakeholder.

What are the challenges your company has encountered in the sector?

Everyone in the sector has the same challenges, principal of which is access to funding which when provided is usually on short-term arrangements. How do you fund a long-term project with short-term money? In addressing this challenge, Mixta Nigeria has approached the capital market for long term loans. Our success in raising funds in the capital market shows investor confidence in us and encourages other developers to explore similar options for financing. Another challenge is this segment of people whom due to the lack of regulation operate unprofessionally, creating the occasional negativity that makes the idea of buying real estate somewhat scary for prospective clients. Everybody seems to have a story about somebody that has been duped on a land matter and so on. A lot of people are a bit skeptical, if not afraid to take on real estate transactions. These are some of the challenges for developers, intent on doing legitimate business within the industry. For us, we are primarily in the sector to add value and we contend with these challenges that have hindered growth in the sector and continue to push the development of healthy communities in Nigeria and Africa.

http://www.ebiscoo.com/75/mixta-edo-government-partnership-aims-at-bridging-housing-deficit-%E2%80%93-lawrence#141

SUNDAY ISUWA (Abuja) who recently visited the state of Israel, writes on the prosperity of a nation amidst missiles and the quest to bring peace that has eluded the Middle East for decades.

Over 1,000 missiles are allegedly said to be pointing at Israel, a country of about 8.7 million people sitting on an area of about 20, 770 km2 (8,019 sq mi), which includes 445 km2 (172 sq mi) of inland water.

The nation is located in the Middle East, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea. It has land borders with Lebanon to the north, Syria to the northeast, Jordan on the east, the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip to the east and west, respectively, and Egypt to the southwest.

The nation is a $334.328 billion Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (2018 estimate) and Per capital of $37,673. It is ranked 54th and 35th in the GDP and Per capital ranking in the world according to Wikipedia.

In spite of its economic prosperity, living in Israel comes with a daily challenge of threats of attacks from some of its contingent neighbours. Every day, the Israel Defence Force (IDF) had to content with several missiles flying over its nation.

In Israel, nursery school pupils know about bomb shelter and had to run into it within seconds, if there was an alert. Some of the bomb shelters are built in houses, places of worship and bus stops.

Anyone erecting a house in Israel must first of all build a bomb shelter.

Hamas terrorists on the Gaza Strip fire rockets, kites and balloons over Israel on a daily basis but that has never been an obstacle to the country neither has it disrupted their plans of being world leaders in smart agriculture, tourism and information and communications technology (ICT).

Despite hosting the world’s most visited holy sites for Christians, Muslims and the Jews, Israel seems determined never to compromise their security despite external threats.

According to Israel Centre for Political Research, the country is facing serious threat from militant groups in Gaza, Egypt, Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq and other countries in the Middle East.

Many expected a breach in security in Israel during the Arab spring in Egypt, Yemen, Syria, Lebanon but the country remains under democratic rule.

“Our major concern is the immediate surroundings,” said the head of bureau, Centre for Political Research, Ms Rachael Finemesser.

“We went into peace accord with Egypt years ago but our concern is the Iranian efforts to have influence in the region,” she said.

It was gathered that the threat from Hezbollah, a militant group based in Lebanon with hundreds of weapons could not affect Israel.

“Iran launched a drone to spy Israel but it was shut down,” Rachael said while referring to previous efforts to attack Israel.

“So, we don’t leave chances because the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and Al-Qaeda could attack Israel. There are fears over Hamas and Muslim brotherhood that took their land by force from the Palestinian authority,” she added.

The much talked about Israel and the Palestinian conflict in Gaza seems to be rhetorical. Israel’s problem in the Gaza Strip is not the Palestinian government, it was gathered.

The country’s problem seems to be the terrorists group – Hamas that is now more influential than the government.

It was gathered that Hamas military weapons and missiles are no match to that of the Palestinian government.

The government in Gaza signed a peace agreement with Israel were over 70 Palestinian work on a daily basis at the border community.

