₦airaland Forum

The National Coordinator Justice and Freedom Watch, Chief Segun Owoeye, has frowned at the arbitrary arrest and unlawful detention of Senator Dino Melaye’s orderly and his security detail by the police.


According to him, the continued anti-Melaye script just to silence him at all cost did not spare even the police security men attached to him within the last two weeks and the display of lawlessness by the Nigerian Police.

“Our attention has been brought to the arbitrary arrest and unlawful detention of police officers and orderly attached to the Chairman Senate committee on FCT and Kogi West senator, Dino Melaye.

“Melaye’s orderly and policemen that were with him have been held in custody since April 23, 2018, on the others from above for no just reason.

“We were all aware of the brutal invasion of Melaye’s home in Abuja, where over 150 heavily armed fierce-looking policemen laid siege in his home. In the course of this display of force, a senior police officer came to Melaye’s home and arrested the policemen on duty in his house including his orderly without any offence or justified reason.

“It will interest Nigerians and the entire world to know that Melaye’s orderly was supposed to have his ‘wedding engagement’ yesterday, (Saturday) but has been in detention since April 23, 2018, when they arrested him alongside other policemen.

“He was denied completely the access to his family and to be his wife. This is a total mockery of our rule of law, human rights and constitutionalism.

“For what could they have done that even Melaye’s orderly who was to have his wedding engagement yesterday, but police kept him in detention for no reason,” he stated.

He said: “Up till this moment, no single offence has been communicated to them to show cause of there arrest, no single official statement has been made from Police Force Headquarters, Abuja, or by FCT police command, yet they were detained.”

The national coordinator added that desperation of the police under this government has demonstrated to Nigerians that they meant to frontally clamp down on Melaye and every establishment around him under a supposed democratic government.

His words: “In view of the continued detention of the those officers, we therefore, demand their immediate release from unlawful detention camp.

“It is unacceptable, disgraceful and professionally deficient for police authorities to detain those officer who are only carrying out their official assignment without any valid justification or reason. “They have been in detention now for 14 days, Melaye’s alleged offence shouldn’t have led to their arrest if the police respect the law of the land.

“We call on the media, civil society organisations, NBA, Amnesty International, human rights partners and Nigerians to once again, rise up against this brazen lawlessness.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/rights-group-frowns-at-arbitrary-arrest.html

Nigerian singer Wizkid has joined many other celebrities who are reacting to the assurance which Davido has given to his new love Chioma as she clocked 23 years.

Davido had given his girl a Porsche car and many people have reacted either negatively or positively over the length he went to prove his love.

Wizkid reacted to this with a post that seems he was trolling Davido or someone else although he was not specific.

He issued that a man cannot give any lady assurance without having money. He wrote it in Yoruba which reads “Kosowo ofe fun omo ni assurance! #Zombie.”

Davido and Wizkid settled a long time beef late last year after they both performed together at each other’s concept.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/assurance-without-having-money-wizkid.html

The presidency on Thursday clarified its previous statement that President Muhammadu Nuhari had a “technical stopover” in London.

Garba Shehu had earlier explained that technical stopover hindered the President from arriving Nigeria on Wednesday after leaving Washington on Tuesday morning.

However, the People’s Docractic Party questioned Buhari’s stop over at the U.K. urging the government to stop deceiving Nigerians and reveal the truth.

Garba Shehu, spokesman of President Buhari, speaking on the UK stopover, said the big” presidential jet is undergoing repairs and there was a limit to the travel distance of the small plane his principal was currently using.

“The big jet is under repairs. It has been taken for major repairs. So the president is using a small plane and there is a limit to the distance the small plane can cover.

“So the technical stopover I talked about is that the journey from US to Abuja is broken into two. Technical stopover is that the plane stops at a point, refuel, do some checks and then proceed on the journey.

“It is a routine thing. The plane can do Abuja-Washington, that’s about 12 hours and the maximum the plane can fly is 12 hours, 40 minutes.

“But you don’t need to push it to the edge. This is very normal. There is nothing unusual about it. In any case, they are already on their way back home,” he said.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/presidency-clears-air-on-buharis.html

Mike Ozekhome, the lawyer representing embattled Kogi State senator, Dino Melaye, has opened up on the trial of his client earlier today.

Dino Melaye had on Thursday appeared before a Kogi court over alleged criminal conspiracy.

He was consequently remanded in Police custody till June 11.

Ozekhome, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, while speaking with Premium Times, said the decision of the court was for the Inspector-General of Police to “take adequate care of the defendant.”

“What happened was that the prosecution asked the court to remand him in prison, but the judge refused and rather said the Inspector-General of Police should take care of Mr. Melaye until he fully recovers.”

“The police will have no alternative but to return Mr Melaye to the National Hospital Abuja, especially since hospitals in Kogi State are all on strike”.

As at time of filling report, it is not yet clear if the police will bring the senator back to Abuja or keep him in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/dino-melaye-ozekhome-explains-why-judge.html

A senior magistrate court 2 in Lokoja, Kogi state has remanded Senator Dino Melaye, lawmaker representing Kogi West in Police custody till June 11th, 2018.

The senator who was brought into the court in a police ambulance was accused of armed sponsoring.

The embattled senator was on Thursday arraigned at the Magistrate court in Lokoja, Kogi state.

MC EBISCO reports that, Melaye who was on Wednesday arraigned at the Chief Magistrates Court, Wuse for criminal conspiracy and granted bail for N90 million was re-arrested to immediately face other criminal charges against him in Lokoja, Kogi State.

The Force headquarters, in a statement by its spokesman, Jimoh Moshood had said, “Senator Dino Melaye was arraigned in court by the Police today, 2nd May, 2018 at the Chief Magistrate Court, Wuse, Abuja for Criminal conspiracy, causing damage to government property, attempted suicide and escape from lawful custody.”

However, Melaye was brought into the court premises in an ambulance amid heavy security.

Details shortly…

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/court-remands-dino-melaye-in-police.html

A lady has been showed the exit door by her employers after they said she broke the law to change the cable in other to watch Big Brother Naija show which was prohibited.

The said lady was a staff at a Private Medical Laboratory in Asaba, Delta State and she is currently unemployed.

The executive director of Motherwell Diagnostics in Asaba, Delta State named Emmanuel Akpowhe sanctioned her quit letter on the 30th of April, 2018 for tuning the office TV to the event channel showing the Big Brother Naija reality show.

