₦airaland Forum

The Department for International Development (DFID) says Nigeria needs to invest more in healthcare, education and economic reforms.

The country head of the oganisation, Debbie Palmer, said this on Monday during a conference organised by the Not Too Young To Run group in the nation’s capital, Abuja.

She explained that there are projections that soon Nigeria could become the third largest nation on earth which could mean a rise in the number of the working age and potentially, a boost in the nation’s GDP.

However, according to her, this can only be possible if the nation invests in its health, education and economic sectors.

Palmer said, “According to projections, Nigeria is set to become potentially, the third largest nation on earth by 2050 after China and India.

“So, what that means is, there will be a huge rise in the number of Nigeria’s working age over the next 50 years and in theory, this could transition Nigeria from being a lower middle-income country to being a higher middle-income country with a GDP per capita of over $8,000 per person.

“That is a bright future to work for and that would be a fantastic future for Nigeria.

“To get there, Nigeria needs to be investing in its healthcare, education and economic reforms.

“Because in a nutshell we’ve got huge numbers of Nigerians being born and we need those people to be nourished, educated, healthy, skilled and to become productive members of the society, having jobs and driving this economy forward”.

Also addressing the youths, the sponsor of the Not Too Young To Run bill in the House Of Representatives, Mr Tony Nwulu, asked them to walk their talk anytime they recite the country’s national anthem.

“The Not Too Young To Run initiative has truly brought us into the spirit of the national anthem. Today, we can actually say that we have answered that clarion call for young people to get involved in mainstream politics.

“So if you could have made it through your party primaries, go through the rigors and every other thing that goes with it and you emerged as a party candidate, then you know that you’ve truly been called to serve this country with strength and faith and I want all of us to continue to reflect on the national anthem,” he said.

The conference brought together candidates from 91 registered political parties to educate them on the need to build the right values that would help them deliver good governance and quality representation in Nigeria.

President Buhari had signed the ‘Not Too Young To Run’ Bill into law in May, reducing the age limit for presidential candidates from 40 to 35.

On the other hand, the minimum age for National and State Assembly members was reduced to 25.

The aim of the law is to increase the participation of young people in politics, as

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/11/why-nigeria-needs-to-invest-more-in-healthcare-education-reforms-dfid/

The fact that scientists are yet to discover cure for the dreaded virus HIV/AIDS more than 30 years since it was discovered has continued to send jitters down the spine of human beings.

ODIRI UCHENUNU-IBEH, in this write-up, examines the journey so far in the search for a cure Imagine a day when scientists would come up with an announcement that they have found cure to HIV! That day would be a great day for everybody in the world because the virus has claimed the lives of not just people living in Sub Saharan Africa, but that of every other person infected in the world. That is also the day Adeola Kayode is dreaming about.

Though presently testing negative, even though she is living with the virus, she still wants to see a day when HIV can be cured completely. Kayode told LEADERSHIP Sunday that, “With my adherence to my Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ARV) Drugs, I am living my normal life. People only know that I am an HIV patient when I tell them.

Thank God for the ARV drugs that have not only made me healthy, but have also suppressed the virus, in that when I go for test, it always comes out negative. “Nevertheless, I would love to see a day when there is a cure to the virus. I always read journals to know the progress made in finding cure to the virus.

While I am grateful to God that I am alive and healthy, I always pray that God should help scientists to come up with a cure and I am keeping hope alive. That is my dream, that is my prayer.” When asked how she felt when she first heard of the professor of Veterinary Medicine and Virology at the Michael Okpara University, Umudike, Umuahia, Dr. Maduike Ezeibe’s announcement of a discovery of a treatment and cure of the dreaded HIV infection, she said she was so happy, but was later disappointed when the government came up to counter his claims.

“We are yet to hear from government what they discovered from their investigation concerning Ezeibe’s claim of finding a cure to HIV. I really wish government can look into his research work and assist him,” she added. Like Kayode, everybody would want to see a day when HIV is no longer news, because there is a cure.

With scientists all over the world trying to come up with different research/discovery in the fight against the dreaded virus, the future is quite bright for a cure. Since the late 1980s, researchers have attempted to cure HIV infection.

In 2008, a major breakthrough occurred. Doctors in Berlin appeared to have cured an HIV-positive man, who was suffering from leukemia, of both cancer and HIV. The “Berlin patient” had been taking ART for several years prior to his cancer treatment and received chemotherapy, radiation and transplants of stem cells.

The donor of the stem cells had a rare mutation (called a delta-32 mutation by researchers) that resulted in his cells having no CCR5 co-receptors. This made the cells resistant to HIV infection.

After intensive chemotherapy and radiation, ART was withheld and the stem cells were transplanted and took hold in his bone marrow, helping to create his new immune system that helped to cure the HIV. Clinicians are however trying to replicate the success. Researchers are experimenting with gene-editing techniques to alter the DNA of an individual’s immune cells.

This can be done by introducing genetic changes to deactivate the gene that gives rise to the CCR5 coreceptor, thus robbing HIV of a means of latching on to immune cells. The modified cells are then grown outside the body and ultimately reinfused into the person’s body.

The aim is to spawn a population of immune cells that are resistant to infection. Hopefully, with the help of new technology, there is hope that a cure would emerge someday.

With the Pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP, hope was again raised that the cure for HIV is imminent. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), PrEP is the use of an antiretroviral medication to prevent the acquisition of HIV infection by uninfected persons. PrEP may either be taken orally, using an antiretroviral drug available for treatment of HIV infection (tenofovir plus emtricitabine), or topically as a vaginal gel containing tenofovir.

The efficacy of oral PrEP has been shown in four randomized control trials and is high when the drug is used as directed. The efficacy of gel has been shown in one trial and is moderate.

As of September 2015, WHO recommends that people at substantial risk of HIV infection should be offered PrEP as an additional prevention choice, as part of comprehensive prevention. Another breakthrough in finding HIV cure, which the federal government of Nigeria is passionate about is the effort to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

While the world await a cure for HIV, stakeholders in the Nigerian health sector have urged Nigerians to know their HIV status. Director General, National Agency for the Control Of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Sani Aliyu, said knowing one’s status is the step to eliminating the virus.

As the world commemorates world AIDS day, Aliyu said it is an opportunity to remind the public of the importance of testing for HIV. He said, “Having a HIV test is an essential step towards accessing life-saving HIV treatment.”

Another issue raised by NACA DG is the challenge faced by Nigeria in ending Mother-to-child transmission of the virus. He said the country still faces the challenge of ending mother-to-child transmission of the virus because about 50 per cent of pregnant women do not go for antenatal care.

Addressing the issue, Aliyu, said the agency focus would be given to the rural areas as the government was already working to upgrade the primary healthcare centres. Aliyu said that the challenge could only be addressed when there was increased knowledge on the need to know their status which must be done at the start of antenatal care.

He said, “Based on the results we have from several surveys, we know that the major challenge is about bringing the mothers to antenatal care. “I am pleased that this year’s world AIDS Day, theme is about knowing one’s status which means that everyone should and must know their HIV status.