These civilians, it was observed, work directly with the Israeli civilian that check goods coming and going into Gaza. The taxes are collected by the Israeli government and remits to the Palestinian authority.

Had Israel not taken control of the border area, the terrorists’ organisation will collect tax from the civilian populace in other to buy more arms.

“Since we entered into this agreement with the Palestinian government, Hamas is in economic difficulties,” the senior Israeli official, Rachael said.

While ruling out agreement with the Hamas, Rachael said: “If you look at the situation, you can’t go for full fleshed agreement because they are militia group”.

“On the final status of agreement, we look at the future of the refugees, security arrangement, and Jerusalem and you know that there is revolution here and there,” she added.

Racheal who sees refugees as potential threat to Israel, said there were millions of refugees in their country before the world war, but added that Israel presently does not have refugees.

“How long can they keep having refugees,” Rachael said, referring to Iraq and Syria. “We support America that refugees are to settle somewhere in their country,” she said adding that allowing refugees in Israel without proper screening poses a big security threat.

Some have wondered why Israel, a country with holy sites for Christians, Muslims and the Jews is faced with these Types of security threat.

It was gathered that the terrorists are more interested in destroying Jerusalem and other archaeological sites, insisting that Israel has no connection to the sites.

“So, how can we go into an agreement with these kind of groups? There is no official relationship with the gulf countries because we have looked at the difficulties ISIS brought to the region. Both Jews, Christian and Muslims are concerned about the security of Israel. Every country is battling on how to tame the menace of terrorism,” she said.

“Israel does not intend to influence the politics of any country but good relationship matters,” director of Department of East and Southern Africa, Africa Division, Yahel Vilan said.

“We have been facing frustration for over 70 years now. We want to have bilateral talks in different countries. We should contribute to the African continent,” Vilan said.

On why they are now shifting to Africa, the Israeli official said the continent has been a good partner in the past, adding that politics and crisis slowed down the relationship.

“We should be observers in African Union,” the director Africa Department 2, West and Central Africa, Barnea Hassid said adding that if other non African countries are observers in AU, asked why Israel should not be invited as an observer.

“We want friendship with Africa but politics and perception of the past is still restraining the AU to invite us as observers,” he added.

The country is frustrated that even when they are battling with terrorist groups threatening their existence, nuclear weapons manufacturers are on the increase.

In Israel, everybody speaks the same language when it comes to security. Civil servants, politicians, students, security personnel. Be it Muslims, Christians or Jews, security is the first priority before any other thing.

Faced with over 1,000 missiles pointing at the country from various militia groups, Israel has continued to show its strength in intelligence gathering and its army.

“What is happening in Syria would have happened in Israel or our border community if we are not united in a strong army, a 34 year old female member of the Israeli parliament, Sharren Haskel said.

The Likud Party parliamentarian who is a member of security committee, said they have a good relationship with Egypt but added that they still have security threats from other quarters. The young politicians in the Israeli ruling coalition do not want unfriendly relationship between US and Russia.

According to her, a bad relationship will put Israel in a very tight corner, considering the security threat her country is facing. While people think there should have been a truce in the Gaza crisis, Sharren hinted that the Palestinian leadership killed the peace process and not her Likud Party.

“They refused that chance. Because they want poor Palestinians to vacate their homes in Israel. And those who leave will not return,” she said.

“It’s not a territorial conflict but cultural and religious,” Sharren said about the war in Gaza.

“There is humanitarian crisis because there is a coalition between Hamas and their government. Instead of investing on people they are investing on terrorism,” she said.

“The day they will love their children more than they hate us, will be the day peace will come,” Sharren said of what could be the solution in Gaza.

“The attacks on Israel are mostly about the holy sites, the director general of the Ministry of Jerusalem, Mr Ran Ishay said.

According to Ran, his city existed 3,000 years from the time of King David adding that the city was captured for 19 years, demolished, destroyed but was rebuilt.

He said Jerusalem which is one of the cities people described as ‘desperate’ wants to capture, added that it is the largest city in the middle east.

