₦airaland Forum

Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, says the party will approach the court on its ban by the Independent National Electoral Commission from fielding candidates for elective positions in Zamfara State in the 2019 general elections.

Oshiomhole stated this on Friday in Abuja while briefing newsmen on the state of affairs of the party.

He said that INEC cannot disenfranchise the people of Zamfara from participating in any of the elections in 2019.

“With all due respect, INEC cannot award a state to the Peoples Democratic Party or any other political party.

“It has to be the decision of the people of Zamfara State or any other people in any other state that is going to participate in any of the elections.

“I believe the court will look at the law and the rules, and as far as the legal advice we have gotten is concerned, we believe we are on good grounds.

“We want to see INEC as an impartial arbiter, and I trust that they will do their very best to maintain their name as an impartial arbiter,“ Oshiomhole said.

He added that for now, the APC has confidence in INEC, even though according to him, the commission is being pressured by the PDP to do internal reorganisation.

The APC national chairman expressed optimism that the rule of law would prevail. He added that the party has confidence in the judiciary and would always abide by court rulings.

The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that INEC had on October 10, said that APC was not eligible to field candidates for Governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly positions in Zamfara in the 2019 elections.

The commission in a letter signed by Okechukwu Ndeche, the acting Secretary, said APC was not qualified to field candidates because it failed to conduct primaries in Zamfara within the stipulated time-frame.

Oshiomhole while reacting to the development, had insisted that the party held primaries in Zamfara State.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/zamfara-apc-will-challenge-inec-ban-in.html

By Omololu Ogunmade, Adedayo Akinwale, Udora Orizu and Mercy Apollos in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, in Abuja received the attestation and confirmation of his West African School Certificate(WASC) Examination result issued by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) in 1961.

There has been controversy over the president’s secondary school certificate for several years.

In a swift reaction to the attestation certificate presented to Bunari, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, said it was a political certificate and that the Buhari photograph embossed was abnormal because as at 1961, WAEC certificates did not carry photographs.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina said, in a statement, that the documents were presented to Buhari in the State House during a courtesy visit by a delegation of WAEC, led by its Registrar, Dr. Iyi Uwadiae.

Adesina said Uwadiae was accompanied by the Head of National Office of WAEC, Olutise Adenipekun, Head of Public Affairs, Abiodun Aduloju and WAEC’s Zonal Coordinator in Abuja, Olufemi Oke.

He said the President thanked the examination board, which was established in 1952, and which conducts the West Africa School Certificate (WASC) examination in West African countries, and JAMB entry examination for universities, for upholding its integrity over the years, adding that he did not expect anything less from the institution.

Adesina also said the president remarked that it would have been impossible for him to attend the Defence Services Staff College in India in 1973 and the United States Army War College thereafter, as a Nigerian military officer, if he didn’t sit for the WASC Examination in 1961.

He said the president also recalled that during his secondary school days, it was very difficult for anyone to commit examination fraud, even though it was not impossible.

Adesina quoted Buhari as saying, “My colleagues and I who spent close to nine years in boarding school, both in primary and secondary, including Gen. Musa Yar’Adua, when we intended to join the military, we had to take a military examination.

”We were examined in three subjects – English, Mathematics and General Knowledge because English is the language for general instruction throughout the country because of our colonial heritage.

”Mathematics in the military was necessary, coupled with Geography. We were trained how to be dropped off in the bush, given only a pair of compass and since we were not astronomers, you have to learn to find your way, calculate, using the Pythagoras Theorem and others to work out your position.”

The statement added that the registrar, in his remarks, said it was possible for candidates to lose their examination certificates through fire and any other unfortunate incident.

According to the statement, the registrar said while WAEC would not issue a certificate twice, it could issue an attestation or provide confirmation wherever necessary, adding that it had the record of every candidate who sat for WAEC.

”We don’t issue certificates twice but we can issue attestation or duplicate copy of the certificate.

”We also have what we refer to as confirmation; usually, universities were using this in those days when Information Technology was not in vogue.

”Whoever sat for WASC exams in whatever year, we have the records in our database, and Mr. President, we have the records of the examinations you sat in 1961.

”We have the attestation of results which we issue to candidates who lost their certificates and confirmation of results,” Adesina quoted Uwadiae as saying.

Adesina, in a tweet yesterday, queried what cynics would say next after the WAEC presentation.

“WAEC presents attestation certificate and confirmation of school cert result to President Buhari. What will the naysayers say next?” the tweet said.

Regardless, the PDP described the presentation of attestation certificate to President Buhari by WAEC as a tragicomedy.

A statement by the party queried why the president refused to present his certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 2015 if he actually had one.

The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan described the attestation certificate from WAEC as a political certificate.

He stated: “It is a tragicomedy. We never expected Mr. President to dramatically come this low, because you cannot have a certificate and be calling it an attestation. “What are they attesting to? We stand by our position that Mr. President has no school certificate.

“It’s simply a political certificate. We have said that the Buhari presidency and his handlers are always fretting at the mention of a certificate.

“So, they want to mislead Nigerians to say that Mr. President has a school certificate. If Mr. President has a certificate, why did he not use it in 2015 election? Why is the certificate suddenly emerging few months to the election?

“And have you checked the photograph that was attached to the certificate? In 1961, was it the requirement of WAEC to have a passport attached to school certificate?

“Even in our own generation, was it a condition in WAEC that you must submit your passport to be attached to your certificate? They should come off it. It’s too low.

“You remember the procured Martin Luther Award presented to our president which later was discovered to be fake? This is a similar award procured. We are waiting for the story of its declaration as another procured document.

The PDP told Buhari to abide by his undertaking to accept the outcome of the 2019 Presidential election, which it said, by all indices, would be overwhelmingly won by its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

The party’s statement said that the APC administration had gone down in history as “irredeemably incompetent, blatantly corrupt, overtly insensitive, incurably vengeful and under which Nigerians are facing the worst form of economic hardship, hunger and starvation.”

He added that Buhari Campaign Organisation had seen the handwriting on the wall; that Nigerians across board have reached an irreversible consensus to end the Buhari administration and vote in Atiku, as their next President, stressing that no amount of smear campaigns, intimidation and threats can shake their will or cow them from firmly defending their resolution after the elections.

In 2015, the president had claimed that his secondary school certificate was with the Secretary of the Military Board.

But the military leadership then swiftly dismissed the claim, saying it didn’t have Buhari’s certificate.

The controversy compelled Buhari, who was then the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, to present a certificate embossed with his recent photograph which only aggravated the controversy, leading to unresolved litigation over the matter.

However, there was a resurgence of the controversy last week when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) published names of candidates and their credentials.

As was the case in 2015, Buhari’s certificate was again missing as he only submitted a sworn affidavit attesting that his certificate was with the secretary of the military board.

This sparked another wave of controversies in the polity as most Nigerians believed that by making the same claim that was dismissed in 2015, the president must definitely have something to hide.

Also yesterday, the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) described the sudden release of a confirmation of result for Buhari by WAEC few days to the commencement of the suit seeking to disqualify him from the 2019 election as laughable, unbelievable and a desperate effort to mislead the court and shield Buhari from disqualification.

The CUPP, in a statement in Abuja by its National Spokesperson, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, called on WAEC to produce the official ledger and booklet containing the scores and records of names of students of the Provincial Secondary School, Katsina, now called Government Secondary School, who sat for the exam in 1961.

He added that the confirmation of result was not backed with any evidence to show that Buhari participated in the 1961 exams.

The spokesperson further said that WAEC succumbed to high level pressure to issue the document “which is suspicious and aimed at misleading Nigerians and the court to believe President Buhari sat for the WAEC certificate exam when actually, he did not, as there is no evidence to support the assertion.

“Let Nigerians be reminded that few days ago the opposition raised an alarm that there was on going move to tamper with the records of WAEC and pressure the leadership into manufacturing a result for President Buhari. Today’s action of WAEC has vindicated our earlier fears and confirmed our stand that WAEC is now competing with Oluwole Market in manufacturing documents,” Ugochinyere said.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/waec-presents-certificate-to-buhari-pdp.html

A former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri has reacted as President Buhari received the attestation certificate and confirmation of school certificate result from the West African Examination Council, WAEC.

