₦airaland Forum

He said the feud between him and Oshiomhole had not affected his relationship with President Buhari.


Rochas Okorocha

The Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, has accused the National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole, of turning the party into a “regional party”.

Gov. Okorocha who was suspended from the APC over alleged anti-party activities, spoke to journalists after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House yesterday.

He said the South East must be given the chance to produce either the senate president or deputy senate president for geo-political balancing and distribution of positions.

“I’ve been watching carefully what is happening in the National Assembly; it’s a very funny drama. But all I ask from them is that they should consider the South East in their calculations. This nation will not be properly balanced if the South East is not carried along properly in the affairs of the National Assembly.

“Nobody seems to be talking about the South East; it looks like the South East doesn’t have a place anymore; that is wrong, politically speaking, and that is not good for APC because there is going to be a bigger APC after President Buhari must have left the seat.

“My fear now is that APC might have a serious setback in 2023 because the Oshiomhole-led executive is actually turning APC into a regional minority party, which shouldn’t be, because of his mistakes. Right now in the whole South East, we don’t have an APC governor.

“So, if there is any discussion in Nigeria now among the APC governors and President Buhari, there would be nobody from the South East. This is what the APC chairman has done in the South East. It’s a capital attempt to frustrate the effort of the South East. But I appeal to every Nigerian to support the cause of the South East.

“They shouldn’t think about giving the South East whatever position for giving sake. You can’t just wake up and give them any position. South East is a key primary zone in this country and if we don’t get the number one seat, we should get the number two seat,” he said.

He said the feud between him and Oshiomhole had not affected his relationship with President Buhari.

He said he was in the State House to invite President Buhari for the commissioning of over 1,000 projects he had executed in Imo State, and that he did not discuss the issue of his certificate of return with the president.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/04/02/nass-leadership-nigeria-wont-balance-if-s-east-is-not-considered-okorocha/

Nigeria could slip back into recession if the current market dynamics negatively affects the price of crude oil. This warning was handed down by the Nigeria Natural Resource Charter (NNRC) blaming the gloomy outlook on the depletion of the country’s Excess Crude Account (ECA), which is supposed to serve as a cushion in lean times.

According to NNRC, a nonprofit policy institute that promotes the effective management of natural resources for public good, Nigeria currently appears not to have a buffer or stabilisation fund to help her through the rainy days if oil prices suddenly drop as the ECA stands at a miserly $183 million.

Issuing the warning in a recent statement, Programme Coordinator of NNRC, Tengi George-Ikoli, said: “A little dip in oil prices is all that is required to transition us back into a recession. With savings in our Excess Crude Account of $183 million as reported by the Director, Funds in the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, Mohammed Usman, Nigeria has no ‘rainy day’ fund to stabilise her economy when; and it is ‘when’ and not ‘if’ the monsoon hits.

“Nigeria must therefore, use all her natural resources to develop other sectors of her economy such that her revenue base is independent of cyclical nature and fluctuations associated with commodities like crude oil.”

George-Ikoli noted that it is necessary for Nigeria to consider the situation in Venezuela which has one of the world’s largest oil reserves, and push for reforms in the industry which could unlock her enormous natural gas potential.

“Let’s not only have the best jollof rice in Africa, let’s be the ‘best’, in reality. Let’s drag those 187 million estimated poor Nigerian’s out of poverty. Countries like the United Arab Emirates have reduced their dependence on crude oil such that its services sector is so developed, that it has become a top holiday destination where many Nigeria’s are seen to visit.

“Qatar has moved from being an oil producing nation to a gas producing nation, focusing more on harnessing its huge natural gas resources to produce renewable energy and also building the world largest natural gas hub. It even left the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC),” she said.

According to George-Ikoli, Shell, ExxonMobil, Chevron, Total, British Petroleum (BP) and Eni have embraced alternative energy resources at Silicon Valley by backing energy-technology start-ups to signal that they are, “casting around for a new strategy outside oil”.

“The biggest investor-owned oil companies are putting their money into ventures probing the edge of energy technologies. The investments will go beyond wind and solar power into projects that improve electricity grids and brew new fuels from renewable resources. They are poised for the inevitable transition. Are we?” George-Ikoli asked. She highlighted that if the Nigerian government embarked in the much needed reforms in the sector, it will create a well-functioning energy sector which will bring a wider range of resources and technologies into play, providing some of the capital and know-how that can support more diversified growth. The reform process will be complex and challenging, but change in the energy sector is a prerequisite for the development of more productive, innovative and sustainable economies.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/04/01/nigerias-economic-recovery-still-fragile-warns-nnrc/

The Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, has sympathised with the family of Oluwole Oluleye, a former governorship aspirant in the state, who died on Friday after a brief illness.

Concise News understands that the deceased, a former Executive Secretary of Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) and Oluomo of Efon Alaaye, was a governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2018 election.

Governor Fayemi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, revealed that Oluleye’s death came to him as a shock since he didn’t appear as being sick the last time they met.

Fayemi described the late Oluleye as an amiable, industrious, energetic and highly resourceful politician who shown great passion and love for the development of the state.

“Dr Oluleye was an embodiment of intellect, courage and hard work. He would be greatly missed,” he said.

He added that Oluleye lived an exemplary life and made his good name in the public service.

”Our prayer is that God will grant him eternal rest and give the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” the statement noted.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/03/31/ekiti-state-gov-fayemi-mourns-oluleye/

A key chieftain of All Progressives Party, APC, and Senator, Basheer Garba Lado, who represented Kano Central Senatorial District in the 7th National Assembly and served as Director, Contact and Mobilisation, North, in the Buhari Presidential Campaign Council dismisses allegations of thuggery and violence and shares candid insights into how Governor Ganduje won the Kano gubernatorial election and more. He spoke with Moses Orjime

As a member of the Northern political intelligentsia, what’s your take on the imperative of creating a new Nigeria?

In my view, the importance of creating a new nation state defined by a genuinely progressive template and inclusive governance cannot be overstated. It is a matter of urgency and importance to our future development. Therefore, all hands must be on deck and we must be relentless in our efforts towards the transformation of our nation. This is a continuous process, which will require proper planning, commitment and courage. I believe our past leaders like the brilliant late Mallam Aminu Kano, my political role model, and several other eminent national leaders have laid the foundation for us to build upon.

People are surprised to see that after Muhammadu Buhari’s victory in the presidential election, PDP under the leadership of Kwankwaso almost took over Kano in the governorship and state assembly elections. What really gave birth to the electoral problems in Kano?

Let me start by thanking the Almighty Allah and the good people of Kano for the victory. In my opinion, the notion that the PDP almost defeated Assembly elections and us in the gubernatorial is totally wrong. Naturally, there were a number of people who were opposed to some of Gov Ganduje’s policies in Kano. For instance, his Government introduced new taxes in order to improve the state’s IGR in an effort to augment the dwindling federal allocation which did not go down well with some of the people so there were some criticisms in some quarters over that.

Another issue, which arose, was Gov Ganduje’s plan for infrastructural development in the heart of the commercial district in Kano. Also in trying to find a solution to the traffic congestion in the city,there were plans to construct a mega overhead bridge that would run from Kano Municipal LG into Fagge LG and terminate at the famous Singer Market, which is the main commercial centre in Kano. Most of Kano’s traders operate from the area so to them, a structure such as that would adversely affect their commercial activities. They also campaigned and, mobilised against our party during the election as a way of protesting the plan.

Aside from these issues, which were largely external factors, some of the problems we faced were also internal. By that, I am referring to the crisis within the party, which was fallout of the primary elections. This was a major problem, which in my opinion was not managed properly by the party.Unfortunately some aspirants who had lost the primary election were still aggrieved up to the election period because not much was done to appease them. This greatly affected their commitment towards the party’s victory and as a result many did not contribute as they should have done.