A family friend of the lady in question shared the sack letter of the lady in question with the media which she claims that the lady is innocent of the allegations leveled against her by the management.

The letter given to the lady by Emmanuel reads;

“Despite the rules in the office prohibiting the tuning of the DSTV in the office to the channel hosting the Big Brother Naija programme, you have repeatedly tuned to it and watched the programme. The first time you willfully violated the rule you were given your last waning. Yu have gone ahead to violate it a second time. In order that you do not become a bad influence on the rest of the workers and since attempts to correct you have led to distrust and break down of communication between you and the management, your continued stay here is contra-indicated.The management has therefore decided to relieve you of your post with immediate effect.

Management wishes you every success in your future endeavors.

Yours faithfully,

Emmanuel Akpowhe”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/lady-loses-medical-laboratory-job.html

An Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court sitting in Lagos, on Wednesday ordered a 32-year-old man, Seun Efundiya to be remanded in prison for allegedly stabbing his friend to death following a disagreement over a sim card.

Efundiya, who sells and registers sim cards, appeared on a charge of murder. His plea was not taken.

The prosecutor, ASP Clara Olagbayi, told the court that Efundiya committed the offence on April 14, at about 9.30 pm, at Olukusi Street, off Palace Road, Ijede in Ikorodu, Lagos State.

Olagbayi said the accused stabbed his friend, Mark Ogbe, to death over his refusal to lend him a sim card.

“The deceased and the accused had engaged in a fight because the accused had refused to lend Ogbe a sim card.

“In the process, Efundiya stabbed Ogbe with a broken bottle that made him bleed to death,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the offence violates Section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 which prescribes a death sentence on conviction.

The magistrate, Mrs O.A. Olagbende remanded the accused at the Ikoyi Prisons pending an outcome of legal advice from the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions.

She adjourned the case until June 4 for mention.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/man-stabs-friend-to-death-over-sim-card.html

Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has come under attack on social media over his statement that it is better to owe workers than to sack them.

Fayose made the statement on Wednesday on his Twitter page while calling on labour leaders to put the federal government on its toes, by asking questions on how funds are being spent.

This stirred up reactions online as Nigerians blasted Fayose for making such a statement while workers suffer in his state.

They described his statement as a shame owing to the fact that commissioners, special advisers to governors and the likes are not being owed salaries.

Here are some comments gathered by MC EBISCO from Twitter:

@ajibaye_dayo “God of heaven, who have we offended to deserve this evil of leadership. How can a Governor say this rubbish, God please help our dear nation. Mr governor, you should be ashamed of yourself for this statement.”

@Omosorso “Some Nigerians see this thug who call himself governor as their role model, you are happy owing those who has worked and are supposed to earn their wages, you seat & tweet about Buhari all day. Maybe Buhari told him not to pay them or his monthly allocations are witheld by Buhari.”

@Daniel494222 “He is saving workers salary so as to use it to run for presidency in 2019.What a shame and you call yourself man of the people. Now you want your Deputy to continue in office so that your evil deeds will not be exposed by another person.”

@Bayosings “Mr Governor, are you owing your commissioners, special advisers and govt house staff and even your humble self, are you sure you are not paying your own salary for those 7 months. Rubbish statement.”

@Lboogie_K “From your names we shall know you. I am not surprised at your statement as it is expected of you.”

@iam_OZVICTOR “None is better ok if they can’t lead let them stay in their houses.”

@BodeNathaniel “How on God’s Earth is it better to owe salaries? how do you expect people to eat and feed their families??

@anu4real “You are only realistic because he does not support the president, he is trying to pay what did he use the bail out money for ?

@Dryomz “You can’t pay salary, you still can’t write good sentence, what is your aim in life sef.”

@ojikutuekun “Thunder fire you ,My aunt works at the Ikere Local govt she has not been paid a year now ,Pensioners too are owed more than a year now.”

‏ @OmodasolaSmar “So it is better keeping workers you can’t pay making them and their family go hungry than laying them off so they can think of new ideas and look in another direction and probably begin to pay salaries sef being laid off depends on the individual stop making it bigger.”

@Donmax “It’s better you sack workers to look for other greener pastures than owing someone to work on an empty stomach with the hope of getting paid and end up in the grave. From services rendered who is getting paid. Workers are not born to work under their employers, live goes on.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/nigerians-blast-fayose-over-statement.html

The Presidency has reacted to the attack on Mubi town which left 27 people dead.

MC EBISCO recalls that many were feared dead as bomb exploded in a Mosque at Mubi town, Adamawa.

The state Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Ahmad Sajoh, had confirmed that the 56 injuried persons were on admission in a hospital.

Sajoh said the blast occurred in Kasuwan Gwanjo (second hand clothes market) and a mosque within the market.

Buhari in a statement on his official Twitter page described the attack as a tragedy.

He, however, offered condolences to victims of the incident.

“Today’s suicide bomb attacks in Mubi,Adamawa State, targeting a Mosque and Market, are tragic & despicable.

“Our sympathies go to the victims, their families, the Govt & people of Adamawa.

“Our special gratitude to all the rescue workers & medical personnel who attended to victims,” he wrote.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/buhari-reacts-to-adamawa-bomb-blast.html

Adamawa Commissioner of Police, Mr Abdullahi Yerim, has confirmed that two male suicide bombers were involved in Tuesday’s twin bomb attacks in Mubi town.

Yerima, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the first blast was in a mosque around the second hand clothes market during afternoon prayer, while the second was outside the mosque.

“The first blast was in a mosque while the second suicide bomber detonated outside the area when people around were rushing to escape,” Yerima said.

The commissioner said so far, information reaching him indicated that about 20 people were seriously injured, and had been taken to the Mubi General Hospital.

“I am yet to get the details of death for now,” Yerima said.

The blast was coming after the one Adamawa Commissioner of Police, Mr Abdullahi Yerim, has confirmed that two male suicide bombers were involved in Tuesday’s twin bomb attacks in Mubi town.

Yerima, who spoke to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the first blast was in a mosque around the second hand clothes market during afternoon prayer, while the second was outside the mosque.

“The first blast was in a mosque while the second suicide bomber detonated outside the area when people around were rushing to escape,” Yerima said.

The commissioner said so far, information reaching him indicated that about 20 people were seriously injured, and had been taken to the Mubi General Hospital.

“I am yet to get the details of death for now,” Yerima said.

The blast was coming after a similar one in a Mosque last year that claimed about 50 lives.

