₦airaland Forum

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has raised fresh alarm over the health status of President Muhammadu Buhari.

CUPP said allegations made by his wife that the presidency had been hijacked by some people, Buhari’s refusal to take questions from Nigerian journalists and only having to read from prepared speeches were confirmation that he wasn’t fit to continue in office.

Imo Ugochinyere, CUPP spokesman, in a statement on Sunday, said a country of about 200 million people cannot be living under the situation of being in doubt of the mental stability of the man who holds their mandate to lead and seeking another tenure.

He said: “The international community is also expressing a similar doubt, hence the reactions in the economy and the withdrawal of their businesses from the country.

“It is on these premises that we demand for an independent team of experts in mental health issues to examine President Muhammadu Buhari and indeed all other presidential candidates to ascertain their mental stability before polling day.

“We have also secured the assurances of the opposition coalition consensus Candidate/PDP flagbearer, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, to subject himself to any such medical exercise for the general interest of Nigeria.

“CUPP also calls on President Buhari to face the Nigerian media and stop holding them in disdain as they are professionals and are renowned world over for their expertise.

“How could a President not speak to any Nigerian media house or journalist for over three years? How could a President hold his entire country’s media and citizens in such disdain that he speaks to them only through a crowd of spokespersons many of who have questionable characters and mostly dish out fake news to citizens.

“Is it not to hide the mental status of the President that the yet to beidentified two or three people who have hijacked the Presidency according to the wife of the President that the President has been directed not tospeak outside his written speeches?

“Was this directive not also part of the confessions of the wife of the President when she said named persons who were with her who were not going to be happy if she went outside the already prepared speech?

“Nigerians want to know the identities of the persons that write these speeches, their ideologies and their stake in the Nigerian project because many a time the President reads speeches that are not in tune with reality as he did during the presentation of budget 2019
and was rightly booed by lawmakers.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/30/political-parties-raise-fresh-alarm-buharis-health-status/

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has written to the United Nations (UN), urging the body to prevail on President Muhammadu Buhari to reach an agreement with leadership of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to end the ongoing strike.

In an urgent appeal dated 28 December 2018 and signed by SERAP senior legal adviser, Bamisope Adeyanju, the organisation said: “By failing to prevent and end the ongoing strike action by ASUU, the Nigerian government has defied and breached the explicit requirements of the right to equal access to higher education by Nigerian children and young people, under article 13(2)(c) of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.”

The appeal sent to Ms. Koumbou Boly Barry, Special Rapporteur on the right to education and Professor Philip Alston, Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights argues that: “The failure by the Nigerian government to reach an agreement with ASUU has also implicitly made access to higher education a privilege of the rich and well-to-do rather than a right of every Nigerian child and young person, as students in private schools continue to attend classes while those in public universities stay at home.

According to SERAP, “The failure to end the ongoing strike action by ASUU is also a fundamental breach of the right to higher education without discrimination or exclusion, as strike actions continue to penalise economically disadvantaged parents who have no means or lack the capacity to pay to send their children to private schools.

“The obligations of the Nigerian government to create the conditions necessary for the enjoyment of the right to education include to take preventive measures to address the root causes of strike action by ASUU and to take steps to end any strike action in a timely manner when it occurs.

“It is the responsibility of the government to preserve and strengthen education as a public good and a matter of public interest. Without the urgent intervention of the Special Rapporteurs, the ongoing strike action by ASUU would continue and this would continue to impede access to university education for the poor and marginalized.

“SERAP is concerned that Nigerian students in public universities have suffered many years of academic disruption as a result of the failure of successive Nigerian governments to address the root causes of strike action by ASUU and to timely reach agreement to end strike action and its devastating consequences on the right to equal and quality higher education.

“Persistent strike actions in the education sector have continued to cause disruption of classes and undermine both the quality and duration of students’ education.

“We note that the right to strike is one of the fundamental means available to workers to promote their interests. However, we are seriously concerned that the failure by both the Nigerian government and ASUU to make substantial progress in negotiations and reach amicable settlement to end the unduly prolonged strike action has undermined the right of Nigerian children and young people to higher education.

“The ongoing strike action by ASUU in Nigeria if not urgently addressed would continue to have grave consequences for the youth of our country as well as the country’s development and progress as a whole.

“Universal access is an essential prerequisite for the exercise of the right to education. But the failure by the Nigerian government to end the strike action by ASUU has contributed to denying students from disadvantaged backgrounds equal access to university education, as these students are unable or lack the capacity to pay to access private schools.

“This situation has aggravated existing disparities in access to university education in the country, further marginalizing economically disadvantaged parents and students.

“SERAP believes that providing Nigerian children and young people equal access to higher education should be the core public service functions of the Nigerian government. Providing public schools ranks at the very apex of the function of a State.

“SERAP believes that equal access of Nigerian children and young people to quality and uninterrupted education including at the university level would contribute to producing citizens who are fundamentally equal and people who actively participate in society. It would enable people to enjoy the rights as well as fulfil obligations that are associated with citizenship.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/30/ASUU-strike-buhari-govt-dragged-un/

Suspected armed bandits on Friday attacked the home of an All Progressive Congress (APC), House of Assembly candidate for Ekiti West Senatorial District, described the way his life and that of his family were traumatised as unfortunate incident that would linger in his heart.

Recounting the incident saturday, Akingbolu revealed that the attack occurred around 8.30pm few minutes after he drove into his compound at Olorunda area of Adebayo quarters in the state capital.

He explained that he suspected that the gunmen “must have trailed him from town where he had gone to attend to some issues to his residence with the sinister intention to either rob or attack him.”

Akingbolu said immediately he drove into his house, two gun wielding men followed him and made it straight to the living room, where they met his wife, children and some family members.

He added that as they were rough handling his family members, one of the bandits was repeatedly asking after him, which according to him, suggested that they had a target.

He said, “I have just closed for the day. Immediately I entered, I went to the toilet. I had hardly settled on the closet when I started hearing unusual command in my sitting room. Of course, I did not need anybody to tell me what was happening.

“I decided to stay back in the toilet. But my elder brother, Muri Akingbolu, who was in the adjoining room with another elder brother who was sick, came out to find out what was happening.

“As narrated by my wife and cousins, one of the two armed men used mask. But the other did not use mask. One of them pointed gun at my brother. Before he could say anything, he was beaten blue and black while other members of the family were asked to lie down.

“In a jiffy, they collected all phones in the house, including the one I was charging. They collected N40, 000 from my brother. The money belonged to one of his customers. At this point, they pointed the gun at my wife and threatened to waste my children if she failed to cooperate.

“She led one of them to the room but they later asked my brother to follow her. They collected additional N47,000 and one jean trouser, which I have just bought. The tragic part of the story was the fact that my 8 –year old daughter was the first person they pointed gun.

“Up till now, the poor girl is still in shock. Two things shocked me about the unusual visitors. Though the unmasked man was said to have appeared unkind, they were compassionate enough to drop my sick brother’s phone. As if that was not enough, as they were about going out, they beckoned on my brother and handed over my wife’s phone,” he added.

