₦airaland Forum

The Middle Belt Forum, MBF, Tuesday blamed the Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-rufai for the killings going on in Southern Kaduna.

According to the forum, the conversion of Chiefdoms to emirates by the state government and the alleged move ombudsmen Fulanis to take over land belonging to Southern Kaduna people have been responsible for the killings in the state.

Describing the killings in Adara communities of Kajuru and Kachia local government areas of the state as a “genocide”, the MBF called on the international community to prevail on the state and federal governments to end the killings.

The National President of the forum, Dr. Pogu Bitrus, who address reporters in Abuja on Tuesday, insisted that the renaming of the chiefdoms was meant to impose Fulani as emirs on the people of Southern Kaduna by the state government.

According to him, the move was opposed by the former Adara monarch, Dr Maiwada Galadima, who was subsequently abducted and killed by unknown assailants.

Bitrus said: “It is obvious that (Governor Nasir) El-Rufai incited the current violence when he recklessly alleged that Fulani had been killed by Adara natives without any shred of evidence or proof.

“With the ongoing genocide, so far hundreds of Adara people have been killed, with women and children being the major victims.”

The forum further alleged that the state government is instigating the arrest of the leaders of victim communities instead of going after those who destroyed towns and villages, including Ungwar Barde, Karmai, Maro and Dogon Noma.

The MBF president berated Governor El-rufai for announcing the alleged killing of 166 Fulani, saying it was meant to set the stage for reprisals against the people of Southern Kaduna.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/04/03/middle-belt-forum-blames-el-rufai-for-southern-kaduna-killings/

Nigerian singer, Seun Kuti has shared a throwback photo of himself and his father on Instagram, following it up with an interesting caption.

Seun Kuti

Seun Kuti, son of legendary musician, Afrobeats founder and socio-political activist, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, shared a rare photo of himself and his father, Fela, via Instagram over the weekend.

In the picture, Seun, as a boy, seems to be standing and looking forward, while Fela is seated, glancing sideway.

Seun and his father

Captioning the image, he wrote: “My main man and I, the way we were always together ehn, e still dey pain many of them oooo.”

Seun also revealed he is keeping his promise to the survival of Fela’s political ideology and his band, Egypt 80.

“Dem still dey wonder why u loved me sooo much but dem no fit know. Baba MOP don become Naija Resisitance movement ooo @naijaresistancemovement and I dey keep my promise and the band alive. #quickupdate #getthesax


The picture has generated more than 5000 likes and over 200 comments.


http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/04/02/wow-singer-seun-kuti-shares-rare-throwback-picture-with-his-father-fela-on-instagram/

The crisis rocking the traditional council of Obosi in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State escalated over the weekend as kinsmen of one of the allegedly suspended traditional chiefs held a meeting condemning the action of the traditional ruler of Obosi, Igwe Chidubem Iweka III.

Okpo na Ezeani family, the kinsmen of Chief Linus Mgbakogu (Attah Obosi), expressed serious concern over the numerous crises and killings in Obosi community, which they said aggravated since the enthronement of Igwe Chidubem Iweka III.

A resolution reached by the kinsmen on Saturday, signed by Chairman of the kindred, Nze Goddy Onubogu, described the suspension as illegal and unacceptable to the Okpo and Ezeani family.

It reads in part: “The so-called suspension of our highly revered Attah Obosi is illegal and unacceptable to us. Moreso, the suspension of Ndi-Ichie is sacrilegious in all ramifications, because the customs and traditions of the community bestowed a kind of immunity on them that they cannot be said to have committed ALU in Obosi land, hence they are “Ome abu Nso”. May be the Igwe is not aware of this.

“The family is also totally disappointed, disillusioned and utterly saddened that the death of our sons, which should evoke a solemn and sober reflection, is being used by Igwe to further heat-up the polity and aggravate the endemic crisis in his cabinet.

“The family regrets that this particular crisis was accentuated by partisan political position held by the Igwe. This made the situation to be handled without discretion and caution.”

Igwe Iweka III had accused three cabinet chiefs of committing sacrilege by bringing to the palace, bodies of two young Obosi sons allegedly shot by security operatives during the re-run election for Idemili North and South Federal Constituency.

In an emergency meeting held at the Igwe’s palace, an already prepared resolution signed by one Prince Bennett Mozie was presented to journalists and read by Mozie.

Handing down the suspension, Mozie said: “After due consultations and deliberations with all the relevant ancient traditional bodies of Obosi, the Igwe in council hereby announce the indefinite suspension from the Igwe’s Royal Cabinet of the above mentioned Ndi-Ichie Obosi – Chief Osita Chidoka, Chief Linus Ngbakaogu and Chief Hyacinth Udemba – for their act of sacrilege and the abomination they committed against the revered age old customs of the people and ancient Obosi Kingdom.”

But another faction of the council swiftly denied that there was ever a meeting where the action leading to the resolution was decided.

The Onowu of Obosi, Chief Anthony Eze Nwabude, said that there was never a meeting held in respect of the resolution, adding that since the killing of the two Obosi sons, the Igwe-in-Council had not met on the matter let alone taken any position on the issue in contention.

“Since after the incident that claimed the lives of our two young men, the Igwe-in-Council has not had any meeting where the matter was discussed before making any resolution on the matter. That is why I am against what the Igwe and some members of the cabinet did by suspending the three members of the cabinet. In fact I am not in support of the resolution,” he said.

The suspension also opened a can of worms about the validity of lgwe Chidubem Iweka’s throne as according to one of the affected Ndi Ichie, Chief Linus Mgbakogu, the throne is still in dispute and there are several litigations in the court challenging his emergence as the Igwe of Obosi.

“The resolution is a kangaroo one and there was never a time that the Igwe-in-Council met on that. He has no right to suspend any member of the cabinet. I have been the Attah of Obosi for 10 years and the emergence of the Igwe of Obosi is still in contention because there are several cases in the court challenging him.

“We have already lost confidence in him because since he became Igwe in the last five years we have witnessed series of shootouts leading to the death of over 76 Obosi youths, and this is traceable to his becoming the traditional ruler.

“He has been relating with the APGA candidate who contested against our brother, Obinna Chidoka even when the boy stormed the Awada polling units with thugs who were shooting indiscriminately and five of the cabinet members escaped death by the whisker on that election day.

“I reported the incident to Igwe and he did nothing about it and the following day, the APGA candidate was at the palace of the Igwe, holding meetings and the man that claims to be our traditional ruler has not said anything about the shooting or killings in our community.”

One of the members of the cabinet, Chief Charles Umolu, in a telephone chat with newsmen said the suspension is illegal, adding that the signatory to the resolution is an impostor who is not a member of the cabinet and has no right to speak or sign any document on behalf of the cabinet members.

“The issue is not about dumping the bodies in the palace because the youths were angry over the killings; that is why they took the dead bodies to the palace,” he said.

Chief Umolu challenged the monarch to account for the N22 million second Niger bridge compensation money paid to the community by the federal government which, according to him, the community is demanding an explanation to the whereabouts of the money.

Umolu said the traditional ruler has been involved in land grabbing and racketeering and has been cavorting with some youths in the community in the execution of this crime. Those who go to challenge him are those he has been presenting and this style of leadership has not helped the community at all.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/04/01/crisis-rocking-obosi-traditional-stool-deepens-%e2%80%a2kinsmen-accuse-igwe-of-involvement-in-partisan-politics/

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the promotion of three Commissioners of Police, Jona Mava, Olushola David and Titus Larmode, to the next rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG).

The Commission also promoted 8,913 senior Police officers to their next substantive ranks to fill existing vacancies.

A statement by the PSC spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, in Abuja on Sunday, said the acting appointments of two Commissioners of Police, Rudolf Obe (Works department) and Danladi Lalas (Air Wing), were also confirmed.

It stated that the promotions were the high points of the 5th plenary meeting of the Commission held in Abuja last Tuesday and Wednesday and presided over by its Chairman, Musiliu Smith, a retired Inspector-General of Police.

Seventy-one Assistant Commissioners of Police were also elevated to the next rank of Deputy Commissioners of Police. Among the beneficiaries were Ogundare Emmanuel; Alonge Adebowale; Augustina Ogbodo; Ibrahim Abdullahi; Garba Ahmed; Uzuegbu Kanayo; Zubairu Abubakar; Vincent Nwajiofor: Polycarp Dibia and the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba.

