₦airaland Forum

President Muhammadu Buhari has released what he described as indisputable facts about the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

Buhari, in a statement he entitled ‘When the thief is shouting thief: the case of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’ and signed by the Director of Strategic Communication of the Buhari Campaign Organization, Festus Keyamo, was responding to the allegation of corruption against him by the former Vice President.

A few days ago, the Presidential Candidate of the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, called out President Muhammadu Buhari over certain “corrupt practices” which the President allegedly condones in his government.

In the statement obtained by DAILY POST, the President said that “after three days of publicly announcing that they have hard proof that the President’s relations bought shares in Etisalat and Keystone Bank, the PDP has not produced a single piece of paper, a document of any sort to buttress the grave allegations it made.

Whilst we have repeatedly addressed each and every of the instances cited by him to show the transparent nature of the government, it is shocking that the Presidential candidate of the main opposition has refused to issue a personal statement up till this minute clarifying in details his record of crass corruption and abuse of office.

He is clearly taking Nigerians for a ride and hopes to distort the ethical revolution in public office that Nigerians clearly desire to his own philosophy of abusing public office to promote private interests.

By his subliminal messages, he wants Nigerians to accept that becoming wealthy by abusing public office is not a bad thing after all.

With the avalanche of fake and unsubstantiated news released in the last few days, it is now clear that PDP’s strategy in the run up to the elections is to spread fake news and make wild allegations without any proof against the President and the Vice President.

This is clearly to divert attention from the record of crass corruption and abuse of office of their own candidate. Nigerians cannot and should not be insulted by the PDP after 16 years of looting of the nation, by now putting forward a man whose record of corruption they very much acknowledge, but would rather we all overlook it.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/31/2019-presidency-buhari-releases-5-indisputable-facts-atiku/

Sen. Solomon Ewuga from Nasarawa State has declared that he still remained a bonafide member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

This was contained in a statement signed by his Media Consultant, Mr Danjuma Joseph, on Sunday.

Ewuga, a former deputy governor of the state and one time minister of state for FCT, urged his supporters to disregard speculations that he had dumped the PDP or defected to another political party.

According to the statement, the rumour is a figment of the imagination of the peddlers and reassured that he is still in the PDP.

“In the past few days, Distinguished Senator Solomon Ewuga has been inundated with calls from friends and political associates seeking clarification on the rumours of his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“One wonders how Senator Ewuga could be expected to quit a house he jointly built with other patriots since 1999.

“It is true that enormous pressure was brought to bear on Senator Ewuga to move to another party because of the glaring injustice meted out on him during the recent PDP primaries.

“Senator Ewuga wish to maintain his earlier stand that he would not defect at this critical period that his party, PDP, needs his attention and support.

“For those who know Senator Ewuga very well over the years, his struggles are usually not about his own person but equity, justice and fairness for all, especially the downtrodden masses of Nasarawa state.

“Let it be known that his path in politics is in the hands of the Almighty God, who has indeed been very faithful and gracious to him. He is very grateful to God for this,” the statement read in part.

It also explained that Ewuga’s vision in politics was a system that works for everybody, “a social and political environment where everybody, every section, and every tribe not only counts, but is also seen to count’’.

“Leaders must be mindful of this, for any system built on anything less will not endure,’’ the statement emphasised.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/30/senator-ewuga-speaks-on-dumping-pdp/

Suspected armed bandits on Friday attacked the home of an All Progressives Congress (APC), House of Assembly candidate for Ekiti West Constituency II, Hon. Tajudeen Akingbolu, and carted away personal effects of the former council boss.

Akingbolu, who hails from Aramoko Ekiti in Ekiti West , described the attack and the way his life and that of his family were traumatise as an unfortunate incident that will linger in his heart.

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

The APC chieftain explained that he suspected that the gunmen must have trailed him from town where he had gone to attend to some issues to his home with the sinister intention to either rob or attack him.

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

He added that as they were rough handling his family members, one of the bandits was repeatedly asking after him, which he said gave a pointer to the fact that they had a target.

“I have just closed for the day and immediately I entered, I went to the toilet. I have hardly settled on the closet when I started hearing unusual command in my sitting room. Of course, I didn’t need anybody to tell me what was happening.

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

“As narrated by my wife and cousins, one of the two armed men used mask but the other didn’t. One of them pointed gun at my brother and before he could say anything, he was beaten blue and black while other members of the family were asked to lie down. In a jiffy, they collected all phones in the house, including the one I was charging.

“They collected N40,000 from my brother which according to him belonged to one of his customers. At this point, they pointed the gun at my wife and threatened to waste my children if she failed to cooperate. She led one of them to the room but they later asked my brother to follow her, from where they collected additional N47,000 and one jean trouser, which I have just bought.

“However, the tragic part of the story was the fact that my 8-year old daughter was the first person they pointed gun at and up till now, the poor girl is still in shock,” he narrated.

Akingbolu said the bandits later stopped on their way out of the room and called his brother to hand over Mrs. Akingbolu’s phone to him.

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

Akingbolu however said the incident had been reported at the police station at Okeila, which has jurisdiction over the area.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/29/2019-gunmen-attack-apc-ekiti-assembly-candidate/

The member representing Aba North/Aba South in the House of Representatives, Ossy Prestige, has blamed the failure of political leaders from the Southeast region for the continued agitation for Biafra.

Prestige, a federal lawmaker on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), made this known yesterday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Aba, Abia State.

According to him, people were always forced to seek alternatives through agitations when their representatives fail to deliver expected dividends of democracy and leadership to them.

Prestige, therefore, urged the Igbo to come out en masse and vote for credible candidates who have the mind to serve them rather than voting based on sentiments and material inducements.

“The refusal of some Igbo people to carry out their civic responsibilities will not resolve the issue of marginalisation which resulted in the revived agitation for Biafra,” he said.

He enjoined the Igbo in positions of leadership to seek the welfare of their people rather than enthroning selfish interests that rob the people of their dues through their representatives.

Prestige said although he was facing a troubling opposition from the PDP-led state government in Abia, he was not in competition and cannot compete with them.

The lawmaker, however, vowed that nothing would stop his resolve to free his constituents from their real enemies.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/29/biafra-agitation-not-ended-rep-ossy-prestige/

The Plateau State Police Command on Thursday confirmed that five persons were killed and two others injured at Rawuru Village, Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area by unknown gunmen.

The Command, through its Spokesman, DSP Mathias Terna Tyopev, said, “On the 27/12/2018 at about 08:00 hours the Plateau State Police Command received information from Kim Timothy the Youth Leader of Rawuru Village, Fan District in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State that on the 26/12/2018 at about 21:15 hours some unknown gunmen attacked some people when they were returning from a birthday party from Pugu Village.

“As a result of the attack, five people were killed and two were injured.

“The five persons who lost their lives have since been buried while the two injured are currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital Barkin Ladi.”

He added that the Commissioner of Police in the State, Augustine Agbonlahor had asked the immediate commencement of investigation into the case to identify, arrest, and ensure the perpetrators face the full wrath of the law.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/28/plateau-attacks-police-confirm-five-persons-killed-two-injured/

The spiritual leader of Christ Deliverance Ministries Inc. (CDM) Lagos, His Grace, Prophet Ekong Ituen, has warned gladiators in the political circle not to consider politics as a do-or-die affair.

Prophet Ituen, speaking with newsmen in Lagos, also said that the second coming of President Muhammadu Buhari will be traumatic for looters.

“He is going to be ruthless in fighting corruption. He will also revisit the issue of power infrastructure because of the inefficiency in that sector that has hindered the expected economic growth.

“Much as I believe that President Muhammadu Buhari of All Progressive Congress will win 2019 Presidential election, you may not like him though, I however urge politicians not to overheat the polity on account of their desperation to get elected. Whatever anyone becomes in life is exclusively in the hands of God.

