₦airaland Forum

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly on Tuesday, dissolved all standing committees and set up an eight – member selection team.

The selection team, which will pick new members, has the Speaker, Hon. Onofiok Luke, as its chairman.

This took place at a plenary session presided over by the Speaker at the Assembly Chambers, Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo, the state capital.

According to the speaker, “the decision was borne out of the need to re-jig the committees for uptimum performance and effective service delivery.”

He commended members of the dissolved committees for their contributions to the peaceful coexistence with the government and people of the state in the last couple of years.

Luke, who represents Nsit Ubium state constituency noted that the executive/legislative harmony was as a result of quality contributions of members, pointing out that such disposition has gone a long way to assist governor Udom Emmanuel to effectively deliver on his pre-election promises.

Other members of the selection committee include the Deputy Speaker, Mrs. Felicia Bassey (Okobo); Mr. Nse Ntuen (Essien Udim); Mr. Samuel Ufuo(IkotAbasi/Eastern Obolo) and Victor Udofia(Ikono).

Others are Hon. Otobong Jonathan (Ukanafun); Mr. Gabriel Toby (Etim Ekpo /Ika) and Hon. Idongesit Ntekpere (Ikot Ekpene /Obot Akara).

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/akwa-ibom-assembly-dissolves-all.html

The Nigeria Police Force said it has arrested 93 suspects who actively participated in the recent killings in Kaduna State, starting with the killings at the Kasuwan Magani area of the state.
Following the killings in Kaduna, Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Ibrahim Idris, deployed the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 7, Taiwo Lakanu, to lead a Police Intervention Force to the state; to ensure normalcy returned to the area.
Force spokesman, acting DCP, Jimoh Moshood, disclosed the latest development to newsmen in Abuja, yesterday. He also said that 43 of the suspects were being prosecuted while 50 were still in police custody.
Moshood said investigation is being intensified to arrest other suspects still at large.
He said that the Force, in collaboration with other security and safety agencies, will continue the confidence-building patrols throughout the state and sustain the normalcy that has been restored.


The spokesman reiterated that peace and normalcy has been restored in Kasuwan Magani town and other parts of Kaduna South.
Moshood revealed that the IGP has directed Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 7 Headquarters to meet with all the stakeholders in the state.
The meeting, he explained, is aimed at giving peace a chance and sustain the normalcy that has been restored in Kaduna.
In related development, Moshood said the Force has arrested 18 suspects across Kaduna, Niger and Katsina states for kidnapping, armed robbery and car snatching.
He said that items recovered from them include: Five AK47 rifles,one locally made pump action rifle, 105 AK47 ammunition.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/kaduna-violence-police-arraigns-43.html

Immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose has been released from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) custody.

This was disclosed in a tweet by his media aide, Lere Olayinka on Monday.

Olayinka said the ex-governor would return to court on November 19.

The tweet read: Fayose just regained his freedom. He left the Federal High Court, Ikoyi a few minutes ago.

“We will meet @officialEFCC at the court from November 19. Thank you Nigerians.”

DAILY POST had reported that Fayose was last week granted N50m bail after being arraigned before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on charges of corruption.

The judge asked him to provide a surety who must have landed property in Lagos. The guarantor is also required to have three-year tax clearance in Lagos.

Fayose is facing an 11-count charge bordering on receiving illegal monies to fund his 2014 governorship campaign in Ekiti State, among other allegations of benefiting from proceeds of money laundering.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/fayose-regains-freedom-from-efcc-custody.html

An Ilorin Upper Area Court in Kwara State, has docked one Pastor Adewumi Oyeniyi Okikiola of Ita-Elepa area, Ilorin, for defrauding Mrs Oluwaseyi Esther Adegboyega, who happens to be the wife of the High Court’s chief accountant, to the tune of N7.5million.

The clergyman appeared before Justice Makama on alleged offences of criminal breach of trust, extortion, cheating and criminal intimidation contrary to section 312, 292, 325, and 397(B) of the Penal Code.

The direct criminal complaint filed by the complainants’ counsel, Barr Ismail Abdullazeez, revealed that the said pastor, who is the overseer of the Christ Adoration Gospel Church Worldwide, deceived his client to become a member of his church.

“One Okikiola, who presented himself as a pastor and holds himself out as an overseer of a church known as Christ Adoration Gospel Church Worldwide, encouraged our client to attend his church. From July 2015 to 9th August 2018, the accused person, under the pretext of being a pastor, had extorted Mrs Adegboyega to the tune of N7.5million. The monies were collected in tranches through threat and coercion.