One hundred and two Chief Superintendents of Police were elevated to ACP while 487 Deputy Superintendents of Police got promoted to Superintendent.

Furthermore, the Commission elevated 1,165 Assistant Superintendents of Police to DSP while 7,086 Inspectors were promoted to the rank of ASP.

The beneficiaries include Chinemelum Bartholomew of the Complaints Response Unit, Force Headquarters, Abuja, Jeremiah Zumnan, Adewale Ajibuwa and Hope Nnah of Abia Command.

“The promotions will be conveyed to the acting Inspector-General of Police, on Monday in a letter signed by Nnamdi Mbaeri, Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Commission,” the statement disclosed.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/03/31/police-promote-8916-senior-officers/

The Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema, yesterday said foreign investors pulled out N605.54 billion from the Nigerian equities market in 2018 because of a shift to higher yielding assets with lower risks in developed countries, coupled with the perceived political risks in the forthcoming general elections.

The stock market fell by 17.8 per cent in 2018 after recording a growth of 42.3 per cent in 2017.
Giving a recap of the stock market performance in 2018 and outlook for 2019 during a media briefing in Lagos, Onyema said the outflows last year was 50.53 per cent higher than the N402.26 billion repatriated by foreign investors the preceding year.
However, he said most of the foreign investors would still return considering the fact that the Nigerian market has potential to deliver high returns.

The CEO, who said the market need foreign investors the way retail domestic investors are needed, assured that the exchange was working on ways to deepening the participation of retail investors in the market going forward. He expressed optimism that the market will bounce back in the second half (H2) of this year.

“Domestically, we believe market sentiments in the first half (H1) of the year will be driven by uncertainty in the oil prices as well as the 2019 general elections. Accordingly, we anticipate volatility in equities market in H1 in 2019 with enhanced stability post-elections. We believe swift approval and implementation of the 2019 budget may have a positive impact on the companies’ earnings as well as consumer spending. Therefore, we anticipate a return of listings during the year with an uptick in market activity during the H2 of 2019,” he said.
Speaking on the protection of domestic investors, Onyema assured that the exchange would ensure that listed companies stick to listing requirements for the benefits of shareholders.

He said the stock exchange was also working closely with listed companies to assist them to be able to comply with the listing requirements, saying that delisting by some companies should not be a cause of worry.

He said that to enhance the exchange’s listing prospects, “we have strengthened our government engagement efforts on privatisation and listing of state-owned enterprises, and we expect to take advantage of opportunities within this space during the year. We also intend to maintain our collaborative efforts with public and private sector stakeholders to advocate for market friendly policies, and cater to infrastructure financing needs as well as other capital requirements necessary for sustainable economic growth. The exchange intends to work with the private sector as well, to catalyse the listing of more companies,” Onyema explained.

He disclosed that a search for an alternative asset class opposed to equities led to an increase of 11.7 per cent in the NSE fixed income market capitalisation to N10.17 trillion from N9.10 trillion in 2017.
Turnover, he said, also increased by 22.34 per cent in 2018, compared to 2017.
Onyema added that the NSE’s Exchange Traded Fund(ETF) market witnessed reduced activity on the back of reduced risk appetite in the market.
“The best performing ETF was the Stanbic Pension ETF as it returned 16.37 per cent, indicative of the effect of the recently implemented multi-fund structure for pension fund administrators,” he said.

Looking ahead, Onyema said, the exchange was working on the final stages of the demutualisation process since the bill has been signed into law and assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari.
He added that NSE has completed required technological enhancements for the launch of derivatives products.
“Rulebook has been created and is currently undergoing approval process alongside on boarding of dealing members,” the NSE boss added.

https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/01/15/onyema-explains-withdrawal-of-n606bn-from-equities-market/?amp

“The 2019 election is not about Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and President Muhammadu Buhari, but about the survival of Nigeria,” the Vice Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Peter Obi, said during the weekend. He was speaking with the press at Amichi, Anambra State, shortly after the dedication of the new Secretariat and the School of Nursing of the Amichi Anglican Diocese.

Obi said that the present government at the centre has shown great incapacity for governance that has manifested in all the vices plaguing the country and should not be allowed to continue.

He cited examples of the insecurity in different parts of the country such as Borno and Zamfara, home states of the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Staff, respectively, and even Katsina State, the home of President Buhari.

On the economy, the former Anambra State Governor regretted that “Nigeria cannot be said to have any economic base at the moment when Nigerian youths in their productive ages have been rendered unproductive due to lack of vision, planning and effective implementation.” He said it is unfortunate that under Buhari’s APC government, Nigeria has become the poverty capital of the world.

Mr. Obi frowned at a situation where a quarter of Nigeria’s 2019 budget is devoted to servicing debt, a situation which he said portends grave danger for the country.

He, however, expressed optimism that with the detribalised and hardworking Atiku as President, Nigeria would be made to start working again.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/14/2019-election-survival-nigeria-obi/

A prominent non-governmental organisation, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has accused President Muhammadu Buhari of “attempting to foist a totalitarian regime through a subterfuge by the eleventh-hour plot to arraign the Chief Justice of Nigeria Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen before the Code of Conduct Tribunal over sundry allegations bordering on non-declaration of assets.”

“HURIWA is of the considered opinion that mischief and malice may have guided the decision of the Presidency to institute these charges before a tribunal teleguided by the executive arm of government going by the fact that the Code of Conduct Tribunal and Code of Conduct Bureau are controlled by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation,” a statement issued on Saturday evening said.

HURIWA in the statement signed by the National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, wondered why the Executive Arm of Government did not approach the regular court system or the National Assembly “if these charges aren’t politically motivated blackmail to whittle down the influence of a Southern-born Chief Justice of Nigeria in the event that the presidential election becomes stalemated and may require adjudication before the Supreme Court of Nigeria.”

HURIWA recalled that the President hesitated in the appointing of Justice Onnoghen as CJN in a substantive way “but plotted to impose a Northern-born justice who was then second in line in terms of seniority to the current holder of the office of CJN.”

The rights group said there was no way Justice Onnoghen would get justice “from the handpicked Code of Conduct Tribunal appointed and reorganised structurally by the Presidency shortly after the Chairman of the Tribunal acquitted the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, of all charges of failure to declare his assets and the CJN headed the appellate panel that finally nailed the coffin of the Presidency’s plot to sustain a case against the main political rival of the current President in the person of the Senate President.”

“This politically-motivated war against the CJN is a payback for his principled stand to discharge and acquit Saraki of all charges as framed up by the Executive through the Federal Attorney General,” HURIWA said.

The group faulted the call by the Presidency on the CJN to quit “based on those charges that are still within the realm of suspicions and have not been so determined by the competent court of law.”

“Going by Section 36(5) Onnoghen is totally innocent in the eye of the law and can’t be removed from office based on mere allegations. Buhari must adhere to the principle of rule of law and restrain himself from imposing a fait accompli on the executive-controlled Conduct Trubunal,” the rights group stated.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/13/cjn-onnoghen-huriwa-cautions-presidency-political-blackmail/

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Ogbaru Local Government Area, Anambra, has called on the traditional rulers in the area to reject car gifts from politicians.

Mr Arinze Awogu, Campaign Coordinator of the party in the council, made the call while addressing a political group, Ogbaru 16-OVA-16 Facilitators, in his Atani office on Saturday.

Awogu condemned the alleged attempt by some politicians in the area to bribe traditional rulers with car gifts instead of giving account of their stewardships or their manifestoes.

He said that gifts from elected public officers could not be unconnected with the resources meant for the development of the area.

He warned that accepting such gifts would leave the traditional institution open to disrepute and ridicule.

“A political party here has started vote-buying, this has been raised to a crescendo with the attempt to bamboozle the traditional rulers with car gifts.

“The attempt by a candidate to hoodwink the revered traditional rulers in the area into joining the list of fingered beneficiaries of the diverted funds meant for constituency projects in the constituency is most despicable.

“The source of such gifts cannot be removed from the commonwealth of the constituency, it cannot be said to be clean because it is part of the funds meant to be used in executing projects that are for public good.

“The public odium of being closely associated with proceeds of diverted public funds is indelible, it is our view as a party that the traditional rulers should roundly reject the Trojan Horse,” he said.