Mubi: How Suicide Bombers Killed Many In Mosque Attacks – Police

Certified Slut, Amber Rose looks to be seeking for all the attention she could find on her new Instagram post.

The now single mother of one, put up a seductive display for her fans as she flaunted her cleavage and camel toe in a sheer lace bra and pink shorts while laying in bed in the sultry video she shared.

See full photos below.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/amber-rose-flashes-bosom-and-camel-toe.html

Big Brother Naija 2018 winner, Miracle has been appointed as Imo State Education Ambassador.

MC EBISCO recalls that the Chief of Staff to Imo State Governor, Hon. Uche Nwosu, had through his official Twitter account, @Honuchenwosu announced that Miracle and Nina would be rewarded for making their state, Imo proud.

However, the pilot while disclosed the appointment on his Instagram account thanked the Imo State government for welcoming him home and appointing him Education Ambassador.

He wrote, ” Chai!!! HIS Excellency, My Governor! ROCHAS OKOROCHA has busted my Farome!
So much !

“Education Ambassador, Bless sir, I am deeply truly humbled. ”

Miracle beat Tobi, Cee-C and Alex to the grand prize of N25million at the just concluded show.

Big Brother Naija kicked off with a total of 20 housemates but only five housemates made it to the final week.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/bbnaija-2018-miracle-gets-appointment.html

Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, a presidential aspirant and Pro-chancellor of Baze Unversity, Abuja, has asked Nigerians to vote out President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.

According to him, the second term of President Muhammadu Buhari would destroy Nigeria.

Speaking with The Interview, Baba-Ahmed said Nigeria needed a man to tackle economic challenges confronting the country.

“Buhari’s second term will destroy Nigeria and unsettle the rest of Africa.

“My government will stabilise the naira by tackling the current high risk factors, reduce interest rates and flood the capital market with investible funds,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed, a former Senator had said it would be so easy for him to defeat and send Buhari back to Daura, Katsina State if the PDP grants him the party’s sole ticket.

“I am a Nigerian and I am contesting on the same Electoral Act and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, unless they are going to violate it, which we shall challenge.

“Muhammadu Buhari is welcome to contest for the Presidency in 2019 and I think it is a healthy practice to have a gentleman of his age, his mould and people who have been in power for the past 50 years contest,” he added.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/buharis-second-term-will-destroy.html

The last is yet to be heard of the intrigues trailing the impending national convention of the All Progressives Congress, writes Onyebuchi Ezigbo

The All Progressives Congress (APC) seems to be racing against time to hold its first national convention since it assumed power. With less than two months to the expiration of the John Odigie-Oyegun leadership, the build-up to the convention has been rather turbulent with various interest groups seeking to hijack the process to enable them control the structure of the party.

First, there was a move to secure tenure extension for the serving party officers, which stoked tension and was later shot down by President Muhammadu Buhari. It would take several meetings of the National Executive Committee (NEC) before it could be resolved that an elective national convention had to be convened.

In the end, the party was able to grant relief to both sides, the pro-tenure elongation and anti-elongation groups, by approving an elective convention and granting serving officers waiver to remain in office while offering themselves for re-election, if they so desire. And so, it would appear as if the party had resolved its differences and had become one family.

But as recent events have proven, what happened at the NEC meeting was only a temporary relief, because the two groups have resumed hostilities. Since the national offices of the party were thrown open for grabs, stakeholders have been engaged in intrigues over who emerges the new national chairman.

So far, the incumbent, Odigie-Oyegun, has been encouraged to seek re-election even though he is yet to confirm his intention. But Oyegun, it is believed, has some good backing from some of the governors and state chairmen of the party.
Another aspirant for the position, a former governor of Edo State, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, seems to enjoy the support of the president and a leading figure in the party, former Lagos State governor, Senator Bola Tinubu.
There is also another aspirant, a former Cross River State governor, Mr. Clement Ebri. But the battle seems to be between Oyegun and Oshiomhole.

While Oyegun is banking on his experience, having been in the saddle in the last three years, Oshiomhole seems to have found favour with Tinubu, who as a major power broker in the APC, is working hard to convince Buhari to use his influence to get him the plum job.
To show that he has accepted Oshiomhole, the president invited elected governors of the party last Tuesday to the Presidential Villa, Abuja to inform them of his choice.

Addressing State House correspondents at the end their meeting, the chairman of the APC Governors Forum and the Governor of Imo State, Chief Rochas Okorocha, said the president had expressed his support for Oshiomhole to become the next national chairman of the APC. Before the president’s endorsement, Oshiomhole and those propelling his candidacy had played a fast one on Oyegun by convening a meeting of the party’s stakeholders in the South-south zone to secure their endorsement. It was however not clear if the meeting endorsed Oshiomhole over Oyegun, as there were conflicting versions of the positions taken by the six state chairmen, who attended the meeting.

While pro-Oshiomhole group said the South-south stakeholders’ meeting had fully endorsed his aspiration to take over as the next national chairman of the APC, others routing for Oyegun said majority of the state chairmen had expressed their support for the incumbent chairman to continue in office.

So far, Oyegun and Oshiomhole, both former governors of Edo State have been engaged in shadow-boxing and not coming out openly to declare their intentions. Perhaps, it was Oyegun, who has tried to say something about the intrigues surrounding the APC chairmanship.

Oyegun, described claims that the South-south zone of APC had endorsed Oshiomhole as “absolutely childish,” even though he did not confirm whether he would seek re-election or not. But he told journalists that he was still making consultations and would make his position public soon.
Attempting to rubbish the endorsement of Oshiomhole by party stakeholders, Oyegun said the voting for the election of new national chairman would be done at the convention and “not in state houses, or in government houses.”

Oyegun, who spoke on the outcome of the South-south zonal meeting, noted, “They have their reasons for what they did and you have to respect their own reasons, however wrong it is. Don’t bother about this teaser; I will give a comprehensive interview, to speak with you when the time comes.

“It doesn’t bother me because one of those who want my job is from Edo and he is the immediate past governor and he was very instrumental in installing the present governor, so I think it is a case of ‘rub my back, I rub your back’ that is playing out.”
On whether he would still go ahead and contest despite the opposition from the home front, Oyegun said, “The consultation, I think is concluded. Well, I’m going to know when the convention committee announces their programmes, then, when I’m going to buy a form. If I will re-contest, I will let you know.”