While the incident had been reported at the police station at Okeila, which has jurisdiction over the area, the state has been a flashpoint of armed robbery and gun attacks in the recent time.

Akingbolu’s attack came just two months after a member of the Ekit State House of Assembly, Hon. Michael Adedeji, was shot and killed by suspected robbers at the Onigaari, GRA, Ado Ekiti after returning to the state capital from Akure, Ondo State.

Adedeji, who represented Ekiti Southwest constituency II, was shot in the head on October 39, 2018 and died at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti on November 7.

Also in November, a member of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Adebayo Adeola was killed by suspected kidnapper after being abducted along Erio-Efon road. His decomposed body was found along the axis after ransom had been

collected by the evil doers.

Last Wednesday, a man identified to be operative of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), was killed by gunmen around 6.15 a.m in front of Tosin Aluko Motorpark, Ajilosun, Ado Ekiti.

Also, a boy identified as Timilehin Kehinde, an SS3 student of Ado Grammar School stabbed his colleague, Favour Mathew within the school campus after a disagreement between the duo.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/30/armed-robbers-attack-ekiti-apc-assembly-candidate/

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Saturday reacted to the death of former President of Nigeria, Shehu Shagari, who passed on at the age of 93 in Abuja.

PDP said Shagari was an outstanding leader, who made immeasurable sacrifices for the development, unity and stability of Nigeria.

In a statement by its spokesperson, Kola Ologbondiyan, the former ruling party expressed “very deep sadness over the passing of the foremost nationalist”, while describing it as a national tragedy.

The former ruling party urged the Federal Government to immortalize Shagari by naming national institutions after him.

The party stated that the late former president was a “man of peace, an exceptionally honest Nigerian, outstanding leader, quintessential administrator and a symbol of national unity, who made immeasurable sacrifices for the development, unity and stability of our nation.”

The statement reads: “Alhaji Shehu Shagari’s excellent performance as political party administrator, member of the House of Representatives, Parliamentary Secretary to Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, variously as minister of Commerce and Industries; Economic Development, Pensions, Works and then Finance; in addition to his service as a governor of the World Bank and member of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) committee of 20, all stood him out for the Presidency in 1979.

“Despite the challenges that faced the Second Republic, President Shagari remained dedicated in putting our nation on the path of national unity, economic growth and political stability, which was however, scuttled by
the military coup staged by then Maj.Gen Muhammadu Buhari.

“That coup was a great disservice to our dear nation, as it reversed all the gains of the Shagari’s democratic rule and plunged us into serious national challenges, from which our nation has been struggling to recover.

“We are, therefore, deeply sorrowful that President Shehu Shagari took his bow at the time our nation needs his wealth of experience the most, particularly in the quest to restore good governance, national cohesion
and economic prosperity that have eluded us in almost four years.

“In all, President Shehu Shagari remains a political colossus and we urged the National Assembly to further immortalize him, by mandating the Federal Government to name a foremost national institution after this
great patriot.”

The PDP commiserated with the Shagari family, the government and people of “Sokoto state, the Council of State and the entire nation for this irreparable loss and prays the Almighty Allah to grant him eternal rest.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/29/shehu-shagari-pdp-mourns-ex-president-tasks-fg-immortalise/

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has commiserated with President Muhammadu Buhari, the people of Sokoto state over the death of former Nigerian president, Alhaji Shehu Shagari.

DAILY POST reported that Shagari died at the National Hospital Abuja on Friday after a brief illness.

Kukah, in a statement on Friday, described the passing away of Shagari as one that marks a major milestone in the life of Nigeria as a country.

The statement read in part: “The late former president was a committed patriot, dedicated to the building of a peaceful and democratic Nigeria.

“In his pursuit for dialogue, he was the first Nigerian leader to invite the Pope to visit our country in 1982, thus, laying the moral foundation for his Ethnical Revolution.”

He prayed God to grant the deceased eternal peace even as he condoled with the family of the late elder statesman.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/29/bishop-kukah-reacts-death-shehu-shagari/

Some political parties in Oyo State have challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to as a matter of urgency, name the political parties and politicians who have approached the commission for buying of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs), in order to rig the 2019 general elections in the state.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), in the state, Barrister Mutiu Agboke, DAILY POST recalls, had on Thursday told journalists that certain politicians in the state had approached the commission in order to buy PVCs.

But a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the party’s candidate for Ibadan North West/Ibadan South West Federal Constituency, in the 2019 general elections, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun said that his party, ADC was not interested in buying of PVCs as claimed by the REC.

Olatubosun, in a telephone conversation with DAILY POST on Thursday, added that he had raised the alarm in the past but was happy that the commission is now confirming it.

He said, “As far as ADC is concerned, we are not interested in buying of PVCs. We in ADC, we have raised the alarm on several occasions that the APC is planning to buy PVCs. They are planning to buy the PVCs in order to rig the elections. They are going round to buy PVCs from people.

“When I raised the alarm at the INEC stakeholders meeting organised with National Orientation Agency (NOA) some weeks ago at Idi-Ape in Ibadan here, the REC said he was not aware and now they are confirming it now. As far as we are concerned in ADC, we are not interested to buy PVCs. Let them ask their staff which politician is approaching them for PVCs to buy”.

Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the state chapter of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. AbdulAzeez Olatunde while speaking, told DAILY POST that only desperate politicians would be interested in buying of PVCs in the state.

Olatunde in a telephone conversation with DAILY POST said, “As far as we are concerned in APC, we are the party to beat. We have the structure on ground. Some of them are jittery that the APC is performing. As you know, President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC in Oyo state is performing.

“Those political parties that want to come back will be desperate to buy PVCs. A lot of them will want to buy PVCs. It is those who have spoilt this country that will be interested in buying of PVCs in the state. They will be desperate to buy PVCs in oder to come back again. As far as we are concerned, we have a structure. That allegation is for those who want to win at all costs but not we in APC”.

On his part, the gubernatorial candidate of the Socialist Party of Nigeria (SPN), in the state, Comrade Abiodun Bamigboye while speaking, challenged the commission to name the political party and the candidate that was approaching it for buying of PVCs.

Bamigboye urged the commission to expose and report the political party and the candidate to the security agencies for prosecution.

He said, “Ours is to challenge the commission to name the political party and the candidate and let the security agencies sanction them according to the law”.

Publicity Secretary of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), in the state, Barrister Olajide Olanipekun, while frowned at selling and buying of PVCs and votes, urged INEC to come out and name the political parties and politicians that have approached it.

He said, “For us in ZLP, we totally are not in support of the PVCs sale. Our own government is to ensure that we have an egalitarian society, to make the labour and the society live a meaningful life. So, why do we have to seek to buy PVCs. We oppose the sale of PVCs totally.

“And the ZLP is challenging the commission to name the political parties and the politicians. We salute the commission for coming out to say this, but we want them to expose those who have approached them for PVCs sale. We are now urging the people to go to the commission and collect their PVCs. If they have collected them, there will be no room for anyone to approach them to buy PVCs. INEC should try to name the political parties and the politicians”.