“The Jews fled Jerusalem for years because of attacks which made Arab and other non Jews to occupy the area. But most people are residents and not citizens,” Ran said adding that they have to apply for citizenship.

“But it’s not compulsory,” the DG said referring to the citizenship in Jerusalem.

The police in Israel is also very effective. Their job is not only about policing the people of Israel but they also respond to threat in the Northern border with the Palestinians and the Jordan area.

“Communication is very effective both in Israel and in the border community,” said the police spokesman, Ricky Rosefeld.

“We have some personnel guarding the borders with Blue uniform. If there is a threat in the Northern border or Jordan, the police respond,” Ricky said, adding that in the last weeks rockets were fired from Gaza Strip to Israel.

“We have counter terrorism, border response and other units. All these units are controlled from Jerusalem as the central centre.

“If you talk about Middle East, you talk about Israel. If you talk about Israel, you will talk about Jerusalem and the old city that has so much interest in the world.

“We are to ensure that the holy sites are protected. With about 30,000 policemen in Israel, 5,000 are in Jerusalem while 600 are positioned inside the old city,” he said citing the importance of the holy city.

He added that even though they have hundreds of migrants seeking to enter Israel, they are being careful because there are hundreds of terrorists that wants to penetrate the country.

“But we use technology to track terrorism,” he said adding that keeping millions of people safe coming into Jerusalem and going out on a daily basis, they have to position enough police personnel in the three different entrances.

“All have security checks,’ Ricky said of the entrances adding that other officers also patrol the city.

“From Sunday to Thursday, we have thousands of people coming into the Holy sites. So, we have 360 CCTV cameras in a one square metre area. So we have security personnel watching everyone from different directions.

“We serve the Christian, Muslim and the Jewish communities and we must get at potential terrorists,” he said.

On how they enforced policing is very effective, the police spokesman said they setup a unit that tracks the social media.

“If there will be attacks they alert us,” the police spokesman said referring to the unit that tracks social media in Arabic, Hebrew, Jewish and English languages.

“We setup road blocks in different areas. There are concrete barriers managed by different units,” he said.

Ricky said the job of the police have been made easy because every Israeli, at 21, must enlist into the Army.

“Not only that, there is tremendous security consciousness in Israel. We work together in intelligence and security gathering with other security agencies,” he said.

“With over 90,000 people praying at the same time daily in Jerusalem, you know that we have a huge task. We treat all equally, but the attacks have been coming from Palestinians. But that does not mean that there are not good people that are Palestinians,” he said.

According to him, “Jerusalem is safe,” because the Israeli police have secured it. We are open to work closely with whoever wants to work with us,” added.

The International Media Branch of the IDF headed by Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus said they have limited knowledge about the security challenges in Africa because their focus is to protect their territorial boundary.

Conricus said terrorism, if left unchecked in any nation, can affect world peace.

“We have a peculiar issue facing us,” Conricus who was the first Israeli officer to be part of the UN security forces in Uganda, Kenya, Somalia and some parts of the Western Sahara said.

He said the dynamics of conflicts of extremism are the same, adding that even though his department is to instill confidence in the Israeli population, be them Arab and Jews, they are also looking at people planning to attack them.

He said Israel faces daily threats from Hezbollah and Hamas in Gaza, terrorist groups that rule the Palestinian for about four years.

“Hezbollah has military capability than many European countries,” Conricus said adding that the group is advancing in the production of vicious rockets into simple ones that can easily be smuggled into other countries.

“They have a lot of explosives and they are also changing rockets into missiles, targeting over 50 million people,” Conricus said referring to their population.

He said their main concern in Syria is the flow of weapons, following the Arab spring.

On the conflict in Gaza, Conricus said their problem is Hamas, a group he said is desperate to eliminate Israel from the map of the World.

“Nobody is happy,” Conricus lamented, adding that they see civilians suffering and when they make efforts to help, they are faced with Hamas’ rockets.

Hamas is said to be controlling the Palestinian population but do not care about schools, health neither the welfare of the Palestinians.