However, a major contributory factor that affected our performance was our elevated confidence after winning the Presidential and National Assembly elections, as is typical in such situations, we basically all let our guards down and took it for granted that it would be a smooth victory for us. So in my opinion, these were the real issues that contributed to our average performance at the gubernatorial elections, which made it inconclusive in the first instance. That cannot be attributed to PDP’s popularity or the “Kwankwaso factor” at all. After all, Kwankwaso lost in his Local Government Area. Gov Ganduje defeated him in both the governorship and State Assembly elections. So, it was basically a case of PDP exaggerating APC’s problems, by using a lot of propaganda to create the wrong impression as I explained earlier.

Talking about primary election, you were also a victim?

Well in my own case I would say I was not happy with the way I was treated having campaigned for the seat for almost a year. Suddenly Mallam Shekarau was brought in three days to the primary election and I was asked to drop my ambition for him a person who had just joined the party. I thought that was most unfair and unjust especially when I was informed that I would not be allowed to contest the primary election with him.I initially resisted it and continued with my campaign but when I found out that his move from the PDP to the APC had the involvement and blessing of the Vice President, National Leader of the party Tinubu and our party chairman and also the intervention of some governors who brokered peace I therefore had no option but to put the interest of the party before my personal interest.

This is where I fault the position of my colleagues – namely Senators Kabiru Marafa and Magnus Abe. Sometimes we have to put the party’s interest above personal considerations. If I had followed their approach, the APC would have been plunged into a serious crisis and dire consequences. Remember, the relationship of Shekarau and Mr. President had not been so cordial. So, when he joined our Party most of the President’s supporters rallied round me unsolicited and they were ready to fight it out. But once I sensed the danger, crisis and division that would occur in the Party, I decided to step down and sacrifice my ambition for the overall interest of our Party. It was a worthwhile sacrifice and I do not habour any ill feelings since it has led to our victory in Kano. I wish Mallam Shekarau the best of luck and I trust he will do very well.

Do you have any regret of not returning to the National Assembly?

Not at all and I have always said that my constituency, which is Kano Central, with a population of almost 7 million is the largest in the country. So I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to represent the people for four years. It is therefore only reasonable if someone else is given an opportunity to contribute his/her quota. I am proud to say that it is on record that I completed over 108 developmental projects, in Kano Central constituency during my tenure, which is unmatched in the history of Kano politics. I was also the facilitator of the Kundila Overhead Bridge, which the good people of Kano chose to name after me as Gadar Lado. The bridge is so central and has become a popular landmark that you can ask in any motor park from any part of the country to be taken to Gadar Lado. I also initiated and facilitated the dualisation of Kano to Kastina Expressway as one of my Constituency projects. The Expressway when completed will save lives and ease transportation and movement between the two States. These are projects that would outlive me and my grandchildren.

It is alleged that APC in Kano had the backing of the presidency during the rerun poll. What’s your reaction to that?

Well let me start by saying that I heard these allegations and to me they are ludicrous and outrageous. I say this categorically because I served in the Presidential Campaign Council as the Director, Contact and Mobilisation, North – that is the entire North. I had the privilege of working closely with the presidency because of the nature and sensitivity of my assignment.

It is a known fact that Mr. President does not entertain any type of suggestion that would go against the law. His position regarding the proper conduct of elections is so strong that even his demeanor would prevent anyone from daring to bring up any plan to interfere with the elections. So for someone that is unwilling to influence the natural outcome of his own election, how is it possible that he would instruct the government agencies to rig in favor of another candidate?

I am sure everyone has heard Mr. President on so many occasions during his campaign rally say that people should vote for candidates of their choice.

So tell us in all honesty how was the Kano APC able to win the supplementary election?

I will attribute this success to many factors but most significant is hard work and doggedness. I was with the governor and a few others when the results started coming in that same day around 4pm. I remember we sat from 4pm till the following day around 12pm monitoring results from the various local government areas. As the results were coming in, we were quite pleased because in all the results from the local governments outside Kano metropolitan, APC was leading. When results from the metropolitan started coming in, the outcome began to change.

Now remember like I said, Kano metropolitan i.e. Central alone, has a population of over 7 million people and we noticed that the margin gained were being swallowed by the local governments in the metropolitan. It was at this point that INEC declared the election inconclusive due to the irregularities of over voting, et cetera.

Soon after the declaration by INEC the governor called for an emergency meeting of all the major stakeholders. We sat and quickly reviewed the election in its entirety. We were able to retrace our steps, analyse the problems, particularly why and what went wrong.

Like I mentioned earlier, we discovered that the reason was mainly because we all took it for granted believing the landslide victory we recorded in the presidential election will create a bandwagon effect in the governorship election. In other words we did not take it as seriously as we did during the presidential election. We therefore campaigned aggressively and took no chances this time around.

We also observed that the business community, that is the traders, worked against us during the election simply because they did not agree with the governor’s decision to construct an overhead bridge that will pass through the heart of the commercial centres which they felt would impact negatively on their commercial and business activities. This impression was immediately rectified by the Governor to appease them.

As soon as the areas for the rerun where announced, we quickly moved into action bearing in mind that we were going into the election with a deficit of about 26,000 votes in favour of the PDP. We x-rayed the LGs where the rerun were to take place and in my local government which is Nassarawa, Gama Ward alone has 62 Polling Units with about 40,000 votes out of the 120,000 that were up for grabs.

No matter what anybody says about the governor, you cannot take away humility and political sagacity from him. So as a first move, he started seeking audience with the aggrieved business communities, explaining the need for their support. As Gama Ward was the decider, he took it upon himself to visit the Local government every day of the week, interacting with the elders, youth, women et cetera. He started new projects such as construction of roads, provision of water, youth and women empowerment, among others. I would say he practically was sleeping there for the two weeks duration.

For some of us, we saw the election as everything about our political future. In my opinion, the two major political parties have been regionalised with the PDP having a stronghold in the south and of course APC in the north. So why should we give PDP an in-road in the north by allowing them to win Kano? So there is no way we would have folded our arms and give PDP such a lifeline. The question is: what happens to us come 2023.

I recall in one of our conversations with the governor, I emphasised to him the importance of making sure that whoever is going to be saddled with any kind of responsibility for the rerun must have as much to lose as anyone of us.

One other strategy we used was to dominate the airwaves which I spearheaded bringing to the attention of Kano people what was about to befall them. It was Kwakwanso’s agenda or third term through the backdoor by imposing Abba his foster child as the PDP candidate.

We also reminded them of how Kwara people liberated themselves from such political arrangement. Kano people known for their political savvy cannot go into such bondage. So, in a nutshell, I will say the doggedness of the governor and determination of the stakeholders and supporters gave APC victory.

But there were reports of thuggery and violence and some say thugs were brought in from the neighbouring states of Zamfara, Kastina and Jigawa?

That is absolute nonsense. The government and the APC members in Kano are peace, loving people. The information is false. Even the videos circulating on the day of election, purporting violence in Kano did not even originate from Kano, as buttressed by the DIG of police in charge of security of that election.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/03/31/how-ganduje-won-kano-election/

Despite agriculture contributing 25.5 percent of Nigeria’s GDP and 50 per cent of its labour force, the country has continued to face challenge of feeding itself sufficiently.

President made this known, yesterday, at the opening of the 40th Kaduna International Trade Fair, organised by the Kaduna Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA).

Buhari said the country has continued to face the challenge of meeting domestic food requirements, as well as providing raw materials for the manufacturing sector and export.