Gubernatorial candidate of National Interest Party (NIP), in the state, Mrs. Bolanle Ashabi Sarumi-Aliyu while condemning the move, however insisted that the money can be used to better the lot of the people in the state.

Sarumi-Aliyu, speaking to DAILY POST, prayed: “Dear God, when will some politicians allow you to do your will? The money they will spend to buy votes can be used to empower lives. Why can’t we have a free and fair election? Why must our elections be a do or die affair.

“God, on behalf of your people that serve you daily please shame these politicians that have always bought power, father please disgrace them and show them it is only you that gives power and come 2019 you are going to appoint your chosen ones. So that the sufferings in the land on our people be removed and washed away. So your people can smile once again with hearts filled with joy. Father God I don’t ask for much, I only ask for a true leader to govern us, a leader that his or her heart is with the masses, a compassionate leader that will promote Oyo State. Thank you God”.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/28/oyo-2019-political-parties-dare-inec-pvc-buying/

The Senator representing Bayelsa East constituency in the National Assembly, Ben Murray-Bruce, has rationalised the reported absconding of over 150 police officers drafted for counter-insurgency operations in the northeast.

According to him, it was common sense for the police personnel to feel ‘demotivated’ towards the fight against Boko Haram, having witnessed how the Federal Government purportedly neglected the families of heroes who lost their lives battling terrorists in the region.

Buttressing his point on Twitter, the lawmaker cited the recent funeral of troops who died in Metele fighting Boko Haram as an instance, saying neither the President nor his representative was present as they were laid to rest.

He tweeted: “Why won’t the policemen run? If they die what will happen to their wives and children?

“Look at how we buried the hero soldiers who died at Metele. The President did not attend. He was not represented. Those policemen were watching. Are they fools? Do they want the same treatment?”

However, the Nigerian military has offered a clear explanation on a news report that over 150 among the 2000 Policemen deployed to fight Boko Haram insurgents in the North East, absconded from their counter-insurgency military training exercise.

Brigadier-General A. S. Ishaq, the Coordinator Nigeria Police Force for Operation Lafiya-Dole (NPFOLD), in a chat with PRNigeria, said there was nothing like policemen absconded, but just a case of some recalcitrant personnel leaving their training base for a reason which was not cogent.

The top Army officer added that the special training, which should have been concluded last Friday, was extended for one week to enable the Policemen to partake in all the requisite military combat exercises before they depart the camp.

“The Policemen didn’t abscond as alleged in media reports. What happened was that some of the Police officers insisted on going for the Christmas holiday. But in line with standard military operations, there was no way officers undergoing special training on a combat-operation, could leave their base when the training exercise has not rounded up.

“So, we refused to grant them permission. However, the unruly ones among them left our Special Forces School at Buni-Yadi, venue of the training. But thank God, the unruly personnel were tracked at Damaturu, the state’s capital. Right now, some of them have been brought back to the School,” he said.

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The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General TY Buratai alongside Principal Staff Officers, Corps Commanders and other senior officers of the Nigerian Army held a Christmas luncheon with troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE in the North East of Nigeria.

A statement by Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman, Director Army Public Relations, indicated that the COAS was at Forward Operation Base (FOB) Delwa, Konduga Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State where he felicitated with the officers and soldiers of the FOB and 7 Division Garrison on Wednesday.

In his address to the troops, he paid tribute to the gallant officers and soldiers that that paid the supreme price in the course of fighting terrorism and insurgency.

He also congratulated the troops for their bravery and steadfastness.

The COAS further inform the troops that the government and Nigerians appreciate their efforts.

He also said that the President has promised total support to the military in order to bring the conflict to logical end.

He however warned the troops to be wary of Boko Haram terrorists’ misinformation and propaganda aimed at demoralizing the troops to break their cohesion and fighting spirit.

The COAS further said “You have decimated the Boko Haram terrorists, but they want to brainwash you through propaganda. You should not believe their lies and misinformation”.

Speaking further, Lieutenant General Buratai said that there are several elements who don’t wish Nigeria well hence their concerted efforts to bring disaffection among the officers and soldiers into logger head through false information and claims on the social media.

He said the Nigerian Army would not allow that as his command would continue to do its best for the soldiers of the Nigerian Army adding that the officers love soldiers more than anyone else and will never play with troops’ welfare and wellbeing.

Those that accompanied the COAS to occassion include the Chief of Training and Operations (Army), Major General LO Adeosun, the Director Military Intelligence, Major General SA Adebayo, Chief of Account of Budget (Army), Major General CU Agunlanna, Theatre Commander, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Major General BA Akinroluyo and the Acting Provost Marshal (Army), Brigadier General H Ahmed.

Others were the Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division, who is also Commander Sector 1 Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Brigadier General Bulama Biu and Commander Sector 2, Brigadier General MB Dala, amongst others.

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Reverend Isaac Gbadero, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Sabongari, Zaria, Kaduna State, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to slash the salaries of political office holders to comfortably accommodate the N30,000 minimum wage demanded by organised labour.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, he made the call in a message to the Christian faithful in commemoration of the 2018 Christmas, shortly after Christmas Church Service in Zaria.

Gbadero said the appeal became extremely critical in view of the importance of workers not only to national growth and development but also to sustainable democracy.

The clergyman expressed serious concern over the meagre amount being given to Nigerian civil servants as monthly salary, advising that government must holistically give the issue a firsthand treatment.

He said, “See how much they are paying themselves in the House of Representatives and the Senate (National Assembly) and see the small change they are giving as basic salary.

“Look at the current argument now, some governors are saying it is hard to pay the proposed minimum wage. What is wrong in them slashing their own salary? Is it wrong for the president to reduce his own money? Is it wrong for the senators and Reps to reduce their own salary?

“Let them slash their salaries and give us what belongs to us, have they come to lead people who are suffering? If not, why can’t they sacrifice for the sake of the nation?

“If they desire good things for themselves they should also desire good things for Nigerians too. People should know, those who are not leading us well, we can change them at the polling booth, therefore, there is no need to make trouble.

“Let’s come together, there is no need to fight ourselves, whether you are a Muslim, Christian, Pagan, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Kanuri, Ibibio or Kalabari, we go to the same market.

“But these people don’t come to market, they use our tax money to buy all what they want, why can’t we get wiser. Let them stop using us to kill ourselves, let’s come together and elect credible people who care for us.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/26/new-minimum-wage-slash-salaries-pay-workers-n30000-rev-gbadero-tells-buhari-others/

The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has described the re-arrest and detention of an activist, Deji Adeyanju, as political rather than judicial in nature.

Mr Saraki called on President Muhammadu Buhari to direct his immediate release. His call for Mr Adeyanju’s release is to ensure that his fundamental human rights are not continuously abused by the police.

Mr Saraki’s call comes six days after the Senate gave its committees on judiciary and police affairs one week to investigate circumstances surrounding the arrest of the activist.