People don’t really need to go to the hospital for testing again as there are self testing kits which can be used by oneself and at the comfort of their homes. “That alone will increase testing and I hope most pregnant women would make use of the kits so that those that test positive to the virus can begin treatment to avoid its transmission.

These babies are innocent and they do not deserve to be brought into the world to suffer for what they know nothing about.” According to the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, the situation of mother-to-child transmission of the virus is worrisome and requires collective action of all stakeholders, with the support of global partners to correct the statistics.

Prof. Adewole said a road map on implementation of the National Treatment and Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV/AIDS was launched recently, to give proper guidance and direction on how best to offer treatment to HIV patients in Nigeria and also, protect unborn children from contacting the virus through a mother living with the virus.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/09/finding-cure-for-dreaded-hiv-aids/

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, on Saturday urged voters in Epe Divison to vote en masse for candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2019 elections.

Ambode said that voting for President Muhammadu Buhari and Jide Sanwo-Olu would ensure the continuation of the good works of the party both in the state and the country at large.

Ambode said this while in Epe during a meeting with leaders of APC in the division, NANreports.

He said it was time for the people to put events before and after the APC governorship primaries in the state, which produced Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the governorship candidate of the party behind them and truly unite for the party’s victory.

Ambode said it became imperative for him to meet with the leaders to let them know that all members must submit to the decision of the party.

He said: “All of us are brothers and sisters because this is a close-knit community. It is now time for us to work together for the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari and election of Mr Sanwo-Olu because Epe cannot be left behind.

“I know that in view of what happened, some people are still aggrieved but what I want you to know is that there is no way PDP will work for the development of our division like APC.

“We are also all aware that for the past 16 years of PDP, they did not do anything in Epe division and it is only the APC that has been doing something for Lagos and for the country.

“I want to assure you that Epe will benefit more if we vote for APC.

“All my achievements in the last three and half years will be improved upon if Sanwo-Olu wins and so I want to urge you all to come out and vote for APC because that is how we can secure the future of our children and this division.’’

Also speaking at the meeting, the Deputy Governorship Candidate of APC in the state, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, thanked Ambode and all the leaders in the division.

Hamzat said the governor displayed unusual maturity and character which eloquently confirmed that he was a man with a large heart.

“I want to thank Gov. Ambode for being a man with a large and great heart.

“What you are doing is unusual and I want to assure you that you have a future and that future will be very soon. We will do everything to protect your interest and that of Epe division.

“Gov. Ambode has done his best and we will do our best to continue his legacies and build on what he has done to further develop our dear state, ‘’ Hamzat said.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/09/2019-why-nigerians-should-vote-buhari-sanwo-olu-ambode/

Njuka Wellington-Walter, popularly known as Skala Wee, is one of the most sought-after gospel musicians that is adored by everyone in Nigeria. The architect, whose hit single “Nothing Pass God” was a massive hit, is still evergreen. The gospel musician recently signed to an Abuja-based record label, Pharcyde Entertainment, also penned a two-year management deal with Samsong’s Boogie Down Concept. In this interview with ANTHONY ADA ABRAHAM, he speaks on his music, why he’s been out of the radar and other sundry issues. I have been doing songs on a low key and also took some time off to get a degree in Architecture. Wasn’t the music environment favourable for you then? The music environment was very favourable for me. I had a record label then, which I was working with.

My contract had expired; we had some issues and fell out. I had to wait for my contract to expire before I moved on to the next level.

But during that time, I was still active in the industry. My songs were still making lots of waves and people were begging and calling me to come back and do something for them.

It is a great feeling to be back bigger and better. I am here to praise Jesus Christ with my songs. Now that you are back stronger, we heard you just signed a new record deal? Yes I just signed to a new record label, Pharcyde Entertainment and recently penned a two-year management deal with Samsong’s Boogie Down Concept. We are working on a new album right now and in fact the album is ready and will drop anytime soon. We are promoting three singles from the album right now and one is featuring Samsong. Comparing when you left the scene for your programme and now, what do you think has changed? A lot has changed. When we started off, it wasn’t as lucrative as now. It is better now; people appreciate gospel music more now. Then, gospel music wasn’t considered as something important. The circular artistes were given more prominence than us.

But right now, people are accepting Gospel music and are seeing what it means to praise God and worship him. You have three promotional singles, could you shed more light on the songs? We have Nothing Pass God remix with Samsong, we had a collabo on that.

There is another one titled “Baba O” and Miracle God. They are very spiritual songs that would uplift the spirit and touch the soul of anyone who listens to them. My idea is to draw people closer to God in this time that the world is filled with evil. Are there videos to back them up? We are currently working on the videos and anytime from now, the videos of the songs we are promoting would be out. What should people be expecting from these singles that are out? I don’t want to say they should be expecting it to be more spiritual as if it hasn’t been spiritual all these years (Laughs).

This time they should be expecting more grace of God. Good messages that would uplift their souls and also a great new sound.

This time it is going to be more messages to the people and a sound people could relate with.

A lot of gospel artistes I have interacted with have said they haven’t been given as much publicity as they deserved, what do you think is the major challenge? Yeah, there are lots of challenges.

You have gospel musicians that aren’t paid same fees like other circular artistes then. You are called to come and perform, but instead of paying for your appearance they say, “do it for God nah.” But is has changed now. A lot of people pay a good amount to gospel musicians to come minister. Another challenge is acceptability. Whether you like it or not, the same competition you have in the circular scene is same with the Gospel. You don’t have a community where everyone could call their own. Most of the challenges come from promotion that would take you to the height you are aspiring to.

You are signed to a new record label now, so what informed your decision to sign with Pharcyde Entertainment? The last record label I belonged to was all about money and not the musicians. They are just after making money and they got it. They made a huge income from “Nothing Pass God.”

Immediately the money was made, they didn’t focus on making or promoting other good songs I had which also indirectly, made my music career to suffer. This time, I decided to pick a record label that is gospel inclined. A record label that would be ready to promote the gospel of Jesus Christ and Pharcyde Entertainment was the embodiment of everything I needed. We have very good cordial working relationship and I hope and pray that we will take this music to the next level. So what should your fans who have been craving to hear from you ever since be expecting from you? They should believe that nothing pass God and should expect my Church Tour starting in Rivers State from December to January 31st, 2019. I will be embarking on others but this is just the beginning of better days ahead.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/08/were-taking-nothing-pass-god-to-next-level-skala-wee/

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has revealed when he will commence restructuring of Nigeria.

One of the key points of Atiku’s campaign was to restructure Nigeria if elected president in 2019.

The former Vice President said the restructuring process will start within six months of his government if he emerges victorious in the presidential election in 2019.

He gave this assurance on Thursday when he addressed his supporters at the historic Mapo Hall Square, Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

Atiku said he has always been an advocate of restructuring as a way to move the country forward.

He said: “One of the most important policies I have advocated in this country is the restructuring of this country.

“Today, I stand before you to pledge that before you that within six months we shall start the process of restructuring in every part of this country.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/06/2019-presidency-atiku-reveals-when-restructuring-will-commence/

A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Lawal David Babachir, has stated that he has nothing to do with Amina Mohammed, an alleged impersonator and scammer, who accused him in a confessional statement as being in a property-buying scam she was accused of planning.