“I therefore urge the religious leaders in the country to refrain themselves from making inflammatory utterances that promotes conflicts and disunity because God gives power to whoever He pleases,” he said.

The cleric went on to advise politicians and lawmakers, to emulate Senator Godswill Akapbio describing him as a natural giver.

“He is an ardent advocate to the poor. I am impressed by the veracity of his generosity. It must be noted, that one of the cardinal attributes of our Lord Jesus Christ is love, which Senator Akpabio has demonstrated.

“It is my prayer that, others should emulate him because God takes pleasure on those who practices love and kindness. Commenting on the governorship election, he stated that there might be some surprises, but indications are that the ruling party will carry the day in all levels of election contests.

“Others that might have easy ride back to the government house include Babagana Zulum of Borno State, David Umahi of Ebonyi State, Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi State, Nsima Ekere of Akwa Ibom State, Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano Sate, Ben Ayade of Cross river State, Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State, Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State and Adebayo Adelabu of Oyo State and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State among others,” he added.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/28/2019-prophet-ituen-reveals-will-happen-buhari-wins-warns-politicians/

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar, has reacted to recent report of 12 million Nigerian farmers making donations for President Muhahammadu Buhari’s reelection campaign.

Atiku expressed doubts over the donation and advised President Buhari “to shun the use of state resources and machinery for the upcoming 2019 presidential poll.”

The former Vice President also wondered why Buhari flashed double four hand signal during his budget presentation at the National Assembly last week.

Atiku said this in a statement yesterday by his Special Assistant to Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.

He continued, “The other day, a man who scored 15,424,921 votes to win the 2015 general election was reported to have been nominated by 14 million APC members at the presidential primaries for 2019.

“Now, over 12 million farmers have donated to his campaign. Are they indirectly spewing out outrageous figures of people they intend to claim voted for them in the coming elections?

“Could that be why the President was flashing an occult double four hand signal that has gone viral? What did the hand signal mean?

“Does it mean that the President has jettisoned the idea of a free and fair election and telling Nigerians that no matter how they vote, he will return for a second term of four years?

“In any case, if the farmers who just took a loan through the borrowers anchor programme and have not liquidated the facility can donate this huge sum or any sum for that matter, it means the ‘Association of widows and children of all those slain by Boko Haram and herdsmen will donate N5billion to the Buhari campaign.

“In fact, the 23.1 million youth who lost their jobs between 2016 till date will donate about N12billion to the Buhari campaign.

“Assuming but not even conceding that such a huge sum of money was donated to President Buhari by Nigerian farmers as his handlers would want Nigerians to believe, wouldn’t such donation be in contravention of Section 91 (9) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) which says no individual or other entity shall donate more than N1m to an aspirant or a candidate,” he said

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/27/2019-atiku-interprets-buharis-four-fingers-gesture-lawmakers-speaks-12-million-farmers/

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Elders Council in Abuja has said that the re-election of President Buhari may lead to the disintegration of Nigeria.

Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Elders Council in Abuja and former Governor of Anambra State, Chief Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife stated this when some members of Ohanaeze Elders Council, Abuja led by the Director General of Igbo Mandate Congress, IMC, Rev Dr Obinna Akukwe, paid him a courtesy call at Igboukwu to determine how far the reconciliation committee set up by Ohanaeze has gone in uniting Igbos ahead of the 2019 elections.

Chief Ezeife said, ”Ndigbo believes in one Nigeria and we do not want this country to disintegrate but a continuation of the present arrangement with all the numerous crises across the country could lead to a situation whereby there’s no nation anymore, therefore, let us preserve Nigeria first.”

On the vexed issue of Igbo Presidency, which the All Progressive Congress led Federal Government have touted to Ndigbo in 2023 if they vote for Buhari’s second tenure, Chief Ezeife said that there will only be Igbo presidency if there is a Nigeria.

Going further he said that “Yes, we want Igbo Presidency, and our governors have been assembled in Aso Rock to persuade them on the project, but if by 2023 Nigeria has disintegrated, on what will the Igbo presidency float. I doubt whether Nigeria will survive till 2023.”

Replying to inquiries on how far Ohanaeze have gone in uniting those opposed to Peter Obi;s emergence as Vice Presidential Candidate to Atiku Abubakar, Chief Ezeife told Igbo Mandate Congress chieftains that Ohanaeze in Abuja have spoken to some of the aggrieved parties and the efforts are yielding results.

He described the choice of Peter Obi as running mate to Atiku as an expedient choice.

According to him, “Peter Obi happens to be the most acceptable Igbo personality for the job. This man governed Anambra State and thinned down the paraphernalia of government, moves with few sirens, carries his luggage aboard aircraft by himself, all in order to save money to develop the state and he left over N70 billion in cash and investments to his successor, and developed the state in the process.”

“All these attempts to blackmail him are afterthoughts because the EFCC and other agencies had five years to investigate him, the sudden freezing of his accounts and other spurious stories does not affect the capacity of Peter Obi to be an effective Vice President.”

The former governor disagreed with Nnamdi Kanu and IPOB on the plot to boycott elections in the South East.

He said that boycotting the election is handing over power to Buhari through the back door.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/26/2019-presidency-nigeria-may-not-survive-till-2023-ohanaeze/

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday had a telephone conversation with Emir of Maradun in Zamfara, Alhaji Garba Tambari.

He expressed sadness over the loss of lives and destruction of property following banditry attacks.

The was contained in a statement by the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Tuesday.
Buhari said he was extremely saddened by the loss of lives and destruction of property following the attacks.
He urged the Emir to console his people, and citizens in the entire state over “these heart-wrenching tragedies”.

He reiterated his administration’s determination to do everything it would take to secure the state and the nation in general, and would bring such attacks to an end.

Meanwhile, Buhari had, on Monday, expressed sorrow over the loss of lives following attacks on communities in Zamfara by bandits and cattle rustlers and assured that the Federal Government would do everything in its powers to end the horrendous attacks.

He disclosed that a major operation by the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Police, Department of State Services and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, was being considered to restore peace and stability to affected areas.

In a related development, President Buhari has also called the leader of the Izala Muslim religious movement, Sheik Sani Yahaya Jingir in Jos, to condole him following the death of his followers, in a road accident in Jigawa State.

He also commiserated with him on the kidnapping of his other followers in Zamfara.

Buhari gave assurances that the law enforcement agencies would make the best efforts to free the kidnapped followers of the Sheik.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/26/killings-buhari-told-zamfara-emir-bandits-attack/

The United Kingdom chapter of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has described the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, as the liar of the year 2018.

This is following the former Vice President’s admittance that he did not speak with the widow of Lt. Col. Ibrahim Sakaba.

Atiku retracted his earlier comment about speaking with Sakaba’a widow, Seun.

Col. Sakaba is one of the soldiers killed by Boko Haram at Metele last month.

Atiku had earlier via his Twitter handle, claimed to have spoken with the soldier’s widow as a form of consolation.

However, the grieving woman, came out to rubbish the claim, saying she never spoke with Atiku.

In a post it entitled, ‘LIAR OF THE YEAR’, and shared on Twitter, the APC said:

“@atiku BUSTED! Widow of slain soldier says he didn’t phone her!

“LIAR LIAR (2018) COMING TO A STREET NEAR YOU.

“COMEDY-FANTASY POLITICAL CAMPAIGN DIRECTED BY ATIKULATED STUDIOS. MORE LIES IN THE OFFING!”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/25/2019-apc-reacts-atikus-lie-wife-slain-soldier-col-ibrahim-sakaba/

The Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has urged Nigerians in this Christmas celebration to imbibe the spirit of the season, which is the love of God for humanity.

In a Christmas message to Nigerians through his Special Adviser, Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan, the Speaker noted that it was because of the love of God for humanity that He allowed His Son to come into the world for the ultimate goal of redemption.