Mr Adeyanju was first arrested on November 28 while leading a protest against alleged bias by security chiefs in the build up to the general elections.

Even though he was arraigned and granted bail same day, Mr Adeyanju could not meet his conditions until December 6 when he finally gained freedom.

Barely a week later, Mr Adeyanju was re-arrested for his alleged connection to a 2005 murder involving him. He has remained in detention since then.

However, PREMIUM TIMES’ findings show Mr Adeyanju was discharged and acquitted then by the court.

The lawyer who represented him then, Festus Keyamo, also confirmed this despite now being a spokesperson for President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election team.

Mr Adeyanju was later taken to a magistrate court in Kano where he has been remanded in prison until February 2019.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Mr Saraki noted that the case is presenting the present administration in bad light as “a government that is intolerant of criticism and suppressing views of the opposition”

He also said the onslaught on Mr Adeyanju, government critic, indicated a deliberate attempt to get him out of circulation ahead of 2019.

“The way the matter has been handled and the last decision of the Magistrate Court to remand the young man in prison till after the conclusion of the 2019 polls has presented our democracy in bad light. We are now looking like a country that has receded to the period of military rule.
Deji Adeyanju (Photo Credit: Politics Nigeria)

“The president needs to intervene to find out whether the current travail of Deji Adeyanju has anything to do with his frequently expressed viewpoints against the Federal Government and why his arrest after leading a protest has now ignited all the various charges being filed against him and if it was true that the charges for which he has been remanded in prison till February had actually being adjudicated upon by the High Court.”

“It should be noted that prior to the coming to office of this government, those of us in opposition, the APC, freely criticized the Goodluck Jonathan government and flayed their actions and statements without any attempt by the administration to stifle opposing views. This administration which benefitted from such open market place of ideas, which is a key tenet of a democratic regime, cannot offer anything less to our people.

“At this point, President Buhari should not allow the excesses and over-zealousness of some security agents to give his government a bad name and that is why I think he should interfere and let the world know the truth about this case. It is obvious that this case is purely political and not about any judicial action. I also call on all human rights protection groups to wade into this matter and ensure we do not watch helplessly as the rights of a citizen is being trampled upon,” he said.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/26/deji-adeyanjus-arrest-political-judicial-saraki/

The All Progressives Congress, APC, National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has described Nigeria’s first female doctorate degree holder in philosophy, Late Prof. Sophie Oluwole, as a distinguished academic. pan-African philosopher and Yoruba nationalist.

DAILY POST had reported that Professor Sophie Oluwole, a top African philosopher, died around 8pm on Sunday evening after a protracted illness at the age of 83.

Reacting, Tinubu said late Oluwole was committed to the development of the Yoruba culture, tradition and philosophy, according to a statement by his Media Officer, Mr Tunde Rahman on Monday.

“Nigeria’s first female doctorate degree holder in philosophy, she truly earned her stripes. She believed in and practiced what she taught and preached.

“She loved and celebrated Yoruba tradition and philosophy so much that she was nicknamed ‘Mamalawo’ (female herbalist).

“Nigeria, the Yoruba race and all those who admire pristine traditions will sorely miss Prof. Sophie.

“Her teachings and works were derived from the Yoruba school of philosophical thought. To her, the ancient African philosopher Orunmila was second to none, ” he said.

Tinubu said that Late Oluwole would be deeply missed by the academic community and students who passed through her

“I commiserate with the Oluwole family, the academic community, students who passed through her.

”I pray they have the strength and resilience to continue where she stopped. To the soul of the late Prof, I pray for eternal rest,” he said.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/25/tinubu-said-prof-sophie-oluwoles-death/

The Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has revealed when he will die.

The Governor, who clocked 69 years recently, said God revealed to him that he would die in the next 27 years, at the age of 96.

The Governor stated this yesterday at the 2018 Oyo State Christmas Carol Service, held at Agodi Gardens, Ibadan to mark his birthday.

He said, “God has spoken to me about when I will die. God has told me when I will die.

“God said that I will die in the next 27 years. He said I will die at the age of 96. Don’t cry for me. God has been very good to me.”

Speaking further, Ajimobi urged clergymen including Nigerian-born popular gospel singer, Dr Bola Are, to pray for the success of the All Progressives Congress, APC governorship candidate, Bayo Adelabu at the 2019 governorship election.

Also speaking at the event, the Prelate, Methodist Church, Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr. Sunday Ola Makinde, said “God, let your will be done,” in response to Governor Ajimobi’s statement.

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Professor Yemi Osinbajo who spoke at the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi 111, stated that voting for Buhari will make Yorubas produce President in 2023.

Osinbajo who disclosed that Buhari is no doubt a man who stands by his words, pleaded that Yorubas should work for the success of President Buhari in 2019, as it will take a very long time for any Yoruba man to get the Presidency if Buhari failed to return in 2019.

The Vice President who maintained that Buhari has performed well and deserved another term in the office, added that Buhari had proved to be a man who has zero tolerance for corruption since he came to power in 2015.

Osinbajo who described corruption as one of the major problems in Nigeria, told those present that he was in the palace to pay homage to the monarch and drink from his wealth of his experience and knowledge.

“It is good to pay homage to the palace. I greet you the king, I greet the Alaafin of Oyo and other traditional rulers here present. Anytime I come to the Kabiesi either here in Abuja, I say it is home coming.

“The 2019 general elections is our own. We are not looking at the 2019 but 2023. If we get it in 2019, Yoruba will get it in 2023. Because if we don’t get it in 2019, we may not get it in 2023 and it may take a very long time to get it. We need to look at tomorrow and not because of today. What we are doing now is for tomorrow and not for today”.

“What I know about Buhari is that he is an honest man. What he say he will do, he will do it”.

“Now, they are regrouping. These are the people that have ruled for 16 years and they say they want to come back again. They are corrupt. Though, it is still difficult because no man or woman can build a house without a foundation”.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/23/voting-buhari-will-make-yorubas-produce-president-2023-osinbajo/

Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, has said they are on course for a “special” season, but fears they may need over 100 points to win the title.

Mohammed Salah scored and teed up Virgil van Dijk, to ensure Liverpool will enjoy Christmas at No.1 after a 2-0 win over Wolves on Friday night.

“So far it looks like a real special season.

“It is up there, to have 48 points mid-December is just crazy.

“We know we are good and are in a good moment. But we have to respect the others are good as well and we know we cannot start the party or plan a party for the summer now.

“For the moment it is really nice and now we have to make sure we get fresh legs as quickly as possible,” Klopp told reporters after the game.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/22/epl-klopp-reveals-number-points-liverpool-need-win-title/

As the 2019 general elections draw closer, the gubernatorial candidate of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State, Senator Jeremiah Useni on Friday assured citizens of the state that his party will do everything within the ambit of the law in ensuring that their votes count.

He equally said the people of the state are groaning under the yoke of bad leadership, adding that the task before the party was to actualise the “yearnings and aspirations” of the citizenry by voting out the ruling APC.