He said: “Therefore, creating a strong linkage between agriculture and industry is a sure way of bringing about sustainable growth by creating new jobs and improving value addition. The move will also create wealth for farming communities, improve manufacturing output and enable roll-out of infrastructure around farming communities, which will industrialise our country in the long run.”

Represented by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelama, the President said state governments are key allies for successful businesses, as their commitment is required for businesses to stay on course.

“For instance, we rely on state governments to provide access to land, act as mediators in conflict prevention and resolution, link local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to the supply chains of processing companies. States also provide needed infrastructure to link farms to processing plants and markets, and above all, provide a conducive environment for businesses and their host communities to thrive.”

He assured that the Federal Government would continue to engage KADCCIMA and the organised private sector to catalyse investment and improve ease of doing business.

El-Rufai, who was represented by Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, the state Deputy Governor-elect, congratulated KADCCIMA for 40 years of organising the private sector.

He assured that government would continue to build the needed human capital by equipping teeming youths with skills for entrepreneurship development.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/03/31/nigeria-cant-feed-sufficiently-despite-agric-contribution-buhari/

The Lagos Gubernatorial debate put together by The Platform has ended with four governorship aspirants airing their varied opinions on how to move the state forward.

Partaking of the governorship election were Mr Bababatunde Badamosi (Action Democratic Party), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (All Progressives Congress), Mr Jimi Agbaje (Peoples Democratic Party) and Owolabi Salis (Alliance for Democracy).

The debate, on Sunday, had the aspirants speaking on issues ranging from gridlocks in the Lagos metropolis to power, down to the educational sector and to health.

While the candidates differed on the methods with which they will take Lagos to a higher echelon, they agreed that technology will play a key role in driving the process of transformation in the metropolis.

As regards gridlocks, Mr Badamosi said the traffic nightmare that Lagosians have contended with for years can be solved by focusing on three things – rail transport, use of barges and devolution of powers.

The candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) said, “There are a number of ways to tackle this problem. The most obvious one is rail. Secondly, barges to lift containers from the actual wharfs and take them to lighter terminals all around Lagos, and, thirdly, devolution of powers. It’s time we started this discussion about the devolution of power.”

On his part, the PDP gubernatorial candidate, Agbaje said the key is to “get the local governments working again” adding that the grassroots play a great role in making state function optimally.

Agbaje said planning ahead is crucial if Lagos must overcome its problem with traffic jam.

He said town planning is very important in addressing the issue of gridlocks in Lagos.

“The idea is to have even development across Lagos state so that you are having less of movement from one end of Lagos to the other,” the pharmacist said.

Sanwo-Olu on his part promised to tackle the problem of traffic jams if elected into office.

The APC candidate vowed to make the gridlock in the Apapa axis of the state a thing of the past in less than four months.

“First on the list, I will tackle the traffic problem of Lagos frontally,” Sanwo-Olu said during ‘The Platform’s debate which held on Sunday in Lagos.

Also speaking on the traffic congestion in the state, Mr Owolabi Salis said he will revive the train system which has been “abandoned for 15years by the FG” adding that the government is not paying the necessary attention. (Channels)

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/14/sanwo-olu-agbaje-others-slug-lagos-governorship-debate/

The Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Yekini Nabena has accused the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of hiring a former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, as an ‘election consultant’ as part of last-minute strategy to win the forthcoming polls at all costs.

According to him, the PDP’s plan is to use INEC officials who remain loyal to the former INEC Chairman and under his payroll to rig next month’s presidential election.

Speaking to journalists on Sunday in Abuja, Nabena declined to disclose the name of the former INEC chairman.

He, however, challenged the PDP and its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to deny the allegation.

The APC deputy spokesman equally charged relevant authorities to investigate the veracity of his allegation.

His words: “Following the exposure of the PDP’s initial plot to use Russian hackers to compromise INEC servers, the PDP has now hired a former INEC Chairman as an election consultant. This INEC Chairman was notorious for rigging elections for the PDP over the years.

“The plan is to use INEC officials who remain loyal to the former INEC Chairman and under his payroll to compromise the system from within.” Nabena said.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/13/2019-pdp-intends-fix-presidential-surveys-apc/

Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), said it arrested about 40 suspected cultists and recovered two weapons in Benue state during the Yuletide period.

Major General Adeyemi Yekini, Force Commander, OPWS who disclosed this to newsmen at the weekend explained that the suspected cultists have been handed over to the police.

He further explained that his troops recovered two weapons at Ikpayongo town, Gwer East Local Government Area (LGA) of the state last Thursday.

According to him, between December and now, there has been relative peace in the state, even as OPWS has continued to make new deployment of troops to flashpoint to curtail any threat to peace and security.

Among such area where more troops have been deployed are Agasha, a riverine town in Guma LGA of the state.

He said, “Two days ago (Thursday) we made new deployments of troops to some areas just to ensure that every area is secured. You can see that for some time now there has been relative peace in the state.

“We will continue to do this, until there is peace everywhere. We are not promising 100 percent peace because it is only God that can give that. But we will continue to try our best to ensure that people are safe in their homes.”

In response to plans by OPWS regarding security during the forthcoming general elections, Yekini said he was yet to receive any directive in that regard.

He however assured of adequate security before, during and after the elections even as he urged law abiding citizens to go about their lawful businesses without fear.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/13/40-cultists-arrested-benue-weapons-recovered/

The Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has said if elected, unlike President Muhammadu Buhari, his administration will not have a policy of releasing the so-called repentant Boko Haram insurgents because they may return to target Nigerian military personnel.

He has, therefore, commended the Borno Elders Forum for its “patriotic and commonsensical call” on the President to stop the practice of releasing them.

In a statement issued by Paul Ibe, his media adviser in Abuja on Saturday, the former Vice President affirmed that he fully aligns with the call and feels vindicated because twice in 2018, he gave precisely this counsel to the President, “which he did not heed.”

The statement added: “It makes no military or practical sense to release hardened terrorists, who have taken the very precious lives of members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, on the flimsy excuse that they have been deradicalised or repentant.

“As Atiku Abubakar said last year, and says again, any right thinking person can see that escalation of the war on Nigeria by Boko Haram/ISWAP, coincides with the introduction of this repugnant policy by the Muhammadu Buhari administration.

“Abubakar urges President Muhammadu Buhari to cast his mind back to the testimony of Abba Umar, a Boko Haram commander who after his arrest, boasted that he would return to join the sect in Sambisa if he was ever released.

“Atiku Abubakar, therefore, advises President Buhari to show single-minded resolve and commitment to defeating the common enemies of our nation and to do so without betraying any weakness, as this will only embolden the terrorists.

“The PDP Presidential candidate commends the Borno Elders Forum and urges other bodies of elders to learn from their sagacious courage to speak the truth to power.

“Finally, Atiku Abubakar serves notice to Boko Haram/ISWAP that if he is elected President of Nigeria, there will be no release of any captured terrorist. Instead, they must expect the harshest punishment the law allows. Under Atiku Abubakar, criminals will not profit from their criminality.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/12/ill-never-release-repentant-boko-haram-terrorists-elected-president-atiku/

There is accusation and counter accusation between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the alarming rate of political thuggery in the state

In a statement issued on Friday, PDP accused APC of establishing and institutionalizing the culture of violence in the state.

The party in a statement signed by its publicity Secretary, Abdullahi Hausawa alleged that thugs belonging to APC members
have been attacking their members, destroying their campaign facilities and vehicles.

He further accused the party of sending its thugs in an attempt to disrupt the flag off of their campaign in Binji but for the quick intervention of security agencies.