He added that such selfless love is what Christians should reflect in their dealings with one another.

He stated that God’s solution to humanity’s problems was love and embracing God’s love would put an end to wanton killings, ethnic and religious clashes and other evils that retard the growth and development of the country.

Dogara urged everyone to be steadfast in prayer for Nigeria and use the occasion to practice the love of God by sharing whatever they have with the needy and underprivileged in the society.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/24/christmas-dogara-preaches-love-peace-nigerians/

Nollywood actress Mercy Aigbe has revealed that featuring in movies alone cannot pay her bills and as an industrious person she is making money from diverse sources.

Apart from appearing in numerous movies and recording good sales in her boutiques, the actress also bought a new house and a Prado jeep in 2018.

Though there have been insinuations that she gets money from politicians, Aigbe insists that she is an industrious person.

In a chat with Sunday Scoop, she said:

“What drives me is the urge to succeed. I always want to be successful with whatever I do. I also have passion for acting and fashion, which are the things I do. People who follow me on social media can attest to the fact that I’m a very trendy person. Apart from acting, I have other streams of income. I am not a lazy person and I believe that I have not even achieved half of my dreams.”

The actress also stated that one of her children is already showing interest in acting. “My son is showing interest in acting and I usually say that whatever my children want to do, I’m going to give them 100 per cent support,” she said.

Speaking on the trend of Yoruba movies making it to the cinemas, Mercy said,

“Yoruba movies going to the cinemas is a welcome development and we are happy about it. Cinema culture is not new in Nigeria; I would rather say it has been revived. I recall that when we were younger, we used to go and watch movies. I am happy that people are embracing cinema culture now because it is another avenue for filmmakers like me to make money from our works.”

However, Aigbe refused to categorically say which fetches her more money between home videos and cinema runs.

“Both home videos and cinemas all bring in money; I wouldn’t say that one has the upper hand. I don’t agree that movies in cinemas have a short lifespan. As long as people demand your film, it will keep showing. DVDs are cheap while cinema tickets are costlier. We can also sell our movies to online TV channels,” she said.

Refusing to disclose the cost of the most expensive item in her wardrobe, the Heaven on my Mind actress said,

“I wouldn’t tell you the price of the most expensive item in my wardrobe before some people think I have so much money and thieves come calling. However, the costliest item in my wardrobe is a Rolex wrist watch.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/23/movies-cannot-pay-bills-mercy-aigbe/

Manchester United interim manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has warned his players he is prepared to bring Sir Alex Ferguson’s famous hairdryer treatment if they do not perform.

Ferguson had a reputation for delivering verbal volleys at his players, so intense it earned the nickname “the hairdryer”, during his 27 years at Old Trafford

The Norwegian saw it first hand during 11 years as a player at Old Trafford and is ready to give the squad a blast of his own, if they do not meet his standards.

“We are all different in how we manage people and the manager [Ferguson] was different to every individual.

“Maybe I should get the hairdryer out of my pocket because I’ve got a hairdryer — when my hair needs lifting I use it on myself — but I am also not afraid of, if you like, laying down the law.

“You know with your kids when they disappoint you, you tell them off, you don’t give them some chocolate do you?

“So you treat players similar to how you treat your kids because you want the best for them, you want to guide them, you want to help them, but if I get disappointed. … ask [my children] Noah, or Kane or Ellia or some of the players I had in Molde. Once in a while, you really have to tell them the standards we’ve got,” Solskjaer told a news conference on Friday ahead of his first game at former club Cardiff City.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/22/epl-solskjaer-threatens-use-fergusons-hairdryer-man-utd-players/

La Liga champions, Barcelona on Friday confirmed the signing of defender, Jeison Murillo from Valencia.

Barcelona made the announcement through their official website on Friday after reaching an agreement with Valencia for a loan transfer of Murillo for the remainder of the 2018-19 season.

“FC Barcelona and Valencia CF have reached an agreement for the transfer of Jeison Murillo on loan for the remainder of the 2018/19 season. The agreement includes a purchase option worth €25m,” a statement on Barcelona’s official website read.

Murillo joined Valencia from Inter Milan in 2018.

The 26-year-old played in the Copa America in 2015 and 2016 for his country, Colombia where they finished in the third place.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/21/transfer-barcelona-sign-new-defender/

President Muhammadu Buhari has reacted to the claim by the Amnesty International, AI, that the problem between farmers and herders was a new thing over the last three years of his administration.

In a statement forwarded to DAILY POST on Thursday by his Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, Buhari said that AI got some of its facts wrong.

Buhari also pointed out that his administration had given absolute freedom to the National Human Rights Commission and set an important record by paying compensation to the victims of the rights abuses.

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The statement added, “The first thing to say about Amnesty International’s Report: Setting the Record Straight is to thank the organisation for confirming a fact stated time and again by President Muhammadu Buhari that the conflict between herders and farmers in Nigeria is not about religion.

“There is equally a confirmation by Amnesty International (AI) that it is being stoked by local politicians and that this whole problem is about scarcity of resources.

“Beyond these, the report has raised our concerns about the validity of their evidence-gathering. It is like knowing the facts but drawing the wrong conclusions.

“Still, Amnesty International got some of its facts wrong. It is not correct to state in any way that the problem between farmers and herders is a new thing over the last three years. It has been happening for over 100 years. Colonial Powers Britain and France had regularly recorded these conflicts which are available in Archives.

“It is equally untrue that government has done nothing. Alleged human rights abuses have been investigated. Clashes have been reduced through government’s actions.

“This progress is due to the strong determination of the administration to punish rights violators no matter who they are, including the military through Orderly Room trials, Court Martials and the regular courts.

“This administration has given absolute freedom to the National Human Rights Commission and set an important record by paying compensation to the victims of the rights abuses.

“The Apo Six, for instance, had received compensation to the tune of N135 million. Just a few months back, the President signed the law against torture.

“In an interim report in October this year, the International Criminal Court, ICC, stated that:

‘The Nigerian authorities appear to have taken concrete steps in fulfilling their primary responsibility of investigating and prosecuting ICC crimes. While there seem to be a tangible prospect of further proceedings against members of Boko Haram including high level commanders, at this time, the same cannot be said of NSF in particular since the Nigerian authorities deny any allegations against the latter.’

“Every country experiencing any level of insecurity or insurgency either as a matter of external aggression, or even more sensitively, internal conflict is confronted with complex and sensitive issues. Nigeria is no exception.

“The government is very much concerned about the sad and unfortunate loss of lives and properties, and the collateral broken/threatened communal relationships and societal mutual trust occasioned by attacks our nation has experienced.

“As a nation, we remain unrelenting in securing our country, and restoring peace in troubled areas. Although the complications that attend internal conflicts are present in Nigeria, the courage to confront both the conflicts and their complexities remain a matter of priority to this Administration.

“Indeed, reputable global organisations have recognised that the efforts of our security forces, who work tirelessly to secure our communities, are yielding results. An example of this is the recently published Global Terrorism Index Report, 2018, which acknowledged the effectiveness of Nigeria’s counter-insurgency operations, stating that:

‘Total deaths from terrorism in Nigeria fell to 1,532 in 2017, a decrease of 16 per cent from the prior year. The decline follows the 63 per cent drop in deaths in Nigeria in the preceding year, and a 34 per cent drop in 2015. This highlights the effectiveness of the counter-insurgency operations undertaken in Nigeria and its neighbours, Cameroon, Niger and Chad.’

“Curiously, the Amnesty International report, ‘Harvest of Death: three years of bloody clashes between farmers and herders in Nigeria’, appears to be inconsistent with the Report above. Global Terrorism Index Report is considered a credible source even for Amnesty International covering the same period and the same terrain.

“However Amnesty International in addition to stating inaccurate casualty figures misleadingly alleges that the government has failed to protect affected communities and refused to investigate, arrest and prosecute perpetrators of these attacks. Nothing could be further from the truth.