Useni stated this while speaking at the PDP gubernatorial Campaign Council inauguration held in Jos.

He said, “Now, the task before us is to actualise the yearnings and aspirations of the people of Plateau who are groaning under the yoke of bad leadership.

“They cannot wait any longer to get rid of a leadership that has turned against them. The people are eager to get rid of a leadership that has betrayed their trust.”

The gubernatorial candidate maintained that, “I can see that our people have never been so united and unanimous in their resolve to usher in good governance and restore Plateau to its past glory.

“We have therefore just inaugurated the machinery that will facilitate the victory of our great party the PDP come 2019.

“As members of this Campaign Council through your various committees you must move fast, work hard and reach out to every nook and corner to get people to vote for PDP”, he maintained.

“We assure the people of Plateau that we will do everything legally possible to make their votes count. Do not forget the motto, ‘Do good, you will see good’,” Useni stressed.

Also speaking, a former Deputy Senate President, Ibrahim Mantu,said, “We have assembled the shakers and movers of PDP in Plateau here today. You are the engine house of PDP; seeing all of you here today, I must say clearly, that I can see success, victory.

“I’m extremely delighted because on your faces, I see happy faces of everybody smiling, you know when you win, you will smile and laugh. This face means that you are determined to go back to your wards and mobilize people and make sure that we deliver the people we have elected as candidates, starting from the President, Governor, National Assembly members and indeed our members of the State House of Assembly.”

Mantu, who is a Board of Trustees member of the PDP, maintained that, “We don’t want any of our candidates to be left out as a sacrifice, but we must win all, you are the ones that are going to make it possible.

“On behalf of these beautiful people assembled here, and who are ready and willing to deliver 100 percent votes at their various polling units, we accept this responsibility; and I assure you they will not fail you,” Mantu assured.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/21/plateau-2019-useni-mantu-sango-others-vow-unseat-gov-lalong/

Barely three days after Niger state governor Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello officially flagged off his re-election campaign, no fewer than 2,000 members from the ruling All Progressive Party (APC) and the Advanced Democratic Party (ADP) in Niger South senatorial district have joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The 2,000 decampees were received on Wednesday at the PDP gubernatorial campaign flag-off in Bida, the headquarters of Bida local government area.

A thousand of the decampees from the APC were led by Alhaji Kudu Kasim, while ADP decampees were led by Alhaji Mohammed Yahaya (aka “Designer”).

The decampees, who pledged to work for the opposition party at the forthcoming general election in the state, were received by former governor of the state and leader of the party Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu.

It could be recalled that the incumbent governor had during a stakeholders meeting in Minna on Monday, officially flag-off his re-election bid where he solicited for the support of the people to vote for the ruling party at all levels.

Receiving the decampees, Dr Babangida Aliyu told the gathered crowd that Nigerians have seen the difference between the PDP and the ruling APC in the last three and the half years of the Buhari administration, and are now in a better position to make the right choice in 2019.

According to him, “voting for APC in 2019 means voting for next level poverty.”

Thousands of supporters and party faithful of the PDP from the eight local government area that make up Zone A senatorial district converged on Bida for the zonal flag-off of the PDP governorship campaign.

Immediate past governor and party leader Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu, state PDP chairman Barrister Tanko Beji, senatorial candidates from the state’s three senatorial zones, former lawmakers as well as prominent party faithfuls attended the occasion.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/20/2019-niger-pdp-receives-2000-decampees-apc-adp/

Former Premier League champions, Chelsea have finally decided to offer £70 million to Real Madrid in a bid to sign their midfielder, Isco when the transfer window opens in January.

According to The Sun, the Blues are willing to give Isco a four-and-a-half-year deal worth £250,000 a week.

Isco has not been a regular starter at Madrid since Santiago Solari replaced Julen Lopetegui as manager in October.

The Spain international has fallen down the pecking order in Solari’s squad this campaign.

The ex-Malaga star, who only started one match under Solari, has made five appearances as a substitute this term.

Isco was booed by Madrid fans at the Santiago Bernabeu in Los Blancos’ 3-0 defeat by CSKA Moscow in the Champions League.

The 26-year-old’s current deal with Madrid will end in 2022.

The midfielder will hope to feature for Real Madrid when they tackle Villarreal in their next La Liga fixture.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/19/epl-chelsea-takes-final-decision-singing-isco-real-madrid-january/

President Muhammadu Buhari’s Personal Assistant on Social Media, Lauretta Onochie on Wednesday reacted to a statement credited to Atiku Abubakar, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, that herdsmen attack may continue.

Speaking through his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former Vice-President claimed that herdsmen killing will continue if President Muhammadu Buhari remained in power.

Atiku said this while reacting to Amnesty International’s report on herdsmen/farmers’ clashes, which indicted the Federal Government for failing to stop the killing of 3,641 Nigerians by herdsmen in the last three years.

However, Onochie said the remark may be a confirmation that of “our suspicions.”

In a tweet, Onochie wrote: “The Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alh. Atiku Abubakar, on Tuesday, said killings by herdsmen would continue in the country unless President Muhammadu Buhari is voted out of office in 2019.

“Really? Is this a confirmation of our suspicions?”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/19/herdsmen-buharis-aide-reacts-atiku-claims-killings-will-continue-president-isnt-voted/

The Senate has mandated its committees on police and judiciary to probe the arrest of the convener of Concerned Nigerians, Deji Adeyanju.

This follows a motion sponsored by Dino Melaye, the Senator representing Kogi west.

On Thursday, Adeyanju was arrested by the police for a murder case that he and some of his associates were discharged and acquitted.

Before then, Adeyanju, who is known to be very critical of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, had spent eight days in custody.

He was arrested on November 28 and eventually released on December 3.

While moving the motion on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday, Melaye said the constitution guarantees freedom of expression of citizens.

“One of my constituents named Umar Adeyanju Deji was invited by the Nigerian police having been arrested twice for protest. He is a pro-democracy activist. He has been arrested twice by the police and released on bail for organising protest in the defence of human rights and democracy.

“This activist was again rearrested last Thursday on the orders of the inspector-general of police (IGP) over a matter that took place in Kano in the year 2000, specifically about 18 years ago. Mr president this matter was decided by a competent court of law in the Kano division of the high court of justice.

“The court of justice A. M Haliru, the judgement has been given and Deji Adeyanju and two others have been discharged and acquitted. Mr president I have the judgement here that I will lay before the senate. We are in a democracy, where our rights should be allowed.

“The constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria has given us freedom of expression, association, freedom of the press. A situation whereby a security agency of government will be used to gag individuals from expressing opinions or criticising the government of the day is not acceptable to me, to the federal republic of Nigeria and should not be acceptable to the senate of the federal republic of Nigeria.

“We have no other place to cry except to the senate. It is time for this senate to stand in defence of the common man, to stand to defence of Deji Adeyanju.

“As I speak, yesterday conclusions have made to take him to Kano for a matter that has been decided in a competent court of law. Mr president we need to defend Deji Adeyanju and every Nigerian,” Melaye said.