He also alleged that the party had attacked a health facility belonging to PDP at Shuni local government area, robbed its staff and destroyed all its facilities and vehicles.

“These attacks have become more frequent and sustained in their despair attempt to take over power in the state by all means,” he alleged

Reacting to the allegation, the Publicity Secretary of APC, Sambo Danchadi said the ruling PDP in the state had reached the end of the road, thus resorting to whipping up sentiment by playing the victim, by bidding behind an imaginary political thuggery.

“Reliably information has it that two lives were lost in Binji while three other innocent individuals were murdered in Wurno by the PDP thugs. This is in addition to razing down properties belonging to our members,” he said

He added that ” it is therefore, no artificial tinkering with the reality in ground can change the course of history. Let PDP leadership in Sokoto brace up for the challenge of deficit in infrastructure, convenient atmosphere for trades as well as descent politics and stop the vociferous cry of blue murder.”

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/apcpdp-trade-words-as-political-thuggery-takes-toll-in-sokoto.html

President Muhammadu Buhari has called on traditional rulers in the country to use their positions as the closest to the grassroots to secure the country and ensure that the forthcoming elections are peaceful.

Buhari made the call yesterday during an audience with a delegation of traditional rulers from the Southwest of the country.

Buhari, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said: ”Those who fear that their persons or their policies cannot win elections might resort to incitements to violence.

“Our young people must not be left to those who will instigate violence and cause others to lose their property or lives. We are determined to keep order and I hope Your Highnesses are on the same page with us.”

President Buhari also reiterated the commitment of his administration to infrastructural development across the nation.

“In every state in Nigeria, we are doing at least one major road project. In the Southwest, we are completing the Lagos to Ibadan Expressway.

“The reconstruction of this road, which is the busiest in Nigeria, had not been given the attention it deserved till now.

“We will complete the first phase of railway, Lagos to Ibadan, by the end of this month. We are also working on several power projects in the Southwest. Of importance is the imminent completion of power supply to Ondo South where many of the local government areas have not had power for years.” he added

The President said the nation could only develop if resources were spent on the people and facilities that would promote commerce and create jobs.

He commended the traditional rulers and especially the people of Southwest, for setting the example of religious tolerance and unity, saying: “It is to your credit as traditional rulers that such harmony between religions has been achieved.”

He also thanked the custodians of culture for the solidarity visit.

”I am very much encouraged and your support makes me even more determined to work with the best of my ability for this country and its people,” he said.

The delegation, led by the Ooni of Ife, and Co-chair of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, had commended President Buhari for placing the completion of the Lagos –Ibadan Expressway on the front burner of the projects of the administration as well as the Lagos to Ibadan rail line.

The traditional rulers expressed appreciation to the President for the posthumous recognition given to M.K.O. Abiola, urging him to continue the good work and assuring that history will be kind to him.

They also asked for more developmental projects in the region.

Also on the delegation were the Alake of Egbaland, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, the Oloye of Oye Ekiti, the Olukare of Ikare Akoko, the Aseyin of Iseyin, Deji of Akure and the Alayemore of Ido Osun.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/12/buhari-traditional-rulers-use-influence-ensure-peaceful-elections-must-read/

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has refuted having any agreement with the Nigerian government.

“The @ASUUNGR is hereby issuing this statement to inform the General public and by extension students of Nigerian universities that “the union has not reached any agreement with @AsoRock,” ASUU tweeted Wednesday night.

Biodun Ogunyemi, national president of ASUU, said “It was just yesterday (Tuesday) that the @MinistryFederal sent the proposal to us without waiting for feedback before going to the public that we have reached an agreement. @ASUUNGR does not operate in that manner.

The union, on Tuesday, said its National Executive Committee will review the ongoing industrial action after the government made a new commitment at a meeting with the union on Monday.

“The National Executive Committee of the union will review its decisions based on the new commitment by the federal government,” ASUU tweeted late on Monday.

“Until then, the strike is still in progress.”

However, the minister of labour, Chris Ngige said an agreement had been reached.

He said the accountant general and the ministry of finance have confirmed with evidence that N15.4 billion had been released to public universities.

Ngige also said President Muhammadu Buhari has approved N20 billion to be used to offset the outstanding arrears of the 2009 to 2012 verified earnings in the universities.

He said the earned allowances will be released to ASUU as soon as the process is completed.

”These are the major issues we discussed and ASUU is supposed to take back the resolution of these meetings to their members. We expect that they will get back to us by Thursday,” he added.

The lecturers are demanding improved funding of universities and implementation of previous agreements with the government, which led to the strike that started November 4, 2018.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/11/no-agreement-yet-fg-ASUU/

Nigerian Afropop star, Kizz Daniel, has announced a change of management.

This is following a controversy over an alleged assault on Tumi Lawrence by fellow singer, David Adeleke, a.k.a Davido.

Lawrence had alleged that Davido and his crew slapped him at his (Davido) concert in December 2018.

Davido has, however, denied the allegation repeatedly, while Daniel only said sorry to his manager.

In a statement released via his Fly Boy Inc record label, Daniel noted that a new head of management and public relations personnel will represent the record label and its flagship artiste.

It reads, “Fly Boy Inc is using this medium to make certain points clear to the public;

“Flyboy Inc is not responsible for any statement issued by any party, therefore please disregard any unverified stories making the rounds on social media, blogs and other news outlets.

“Fly Boy Inc holds other artistes, staff and industry personnel in high regard.

“Fly Boy Inc and Kizz Daniel are under new management led by Rebecca Junaid (@Flyboytexh) and the public relations personnel is Ogaga Sakpaide (@ogagus).

“Thanks for flying with us and we wish everyone a prosperous 2019 filled with No Bad Songz.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/10/kizz-daniel-declares-new-chief-davidos-slap-adventure/

INDEPENDENT National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakabu has emphasised the need to institute fresh approach for deployment of security personnel for the conduct of 2019 general elections.

The electoral body is scheduled to hold the presidential and National Assembly elections on February 16. Governorship and Houses of Assembly elections will hold on March 2.

Yakubu, who expressed his displeasure with the previous uncoordinated approach, which makes it looks as if the security agencies are running a parallel arrangement with the commission.

Consequently, in the forthcoming general polls, he said the armed forces would only be used for the securing of the distribution and delivery of election materials and protection of election officials.

The INEC boss added that the police force would be playing the leading role while other security agencies play supportive role.

Yakubu, who backed his stance with the provisions of the Electoral Law, said the security architecture for the 2019 elections must be consistent with Section 29 subsection 3.

He spoke yesterday during the Regular Consultative meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).

ICCES include the security agencies and INEC.

The committee oversees the security of both personnel and materials during and after elections.

It is co-chair by the commission chairman and the National Security Adviser.

Yakubu, who informed the various representatives of the security agencies of the INEC level of preparedness for the elections, said the meeting shall discuss modalities for actualising the provision of the law as it relates to deployment of security personnel.

He said: “Learning from the experience of the 195 off season elections conducted since 2015, it is pertinent to draw our attention to the need for a different approach to the deployment of security forces during elections. The Nigeria Police Force remains the lead agency for election security. Other security agencies will play a supportive role to the Nigeria police.

“However, we need a new security architecture for 2019 consistent with the provision of section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), which provides as follows: ‘Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law and for the purposes of securing the vote, the commission shall be responsible for requesting for the deployment of relevant security personnel necessary for elections or registration of voters and shall assign them in a manner to be determined by the commission in consultation with the relevant security agencies.