The die, however, appears cast with Buhari and Tinubu being on Oshiomhole’s side and Oyegun hanging on with some of the governors and state chairmen of the party. Like Oyegun has assured, the next few days will determine whether the duo will be facing each other in an epic battle for the soul of the party or one side will first blink and allow peace to reign.

Meanwhile, the waiting game for the national convention may be prolonged further as the meeting of the governors and the National Working Committee held last Wednesday has proposed a review of the timetable for the congresses and convention.

According to the National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the governors had asked for an adjustment in the timetable to create room for unforeseen circumstances like the coming fasting period for Muslims.

The Spokesman gave an insight into the deliberations and said the date of the national convention might be shifted forward as part of the timetable review.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/breaking-apcs-unending-intrigues.html

Discipline, to parents mean different things, especially when they want the best for you

A strict China based father has been captured in a video currently making waves on social media, as he strapped his daughter who stubbornly refused to go to school, to his motorcycle

The video has since been noticed by the police force who have noted the risk of endangering the life of the crying little girl, with his actions.

The incident took place in China, on April 23,2018.

On sighting the girl who has her back tied to the back seat of the bike and has her feet hanging in mid-air, the Yunfu police had a verbal exchange with the girl’s father after confirming the father-daughter relationship between them

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/father-ties-his-crying-daughter-on.html

The Police Command in Lagos State has arrested a 48-year-old man suspected to be the operator of a fake West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) examination centre in Igbogbo, Ikorodu.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Edgal Imohimi, said the suspect was arrested on April 25 following a complaint by a senior member of staff of WAEC office, Ogba.

“The complaint was that there exists a fake WAEC centre at El-Supreme Private School located at No. 3, Oseni Adekogbe Street, Igbogbo Ikorodu.

“Operatives of the Command attached to Area ‘G’ Ogba, were mobilised to the above address where one Pastor Adeniyi Joshua of El-Supreme Church was arrested.

“WAEC question papers and answer sheets suspected to be forged were recovered from the suspect,” Imohimi said.

Similarly, four suspects who specialise in solving examination questions and circulating the answers through various websites and Whatsapp numbers were also paraded by the police.

Imohimi said the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) decoy team traced and arrested the suspects from Edo, Osun and Ondo State.

“Some other suspects had been traced to Ghana. We are working with Interpol to make sure they are arrested as soon as possible.

“We are also working with the examination bodies involved to make sure we get to the bottom of this.

“This is something of national interest and a great embarrassment. We will ensure that this does not repeat itself.

“Parents, guardians and tutors must also guide their wards not to engage in exam malpractices,’’ Imohimi said. (NAN)

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/police-arrest-suspected-operator-of.html

A presidential aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adamu Garba, has criticized the party’s leadership for moving the National Convention from May 14.

Garba stated that his supporters were looking forward to a credible poll and cited “tokenism and internal jostling and politicking” as the reason the convention was postponed.

He, however, insisted that the ruling party needed a young, brilliant and credible hands in the coming elections.

“I received, with amusement, the sudden proposed postponement of the national convention of the APC, initially scheduled for the 14th of May in the coming month.

“The Nigerian people and particularly my supporters across the 36 states were looking forward to a credible and transparent process to elect the national leaders of our party.

“However, tokenism and internal jostling and politicking seem to be trumping some of our strongly held progressive and democratic values as a party. It is important that our party prioritizes the interest of the country over political bickering.

“Hence, the APC must demonstrate to the entire country that it believes in internal democracy and will be guided by the constitution of the party, outside of which might lead to the complete erosion of our party’s credibility before the Nigerian people.

“I am however leading a group of young, brilliant and capable individuals within the party, from which we will be presenting a credible alternative to run for the office of the party chairman.

“The APC without a doubt requires a new brand of leadership; one that will chart a new vision for the party, and more pertinently the Nigerian people and we are ready to produce that leadership from amongst us,” he said.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/garba-blasts-apc-for-moving-convention.html

As part of measures to bridge the rising accommodation and shelter gaps in the country, Chinese investors have expressed readiness to invest in mass housing schemes for low and middle income earners across the country.

The Manager, One Belt One Road Financing Operation in China, Mr Jin Changsheng, made the promise on Wednesday in Abuja at the Affordable Housing Summit, organised by Zvecan Homes and Estate.

He said that Chinese infrastructural development has been steady for 30 years and that their wealth of experience would go a long way in addressing the housing and infrastructural deficit in Nigeria.

He said his organisation would make efforts to attract other Chinese investors to Nigeria.

The summit themed, “Attracting Foreign and Local investors, for Housing Construction and Acceptable Business Models for Infrastructure Development and Equity Plan Scheme for Mortgage Financing in Nigeria”, also witnessed the unveiling of a 3,000 housing units in four locations in the FCT.

“We have gone round Abuja and we have seen the deficit in infrastructure, we are here to help and ensure that houses are affordable for Nigerians. We understand what it means to lack infrastructure and we will commence the process soon,’’ Changsheng said.

The Managing Director, Zvecan Homes and Estate, Mr Nicholas Ogbede, noted that large populations of low and middle income earners live in semi planned settlements around the FCT.

He said that, utilities and basic amenities were limited in these settlements and the distance from the suburb to the city centre where their offices are located affect the work output of public servants negatively.

He said, “To deliver affordable mass housing stock particularly targeting the low income bracket, the FCT needs its specific housing policy, comprehensively framed to address its peculiarities. Proximity to the hubs of the National Rail, transit way line and along major regional routes should also be considered.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/chinese-developers-to-invest-in-nigeria.html

The Speaker of House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, has warned lawmakers against forming support groups in the parliament for public officers, describing it as violation of their oath of office.

Dogara issued the warning at plenary on Tuesday while reacting to the April 18 attack at the Senate, during which thugs suspected to have been sponsored by a suspended senator made away with the mace. http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/dogara-speaks-on-lawmakers-forming.html

He also declared that the action of the perpetrators of the act was an attack on the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, not only the National Assembly.

He said there was nowhere in the world where lawmakers formed ‘clubs’ to drum up support for public officers in other arms of government, maintaining that it amounted to violation of their oath of office.

The speaker warned that the House leadership would not tolerate any act of terrorism from any member.

According to him, there was no club anywhere in the world dedicated to defending or protecting someone’s interest.

He said: “As a matter of fact, in the institution of the National Assembly, there is no place for anarchists, there is no place for mobsters, there is no place for cultists, and there is no place for terrorists. We cannot allow anyone, no matter how highly placed or lowly placed to terrorise this institution.