Amina Mohammed, pretending to be Kogi State first lady, gained entrance into the Aso Presidential Villa from where while impersonating wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, Aisha, invited one Dr Alexander Chika Okafor (alias Chikason) who later accused her of duping him of N150 million over a Court of Appeal property in Lagos that he had interest in buying.

Upon her arrest and while being paraded by the Directorate of State Security (DSS) in Abuja on Monday, Amina Mohammed denied involvement in the said crime, alleging instead that Chikason, Babachir and one of the sisters of Aisha Buhari were the liable ones.

Reports quoted her as saying, “It’s not true. Chikason has been buying property from the Federal Government and he has been doing it and you all know all the directors that are involved. They should ask the First Lady’s sister, Mariatu is involved, Babachir Lawal knows about this.”

But Babachir has now come out to say that Amina Mohammed was only making desperate moves to link him to the ongoing investigation about her alleged crimes.

“I wish to state unequivocally clear here that I do not know the said Amina Mohammed or any of her accomplices, much less involved in the activities she is being accused of. I do not know the Mrs Buhari’s sister named Maryatu she mentioned or any one called Chicason whom she also mentioned. I am therefore at a total loss as to her motive or those of her sponsors for linking my name with her alleged criminal activities,” Babachir said.

The former SGF stated that he is not into property business hence does not know anything about the sale of government properties, and that he had briefed his lawyers on the matter for appropriate legal action to be instituted against her.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/06/ex-sgf-babachir-distances-self-from-impersonator-amina-mohammed/

A satanic group has added its own statue to a series of displays in the government building of the US state of Illinois to mark the festive season.

Placed between a Christmas tree and a menorah, the four-foot sculpture depicts a snake coiled around an outstretched arm holding an apple.

It's the first display sponsored by the Chicago chapter of the Temple of Satan.

The state government said the temple had the same right as other religious groups to have a display.

"Under the Constitution, the First Amendment, people have a right to express their feelings, their thoughts," Dave Druker, spokesman for the Illinois secretary of state, told the State Journal-Register. "This recognises that."

The move has been criticised on social media by Illinois Family Action, an anti-abortion pressure group.

Past decorations in the statehouse rotunda, in the state capital Springfield, have included a "Festivus" pole - a reference to a fictional holiday which was the subject of an episode of the sitcom Seinfeld. (BBC)

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/06/satanic-statue-installed-at-us-statehouse/

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Comrade Timi Frank, has described as shameful, the re-arrest of a popular human rights activist, Prince Deji Adeyanju, on the purported order of the presidency.

Frank fingered the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo and the the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, as major actors on whose orders the police are allegedly plotting to silence Adeyanju for his involvement in Shi’a protest.

Disclosing this in a statement on issued to DAILY POST on Tuesday, Frank condemned what he described as victimisation of the rights crusader, even as he called on Nigerians, civil society organisations and other human rights crusaders to speak up against the tyrannical act of the current administration.

According to Frank, the Vice President was not comfortable with Adeyanju’s criticism, hence the plan to silence him.

“We have gathered reliably how the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo ordered the re-arrest of Adeyanju for criticising him on Facebook. The VP should know that in democracy criticism is allowed, that goes to say that if you are not ready for the heat get out of kitchen.

“Someone should remind the Buhari administration that this is not military regime. We are now in democracy thus protest, criticism of government officials and policies, freedom of speech are ingredients of democracy.

“These tyrannical actions will soon end. Nigerians will soon enjoy their total freedom under a government that understands democracy because freedom is an irrepressible spirit that cannot be crushed by the ruthless dictator. Where’s Adolf Hitler today? What of Gaddafi of Libya? Posterity is the best judge.

“Are we going to be cowed into keeping quiet when things go wrong? Just like good health and life is important, so is freedom. We need to be free in our country, I say no to this intimidation. 2019 should put a stop to this flagrant disobedience to the rule of law,” the statement read in part.

Frank called on Nigerians not to tolerate the APC government beyond 2019, adding that “the current events in the country has clearly shown that this government is anti-citizens”.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/04/ex-apc-spokesman-frank-accuses-osinbajo-buratai-of-ordering-deji-adeyanjus-re-arrest/

The federal government has vowed to work assiduously to end the HIV/AIDs epidemic by 2030.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo made this pledge on Thursday during the commemoration of this year’s World AIDS Day at the State House in Abuja.

Osinbajo, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, stated that in spite of the gains achieved so far, concerted effort would be required to achieve end to the pandemic within the targeted time frame.

The vice president said that it was in this regard that the country embarked on the National AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS), in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The survey was flagged-off by President Muhammadu Buhari in June this year.

The vice president said the government is also committed to increasing funding for HIV response and ensuring universal access to HIV prevention, treatment and care services.

He added that for the first time government has included treatment of people living with HIV on its programme in Taraba and Abia states in the 2019 budget.

Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole enjoined Nigerians to go for HIV testing, saying it is estimated that only 38% of Nigerians know their status.

Director General of NACA, Dr Sani Aliyu said the agency had prioritized local manufacture of HIV medicines and other relevant commodities as part of the long-term sustainability agenda for the national response.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/11/30/nigerian-government-moves-to-end-hiv-aids-by-2030/

A young Nigerian girl has told a Lagos High Court about her ordeal in the hands of some human traffickers, who shipped her to Dubai in United Arab Emirates, for prostitution.

Before leaving Nigeria, the traffickers who have now been jailed 12 years each by a Lagos Court, took nude pictures of her and asked her to make an oath.

She was told to remit money to their agents in Dubai, with a threat of exposing her nude photos online, whenever she failed to do so.

The victim told the court that when she could not raise the money demanded, the convicts posted her nude pictures as earlier threatened.

Her story was heard by Justice Oluremi Oguntoyinbo of Federal High Court in Lagos, who sentenced two accused, Terry Homuere-Smooth and Priscilla Bassey, to 12 years imprisonment for human trafficking for prostitution.

Justice Oluremi Oguntoyinbo, sentenced the convicts, after finding them guilty on two counts of human trafficking preferred against them by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons(NAPTIP).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the convicts were first arraigned sometime in November 2015, on charges bordering on organising and procuring the foreign export of a young girl (name withheld) to Dubai.

The offences according to the prosecutor Mr Sebol Langyi, contravene the provisions of sections 14 (b) and 18 of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act 2015.

During trial of the convicts, the prosecution called two witnesses including the victim, who told the court how the convicts forced her into prostitution on arrival at Dubai.

The victim said that it was when her nude photos went viral on the net, that the NAPTIP came into her case and the convicts were apprehended.

Meanwhile, the convicts during their evidences, denied the allegations and urged the court to discharge and acquit them of the offences.

Delivering judgment on Tuesday, Justice Oluremi held: “The prosecution has been able to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt against each of the defendants.

“Consequently, the defendants are hereby convicted as charged”.

After the court pronounced them convicted, lawyers to the convicts during a plea for mercy before sentence, urged the court to temper justice with mercy in sentencing them.