“Provided that the commission shall only request for the deployment of the Nigerian Armed Forces only for the purposes of securing the distribution and delivery of election materials and protection of election officials.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/10/breaking-inec-seeks-fresh-approach-security-personnel-deployment/

The Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Organisation (PPCO) has condemned what it sees as derogatory remarks made by the Presidency against “the person, integrity and proven competence” of its Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, by the Co-Chairman of APC Presidential Campaign Council, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

In a statement issued by Kola Ologbondiyan, Director, Media and Publicity of the organisation in Abuja on Tuesday night, it said it wanted Tinubu, as the Asiwaju of Yoruba land, to know that he has the responsibility of tutoring the younger generation on the culture of the Yoruba, which holds that when a child is given the errand of a slave, he delivers it like a freeborn.

The statement added: “At Tinubu’s stature, he ought to be found in the class of respected senior citizens who are decorous, speak statesmanly and not resorting to the gutters whenever he speaks in public.



“In politics, family ties and bonds, as well as relationships, are greater and stronger than political interests and it is the expectation of our campaign organization that Tinubu should understand this.

“Our candidate, Atiku Abubakar, is a focused Nigerian who has contributed immensely to the economic and political development of our nation.

“He has also displayed huge stability in character through the bridges of human and economic relationships he has built across our nation.

“At this critical time, when the majority of Nigerians expect true democrats, which Tinubu has always claimed allegiance, to come together and rescue our nation from the absurdity of governance that the APC and the Buhari Presidency represent, it is unfortunate that Asiwaju chose being tied to the aprons of anti-democratic interests.

“It is therefore strange, if not ridiculous, that the Asiwaju of Yorubaland can be dancing around an anti-people government at this time.

“Our advice to Tinubu is that he should be watchful ahead of his 2023 wishful presidency interests because those he is dining with today, has demonstrated in time past, that they can always use and dump him.

“Tinubu should know that among the ranks of presidential candidates, Atiku Abubakar stands out as that candidate Nigerians trust and belief in as their next President, come May 29, 2019.

“It is also imperative to know that the fairy tales of integrity which he weaved around President Buhari in 2015 have waned and become obsolete.

“Nigerians have moved beyond APC and President Buhari!”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/09/pdp-replies-tinubu-comments-atiku/

President Muhammadu Buhari has served governors owing salaries a red card ahead of the March 2, governorship election. Buhari, who is also seeking re-election on the platform of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), urged the voters to consider competence in exercising their franchise.

The president, who disclosed this on the Hausa service of the Voice of America, which was aired yesterday morning, said he saw no justification in governors collecting bailout funds from the Federal Government and still failing to pay wages.

The president was quoted as saying: “I wonder how these governors are able to sleep knowing that they have refused to pay workers their wages.

“These workers have families to cater for, they pay rent, pay school fees, hospital bills and food for their families.”

Buhari said the Constitution gives governors the independence to spend their funds without interference and that is why some are abusing that privilege by refusing to work for the people. The president advised Nigerians to use their voting rights to make sure that they only vote for people who would deliver.

On the fight against corruption, which is a cardinal programme of his administration, the president said unlike before, he now uses democratic means.

He said being democratic in fighting corruption is slow but assured that the objectives will eventually be achieved.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/09/buhari-serves-debtor-governors-red-card/

An Ibadan Grade “A’’ Customary Court sitting at Iyaganku, on Tuesday sentenced a 23- year old man Taiwo Ojewola to two years imprisonment, for stabbing his neighbour in the eye.

The President of the Court, Mrs Basirat Gbadamosi, sentenced Ojewola after he pleaded guilty to a two-count charge of conspiracy and assault.

Gbadamosi ordered that the convict should spend the two years at Agodi Prison with hard labour.

She, however, granted him an option to pay N100, 000 as fine.

Earlier, the Prosecutor, Sgt. Kola Olaiya, told the court that the accused committed the offences with two others still at large on Dec.10, 2018 at Ayegun Area of Ibadan.

Olaiya said the accused stabbed the complainant, Mr Sunday David, with a sharp object on the left eye thereby causing him grievous harm.

“The accused and complainant, who are co-tenants, had a misunderstanding and some elders in the area intervened and settled them.

“But on Dec.10, the accused and his accomplices armed themselves with sharp objects and stabbed the complainant while he was returning from his shop.

“He was attacked, beaten and injured and was rushed to UCH (University College Hospital) Ibadan, for treatment where he was confirmed blind on that eye,” he said.

Olaiya said the offences contravened sections 335 and 516 of the Criminal Law of Oyo State, 2000. (NAN)

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/09/man-stabs-neighbour-eye-lands-prison/

An Uber driver accused of killing six people at random in a shooting spree in the US state of Michigan in 2016 has pleaded guilty to murder, attempted murder and firearms offences.

Four people were killed at a restaurant and two at a car dealership in the shootings in the city of Kalamazoo.

Jason Dalton, 48, had initially blamed the app for controlling his "mind and body".

But he changed his plea shortly before his trial was due to begin.

No deal was offered to Mr Dalton for the guilty plea, prosecutors said.

His charges consist of six counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder and eight charges relating to firearms offences. He now faces a mandatory life sentence without parole.

Mr Dalton, who submitted his plea while jury selection was taking place, did so despite the objections of his attorney.

He told the judge at the Kalamazoo County court that he had made the decision of his own free will, adding that he had "wanted this for quite a while".

Mr Dalton had earlier reportedly told police that he was made a "puppet" by the Uber application, which directed him to shoot people at random over a five-hour period in February 2016.

Although none of the victims were Uber customers, police said Mr Dalton continued to pick up passengers during the shooting spree in Kalamazoo, a small city about 150 miles (241km) west of Detroit.

The shootings took place on a Saturday evening at three locations - outside a Cracker Barrel restaurant, a Kia car dealership and an apartment block.

The first shooting took place outside a Kalamazoo residential building at about 17:30 local time (22:30 GMT). A woman was shot multiple times - reportedly in front of her children - and was taken to hospital in a serious condition
At about 22:00 local time, a father and son were shot and killed and a third person was wounded at the car dealership
At about 22:15, the third shooting took place in the car park of the Cracker Barrel restaurant. Mary Lou Nye, 62, of Baroda, Michigan, was killed along with Dorothy Brown, 74; Barbara Hawthorne, 68, and Mary Jo Nye, 60, all of Battle Creek, Michigan. A girl, 14, was gravely wounded

Following his arrest that evening, Uber confirmed that Mr Dalton was a driver registered with the app-based cab-hailing company, issuing a statement saying that it was "horrified and heartbroken" at the violence.

Mr Dalton had undergone background checks but passed because he had no criminal record, Uber said. (BBC)

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/08/breaking-uber-driver-admits-murdering-six-people/

On November 14, 2018, the Saturday Sun led its front page with the bold headline, “The Atiku Dilemma”, with two accompanying riders: 1. “We want to prosecute him for graft but no evidence to nail him, says Itse Sagay”; and 2. “Ex-VP now vindicated – PDP”.

Sagay is chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), one of the bodies empanelled by President Muhammadu Buhari to deepen his so-called war against graft in Nigeria.

Given the albeit selective disposition of the Buhari administration to the war against corruption, it was expected that it would fire a rebuttal or even query Sagay for giving the President’s main challenger in the February 16, 2019 election such a weighty clean bill. But days, weeks and months have since passed without even a caution to Sagay.

From the report and Sagay’s comment, one perceived some kind of frustration on the part of the Federal Government to at least bring the former Vice President to face the wrath of the law. “We want to prosecute him (Atiku) but no evidence to nail him,” Sagay had lamented.