The Senate adopted the motion after it was put to a voice vote by Senate President, Bukola Saraki.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/18/senate-begins-probe-deji-adeyanjus-arrest/

The Nigerian Presidency has said it has written the National Crime Commission of the United Kingdom, UK, to assist in the investigation of five senators with properties in the UK and the British Virgin Islands.

The Senators are Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, and Imo state governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hope Uzodinma.

Others are Senators Stella Odua, Peter Nwaoboshi and Albert Bassey Akpan.

Chairman of the Special Presidential Investigative Panel on the Recovery of Public Property SPIP, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, disclosed this yesterday at a news conference in Abuja to highlight some of the activities of the body in 2018.

He said: “The UK has passed a law that will also help us in Nigeria fight corruption and that is the ‘Unexplained Wealth Regulation’ which entails that if you have a property in the UK that is above $50, 000, you have to explain your source of wealth, and property here does not just mean a building but even jewelries.

“So, we have written the National Crime Authority in the UK asking them to investigate some Nigerian senators who have property in the UK and the Virgin Islands,” he said.

Obono-Obla added that if they are found culpable, they would be prosecuted in accordance with extant laws and made to forfeit such properties.

Obono-Obla, who is also the Special Assistant to the President on Public Prosecution, added that five oil companies are also under investigation for tax evasion and refusal to pay royalties to the Nigerian government.

He said: “the companies have not remitted over $1 billion to the government.

“A lot of oil companies are contributing to the economic challenges facing the country, denying Nigeria of royalties and also evading taxes, money that would have been channeled to the development of the country.

“Working with the Federal Inland Revenue Service FIRS, we discovered that Addax Petroleum has failed to pay tax for five years and so they are owing about N700 million. Then, thanks to a petition we received from Femi Falana SAN, Mobil which purchased an oil bloc in 2001 for $2.5 billion dollars is yet to pay about $1.9 billion of that money to the government. We have commenced our investigations too”, he stated.

He said the panel was also looking at a petition involving a top official of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation NNPC as well as against the management of the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN under Govs. Chukwuma Soludo and Sanusi Lamido Sanusi with regards to debt cancellations to banks.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/18/presidency-writes-uk-govt-calls-corruption-probe-ekweremadu-uzodinma-others/

Members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) in the Modibbo Adama University of Technology (MAUTECH), Yola staged a protest match Monday against the Federal Government over the non-payment of earned allowances to them.

They also complained over discrimination against workers of staff schools of various federal universities, pressing the point that the workers should be treated as any other set of staff working for the Federal Government.

The SSANU members marched through the major streets of the university campus in the Girei Local Government Area of Adamawa State, an event which marked the beginning of a three-day industrial action directed by SSANU’s parent leadership in Abuja following a National Executive Council meeting that took the decision last week for the protest to take effect this week.

The MAUTECH branch chairman of SSANU, Muhammed Haruna Ibrahim, who led yesterday’s protest match, said the Federal Government which in August last year said approval had been given for the release of N8 billion as payment of earned allowances for non-teaching staff in the universities, is yet to pay the allowances, hence the protest, especially after the NEC of the union resolved during the meeting of last week that branches organize the three-day national protest across the country between Monday December 17 and Wednesday, December 19, 2018.

The MAUTECH SSANU chairman read out the resolution of the NEC meeting of SSANU in which the association called for the reversing of the ‘technical dismissal’ of workers of university staff schools across the country, explaining that the status of workers of the staff schools had remained the same with the Federal Government despite a National Industrial Court ruling in 2016 that the workers are employees of the Federal Government as the staff schools are an integral part of the university system.

Asserting that over 2,000 members of staff of the schools “have been subjected to trauma, insecurity and Denial of salaries”, the association said it is a situation it could no longer condone.

Muhammed Ibrahim told his fellow protesting SSANU members that the Monday protest match would be followed by a sit-at-home protest Tuesday and Wednesday, and urged the Federal Government to meet their demands.

The N8 billion in question is for the settlement of earned allowances not only for SSANU members but also members of two other non-teaching staff unions of universities, namely National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) and Non-Academic Staff of Union of Universities (NASU).

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/17/ssanu-protests-yola-non-payment-earned-allowances/

Former president, Olusegun Obasanjo and Chairman, Advisory Board of the First Intra-African Trade Fair holding in Cairo, Egypt, on Sunday lamented Nigeria’s failure to sign the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), despite its leadership role in the continent.

Obasanjo stated this while speaking at the closing sessions of the first Intra Africa Trade Fair and Exhibitions titled “Conversation with former Nigerian president”.

He made it clear that the rest of Africa countries was ready to proceed with the implementation of the pact without Nigeria.

On March 21, 2018, 44 of the 55 African Union (AU) member states gathered in Kigali, Rwanda, to sign the AfCFTA with a view to creating a single market in the continent.

Once the agreement is ratified by all signatories, the trade bloc to be created would encompass 1.2 billion people and over $2trillion in combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“I just sincerely hope and pray that Nigeria will be at the table before the implementation of the scheme begins. But the truth is that whether Nigeria is there or not, Africa has started to move forward and it cannot stop the rest of continent that have already signed the agreement.

“We started it from 1963. From there we had the Lagos Plan of Action, then NEPAD, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and several others. But what has gone wrong today that Nigeria is taking the back stage in Africa’s economic integration initiative?” he said.

According to him, the AfCTA is the economic salvation that Africa needsm to redeem the wrong perceptions of it left by colonialism.

“I don’t care what people say about me but I believe this is the time that we need to rise together and prove to world leaders that go with the perception that Africans live in huts and that we are shit holes, that we are human beings and the only way we can do this is by improving the standard of living of Africans,” Obasanjo added.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/17/obasanjo-knocks-buharis-govt/

A Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo, capital of Osun State, has slated for today, Monday December 17, 2019, the hearing of the suit requesting for the impeachment of President Muhammadu Buhari over alleged constitutional breaches.

News Express understands that all the parties have been served with the necessary court papers.

The suit was filed by Barrister Kanmi Ajibola, Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Ilesa branch; and Comrade Suleiman Adeniyi, a human rights activist, against President Buhari for allegedly breaching the provisions of the Nigeria Constitution over irregularities in his claim to possess the requisite certificate to vie for the office of the President.

The litigants had written to the National Assembly to begin impeachment process against the President since, according to them, Buhari, in addition to other impeachable offences, did not possess a certificate to be qualified as a President and should therefore be impeached.

The case came up last on November 26 before Justice Maureen Onyetenu, who adjourned till December 17 following the non-service of the notice of preliminary objection on the applicants by counsel for the President.

The plaintiff in a statement issued on Sunday indicated their readiness to pursue the issue to logical conclusion through constitutional means.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/17/court-begins-hearing-suit-seeking-buharis-impeachment/

The leadership of People’s Democratic Party ( PDP ), in Sokoto State, has accused the Commissioner of police and the Inspector General of police of being biased in handling the security situation of the state ahead of the 2019 general elections.