The charge sheet alleged that Okikiola threatened the complainant with death and all manners of affliction if she refused to pay the money within 24 hours.

“…Okikiola coerced and deceived our client to part with the sum of N7.5million, which was obtained in tranches by threats that if she refused to pay the said sum to him within 24 hours of demand, she would experience a number of afflictions with her family members and that it would result into death,” the direct complaint stated.

According to the charge sheet, the complainant complied strictly to the instructions of Okikiola in order to avert calamity from befalling her and her family.

But, upon demand for her money after she was delivered of Pastor Okikiola’s antics, the direct complaint maintained that the suspect threatened Mrs Adegboyega with death.

“When our client, who was now delivered of all the antics of Okikiola demanded for her money, she was threatened that her husband, who is the chief accountant of Kwara State Judiciary and herself would die in January 2019 if she did not stop demanding for the refund.

The direct complaint further posited that the accused person threatened to inflict Mrs Adegboyega with stroke just as he did to one Iya Ruth.

After the charges were read to the accused, he informed the court that he was not guilty of all the offences, saying, “It was total false”.

In his submission, the complainant counsel noted that the matter was slated for motion, adding that the accused person must not be admitted to bail.

He said his application against the bail of the accused person was premised on 341 (2) of the CPC reiterating that the accused person must not be admitted to bail.

The state legal aide officer, Barr Shina Ibiyemi, however prayed the court to discountenance the submission of the complainant and admit the accused to bail on liberal terms.

The court, however, admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N1million and one surety in like sum.

The surety, according to the judge, must be a Level 15 officer and must be residing within the jurisdiction of the court.

The case was adjourned till 12 November 2019 for hearing.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/court-docks-cleric-for-n75m-fraud.html

Gov. of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson, has directed that all first class graduates who are from the state and have applied for jobs in the state civil service should be automatically employed.

Mr Daniel Iworiso-Markson, the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, disclosed this in a statement in Yenagoa, on Friday.

Iworiso-Markson said that this was part of the ongoing reforms in the state public service and the decision of the government to employ 1,000 graduates of Bayelsa origin.

He said that other first class graduates of the state origin, who had not applied before, should also do so to benefit from the automatic employment.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 23,000 have applied and have written examinations for the 1,000 spaces in the civil service.

He said the governor had directed the State Civil Service Commission to immediately commence the process of engaging all first class graduates who were captured in the earlier recruitment exercise.

“All the first class graduates, who did not apply during the previous exercise, have equally been urged to take advantage of the new window to have their names properly captured for job placements in the state public service.

“This is to appreciate and encourage excellence in our academy.

“The governor will have a one-day induction programme with the chairman and members of the commission as well as all the first class graduates already captured in the earlier exercise.

“The induction would hold by 1.00 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018 at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Yenagoa.

“All those concerned are advised to take note and comply with this directive.’’.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/bayelsa-govt-to-employ-first-class.html

Former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode is celebrating the former First Lady of Nigeria, Patience Jonathan, as she adds a year today.Fani-Kayode shared a throwback photo to the time Patience Jonathan and her husband Goodluck Jonathan visited him and his wife Precious Chikwendu at their home.

He wrote,“Happy birthday to Dame Patience Jonathan, the mother of our nation, a woman of substance, a truly wonderful lady and Nigeria’s greatest and most ebullient First Lady.
Throughout your life you have been a source of love, strength and blessings to your loved ones and all those around you.

“We celebrate you today and we pray that the Lord grants you many more years of peace, joy, good health, prosperity and resounding victories.
We are on the brink of the dawn of a new era in our country and be rest assured that you shall be even more relevant in the coming years than you were before.

“May God bless you for being so kind to so many and for being such an inspiration to me, Precious and our children.