They told the court that the accused were first time offenders, and had showed great remorse during their detention.

After their respective pleas, Justice Oguntoyinbo held:

“I have listened to the allocutus made by counsel to the defendants.

“However, the minimum punishment for count one is seven years imprisonment with a fine of N1 million, while the minimum punishment for the second count is five years.

“In the light of above, I hereby sentence the first and second defendants to seven years imprisonment on count one, and five years on count two.

“The terms are to run concurrently and without option of fine”.

According to the charge, the convicts committed the offence in July 2015, alongside one Bella who is said to be at large.

They were said to have organised and facilitated the foreign travel of the victim to Dubai, to promote prostitution.

The convicts were said to have engaged their young victim in unwholesome sexual exploitation, contrary to the provisions of the Trafficking in Person Enforcement and Administration Act. (NAN)

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/11/28/human-traffickers-posted-my-nude-photos-online-says-girl-shipped-to-dubai/

Notable members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Enugu East Senatorial zone have vowed to stage an upset against former governor, Chimaroke Nnamani, the Peoples Democratic, Party, PDP’s candidate for the election.

DAILY POST reports that both ex-president of the Senate, Chief Ken Nnamani and former governor of old Anambra State, Dr. Jim Nwobodo, have vowed to resist any attempt by the PDP to impose Nnamani on the people by proxy.

They made the declaration on Monday during the official flag-off of the campaign of the APC candidate for the district, Prince Lawrence Eze.

Senator Nnamani said the action of the PDP was a clear violation of the electoral act and the nation’s constitution.

Nnamani wondered how someone who is in America could be declared winner of an election he did not participate in, adding that “Chimaroke Nnamani did not swear affidavit because such sensitive document cannot be sworn to by proxy, yet some people went behind to declare him winner of the PDP primary.

“I know that there is no law in our land authorising someone to swear affidavit for another person. I am saying this because those who perpetrated this fraud may be matching to the prison.

“This action shows that the PDP impunity is still rearing its ugly head in Enugu East senatorial zone. Our political process in the country as well as the zone is on trial. We are going to resist this undemocratic act, because I am an interested party in the matter.

“We cannot have a senator by proxy”, he added, warning that the situation, if not properly handled, “is capable of igniting political crisis in the senatorial district.

“I’m yet to know why PDP chose to commit such high level of impunity in my own senatorial district.

“As much as we know, Chimaroke was not seen anywhere. He is still outside the country in his sick bed. Even if somebody filled the forms for him in proxy, the electoral law demands he must swore the court affidavits by himself.”

Chief Nwobodo, in his remarks at the event, described the fronting of ex-governor Nnamani as candidate of the PDP as a great fraud which they must all join hands to resist at all cost.

Nwobodo, and Nnamani boasted that he (Prince Eze), is likely to be the only candidate for Enugu East senatorial election and pleaded to be joined in the suit to seek ex-governor Chimaroke Nnamani’s disqualification from the contest.

Chief Nwobodo urged the electorate in the zone to vote for Prince Lawrence Eze as the next senator of Enugu East senatorial district, just as he applauded the APC candidate for using his personal resources to provide various social amenities for his people, including construction of asphalted roads in many communities.

Prince Eze in his speech, had assured the people of the district that if given the mandate to serve, he would protect the interest of the entire people of the zone, adding that he will also make their empowerment and responsible leadership his watch word.

The event was attended by top chieftains of the APC in the state, including the immediate past governor of the state, Barrister Sullivan Chime, 2019 APC gubernatorial candidate in the state, Senator Ayogu Eze, former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eugene Odoh, Enugu State chairman of APC, Dr. Ben Nwoye, among others.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/11/27/2019-ex-senate-president-nnamani-nwobodo-draw-battle-line-against-chimaroke/

President Muhammadu Buhari has promised to increase the salary, allowances and pensions of the Nigerian Police force.

This is also as he tasked the police to do more in the protection of human life.

Buhari spoke with members of the Nigeria Police Service Commission and the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force who were on a “Thank You” visit to the State House following his approval of Rank Salary Structure Adjustment, by which salary, allowances and pension of policemen will be increased.

He regretted that the inability of the police in their constitutional role as the frontline force in the prevention of crime, had led to military involvement in the maintenance of law and order throughout the country

He said, “From Taraba to Sokoto, to the South-South, people don’t feel secure until they see the military. I am pleased to make the increase in salary and allowances in the hope that it will increase the performance index of the police and strengthen Nigeria’s internal security system.

“The military should be reserved for higher tasks. The police should be able to cope well with the challenges of armed robbery, kidnapping for ransom and such crimes.

“In every town and village, there is the presence of the police. From all these places, they should be able to forward first class intelligence to you on which to act.

“There is a need to amplify the question of more men of the police, especially given the condition we are in – emergency in the North-East, pervasive insecurity and abduction for ransom and banditry in many parts of the country.

“I congratulate you on the success you recorded against criminals taxing people and stopping them from their farms.

“We are expecting more from you,” the President told the police.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/11/26/president-buhari-increases-police-salary/

Head coach of the Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr, has asked Odion Ighalo to leave China.

Rohr will be delighted to see Ighalo play in a topflight football league division next season, after his Chinese Super League team, Changchun Yatai suffered relegation, at the end of the just concluded season.

The striker finished the Chinese Super League season on a high, scoring 21 goals in 28 games, but it was not enough to save Changchun Yatai from relegation.

Rohr, who was guest at a breakfast media parley with Nigerian sports editors on Friday in Lagos, noted that his top marksman will not be short of suitors when the January transfer window reopens.

“I called him (Ighalo) up at the World Cup after I read what was written about him in the social media. He came on at halftime against Argentina because Kelechi Iheanacho was not so good.

“He did well but missed a chance. There was not a good reaction from the fans who were not happy.

“I think it was not his mistake that we were eliminated. Of course, there were other problems which we spoke about them. Everybody is happy now that Ighalo is scoring well again.

“Now he’s in the second division, what will happen? I hope he returns to a top division club. He finished as the second top scorer in the Chinese Super League, so I think he will have offers to move to the top flight division.

“He (Ighalo) told me a few days ago that his injury now allows him to run which is already good and he will let me know if he wants to change club. His club (Changchun Yatai) wants, him but I think it is better for us and for him to play in the top division or return to Europe.

“When you score goals for your team you will get offers,” Rohr said.

http://www.mcebiscoo.com/2018/11/rohr-tells-ighalo-to-leave-china.html

The crisis engulfing the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC on Wednesday took another dimension as some leaders of the party have accused the leadership of the party in the state of sabotaging the party’s effort towards the 2019 general elections.

The group known as the Concerned Ondo APC leaders, called on the national body of the party to dissolve the Ade Adetimehin led exco and put in its place a caretaker committee for allegedly involving in anti-party activities.

In the communiqué issued after its meeting held in Akure, the Ondo State capital, which was also attended by the former deputy governor of the state, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, the former state chairman of the party, Isaac Kekemeke, Bode Sunmonu, Omojuwa among others, they stated that the meet was meant to rejig the party in the state due to the perception that people are getting disenchanted with the party, which according to them may affect the party at the general elections.