While addressing Newsmen at NUJ press centre in Sokoto on Sunday morning, the Publicity Secretary of the party in the state, Alhaji Kabiru Aliyu, accused the leadership of the Nigerian Police Force of being partisan in the state politics, while giving support to the main opposition in the state, the APC.

The Press conference which has in attendance some of the Senior Special Assistant (SSA), to the Governor and other party leaders including Mallam Yusuf Dyngiyadi, condemned the Nigerian Police of aiding the former Governor of the state and a serving senator, Senator Aliyu Wamakko to destabilise the peace being enjoyed in the state ahead of the election.

According to the party spokesman, ” Imagine when the police came to the state on the instruction of the IGP, to arrest some of our party members and whisked them away.

Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Sokoto says it has lost confidence and trust in the Nigerian police, as it has become partisan and partial by dancing to the tune of the ruling party.

The party state publicity secretary, Honourable Yusuf Hausawa, who disclosed some instances such as incessant harassment, intimidation, molestation, unlawful arrest and unwarranted detention of its members without arraignment at any court of law, as reasons for the party’s position.

He also availed journalists with copies of letters sent to the police as complaints against PDP supporters, at a press conference held at the Sokoto state NUJ Press centre on Sunday.

The party spokesman alleged that the IGP has approved the bidding of APC in Sokoto state through the transfer of one of the hatchet men of a notable politician, (name withheld), from Kano to head the Mobile Police unit, Mopol 7, in Sokoto.

According to him, “the officer in question who is an indigene of Sokoto state has served previously as a Chief Security Officer, CSO, to a former governor during his eight years tenure.

“Imagine the Nigerian police coming all the way from Abuja, with no mission other than the illegal arrest of our members, who were transferred to Abuja without charging them for committing any offence, after staying in incarceration and confinement for more than a week.

“The use of Special Anti-armed Robbery Squad, SARS, to operate in commando style of arresting and detaining our supporters for weeks without trial is against the rule of law and due process.”

He further stated that “we are aware that, the team sent to Sokoto state to arrest and whisk away some of our supporters are part of the Special Squad that was allegedly formed by the Inspector General of Police, to arrest any member of the opposition to the ruling party or the Federal Government.”

” It is very disheartening that the Nigerian Police is turning into an appendage of destruction and tension infliction; and they have been used by the APC Leadership through the former Governor of the state, who is a serving senator to intimidate our teeming supporters after his failure in misleading the people of Sokoto State that he is the alpha and Omega.

In his remarks, one of the chieftains of the party in the State and SSA to the Governor, Alhaji Yusuf Dyngiyadi condemned the attitude of the police and advised the leadership of the security agencies in the state to be more professional in the discharge of their duties.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/17/sokoto-2019-pdp-accuses-police-aiding-apc-intimidating-members-ahead-election/

Southampton ended Arsenal’s 22-match unbeaten run, with a 3-2 win at St Marys on Sunday.

Danny Ings handed the Saints the lead twice, but Henrikh Mkhitaryan also scored twice, to bring the Gunners level.

In the last few minutes when it could have gone either way, Charlie Austin came off the bench to net the winner.

It’s a first home league win for Southampton this season and they are now out of relegation places, following Burnley’s 2-1 loss to Chelsea in the other game.

Pedro Rodriguez and Eden Hazard scored for the Blues, before Solly March pulled one back for the hosts.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/16/epl-arsenals-22-match-unbeaten-run-ends-southampton/

American rap community has urged popular rapper, Cardi B, to take back estranged husband, Offset following his apology video.

Cardi B threw everyone for a loop earlier this month when she announced split with her husband, Offset over cheating allegations.

However, Offset on his Instagram page recently shared a lengthy video, begging Cardi to accept him back as his birthday wish and forgive him over his infidelity.

Rapper The Game, speaking on the broken relationship took to his Instagram pleading with Cardi B to take back Offset.

In a lengthy post, the rapper urged Cardi to respect their marriage vows, accept that humans make mistakes and forgive Offset.

According to him, “There are niggas out here doing way worse shit to their girl than just entertaining a few hoes via texts like Offset”

The Game wrote “When I saw the blogs posting about offset, I felt like A-Wax in #Menace2Society “Not my nigga”….. then I seen that Cardi called it quits and talks of divorce start circling the net and I was like f*ck.

“1, Because it’s a few couples out here that these young people really be rooting for.. for example: Hov & Bey, Savannah & Bron, Kobe & Vanessa, Melo & La La & as of late, Cardi & Offset. Yea I know, my nigga bleeped up but we’re all human and trust me when I say… there are niggas out here doing way worse shit to their girl than just entertaining a few hoes via texts.

“Now, I don’t know all the dynamics between you two nor does anyone else on the internet, but what I do know is you guys look great together and with the marriage and addition of your beautiful baby girl it’s only right you guys re-unite immediately for the good of you guys family unit.

“I feel like these days, relationships, the family environment of old is slowly fading away and you guys amongst others n the ones I named above serve as super dope examples for this new generation of growing couples to remain solid and really stay true to those wedding vows “TIL DEATH DO US PART”.

“Now these are only my thoughts and maybe I’m just rambling to some but I don’t care. I’m 100% positive all three of you guys will be happier this holiday season if you spend it in each other’s presence. Especially with it being your baby’s 1st Christmas. We all make mistakes… it is the men who learn and grow from them that become the old wise heads of big families in the future.”

Also, reacting, rapper T.I. commenting on apology video posted by Offset on Instagram empathizes with the Migos star as he begs Cardi B to take him back.

T.I. wrote: ‘I feel you bro..Take Offset back Cardi B. Ain’t nobody perfect.”

Recall, T.I’s wife Tiny nearly divorced him after cheating on her but ended up getting back together.

Meanwhile, 50 Cent also commenting on Cardi B’s picture on Instagram urged her to go back to Offset.

“That’s a cute outfit but you gotta go home, that Boy (Offset) loves you girl.

“No Divorce, ok chill out,” 50 said.

VIDEO : https://www.instagram.com/p/BrbfCJylv6r/

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/16/game-t-50-cent-beg-cardi-b-take-back-offset-video/

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Imo State has set up a 24-hour emergency rescue center.

The center according to the agency will attend to emergency issues that might occur during the yuletide season.

State Coordinator of NEMA in the state, Evans Ugoh disclosed this on Saturday, during a stakeholder’s interactive meeting in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

Ugoh said NEMA as a coordinating emergency agency is collaborating with other agencies including Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Police and Red Cross society.

He added that it is important to work together with these agencies especially during the yuletide to solve any emergency problem. According to him, the collaboration will help proffer emergency solution during emergency situations like road accidents and crashes, during the yuletide.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/16/yuletide-nema-sets-24-hour-emergency-rescue-centre/

Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has suspended his live broadcast earlier slated for Saturday.

The suspension of the broadcast was made known in a terse statement by his deputy, Alphonsus Okafor-Mefor, via his Facebook page.