“You have many more years to go and, by God’s grace and mercy, your latter days shall be greater than your former. We love you very much. Have a great day!”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/femi-fani-kayode-calls-patience.html

The Senate yesterday faulted the gruesome killings and incessant attacks on communities in Kaduna State, alleging that the heinous acts are being perpetrated due to government negligence and conspiracy by the elites. Specifically, the lawmakers accused the state governor, Nasir el-Rufai of complacency, even as they questioned the governor’s absence during the attacks, saying the governor fiddled like Nero while Rome was on fire. The Senators said the recent attacks and killings in the state are indicative of religious and ethnic violence, which relevant leaders are not rising against it. The Senate said it is seriously disturbed that gruesome and mindless killings are being carried out in communities across the country, with relevant security agencies and particularly the executive arm of government, deliberately refusing to evolve proactive measures to contain it. Senate President Bukola Saraki who led the Senators to observe a minute silence in honour of the departed souls said it is high time the security problem in the land is contained.
The upper chamber noted that government is shielding those behind the dastardly act and that except the killers are fished out, the country will know no peace. The lawmakers said security agencies are not discharging effectively their responsibility of intelligence gathering, challenging them to act responsively.

The position of the Senators was sequel to a motion by Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi (Kaduna North) on the unfortunate, inhuman and unnecessary killings in Kaduna State. Leading the debate, Hunkuyi explained that the motion became imperative to inform Nigerians to note the senseless killings and general insecurity situation in the state. According to him, the recent attacks on Kasuwan Mageni community of Kaduna State witnessed scores of people killed and a paramount ruler abducted. In his contribution, Senator Shehu Sani (PRP Kaduna Central) condemned the attacks and killings in its entirety, stating that the situation will persist unless the people embrace peace and tolerance. He said it is rightful time hate speech and divisibility are avoided to foster tranquility. Also, Senator Danjuma La’ar (Kaduna South) said, “All the crisis in Kaduna state are caused by the governor (el-Rufai)”, just as he alleged that the elites know the killers but are only hiding from revealing them. Other lawmakers who spoke on the matter include Sam Egwu (Ebonyi North), Kabir Marafa (Zamfara Central) and Philip Gyunka (Nasarawa North). They all condemned the killings and charged security agencies to arrest and prosecute the assailants. Consequently, the Senate resolved to immediately constitute a central committee to interface with the executive arm of government so as to evolve adequate security measures and end the killings. While calling on Kaduna State government and the federal government to quicken the process of releasing the abducted traditional ruler, Senate further urged NEMA to assist those in need, provide food and medicals to the affected persons.
The Red Chamber also directed security agencies to proffer solutions to permanently avert the killings, just as it called for the implementation of recommendations of the Senate on the national security summit.

Kaduna Govt Reviews Curfew, Now From Dusk To Dawn
Meanwhile, the Kaduna State government yesterday reduced the total restriction of movement imposed on Kaduna town and environs to dust-to-dawn curfew. A statement issued by Governor Nasir el-Rufai’s spokesman, Samuel Aruwan, said that from today residents of Kaduna are free to pursue their legitimate businesses from 6am to 5pm, while the period of curfew would be from 5pm to 6am daily until further notice. LEADERSHIP recalls that Kaduna State government had imposed a 24-hour curfew on the state capital and environs last Sunday following the outbreak of violence in which at least 22 people were reportedly killed. Aruwan urged residents to report any suspicious activity to the security agencies and to refrain from spreading rumours and unverified information.
He added that the government would not hesitate to re-impose a 24-hour curfew in the event of any breach of the peace. The statement reads: “The Kaduna State government took the decision to review the curfew hours following a meeting today (yesterday) of a select committee of the State Security Council. The heads of the security agencies reported significant progress in restoring calm and commended residents for the peaceful manner in which they conducted themselves during the four-hour relaxation of the curfew in parts of Kaduna yesterday.
“Government expects normal banking and other services to resume, and markets to open as normal as from tomorrow (today). The security agencies will remain vigilant and continue to protect residents. Intensive surveillance of known pockets of potential trouble is also continuing, by troops on the ground and by helicopter patrols.”
It warned residents to observe the nighttime curfew hours, to keep the peace and to cooperate with the security agencies in order to keep the state safe, just as it urged community leaders to ensure that hoodlums and other potential threats to peace are promptly reported to the security agencies.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/senate-blames-el-rufai-for-kaduna.html

Senator Solomon Lar representing Kaduna South Senatorial district has alleged that the State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai was responsible for crisis in the state.

In his contribution to the motion on Kaduna crisis which was sponsored by Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi representing Kaduna North Senatorial district on Wednesday, the lawmaker said the governor had hints of the crisis before he travelled outside the country.

He added that the governor deliberately orchestrated crisis in Kajuru in Kaduna South where about 55 lives were lost on Saturday because he knew that the zone would not vote him in 2019 elections.

“The governor should be held responsible for the crisis in Kaduna. He wants to destabilize Kaduna South because he would not be voted in 2019. ”

“Is it compulsory for people to vote for you when they have right to vote who they want?