Awogu lauded Movement for Outright Discontinuation of the Exploitation and Annihilation of Ogbaru People (MODEAOP), a rights group working to ensure that every public officer in Ogbaru is held accountable.

He promised to support the group activities towards ensuring that the people of Ogbaru get the best from their elected political representatives.

“MODEAOP has initiated a process to expose the conduit pipes through which funds meant for Ogbaru constituency projects in the last four years have been managed.

Chief Emmanuel Emezina, Coordinator of Ogbaru 16-OVA-16, said the people were tired of poor representation and were working assiduously to deliver all APGA candidates in the February elections.

Emezina said that the group would embark on aggressive issue-based campaign for its candidates. (NAN)

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/12/vote-buying-apga-urges-traditional-rulers-anambra-reject-car-gifts-politicians/

At least 12 people were killed and 20 others critically injured late Friday when a fuel tanker exploded in Nigeria’s Cross River State.

“We have confirmed that 12 people died and 20 others were injured from the explosion in the Odukpani local government area,” Ugbo Irene, a deputy superintendent of police, told Anadolu Agency.

Irene said police were immediately deployed to the scene after the tanker truck overturned while attempting to navigate a turn and spilled fuel, but efforts to disperse local residents who were scooping up the fuel with metal containers proved futile.

“Our team had to leave before the tanker caught fire. This is not the first time this has happened,” she added, lamenting that locals often ignore warnings to steer clear of areas around fuel spills due to the likelihood of an explosion.

Nigeria has repeatedly recorded incidents of multiple deaths from explosions as a result of such spills largely because residents often crowd the area to scoop up fuel or watch others doing it.

More than 150 people died in a similar incident in December 2006 in the capital, Lagos. (Anadolu)

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/12/12-confirmed-dead-cross-river-fuel-tanker-explosion/

MASKED policemen yesterday stormed the Abuja hospital where detained Senator Dino Melaye was receiving treatment and took him away in a security vehicle.

This came seven days after Melaye surrendered to the police,slumped soon afterwards, and was taken to the hospital for medical attention.

Apprehension soon spread about the fate of the senator after he was taken away yesterday by the masked policemen.

But the police later cleared the air on the situation and said he was merely relocated to the Department of State Security (DSS) as part of preliminary arrangements for his coming trial in Lokoja, the Kogi state capital.

Police spokesman, Mr.Moshood Jimoh, an acting Deputy Commissioner of Police, told The Nation that Melaye was transferred to the DSS medical facility.

He said that contrary to claims by Melaye that he was ill, the police medical team found nothing wrong with his health that could delay his trial in Lokoja.

He said: “On the 9 th of January, 2019 we got a high court remand warrant to keep him in police custody for 14 days.

“The police medical team at our facility examined him and concluded that he was okay to stand trial but he is insisting that he is not okay; that is why we are taking him to another government hospital.

“He has been taken to the DSS hospital and he will be returned to us after their medical examination because he does not have any case with SSS. He has a case with the police and we are going to take him to court within the period covered by the remand warrant.

“He will be taken to court within the 14-day period because the remand warrant is from an FCT High Court which gives us the permission to keep him in police custody for 14 days.

“He was only taken to their (SSS) hospital, he is not in their custody.

“Our own people have examined him and we want another government hospital to also examine him and give a medical opinion.”

And reacting last night, to criticisms trailing the police action, Jimoh said it was erroneous for anyone to say that masked men took Senator Melaye away, adding that no matter what, the Senator and other suspects must face prosecution over the alleged shooting of a policeman in Kogi State last year.

His words: “It is incorrect as reported in some sections of the media that Senator Dino Melaye was moved by masked armed policemen to an undisclosed location and that his whereabout is unknown.

“The Police Officer, Sgt. Danjuma Saliu, is yet to recover from the gunshot injury he sustained during the attack and still under intensive medical care in the hospital.

“Senator Dino Melaye will be prosecuted along with other suspects on completion of investigation .”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/12/breaking-police-relocate-melaye-dss-clinic/

Masked policemen have reportedly stormed the Police Clinic in Garki, Abuja, whisking away embattled Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye.

According to Punch, he was believed to have been taken to Lokoja, Kogi State, for interrogation over the alleged shooting of one Sgt. Danjuma Aliu by suspected political thugs.

The evacuation of the lawmaker was carried out around 2:15 pm in commando style.

Melaye, who has been having a running battle with the Force, was rushed to the clinic for medical attention after he slumped last Friday.

Before he was moved to the clinic after slumping, the lawmaker had barricaded himself in his house in Maitama, Abuja, for eight days, vowing never to give himself up for arrest.

The Force PPRO at Force Headquarters, Abuja, Jimoh Moshood, promised to get back to our reporter when he was called for confirmation of the news.

He has yet to do so at the time of filing this report.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/11/senator-dino-melaye-whisked-away-clinic-abuja-masked-policemen/

The Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has alleged that the Buhari Media Centre is surreptitiously circulating a video which suggests that he is planning to cede parts of Borno State to Boko Haram in a peace deal.

In a statement issued by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, in Abuja on Thursday, the former Vice President described the allegation contained in the video as false.

He said the circulation of the video is a demonstration of the extent to which the President Muhammadu Buhari administration is prepared to engage in dirty politics.

The statement read: “Our attention has been drawn to a video being surreptitiously circulated by the Buhari Media Centre, under a satanic pseudonym, ‘Make Nigeria Worse Again’, in which they falsely accuse the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, of planning to cede parts of Borno State to Boko Haram in a peace deal.

This is completely false and only shows the level of dirty politics and fake news the Muhammadu Buhari administration is prepared to engage in its desperation to cling to power despite its widespread unpopularity.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the only plans that His Excellency Atiku Abubakar has for Boko Haram is the total defeat of the terrorist sect once and for all. Atiku Abubakar is not one for ‘technical’ defeats. He has said publicly and privately that if he is elected, both Boko Haram and ISWAP would be wiped off the face of the planet.

“Indeed, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the Buhari administration policy of releasing so-called ‘repentant’ Boko Haram members and tied the resurgence of terrorism in the nation to that ill-advised program.

“Under an Atiku Abubakar administration, every terrorist that is caught will be tried in accordance with the provisions of the law. Atiku Abubakar has zero tolerance for terrorists and has detailed his plan to equip the military to deal decisively with these threats to our national security once and for all.

“It is worth noting however that this fake news video began circulating soon after Vice President Yemi Osinbajo commissioned the Buhari Media Center on Tuesday, January 8, 2019, in Gwarinpa, Abuja.

“It is very doubtful that this is a coincidence and we call on the public to be wary of such videos and other online propaganda from the Buhari Media Centre to discredit the PDP Presidential candidate.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/11/buhari-media-circulating-fake-video-%e2%80%95-atiku/

The Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his predecessor, Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have resumed their verbal war.

Dickson, on Thursday, reacted to a claim by Sylva that the governor was behind a plot to pitch the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Abba Kyari, against him through orchestrated media reports.

His spokesman, Fidelis Soriwei said that the governor was too involved and indeed occupied with the execution of the mandate the Bayelsa people gave to him, to be distracted by the hallucinations of a politician whose lifeline in politics was the mood of his political masters.

He wrote: “This type of report falls short of the standard of a story that should command a place in our respected media space. Somebody of the exalted status of a former Governor is crying wolf where there is none and hallucinating that Governor reputed to be his political nemesis is after him.

“The point to note is that the Governor is too busy with the execution of the mandate given to him by Bayelsans in place of Sylva to be bothered by anticipated clashes between Sylva and the President’s Chief òf Staff.

“This comic claim by Sylva and his minion is a classic example of the wicked on flight at the sight of nobody. The fact is that Sylva is so scared and intimidated by the shadow of Dickson, that his nightmares about him occur in the day time.

“We hope Sylva is not having sleepless night over the possibility of yet another “leaked audio” in this era of “double speak and doubt thoughts.”

He stressed that while Dickson had worked hard to put his name on all the life changing, big ticket developmental projects in Bayelsa, Sylva would be remembered for the descent to lawlessness, the slaughter of the innocent encapsulated in his killing machine, Famutangbe.

“Sylva’s regime is one bitter story of the locust, pain, misery, waste and misrule in Bayelsa . His rejection by the Bayelsa people only showed the decision of the people to reject stagnation and sterility in governance”, he added.