“This administration has continued to work ceaselessly to enhance security in affected parts of the country, ensure that victims are provided with relief, and that criminals are arrested and prosecuted. It is careless and mischievous to misrepresent the facts and thereby mislead the public.

“Our security forces are not going to be deterred, neither will their morale and effort be affected by any tendentious report that mischaracterizes the important sacrifice they make to protect citizens at great risk of injury or death.

“It is the global norm and custom that assessors and commentators are fair and factual in their reportage and accounts of incidents and situations so that they do not endanger the lives of security personnel or worsen conflicts. Nonetheless, our security forces will continue to intensify ongoing and new multi-pronged approaches to conflict resolution.

“The Federal Government welcomes fair and constructive assessments aimed at dousing tension and promoting mutual communal confidence, safety and security, but rejects inflammatory statements, reports or assessments that stoke tension and deepen mistrust and thereby intensify conflicts and violence.

“As part of a more comprehensive intervention and response to the violence and conflict, the Federal Government deployed security forces to affected areas, empanelled fact-finding missions, and repeated visits and engagement by the most senior government and security officials/special forces including the President as well as relocating command and control apparatus to such areas. Further, the National Economic Council established a 10-man Committee on farmers/herdsmen clashes, headed by the Vice President.

“These high-level security operations and attention have led to the arrest of many people responsible for perpetrating violence. As a result, relative calm and peace have been restored to many communities.

“There have been 500 arrests, with many convicted and as a result, relative peace and calm have been restored in many of the affected areas. Of particular note was the arrest and conviction of Alhaji Tashaku Aliyu and others who were apprehended in connection with the killing of 2 priests and 17 worshippers at St. Ignatius Catholic Church on April 24th, 2018 in Benue State.

“In addition, seven herdsmen that were involved in the kidnapping of a farm owner have been sentenced to life imprisonment by an Ondo State High Court.

“Beyond the security measures, President Muhammadu Buhari also authorized a mechanism and released NGN10 Billion for the rehabilitation of farms and farming communities to provide relief to affected areas. During a visit to Nasarawa State in February 2018, the President also reiterated his condemnation of the violent conflicts and their perpetrators and his administration’s commitment to protecting citizens and mitigating their losses. He said:

‘I also want to assure the people of the North Central and indeed all Nigerians that the federal government is working day and night to ensure peace and stability return. We have deployed additional resources to all the affected areas to maintain law and order. The attacks by suspected herdsmen and other bandits will not be tolerated. I appeal to all Nigerians to refrain from reprisal attacks. The security agencies have standing instructions to arrest and prosecute any persons found with illegal arms. I will once again express my condolences and sympathy to all the affected victims of these barbaric acts.’

“This position was again reiterated by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, in June 2018 during his visit to Plateau State, where he held meetings with community leaders and condoled with the people.

“A vital component of our successes or any success in similar conflicts is accurate reporting and credible intelligence. We encourage reporters to be accurate and citizens to provide information about known or even suspicious activities or persons to ensure we succeed in preventing attacks, and eliminating this scourge.

“Finally, and in the interest of openness, the Federal Ministry of Justice is analysing the Amnesty International Report for further responses, and actions where applicable and necessary.

“The Federal Government also appeals to communities not to be provoked or inflamed by this misleading report to seek or pursue reprisal action against others within their communities, but to remain assured that the government will continue to take steps to secure citizens and promote amicable conflict resolution as well as peaceful co-existence.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/20/herdsmen-farmers-clashes-buhari-replies-amnesty-international/

The Ekiti State government has appealed to the people of Isaoye Ekiti in Moba Local Government Area to forgive their traditional ruler, Oba Gabriel Dare Olajide, of alleged misdeeds that has pitted them against him.

To this end, the state government has given the monarch a two-month ultimatum to make peace with his subjects and prevent a breakdown of law and order in the community.

The Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, who gave stakeholders in the town up till February 28, 2019 to resolve their differences with the Oba, said the state government wants peace to reign in Isaoye and other communities in the state.

According to a statement signed by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Deputy Governor, Odunayo Ogunmola, the peace meeting was attended by the Oore of Otun-Ekiti and Paramount Ruler of Moba land, Oba Adedapo Popoola and Isaoye traditional chiefs.

Egbeyemi, who said the state government had no intention to depose any King but wants peace to reign in all the communities, advised Oba Olajide to listen to his subjects and respect the tradition and culture of the town.

Allegations levelled by Isaoye chiefs and indigenes against their embattled monarch include: high handedness, incessant harassment of subjects with police, non performance of traditional rites and rituals and infliction of serious injuries on his subjects during a traditional ceremony.

Others are: destruction of Ifa oracle symbols and instruments of installation and appointment of an Oba violation of taboos in the community, high handedness, absconding from the town, cancellation of the meetings of chiefs and other conduct that has brought his throne to disrepute.

Egbeyemi explained that despite the existence of extant chief laws governing the conduct of tradition rulers, the state government would continue to guard against any clamour that could truncate the peace of any town.

He expressed dissatisfaction over the series of allegations levelled against the king, wondering how a whole community would turn against their king.

The Deputy Governor appealed to the people of the community to exercise patience with their king and also cooperate with him in ensuring the restoration and reign of peace in the community within the stipulated period given to him to amend his ways.

While reacting to Oba Olajide’s alleged refusal to respect the tradition of his community, Egbeyemi said: “You that accepted that you want to be king, you should know that there are traditions that needed to be observed.

“There is nothing good about all that was reported about you. I see no reason why you should go against your people, I am appealing to them now, go and do what they ask you to do.

“You have till the end of February. If you cannot follow the path of peace and secure the interest of your people, everything is left to you.

“I cannot depose you and I cannot ask them to depose you mine is to ensure that there is peace in your community. We cannot force you on them, you have been given the chance to make amendment and redeem your image.

“Don’t go on a journey of self destruction. If you claimed that you are serving God we are all serving God, you cannot be more Catholic than the Pope.

“I will not support that a king be deposed, I plead with you Kabiyesi, Obasaoye go and make peace with the people of your town.”

While commending the deputy governor for his intervention and the display of maturity and deep knowledge of traditions, the Oore, Oba.Popoola, explained that all efforts of Obas in Moba to resolve the crisis were rebuffed by the Isaoye monarch.

Oba Popoola, who revealed that Obasaoye flagrantly turned down the advice given to him by the Council, said traditional rulers in Moba would use the two-month period to reconcile the embattled monarch with his estranged subjects.

Oba Olajide, who however denied the allegations against him by his subjects, claimed that he was passionate about moving the community forward.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/20/ekiti-govt-gives-monarch-two-months-reconcile-angry-subjects/

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday caused a rowdy session during the presentation of the 2019 budget at the National Assembly.

DAILY POST had reported that lawmakers booed the President as he highlighted some of the successes so far recorded by his administration.

The actions of the lawmaker made the President to remind the aggrieved lawmakers that, “The world is watching us and we are supposed to be above this.”

While some sang solidarity songs, other shouted ‘lies’ after every of Mr Buhari’s claims.

The Deputy Minority Leader, Mr Chukwuka Onyema, speaking to journalists after the rowdy session, with the PDP caucus in the House, condemned some claims by Buhari in the appropriation bill.

Onyeama said the claims by the administration of stepping up citizens’ security was “partly-punctured” by a report issued by the Amnesty International this week, stating that more than 3, 600 killings since 2016, with 310 attacks recorded between January 2016 and October 2018, 57 per cent of which took place in 2018 alone.

He also accused the government of lack of vision in managing the economy, adding that the daily increasing number of unemployed or sacked Nigerians attested to the APC administration’s failure.

On why lawmakers disrupted President’s speech, Onyeama reading from a written speech entitled, ‘2019 Budget: Yet Another Hollow Ritual,’ said, “Again, the Buhari administration has tabled another multi-trillion naira budget and, again, this hollow ritual it began in 2015 may soon be followed, as usual, with excuses for non-performance.