It is like telling a sworn enemy: God saved you otherwise I would have dealt with you. After all, what the Buhari trumpeters want everyone to believe and accept is that Atiku is corrupt and, perhaps, the most corrupt politician to have held public office in Nigeria regardless of not being convicted by any court of the land.

To that extent, it was a surprise that the old wily law Professor, known for his several flip-flops since he joined the Buhari administration, made such a courageous positive declaration about Atiku.

It was also expected that after Sagay’s unsolicited clearance of Atiku, other members of the Buhari chant group would take a cue and search for other ammo apart from the time-worn allegation of corruption to throw at Atiku. But whosai!

Since he emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate and the main challenger of Buhari, Atiku has sucked in the fiery darts from the latter’s vociferous brigade with equanimity. But, recently, he said not anymore as he took the fight into the lion’s den and dared the king of the jungle to a battle. He fired a direct shot at Buhari, who claims to be Mr. Integrity, to come clean on the allegation that members of his family corruptly bought shares in Keystone Bank and the Arabian telecoms giants, Etisalat, which has morphed into 9Mobile in Nigeria.

Shockingly, instead of responding to the grave allegation, the Presidency decided to play the ostrich and challenged its accusers to show proof. Knowing the way it addresses such issues, many Nigerians are of the view that if there was no substance in the allegation, Buhari would have threatened to go to court to seek legal redress. I am not aware he has done that yet. Perhaps, he is hoping the wind on the matter would sooner than later blow away and Nigerians would move on to other issues as usual.

I doubt very much if that would be case on this matter that borders on the only foot on which the President is standing to prosecute his re-election bid. Not having a strong showing in terms of performance and achievements, President Buhari is relying on only his integrity to campaign. Interestingly, his strongest weapon has now come under serious scrutiny. I totally align with Atiku that Mr. President should come clean on this allegation regardless of the rebuttals from Keystone Bank and Etisalat.

So far, the response from the Buhari campaign organisation has been anything else but tepid. The effort by its key spokesman, Festus Keyamo, to divert attention from the real issue has fallen flat. His riposte was at best an exercise to personalise the matter. He had said if Nigeria was working, Atiku ought to be in jail.

This however raises some questions. If Atiku should be jailed for alleged sundry acts of corruption that albeit have not been proven by any court of the land, what about a man who committed treason by truncating Nigeria's democratic march? If Buhari and his military acolytes had not overthrown the Shehu Shagari government in 1983, would Nigeria be where it is today? Yet this same man, without showing any remorse, wrote a highly patronising and platitudinous condolence message when Shagari passed on last week. Shame now has a different meaning in the dictionary!

Whenever you listen to the Buhari gang speak on Atiku and the issue of corruption, you would think that the legal dictum of an accused not being guilty until the court proves otherwise had been abolished. Clearly, their only objective is to convict the former VP in the courts of public opinion (and in the eyes of voters) knowing as Sagay had said there is no concrete corruption evidence against Atiku. If that was not the case, there is no way the vindictiveness deployed in prosecuting the selective Buhari anti-graft war would have spared the PDP presidential candidate. It is indeed a forlorn hope to expect America, another country with its own laws and statutes, to try a man you accused without evidence in your own country because of what Keyamo called sealed indictment. So much for legal jargons!

While not holding brief for Atiku, it is now clear that this is a case of calling the dog a bad name just to hang it. Indubitably, Atiku has become a bone in their throat. They cannot swallow him and they also cannot vomit him.

As it is, while the ball is in Buhari's court to respond to the corruption challenge, Atikumania is gaining momentum by the day as it sweeps across Nigeria. The campaign of calumny against the PDP presidential candidate has obviously not had the desired effect. Now they have resorted to other equally incendiary methods to intimidate and scare their main opponents in the February 16 contest. That too will fail!

•Alabrah writes from Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/08/atiku-calling-dog-bad-name-daniel-alabrah/

The Vice-Presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the forthcoming general election and former Government of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi has assured people of Anambra that Atiku Abubakar led federal government would complete the remaining portion of Enugu/Onitsha highway in six months if elected February 16, 2019.

Obi, who was speaking on Sunday at the end of interdenominational church service organised by the state chapter of PDP in his honour, recalled that his administration as governor kick-started the federal road project from Onitsha BridgeHead to Umunya, regretted that the road was yet to be completed since he left office.

He said that Atiku has come to rescue Nigeria from joblessness, hunger, killings and build a better future for all by making ‘Nigeria to start working again.’

On his part, the former minister of aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka, charged electorate to vote candidates of PDP at all levels at February 16 and March 2nd 2019 elections, because according to him, the APC has not lived up to its promises.

The Anambra State Chairman of PDP, Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu, who used the opportunity to formally welcome three governorship candidates of Progressives Peoples Alliance (PPA), All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), and Democratic Peoples Congress (DPC), Mr Godwin Ezeemo, Igwebuike Hygers and Yul Edochie, and factional State Chairman of APGA, Azubike Iloh, into PDP, posited that PDP Anambra state chapter has united to beat at the general elections.

Also speaking, the Chairman, PDP Campaign Council, Sir Oseloka Obaze, said that “PDP is on the March to rescue Nigeria. We need Atiku/Obi leadership to confront the dilemma of our time. Our country is challenged. There is acute hunger. We did not celebrate Christmas. PDP has given us leaders that are accountable and responsive.”

The Chairman of the event planning committee, Bar Okolie Akilika, on his part, revealed that the event was organised to formally welcome and pray for their son, Peter Obi and his principal, Atiku Abubakar ahead of the presidential poll.

The event was also attended by Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Paulinus Ezeokafor and his counterparts from Pentecostal churches; Peter Obi and wife, who were prayed for; Senator Ndi Obi; three senatorial candidates of the party for Anambra north, Anambra South and Anambra Central, Stella Odua, Chris Uba, and Uche Ekwunife; Federal Houses and States Houses of Assembly flag bearers of PDP in the state and their teeming supporters.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/07/2019-election-pdp-complete-enugu-onitsha-road-six-months-peter-obi/

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Council in Ekiti State has challenged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to tell Nigerians the political history of those President Muhammadu Buhari will inaugurate on Monday to lead his re-election campaign, saying “the corrupt people who were looking for presidential cover are now the ones to tell Nigerians to re-elect President Buhari. Where lies his integrity?”

In a statement issued in Ado Ekiti on Sunday, by Director of Media and Publicity, Lere Olayinka, the campaign council urged Ekiti people in particular and Nigerians in general to take note of those President Buhari would be presenting tomorrow as vice chairmen (North and South), director general as well as zonal coordinators of his campaign.

“PDP, like every other organisation, had its fair share of bad elements and we are happy that those corrupt elements left the party and are now comfortably calling the shots in the APC, playing leading roles in the re-election campaign of a President they told Nigerians has integrity.

” At the top echelon of the campaign council of their Mr. Integrity is Rotimi Amaechi, a man who has lived close to 20 years of his existence on public fund, having spent eight years as Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly and seven and half years as the state governor on the ticket of PDP. Out of 20 years of his political life, he has only spent four in APC.

“Senator George Akume, who is the Vice Chairman (North) of the Buhari’s Campaign Council was Governor of Benue State from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2007 on the platform of PDP while Senator Ken Nnamani, who is the Vice Chairman (South) was Senate President between 2005 and 2007 on PDP platform.

Senator Aliyu Wamakko, who is to lead Buhari’s campaign in the North West was elected governor of Sokoto State in 2007 and 2011 on the platform of PDP while his North East counterpart, Senator Ali Ndume, was elected to the Senate for Borno South, in 2011 as PDP candidate.

In the North Central, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, a two-term PDP governor of Nasarawa State is President Buhari’s campaign director.