“I listened to debates on social media and conventional media channels where commentators, sometimes even enlightened commentators are trying to draw moral equivalence between the position of the Senate and the act of treason that was perpetuated within the premises of the National Assembly.

“I want to say there is no amount of anger that should lead any Member of the National Assembly to procure thugs to come and carry out a treasonable act within the premises of this hallowed institution.

“It may interest you to know that the National Assembly premises are even better secured than the courts, so nothing stops us from invading courts henceforth if this precedence is sustained and we won’t want to wait until the Villa itself, the Executive seat of power is attacked before we come up with the appropriate response.

“I want to say that an attack on the Legislature is an attack on Buhari’s government, an attack on the Judiciary is an attack on Buhari’s government, an attack on the Executive is an attack on Buhari’s government.

“In this parliament, we are guided by procedures; there is no club of Parliamentarians out there anywhere in the world that is dedicated to the protection or defense of any citizens in government positions because by design and composition of Parliament, our duty is to exercise checks on the agencies of government. So when you begin to have associations of honourable members or distinguished senators dedicated to protecting someone, it means you are acting in violation of our very fundamental responsibility, which is to check the excesses of those offices.

“And I can tell you if we go by that in the name of freedom of association – caucuses of course exist, but for the protection of democracy – but if we are to go this way, what if there’s a forum of parliamentarians in defence of a minister and they begin to hold their meetings? Or an association of parliamentarians in defense of the Judiciary and they begin to hold their meetings? A mockery of democracy will arise on account of that.

“The reason why our democracy is still flourishing is because of courage exhibited by members of the National Assembly. If this courage weren’t exhibited here, we would have had a third term. I want to make it clear that if it were up to the Executive then, nothing would have stopped this country from having the third term. Even though some members were even promised that once the third term is secured, they would all come back, some of them stood against it; some of them stood here and answered their father’s name even though they knew that they may never find their way back to this institution. Yet, they stood firm and took a decision that served to preserve democracy. Today, we are the beneficiaries and truly speaking, some of them never made it back.

“I want to say this as a parting shot that anyone who is truly a democrat can never be defended by thugs, or cultists or a mob. A democrat is defended by the truth and the law, and this is the institution that upholds the truth and the law.

“It is important that we take a look at what has happened because if this happened in other climes, heads of security agencies would have tendered their resignation letters. The fact that there has been no communication at all from heads of security agencies to principal officers of this institution that this is what happened and this is what they are doing in order to ensure that it doesn’t happen again speaks volumes.

“The issue of security around the presence of the National Assembly cannot be attributed to us because they don’t take commands from us. It is the affair and the discretion of their commanders.

“It is better that we rise up to the occasion even if it means that individually, we would have to answer our fathers’ names. Even if it means some of us will not come back here as those we succeeded today, we have to take that stand, and for this kind of sycophancy that has grown within the National Assembly, my message to them is very clear; those who have always instigated forces from outside to attack this institution, the institution has developed a process of natural selection. It rejects them.

“We were attacked in the last House, that one was not even disguised, and those who collaborated with them; members of this great institution, I want to ask a question: where are they today? The same fate awaits any member of this great institution who is conniving with people from outside.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/dogara-speaks-on-lawmakers-forming.html

A former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has revealed why the British handed over Nigeria to the North.

Fani-Kayode believes that Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Saurdana of Sokoto, bowing before Queen Elizabeth II, was a good example of the Northern loyalty to the Brits.

According to Kayode, it was this submission that made the colonial masters hand over the country’s leadership to the Northern politicians.

Sharing a photo where the Saurdana was bowing to the queen on twitter, Fani-Kayode wrote, “Saurdana of Sokoto bows before Queen Elizabeth 11 of Great Britain.

“This tells the whole story. The north just LOVE the Brits and the Brits just LOVE the north

“That is why they handed Nigeria over to them when they left in 1960.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/why-britain-handed-over-nigeria-to.html

Stella Idika is undoubtedly one of the most promising actresses in Nollywood. Known for roles in movies such as Empire, Soldier Boy, Woman in Me, and Descendants of Jezebel, Idika is indeed good at her craft.

In a chat with Inside Nollywood, the tall and busty diva recalled her most embarrassing encounter with a male fan that just couldn’t resist her big boobs. Hear her: “This male fan sent me a message via Facebook messenger.

He said he loves to watch me on screen and each time he sees my movies, he concentrates on my boobs. He said he simply can’t take his eyes off my boobs and wonders what it will cost him to feel them. I was really embarrassed, honestly.”

However, the script interpreter revealed that while growing up, her big boobs made her feel abnormal amongst her peers. “It really did. But after a while, I got to realise it’s actually a blessing and not abnormality. It is a blessing to me now (smiles).”

Speaking further, Idika stated that she has a very forgiving and romantic personality. “I’m a very romantic person. I can’t attest for myself, but I’m very sure I’ve got some irresistible charms. I just do the best within my capability to take care of my man.

But if I catch him cheating on me, I’ll walk out, go somewhere quiet and think about my next move, maybe over a drink. However, if later he’s remorseful, of course I’ll take him back. That he cheated doesn’t really mean he doesn’t love me enough, but if cheating becomes his lifestyle, I’m so taking off,” she assured.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/no-man-can-resist-my-big-boobs-stella.html

Nigerian film-maker, producer and director, Chinwe Egwuagu has fumed so hot on a particular actor in her recent post which has left many in a state of confusion because she was not specific.

The filmmaker in her post has blasted a Nollywood actor for promoting BBNaija but could not promote a movie which she featured in which has gotten her so mad.

From the looks of things it seems it was an actor who featured in her movie that she is surely referring to.

She had written, “You are paid to Feature in a movie but you won’t promote it, yet you are promoting BBN. The judgment of God is sure, Trust me!” she said.

The reasons we have come to believe that it may be referred to Rita Dominic is of the fact that she featured her in one of her failed movie.

Chinwe Egwuagu had produced the movie “Mr and Mrs” sometimes ago which she featured actors like, Joseph Benjamin and Nse Ikpe Etim which came out to be a hit in the cinema.

She then decided to bring in Rita Dominic in the second edition of the movie which she had titled “Mr and Mrs Revolution” but the movie ended up only becoming a failed project in the cinemas.

However from the calculations made by online users, it is seen that Rita Dominic didn’t do enough promotion for the movie which made it a flop.