“Again too, as it has always done, the APC government known for its unique ideology of ‘blame-ology’ will start apportioning of blames to all else, except itself.

“For a government that came into power promising utopia, consistently dismal implementation of the national budget betrays its half-hearted, insensitivity to the plight of the Nigerian people who long for genuine progress and development that will positively impact their lives.

“Yet since 2015, it has been an unfortunate harvest of lies, blames and propaganda while its over hyped campaign promises of security, economic growth and war against corruption have remained a mirage.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/20/senators-reps-disrupted-buhari-2019-budget-presentation-onyeama/

The Coalition of United Political Parties, CUPP, on Tuesday withdrew its call on federal lawmakers to boycott Wednesday’s joint session of the National Assembly during which President Muhammadu Buhari is scheduled to present the 2019 Appropriation Bill.

DAILY POST reports that CUPP had called for a boycott of the session over the President’s refusal to substantially implement previous budgets from 2015 to 2018 and his refusal to sign the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill that will guarantee free and fair elections.

The coalition disclosed this in a statement by its national spokesperson, Imo Ugochinyere, explaining that its position on the matter was changed following the intervention of the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara; and two unnamed former presidents.

Ugochinyere, however, called on the lawmakers to scrutinise the document when eventually presented, adding that the present administration has been characterised by a reign of impunity.

The statement read, “The opposition coalition has yielded to the pressure of an early morning intervention by the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki and Speaker of the the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, calling on opposition coalition CUPP to sheath their sword and withdraw their call on opposition boycott.

“The opposition leadership, after reviewing the intervention of Senate President and the Speaker as well as other eminent leaders including two former Presidents, wish to announce a withdrawal of the call.

“The opposition coalition says they will continue efforts to ensure they deploy all lawful arsenal at their disposal to ensure the President is defeated and urges parliamentarians to scrutinise the budget documents when presented and ensure it reflects the wishes of the people.

“The opposition however holds strongly to the views expressed for the boycott over the three years reign of impunity of the President despite the call off.

“The opposition also condemns the IGP for illegally holding activist Deji Adeyanju and moving him by 4am to Kano in a plot to hold him behind bars over a case he has been discharged and acquitted by a court of competent jurisdiction.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/18/saraki-ex-presidents-stopped-call-lawmakers-boycott-buharis-budget-presentation-cupp/

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that 461,988 Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) are still unclaimed in Adamawa state, a stronghold of the presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, few months to the 2019 general poll.

INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state Mr Kasim Gaidam, disclosed this yesterday during the opening of a three-day workshop on election monitoring and support in Yola, the Adamawa state capital.

He expressed worry over lack of lukewarm attitude on the part of some registered voters in the state who have failed to come forward and collect their PVCs despite efforts made by the commission.

Gaidam, who said the state had a total of 1,992,146 registered voters captured for the 2019 general election, noted that “poor collection of PVCs is the biggest challenge affecting the state office.

“So far, there are 461,988 uncollected PVCs lying idle in the state,” he added.

The INEC REC further said all governorship candidates in the state would sign peace accord on Thursday towards peaceful conduct of the 2019 poll.

The workshop was aimed at updating the commission’s staff towards smooth conduct of the poll.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/18/2019-presidency-461000-pvcs-uncollected-atikus-stronghold-inec/

Following the spate of insecurity in Ondo State which has led to incessant kidnappings across the state, a group, Sunshine Liberation Front, SLF has demanded the removal of Police Commissioner in the state, Gbenga Adeyanju.

In a statement issued by the group, it berated the police boss over his alleged complicity in the kidnappings going on in the state.

In the statement signed by the group’s coordinator, Akinyele Akinwale and made available to DAILY POST, it maintained that Adeyanju is not doing enough at curbing the menace which has led to loss of lives as well as emotional and psychological trauma for the victims’ families.

Also the group stated that the governor of the state, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu was insensitive to the crisis.

The statement titled ONDO INCESSANT KIDNAPPINGS: SUNSHINE LIBERATION FRONT DEMANDS IMMEDIATE REDEPLOYMENT OF POLICE COMMISSIONER, QUESTIONS GOV. AKEREDOLU’S ROLE AND MONTHLY SECURITY VOTES reads, “The incessant kidnapping in Ondo state is becoming worrisome and alarming not only to the residents of the state but also to commuters who ply the major roads of the state to other adjourning states on a daily basis.

“We have observed that kidnapping of innocent residents and motorists has now become a lucrative job and business for these criminals who have converted, with ease, the bushes and thick forests in our state to their abode and masquerading as Fulani Herdsmen.

“Many persons have become victims of kidnap for ransom in Ondo state, while family members have also not found it funny in coughing out millions of naira to free their breadwinners from captivity.

“According to media reports, no less than 15 kidnap cases have occurred and reported in Ondo state under two months. This calls for more attention and critical concern and evaluation of the security apparatus and arrangement in the state.

“Just last week, a senior lecturer at the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, lost his life while in the den of these dreaded criminals. He was shot several times, with machete wounds all over his body. He was found dead, gagged and tied to a tree with his own cloth. It was also reported that three medical personnel, including a pregnant woman, at the Federal Medical Center(FMC) were also victims and released on ransom after days in captivity. All these took place between Owo and Akure!

“Last month, prominent political gladiators in Ondo State were held by kidnappers on Akoko roads. These men got their freedoms after their families had parted with tens of millions of naira and spending days in captivity.

“Apart from these endless kidnappings which happen mostly on Akure-Owo-Akoko roads, there have been reports of robberies and killings on same route, with no respite and solution in sight.

“The cumulative occurrences and investigations from individuals who have fallen victims of these kidnapping cases in the state, suggest that there is a ‘ring of collaboration’ and connivance between these kidnappers and the top echelon of security agencies in the state.

“This is why we, Sunshine Liberation Front, are calling for the immediate redeployment of the Commissioner of Police in Ondo state, Mr. Olugbenga Adeyanju, whose clandestine activities and hobnobbing with the men of the underworld have remained questionable.

“Adeyanju has allegedly been aiding and abetting criminals and their like minds including hoodlums, a good example is that of NURTW thugs, who recently staged an attack on some of the lawmakers of Ondo House of Assembly and journalists who were only carrying out their duties as permitted by the Nigerian constitution.

“Another one is the police boss deep relationship with internet fraudsters, popularly known as “Yahoo Boys” who perpetrate all forms of evil in the state including killings of innocent young ladies for rituals, with little or no sanctions on their criminal activities.

“Since his deployment to the state to ensure the maximum protection of lives and properties, Mr Adeyanju has not only flouted the main rules guiding the Force, but has also joined partisan politics by his close relationship with Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and other politicians in the state.

“While we are asking the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to wade into the security issues in the state, we are also demanding to know the role of the Governor, who is the Chief Security Officer of the state, on the rampant kidnappings in Ondo state.

“It is a pity that while the state is on fire, with the constant kidnapping of innocent residents in the state, Mr. Governor is out of the state attending to party affairs, or out of the country coordinating family issues, ignoring the cries of the people for safety.

“Therefore, SLF demands to know, with all sense of sincerity and purpose for a more secured Ondo state, what the Governor does with the monthly security votes amounting to over #400 million a month to provide security in the state.

“We also charge media practitioners in the state to challenge the police with all recognized legal weapons at their disposal to ensure the provision of maximum security for the lives and properties of the people.

“The media, as known and acknowledged by all and sundry, is the fourth estate of the realm and the bridge between the governed and the government. We expect them to perform their job without any fear or favour, and ask critical questions on and about the state of our security in Ondo state.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/17/ondo-kidnappings-group-demands-removal-police-commissioner-accuses-gov-akeredolu-allege-insensitivity/

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for working to make Nigeria greater.