Firing back, Sylva through his spokesman, Julius Bokoru, said he was glad that he was able to foil Dickson’s “desperate, demonic and criminal plan”.

“We thank the good people of Bayelsa State for standing with Sylva and the APC, for standing for truth and integrity, and for standing against those who think governance is about propaganda and psychological warfare.

“The issue here is not about Sylva but a campaign of fake news to undermine the Presidency. The purpose for Dickson, of course, is to bolster the faltering fortunes of his party the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state and in the country.

“Dickson has no fear of God. He therefore thinks it is man rather than God that determines another man’s fate. Hence he speaks of someone’s “lifeline in politics” and “the state of mood of his political masters”. If he does not know, Dickson needs to be reminded that the prevailing national mood, today, is the presidential elections scheduled for the next few weeks.

“Dickson speaks of conscience, but conscience is when you pay civil servants their salaries promptly, conscience is when you don’t attack a courthouse like a thug, conscience is when you don’t elevate violence to the status of a government policy, conscience is when you don’t impoverish a once thriving people and state, conscience is when you don’t fail abysmally at even basic levels of governance, conscience is when you don’t become a nightmare for those you are supposed to govern and conscience is when you don’t tell low level lies.

“Dickson has no conscience, and that obvious absence of conscience, sadly, comes very naturally to him. He has ruled Bayelsa State for almost eight years and he is still obsessing over Sylva, he is still blaming Sylva for his many monumental failures, he is still blaming Sylva for his inability to comprehend the mathematics of good governance after all these years

“We are glad Dickson has denied he is not going to be involved in this mischief. This is good for the people of Bayelsa State, the polity and the country

“We will now watch and see if Dickson will keep to his words and refrain from the planned hatchet job. We know Dickson as a man with an established notoriety for mischief. He is not known to be a man of honour. Nor is he a man of conscience.

“Dickson survives on the politics of blackmail, petty mudslinging, propaganda and fake news. The bright news for the people of Bayelsa State, and Nigeria, is that he has exposed how alien he is to credibility.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/10/apc-versus-pdp-dickson-sylva-warmed-trade/

With the presentation of the proposed 2019 Federal Government Budget by President Muhammadu Buhari on December 19, 2018 to the National Assembly for consideration and possible passage into law, various stakeholders in the country are on the lookout for what the budget holds for them.

As much as we know that the Budget is not just a document containing mere figures but rather a fiscal document that aids the implementation and realization of government plans and visions within a fiscal year, therefore, much importance is placed on it because it shows in real terms what the economy will look like in a particular fiscal year; how much will be generated within the year; how much will be spent within the year; which sector within the economy will the government be spending more; how much will be borrowed to finance any shortfall or overrun in the projected revenue and expenditure respectively.

The President presented a total proposed Federal Government Budget of N8.827 trillion tagged the Budget of Continuity. Of this amount, N492 billion representing 5.58 per cent of the overall vote is budgeted for Statutory Transfers, N2.264 trillion representing 25.65 per cent of the overall vote is budgeted for debt service, N4.038 trillion representing 45.75 per cent of the overall vote is budgeted for recurrent expenditure (non-debt) and N2.032 trillion representing 23.02 per cent of the overall vote is budgeted for capital expenditure. The overall revenue projection for the year is N6.967 trillion which results to N1.86 trillion budget deficit to be financed by borrowing from domestic and foreign sources.

The 2019 Budget of Continuity is 3.22 per cent less than 2018 budget which stood at N9.120 trillion. Despite the reduction in the total 2019 proposed budget, the recurrent budget is higher than the 2018 recurrent budget by 15 per cent while the capital budget is less than the 2018 capital budget by 29.29 per cent.

The 2019 proposed budget has an increased debt service by 2.73 per cent compared to 2018 budget. From the above analysis, Nigeria will have to borrow more in order to finance the 2019 budget deficit of N1.86 trillion which will automatically increase the overall present Nigeria’s public debt stock.

On the 28 December, 2018 the Debt Management Office (DMO) Nigeria through a press release revealed that the Nigeria’s Total Public Debt Stock comprising the External and Domestic Debts of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) stood at USD73.213 Billion or N22.429 Trillion. The 2019 budget deficit which the government planned to finance by borrowing the total sum of N1.649 trillion will further add to the total debt stock of the country and increase provisions for debt service repayment and servicing in subsequent fiscal years.

It is true that the budget deficit which is 1.33 per cent of the GDP is within the threshold stipulated in the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) 2007 but it is very important to state that debts are not paid back with GDP but with available revenue.

The Projected debt service is 26 per cent of the overall 2019 vote and 32 per cent of the projected oil and non-oil revenue. It is pertinent to state that Nigeria hardly meets up with her revenue projection for each year as previous years’ records have always shown a big shortfall in the realization of projected revenue. Now when there is a shortfall in revenue, salaries and overheads will be paid, debt will be serviced and paid while capital project implementation will always suffer as the case has been.

What a heavy burden we bear as Nigerians resulting from the constant borrowing for each year both from the State and Federal Government without corresponding benefit to attest to the huge debt. When you add up the top 12 Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, Capital Expenditure Allocations in the 2019 Budget which are Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, Defence, Agriculture, Water Resources, Interior, Education, Transport, Industry, Trade and Investment, Niger Delta Affairs, Health and OSGF, it will amount to N1.23 trillion which is below N2.264 trillion being the amount budgeted for debt servicing. When you further expand the analysis, the overall capital budget provision of all MDAs in the 2019 budget is 23 per cent of the overall 2019 budget while the debt service is 26 per cent of the overall 2019 budget. That means we are spending more to service debts while we spend less on capital project that has direct impact on Nigerians Borrowing is not actually a bad economic practice especially when it is exclusively for investment based on the provision of the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 but it becomes a wrong practice when a country borrows for consumption. The increase in 2019 recurrent budget is mainly for the payment of personnel salaries and without any much resultant contribution to the economy of the county.

The present ongoing strike of both Polytechnics and Universities in the country is a serious issue and when a county pays less attention to her educational sector then the country is bound to witness backward movement in the development of the right human resources that will advance the economy. Where is the bulk of the debt being incurred by the Federal and State Government going into when Nigerians cannot enjoy good roads, affordable and quality healthcare, affordable and quality education, good accommodation, constant power supply and improved standard of living? Isn’t it clear that our leaders are busy borrowing for consumption? Come to think of it, who will pay back this huge debt burden? Is it the future generation that our present leaders do not care for? Is it those students sitting back at home? Is it those graduates without job?

Is it the imbalanced tax system? When you even think of the plan put in place to finance the 2019 budget you will be shocked to know that the government may not have planned for the specific sources from which the projected borrowing to finance the deficit will come from. Normal practice demands that just as the Executive present the 2019 budget, they will as well present the debt plan so that immediately the budget is passed, the debt plan will also be approved to kick start implementation of the 2019 budget from all sources. This is usually not done and it slows down the implementation of capital projects especially when there is substantial shortfall in the projected revenue. Come to think of it, must we always have a budget deficit? Can’t we plan based on the available resources and ensure that all leakages in revenue are blocked? Can’t the Federal Inland Revenue Service ensure that all Nigerians get into the tax net? Can’t the Fiscal Responsibility Commission ensure that all MDAs that are supposed to remit operating surplus do so in 2019? If we must borrow to finance budget deficit, then let all stakeholders involved do the needful and ensure that Nigerians benefit from this heavy burden of debt.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/10/2019-budget-heavy-burden-without-corresponding-benefit-must-read/

Malam Baba Modu, an 80 year-old father to a Boko Haram commander, popularly called ‘Ba-Ana’, has begged his son to surrender and embrace peace.

Modu made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Maiduguri.

He said that he was unable to persuade his son to abandon the cause and surrender under the Federal Government’s Operation Safe Corridor.

Recounting his ordeal, Modu said his son was conscripted by the insurgents in 2012 at a farm in Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno.

“I lost hope of meeting my son after his abduction in the past seven years. One day, I met someone who told me that my son was alive and mentioned where I can find him.

”I was also told he is one of the commanders of the Albarnawi faction of the Boko Haram.

“I travelled to the shores of the Lake Chad to plead with Ba-Ana to surrender and embrace peace. It took me about one week to get to where I met him.