This reason is surely why we say that Chinwe was directing the shade on Rita even when she did not want to directly shake the table.


http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/is-chinwe-egwuagu-shading-rita-dominic.html

Osogbo – Oba Omowonuola Oyeyode Oyesosin, the Ogiyan of Ejigbo, has tasked journalists in the country to fight for the removal of immunity clause in Nigerian Constitution, saying that it posed a threat to good governance in the country.

Oba Oyesosin enjoined them to continue to expose the ills until the immunity is remove from the constitution of Nigeria, insisting that immunity was the root cause of corruption in the country.

The monarch who spoke in Osogbo at a public lecture organised as part of activities for 2018 Press Week of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council, declared that if the immunity were removed from the constitution and the executive arm of government no longer enjoys it, the country would move at a faster rate.

He said, “As long as immunity against prosecution of governors and President is retained in the constitution, corruption would remain in Nigeria’s public life.

“I therefore want to appeal to you all newsmen to rise against the immunity being enjoyed by the executive arm of government because as long as immunity against prosecution for governors and president is retained in the constitution, corruption would remain in Nigeria’s public life.

“Let us do more in exposing the danger immunity against prosecution poses to good governance in the country. If that aspect is removed, you will see what will happen,” the monarch concluded.

He explained that General Sani Abacha, former Head of State, sent his men after him for uttering words he considered harsh against his government.

The monarch said he was a guest of the union, when he made some utterances considered harsh against the Head of State.

Oba Oyesosin said he told newsmen during the event that Abacha was talking about peace, but was not looking for peace.

“The following morning, “I received ‘guests’ from Abuja. They told me I spoke against Abacha. It became a big problem for me. When they would not allow me rest, I called one of my sons, who was a journalist to help me out.

“The man I called told me to address newsmen again and claim my initial statement was editorialised. I did that and it was then that I was left off the hook.

In his paper entitled, ‘Youth Unemployment As Correlates of Insecurity in Nigeria,’ the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Urban Development and Regional Planning, Hon Temitope Olatoye (Sugar), urged youths in the country to be more active on the political scene.

Represented by the Dr. Tunde Amusat, Olatoye said youths should stop agonising, but should start organising themselves to participate more in political process.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/fight-for-removal-of-immunity-clause.html

Big brother Nigerian 1st edition winner Efe Ejeba has finally humbled himself after attaining his so call fame to ask for forgiveness from Nigerians for any offence he may have done.

The “Warri” crooner has received a lot of criticism by Nigerian after he emerge the winner of the reality show more than any other “See Gobbe” housemate.

The upcoming artiste in recent times have told Nigerian he never begged them to vote for him, he also said their money finished the day the show finished.

Efe has now come out to apologies for his actions and statement saying he is so sorry to those he intentionally faulted and those that were un-intentional.

This apology is coming a year after their show ended and he has followed in the step of Bisola to appreciate the platform of their stardom.

He wrote; “Thank you Multichoice Nigeria, @dstvnigeria , @GOTvng, @Payporte, and @BigBroNaija for giving me the rare opportunity of showcasing my talent and achieving my dreams. Thank you Nigeria and to my fans in Africa and the whole world... i am truly grateful for your enormous support. You've gotten me to where i am today. God bless you all. April 9th would forever be a special day in my life. I also want to use this opportunity to say... I’m sorry to those i may have offended knowingly and unknowingly in one way or the other. God bless you too.” Efe wrote.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/efe-begs-nigerians-for-forgiveness.html

The Borno Police Command on Tuesday confirmed the arrest of a female suicide bomber at the Bakassi Internally Displaced Persons ( IDPs ) camp in Maiduguri.

According to a statement by Edet Okon, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), in Maiduguri, the suicide bomber was arrested by men of the Explosive Ordinance Disposal ( EOD ) team, on Tuesday at about 6: 50 a.m. while lurking around the Internally Displaced Persons ( IDPs ) camp.

He said that policemen condoned off the area, diffused the bomb and apprehended the suspect.

The police spokesman added that the suspect is in police custody.

Okon said: “on Tuesday, at about 6:50 a.m., a female suicide bomber was sighted behind Bakassi IDP camp in Maiduguri metropolis.

“On sighting the bomber, conventional policemen alongside the EOD team swung into action and cordoned the area, to prevent escape of the bomber into the city.

“The suspect, one Zara Idriss was rendered safe, arrested and is now in custody”.

Okon called on members of the public to go about their normal activities without fear and to report any suspicious movement in their localities to security agencies.

He reiterated the command’s commitments to protect lives and property in the state.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/police-arrest-female-suicide-bomber-in.html

All Progressives Congress (APC) has released the names of members its National Convention Committee.

According a statement signed by the National Organising Secretary, Senator Osita Izunaso, yesterday, said the Governor of Jigawa State, Abubakar Badaru will head the committee, Governor of Ondo state, Rotimi Akereduolu (SAN) is the Deputy Chairman, while Sen. Ben Uwajumogu will serve as secretary.

Other members of the committee include, former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, governors of Imo, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, Borno, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, Katsina, Aminu Bello Masari, Oyo, Abiola Akimobi, Yobe, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam, Kaduna, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and Plateau, Simon Lalong.

Also in the committee are the governors of Adamawa, Bindo Jibrilla, Kogi, Alhaji Yahaya Bello and Edo, Godwin Obaseki. Senators Sani Yerima, Adamu Aliero, Dajuma Goje, Abdullahi Adamu, George Akume, Chris Ngige, Ibrahim Gobir and Pastor Usani Uguru Usani were also listed on the committee.

Representing the women in the committee are Senators Binta Masi Garba, Olajumoke Sunmonu, Mrs Paullen Talen, Sen. Florence Ita Giwa, Hadiza Bala Usman, Rabi Ishaq, Maureen Tamuno and Teresa Kadiri.

Eight members of the youth wing of the party made the list, just as three members of persons living with disability and two members of the APC Coalition of Supporters were equally listed.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/governor-badaru-heads-apcs-national.html

Three persons were burnt to death on Sunday in Abuochichie junction in Bekwarra LGA of Cross River State for allegedly stealing motorcycles and robbing people in the area.

MC EBISCO investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly specialized in stealing motorcycles, terrorizing and robbing the people in the area and its environs.

An eyewitness who gave his name as Oiong Kelvin said that the trio met their waterloo after several years of the criminal act.