Mustapha, in a personal message to the president on his 76th birthday, commended him for being firm and consistent.

The SGF, in the message he signed and made available to DAILY POST on Monday, confirmed that Buhari was facing “grave distractions and gang-ups”.

Mustapha, however, expressed joy that the president had been able to weather the storm since assuming office.

He said: “Consistency. This is the hallmark of a great leader. You say what you’ll do. And you do exactly as you’ve said.

“You’ve matched your consistency with good vision. You’ve said that Nigeria, under your watch, will be great.

“Like the great leader you’ve always been, you’re leading the charge from the front in spite of grave distractions and gang-ups. We, your followers, are proud to join you to build a united and prosperous Nigeria.

“As you attain the 76th year landmark , we pray that your strength be renewed. When the job is done, posterity will know that President Muhammadu Buhari did his best for Nigeria the way only a true patriot could have.Happy birthday, Mr. President”.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/17/buhari-working-despite-distractions-gang-ups-sgf-mustapha/

Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has said that partnership with the church and other stakeholders was relevant in peace building process.

He was speaking on Sunday in Ughelli at the dedication of the Ughelli Glory Cathedral, of Saint Lazarus Christ Church.

The governor said the state had enjoyed peace since the inception of his administration because of the prevailing prayers of the church and deliberate efforts of traditional rulers in their domains.

He admonished politicians to always give for the propagation of the gospel and the development of the church, pointing out that they must give with a sincere heart to enable them attract more blessings from God.

Okowa said everyone would be judged by God based on how they lived their lives on earth, and urged them to be reconciled with Jesus and make holiness a lifestyle if they must be with the Lord in eternity.

While congratulating the spiritual head of the Saint Lazarus Christ Church, Ughelli, on the successful completion of the church auditorium, Governor Okowa promised to partner with him in the propagation of the gospel.

In a sermon, the South South Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria CAN, Bishop God-Dowell Avwomakpa, said Christians should impact on the lives of people around them especially in the church.

Bishop Awomakpa said just like the Centurion in the scriptures who exhibited an unusual kind of faith which led to the instant healing of his servant, christians should build their faith in God to secure their future.

In his remarks the General Overseer and Spiritual Head of Saint Lazarus Christ Church, the Most Reverend Jonathan Arhavwarien, thanked Governor Okowa for his support to the church and promised to always pray for his victory in next year’s election.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/17/partnership-church-relevant-peace-building-says-okowa/

Manchester United legend, Rio Ferdinand has tipped manager, Jose Mourinho’s side to win or draw against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool when both teams clash on Sunday evening in the Premier League fixture at Anfield.

United head to the game following a 2-1 defeat by Valencia on Wednesday in the Champions League fixture, while Liverpool defeated Napoli 1-0.

“I still believe in us. I believe that Mourinho can get us a result. He’s still the type of guy to pull a result out the bag,” Ferdinand was quoted by 101greatgoals as saying.

“Let’s go! C’mmon Man United!”.

Mourinho’s men currently sit in sixth position on the Premier League table with 26 points from 16 games, while Klopp’s side are second place with 42 points from the same number of games.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/16/epl-rio-ferdinand-predicts-result-liverpool-vs-man-united-match/

Popular rapper, Offset has publicly apologiSed to estranged wife, Cardi B after she left him over alleged infidelity.

The Migos rapper, 27, took to his Instagram page apologising to his wife of 14 months for “being a selfish, messed-up husband”.

Offset begged Cardi B to forgive him and accept him back into her life.

DAILY POST recalls that Cardi B had earlier this month announced they had separated in an Instagram video.

He said: “We’re going through a lot of things right now, a lot of things in the media. I want to apologise to you Cardi. I embarrassed you. I made you go crazy.

“I was partaking in activity that I shouldn’t have been partaking in, and I apologise. You know what I’m saying? For breaking your heart, for breaking our promise, for breaking God’s promise and being a selfish, messed-up husband.

“I’m trying to be a better person. I want to get this off my shoulders. I want to get this off my back. I apologise to you Cardi. I love you.

“I want to be able to spend the rest of my life with you. I am sorry for what I have done to you. I didn’t f–k that girl, but I was entertaining her, you know what I’m saying?

“I apologize, and I love you, and I hope you forgive me. My birthday wish is just to have you back.”

Offset and Cardi married in secret in September 2017 and have a child together — five month old Kulture.

VIDEO: https://www.instagram.com/p/BrZGPbml02p/

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/16/offset-apologises-cardi-b-begs-accept-back-video/

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has called on international community to evolve measures to prepare the African continent for the ravages of climate change.

Ms Ahunna Eziakonwa, Director of UNDP’s Africa Bureau, who made the call at the 24th Conference of Parties (COP24) climate conference, in Katowice, Poland, said preparing Africa for the reality of climate change “cannot be an afterthought.”

Eziakonwa said: “Taking reactive approaches to food security and disaster recovery costs the people of Africa billions of dollars in lost GDP, and syphons off government resources that should be dedicated to education, social programmes, healthcare, business development and employment”.

According to a new report launched by the UNDP, Africa is at a “tipping point” as global warming increases, and urgent action needs to be taken across the continent now to mitigate risks and safeguard a decade of social and economic gains.

For two weeks, the COP24 has brought together thousands of climate action decision-makers, advocates and activists, with one key objective: adopting global guidelines for the 197 parties of the 2015 Paris Agreement.

At the Paris Agreement, countries committed to limiting global warming to less than 2 degrees centigrade – and as close as possible to 1.5 degrees centigrade – above pre-industrial levels.

Ahunna noted that in spite of major structural inequalities, nations across the continent have achieved “impressive economic, political and social growth in recent decades.”

She, however, argued that “climate change, droughts, floods, changing rainfall patterns and conflict have the potential to unravel efforts to reduce hunger and achieve the goals outlined in the Paris Agreement, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”

The UNDP study shows that, should the world fail to limit global warming to less than 2 degrees centigrade, families will find it hard to feed themselves, and the risk of famine and increased poverty will rise along with temperatures.

Higher levels of poverty would further limit the capacity of communities to manage climate-related risks, according to the report.

The report warned that failure to mitigate climate-related risks could translate into more risky migration patterns, serious epidemics such as the 2014 Ebola outbreak across West Africa, and greater political instability.

Drawing on years of data from projects geared to enabling communities to adapt to a changing climate and build resilience, the report shows that as emissions continue going up, support for climate adaptation initiatives must be increased urgently and accelerated across the continent, especially across the 34 African least developed countries.

However, measures to enable communities to adapt to the changing climate is a costly matter that would require creative financial mechanisms and substantial engagement with the private sector to meet.

It would also require developed nations to make good on their 2015 Paris Agreement commitments to dedicate $100 billion annually to supporting climate action in developing nations.

The report analyses a number of noteworthy successes in climate change adaptation in Africa over the past decade, including projects aimed at improving food security in Benin, Mali, Niger and Sudan.

It also analysed supporting governments in having improved climate information and early warning systems to save lives from fast-acting storms; and empowering women to be effective climate action champions. (NAN)

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/16/un-wants-africa-prepare-effect-climate-change/

La Liga champions, Barcelona have finally decided to offer midfielder, Denis Suarez to join Premier League club, Arsenal when the transfer window opens in January.

According to The Independent, Suarez has been told by Barcelona manager, Ernesto Valverde that he was not in his plans this season at Camp Nou.

The report claimed that Arsenal manager, Unai Emery is eager to get a replacement for the Gunners midfielder, Aaron Ramsey, who is due to leave Emirates at the end of the season when his contract expires in the summer.

The report also claimed that Arsenal will have to battle Valencia who are also interested in signing Suarez.

Suarez has not been a regular starter so far this season under Valverde.

The 24-year-old has only featured once in the Spanish topflight league so far this term as a substitute.