Buhari’s spokesperson, Femi Adesina had made the disclosure via his Twitter handle, on Friday.

“WAEC presents attestation certificate and confirmation of school cert result to President Buhari. What will the naysayers say next?,” Adesina had tweeted.

However, Omokri described the development as “Army arrangement”.

In a tweet, the former Presidential aide stated that the action was suspicious.

He tweeted: “Dear @FemAdesina,

“Most suspicious. @MBuhari claimed his certificate was with the army. The army denied being in receipt of his certificate and now @waecnigeria produces a result 4 months to election? What is the name of that Fela song? ‘Army Arrangement’.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/waec-how-jonathans-ex-aide-omokri.html

Shehu Sani, the Senator representing Kaduna Central has backed the protest by labour unions in Nigeria over new minimum wage.

Sani in a post on his Twitter page urged state governors willing to pay N22,500 as new wage to add N8,000 to meet the demands of the workers.

According to him, Nigeria’s econonomy can sustain N30,000 minimum wage.

The Kaduna lawmaker wrote: “NLC’s nationwide mass protest is commendable. Those who can pay N22,000 as minimum wage should just add N8,000 to make it N30,000. Nigeria’s economy can sustain it.

“The struggle must continue. I will add a strong voice of solidarity to this on the floor of the Senate.”

This is coming after the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) on Tuesday agreed to pay a national minimum wage of N22,500.

The Chairman of the Forum, Governor Abdul’aziz Yari of Zamfara State told newsmen that the decision was arrived at after a briefing from the forum’s representatives at the Tripartite Committee on Tuesday night.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/new-minimum-wage-shehu-sani-backs.html

The FCT Police Command on Tuesday announced the arrest of some members of the El-Zakzaky-led Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) with 31 bottles of petrol bomb and other dangerous weapons being ferried into Abuja.

The command said the members’ plot was to attack innocent citizens, including law enforcement agents deployed to protect lives and property.

FCT Commissioner of Police, Bala Ciroma, said this while addressing a press conference.

He said: “It is also unfortunate to inform you that members of this group during a violent protest, today, 30th October, 2018 without any provocation went on rampage and burnt down a Police Rapid Response Squad (RRS) patrol vehicle deployed at Ademola Adetokumbo Crescent. Some arrests have however been made and investigation is in progress.

“On 30th October, 2018 at about 1230hrs police operatives on stop and search duty along Tipper garage Katampe intercepted and arrested one Mustapha Abdullahi ‘m’ 20 years of Ungwan Gwari Suleja with 18 bottles of petrol bombs carefully concealed in a travelling bag.

“To smuggle himself and the petrol bombs into the city, he disguised as a passenger and boarded a taxi with other unsuspecting passengers.

“He ran out of luck when the vigilant policemen on duty at the point upon reasonable suspicion intercepted the cab and conduct a search on the only bag in the car, which had in it the improvised bomb. Upon the discovery, the suspect was immediately arrested.

“Other exhibits recovered from the suspect include: two lighters and one dagger. The suspect will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigation.

“Similarly, on the same date at about 1130hrs, police operatives on stop and search at Dakwa FCT-Niger Boundary arrested one Abdullahi Umar ‘m’ 22 years of Gadan Karte, Illela LGA of Sokoto State with a bag containing thirteen (13) well packaged bottles of petrol bomb.

“During interrogation, the suspect confessed that he arrived Suleja from Sokoto state on Sunday to join other members of their sect for the protest. He also confessed that he was ferrying the petrol bomb to FCT to confront law enforcement agents. One lighter was also recovered from the suspect. He will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigation.

“In conclusion, while reassuring FCT residents of adequate security, I want to also bring to your knowledge that a total of 400 IMN members who participated in the violent protest of today are currently being detained for discreet investigation; dangerous weapons were also recovered from them.

“Also arrested is their first aider one Salahuddeen Ahmad ‘M’ 23 Yrs of Illela LGA of Sokoto State. The Suspects will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigation.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/how-we-arrested-shiites-with-bombs.html

The Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Kogi State chapter, Dr. Kabiru Zubair, has revealed that 79 medical doctors employed by the state government have resigned their appointments.

Zubair said they resigned in reaction to irregular payment of salaries.

Zubair noted that doctors, who were at the forefront of the struggle for better welfare for health workers, had lost the zeal to fight due to the non-chalant attitude of the government. He said the only available option left was to leave the state civil service.

He said: “As at today, a total of 79 doctors have left Kogi State civil service.

“In the last nine months alone, 27 doctors have resigned from the Kogi State Specialist Hospital (KSSH), Lokoja, including two consultants.

“Forty four have resigned from the state’s Hospitals Management Board (HMB) and eight from the Kogi State University Teaching Hospital, Anyigba.

“More doctors are just waiting for the next available opportunity to leave. The consequences are worsening healthcare indices in the state.

“The vacuum created will ultimately be filled by medical quacks to the detriment of our people and no level of policing can stop it,” he explained.

He said the Kogi NMA had threatened and embarked on several industrial actions in the last one year.

“Even though NMA has dropped the idea of plunging the Kogi health sector into another round of industrial action, NMA is not happy that the government has not reciprocated the gesture by ensuring the regular payment of the salaries of doctors and other healthcare workers in the state.

“We call on the state government to prioritise the payment of doctors and other healthcare workers to abate the current low morale and untold hardship in the health work force,” Zubair said.

He also said the Kogi NMA would not hesitate to ask her members and their stakeholders in 2019 general election to withdraw their support and campaign against any government or individuals that refused to genuinely prioritise healthcare delivery.

He, therefore, urged the government to implement the Universal Healthcare Coverage and ensure the regular payment of the salaries of doctors and other healthcare workers.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/79-medical-doctors-resign-from-kogi.html

A former Minister of Education, Dr Oby Ezekwesili on Monday urged Nigerians to make the right leadership choice that would reposition the country and put it on the path of greatness, come 2019.

Ezekwesili, presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) gave the advice at a news conference in Lagos.

She blamed most of the challenges the country was experiencing on long years of bad leadership.

The presidential candidate urged citizens not to vote a leadership that would “perpetuate the cycle of despair in the country” in 2019, but one that would inspire hope.

Ezekwesili said she was in the race to lead the country because she had the pedigree, the passion and commitment to help realise the country of everybody’s dream.

“I am in the race to disrupt the cycle of bad leadership and give hope to Nigerians. I am the candidate of the people, I know the job and have records of achievements.

“I have excelled in corporate Nigeria, I have excelled in private enterprise and in international development, and in all I have done, there has never been an allegation of corruption against me, let alone having a case.

“I am the choice of a better Nigeria, I am the candidate of the people. I will serve the people, I will move the country forward,” she said.

Ezekwesili said Nigerians should never think the People’s Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress were the only options available for them in 2019.

The ACPN candidate said the two parties were “ Siamese twins of failure and incompetence” as they had not justified the mandate given to them to lead the country at different times.

Ezekwesili said the PDP enthroned corruption in the country during its 16-year rule and promoted the culture of impunity.

She said that the PDP candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, did not have the competence or the moral capital to lead the country.

The ACPN candidate said the APC had also failed to deliver on its electoral promises and did not deserve re-election.

She asked Nigerians to reject what she called “Butiku”in 2019, saying the presidential candidates of both APC and PDP could not provide the right leadership.

Ezekwesili said she was confident of leading the country out of the woods in 2019, as she trusted in the votes of Nigerians to be president.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/2019-nigerians-must-make-right.html

It is understandable that when an election is held and a winner emerges, people get into the fray and in such circumstances there would be mudslinging, unwarranted attacks on winners and usual things to confuse the electorate and smear the image of the personalities who excelled to victory as has been ongoing in Bauchi state when victory deserted the undesirables in the ruling All Progressives Congress.

The general elections period is in 2019. In Bauchi state, some self-appointed opponents of Governor Muhammed A. Abubakar, even before the whistle is blown for the commencement of the game, have started their campaign of calumny to smear the reputation of the governor, ostensibly against his rising profile forgetting how he fought the odds to redirect the state to the path of transparency and probity.