“When I arrived at the camp, I told them that I am the father of Ba’ana and after series of interrogations, they asked me to wait for him to return from a mission.

“Ba-Ana returned at night, he was marveled to see me, and when he heard my voice; he told his men that I am his father.

“I pleaded with him for about 30 days in a bid to convince him to lay down his arms and embrace peace, regrettably he did not heed my counsel.

“Ba-Ana confessed that he killed many people and believed that the authorities would not forgive his crimes. He also believed that he had committed his life in the course of God.

“I did not lose hope; I will continue to pray God to heal his soul and bring him back to me,“ he said. (NAN)

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/09/father-begs-boko-haram-son-surrender/

As Teleology Holdings Limited begins the exit of its shareholding in the local joint venture due to dissatisfaction over the business relationship with its local partner, 9mobile Nigeria, some banks which offered credit facility to the telecoms company are already unsettled by the development.

The fear of the banks is not unconnected with the status of the amount which is yet to be repaid from the loan they lent the telecoms operator.

Already, some banks in Nigeria exposed to the $1.2 billion loan obtained by 9mobile, formerly Etisalat Nigeria, are beginning to express uneasiness over the reports of Teleology pullout from 9mobile.

Etisalat Nigeria had approached a consortium of Nigerian lenders for a credit facility aimed at expanding its operations in the country. However, when it was unable to service the loan, attempts were made by the lender to take over the company, but the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) prevented this.

Instead, the CBN set up an interim board to run the Etisalat Nigeria, which later changed its name to 9mobile, until a buyer was sourced.

Late last year, Teleology announced a new board for 9mobile, confirming that it was now in charge of the fourth GSM service provider in Nigeria.

More than 10 Nigerian banks syndicated the loan to Etisalat Nigeria, including Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) Plc, Access Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc and United Bank for Africa (UBA).

Some of the lenders made provisions on the loans or classified them as non-performing in 2017 and 2018.

According to a report last year, the Head of Investor Relations at UBA, Mr. Abiola Rasaq, was quoted as saying that, “The money has been distributed to the banks.”

According to him, the reimbursement is expected to improve the asset quality of the creditor banks that had classified the loan as non-performing. UBA made a N15.2 billion ($41 million) provision on the loan last year.

The report said 9mobile repaid $251 million in November 2018 from the proceeds of the fund Teleology paid for the acquisition, according to two persons familiar with the matter who asked not to be named because they were not permitted to speak publicly on the issue.

Each creditor bank was repaid a proportion of the outstanding debt, according to the sources.

Since November 12, 2018, when Teleology Holdings formally took over 9mobile, the company had become increasingly uncomfortable with actions taken outside of the agreed business plan.

According to a source, Teleology Holdings took the risky pullout because it was alleged to be blocked from concluding a management services contract with the local joint venture, Teleology Nigeria Limited and its team of experts restricted from overseeing the implementation of the organisation’s elaborate business plans including funding proposals.

In a related development, Adrian Wood, the brain behind the operation of Teleology has taken from the company. The walk-away of Wood has been attributed to the refusal of Teleology Nigeria Limited to sign a management service contract.

However, some reports suggest that Woods was axed because he had being unable to pay his 13% equity in Teleology Nigeria.

When Daily Independent contacted him for clarification, his phone was switched off, and there was no reply to the text sent to his phone when the paper went to bed.

9mobile’s (then known as Etisalat Nigeria) woes began when it defaulted on a $1.2 billion loan provided by a consortium of Nigerian banks. Parent company Etisalat of the UAE exited the firm, and the banks threatened to take over.

They were however restrained by the Nigerian Communications Commission and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), with the duo constituting an interim board. The NCC, in particular, had to step in, to prevent the banks from going against regulation by attempting to run the firm. Some of the affected banks then made provisions on the loan.

Barclays Africa then midwifed a bidding process for Etisalat of the UAE’s stake. Five firms – Globacom, Smile, Airtel, Helios and Teleology Holdings, made it to the final bidding stage, however, Airtel, allegedly withdrew from the bid process due to what it termed irregularities.

The former Etisalat fell into crisis when it defaulted on a loan repayment scheme to the tune of $1.2 billion due to a consortium of 13 local banks, citing economic downturn and currency devaluation.

This led to the exit of the Etisalat Group of the United Arab Emirates from the company, which handed over its 45 percent stake, terminated its existing management and technical support agreements with the telecom company.

Teleology is also in dilemma over the $50 million initial deposit paid for the acquisition of 9mobile which may be non-refundable.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/09/banks-jittery-teleologys-pullout-9mobile/

Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, has said that the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will emerge as the next Progressive Governor of the state. Ambode stated this on Tuesday, as he led all state party executives, government officials, leaders and other candidates to the official campaign flag-off, which held at the Skypower Grounds in Ikeja, Lagos.

He said the 20 years of constant economic growth that the state has witnessed was a result of progressive leadership, which was pioneered by the APC National Leader and former Lagos Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

Said Ambode: “The APC campaign in Lagos State is united and we are all going to do it together. We are happy that everything is going on successfully. The last 20 years has witnessed progressive growth in Lagos State. The first question we should ask is why? The answer is very simple. I have had predecessors that have delivered on their promises. From Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to Babatunde Fashola (SAN) to myself. The 20 years of progressive growth has been under one party, the APC. There has also been uninterrupted continuity of governance. That's why there have been growth and development.

“What I seek of you all is that you stick to us. The APC is the party to trust. In the House of Assembly, we have 40 candidates. The House of Representatives we have 24. The Senatorial, we have 3. And we have only one governorship candidate and by the grace of God, he will be the next governor of Lagos State.”

Ambode extolled the properties of guber candidate, saying he is the best in the race.

“Jide Sanwo-Olu’s qualities as a former banker, former member of cabinet with strong public sector management skills, cannot be compared with any of the other candidates. He is more competent and reliable and I have no doubt in my mind we will have him as the next governor of Lagos State,” the incumbent governor said.

•Photo shows Governor Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd left); All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Candidate in Lagos, Mr, Babajide Sanwo-Olu (2nd right); his running mate, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat (right) and Chairman, APC Lagos, Alhaji Tunde Balogun (left) during the Flag-Off Campaign of the Lagos APC at the Skypower Ground, G.R.A, Ikeja, on Tuesday.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/09/sanwo-olu-next-governor-lagos-ambode/

Brexit hasn't happened yet but it's already shrinking the United Kingdom's financial services industry.

Banks and other financial companies have shifted at least £800 billion ($1 trillion) worth of assets out of the country and into the European Union because of Brexit, EY said in a report published Monday.

Many banks have set up new offices elsewhere in the European Union to safeguard their regional operations after Brexit, which means they also have to move substantial assets there to satisfy EU regulators. Other firms are moving assets to protect clients against market volatility and sudden changes in regulation.

The consultancy said the figure represented roughly 10% of the total assets of the UK banking sector, and was a "conservative estimate" because some banks have not yet revealed their contingency plans.

"Our numbers only reflect the moves that have been announced publicly," said Omar Ali, head of financial services at EY. "We know that behind the scenes firms are continuing to plan for a 'no deal' scenario."

EY has tracked 222 of the biggest UK financial services companies since the Brexit referendum in June 2016.

Britain is scheduled to leave the European Union in just 81 days, but Prime Minister Theresa May still needs to win support in the UK parliament for the divorce deal she struck with the rest of the European Union.

Parliament is due to vote on the deal next week. If May ultimately fails to push the agreement through, the chances of the country crashing out of the European Union without a deal will soar.

The Bank of England said the fallout from that scenario would be worse than the 2008 financial crisis.

For financial institutions, a no-deal Brexit would be a nightmare. The country's agreements with EU regulators would cease to exist and banks would find themselves in a legal vacuum, meaning they would be unable to continue doing some of their business across the bloc.

While the European Union has said it will implement some steps to avoid a complete meltdown, it said its contingency plan is only a short-term solution aimed at protecting its own interests.

"Financial services firms have no choice but to continue preparing on the basis of a 'no deal' scenario," Ali said.

EY said that the companies it tracks have already created around 2,000 new jobs elsewhere in the European Union in response to Brexit.

Deutsche Bank (DB), Goldman Sachs (GS) and Citi (C) have already moved parts of their business out of the United Kingdom. Dublin, Luxembourg, Frankfurt and Paris were the most popular destinations.