“They always use the civilian territory to fire rockets at us because they have been militarised with international support. It’s a complex situation for a terrorist group controlling about 2million civilians,” Conricus said of Hamas activities in Gaza.

“It’s a complex situation but we are capable. Every day, 92 per cent of their missiles are intercepted. We choose which rocket, kites or balloon to intercept. We mostly go for the rockets that might drop on a populated area,” Conricus said.

On why there are bomb shelters everywhere in Israel, Conricus said: “It’s mandated by law if you are building a house, you start by building a bomb shelter.

“We have the capability to destroy Hamas,” Conricus said when asked, but added that it was not their priority.

“We will continue to collect intelligence,” he said adding that Hamas learned their activities from Hezbollah and are now using residential areas to launch attacks on Israel.

“We don’t want to hit civilians because we are bound by international laws,” he added.

Even though suicide bombing was so high in Israel in the past years, Conricus said they curbed the menace by taking the fight to Hamas’ territory.

He said they were able to destroy 16 tunnels dug into Israel by Hamas, adding that it was made possible by their technology.

In the Northern part of Israel, Southwest of the Gaza Strip, towards the Egyptian border facing Gaza, through Sinai, you see kites sent by Hamas that caused harm to the environment.

The Israeli forces also positioned balloons with cameras and robots in strategic positions within their territory for intelligence gathering.

These, it was gathered, enables the security forces to intercept incoming missiles from the terrorists.

Anti-rocket walls and iron domes are built within the Israeli border which is helping the country to protect their territorial boundary.

Contrary to reports, there is an exchange of goods and services between Israel and the Palestinian authority in Gaza and the West Bank. Over 70 Palestinians were seen working with the Israeli civilians. Their main job is to check goods coming to Israel and the ones going to Gaza.

“I have been wounded three times,” the general manager of Gaza Strip crossing, Kerem Shalom said, referring to attacks launched on them by Hamas.

“We go about our normal life with the civilians,” Shalom said adding that their problem is the Hamas terrorist group.

“Every day, Hamas sends missiles and other dangerous weapons including cameras to spy on our territory. Hamas wants to occupy Jerusalem in the next 50 years. That is their plan and they don’t care about the civilian population, they don’t care about water, electricity, health care services in Gaza. They only hate Israel and have been working hard to destroy the country,” Shalom said.

He said the people of Gaza are afraid of Hamas and can’t protest the atrocities they are facing. “Once Hamas knows you are against them, they just kill you. They arrest civilians without any reason,” the manager said adding that when Gaza was open to Israel and Egypt in 2005, there was 24 hour electricity supply to the Palestinians but added that they only get four hours electricity now because Hamas destroyed the infrastructures.

“Houses are powered by electric generators. A bottle of water is 4 shekel in Israel but 40 shekel in Gaza,” the border manager said. According to him, Hamas have increased the number of their rockets by 170 per cent. “Life in Gaza is not normal,” Shalom said adding that if the world turned a blind eye to Hamas, the problem will be bigger.

“It will not only be peculiar to Israel,” Shalom said adding that the majority of the population in Gaza rely on salaries either from the Palestinian authority, Hamas and other groups.

“We are tough in security, but good in service delivery,” the manager said of his country.

While denying that Israel always cut essential goods and services to the Palestinians, Shalom said there was no time he ordered for a stop for the supply of goods and services to Gaza.

“We send everything to Gaza. From raw materials for building, food and everything. We don’t decide for them. Most people in Gaza are young people. They help in building Kuwait. They build UAE. But they don’t want to build their country. I’ve never stopped the movement of medical services to Gaza even under fire. The crossing point is open. Food will never seize to cross to Gaza,” Shalom said.

On why they have not destroyed Hamas, the manager said: “It’s not only Israel’s problem. There are terrorists in the Arab countries, Philippines, Kenya and others. The world must find a solution to the problem. We are at peace with Egypt. We want people that have taken weapons against the state to embrace peace.

Khaled Mashal, the Hamas leader said they have all the powers and can’t surrender their weapons.”