“They were caught in the act by villagers who brought them to the popular junction and set them ablaze,” he said.

Another eyewitness, Andrew Okpeche, said the trio were members of a syndicate who specialized in stealing motorcycles and re-selling them to spare parts dealers in Ogoja, and Ikom in Cross River and Vandikia in Benue.

He said “Ironman, Ogar and Olom have been in the ugly trade for long and they have made quite a fortune from the illicit trade over the years but luck ran out on them on Sunday when they were caught in the act.

“They also rob people at gun point on the road, especially during market days because a lot of people come from far and wide to buy yams and garri from the market.

“They have information about the traders.

“Two of them are from Bekwarra while the third person is from Obudu. One of them is a father of three but we know him as a notorious criminal because he started robbing market women years back.

“The people of Abuochichie have warned them severally to desist from such trade but they refused, that was why the angry mob burnt them to death,” he stated.

When contacted, the Commissioner of Police CP Mohammed Inuwa Hafix said he was yet to be informed.

“Not yet informed,” he said.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/3-burnt-to-death-over-motorcycles-theft.html

President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki has called for concerted efforts to rescue the remaining 112 Chibok Girls and the Dapchi schoolgirl, Leah Sharibu, from Boko Haram’s captivity.

Saraki said that this would require the collaboration of governments, security agencies, religious and community leaders.

MC EBISCO Recalls that Ahmed Sakilda, a Nigerian journalist believed to be based in Dubai and self-acclaimed negotiator in the Chibok girls saga, had disclosed that only 15 of the remaining 113 abducted Chibok schoolgirls in captivity of Boko Haram were believed to be alive.

In a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Yusuph Olaniyonu, the senate president said though four years had elapsed since the sad incident of the Chibok girls’ kidnap, “it must not dampen efforts being made to see the girls rescued and reunited with their families and loved ones’’.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Saraki noted with sadness the plights of the Chibok girls’ parents, whose daughters were not yet back and the anxiety they have had to endure all these while.

He called on the parents to remain steadfast as government would never relent in its efforts to see their daughters back home safely.

“As a parent, I feel the pains of these unfortunate young girls from Chibok and the latest one – Leah Sharibu – from Dapchi, their parents and the people and Governments of Borno and Yobe States over these harrowing experiences.

“However, all hope is not lost. We are all involved in this. Their return will give us joy while their continued stay in captivity will inflict us with perpetual torment of failure.

“This is no time for blame game or passing the buck.

“We must all gear up and work together to see these girls rescued within the shortest possible time.

“I believe that the last four years have given us ample time to reflect on the calamity, review our modus operandi – politically and militarily and resolve to ensure that all Nigerians are adequately protected.

“Let’s fine tune the strategies that have won us successes and discard those that have failed us,’’ Saraki said.

According to him, the goal and focus must be clear; to rescue our girls and all those in forced captivity in any part of the country, and ultimately, to restore our pride as a sovereign entity.

“This is the time for all stakeholders to retool and re-strategise to ensure that all these girls are not only rescued, but do all in our power to put a closure to all cases of kidnapping and insurgency in this land,” he said.

The president of the Senate called on all Nigerians who could help to come to the aid of the government and the security agencies on how to rescue the girls.

He also urged security agencies to keep people abreast of developments about the issue to avoid speculations and talks like the one insinuating that many of the girls might have died.


http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/saraki-speaks-on-chibok-girls.html

As the saying goes, things are not always as they seem and this is made true in Halima Abubakar's testimony which she shared on social media today.

The Nollywood actress took to her Instagram page today, Sunday April 15, 2018, to reveal that she was in a coma for three days, sometime last month.

In her post, She urged her followers to never take their health for granted and goes on to thank God for his grace in keeping her alive.

See her post below:



Recall that Halima Abubakar underwent medical treatment for complications she suffered from her Fibroid operation in India last year, which is part of the reason she is thankful.

The actress shared the information in a touching post via Instagram.

On July 19, 2017, she shared another post, pleading with fans and followers not to donate money on her behalf to anyone.

Halima's brush with death was the second incident she referred to in her post, adding that it has been a year since her treatments and that she is indeed grateful.

Halima Abubakar is a Nigerian actress and producer. She began acting in 2001 when she played a minor role in "Rejected" however, her first lead role was in "Gangster Paradise".

Abubakar is also the CEO of a Modehouse Entertainment, a music label and entertainment management company.

She has starred in movies like, "Slip of Fate", "Tears of a Child", "Secret Shadows" and others.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/actress-reveals-she-was-in-coma-for-3.html

The African Development Bank has signed a loan agreement for a soft commodity finance facility (SCFF) with the Export Trading Group (ETC).

The Bank said the facility is structured in two successive loans of US $100 million, each with a tenor of up to 2 years to promote agriculture in Africa.

According to a statement released on Thursday, April 12, 2018, the Development Bank said the Soft Commodity Finance Facility (SCFF) is one of the core Trade Finance instruments in the Bank that will provide pre- and post-shipment finance along various stages of ETC’s commodity value chain operations in the 17 countries expected to benefit from the initiative. The intervention will help local farmers and soft commodity suppliers grow their revenues and produce quality crops for export.

Josephine Ngure, African Development Bank Director General for the Southern Africa Region, while speaking at the signing ceremony, said, “This facility will significantly contribute not only in improving food productivity in Africa but most importantly in value addition and the wide distribution of food across the continent using ETC’s broad distribution networks.”

“The facility would also contribute to smallholder farmers’ access to inputs (seeds and fertilizers), mechanization and access to international markets thereby ensuring significant revenues to farmers; integration of poorer sections of the population into a sustainable process of economic growth and development; regional integration by developing sustainable platforms to supply local and regional markets; and lastly it also has strong gender and youth impact as agriculture employs significant numbers of mostly youths and women,” Ngure said.
The Facility

AfDB said the facility will be used to finance the procurement of identified agricultural commodities from over 600,000 farmers. Upon purchase of the soft commodities, the SCFF will provide working capital to ETC thus enabling the company engage in value addition/processing of the soft commodities such as cashew nuts prior to export, and provide funding to procure farm inputs (mainly fertilizer components for blending) to be supplied to farmers so as to ensure consistency and quality of the commodities being supplied to ETC.