EY said financial companies were likely to move more assets and create more jobs in other European cities over the coming weeks. "The closer we get to March 29 without a deal, the more assets will be transferred and headcount hired locally or relocated," Ali added.

London has been Europe's undisputed financial capital for decades, and is home to the international headquarters of dozens of global banks.

The financial services industry employs 2.2 million people across the country, and contributes 12.5% of GDP. It generates £72 billion ($100 billion) in tax revenue each year, according to the City of London Corporation.

The UK economy has already suffered from Brexit. Inflation spiked and consumer confidence dropped, hurting the country's retail sector. Business investment has fallen dramatically, as companies put plans on hold because of the uncertainty. Major manufacturers, including Airbus, have warned they may have to quit the United Kingdom if there's a no-deal Brexit.

German engineering group Schaeffler is closing two plants in the United Kingdom because of the uncertainty.
The latest evidence of the pain came on Monday, when the UK Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said new car registrations in the country fell 6.8% in 2018. It was the second consecutive year of declines. (CNN)

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/08/just-in-1-trillion-leaving-uk-because-of-brexit/

"I'm very proud, happy [to have received offers]," Robben told reporters. "It was quite busy the last few weeks, especially for my dad who is my agent but it's nice to hear you know that clubs are interested.

"For me, the future is still open, I'm still waiting, I want to wait as well. I need to focus on getting fit and getting back into football again and I don't know when but of course I have to make a decision.

"I won't wait until the end of this season because I also have a family so I have to plan ahead a little bit. I'm privileged and really grateful that teams are showing interest."

One step closer to making a comeback for @CorentinTolisso

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/08/robben-keeping-options-open-amid-inter-links/

Civic Monitor, a civil society organisation has unveiled a platform to assist voters compare presidential candidates during the 2019 general election.

A statement issued on Monday by Stanley Azuakola, its Founder and Executive Director, said the platform called ‘Know-Your-Candidates’ (KYC) can be accessed at www.kyc.civicmonitor.com.

Azuakola said the introduction of the KYC would drive a new wave of engagement in the democratic process of the country.

“With just over a month to the elections, KYC presents the profile, promises and issue positions of the presidential candidates in a simple format and enable voters to compare the candidates on the most important issues.

“The election in February is perhaps the most important one for the country since 1999. Nigerian voters cannot afford to go to the polls blindfolded.

“With KYC, we are putting the spotlight on the issues, not insults or conspiracies.

”It is about voters comparing the candidates on different issues and deciding who has the best plan for them, their families and the nation,” Azuakola said.

He said that a survey conducted by Civic Monitor in November 2018 showed that Nigerians were most concerned about 15 issues.

He listed the issues to include: security, power, education, healthcare, corruption, job creation, debt profile and the economy.

Other issues are herders-farmers clashes, restructuring, federal character, state police, NNPC reforms and inclusion of women and youths in government.

“What KYC has done is to collate the positions and promises of 24 presidential candidates on each of these issues in their own words without spin.

“The data we have compiled with KYC is the most extensive and representative you will find of the candidates anywhere,” he said.

Azuakola also said that KYC would serve as a powerful resource for journalists, researchers, fact-checkers and activists, as it aids their efforts to hold political leaders accountable.(NAN)

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/07/group-unveils-platform-comparing-presidential-candidates/

Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi on Sunday effected a minor cabinet reshuffle which saw some commissioners swapping positions.

In statement signed by Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Emmanuel Uzor, the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey has been split into two, with respective commissioners.

“Mr Sunday Inyima, former Commissioner for Border, Peace and Conflict Resolution, presently heads the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

“Prof. John Ekeh, who headed the erstwhile ministry before it was split, presently heads Ministry of lands and survey,” he said.

Uzor revealed that the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Internal Security (SSA-IS) and the Ministry of Border, peace and conflict resolution had been merged.

“It would be known as the Ministry of Internal Security and Border Peace and Dr Kenneth Ugbala, the former SSA-IS, has been nominated as the new commissioner.

“He will be in charge of the ministry, pending his screening and possible confirmation by the State House of Assembly.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dr Kelechi Igwe, the state Deputy Governor, will supervise the exercise while all handover processes should be completed, on or before Monday. (NAN)

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/07/umahi-shakes-cabinet/

A non-governmental organisation, Child Protection Network (CPN), has petitioned the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abiodun Odude over what it described as a poor way men of the state police command handled a sexual abuse case of a 7-year-old girl by a 65-year old man in Ibadan.

CPN said that it was embarrassed by the way the DPO of Ogbere Police Division, CSP Janet Talatu handled the matter by releasing the suspect, identified as Mr. Adetunji.

The NGO in a statement signed by CPN Coordinator in the state, Dr. Ebunlomo Walker, Chairperson of FIDA, Barrister Folake Ajayi, Comrade Kehinde Akinyemi of Child Growth Concern Initiative, Barrister A. A. Ibitara of JDPC, Barrister Yakub Fadare from Nigeria Bar Association, Alhaja Airat Ogungbenro from FOMWAN, Alhaji I. G Yusuf from Child Development and Concern Foundation, Mrs. Ibukunoluwa Otesile from Hope for Second Chance Foundation and Mrs. Chinyere Adeyemo from Chiyemo Global Impact Initiative argued that a case of rape or sexual assault against a ‘minor’ is a serious crime under the law, hence there is a need for the police to punish the perpetrator according to the law of the land.

CPN in the petition addressed to Odude titled, “Strong petition against gross professional misconduct and injustice on a child sexual abuse (CSA) offence case of a 7-year-old girl by a 65-year-old man ‘Mr. Adetunji’ in Ibadan”, a copy which was made available to DAILY POST Friday evening, accused the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Mr. Adekunle Ajisebutu for what they considered as “unprofessional and least expected from a senior police officer of PPRO’s calibre” who the society looks forward to as our hope for redress of societal ills and protection of the rights of children”.

The group in the petition copies which were also sent to the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Attorney General in Oyo State, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community Development and Social Welfare, UNICEF, Zone B, Lagos, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists Oyo State Council, requested further that cases of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) reported at any police station should be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Iyaganku, Ibadan for thorough investigations and subsequent prosecution of the offenders and suspects by the Police in accordance with the Penal Code and in order to ensure justice for the victims.

The petition reads, “Our attention was recently drawn to a case of a 7-year-old girl sexually abused by a 65-year-old man (One Mr. Adetunji) on or about the 7th day of December 2018 at Ifelodun Community, Elebolo Street, Lagbele Area, Ogbere, Orita Merin ti oya, Ibadan. The crime was reported at Ogbere Police Division by the mother of the victim, one Mrs. Tayo Ladipo. According to the Victim’s Mother, She confirmed that the result of Medical examination conducted in two different hospitals indicated that the 65 years old man Mr. Adetunji, actually committed the offence of sexual assault on the said 7-year-old innocent girl “Victoria”.

“We were most embarrassed by the way the DPO at Ogbere Police Division handled the matter by releasing the perpetrator on the flimsy excuse that the man did not penetrate hence the DPO arranged a settlement which resulted into the perpetrator paying the mother of the victim ₦12,000 to finally settle the case, thus the mother told the Police that she did not want to prosecute the matter anymore.
We wish to point out the fact that a case of Rape or Sexual Assault against a ‘Minor’ is a Serious Crime under the law. See “Sections 33 and 34 of the Child Rights Laws of Oyo State,2000” and as such CSA Case is a State Case and not one that the Victim’s Mother can decide to withdraw. Such withdrawal will only encourage more offenders to continue their advancement in crime.

“It might interest you, sir, that when our organization reported the matter to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Adekunle Ajisebutu, who we believe will do justice to the case and protect the interest and rights of the child. But to our dismay, the PPRO, Mr. Adekunle Ajisebutu, turned around to accuse the Child Rights Activist of “Crying more than the bereaved” – A statement we in CPN considered unprofessional and least expected from a Senior Police Officer of PPRO’s calibre who the society looks forward to as our hope for redress of societal ills and protection of the rights of children.

“We are equally of the firm opinion that an offence of rape or attempted Rape is a Crime against the State and as such, any attempt to sweep same under the carpet is deemed as another offence of Compounding Felony or Pervasion of Justice. It is therefore based on the foregoing that we appeal to you, Sir to use your good offices in ensuring that the perpetrator of the crime, One Mr. Adetunji is arrested and arraigned before the appropriate court forthwith in the interest of justice.