It is true M.A Abubakar has maintained his stand on crushing the odds that nearly crippled the state over the years. That posture attracts him baseless allegations and insults. He severally rejected suspicious requests laced with extortion from self-appointed community and political leaders. M.A Abubakar after a careful study of the modus operandi of the past administrations that were suspected to be scandalous distanced his administration from their footsteps.

At the beginning of the administration, attack dogs and greedy politicians lacking discipline and moral values were recruited to attack, humiliate and frustrate the APC government. The reason was simple. It was a fight from the penchant of opponents in collaboration with other people that are out to discredit the efforts of the government.

The legendary Martin Luther King Jr, once warned his fellow comrades while in struggle for right to self actualization in the United States. He said, “In the process of gaining our rightful place, we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again, we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force.”

This is the least that is expected of those who must fight to gain any manner of victory, be it political or otherwise amongst civilized people anywhere. But unfortunately, opposition and their collaborators in Bauchi state saturate the social media with venom against technocrats serving to satisfy the gullible.

When patriots are building the state, opponents should honorably watch from a distance for transparency and probity to reign than cartooning themselves in the market square.

In several of their statements on the social media ostensibly to ridicule the state governor whom they see as an albatross to their political ambition, they usually end-up as wounded lions on a revenge mission. They twist facts and murder truth.

Severally, they stoop so low unlike political players. Their utterances can be likened to a drunken sailor against the leadership of M.A Abubakar. Listening to their usual folk tale and parochial lies, on state finances, it can only be ignored with nuisance value.

At the peak of their action for patronage, they treat those adjudged as upright politicians like common criminals portraying the state as a component of Banana Republic where no law exists.

As they continue to twist facts, their target remains mute as it has never been part of his strategy to join issues with lesser mortals at their political last bus stop.

Despite the blackmail, M.A Abubakar is not perturbed and neither does he lose sleep because he knows that the people remain the judges and would exonerate and defend him when the time comes. He remains in touch with the people, listens to them and ensures that their wishes and aspirations are taken care of. And this is all that matters to him and those that appreciate and adorn him as a leader.

“Those political jobbers masquerading as leaders are only interested in their pockets and welfare and therefore throw caution and discretion to the wind in discharging their habitual hatchet jobs. Bauchi state is bigger than any individual or group. Sometimes one reads and listens to foolish imaginations circulated on the media to ridicule the governor for fun. They make boastful and extremely inflaming comments that anyone who understands the burden of leadership would never dare to make. The truth is that most of those ill-hearted attackers should go for political self development.

“They should know that politics does not entail spewing lies against political opponents neither should it degenerate into invoking fire and brimstone against fellow citizens who share contrary views. The people are wise and discerning; majority know the truth and cannot therefore, be hoodwinked into empty loud – mouthed political permutations. Those greedy politicians should stop taking their personal weaknesses and moral failure to the political arena of Bauchi state.

“Allegations against M.A Abubakar are at best infantile and laughable. So far what is glaring is that the posture and utter lack of decorum by those individuals do not positively portray anyone with the sincere ambition to run the affairs of Bauchi state even if massively voted to power. They ought to know that making controversial, unfounded, malice-ridden public commentaries against real and imaginary political opponents is not a mark of brilliance”.

Opponents have overtime floated media outfits to twist facts against the governor to pull him down. And in the combined desperation, they lack political education, finesse and sense of limit. These traits are a threat to the political future of Bauchi state and the electorate must all rise up to make sure that those political misfits do not pollute the peace enjoyed. The truth is that M.A Abubakar does not deserve the atrocious campaign of calumny diverting his attention to trivial issues.

Great societies are built by patriotic citizens, not grumblers and spoilers as M.A Abubakar is battling them along with other patriots in Bauchi state. Anyway, the good thing about all these is M.A remains calm, composed, and focused to make the people smile as ever.

The social media in recent times has been awash with concocted stories portraying M.A as a failure despite the feats he has achieved at minimal cost that can be verified by doubting minds. That smells of a well funded smear campaign launched by mercenaries and hired social media attack dogs.

But if we must not be deceived, we have to revisit the meaning of failure. If a man who in two years cleaned up Bauchi of inherited crime and financial criminality, constructed several roads, built and equipped clinics, pays monthly civil servants salaries steadily and several uncountable achievements is tagged a failure then one must prefer to be a failure than a blackmailer. The so called failure means M.A is a governor that fails to satisfy the cravings of a cabal; a governor that resists intimidation to do the wrong thing and mortgage the future of his people and a governor that stands up to ask questions where necessary to benefit his people, that vowed to serve with the last drop of his blood to exit gallantly that remains worrisome to his detractors.

– Gokaru sent in this piece from Bauchi State Treasury Department

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/bauchi-opposition-style-of-attack.html

Veteran actor Sadiq Daba has been honoured as “Garkuwan Nollywood,” Hausa translation for “Shield of Nollywood,” by stakeholders in the motion picture industry.

The actor and former broadcaster received the honour at the 2018 Nollywood New Yam Festival Awards held on Thursday night in Abuja.

Daba, who many in the industry look up to as role model for his ingenuity, came to prominence in his acting career in the late 1970s, starring in the acclaimed “Cockcrow at Dawn” television series.

In 2015, he won the ‘Best Actor’ award at the Africa Movie Academy Awards for his role as “Inspector Waziri” in the award-winning movie “October 1.”

Emeka Rollas, National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), who bestowed the title on Daba, described him as a hardworking consistent foremost Nigerian actor who was an inspiration to the industry.

“He is indeed a shield in the industry as his wealth of experience and consistency has contributed greatly to Nollywood.

“Honour, they say, should be given to whom honour is due, and that is what the organizers of this award have done to this veteran entertainer, “he said.

Daba, who expressed appreciation for the award said: “I am humbled to be honoured today, and I will sincerely work towards defending the interest of actors and filmmakers to build a stronger Nollywood.”

NAN reports that other industry players honoured at the multi-cultural event include filmmakers and Nollywood enthusiasts drawn from different background.

Stephanie Apel, a Tiv-born filmmaker, was awarded the “Shanpepe of Nollywood” (shining star), for using films to address societal issues and grooming young talents in the process.

Also, Mrs Patricia Akpamgbo, was honoured as the “Agbalakaibeya of Nollywood”, and Mariam Habila, a Kaduna-born actress was crowned the “Nollywood Face of Culture for consistently using the motion picture to showcase Nigeria’s culture.

The Chairperson of the Association of Movie Producers (AMP) in the FCT, Mrs Imaobong Abia, was also honoured among others.

Mr Agility Onwurah,Chief Executive Officer of Agile 247.Com, organiser of the event , commended the awardees, adding that the honour was to “tell them that their contribution to Nollywood is recognised.”

“Nollywood is our own, and anyone who has contributed to its growth and development, in whichever capacity should be celebrated.

“We hope that this honour will spur them to doing more for our dear industry, “he said.

It was a night Abuja fans will not forget in hurry as they enjoyed the company of favourite Nollywood celebs while artistes and cultural troupes took their turns to entertain them.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/veteran-actor-sadiq-daba-now-garkuwan.html

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged Nigerians to commence stocking food and other necessities of life as workers will ensure a total shutdown of the country, beginning from November 6, should the government fail to pass the N30,000 new minimum wage. In a resolution reached at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the NLC held in Abuja, the workers’ union also said they were not perturbed by the no-work no-pay policy of the federal government, insisting that the right to strike is both a human right and a trade union right, and cannot be abridged. The NLC said its strike would lead to a total shutdown of the country. The resolution, which was contained in a communiqué signed by NLC President Ayuba Wabba, and general secretary, Dr Peter Ozo-Eson, urged workers to disregard government’s directive on “no work, no pay” because workers are already being impoverished and owed arrears of salaries. The NEC called for a national day of mobilisation and sensitisation rallies for all workers to show their outrage and anguish in the 36 states of the federation and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Tuesday, October 30, 2018.