He will hope to feature for Barca when they tackle Levante in the La Liga fixture on Sunday.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/15/epl-barcelona-takes-final-decision-suarez-joining-arsenal-january/

The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Professor Jerry Gana has revealed what will happen to President Muhammadu Buhari come 2019

According to him, “President Buhari must be defeated in the 2019 presidential election.”

Gana spoke to reporters in Abuja on Friday shortly after an Abuja High Court affirmed him the authentic candidate of the SDP.

A court in Abuja had on Friday, voided the candidature of Donald Duke and declared Gana the presidential candidate of the SDP.

The former Minister said with him as the presidential candidate of the SDP, Buhari’s days as President were numbered.

Gana also called on Buhari to sign the amended Electoral Act amendment Bill, adding that every Nigerian, particularly the President, should be interested in processes that will guarantee free, fair and credible elections.

“We are not going to victimise anybody because this victory is not for Jerry Gana but victory for everybody”, he said.

He expressed his readiness to abide by the Peace Pack already signed by other presidential candidate, saying that he was ready to go along with processes that will guarantee peaceful elections.

Prof Gana restated his commitment to the decision by the SDP to pull out of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP).

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/14/2019-presidency-whatll-happen-buhari-jerry-gana/

Seven corps members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Nasarawa State are to face disciplinary measures for committing various offences during their service year.

Mrs Zainab Isah, NYSC Coordinator in the state, who made this known Thursday in Lafia, during the Passing out Parade (POP) for the 2017 Batch “B” Stream II corps members, said the affected corps members would face punishment after final ratification by the Nasarawa State NYSC Governing Board.

She said that some of them faced the possibility of having their service year extended by various periods for contravening the NYSC bye-laws.

“Some corps members erred during the service year. We have seven corps members that have disciplinary cases.

“Some of them missed the monthly allowances because they embarked on unauthorised journeys and others left their places of primary assignment without permission among other offences.

“For those who absconded, the allowances they missed are what would be used to pay them as they served their punishment and the period of the extension depended on the gravity of the misconduct,’’ she explained.

The NYSC state coordinator said the decision to punish the erring corps members was based on the recommendation of the state NYSC Disciplinary Committee.

She added that it, however, had to be ratified by the NYSC governing board.

“We have a committee on corps discipline, comprising all Assistant Directors and all heads of branches in the secretariat.

“This body looks into the cases and invites the corps members concerned to defend themselves.

“At the end, a decision is taken strictly in accordance with our laws but the decision takes effect after the NYSC governing board has ratified it,’’ Isah added.

The coordinator advised the 524 corps members comprising 340 males and 184 females, who were passing out, to take advantage of the skills they acquired during their service year for self-employment.

She urged them to take advantage of the training to support themselves pending when a government job would come.

Isah thanked the state government for supporting NYSC and pleaded that corps members, who performed exceptionally and made significant impact in their primary assignments, should be absorbed in the state’s civil service.

She said that only three of the corps members that were passing out would be given awards for their exemplary service during the year.

The NYSC coordinator added that this would also need ratification from the NYSC governing board in the state.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/14/nysc-seven-corps-members-face-disciplinary-measures-nasarawa/

Lagos State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2019 election, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has assured members of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) that he will ensure that Lagos State University (LASU) gets Faculty of Pharmacy if elected as the Governor.

Sanwo-Olu made the promise on Thursday during his interactive session with the Lagos State chapter of PSN. He said the state university after more than three decades of existence should be a centre of academic excellence for the production of manpower in the field of pharmacy.

According to him, “To strengthen the profession and boost manpower in the field of Pharmacy I am convinced that our state university should have a faculty of Pharmacy. If elected, we will make sure LASU within our 4 years have faculty of Pharmacy. It is not just right that we have Medical College without faculty of Pharmacy. I am promising you that our government will ensure that everything is done to make faculty of Pharmacy a reality for the state-owned university.

“As professional body of pharmacists, I will implore you to give us a position paper on what we need to do that will enable us achieve our objective and I can assure that as government, we will do all within our powers to make it a reality.”

The APC gubernatorial candidate told the pharmacists the importance he attached to their profession and the entire health sector in general.

“Your profession is one of the most important fields for human existence. No one can joke with the health sector. So when I received your invitation, I pledged to attend this event regardless of my schedule because it is about health and we must listen to you,” he said.

The chairman of Lagos State chapter of the PSN, Mrs. BTO Adeniran, urged Sanwo-Olu to help pharmacists practicing in the state when he gets into government. She described the issue of turnaround time in getting drugs at government hospitals across the state as very cumbersome.

“We need the government to look into the welfare and working condition of pharmacist working in Lagos State. We want upward review of salary and allowances. On capacity development, we need more training for our members so we can serve the state and the public better as integral part of the health system,” the PSN Lagos State Chairman said.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/14/lasu-will-get-faculty-pharmacy-im-elected-lagos-governor-sanwo-olu/

Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, the presidential candidate of the People’s Trust (PT), has decried his exclusion from the presidential debate scheduled for January 2019.

His campaign organisation, in a statement signed by the spokesman of the presidential candidate, Mr Hassan Ibrahim, in Abuja on Thursday, described the exclusion of Olawepo-Hashim from the debate to be hosted by the Nigerian Elections Debate Group (NEDG) and the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), as regrettable.

The spokesman expressed the willingness of Olawepo-Hashim to participate in the event in view of the ample opportunity it would provide him to present himself and the party’s programmes to the Nigerian electorate.

He said PT has brighter chances than “the so-called big parties” in the 2019 presidential elections by fielding Olawepo-Hashim as its presidential candidate, judging by its popularity among the electorate and its current standing, with 194 persons running on its platform.

The statement read: “PT deserved to be given a podium by the organisers so that the candidacy of Olawepo-Hashim would be better appreciated across the length and breadth of Nigeria during the live debate.

“PT’s national spread, acceptability and effectiveness of political structure make it imperative for the organisers to invite its presidential candidate to the all-important debate to be handled by some of the best hands in the media industry.

“We urge Nigerians not to be disturbed by this negative development. The PT is working with other political party candidates who are interested in having their voice heard toward the 2019 presidential election, and we shall surely triumph in stopping this subterfuge.

“We urge Nigerians not to be disturbed by this development as genuine people’s debate is in the works where concrete solutions to many problems dealing with Nigeria will be proffered.

“Our campaign will be part of this new debate with many patriotic candidates who truly want to see a better Nigeria in 2019.”

Recall that the NEDG and BON had named only five political parties to participate in 2019 vice presidential and presidential debates.

According to a statement signed by the Executive Secretary of the NEDG, Eddi Emesiri, the parties are Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN), All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Young Progressives Party (YPP).

This meant that the presidential aspirants expected at the debate are President Muhammadu Buhari, Atiku Abubakar, Oby Ezekwesili, Fela Durotoye and Kingsley Moghalu.

However, Presidential candidate of Allied Congress Party of Nigeria, ACPN, Oby Ezekwesili, has stated that she would like to meet five more influential presidential candidates on the platform of national debate organised by National Election Debate Group, NEDG.

The five candidates include: Donald Duke of the Social Democratic Party, SDP; Omoyele Sowore, of the African Action Congress, AAC; Byron Fagbemj of KOWA Party; and John Gbor of the All Progressives Grand Alliance APGA.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/13/2019-election-olawepo-hashim-reacts-exclusion-presidential-debate/

Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima, who heads the All Progressives Congress (APC) reconciliation committee in the Southwest, has hailed party stalwart Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for their selflessness. He said Tinubu and Ambode were more interested in the party than in personal gains, urging others to emulate them.

The deadline for both submission and substitution of party candidates has elapsed. So as I said to our other party members in previous hearings, some people may therefore wonder, of what use is the APC national peace and reconciliation committee for the Southwest?