“We request further that cases of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) reported at any Police Station should be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Iyaganku, Ibadan for thorough investigations and subsequent prosecution of the offenders/ suspects by the Police in accordance with the Penal Code and in order to ensure justice for the victims. Kindly treat as urgent”.

However, all efforts made by DAILY POST to get the reaction of the PPRO, Adekunle Ajisebutu proved to abortive as calls put through his telephone line were not attended to.

But, the DPO of Ogbere Police Division, CSP Janet Talatu while reacting, declared that the man did not rape the girl.

Talatu in a telephone conversation with DAILY POST on Saturday said that that the NGO, after it reported the case to the PPRO whom she said interviewed the parties and found that the man did not rape the girl, still went ahead to write the petition to the Commissioner of Police.

She said, “Good afternoon my brother, I am CSP Janet Talatu. What they are telling you is a lie. There was no case of rape. No case of rape. Any case of rape, I normally transfer to state CID. Because I am a mother and I have a daughter too, even when the parties said they are ready to settle out of court, I will transfer the case to the state CID.

“This case was reported, I think they are living in the same house, this ‘face me I face you house’. The mother of the girl was not around, she came back from school, but because of the relationship they have among themselves, one woman living in the house said, you can stay in our room. That girl slept on the bed. I think the man according to the girl removed her cloth but did not do anything. The man did not penetrate, nothing, nothing.

“So, it was after, I think ten days that the girl now told the mother that the man removed her cloth and during the process, someone came in, that was why the man could not do anything with the girl. Despite that, the man was arrested and I detained the man for three days. We took the girl to three hospitals, doctors confirmed that he has not defied the girl. No case of rape, no penetration and the girl is still a virgin. And the mother now said that the landlord association chairman pleaded with her to withdraw the case. Despite that, I said when we transfer the case to state CID you can now withdraw.

“Based on that, the woman on her own, went to court, brought a sworn affidavit that she was not interested in the case. Based on that, the man was released on bail. There was nothing. They went to the PRO at the Eleyele headquarters, the woman said that she was not the one that invited the NGO. I don’t compromise. Me I am surprised, I don’t know what they are looking for. I was supervised that they went on air. I am surprised that they went to meet the PRO, after they interviewed the parties, they still went to write petition again”.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/06/ngo-petitions-oyo-cp-fingers-ppro-dpo-alleged-poor-handling-rape-case/

Arsenal manager, Unai Emery, has moved to bolster his midfield, with a move for Barcelona’s Denis Suarez.

Sky Italia reports that the negotiations are at an advanced stage and a deal is close.

Roma and AC Milan are also interested in Suarez, but Emery knows the player from his time at Sevilla and is keen to work with him again.

The 24-year-old has found himself out of favour at the Nou Camp, making just six appearances for Barça this season, and the club are ready to offload the midfielder for a reported £14m.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are hoping to sign the Spaniard as a long-term replacement for the departing Aaron Ramsey, whose contract is up at the end of the season.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/05/epl-arsenal-close-signing-suarez-barcelona/

Femi Fani-Kayode, a former Minister of Aviation, on Friday declared that President Muhammadu Buhari will be disgraced like the Biblical Nebudchadnezzar.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, chieftain said Buhari will be brought to his knees and disgraced out of office in 2019.

Fani-Kayode, a fierce critic of the Buhari-led Federal Government, said this via his Twitter handle.

According to him: “Bible says touch not my annointed and do my prophets no harm.

“Scripture cannot be broken.God’s word shall stand.The vision is for an appointed time: though it tarry it shall not prove false.

“Like Nebudchadnezzar Buhari will be brought to his knees and disgraced out of office.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/05/2019-youll-disgraced-office-like-nebudchadnezzar-fani-kayode-attacks-buhari/

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has received a total of 242,455 applications from interested candidates, with seven days left before they recruit 10,000 police constables.

This was confirmed by PSC’s acting spokesman, Aaron Kaase, in a statement released in Abuja on Thursday.

Niger State has the highest number of applicants with 15,633, followed by Kano with 15,079 while Katsina is third with 14,582.

Others are Kaduna with 13,882, Bauchi with 12,652 and Adamawa with 11,449 applicants.

Bayelsa State has the lowest number of applicants at 1,258, followed by Lagos State with 1,358; Anambra had 1,618 while Ebonyi had 1,659.

A summary of the applications indicated that 212,716 applicants are males while the remaining 29,694 are females.

Benue State has the highest number of female applicants at 2,251 followed by Akwa Ibom State with 1,772 and Osun with 1,721 applicants.

Zamfara State has the lowest number of female applicants with 27 followed by Jigawa 33, while Sokoto has 34.

The Chairman of the Commission, Alhaji Musiliu Smith, reiterated that adequate measures had been put in place to ensure that the recruitment would be merit-based.

Smith warned applicants that the exercise was absolutely free, adding that “any applicant who pays for assistance will be prosecuted alongside the receiver, if caught.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/04/police-recruitment-242455-applicants-battle-10000-spots-see-breakdown/

Three widows and two other families, who were victims of the recent fire outbreak that gutted their apartments at Ugboezeji, Abakpa Nike, Enugu, yesterday paid a thank-you visit to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for the timely assistance he offered them to overcome their challenges and start a new life.

It would be recalled that Gov. Ugwuanyi, upon receiving the unfortunate news of the inferno, dispatched a government delegation led by Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi, to the victims to sympathize and offer them assistance.

Consequently, the governor gave the five tenants the sum of N500, 000 each and N1 million to the landlord to assist her rebuild the property.

Briefing newsmen at the Government House, Enugu, amid excitement, after an audience with the governor, the widows and other victims expressed profound gratitude to him for his kindheartedness, care, compassion, humility and magniminty to the lowly and less privileged.

The victims who sang praise songs for Gov. Ugwuanyi asked God to continue to bless, guide and grant him his heart’s desire, stressing that they were highly honoured to be assisted and also invited to the Government House to interact and be consoled by the governor.

Speaking, the daughter of the late landlord of the burnt property, Priscilla Aniekwe, confirmed that “the Governor of Enugu State came to our rescue and he assisted the landlord with the sum of N1 million and each of the tenants – the three widows and two others – he gave them foods, mattresses, and other relief materials and also gave each of them N500,000”.

According to her, “we are here to appreciate him, to tell him that he has done good things for us. We are so happy for all he has done for us. We are excited; we can’t thank him enough; may the good Lord lift him higher, and promote him wherever he puts his head. Let the good Lord guide and protect him in Jesus Name. Amen”.

One of the widows, Mrs. Nneka Onyekwelu, said: “We are very happy for what our God-fearing governor, Gburugburu has done for us. Let the Almighty God bless him in the Name of Jesus. We had lost all hope when everything we had got burnt into ashes, until he came to our rescue and gave us hope again. May Almighty God help him and give him abundant life. Amen”.

Narrating her ordeal, another widow, Mrs. Patience Eze, stated: “On that 25thDecember 2018, I went to church and came back, went to the market to buy some things before I could come back fire has razed down my room. I did not bring out anything.

“But when we were crying, asking for where will help come from, surprisingly Governor of Enugu State, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, came to our rescue and gave us all kinds of assistance. He gave us foods, he gave us money.

“Our prayer is that God will reward him and all those working with him that came to console us and wipe away our tears. He has redeemed all he promised to do for us. All of us are very happy. And we are saying, our governor, it shall be well with you. May God continue to guide and protect you and grant you victory in your re-election this New Year. Goodness and mercy shall not depart from you in Jesus Name. Amen.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/03/enugu-fire-victims-pay-thank-visit-gov-ugwuanyi/

The West African Examination Council, WASSCE, has extended it’s registration for private candidates.

WASSCE extended it’s registration for private candidates to January 11, 2019.

The body made the disclosure in a post on its Twitter handle on Thursday.

“ICYMI: The closing date for registration for the WASSCE for Private Candidates, 2019-First Series has been extended to January 11, 2019,” WASSCE tweeted.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/03/waec-extends-registration-date/

The Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuma, has declared that the re-election of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State “is going to be a walkover by God’s grace” because of the governor’s outstanding performance and uncommon leadership style.