According to the NLC, the day will also be used to educate and sensitise Nigerians on the horrendous plight of workers and pensioners, the insensitivity and duplicity of government on labour issues, and to protest the proposed obnoxious policies of government against organised labour The communiqué reads: “NEC-in-session directed all affiliate unions, state councils, civil society allies, the informal sector and other friends of workers and lovers of democracy to commence immediate mobilisation of their members; to commence an indefinite national strike and industrial actions from November 6, 2018, except government accepts and commences the process of perfecting the payment of N30,000 as the negotiated and compromise new national minimum wage before that date.” It also advised government to shelve its White Paper or risk being reported to the International Labour Organisation (ILO). The NEC also resolved not to be bound by the latest White Paper by government against labour, describing it an an illegality and a throwback to the dark days of fascism which Organised Labour successfully confronted. It added that the communique served as formal notice to government that the NLC will commence an indefinite national strike from November 6, 2018 except government agrees and begins the process of implementing the payment of N30,000 as the new national minimum wage.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/strike-stock-up-food-now-nlc-tells.html

The Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) has accused Governor Nasir El-Rufai of planning to secretly bury 347 Shi’ites members.

A statement on Wednesday by IMN spokesman, Ibrahim Musa, alleged Elrufa’i, on Monday ordered the mass burial of a large number of people presumably killed during the recent mayhem at Kasuwan Magani, Kaduna at the Mando site.

“We unequivocally condemn this clear attempt at tampering with evidence by the Kaduna state government desperately out trying to obliterate this invaluable crime scene perpetrated by his government, when in the midnight of 16/12/15, the same government buried 347 people it killed in Zaria during the Nigerian Army’s brutal assault on Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky and members of the Islamic Movement, resulting in the death of over a thousand civilian citizens”, it read.

“Secondly, we condemn even the idea by the Kaduna state government to hurriedly bury victims of the recent utterly senseless mayhem in parts of Kaduna in mass grave, at a time it imposed a 24-hour curfew without allowing relatives of victims identify their loved ones for a more befitting burial. This is an open show of complete disregard to human lives by the Kaduna state government.

“We strongly believe that this recent hasty mass burial is another attempt by the Elrufai’s government to sweep under the carpet the atrocities committed by some religious and ethnic bigots involved in the avoidable killings at Kasuwan Magani and Kaduna metropolis in the same way it did with the first mass grave.

“The Islamic Movement in Nigeria wishes to draw the attention of Kaduna state citizens and other well-meaning Nigerians to the fact that the entire ruse by Governor Elrufai about convicting the criminals that planned and orchestrated the recent crisis in Kaduna is full of deceit since the evidence admissible in any court has been buried.

“It bears a striking resemblance to his government’s stubborn refusal to arrest and prosecute the soldiers involved in the Zaria genocide of December 2015, even after a Judicial Commission of Inquiry found them culpable.

“We, therefore, call on the international community, Human Rights Organizations and the general public to closely watch the Mando site of mass graves to prevent tampering with the evidence of crime perpetrated against humanity under any guise.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/el-rufai-govt-set-to-secretly-bury-347.html

The Bayelsa Government has announced that there has been an increase in the number of trained indigenous teachers in the state education sector from five to thirty per cent, declaring that the number of indigenous teachers will hit 70 per cent by 2027.

According to the Bayelsa Government, the local content in the education ministry has grown from five percent to 30 percent, and by the year 2027 it will be 70 percent, adding that the trained teachers are the ones to impact knowledge on the younger generation that will handle the oil industry.

The State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Jonathan Obuibite made this known at the closing ceremony of the six (6) weeks training programme for 250 mathematics, basic science and technology teachers organized by the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in partnership with the state ministry of education, at African University, Bolou Orua campus.

Hon. Obuebite noted that the teachers for accepting and comporting themselves and also the show of enthusiasm through the duration of the training, adding that most of the time he spent with them during the training the teachers took it as their own project.

He admonished them to go out and influence and teach most of their colleagues who weren’t privileged to attend the workshop, noting that the performances of the students in the state will be the justification for the training.

Earlier in his speech, the Bayelsa state Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson called on oil multinationals operating in the state, to partner more with the educational sectors of the state in order to build the capacity of the younger generation and open them up for the opportunities in the oil sector.

Governor Dickson noted that the role of teachers in capacity building can’t be overemphasized, adding that if the teachers are not trained effective to teach the student whatever government is investing in the sector would be a waste.

He said the government under his leadership was committed and determined to motivate the teachers through training and re-training, noting that if more companies can partner with government on such programmes the sky will not be our limit.

He admonished them to continue on their own and upgrade themselves on whatever they’ve been thought, adding that the dream of the government is to see a society where teacher will be proud of the profession.

“my dream is to see a society where teachers can be proud of what they are doing, as we leave here your dreams is to attain excellence, knowledge is dynamic, you need to continue to upgrade yourselves, programmes like this are essential and as you go review the papers you were taught”

In his speech, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Mr. Simbi Wabote, who earlier stated that the future of the society depends on the teachers, said if the teachers are not equipped with such trainings to teach the student the effort of the board will be futile.

Wabote, who was represented by the General Manager, Capacity building, Dr. Ama Ikuru, pledge 100 percent support from the board to building the capacity of the people of the country.

One of the beneficiary and the best English teacher, Mrs. Osaisai Uche Evans, from Southern-Ijaw secondary school Oporoma, commended the development partners and the state government for the opportunity to impact knowledge on them for the past weeks.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/bayelsa-govt-to-increase-number-of.html

The abducted wife of the Chief of Adara in Kachia Local Government, Kaduna State, Mrs Victoria Galadima has been freed in the early hours of Sunday.

Confirming her release, Kaduna Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Yakubu Sabo said the woman is currently under medical examination at Kachia General Hospital.

According to him, efforts are being intensified to secure the release of her husband, Dr Maiwada Galadima, who is still being held hostage alongside his driver, identified as Timothy.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that four people including a policeman were killed by the abductors on Friday before taking away the monarch, his wife and driver. (NAN)

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/abducted-wife-of-kaduna-monarch-released.html

The chairman of the LEADERSHIP Group, Sam Nda- Isaiah, yesterday added another feather to his cap as he was conferred with the chieftaincy title of Aare Baroyin of Akure Kingdom by the Deji of Akure, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi. Speaking after being invested with his traditional title amidst thunderous ovation, Nda-Isaiah described his new role as Aare Baroyin of Akure as a big responsibility and that he was ready to work with every member of the kingdom to achieve success in his new office. “I am humbled with this chieftaincy title conferred on me as the Aare Baroyin of Akure Kingdom. I am grateful and will be willing to pay my loyalty and service to the kingdom. “So, I am happy about this my new title and thank the Almighty God and the Kabiyesi for fishing me out for this title.
“Of course, it is a big title that I have accepted and which comes with a big responsibility. I am now a son of Akure land, and not an ordinary son but member of this community.

“I am very proud of the Deji and I know within my power I am sure we would all work together to achieve more success,” he said. He pledged his unalloyed loyalty to the Akure Kingdom, saying that he would continue to propagate the rich cultural value and tradition of the Akure Kingdom using his media enterprise. The new Aare Baroyin further described the ancient town of Akure as one of the most culture-oriented kingdoms in Nigeria considering its heritage, pointing out that the town was a remarkable landmark judging by its history in the Yoruba race. He explained that premium would be placed on the district customs and traditions of the ancient town, adding that conferring him with the title would spur him to do more for humanity. Mr Nda-Isaiah described Africans as the most blessed race in the world, mostly the Yoruba race, because of their rich cultural endowment, a value that cannot be quantified. The Aare Baroyin of Akure had earlier expressed his willingness to learn more about the cultural values and heritage of the Akure Kingdom. “I am also sure that I will be told my exact duty and work about this title because I am willing to display my commitment to the cause of this kingdom. “I wish the entire kingdom long life and prosperity and I also know that the town is very peaceful, but I want to know more about the town and it cultural events,” he said. The rites for the title, the first in the history of the ancient kingdom, was performed on Mr. Nda-Isaiah by the Asamo of Akure, Chief Rotimi Fasakin, at the ceremony to end the two-week-long Ulefunta/Oyemekun Festival 2018. The colourful ceremony which took place at the Deji’s expansive palace in Akure, the Ondo State capital, was performed amidst pomp and substance as dignitaries from all walks of life, including prominent sons and daughters of the ancient town, graced the occasion.
Also, members of the Hausa community, attired in their usual traditional regalia, added glamour to the beautiful event with the melodious beats of their beautiful drums. The traditional chiefs from the Akure community also turned out in their numbers to honour the media mogul who is now the new face of the Yoruba Cultural Media Ambassador.