Recall that Kanu since his reappearance in Israel penultimate month has been consistent in making weekly exposé on the alleged impersonation of ‘dead’ President Muhammadu Buhari by a Sudanese stage play actor, Jubril Aminu Al-Sudani.

However, Okafor-Mefor informed that instead of a fresh broadcast this weekend, a repeat edition would be played back after which the IPOB leader would host an interactive session on Radio Biafra.

“There won’t be a live broadcast from our leader (Nnamdi Kanu) on Saturday. In place of it, we shall do a repeat and interactive session will follow,” Okafor-Mefor said.

Mazi Nnamdi Kanu had last Wednesday alleged that the so-called Jubril Al-Sudani had confirmed his claim that he was an impostor.

Kanu made the claim in reference to a picture of the President responding to cheers from his supporters by raising his fist.

The IPOB leader had earlier said during a previous broadcast that “the president” would no longer wave his supporters because he had different palm print from the “real Muhammadu Buhari”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/15/jubril-sudan-nnamdi-kanu-suspends-live-broadcast-reveals-next-action/

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Friday in Lagos described vote buying as an act of corruption which the commission was committed to tackling.

Dr Musa Abubakar, the Acting Chairman of ICPC, made the declaration at a one-day ‘National Campaign Against Vote Buying and other Electoral Malpractices’ organised by the commission in conjunction with the Youth Alive Foundation(YAF).

According to Abubakar, represented by Mr Shintema Binga, the Zonal Commissioner for South-West in ICPC, vote buying, which is a type of electoral fraud, takes the form of collecting payment from candidates after voting for them, NAN reports

He urged Nigerian voters to shun attempts by unpatriotic elements in the society who might want to buy their conscience with foodstuff, cloth and cash

“Such payments are usually made through agents either directly or through phone transfer.

“Rigging can take the form of falsifying election results by changing figures to favour particular candidates.

“This is a falsification of official records and punishable under the ICPC Act 2000,’’ he said.

“If you allow them to succeed in doing so, they will make sure they steal resources meant for provision of water, healthcare, educational facilities and construction of roads.

“If such people force themselves on you by bribing you, they will not have your time because they have already settled you.

“I will also advise you to resist any attempt by such disgruntled elements to use your children as thugs to kill, maim and threaten political opponents.

“Admonish your children to resist such attempts; if being a political thug is a worthy way of life, let them recall their children studying abroad and use them as thugs, but they will never,’’ he said.

The acting chairman said that the commission had met with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman where issues of training and election monitoring were revisited.

According to him, the commission is prepared to monitor the 2019 general elections.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/14/2019-election-icpc-speaks-vote-buying/

Fidelity Bank is part of the Nigerian delegation at the ongoing 2018 Intra-African Trade Fair in Cairo, Egypt to address the challenge of access to trade and market information amongst countries in Africa.

The seven-day trade show convened by Afreximbank provides a platform for sharing trade, investment and market information and enabling buyers and sellers, investors and countries to meet, discuss and conclude business deals.

It provides an opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their goods and services, engage in Business to Business (B2B) exchanges and conclude business deals.

•Photo shows Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in a warm hand shake with the Executive Director, Commercial and Consumer Banking, Lagos & South West, Fidelity Bank Plc. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, at the ongoing 2018 Intra-African Trade Fair, Cairo. Egypt.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/14/fidelity-bank-2018-intra-african-trade-fair-egypt/

The Minister of Communication, Adebayo Shittu, has dismissed any hope of reconciliation between him and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2019 general elections.

He said he would be “a bastard” to work and campaign for the party’s governorship candidate in Oyo State.

Shittu, who referred to the APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, as “my former friend,” also said he lobbied President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint the former Edo State governor as Political Adviser, a plan he said led to his national chairmanship victory.

The minister spoke at an interactive session with correspondents in his office in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

He said even though Oshiomhole joined forces with others to frustrate his efforts to become the APC flag bearer in Oyo State, he would not simply stay back and campaign for the party’s candidate.

Shittu promised to work for President Muhammadu Buhari.

The minister said if the party was interested in reconciliation, it must first tread the path of restitution and give back what was taken from him for justice to prevail.

Shittu, who recently closed the campaign office he opened for the President in Ibadan, dismissed insinuations that he had stopped campaigning for him.

The minister stressed that he closed the office because he could not afford the N3 million annual rent for the three-storey building.

When asked if he would campaign for the APC governorship candidate, he said: “I would be a bastard to be defrauded out of a primary process and simply behave as if I am a slave. It will not make sense. I have been a foundation member of the APC and twice, I aspired to be governor. In 2011, I aspired and was defeated by the incumbent.

“In 2015, I was defrauded in the primary at that time and I challenged the process, which gave Governor Abiola Ajimobi a second term. I went to court and was still in court when my appointment as Minister came and I had to abandon that case.

“Instead of the governor thanking his God that he was relieved of the case, he started campaigning against my confirmation by the Senate. He was blackmailing me and asking the Senate not to confirm my appointment. At the end of the day, common sense prevailed and I was confirmed.

“Since then, he has continued to attack me because he believes, and wrongly too, that he and his cohorts cannot have a President Buhari at the Federal level and another Buhari in me at the state level. He tells people close to him that if Shittu succeeds him, he will be in jail. Why he thinks so? I simply don’t know.

“So, the party announced that those interested in the various positions should apply and asked us to pay N22 million. They didn’t advertise any condition outside those provided for in the Nigerian Constitution. After we have paid, screened and were satisfied, the chairman of our party unilaterally and in violation of the constitution got me out of the way so that they could impose a newcomer into the system, somebody who is barely two months in APC, will be foisted on the party.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/13/shittu-i-wont-campaign-for-oyo-apc-governorship-candidate/

An explosion on Tuesday rocked the Diocesan Headquarters of Umuahia Catholic Archdiocese, popularly Mater Dei Catholic Church on Azikiwe road in Umuahia, the Abia capital.

It was gathered the explosion, which occurred in the church premises at about 2:45pm, caused pandemonium in the area as residents who were taken by surprise scampered for safety.

Sources within the cathedral revealed the explosion was caused by an old abandoned petrol tank, which had been buried and long forgotten.

The church gardener, after his routine cleanup was said to have unknowingly set fire on heap of refuse collected while cleaning the compound directly where the tank was buried

The heat from the fire was said to have triggered the explosion, which affected roofs of houses around the cathedral.

No life was said to however been affected during the incident.

Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike, told our correspondent exclusively that personnel of the Explosive Ordinance Department (EOD) of the State Command have been moved to the scene of the incident.

He said in a telephone conversation: “A cleaner in the church, after sweeping the compound set fire on the debris and the debris spread to a disused underground fuel tank and exploded, bringing down part of a nearby fence and shattering a vehicle parked in the next compound.

“As I speak to you, the Explosive Ordinance Department (EOD) of the Police; the Bomb Disposal Unit has been moved to the place to make all assurance that there is nothing much more than the facts that we know now.

“By tomorrow, when they come out with their scientific report, I will also update members of the public.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/12/explosion-rocks-umuahia-catholic-church/