The communiqué, which was read on behalf of Ali Olanusi, who is a member of the Board of Trustee, BoT of the party by Bode Sunmonu reads: “That various groups of APC members in Ondo state which constitute 80% have come together to form a platform capable of winning general elections for APC in 2019.

“That the group has pledged absolute loyal to President Muhammadu Buhari, the National Chairman of party, Comr. Adams Oshiomhole and our national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“We observed the compromise of the state executives in undermining the National leadership through court litigations and thereby urged the national leadership to dissolve the state exco and in its place replace a caretaker committee in order to have one single party and one goal in Ondo state.

“The national headquarters should note and work to avert the sinister plot of some disgruntled party officials who stay in the party and work against APC in the forthcoming 2019 general elections, especially Action Alliance.

The group also condemned the recent invasion of the Ondo State House of Assembly by suspected members of NURTW where members of the state legislature were attacked as well as the “unconstitutional” approval of Gov Akeredolu’s re-ordered budget by the impeached speaker of the house.

“We condemned, the strange development, whereby the driver’s union allegedly had the gut to unleash staged terrorism on party members in the state and physically attacked honourable members of the Ondo State House of Assembly in the hallowed chamber.

“The odious anomaly whereby only 8 members out of the 26 member house now pass resolutions bothering on financial budget is unacceptable. We believe that the House should be left alone to carry out its duties without let or hindrance by the executive,” the communiqué added.

http://www.mcebiscoo.com/2018/11/2019-adetimehin-led-exco-working.html

Champions League holders, Real Madrid have identified Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, Christian Eriksen as their top January transfer targets.

According to The Sun, the La Liga giants are planning a mega move to lure Rashford and Eriksen to leave the Premier League for the Spanish topflight league.

The report also claimed that the Los Blancos’ president, Florentino Perez wants the duo at the Santiago Bernabeu as Cristiano Ronaldo’s replacement.

Ronaldo left Madrid for Juventus in the summer as their all-time highest goal scorer.

Madrid have endured a difficult season since Ronaldo left the club and join the Serie A champions.

Santiago Solari’s side are currently occupying the sixth positions on the La Liga table.

Madrid will tackle Eibar in the La Liga fixture on Saturday afternoon.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/epl-real-madrid-identifies-two-premier.html

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has called on Muslims in Nigeria to pray fervently for peace to reign supreme during the 2019 general elections.

Ahmed made the call in his Maulid message to the people of the state on Tuesday in Ilorin.

The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Abdulwahab Oba to NAN congratulated Muslim faithful on the occasion of celebration of the birth of Prophet Mohammad Peace Be Upon Him (PBUH).

Ahmed extolled the sterling qualities of Prophet Mohammad as a shining example to humanity.

He therefore advised everyone to emulate the character of just, equity and fairness as exhibited by the prophet.

He appealed to Muslim leaders to use the occasion to caution political leaders against divisive tendencies, but they should put the country’s interest above every selfish and parochial interest.

Similarly, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has called on Muslims to pray fervently for the successful conduct of the 2019 general elections.
Lalong’s call is contained in a statement released on Tuesday in Jos, by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr Mark Longyen, to felicitate with Muslims on the celebration of Maulud.

According to the governor, the prayers are intended to ask God to take charge of proceedings so that the elections will be peaceful and for the emergence of credible leaders that will run the affairs of the country with the fear of the Almighty God.

He urged the Muslim faithful to also pray for enduring peace in Plateau.

Lalong also advised them to live peacefully with all men as taught by Prophet Mohammed (SAW).
The governor maintained that without prayers, brotherly love, forgiveness, harmony, tolerance and accommodation, religion would be meaninglessness while peace would be elusive in society.

He admonished the Muslim faithful to align themselves with the teachings and virtues of the prophet and to seize the opportunity presented by his birthday to intensify prayers for peace and unity in the country.

“Religion should be the moral compass for all believers in their public and personal lives.

“People should let the teachings of their religions to influence their conduct, in order to eliminate challenges such as corruption, kidnapping and killing, among other things,” he added.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/maulud-pray-for-successful-peaceful.html

The Presidency has spoken on the All Progressives Congress (APC) victories in the last 24 hours.

In the bye-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Saturday, November 17, 2018, the APC swept the seats in three federal constituencies in Katsina State, three in Kwara State, and another in Bauchi State.

“This is a sign of things to come in the 2019 elections”, Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President, said in a statement on Sunday.

He said: “This victory should be a blow for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaigners who have maintained that by merely claiming that they have rebranded, Nigerians will have forgotten all the mess they left behind in 2015.

“By voting overwhelmingly for the ruling APC, Nigerians have shown their confidence in the Muhammadu Buhari administration, and their willingness for continuation of this government and its policies.

“This clear show of support can only be a synopsis of what Nigerians should expect in the forthcoming elections, at all levels.

“I would like to use this opportunity to remind Nigerians that there will always be a winner and a loser in every election, an individual and a party with the highest votes and another with the lowest.

“That is what democracy is about. Therefore, all aspirants should approach elections with the mindset that they could either win or lose.

“Accepting results only when one wins and challenging results each time one loses, is not the right attitude. It is certainly not what democracy is about.

“On behalf of President Buhari, I thank the people of Katsina, Kwara and Bauchi States for their show of support over the weekend.

“I thank Nigerians all over the country for believing in this government and in its determined effort to pull our nation out of the mess left behind by 16 years of PDP government, and into the greatness that is our destiny.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/presidency-reacts-to-apc-bye-election.html

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has alerted security agencies over the influx of thugs into some Kwara communities ahead of Ekiti/Irepodun/Isin/Oke-ero Federal Constituency bye-election slated for Saturday, Nov. 17.

Mr Femi David, the Personal Assistant on Media to Mr Raheem Olawuyi, the APC candidate, raised the concern in a statement to NAN on Friday in Omu-Aran.

According to him, the communities include, Iji-isin, Ijara-Isin, Owu-isin, Iwo-isin, Oke-onigbin, Esie, Osi, idofin-igbana, Omu-Aran among others.

He stated that the thugs were purposely brought into the areas to instil fear in the minds of the voters ahead of the election.

The party added that it viewed the development, which had caused unnecessary panic among residents, as undemocratic and an attempt to disenfranchise its patriotic and loyal supporters.

“We have on good authority that quite some numbers of political thugs have been drafted into some of the communities where the by-election has been scheduled to hold on Saturday.

“We have already alerted the security agencies and other relevant stakeholders of this development and they have assured us of prompt intervention in terms of adequate security and surveillance.

“Our supporters across the constituency are hereby urged not to entertain any fear of intimidation, harassment and that the desired freedom would surely be achieved devoid of violence.

“While intimidation and thuggery in electioneering remained the pastime of the opposition, we in APC will continue to toe the line of tolerance, peaceful co-existence and fair play.