On his part, the Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi said that the decision to confer the honorary chieftaincy title on Nda-Isaiah was due his tremendous contributions to the growth of the media industry in Nigeria. Oba Aladelusi, who described the Leadership boss as a media guru that has made landmark achievements, said that as the new Aare of Baroyin of the Akure Kingdom, his position should be used to attract good things to the ancient land. The monarch said the title, which is the first in the history of the ancient town, would go a long way to add new credibility to the media guru.
He said, “We don’t just confer titles on people if such beneficiaries cannot justify such titles, but we are doing this today for Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah; he is eminently qualified for it as the Aare Baroyin and that is why we deemed it fit to bestow it on him. “Akure town is beginning to change for the good and we now have some super-calibre set of people in this Akure Kingdom. “To have you as our son is a great one for us and we must thank you for accepting this title. You are now part of us and we will forever cherish you. We are happy to see you here and as the newest son of our town. “So, you now have the key to enter anywhere in the town. Your new title is a powerful position in the ancient city and I know you would not regret accepting it”, the Deji added.

Meanwhile, another prominent son of the Akure Kingdom, Prince Afolabi Obasuyi, was conferred with the traditional title of Agbaka of Akure community. nt Nigerians like the former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida; former head of state, General Abdulsalami Abubakar; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, and national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday sent goodwill messages to the Deji of Akure Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Oguntoyinbo Aladelusi, Odundun II and the publisher of Leadership Newspaper, Sam Nda-Isaiah, on the Ulefunta Festival celebrated by the Akure Kingdom and the installation of the newspaper mogul as the Aare Baroyin of Akure. The messages came on the heels of Akure, the ancient city capital of Ondo State, going agog yesterday as virtually all associations, clubs and groups in the city gathered to celebrate the festival. While Babangida said he was “happy to note” that Nda-Isaiah’s “services for a strong and united Nigeria are being recognised far and wide,” Dogara said the title was “well deserved” and Tinubu added, “You are today a chieftaincy title holder in Yorubaland” and “by virtue of this, you are a member of the traditional council in Akureland, which comes with its own responsibilities.” The leaders, who felicitated with Nda-Isaiah for having been found worthy of being bestowed such a title by the paramount ruler of the kingdom, also wished the Deji and the people of Akure well in the celebration of the festival.

The festival had commenced with the Deji going on a seven-day traditional period of seclusion, with homage paid to him by all the different masquerades in the kingdom and an anniversary lecture delivered by the Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah. The second wave of the celebration had kicked off on Friday with the gathering of the who-is-who in the kingdom, as well as friends of the people of Akure, called “A Night with the Deji” where a launch for the completion of the construction of the Oba’s palace was made. Earlier yesterday, the traditional rites for the installation of Nda-Isaiah were completed with funfare with the newspaper publisher appreciating the monarch and people of Akure kingdom for finding him worthy of title. The carnival held on Saturday was heralded with pomp and ceremony as various groups in their colourful attire gathered at the Democracy Park of the Oba’s Market to pay homage to the king who was driven into the arena in an ancient cart. In his remarks, the Deji thanked the people of the kingdom for their love for him and the kingdom in general, and enjoined them to work for the progress and development of the capital city of Ondo State. Also present at the event was the governor of Ondo State, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, who represented by the Secretary to the State Government; the deputy governor of the state, Agboola Ajayi; Mr. Sunday Abegunde; General Igbayilola Akintunde, and other traditional rulers and captains of industry.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/my-responsibilities-as-aare-baroyin-of.html

The Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, COEASU, has said it would not be intimidated by the no work no pay policy of the Nigerian government.

National President of COEASU, Nuhu Ogirima, in a statement released in Abuja, called on its members across the country to prepare for a prolonged battle.

“As we conclude the first phase of the national strike, we urge you all to be not distracted by the intimidation and threat of no work no pay. The threat should rather strengthen our resolve that enough is enough of exploitative work. It’s no pay no work! So, do brace up for a prolonged battle – it is a no retreat no surrender action, for if we refused to stand for COE system now, we may not get it right again.”

The union leader further described the no work no pay policy as grandstanding, and a mark of insensitivity and irresponsibility towards the law abiding labour force of the country. According to him, lecturers in colleges of education have been receiving fractional and mutilated salaries for years in all federal colleges of education, especially because of the non-inclusion of PAA.

“Where salaries are paid, it is the cooperative societies’ membership subscriptions and Unions’ dues that are being used to service/augment government allocation for salaries. So, if we didn’t threaten government no pay no work, why would government threaten us with no work no pay because we’re now requesting government to pay us full salary, by the strike,” he questioned.

He noted that there has not been any commensurate adjustment in salary since the pump price of fuel was unadjusted astronomically, adding that “We’ve never been more impoverished than now, it has been exploitation galore for this administration, I dare say”.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/were-not-intimidated-about-no-work-no.html

Security chiefs have raised the alarm that disgruntled politicians are stockpiling arms to scuttle the 2019 general elections.

They made this claim in their presentation to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday during their National Security Council meeting.

In attendance were all the service chiefs – the chiefs of army staff Gen Tukur Buratai; air staff, Air Vice Marshal Sadique Abubakar; naval staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas, and defence staff, Gen Gabriel Olonisakin, as well as the director-general of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Magaji Bichi; the inspector general of police, Ibrahim Kpotun Idris; the minister of defence, Mansur Dan Ali, and national security adviser, Gen Babagana Monguno.

The chief of defence staff, Gen Olonisakin, who made the presentation on behalf of the service chiefs, said the country’s security architecture was primed to ensure violence-free general elections next year.

According to him, the security bosses discussed the general overview of the security situation in the country as it relates to the conduct of the forthcoming 2019 general elections.

Expressing concern over the possibility of post-election violence, the security chiefs alleged that desperate politicians may whip up ethno-religious sentiment to create security situation in the country

They recommended the deployment of security agencies to states to ensure the peaceful and smooth conduct of the elections, to douse tension created by the outcome of the political parties’ primaries and to thwart the plan of some desperate persons to sabotage the electoral process.

“The meeting also discussed attempts to put pressure on the electoral body by some notable personalities through demonstrations, which was brought under control by the combined efforts of security agencies, to avoid it from being hijacked by hoodlums and armed bandits.

“Another area of security concern includes post-election violence, as desperate politicians may whip up ethno-religious sentiments to create security situation in the country.

“Also of concern is the proliferation and stockpiling of weapons by some disgruntled elements with a desire to take the law into their hands at the slightest opportunity,” he said.

Olonisakin further stated that the Council called for the concerted efforts of all security agencies to ensure that 2019 elections are hitch free, just as it stressed the need for continuous sensitisation of the public by National Orientation Agency (NOA) and regular meetings of relevant stakeholders including INEC, international/ local observers and the media ahead of the elections.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/disgruntled-politicians-stockpiling.html

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has affirmed that there is no threat to the conduct of the 2019 general elections and that everything is on course towards a successful outcome.

The electoral body said nothing has changed from the earlier timetable and schedule of activities it released last year, adding that the commission is on the third stage now, which involves collation of candidates’ names from various political parties.

The press secretary to the INEC chairman, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, who made this comment yesterday while reacting to inquiries about the alleged threat to the conduct of the 2019 general elections, said there is no cause for concern.

“The commission released its timetable and schedule of activities for the 2019 general elections on January 9, 2018, and since that day, nothing has changed.

“We’ve passed the first and second stages, and we are now in the third stage. Candidates’ lists are now being collected and documented. There is no cause for concern because INEC is on top of its game and there is no threat to the election conduct,” Oyekanmi stated.