“The governor had hints about the crisis, yet he travelled abroad and when he came back, what did he do?”, Lar asked.

The lawmaker reminded the Senate of how a former governor was banned from a public office, adding that there was need for the Senate to contemplate sanctions against governors that could not maintain peace in their States.

Senator Philip Gyunka (PDP, Nasarawa), while expressing concern on insecurity in the country said, there was mass importation of weapons illegally into the country.

According to him, arms and ammunition were coming into the country with importers shrouded in secrecy.

He blamed the Federal government for not doing enough in curtailing importation of arms.

The lawmaker came hard on Kaduna State governor for not doing enough to stop the crisis in the State.

“Kaduna State governor is not doing enough to stop killings in the state. I learnt he travelled abroad against security report and when he hurriedly came, what did he do? “, he said.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/kaduna-senator-accuses-el-rufai-of.html

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday arraigned a former banker, Ali Kareem before a Federal High Court in Lagos for alleged impersonation and N8.7 million fraud.

Kareem, who was docked before Justice Chuka Obiozor on three count charge of conspiracy, impersonation and fraud, was ordered to be kept in prison by the judge until the hearing and determination of his bail application.

The EFCC accused the former banker of committing the offences on May 2, 2008, in conspiracy with other persons still at large.

The commission alleged in the charge that, “Kareem fraudulently impersonated a Bank customer, Mr. Alexander Cherembem, to fraudulently facilitate withdrawal of N8 .7 m from his account through the Mobile app.”

The anti-graft agency further claimed that the accused person processed the withdrawal request without obtaining the proper identity of the customer.

The EFCC maintained that the alleged offences are contrary to sections 22, 22 (2) and 37 of the Cyber Crimes Prohibition Act, 2015.

Kareem pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The defence lawyer, Olatimihan Ogunbiyi, prayed for a short adjournment to enable him file his client’s bail application.

The request was not opposed to by the Prosecutor, George Chia-Yakua.

Based on the development, Justice Obiozor adjourned the case until November 5 for hearing of the bail application, and also remanded Kareem in prison pending outcome.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/efcc-arraigns-ex-banker-over-alleged.html

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole on Sunday alleged that some powerful stakeholders within the party, who are opposed to his efforts at reforming and returning the party to the people were frustrating his efforts.

Oshiomhole said those allegedly opposed to him have begun to mobilize to pass a vote of no confidence on his leadership.

He said his sin was refusal to allow continued impunity and circumvention of due process being perpetuated in some states, pointing out that from the onset, he was never of the illusion that the process of reforming the party was going to be an easy on one.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Simon Ebegbulem, the former Edo State Governor said that before offering himself for the position, he was aware that while the progressives are enamored of change, the conservatives will always find it difficult to embrace it.

While saying that many of those who lost out in the recent primaries of the party have formed the opinion that he was the main problem currently facing the party, Comrade Oshiomhole said all decisions of the party since his assumption of office have often been subject to rigorous debate by members of the National Working Committee before a position is taken.

He said it was unfortunate that while he was working round the clock to ensure that party supremacy and discipline becomes the fundamental ideals on which the party is built, some stakeholders have thrown selfish political agendas into the mix to threaten the building of institutional capacity for the APC.

The statement reads: “The All Progressives Congress, APC, under the national chairmanship of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, is in safe hands as the party marches, sure-footedly, to victory in the 2019 general election. This is the overarching mission of the national working committee, NWC, of the party under his leadership.

“To be clear, Comrade Oshiomhole did not become national chairman of the governing party to bring it down a notch from the pedestal of its 2015 electoral victory let alone to preside over its liquidation.

“Rather, his single-minded goal, from the outset of his declaration of interest in the position, was to deploy his capacity in helping to strengthen and reposition the party as a truly supreme and disciplined political entity.

“Although, it might appear fortuitous to some persons that he became national chairman at the threshold of the 2019 general election; the truth is that there is no accident in predestination. We must appreciate the fact that it has pleased the Almighty God to place him in the saddle of APC leadership at this time for a purpose.

“The purpose has begun to manifest in its vast flourish and ramifications: instilling discipline, ensuring party supremacy, promoting due process, dealing with impunity and executive arrogance wherever they manifest to undermine intra-party electoral processes in the states.