“We called on security agencies not to relent in the discharge of their responsibilities by beaming their searchlight on the aforementioned identified areas.”

http://www.ebiscoo.com/69/bye-election-apc-raises-alarm-over-alleged-invasion-kwara-communities-by-thugs#135

Kim Porter, who dated Sean “Diddy” Combs for many years before their 2007 split and was also mother to three of his children, was found dead in her home on Thursday. She was 47.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to PEOPLE that officers responded to a death investigation at 11:38 a.m. in Toluca Lake, California, where they found a female unresponsive at the residence.

According to an emergency dispatch call posted by TMZ, the call came in as a cardiac arrest. While it’s not yet clear what caused Parker’s death, a source told the outlet she had been suffering from pneumonia for weeks.

The couple, who began dating in the ’90s, had three children together throughout their off-and-on-again relationship: son Christian, 20, and 11-year-old twin daughters D’Lila Star and Jessie James Combs.

Porter and Combs broke up in 1999.

http://www.ebiscoo.com/46/diddy%E2%80%99s-baby-mamakim-porter-dies-at-47#110

Unknown gunmen have attacked the venue of a PVC Sensitization programme in Ipo, Ikwerre Local government area of Rivers State, leaving one person dead and several other injured.

It was gathered that the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Samuel Wanosike, narrowly escaped death in the attack.

Wanosike is said to be an ally to Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State.

Commander of the Joint Task Force deployed to Ikwerre Local Government, who confirmed the incident to DAILY POST, said the unknown gunmen ambushed the Chairman and other PDP Leaders in Ikwerre Local government.

Chris Omodu, who is the Chief Press Secretary of Samuel Wanosike, said the incident has been reported to the Police.

“While we were on the ground of our sensitization rally, we started hearing gunshots. Before we knew it, we saw the boys approaching us and shooting directly at us.

“They went straight to the car of the LGA Chairman and started shooting him but thank God his vehicle is bullet-proof if not, he would have been killed by now.

“Many people were hit with bullets during the shooting and one person is already dead. We went straight to the Igwuruta Police station to report,” he said.

In the meantime, the Rivers state Police Command is yet to react to the development.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/one-dead-as-gunmen-attack-wikes-ally.html

Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has stated that prudent management of resources by the Buhari administration has helped it achieve far more in terms of infrastructure and development than previous administrations.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this at a public lecture organized by the Council of Chief of Imams, Ikeja Division in Lagos on Saturday.

The Vice President also stated the determination of the administration in its fight against corruption, noting that it was a major challenge which had slowed the country’s development in the past.

He added that the Buhari administration has spent over N2.7 trillion on capital expenditure in the last three years, pointing out that it is the highest amount ever spent on capital in the history of Nigeria.

The Vice President listed some of the infrastructure projects to include, among others, the Lagos-Kano Standard Gauge Railway, the Lagos-Ibadan Dual Carriageway and the Second Niger Bridge.

According to Prof. Osinbajo, the Buhari administration has been able to achieve this through prudent management of resources, despite earning 60% revenue less than the previous administration when the price of crude oil was high.

“Despite earning 60% less revenue, we are spending more on infrastructure in this government, from roads, rails to power,” he said.

The Vice President also said that components of the administration’s Social Investment Programme have impacted the lives of millions of Nigerians.

He adds, “If the N60 billion that was part of the sum looted from the nation’s treasury in the past, was given out to these traders, 6m petty traders would have been beneficiaries.”

Prof. Osinbajo said at the inception of the administration, over 23 states in Nigeria owed salaries of between three to 12 months, which necessitated the Federal Government giving the states bailout funds to pay their workers.

He said the Buhari administration was also confronted with the drop in Nigeria’s crude oil production of 2.2 million bpd, coming down to around 1 million bpd as a result of the restiveness in the Niger Delta Region.

Speaking further, the Vice President stated that the struggle in Nigeria is that between good and evil, and not between religions.

“I want to say to you that it’s a battle between good and evil. What we are fighting for in this country is a battle between good and evil, it is not a battle between religions. Corruption is our major challenge. The people that steal Nigeria’s resources are both Christians and Muslims,” he said.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/what-osinbajo-told-council-of-imams.html

Business mogul and 2019 Rivers State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Tonye Cole, in this interview, says he hopes to arrest the culture of violence, endemic poverty and hopelessness in the state if elected as governor. Cole also explains how the Minister of Transportation and a former governor of the state, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, lured him into the race.

On the controversy over alleged his imposition by Amaechi as governorship candidate!

As far as I am concerned, there is no controversy. Nobody can impose anybody. What you have is that you had a primary election. You had people that went for that primary. You had people who won and those who lost. And everybody, at the end of the day, had legitimate right to agree or to object. As humans, you cannot impose anybody. The human spirit rejects imposition. Any position taken, you have those for it and those against. And that is what I think we are seeing. And that’s life, you can’t please everybody.

On Amaechi influencing him to run!

He (Amaechi) spoke to me a lot about it. He said to me there was need for a different type of politics in Rivers. That he and the people of Rivers were yearning for peace, yearning for wealth creation and distribution. They were yearning for a leader that can impact people at the grassroots and make them feel that the money that comes to the state, which is a lot, can actually impact their lives on daily basis. Rivers State is yearning at this moment for someone who they know is not going to steal their money. And that is why I took it.

Religious Kano and the Ganduje tapes

On the possibility of business interests involved!

As far as I know, Rotimi Amaechi and I have never done any business together. I ran a business for 23 years. In that business I dealt with government at all levels, in Nigeria, Ghana, 23 African countries. I have dealt with ministers, governors, presidents. Now, how many of them would I have business relationships with? It is absolutely impossible. I have no business relationship with Amaechi because if we do that from the type of business that we run, that means we are already in trouble. We were part of a group called Partnering Against Corruption Initiative, essentially a World Economic Forum group working to ensure that business is separated from government. If people say they want to look into business relationships, feel free, go ahead and investigate.

On abandoning multi-million dollar businesses to face risk of politics!

Once you build institutions and build the business, you are comfortable knowing that the business can run on its own without any problem. We have built a very solid business. Once you’ve done that, you can move to the next thing. Business in itself has a limit as to how far you can help people. We employ about 3, 800 people. In politics, on the other hand, you are dealing with millions of people. You are going into a realm where you can touch and make a difference in the lives of millions of people on daily basis.

So the first thing in front of everybody was to resign from every single company, walk away from everything I have done because I know that it will survive. And people say the Constitution does not say you should do that but I said no, we need to be able to separate completely. I don’t want to look back. I have finished that aspect of my life, so it’s easy to move on. I go to sleep and sleep completely because I know that the business I have built can stand on its own.

Sanwo-Olu meets Lagos CAN chairman, seeks joint efforts against poverty

On renewing unity in Rivers!

I am doing ward rounds now. Going into politics, one of the things I first noticed as I went in is that everybody is angry with everybody. Nobody wants to talk to anybody. You belong to this party or cling to this faction. I have never seen a place, a home, an institution, a state, a country that can ever progress in bitterness and anger. The cure to that is that, first, you bring everybody together. The first thing we have been telling the people is the assurance that we are creating a government that is not of bitterness. We can compete. If we lose we lose fairly, win we win fairly. Once we win it is not an exclusion of anybody, that as soon as I win, we can no longer see anybody.

On the Governor Wike challenge!