LEADERSHIP recalls that INEC chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, had last month said that the treat of violence could cause the postponement of the 2019 general elections.

However, the commission, through it press secretary, Oyekanmi, said there was no plan to postpone the election.

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are yet to submit the list of their presidential candidates, Muhammadu Buhari and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, ahead of today’s deadline.

The commission yesterday said only 17 political parties out of 91 had submitted the lists of their candidates.

Among the political parties that have so far complied are: UPP, Labour Party, UP, PDC, FDP, MDP, Kowa Party, NDLP, APGA and PPA.

Findings showed that both the APC and the PDP are yet to submit the names of their candidates for the presidential and the National Assembly elections with the deadline ending today.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/no-threat-to-2019-polls-inec-insists.html

The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has hailed the judgement of Justice Mohammed Liman of a Federal High Court in Benin City, who on Tuesday, sentenced Mrs Christy Ehiorobo to nine years imprisonment for engaging in human trafficking.

Obaseki said the judgement is a triumph of good over evil and assured that other traffickers will have their days in court soon.

The governor said: “I commend the courage of the High Court Judge for serving Mrs. Christy Ehiorobo, a 9-year jail term for engaging in human trafficking. The judgement has given further bite to our resolve to rid Edo State of human traffickers who are exploiting our youth.”

He noted that “With the support we are receiving from critical stakeholders such as the judiciary, the Royal Palace of the Benin Monarch and the legislature, in the fight against human trafficking, I am convinced that we will win the fight.”

Obaseki further said that he has thrown his weight behind the decision of the Edo State Chief Judge, Justice Esohe Ikponmwen to dedicate two specialised courts to hear human trafficking cases.

“I have thrown my weight behind the decision of the Edo State Chief Judge, Justice Esohe Ikponmwen to designate two courts to hear human trafficking offences in order to give accelerated hearing to such cases. The decision of the chief judge is innovative as it will fast-track the dispensation of justice in human trafficking and related cases,” he added.

According to media reports, a Federal High Court, sitting in Benin, on Tuesday, sentenced a 49-year-old woman, Mrs Christy Ehirobo, to nine years imprisonment for human trafficking.

Justice Mohammed Liman, in his judgment, held that human trafficking had eaten deep into the fabric of society, adding that despite the plea of mercy by the convict, the law must take its cause.

“The accused is therefore sentenced to three years imprisonment on each of the three counts to run concurrently,” the judge was quoted as saying.

The convict, also known as Helen Ehirobo and Mama Jennifer, hails from Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo, State and had been standing trial since 2011.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/human-trafficking-obaseki-lauds-9-year.html

The Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike on Tuesday insisted that the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose has nothing to hide.

Wike said this while explaining why he accompanied Fayose to the office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in Abuja.

Fayose had stormed the anti-graft agency office in company of Wike, former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, and his supporters.

However, Wike maintained that justice will surely take its course, adding that Fayose had served his people well.

In a tweet, Wike wrote: “I just escorted my friend and brother @GovAyoFayose to the EFCC office. We stand up to intimidation, we have nothing to fear. Justice will surely take it’s course.

“He has served his people openly and has absolutely nothing to hide. We shall overcome.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/efcc-why-fayose-has-nothing-to-hide-wike.html

Actress,Halima Abubakar claims she is a virgin and can’t wait to experience sex as a married woman.

The actress posted a stunning photo on Instagram ,with caption

Can’t wait to experience sex when I get married�We virgins need special love too��#protect your vibe#positivevibes

Interesting!

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/i-cant-wait-to-experience-sex-halima.html

The Chairman of the South-East Senate Caucus, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, on Sunday declared that the combination of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi as his running mate can pull the country out of its “present horrendous predicament.”

Abaribe said the ticket of Abubakar and Obi was the “finest choice available.”

In a statement he personally signed, the lawmaker described Obi as an embodiment of discipline with positive attributes towards good governance.
He expressed hope that PDP will emerge victorious in 2019 with the choice of Abubakar and Obi.

He said “The ticket of the duo of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Mr Obi represents the finest choice available and one that reflects the high pitch push by Nigerians for total economic and political reforms.

“The present hopeless situation of fear, despondency and hunger in the land, which is occasioned by a seemingly rudderless and clueless government requires experienced and steady hands in the saddle. Of course the Atiku/Obi ticket presents that radical choice capable of pulling the country out of her present horrendous predicament.”

He commended the former Vice President for picking Obi, who hails from the South-East.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/2019-presidency-what-south-east.html

Former Governor of Oyo State, Chief Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala and gubernatorial candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), on Friday announced Professor Abideen Olaiya as his running mate ahead of the 2019 general elections.

Alao-Akala in a statement signed by one of his aides, Barrister Abraham Ojo, said he arrived at this decision after due consultations with party stalwarts and key stakeholders of the ADP, who nominated the renowned scholar.

DAILY POST gathered that the ADP Deputy governorship candidate is an indegene of Ibadan, the state capital.

Olaiya holds Ph.D in Agronomy from the University of Ibadan and lectures at the Federal University of Agriculture, (FUNAM), Abeokuta.

The statement added that “Professor Olaiya has made significant contributions in the fields of scholarship and human capital
development and is also well known in religious circle as a devout Muslim and a God fearing person, who through this trait made him a leader in various capacities in the the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria where he served for over a period spanning about 3 decades and held sway as a role model and a source of inspiration to the the teeming members.

“Professor Olaiya’s foray into politics dated back to 1995 under the platform of GDM, and was eventually elected as Member of the House of Representative in 1998 to represent lbadan South East and North East.

“Ever since he joined politics, he has been passionate and actively involved in programs and activities aimed at improving the welfare of the people in his immediate environment and beyond.

“A devout Muslim, he is an ardent promoter of justice, fair play,morality and good governance.

“He is also a member of numerous academic and socio political organizations and has to his credit several academic publications”.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/oyo-2019-ex-governor-alao-akala-picks.html

Elder statesman and Convener of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum, Chief Edwin Clark, has given reason the people of the region will vote the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

He said Atiku Abubakar will be voted because of his promise to restructure the country.

Speaking to reporters in Abuja yesterday, the elder statesman criticised the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration over the violence and killings in the country.

Clark said the insecurity in the country presently was worse than the Civil War era in 1967.

He spoke this when he received the PDP ex-Councillors Forum in his house in Abuja.

He said, “We from the South-South will never vote for any candidate who does not believe in the restructuring of Nigeria. That is the secret behind Atiku’s success. When you restructure this country, we will all be equal and develop ourselves with the resources from our area at our pace.

“The killings in this country are too many. This is an everyday phenomenon. The Boko Haram menace is there, and there are people who are encouraging them.

“You also have the AK-47-carrying herdsmen; people are still being killed in Plateau and Benue states. The killings going on in Nigeria today are more than the killings that took place during the Civil War between 1967 and 1970.

“Every government is elected to provide security and welfare to the people. But this is not what we have presently.

“You are fighting corruption. Which corruption? Which corruption when only your enemies are being arrested? This country belongs to all of us. No one has the right to rule it alone.

“We want a detribalised President. We have come to a stage where we should have someone who is competent and respects every tribe and region.

“We made so many mistakes in 2015. PDP alone had about 12 presidential aspirants in the recent convention. We at the Southern Nigeria and Middle Belt Forum decided to interview the aspirants.

“Most of them were former state governors, ministers and senators. We sat with them in this house every day at that time. At the end, we knew the person to consider and we took the battle to Port Harcourt (Rivers State).”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/atiku-vs-buhari-clark-reveals-who-south.html

One person simply identified as Wilson, has been seriously injured in a clash involving Aladja and Ogbe-Ijoh communities in Udu and Warri South-West Local Government Areas of Delta State, DAILY POST can report.

The injured person is an Ogbe-Ijoh indigene.

DAILY POST learnt that he was allegedly shot during the clash between both communities.

At the time of filing this report, no life was lost and no property destroyed, but there is serious tension that the clash may continue this night if security operatives do not wade in.

The IYC President in Ogbe-Ijoh community, Engr. Smart Okosun confirmed the clash between both communities.