“Most importantly, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who is the campaign director for South-South was until a few months ago, the PDP leader in the Senate and he was two-term governor of Akwa Ibom State as well as commissioner.

“They have now rechristened these corrupt people that could not fit into the reformed and rejuvenated PDP as progressives, with President Buhari giving them protection. Even properties seized from them when EFCC was still fighting corruption and not being used as attack-dog against opposition elements as being done under the APC government have all been returned.

“Furthermore, they have been assigned with task of selling Buhari, an expired product to Nigerians so that they can keep enjoying his protection at the expense of suffering Nigerians.

“Therefore, beyond the APC’s sing song of Nigeria not going back to the PDP 16 years of alleged corruption, the reality is that the leading lights of APC today are those the PDP found unworthy, who sought protection from APC, a party noted for protecting corrupt people. And the way the APC is going with its desperate political recruitment, we only hope Nigerians won’t one day see Evans, the alleged kidnapper mounting the rostrum to campaign for the re-election of the president.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/07/pdp-buhari-corrupt-politicians-seeking-presidential-cover-now-campaign-list/

The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mansur Dan-Ali, said the federal government had not ruled out the infiltration of Boko Haram in the North West, especially Zamfara, under the guise of bandits.

Danali spoke while commending the formation of village security committees set up to curb banditry in the state.

The minister, who was on an on-the-spot assessment of the activities of Operation Sharan Daji in Zamfara, expressed satisfaction with the performance of the security agencies, particularly the military.

“You know the Boko Haram sect is facing serious defeat and are in desperate need to relocate to where they can operate without hindrance; unfortunately, there is no safe place for the members of the sect anymore because our security operatives are not relenting,” he said.

He explained that the state government was supposed to complement the efforts of the security and lauded the recent formation of civilian JTF in the state.

The minister noted that the inclusion of the JTF members had further led to the dismemberment of the bandits.

He said under the multilateral Joint Security Task Force, the federal government had been able to block several economic sources of both the North West bandits and the Boko Haram.

He further said that the federal government had assisted families of slain soldiers from the Republic of Niger, Tchad and Cameroon, while those from the Nigerian side would be taken care of under the special military insurance scheme.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/06/boko-haram-buhari-govt-fears-insurgents-may-infiltrate-northwest/

Former Manchester United striker, Dimitar Berbatov has told the club’s caretaker manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that he does not need to sign new defenders this January transfer window.

Berbatov stated this ahead of Manchester United FA Cup third round fixture with Reading on Saturday afternoon.

According to him, the recent performances of defenders, Victor Lindelof and Phil Jones have shown that the Red Devils do not need to sign new defenders this month.

Berbatov told Betfair: “I have said in this column before that United need a new ball-playing centre-back, but the likes of Lindelof and Jones are now showing that they are more than capable of bringing the ball out so they don’t need anyone else.

“Ole instead needs to focus on bringing the best out of the players already on the books and there have been some good signs there already, with Marcus Rashford looking very sharp and even Alexis Sanchez joining the party at Newcastle with an excellent assist.

“The FA Cup match against Reading will be a good chance for the likes of Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku to show the new manager that they deserve starting positions against Spurs.”

“You can see, all of a sudden, that Manchester United look like a completed different team – because every new manager comes with different ideas and his own philosophy about how the game should be played,” Berbatov added.

“The central defenders are now carrying the ball out, the full-backs are pushed up – Ashley Young was in the box a few times against Bournemouth – and, of course, Paul Pogba is playing with far more freedom and has been much more effective as a result.

“The forwards are now playing one-touch football, with imagination and creativity – it’s something I’d pay to watch, and that hasn’t always been the case this season.

“Of course, the fixtures have been kind so far – and Ole faces his first real test next weekend when United travel to Spurs – but the good thing is they have been winning with style.

“If United keep performing like this until the end of the season – and especially if they can make the top four – it would be unbelievable if Ole doesn’t get the job full-time.

“He’s young, with the right ideas and a good team around him including Mike Phelan and Michael Carrick, and it’s a chance he deserves.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/05/epl-berbatov-sends-strong-message-solskjaer-signing-new-defenders/

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Idris Ibrahim, on Friday, visited the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he was reported to have met behind closed-doors with President Muhammadu Buhari.
The IGP, who was reported to have clocked 35 years in service of the Nigeria Police Force on Jan. 3, was sighted dressed in his official uniform moving straight towards the president’s office.

According to media reports, Idris was expected to retire from service on attainment of the mandatory 35 years in service on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), however, gathered that the tenure of the IGP might have been extended even though no official statement had been released to this effect.

An aide very closed to the IGP, who preferred not to be named, told NAN that the IGP’s visit to the villa might not be unconnected with the issue of his extension.

“We are hopeful that the tenure of our IGP has been extended by Mr President because you can see him today in his official uniform even though the media said he was to retire yesterday (Thursday).

“But all will be known after this meeting,” the source said.

IGP Idris, who was appointed by President Buhari on March 21, 2016, replaced Solomon Arase, who retired from the police force on 21 June 2016.
Idris, who will be clocking 60 years on Jan. 15, 2019, enlisted into the Nigerian Police Force in 1984, after graduating from the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria with a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/05/2019-outcome-igp-idriss-meeting-buhari-emerges/

Former General overseer of the Christ Apostolic Church, Prophet Samuel Abiara, has warned Nigerians against fake prophecies ahead of the 2019 general elections.

Speaking in his new year message, Abiara said the future of Nigeria is bright.

The cleric said: “Do not listen to prophesies of doom. The future of Nigeria is bright and good and you will live to witness it.

“This year, don’t spend your money alone; share your food and other resources with the less privileged. Don’t be lazy; work hard to achieve your dreams.”

Abiara also called on the Federal Government to accede to the N30,000 minimum wage demand of the Nigeria Labour Congress.

The cleric urged the government to prevent any strike action that could damage the economy.

He added, “I advise the Federal Government to pay the minimum wage the Nigeria Labor Congress demanded. The government must do something reasonable about workers’ salaries. They should not allow them to go on strike because it will cripple the economy.

“Nigerian workers are demanding $87, which is N30,000 only. What they are asking for is not too much because the prices of things have gone up, especially food items. The wealthy and the poor buy things from the same markets.

“The government should give priority to the masses in 2019.”

On the 2019 elections, he warned political leaders against hate speech, saying it could destabilise the country.

He appealed to Nigerians to vote for candidates of their choice without fear, saying nobody should sell his vote.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/04/2019-prophet-abiara-speaks-fake-prophecies-2019-election-new-minimum-wage/

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed heartfelt condolences to the Nigerian Air Force, and relations of five people who lost their lives in a military helicopter crash January 2 in Damasak, Borno State.

Buhari, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, commiserated with Flight Lieutenant Perowei Jacob (Pilot in Command), Flight Lieutenant Kaltho Paul Kilyofas (Co-Pilot), Sergeant Auwal Ibrahim (Flight Technician), Lance Corporal Adamu Nura (Gunner), and Aircraftman Meshack Ishmael (Gunner), who died in the mishap.

He said it was sad that the fine officers and men lost their lives in the bid to guarantee the safety and protection of their countrymen.

He added rather than dampen the morale of troops fighting insurgency in the North-east, the unfortunate development would rather bolster their resolve to completely eliminate all evildoers within the shortest possible time.

The president noted that the dead officers and men were heroes, who paid the supreme price for peace to reign in the country.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/03/buhari-reacts-death-two-pilots-three-others-air-force-helicopter-crash/

The Plateau State Police Command on Thursday, confirmed that four suspected cultists were killed following a clash between two rival cult groups at a nightclub in Kwata Zawan in Jos South LGA of the state.