He said there is no solution to the dispute in Gaza adding that every effort failed. “They can’t provide water and jobs to their people. Their feelings is that Jerusalem is their land. I thought I will find solution to this problem before my son could go to the Army, but I could not find the solution. I am not religious but this war is religious and I have to fight for my people and the world. Israel is independent and trust is not part of the game. We are always suspicious,” the 58- year- old father of five children, Shalom said.

While they received 100 trucks of goods every hour, the Israeli drivers drop them at the border and will leave within seconds, for fear of Hamas’ rockets.

The specialised civilians working in the border completes the process. After thorough security checks, they close the border gate to allow the Palestinian team to take the delivery to Gaza.

http://www.ebiscoo.com/73/israel-between-peace-and-world-security#139

Nigerian ace comedian, Basketmouth called out Wizkid in a hilarious Instagram post .

He accused Wizkid of eating rice and fish without stew. He wrote

So @wizkidayo with all the stew everywhere, you’re still eating white rice and fish? Continue deceiving us oh, after you don make tomatoes cost for market.

For those who are not aware, Wizkid transformed the stew word into a popular street slang .


http://www.ebiscoo.com/63/basketmouth-calls-out-wizkid#129

No fewer than five persons have been allegedly killed and several others missing in a communal clash that ensued between the people of Ebijakara, Ebom and Usumutong communities in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday when the people of Ebom, who had been refugees in Usumutong finally left to their ancestral home, Ebom.

DAILY POST gathered that the people of Ebijakar, who were driven from their ancestral home by Ebom people over thirteen years ago, decided to go back without informing their host; but the youths of Ebom resisted them from entering their ancestral home.

The Village Head of Usumutong, who is the paramount ruler of Abi Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty (HRM) Oval Solomon Osim Edward, confirmed the development to our reporter on Wednesday.

He said, “This morning (Wednesday), I heard that they left to their ancestral home in Ebom, they didn’t tell anybody, so when they got to Ebom, the people of Ebom resisted them from entering their community.

“Ebom people pursued them back and they wanted to come to Usumutong, but our youths repelled them since they have left. For now, peace has gradually returned to the area but we don’t know what would happen tomorrow whether they will re-enforce and come back,” he stated.

“The Ebijakara people have been out of the community for the past 13 years and we in Usumutong have been harbouring them and we have been restraining them from going out for war with their neighbours.

“Recently, the Ebom people abducted two of our sons and when they threatened going back to their land, we have no control over them so we asked them to go.

“But the Ebom people pursued them back to Usumutong and we also said they should not come back, our youths pursued them back, saying they should remain there. Ebom drove them up to our boundary but we resisted them from coming in as well.

“However, we have been invited by the Governor for a meeting on Tuesday, all the Chiefs in Babuno will be there, those who would not come, it is left for them” he further stated.

The Village Head of Ebom, Chief Henry Bassey also told DAILY POST on phone that the Usumutong people arrived their territory this morning (Wednesday) and started shooting guns threatening and attacking his people.

“Our people are still in the bush, they have not returned to enable me know how many are missing or dead, when they return, they will come to my house but as at now, the situation is dicing.”

Meanwhile, an eyewitness, who simply gave his name as Ntui said “These people, Ebijaghara left our village (Usumutong), organised themselves, regrouped and went to Ebom, right now the fighting is still going on, houses have been burnt. It is Ebijakara people that attacked Ebom”.

Interestingly, the Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Inuwa Hafiz told our correspondent on phone on Wednesday that some women went to farm and were assaulted.

“We have since sent some police men to the area, as I speak to you now, the Area Commander, and Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and traditional rulers of the communities are meeting.

“So, many communities are fighting themselves, as I speak now, they are holding peace meeting because that was the report presented this morning.

“They are suspecting that it was Usumutong people who attacked Ebom and assaulted them. We have tried to stop the matter from degenerating into a full scale war.

“No report about death or destruction of property. We have to move in policemen to curb the situation,” Hafiz stated.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/five-allegedly-killed-as-two.html