Engr. Okosun said,”Aladja people came to attack us. Let it not be that we didn’t tell the world of this attack. Anyhow it is, we must retaliate. ”

The Assistant Secretary of Aladja community council, Comrade Ighotegwolor Bezi said it is the Ogbe-Ijoh people that attacked them.

According to Bezi,”The Ogbe-Ijoh people attacked us with guns and other dangerous weapons through the Onos “B” Beach of Aladja community.

“We are calling on the Delta State Government because the whole Ijaws are planning to attack Aladja this night.

“Our people have been running helter-skelter and we are not going to fold our hands if they attack and injure one person here. Enough is enough. ”

Contacted, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammad Mustafa confirmed the report.

CP Mustafa said,”We are aware and we have sent mobile police to that place. One person was shot and he is receiving treatment in Warri.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/one-injured-as-delta-communities-clash.html

The Presidency on Thursday said that there was no amount of gang-up against President Muhammadu Buhari that would stop him from emerging winner of the 2019 Presidential election.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Femi Adesina said the regrouping of politicians against Buhari would not stop him from reclaiming his victory in next 2019 election.

Adesina stated this on his Twitter handle, @FemAdesina.

According to him: “The harder they come, the harder they fall. 2019 presidential election on my mind.”

The tweet came barely few hours after the former Vice President and Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar met with former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta.

Obasanjo had in the meeting endorsed Atiku’s presidential ambition.

He declared that Atiku will defeat the incumbent President, Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2019.

According to him, he believes that Atiku has ‘re-discovered and re-positioned himself’ and is now good enough to enjoy his support in the next election.

Obasanjo said, “Let me start by congratulating President-to-be, Atiku Abubakar, for his success at the recent PDP Primary and I took note of his gracious remarks in his acceptance speech that it all started here.”

At the meeting were outspoken clerics, Bishop David Oyedepo, Bishop Matthew Kukah and Sheikh Ahmed Gumi.

Also at the meeting were leader of apex Yoruba group, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, ex PDP deputy national chairman, Bode George, Senator Murray Ben-Bruce, ex Cross River Governor, Liyel Imoke, ex-Minister Osita Chidoka, among many others.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/apc-vs-pdp-no-gang-up-can-stop-buhari.html

Just a few months after the Joint Heath Sector Union (JOHESU) suspended its nationwide strike which lasted for several weeks, the recently suspended nationwide strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) again put Nigerians in another phase of groaning.

As industrial action remains incessant in the country, poor Nigerians seeking medical attention continue to groan in pain as they are left with the sad choice of either approaching expensive private health centres, patronizing quacks or resign to fate.

Whereas the idea behind the frequent strikes may be justified, the common man on the street always bear the loss; considering its implication on more than 50 per cent of Nigerians who are living below $1 per day.

Findings revealed that the most vulnerable in this group of people are the pregnant women and under five children especially the poor among them who cannot afford the exorbitant bills from private hospitals as their only hope to receive quality healthcare would be the public hospitals that are often time on strike.

Recently, when organised labour declared its now suspended strike, Nigerians, especially those at the lower rung of the social ladder, suffer untold hardship and indeed, pregnant women appear worst hit. One of these women, Mrs Chidinma Okeke, who recently gave birth to a twin at a private hospital in Lagos, is one of those that were grossly affected by the just suspended nationwide strike by NLC.

Okeke, who fell into labour on Friday, 28th of September, 2018, never envisaged that she would be locked up in hospital due to the fact that her husband who is a taxi driver cannot afford to pay her medical bills.

According to her, she knew her husband’s pocket, hence the reason why she initially registered with Ogudu Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) in Lagos state.

Okeke lamented that on the fateful day she fell into labour, she didn’t bother to go to Ogudu PHC, because she knew that the workers at the PHC would not be on ground to attend to her due to the strike, she told her husband to take her to the nearest private hospital.

“When I got to the private hospital, I was already bleeding. The doctor then said I cannot deliver through the normal way, that I must undergo caesarean section. He told us that it is going to cost us N200,000, but because my husband saw how pale I was, he told the doctor to go ahead.

“I finally gave birth to twins: a boy and girl, we are all healthy, but we are still in the hospital because we can’t afford that kind of money. My husband has been moving from one relative to another, but he is yet to get the money. We have been able to raise N10,000. We are begging Nigerians to come to our aids.”

Though, not able to pay the bill, Mrs Okeke is still better than most women living in Lagos that would opted for Traditional Birth Attendants and end up dying while trying to give birth, hence the main reason for the high prevalence rate of maternal deaths in the country.

Experts have however urged the federal government to find a lasting solution to the crisis, which has characterized the nation’s health sector, forcing patients to patronise private health institutions and herbal medicines.

Also, the way out of the frequent strikes that Nigerians have witnessed in the past few years, according to stakeholders is for governments at all level to institute health insurance scheme in the various states in Nigeria.

According to stakeholders, it will not only help to avert the needless deaths due to the crippled health system, but it would also help to reduce the agony people go through in trying to access medical services when there are strikes.

The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was established under Act 35 of 1999 Constitution by the Federal Government of Nigeria to improve the health of all Nigerians at an affordable cost through various prepayment systems.

The scheme claims to be totally committed to securing universal coverage and access to adequate and affordable healthcare in order to improve the health status of Nigerians, especially for those participating in the various programmes/products of the Scheme.

However, observers believe that NHIS is still elusive for many Nigeria, as only a few have access to the scheme while many still pay out of pocket to access health care in the country.

This has also been identified as part of the obvious factors why Nigeria may not be able to achieve the global goal for universal health coverage by 2013.

Meanwhile, in Lagos State, the commissioner for health, Dr. Jide Idris, said the Lagos State Health Scheme (LSHS) will be launched this year, adding that the state government will pay 75 per cent of the premium while public servants will pay 25 per cent.

It would be recalled that the premium payment for a family of six is N40,000 per year and premium for single enrolment is N8,500 per year. A premium subsidy of 75 percent was approved by the Lagos State Executive council for public servants.

Idris said the LSHS is a compulsory health insurance program established by the enabling law of the State to ensure all residents of Lagos State have access to affordable and quality healthcare. He stressed that the scheme is aimed at protecting people living in Lagos from financial distress resulting from huge medical bills.

The general manager, Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Dr. Peju Adenusi, while giving an overview of the scheme explained that the LSHS Bill was signed into Law in May 2015 adding that the law established, LASHMA, LSHS and the Lagos State Health Fund (LASHEF) will serve as a basket of funds from several sources for the provision of health care services for the enrolled population.

Adenusi noted that the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) registration number shall be a prerequisite for accessing any benefit available under the schemes.

She disclosed that the services to be provided under the scheme otherwise known as benefit package will include antenatal and postnatal care, normal delivery and Caesarian Operation , care of newborn, prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV, immunization, growth monitoring and promotion, management of childhood illnesses, family Planning and counseling and adolescent reproductive health care.

While NLC may have suspended the strike, the pains that most Nigerians went through during the few days, cannot be easily erased.

To this end, experts have opined that government should take proactive measures to resolving issues with workers rather than waiting for them to embark on industrial action before calling for discussion.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/how-incessant-strikes-take-toll-on.html

Members of the Pan Yoruba Socio-cultural group, Afenifere, on Tuesday held a closed-door meeting with former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta, Ogun, over the 2019 polls.

The meeting, which started around 3.30 p.m, lasted about two hours.

Mr Yinka Odumakin, who addressed newsmen on behalf of the group after the meeting, said the group was in Abeokuta to pay a return visit to Obasanjo.

The former president had recently visited Chief Ayo Adebanjo, one of the leaders of the group, in Lagos.

He said the meeting, which centred around the 2019 polls, was meant to harmonise the position of the Yorubas in Nigeria concerning the 2019 general elections.

“Few weeks back, Obasanjo came to Lagos to visit Pa Ayo Adebanjo and we are here again today to return the visit in order to further strengthen the friendship with the group.

“The meeting also aims at creating an harmonious position in Yorubaland over the leadership of the country in respect of the 2019 general elections.

“The general elections are around the corner and leaders across Nigeria are coming together to discuss the event, which is so crucial to the life of the nation.