The Archbishop, who spoke during the prayer session at the Government House, Enugu to herald the commencement of work after the New Year celebration, described Gov. Ugwuanyi as a peaceful leader who is good to everybody irrespective of class, religion or political difference.

The cleric stated that “there is no alternative to Gburugburu (Ugwuanyi) in 2019”, stressing that “he has done well and therefore, No Vacancy in the Lion Building”.

He commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for sustaining the New Year prayer session since he assumed office, thanking God that “the governor is the man you brought to place Enugu State in your hands”.

The Archbishop while praying for his victory in the forthcoming general election said that “Gov. Ugwuanyi is the Joshua of Enugu State who will lead us to the Promised Land”.

According to him, “Your Excellency, you are doing your best and God is going to make you to stay there to do more for the people of this state. The governor has been good to everybody even the enemies. All your enemies will fail in the Name of Jesus, because God has called you for a purpose in Nigeria and Enugu State.

“I have told them that our governor has no alternative in 2019. I have said it before that for Gburugburu, there is no vacancy in the Lion Building, and that is where I stand. Whoever is doing well, we assist him to continue doing well.

“In Enugu State, we have experienced peace and the era where people have political enmity and others, have all gone. Everybody is happy, the traders are happy, there is sympathy, there is concern, there is respect for everybody. That is why we are asking him to continue in office”.

On the recent fire outbreak in the state, the cleric who prayed against such incident, applauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for his swift intervention in putting out the inferno without any loss of life and the assistance he gave to the victims to ameliorate their pains. He also lauded him for equipping the State Fire Service.

Archbishop Chukwuma advised the people, public office holders, civil servants, the judiciary and legislature, among others, to “circumcise our hearts” to ensure that the state gets to the Promised Land, praying further that the coming elections will be free, fair and credible and devoid of violence and intimidation.

In his address, Gov. Ugwuanyi who appreciated the Archbishop and other clergymen at the event for their presence and active participation, equally thanked “Enugu State stakeholders, civil servants, the organized labour, the clergy, market men and women and indeed the entire people of the state – the true heroes of democracy – for the prayers, support, solidarity and cooperation that they have continued to accord my administration”

Gov. Ugwuanyi noted that his administration has “made visible progress in our quest to transform Enugu State and significantly improve the lives of our people”, stressing that “Enugu State has remained peaceful and has retained its rating as one of the safest and fastest growing states in the country”.

While wishing the people of Enugu State “a very blissful 2019”, the governor added that “the New Year offers us another chance to sustain the tempo of peace and good governance in the state and to rededicate ourselves to the task of building a much better and more viable society for the benefit of all and sundry”.

Gov. Ugwuanyi pledged to ensure the full implementation of the 2019 budget when passed by the State House of Assembly to address the yearnings and aspirations of the people.

He therefore, appealed to all political parties and the people of the state to ensure a peaceful campaigns and elections by eschewing all acts of violence or conduct that may lead to breakdown of law and order in any part of the state, expressing confidence that “the elections and all that we do this year in Enugu State, shall surely end in praise by the Grace of God”. #amokelouis

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/02/gov-ugwuanyis-re-election-walkover-archbishop-chukwuma/

The United States Embassy in Nigeria has announced that its offices in Abuja and Lagos remain open for all consular business.

This was confirmed in a statement on its website and social media pages on New Year’s Day.

Applicants were subsequently advised to attend their regularly scheduled interview.

“U.S. Embassy Abuja and Consulate General Lagos remain open for for all consular business, including visa interviews.

“Please attend your regularly scheduled interview,” the terse statement read.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/02/us-embassy-gives-update-closure-abuja-lagos-offices-visa-interviews/

The founder and General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Dr. Daniel Olukoya, has released 31 prophecies for the year 2019.

Olukoya, who tagged 2019 as “Year of supernatural ease and double honour”, urged Christians to be spiritual and have violent faith.

The cleric also called on Christians to pray for Nigeria daily.

Here are the prophecies below:

1. Year characterised by 1 word (strangeness) it is a strange year that would require strange prayers.

2. Year of the cunning serpent.

3.Year of reaping benefits of having aggressive faith and walking by faith.

4. Year that living a sacrificial lifestyle will yield neckbreaking breakthroughs.

5. Year of disgrace for Goliath like enemies, personally, nationally and globally.

6. Year when working with God, believing God’s word, saying what God is saying and doing what he says would yield dividend.

7. Year of positive strategic journeys.

8. A year when God will raise up young rugged prophets and evangelists.

9. Year of rise of men who would do exploits.

10. Many women that have been written off will obtain mysterious power to conceive.

11. A fundamental key for accessing glory and breakthrough in this year is sacrificial giving.

12. Sanitising angels will be giving death blows on forms of sexual perversions.

13. Year of challenges but laced with wonderful and fantastic opportunities.

14. Spiritual development won’t be a luxury but a necessity.

15. Ability to year God clearly would yield dividend.

16. Year to pray one particular prayer point everyday (Holy Spirit come upon me, powerof the most high overshadow me)

17. Year when believers should let the world know they are children of God.

18. Year that all the walls of Jericho will collapse.

19. Year of revival for servant leaders.

20. Pray for believers living in anti Christian nations.

21. Year that Bareers to people promised land would be removed.

22. Year that those who love God should catch the fire of evangelism.

23. Wind of adversity blowing against people would shift in your favour.

24. Time of the God of the suddenly.

25. Double for the trouble you are having

26. Year of double reward, blessing and punishment.

27. Year shocking secrets shall be released

28. The dissobiedient would be in trouble

29. Those who are into evil means of making money would meet disaster.

30. Strong prayers are needed to avoid .

31. Pray against rage of the waters.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/01/mfm-founder-olukoya-releases-prophesies-2019/

The Ogun Signage and Advertisements Agency, OGSAA, has advised all political parties and their candidates in the state to obtain necessary permits and approvals before deploying billboards and other political signs.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Akin Bandele, OGSAA General Manager, said such permits would enable the agency to duly enlist the cooperation of law enforcement agents in securing these valuable media assets.
The agency gave the advice following allegations that OGSAA had been hostile to some political parties by removing their campaign billboards.

NAN recalls that African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Ogun, Gboyega Isiaka, had on Friday accused OGSAA officials of removing his campaign signages.
The OGSAA boss, however, said in a statement that the ADC signages were removed because they were “being deployed illegally across the state” without obtaining necessary permits from the regulatory agency.
“We are constrained to formally respond to this grievous allegation and set the records straight to protect the reputation of OGSAA as an organisation guided by professionalism and best practices in its operations.

“On Dec. 1, 2018, OGSAA Monitoring and Enforcement team on routine duty came across illegal “A” Boards mounted and placed across Abeokuta by ADC’s Gboyega Isiaka Campaign Organization.
“Expectedly, OGSAA enforcement team swiftly moved into action and removed the “A” Boards.

“During the course of this lawful activity, ADC members attacked OGSAA officials. The leader of OGSAA Enforcement team was seriously rough handled, beaten and he sustained serious injuries.
“All these happened in the presence of Mr Gboyega Nasir Isiaka. The incident was duly reported at the Zone 2 Mobile Police Command, who cautioned and advised ADC members to follow due process and subsequently removed the offending illegal “A” Boards,” Mr Bandele said.

The OGSAA boss said the ADC governorship candidate had not till date applied nor paid for a single “A” frame board currently being deployed illegally across the state.

He assured that OGSAA would continue to enforce the law concerning unapproved billboards and campaign signs, adding that the Agency would continue to carry out its mandate without fear or favour.
NAN reports that OGSAA is established by law as an independent regulatory agency with the sole mandate of enforcement, regulation and control of outdoor advertisements, billboards, signages and displays – be it political or commercial – in Ogun.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/31/2019-removed-billboards-opposition-party-candidates-ogun-govt/

A member of the House of Representatives representing Ibeju Lekki Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Mr Abayomi Ayeola, is dead.

Ayeola reportedly died at St. Nicholas Hospital in Lagos on Sunday after a brief illness.

The two-term lawmaker had clinched the ticket of the All Progressives Congress to contest for a third term in the 2019 general elections before his demise on Sunday.

Until his death, he was the leader of the Lagos State caucus in the House.

Details later.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/31/breaking-lagos-reps-member-abayomi-ayeola-dead/