The Command through its Spokesman, DSP Mathias Terna Tyopev, disclosed this to journalists in Jos.

Tyopev said, “On the 02/01/2019 at about 19:30 hours, the Plateau State Police Command, Jos received a distress call to the effect that unknown cult groups armed with cutlasses, axe and guns attacked themselves near a Night Club at Kwata Zawan in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

“As a result of the attack, four persons lost their lives.”

The Police Public Relations Officer said the corpses of the victims have been deposited at the Plateau Specialist Hospital Mortuary for autopsy.

However, Tyopev said the Commissioner of Police, Austin Agbonlahor, has directed the immediate commencement of investigation in to the crime.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/03/four-killed-two-rival-cult-groups-clash-jos/

The Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has disclosed that the Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, of the state now hovers between N1 billion to N1.263 billion monthly.

According to the Governor, who spoke at the floor of the state house of assembly, the nine figure generated was against the sum of N905 million that was being generated before he took over as governor.

He emphasized that the low revenue before his emergence should be attributed to financial racketeerings, which he said has been curbed with the aid of financial consultants who were contracted by his government.

“When we came in, we put our revenue base on an average rate of 700 million naira per month but at averagly now, we are generating N1.263 billion per month,” he said.

He explained that the state governments had made frantic efforts to block all the “loopholes” where unscrouplous revenue collectors in the workforce of the state’s financial departments milk what ought to go into the treasury.

“Mr. Speaker, you will recall I informed this honourable House here last year that we had engaged some revenue consultants to complement the existing efforts in revenue generation and to overcome the challenges posed by inadequate revenue.

“I am happy to inform you that the effort has been yielding a positive result ranging from appreciable blockade of some revenue leakages to increase our revenue base, a situation which has led to the State generating an average monthly IR of N1.263 billion as against N905 million monthly average recorded in 2017.

“Yes, we are not there yet, but with the combined efforts of the consultants and the vibrant autonomous Board of Internal Revenue, as well as the various financial reforms being carried out by this Administration, we shall achieve the desired result in no distant time.

“Despite the improvement recorded in IR, revenue from Federation Account still contributes to the larger part of total revenue accruing to the State.

“The same scenario will still play out in 2019 fiscal year. In the light of this, our revenue projections are based on some macro-economic assumptions as contained in the 2019-2021 MTEF of both Ondo State and Federal Government.”

Last year December, the Chairman of the Ondo State Board of Internal Revenue, Tolu Adegbie had revealed that the state government through the board generated the sum of N18 billion between January and November 2017.

Mr. Adegbie specifically pointed out that the amount was an improvement on the N10.9 billion generated in 2017.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/02/gov-akeredolu-boasts-ondo-beating-time-record/

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has called on prospective candidates to disregard advertisements in the social media, announcing sales of registration documents with some illegal centres and subject combinations.

The board’s Head, Media and Information, Dr Fabian Benjamin, gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.

He said: “It has come to the notice of the board that some fraudsters have listed out centres for the examination and in the process, inserted some illegal ones.

“Let me state here that all the processes concerning the board can only be done by approved Computer Based Centres (CBT).”
According to Benjamin, over 700 centres have so far been accredited for the conduct of the 2019 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) scheduled to commence on March 16.

He said JAMB would soon publish the list of all approved centres in all its state offices nationwide to guide prospective candidates in choosing centres nearest to them.
He announced that the sales of registration documents for the examination would commence on Jan. 10.

“Already the list of over 700 accredited centres for this examination has been uploaded on our website.
“But we have not published any advert concerning all the processes, we are hoping to do so soon.

“Precisely before the commencement of the sales of the forms just as we will paste the list of all the accredited CBT centres at all our state offices nationwide.

“This is to guide the candidates towards the examination processes in order not to fall prey to these fraudsters who are bent on finding ways of causing pains to innocent Nigerians,” Benjamin said.
He added that candidates can also go to the “playstore app” on their mobile phones and download “jambibass” to get authentic information especially as regards subject and course combinations among others.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/02/2019-utme-jamb-issues-warning-candidates/

Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, has said that Nigerians will have themselves to blame if they fail to vote out the present government headed by President Muhammadu Buhari.

He called on Nigerians to actively participate in the 2019 electoral process to elect credible leaders.

The Governor said that for Rivers people, the 2019 election was the most important because it was about the future of the state.

Wike spoke in a special New Year message, saying, “Among others, 2019 also presents a great opportunity for us to create a new vista of hope in the political trajectory of our nation and that of our state.

“The general elections are around the corner and Nigerians will have nobody, but themselves to blame, if they fail to seize the ample opportunity to excise and liberate (themselves) from the spectre of misrule and unmitigated hardship.

“I, therefore, encourage every Nigerian to fully and actively participate in the 2019 electoral process, so that we can peacefully and collectively choose credible leaders with the capacity to govern and take Nigeria in the right direction.

“Rivers people must, therefore, have the opportunity to freely and peacefully exercise their right to choose their own leaders by themselves without constraints.

“Accordingly, I wish to appeal to the political parties and their supporters not to be desperate with their ambitions as electoral contest is not and cannot be a do-or-die affair and no one’s political ambition is worth the blood of any other person.

“I wish to remind us that we have no other state of our own than Rivers State and it is our collective responsibility to build, protect and defend its interest and all times under any circumstances.

“We cannot afford to set our state on fire through electoral or other violence as this would destroy our progress and set us many years backwards to the delight of our enemies who are averse to our unity and progress.

“Let us, therefore, on this New Year day, rise above partisan or other narrow interest and rededicate ourselves with greater focus and determination towards building a united, peaceful and prosperous state, through our individual and collective efforts.

“Let us not forget that whatever position we may be holding or wherever we may be placed, the little contributions we can make will make our state better and greater. Breaking the huddles and actualising the dreams and possibilities of our state remain a shared responsibility,” the governor said.

Wike added that as the year 2018 comes to a close, Rivers people must thank God for His Grace and mercies throughout the period.

“We also have every reason to be thankful to God Almighty for the peace and the tangible progress we have made in spite of the daunting challenges that we faced.

“As I have always said, we are not yet where we all want our dear state to be. There is still much work to do to realise the dreams and berth the state at its glorious destination.”

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

The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has warned Nigerian youths to shun money rituals.

Oba Ewuare gave the warning on Sunday during a thanksgiving service at the Holy Aruosa Cathedral in Benin to round off the 2018 annual Igue Festival Celebrations.

He said youths, who cling to the illusion that they could become wealthy by killing people or stealing female underwear for ritual purposes, would no doubt face the consequence.

He added that the behaviour was abominable and alien to Benin customs and tradition.

The monarch interceded for Nigeria and her leaders and urged politicians and youths to shun acts that could undermine free, fair and credible elections in 2019.

The Oba also warned politicians to desist from violence and other acts inimical to the electoral process.

He cautioned youths not to allow themselves to be used as political thugs to cause mayhem during elections.

He announced a N2 million cash donation as welfare fund to assist children of indigent worshipers of Holy Aruosa Cathedral and the development of the church which was built in 15th Century.

The traditional ruler also announced a N50, 000 cash gift for the church choir in addition to the sum of N100, 000 donation to other departments of the church.

In his message, the Chief Priest of Holy Aruosa Cathedral, Ohen-Osa Harrison Okao, congratulated the Oba, who was clad in a white royal apparel with a beaded cap and a pair of glasses.

He implored the congregation not to adulterate Benin culture and traditions.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Oba was accompanied by his wives to the church service which was conducted in Edo language.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/31/oba-benin-raises-alarm-money-rituals/