I am a match for Nyesom Wike because, at the table, he has things he has done, I have things I have done. I have discussions I am going to put before the people; he has things to put before the people. At the end of the day, everybody goes to the ballot box, and who makes the decision? The decision is going to be made by Rivers people. And that is the beauty of democracy.

On volatile Rivers politics being unfit for gentlemen!

I don’t agree with that notion. Until you come face to face with a mother that has lost a child in violence, until you came face with face with a woman who lost her husband and now a widow at 23, 24, until you come face to face with children who have no parents because political violence took them, until you come face to face with grandmothers who lost their children, grandchildren, in-laws all in one day because of political violence, what you see are people who are fed up with the cycle of violence. And they are now looking for an alternative that is totally different.

Withdraw from politics or be withdrawn, Wike warns monarchs

Then you see that politics in Nigeria has totally changed. I am preaching peace absolutely, because I have seen people come to me on wheelchairs, shot, paralyzed. A young boy was paralyzed at 15 because his father was an APC member that held a meeting. When you come across these people, you know you are sitting in a community among a people who are reminded that violence has not paid them.

On the chances of winning Rivers governorship with the backing of Amaechi under a divided APC!

I am not distracted at all. My focus, simply, is on majority of the people in Rivers who have suffered greatly from devastation, floods; suffered from elections violence; they have lost loved ones; they are suffering aggravated poverty. I have never seen poverty in Rivers as bad as I have seen it now. Unemployment in the state is one of the highest in the country today.

I see able, young men sitting down in the afternoon doing nothing; people sitting down and have turned to beggars because factories have folded up and left. The first step is to bring peace to the place. Without peace, Rivers cannot make progress. By reaching across the divides and letting everyone know that it is not politics of death, I am the reconciliation because I am a totally different type of politician.

On connecting with the Rivers people as a perceived unknown face!

The first thing I have started doing is embarking on ward rounds. I am stepping my feet into every single ward, looking at the people in the eye. I am going into social contract with the people, asking them the basic questions: What is your concern? What worries you? And what are the worries I hear? Number one, across board, there is violence. They are yearning for security and peace, and I am the reconciliation.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/rivers-2019-how-amaechi-convinced-me-to.html

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has stated that review of the revenue sharing formula would enable states pay the new minimum wage.

Umahi spoke on Friday in Abakaliki at the opening of the 2018/19 legal year of the Ebonyi judiciary.

The governor likened the allocation accrued to states from the federation account as a ‘sign wave’ which made permutations difficult because it was not constant.

“The balance of justice is that the country’s leaders should dialogue and allocate percentages to its various sectors which include workers’ salaries, education, infrastructure, judiciary, legislature among others.

“The burning issue currently in Nigeria is workers’ welfare which every right thinking person will support and I have said severally that N30, 000 minimum wage is not even enough for workers.

“It is my desire to improve on workers’ welfare but something must be done at the centre so that the states can breathe.

“To clamp the nut on the petroleum subsidy episode, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) should be more transparent and accountable to the federation account,” he said.

He noted that effective management of the nation’s resources would enable the government adequately took care of workers’ welfare and the three tiers of government.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/new-minimum-wage-umahi-reveals-what.html

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Zamfara has displayed lists of Governorship and State Assembly candidates in the state for the upcoming 2019 general elections without the APC candidates.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that names of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates were missing in the list displayed at the INEC Secretariat in Gusau on Friday.

The political parties whose candidates were on the list were APGA, PDP, NRM, SDP, PRP, GPN and NCP among others.

Speaking to newsmen in Gusau, the National Commissioner in charge of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara, Hajiya Amina Zakari who was in the state for official visit, said the commission had not received a list of APC candidates.

“I think, it has been said several times that the APC didn’t have candidates in the state, so we have not received their candidates.

“This issue is in court and if court asks us to go ahead and receive their list, we will certainly receive their names.

“Therefore, since date for the submission of candidates has been passed, we shouldn’t go on that now; we should concentrate on what will be beneficial to the communities which is voter register, claims, objections and verification,” she said.

Zakari said she was in Zamfara to see how the state INEC office was doing and to observe and monitor the ongoing display of voters’ register, claims and objection.

“The reason for the exercise is for eligible persons to check their names and confirm if they are on the list or if there is any mistake in the names or misspelled.

“It is important for the politicians to look at the register critically and confirm to have credible list for the election.”

She decried low turnout for collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards at the centers across the three states, urging stakeholders to assist in enlightening the public on the importance of collection.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/apc-candidates-names-missing-on-inec.html

A bill seeking to stop age discrimination/restrictions against job seekers in the Federal Government agencies has successfully passed its second reading at the House of Representatives.

The bill, which was sponsored by Reps member, Sergius Ogun, seeks to put an end to the practice of disqualifying job seekers on account of their age, who are ordinarily qualified for positions in the Federal Government agencies.

“The rationale for this bill is to ensure that no artificial barrier is allowed to preponderate over merit, which rarely has anything to do with age,” he said.

He further explained that it is common to see job adverts, requesting for applications for employment and pegging the age between 25 and 28 years for entry level.

According to him, that system only helps to widen the unemployment gap in the country and must be reviewed.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/bill-to-end-age-discrimination-against.html

The Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha has instituted a legal action against the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris over the “ransacking” of his house in Jos, Plateau State with court warrant.

The governor, who filed his case before justice Musa Kurya of the Jos Federal High Court, said the act was a breach of his fundamental human right.

The governor is demanding N1.25 billion as general damages for the action.

Joined in the suit are Plateau Commissioner of Police, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

During yesterday’s proceeding, Okorocha, through his counsel, Markus Saleh (SAN), informed the court that the respondents had on May 3, invaded his residence in Jos.

He claimed that they held his family members and staff hostage during their search.

Against this backdrop, Okorocha urged the court to declare the action as “illegal, null and void” because they had no authorisation from court to search his residence.

He also prayed the court for a perpetual injunction against the respondents from further searching his houses across the country.

The governor sought for an order declaring that only the Imo House of Assembly had the constitutional rights and power to supervise, monitor, legislate, appropriate and demand accounting of public funds of the state from him.

He prayed the court to order the respondents to pay him N1 billion as general damages and N25 million as cost of instituting the case.

After listening to his submission, Justice Kurya adjourned the matter to January 24.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/okorocha-drags-igp-idris-efcc-to-court.html

Justice Goody Anunihu of Owerri High Court 2 yesterday nullified the indefinite suspension slammed on five Imo lawmakers by the leadership of the state House of Assembly last June.

Justice Anunihu, who is the administrative judge of the state High Court, also awarded a cost of N8 million against the state Assembly.

Five members of the Imo State House of Assembly, perceived to be loyal to the Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere, were suspended, indefinitely, in what the Speaker, Acho Ihim, had alleged to be “unparliamentary conduct” unbecoming of legislators.

The affected lawmakers were Chiji Collins, Isiala Mbano state constituency, Ifeanyi Nnataraonye, Mbaitoli (deputy Governor’s LGA), Uche Oguwuike, Ikeduru state constituency (deputy governor’s in-law) and Ikenna Nzeruo, representing Oru east state constituency.