“All hands must be on deck to get the country re-established and all grey areas must be ironed out,” he said.

Odumakin described the 2019 presidential race as “exciting” in the light of the candidates, who have emerged from the two major political parties.

He, however, said “the most important thing to the Afenifere group is the issue of restructuring.”

According to him, the group will support any candidate, who prioritises restructuring, because Nigeria cannot realise its dream without restructuring.

He said the group would soon adopt its preferred presidential candidate, saying “an official pronouncement would be made on the decision.

” The pendulum is swinging and we will let you know where it finally settles,” he said.

Members of the group, who attended the meeting are a former governor of Osun state, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, a former Minister of State for Defence, Mrs. Dupe Adelaja, Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Hon.Oladipo Olaitan.

Others are former Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Dr Tokunbo Awolowo- Dosunmu, Sen. Femi Okurounmu, Prof.Banjo Akintoye, Mr. Yinka Odumakin and Mr. Supo Sonibare.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/2019-what-obasanjo-discussed-with.html

Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has threatened to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over alleged manipulation of the party national convention held at the weekend in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Fayose alleged that some power brokers in the party subverted the process to ensure the emergence of the Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as the presidential candidate of the party for the 2019 general election. The former Vice President, Abubakar had emerged the winner of the PDP presidential ticket at the party’s national convention held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital on Saturday.

The governor in a statement made available to newsmen in Ado Ekiti day, said they have no regret supporting Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal for the ticket. According to him, “We have no regret aligning with Governor Wike to support Governor Tambuwal for the presidential ticket and no apologies either.

“We kept the party alive and strong when most men became ladies. We never compromised. If any group feels it can do it alone, we will see how far they can go. “I may renounce my membership of the party if the need arises. “In the main time, myself and others will continue with our consultations while watching the turn of event.

“We cannot but appreciate leaders that have intervened so far, but this release became necessary to avoid fresh crisis or misrepresentation.”

No fewer than twelve bigwigs of the party were cleared by the National Working Committee of the party to contest in the presidential primary of the party.The former president polled a total sum of 1,532 of the delegate votes to beat Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal to the second position with 693 votes.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/fayose-threatens-to-dump-pdp-over.html

Popular Nollywood actress, Halima Abubakar, has opened up on her new physique after losing a ton of weight.

In a chat with Saturday Beat, the actress noted that she was not bothered by people’s opinion of her trimmed physique. She explained how she was able to shed some weight within a period of one month.

“A man can never make me slim down. A woman should lose weight when it is necessary, especially for her health’s sake. I feel it is the business of those that are bashing me because I am trying to be healthy for myself and not for anybody. I do not care what they are saying about (my) losing weight or not.

“They do not expect me to be ‘thick’ forever, do they? I recently started this weight loss regimen about a month ago. I reduced what I ate and I was able to achieve this weight loss.

“Now I eat a lot of vegetables and take a lot of juice; everything I eat has to be nurturing. I used to love pounded yam, but I stopped eating all that. Now I prefer to take carrots. Also, I was on a ketogenic diet, it worked for me but it is not for everybody,” she said.

Halima Abubakar before weight loss

She further revealed that there was currently a man in her life.

“There is someone in my life that I am ‘looking at’ but let’s see how it goes. I don’t know when the wedding bells would ring. The person is not in the movie industry; I cannot date someone in the entertainment industry. We should not be doing the same thing; I have always said this,” Abubakar said.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/halima-abubakar-reveals-why-she-lost.html

His Excellency, the National Chairman of our great party, Prince Uche Secondus

His Excellency, the Chairman of our Board of Trustees

His Excellency, the Senate President and Leader of the National Assembly

His Excellency, the Rt. Hon. Speaker of the House of Representatives

His Excellencies, our Governors

His Excellencies, our great aspirants

Our elders, fellow members of the PDP and fellow delegates The National Chairman asked me not to come and make a formal speech today but it is only proper for me and the former Vice President to greet members of our party. So, we have come just to do that.

Of course, we are here because 12 people just spoke to us and one of them will be the next President of this country. For me, I am so confused on the one to vote for because all of them have seen me privately, seen me publicly and spoke to you today.

There is no one person that knows all of them except myself. I started interacting with most of them from 1998 and 1999 till date. I have worked with all of them and I know them left right and centre.

I can say that all of them are qualified to rule this country. But among these 12 qualified gentleman, we are going to select one bases on some key criteria. I have always said that the greatest problem we face today in Nigeria is unity. To a point some people ask whether they belong to this country.

We must select a leader; we must select the next President, a person who can bring Nigerians together. Let’s first save our Nigeria, then, others will follow. They are all qualified. We have to look at it critically.

One thing that make me happy is when I remember the good days of the PDP. Yes, we are in the opposition, but today, we have the Senate President. Yes, we are in the opposition, but today, we have the Speaker of the House of Representatives. This is an achievement.

The number of governors has also increased. It shows that PDP is preparing the pact to takeover power. I thank God for seeing us through. I have had discussions with all of them. I know that if we select one of them, we will help this country move forward.

I am glad that almost all of them in the cause of their speeches, they promised. That is the of of forgiveness. That out of the 12, only one person will be the President.

They all agreed that once we select that person peacefully, they will all support him and I thank them for that determination in joining us to move the party forward. So, once again, on behalf of the Vice President and leaders of our party, we thank you and wish us very joyous convention as we select the best for our country.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/pdp-convention-former-president.html

Dr. Alex Otti and Chief Chike Udensi, have emerged candidates of the governorship parallel primaries of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia for the 2019 general elections.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the candidates emerged in the parallel delegate elections held on Friday in Umuahia.

While Otti’s faction held its primary at the party secretariat located at Ikot Ekpene Road, Umuahia, that of Udensi was held at Kolping Event Centre, Agbama, also in Umuahia.

Otti, who is the sole aspirant in his faction, was announced winner by Mrs Carol Okoroafor, the Chairman of the election panel, who is the party’s National Welfare Secretary.

She said that Otti scored 574 votes out of the 610 accredited votes, while 36 votes were voided.

NAN reports that Otti was the party’s governorship candidate in the 2015 elections.

In his acceptance speech, entitled, ‘We are much closer than we began,’ Otti thanked the party faithful for reaffirming their trust in him once more by giving him the mandate.

He said: “Nearly four years ago, you had unanimously given me your mandate just like you have done today.

“We all set out on that crusade, which you will all agree, yielded positive results.

“We were victorious in the field and were ready to take our dear state from darkness into the bright light of development and prosperity.

“Unfortunately, the process was truncated by the enemies of progress led by the same evil and egotistic cabal that has held the state down for decades.”

He urged people of Abia not to relent on their unflinching support for him and other party candidates in various offices in the 2019 general elections.

NAN reports that Udensi, on the other hand, was declared winner in the other faction, having scored 532 votes as against Otti’s 57 votes.

According to the result, a total of 616 votes were cast, while 27 votes were voided.

Speaking to journalists, the National Welfare Secretary of APGA, Mrs Carol Okoroafor, said that 19 people collected the governorship form, but only Otti was cleared to contest.

She said that the party did not recognise Udensi’s faction. (NAN)

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/apga-produces-2-governorship-candidates.html

Police have reportedly attacked leaders and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who are currently protesting against the outcome of the Osun State Governorship election at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja.

“I have just been teargassed by the @PoliceNG at @inecnigeria office. Gunshots have been fired.

“This was a peaceful protest. How can I be treated like this in a country I have fought for and invested in?

“This is madness, I came with words they answered with bullets!” Senator Ben Murray Bruce tweeted.

Leaders of the opposition party among whom are the Senate President, Bukola Saraki; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara; and the National Chairman of the party, Uche Secondus, led the protesters to INEC office after they had earlier converged at the national headquarters of the PDP in Abuja.

Also among the protesters are Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State; former Niger State Governor and presidential aspirant, Sule Lamido; and Senator Dino Melaye, among others.

The PDP wants the electoral umpire to declare PDP candidate, Ademola Adeleke the winner of the Osun election.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/police-fire-teargas-shoot-at-saraki.html