Fellow party men and women from Ogun and Lagos, some, if not many of you are aggrieved with the outcome of the APC primaries. But as we know, party politics is sometimes unpredictable. However, we must summon the courage to fight our instincts by looking into the wider picture. As I cited in Ekiti on Monday, if we are to go back to the formation of the APC, I think the first victim of the party’s negotiations and compromises is Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We all know what Asiwaju had put into the APC but when it was time to determine the running mate of President Muhammadu Buhari he had to painfully compromise his interest for overall interest of the party.

Again as I said in Ekiti and Ibadan yesterday, the Governor of Lagos, His Excellency, Akinwunmi Ambode who is our host and member of our committee, is for me, the natural winner of Nigeria’s politician of the year award. He has acted very un-Nigerian.

I will be right to say that from 1999 to date, I do not think any Nigerian politician has demonstrated his level of courage in the way he has handled the outcome of the governorship primaries in Lagos. Ambode is a Governor who has worked very well in Lagos but as I said, politics sometimes comes with unpredictable outcomes. Our courage in reacting to situations like Governor Ambode has displayed, is what separates boys from men.

I think anyone of us who is unhappy with the outcome of the APC primaries should draw inspiration from Governor Ambode.

So, fellow APC members, we are here to make all of you recognize that each and everyone of you is very important to the APC. You can’t be disregarded as if your feelings do not matter.

If we are to go by Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of human needs, majority of persons who aspire for public offices have gone beyond their basic needs of safety, food security and companionship . Yes, people aspire for public offices to serve their people but that aspiration comes with what falls under Maslow’s human need for recognition, self esteem and self actualization.

We are here not only here to respect your individual self esteem and console you but also to look into possible ways we can recommend for the party to placate aggrieved members through immediate windows or future opportunities.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is possible to take everything from a human being and get away with it. But one thing you should never attempt doing is to deny a human being his or her self esteem. We do recognize and respect that you are all men and women of honour. Men and women who, with dignity, have mass followers in your respective constituencies.

The dangerous thing any political party will do is to completely ignore any of you in the believe that you either do not matter or that you will always remain in the APC out of loyalty.

We are of the opinion that the worst politics on earth is to take the loyalty or tolerance of anyone for granted. Loyalty begets loyalty. Loyalty begets compensation.

We are here to share your individual feelings. We are here to listen to you, console you and know how best to make recommendations to the party headquarters. There are rooms for a party in government to create opportunities through which members can serve their people.

I know this is not an academic hearing but I am former University lecturer, I had escape academics. Besides, of all our six geo-political zones in Nigeria, none is as educated as the southwest. So, permit me to draw inspiration from a writer, who once said that “everyone of us can be smart but none of us is smarter than all of us”. Another writer said and I quote that “the difference between success and failure is a great team”.

Ladies and gentlemen, the implication of what these two writers are saying is that none of us can deliver APC alone at any level of the general election.

Nigeria currently has about one hundred and twenty thousand polling units and for a Presidential candidate of any party to succeed, he or she will have to depend on good team work from 120,000 polling agents of his party and these are people he mostly doesn’t know and may never know. To work with these 120,000 polling agents, the president will have to rely on party executives at the state, LGs and wards (level). He has to principally rely on serving and former governors, deputy governors, serving and former national and state assembly members, aspirants amongst other key stakeholders in each of the 36 states and the FCT.

Governorship candidates themselves will have to rely on party executives and stakeholders in local government areas. These local government stakeholders will also have to rely on others at the ward levels. The ward stakeholders will have to rely (on) polling agents and those in charge of clusters of polling units. Importantly also, all steps would require one form of mobilisation or the other.

Fellow party men and women, in politics, everyone is dependent on the other. No one is independent. To succeed in politics, there is no alternative to genuine unity and inclusiveness.

Let me also add that in politics, we do not necessarily have to be liked. It is not a must that everyone must like our beautiful, handsome or perhaps very ugly faces like mine. What we need are genuine commitment and readiness to deliver results. Politics requires pragmatism. We must be able to dance to the changing beats. Yes, politics requires loyalty. But it equally demands tolerance and compromises. At all times, those of us who exert influence must never forget that none of us is God. Only God has absolute control of who gets power.

Let me share my own experience. Ahead of the APC primaries in Borno, there were some people I didn’t support but they won the primaries. If one is to argue that those people may have spent money on delegates, the truth is that they certainly can’t be richer than the collective. The truth is that while I did not like them, they were more popular with delegates and they won the primaries. I accepted the outcome and I refused to make the slightest attempt of substituting any of those I didn’t support.

Fellow party men and women, one of the things we must never forget is that in politics, no one person gets his way all the time. Even a President doesn’t have his way sometimes. Politics requires tolerance and compromises.

I am very proud to say that regardless of whether anyone emerged with or without my support at the primaries, I am 100 percent in support of all APC candidates in Borno State and I will support every one of them. I will also count on their support. After spending good time having frank conversations with Governor Ambode, I am more than confident that he is 100 percent in support of all APC candidates in Lagos, particularly His Excellency, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.

I will like to once again thank each and everyone here who are aggrieved for not leaving the APC. Our committee thank and commend you for keeping faith.

Perhaps, I should also tell that you have applied political wisdom by not leaving the APC.

Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, from the ground realities of ongoing political permutations, President Muhammadu Buhari will insha’Allah win his reelection come February, 2019.

The APC started working on President Buhari’s reelection six months earlier than the PDP.

On 9th of April, 2018, President Buhari declared intention to seek re-election and by that, the APC already had its potential candidate. We all began underground work for the President’s reelection. There is a difference of about 180 days between when the APC had a potential candidate and the 7th of October when the PDP got its Presidential candidate.

There is a Yoruba proverb that says Atete sun, ni Atete ji. If you sleep early, you will wake up early.

So, no one should deceive you with a fake analysis and prediction. Remain in APC and let’s solve our in-house problems, work for the APC, win the election and move Nigeria to the next level.

Shettima, Governor of Borno State addressed APC stake-holder and aggrieved members from Lagos and Ogun State at the opening of an interactive hearing in Lagos, organized by the party’s national peace and reconciliation committee for the Southwest, which the Governor chairs.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/13/southwest-buhari-and-lessons-from-tinubu-ambode-by-shettima/

The All Progressives Congress (APC) claimed the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar tried to avoid signing the national peace accord ahead of the 2019 elections because he was scared of defeat.

Atiku finally signed the pact on Wednesday.

APC spokesman, Lanre Issa-Onilu, said in a statement noted that PDP and Atiku’s claim of a “communication lapse” as reason for their no-show at Tuesday’s formal signing ceremony is hogwash.

The party insisted that the peace committee duly and formally invited the PDP and Atiku like other candidates and political parties contesting the 2019 elections.

The statement read: “Atiku’s eventual decision to sign the peace deal is clearly a face-saving move following widespread condemnation that greeted his initial refusal to agree to the peace deal.

“We, however, must not lose sight of the dangerous and ominous signs the PDP and Atiku have inadvertently shown Nigerians in the lead up to the elections.

“Again, this brings to the fore, PDP’s open declaration in August this year that the Party will deploy all “means, schemes, shenanigans in all ramification and magnitude” to manipulate the 2019 election.

“The APC reiterates that security and other relevant agencies must be on high alert to check this dangerous threat posed by the PDP’s planned actions for the general elections. In 2019 and beyond, the votes of the electorate must count and the will of the electorate must prevail.

“We must stand against and resist plans by retrogressive elements, who are now nested in the PDP and their agents to disrupt elections through violence and other undemocratic practices.

“For signing the 2019 election national peace accord, the Party affirms the commitment of the President Muhammadu Buhari led APC government to a free and fair electoral process. The APC government has an abiding pledge towards participatory, peaceful, credible and transparent elections.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/12/2019-why-atiku-attempted-to-evade-national-peace-accord-apc/