Also, the Trade Finance intervention along the agricultural value chain will enable the Bank to reach many small-scale farmers indirectly through ETC, a pan African aggregator that has deep knowledge of the market in which it has accumulated a 50-year track record; understands the agricultural sector operational risks and is able to mitigate and manage them.
AfDB agreement with Commerzbank

Last week, the African Development Bank, AfDB, approved a US $50 million unfunded Risk Participation Agreement for Commerzbank AG (Commerzbank) to support African banks on trade finance operations.

The Risk Participation, which was approved by the AfDB's Board of Directors, on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, is expected to leverage Commerzbank support to African issuing banks seeking to expand their trade finance operations.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/afdb-signs-100-million-loan-agreement.html

The national leadership of the the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for the “unprecedented” peace and good governance he has entrenched in the state.

The PDP said that Gov. Ugwuanyi is a peaceful leader who honors God and works very hard to provide the dividends of democracy to positively impact the lives of the people in line with the dictates of the party’s manifesto.

Speaking at the colourful peace rally of the PDP in Enugu West Senatorial District of the state held at Udi local government area, which witnessed a mammoth crowd, the National Chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus, represented by his deputy, Senator Garba Babayo Gamawa, stated that the PDP is “very proud with Gov. Ugwuanyi”.

Prince Secondus stated that there is “absolute peace in Enugu State” and remarkable achievements recorded by Gov. Ugwuanyi, saying:”We are very happy with your leadership style and good performance”.

The national chairman stressed that “Enugu State Governor deserves to be emulated”, adding further that “Nigerians are very happy with the governor”. He disclosed that “it is because of state like Enugu that other states will vote for the PDP”.

He also appreciated the unity between Gov. Ugwuanyi and the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, and urged the governor to continue with his good works to take the PDP-led government in the state to the next level.

Also speaking, the South East National Vice Chairman of the PDP, Chief Austin Umahi applauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for his good works and existing peace in Enugu State.

Chief Umahi, described Gov. Ugwuanyi as “a man of peace”, adding that Enugu people are blessed having him as their governor.

“He has handed over Enugu State to God and Enugu State is better under his leadership. There is now peace in the state and that is why there is no other political party in the state”, he said.

Senator Ekweremadu in his remark, explained that the essence of the peace rally was to appreciate the governor for entrenching peace and good governance in the state, pointing out that prior to the inception of his administration, the state had witnessed some challenges that undermined its peace.

The Deputy Senate President said that the people of Enugu State and Enugu West Senatorial District in particular were happy that Gov. Ugwuanyi has brought “permanent peace” in the state.

He said: “There is peace everywhere in Enugu State. Peace between government and workers; government and national and state assemblies’ members; PDP and APC, among others.

“Enugu State is the best place to live in Nigeria. That is the reason why any person who wants to go to National Youths Service Corps, wants to be posted to Enugu State, because of the leadership style of our peace-loving governor”, Senator Ekweremadu said.

A business mogul and philanthropist, Prince Arthur Eze, who graced the event, equally lauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for his peaceful and humble disposition and pledged to support his re-election in 2019.

“I decided to follow him (Ugwuanyi) to this rally because he is a good man. People love him because he is peaceful. I have many friends in APC, but I will support this man. So I urge you to support him”, Prince Eze stated.

In his response, Gov. Ugwuanyi expressed gratitude to God for making it possible for the state to have peace and enjoy good governance, in spite of the nation’s economic challenges.

The governor also thanked the people of Enugu West Senatorial District in “a special way” and all stakeholders in the state for their prayers, goodwill, solidarity and support, noting the peace rally was the first of its kind in the history of the state.

He therefore, urged the people of the state to continue to commit the state and the nation in prayers, saying: “With God on our side victory is ours in Jesus Name. Amen”.

Other speakers at the event include the Deputy Governor of the State, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, members representing the two federal constituencies in the zone, Rt. Hon. Toby Okechukwu and Hon. Dennis Amadi, among others.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/we-are-proud-of-ugwuanyis-peace-good.html

Bayelsa State Government on Saturday threatened to drag the Buhari Government to court if it refuses to deduct the 13 percent derivation component of the $1 billion Excess Crude Account (ECA) it plans to withdraw to tackle insecurity in the country.

Commissioner for Information, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, in a statement said that the State Government was insisting that the 13 percent derivation component of the money must be deducted and sent to the various oil producing states in the Federation as earlier demanded.

Iworiso-Markson quoted Governor Seriake Dickson as having explained that withdrawing the $1 billion without deducting and paying the 13 percent derivation to the oil-producing states would amount to arm twisting them to make double contributions to the security funds.

The governor said that wholesome withdrawal of the funds inclusive of the 13 percent derivation would mean that the oil producing states would be making double contributions because they would be contributing their allocations like all other states and then the 13 percent derivation constitutionally provided for, to address security and other pressing needs in the states.

Governor Seriake Dickson had demanded that the 13 percent derivation component of the funds be deducted and deployed in the oil-producing states to address the peculiar security challenges in the region.

The state government has also formally presented its position to the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who is also the Chairman of the National Economic Council NEC).

Dickson had earlier called the attention of the Vice President, Osinbajo, to the position of the State Government on the proposed withdrawal of the ECA funds last December.

The governor had stressed that while Bayelsa was not opposed to the withdrawal of the funds to enhance national security, “the utilization of the funds involving the armed forces, intelligence services and police must cover every part of the country.”

The Commissioner said, “The Bayelsa State Government will approach the court to enforce deduction of the 13 percent derivation component from the $1 billion ECA funds which the Federal Government claims it plans to withdraw to tackle insecurity.

“We have held meetings with the Vice President, President Yemi Osinbajo, on this issue. We even backed it up with a formal letter to the President through the Vice President which was taken to Abuja by His Excellency, the Deputy Governor and delivered by hand to the Vice President to underscore the importance we attach to the issue in question.

“Our position remains the same: while the state government is not opposing the planned withdrawal of the funds for security and indeed the general well-being of the society, it would be unfair and unjust to pull out the funds without releasing the 13 percent to the oil- producing states.

“An arrangement that compels a group of states to contribute twice to the fund while their counterparts contribute only part of their statutory allocation cannot be said to be just. The constitution is clear on this and we shall approach the court to advocate our position.

“For the purpose of emphasis, Bayelsa has formally notified the Vice President who is Chairman of the National Economic Council on this matter.

“That Bayelsa is in support of the withdrawal of the funds to improve the capacity of the Armed Forces and Security Agencies to protect Nigeria and her citizens is not in doubt but we are insisting that the right thing must be done.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/04/1-billion-security-fund-bayelsa.html