They were members of the coalition alliance, who had refused to join in the impeachment plot against the deputy governor and the alleged N50 million oath taking and endorsement of Governor Rochas Okorocha’s son-in-law, Uche Nwosu, as his successor in 2019.

In his judgement, the presiding judge described the purported suspension of the lawmakers as an act of impunity of the highest order by the leadership of the state Assembly.

Justice Anunihu also restrained the leadership of the Assembly, its agents, privies, servants from interfering, stopping, impeding in a manner, whatsoever, in the rights of the lawmakers as members of Imo State House Assembly.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/apc-okorocha-loses-again-as-court.html

The Independent National Electoral Commission is to display register of voters in all the 1,872 polling units of Kwara State from Tuesday, November 6 to Monday, November 12, 2018.

This was contained in a statement on Sunday in Ilorin by the Commission’s Head of Voter Education and Publicity, Mr Jacob Ayanda on behalf of the state’s INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner.

Ayanda said the display would allow people with claims and objections to raise such through INEC officials at their wards headquarters at the same period.

He also said that collection of Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVC), would be carried out during the display of the register.

“The exercise is to weed the register of deceased, non-Nigerians and under aged voters. It will also help tackle cases of double registration.

“This is an opportunity to keep our register credible and be armed with our PVCs, as we prepare for the 2019 General Elections,” Ayanda added.

He therefore called on the electorate to make use of the opportunity to check their names on the register.

“So, avail yourself this opportunity. Note that Saturdays and Sundays are inclusive,” he said.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/inec-to-display-kwara-voters-register.html

Presidential Aspirant and Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar has reacted to reports of two top global banks, HSBC and UBS shutting down operations in Nigeria.

Abubakar, in a post on his social media page, wrote;

“Always a sad day for our country when such entities pack up. FDI is a key component to economic growth.

My administration will attract more FDI by making the CBN stronger and independent, banish multiple exchange rates and promote market-led economy.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/atiku-reacts-to-departure-of-two-global.html

By Alex Enumah in Abuja and Ugo Aliogo in Lagos

Few days to the planned nationwide strike, slated from Tuesday, November 6, by labour unions in the country to press for N30,000 minimum wage, Justice Kado Sanusi of the National Industrial Court in Abuja has ordered them to shelve it, pending the hearing of a suit before the court.

Regardless, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Waba has insisted that the joint Central Working Committee (CWC) would stand by the resolution of the national executive council to begin indefinite industrial actions from November 6, except the government accepts and begins the process of perfecting the payment of N30,000, as negotiated, before that date.

Justice Sanusi gave the order while delivering ruling on an exparte application brought before the court by the Federal Government and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

He ordered that the processes be served on the defendants in the suit, which are the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Incorporated Trustees of the Nigerian Governors Forum.

Ruling on the exparte application, the judge agreed with the submission of the Solicitor General of the Federation (SGF), Dayo Apata, who filed the suit on behalf of the government that the planned strike, if allowed to go on, would have grave consequences on the economy and the people, particularly those in urgent need of medical care. He subsequently adjourned till November 8th for hearing of the main suit.

However, following its failure to reach a compromise with the government, the Organised labour had announced that starting from November 6, it would embark on an indefinite strike to press home its demand for an upward review of the current minimum wage of N18,000 monthly pay.

It initially demanded for N65,000, but following various meetings with the representatives of the government it was reduced to N30,000. Meanwhile, there has been a stalemate, as the federal government on its part insisted on paying only N25,000 while the states government claimed they cannot go beyond N22,500.

The stalemate therefore prompted labour to call for an the indefinite strike until their demands were met.

Wabba, who spoke in Lagos, urged Chairman of the National Minimum Wage Tripartite Negotiating Committee, Ama Pepple, to submit the report of the already concluded National Minimum wage negotiation to President Muhammadu Buhari for transmission to the National Assembly for consideration and passage into law.

The labour leader, who addressed a media briefing organised by the joint Central Working Committee (CWC) of all registered trade unions in Nigeria, noted that the joint CWCs of organised labour in the country “considered the recent mischief by government as an attempt to impeach the outcome of the concluded new national minimum negotiation.

“It was resolved after taking the report of organised labour of what transpired at the tripartite minimum wage negotiating council committee that if government fails to respond and address the issues of making sure the report is signed and submitted to President Buhari and him putting in motion processes that would transmit a bill to the National Assembly, enactment of a new national minimum wage, certainly, the National Industrial action will commence by November 6 by midnight,” he noted.

Wabba recalled that the minimum wage was due since 2016, but that they were committed to a process of collective bargaining while workers and unions were patient. He explained that the issue of minimum wage was at the heart of every worker, adding that they had suffered monumentally in terms of purchasing power from the value of N18,000 to the value that they had now, “therefore the issue is very central.”

According to him, “We dialogued and also negotiated in line with Convention 87 up to a process of taking us more than one year, and at the conclusion of the meeting when workers are expecting to benefit from the minimum wage, all these issues are coming up.

“The demand is very straightforward, we are open to dialogue, but dialogue must have an end. If we must have dialogue for one year and there is no end to that, certainly there is deceit, and we are not ready for that, we will not actually participate in a process that will not have an end. This is where we are now and it is unambiguous that a worker who creates wealth needs to be taken care of.]

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/minimum-wage-labour-insists-strike-will.html

The Senator representing Kogi West at the National Assemby, Dino Melaye has reacted to the results presented to President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday by the West African Examination Council, WAEC.

The lawmaker wondered how the result was now presidented to Buhari by WAEC instead of the Nigerian Army where the President had always claimed the result was.

While submitting his nomination forms to INEC, Buhari had stated that the credentials were with the Army board.

The presidency, however, announced that the President had received his WAEC result from the examination council.

Reacting to this, Melaye tweeted, “Attestation certificate, egbami ooo. Where in the roots of our extant laws is this tapping anointing from?

“Attestation ke! Haba kadan kadan ooo. Court must settle this Attestation wahala ooo. Not Army secretary again. Shame is foreign to APC.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/11/2019-election-dino-melaye-reacts-as.html

Power generation in the country plunged to 2,390.20 megawatts on Monday as the number of idle power plants rose from seven to 15, according to the latest data from the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing.

Total electricity generation has been hovering below 4,000MW in recent months and stood at 3,741.30MW as of 6am on Sunday. The nation generates most of its electricity from gas-fired power plants, while output from hydropower plants makes up about 30 per cent of the total.

But the three hydropower plants accounted for more than 50 per cent of the electricity generated as of 6am on Monday, with Kainji, Jebba and Shiroro producing 366MW, 354MW and 494MW, respectively.

Egbin, the biggest power station in the country, saw its output drop to 176MW on Monday from 306MW on Saturday. The idle plants are Sapele, Afam IV & V, Geregu, Omotosho, Geregu NIPP, Alaoji, Omotosho NIPP, Odukpani NIPP, Ihovbor NIPP, Gbarain NIPP, Okpai, Afam VI, AES, ASCO and Rivers IPP.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/power-generation-drops-to-2390mw-as-15.html