“From the outset, we never expected that those who cherished and supported the status quo, which Comrade Oshiomhole supplanted, would cave in easily under the magnitude of the current political revival that he spearheads. Indeed, while the progressives are enamored of change, the conservatives find it difficult to embrace it. That is the current reality in the deliberate effort to rebrand the APC.

“Again, we were not, in the least, deluded that the process of rebranding or rewriting the narrative of the four-year old party would be easy. What we are witnessing in the APC today is Comrade Oshiomhole’s adroit management of the strains and pains that accompany the birth of a resuscitated governing party.

“The leadership provided in the recently-held primary elections and the large-scale integrity of the processes are developments that should hence serve as exemplars in the administration of governing parties.

“Indeed, the message therein is very clear that the party, and not pseudo political empires in the states, has the power to superintend the primary elections for the nomination of the party’s candidates in the general election.

While the party will not surrender its functions, which are constitutionally circumscribed, to any other entities, it will always be ready to moderate the divergent tendencies and mediate the disparate political camps in the interest of party cohesion.

“This is one of the hardnosed truths that the Comrade Oshiomhole-led NWC preaches and practises with an apostolic zeal to the chagrin of some influential stakeholders in the states.

“Comrade Oshiomhole envisions an APC that is capacitated to pragmatically build a corpus of leadership and membership that do not only submit to the high ideal of party supremacy, but also the credo of party discipline.

“These-party supremacy and discipline- are two fundamentals that had been eroded even before the emergence of the Oshiomhole leadership. It is sad that while the national chairman is working round the clock, some stakeholders have thrown selfish political agendas into the mix to threaten the building of institutional capacity for the APC.”

He said further that “the suggestion in some quarters, especially by one of the presidential aspirants on the platform of the party, Alhaji Mumakai Unagha, that the APC cannot win with Oshiomhole is therefore unfair, denigrating and baleful of Comrade Oshiomhole’s personal commitment to a rejuvenated winning machine that the APC typifies.

“The totality of Unagha’s claims, without necessarily addressing them one after the other, tallies with cooked-up narratives being sponsored by some influential stakeholders in their respective states that Comrade Oshiomhole is responsible for all the problems in the APC at the moment.

“These influential stakeholders, according to grapevine, have begun to mobilise to pass a no-confidence vote in the leadership of Oshiomhole, having failed to impose their preferred candidates on the party in the nomination process.

“Rather than resort to needless perfidy at the threshold of a general election, we call on them to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship, bolstered by the fact that the Oshiomhole leadership is propelled more by its interest in propriety in which victory for the party could be grounded.

“The crime committed by Comrade Oshhiomhole’s leadership is its disdain for impunity and circumvention of due process perpetrated in some of the states at the pleasure of some influential stakeholders.

“Overall, Comrade Oshiomhole has not, since stepping in the saddle, taken any unilateral decision in the running of the party affairs. All decisions, so far taken, passed through the mills of NWC deliberative sessions and enjoyed unanimous resolutions. The records are there. History will justify Comrade Oshiomhole and posterity will vindicate him.

“Therefore, with eyes firmly fixed on the general election, especially the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari in the scheduled February 16 poll, Comrade Oshiomhole assures all stakeholders in the APC of his respect for them. He assures them of his readiness to work with them for the good of the party.

“The comrade chairman also proposes a common front in the general election and believes that the APC, as a governing party, will do a commemorative post mortem next year to appraise and reappraise the political developments and decisions that presaged the election, which it would win emphatically.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/opponents-of-reforms-in-apc-ganging-up.html

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday condemned the latest communal violence in Kasuwan Magani in Kaduna State that claimed over 55 lives. A statement by his senior special assistant on media and publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, quoted the president as saying the frequent resort to bloodshed by Nigerians over misunderstandings that can be resolved peacefully is worrisome. According to the President, “No culture and religion support the disregard for the sanctity of life,” even as he noted that “peaceful coexistence is necessary for the progress of any society and its wellbeing.” Buhari said without communal harmony, the environment for the conduct of “our everyday businesses would be impossible to achieve.” President Buhari observed thatviolence cannot be an alternative to peace”, adding that on the contrary, reliance on violence leads to ultimate self-destruction. “Violence is an ill wind that blows nobody any good. Embracing peace is a necessity”, he noted, just as he commended the Kaduna State government for its rapid response to the crisis. The president, while appealing to community leaders to engage in regular dialogue to nip imminent crises in the bud, admonished the people to develop the spirit of tolerance and patience at all times.

…Expresses Regret Over Abia Pipeline Explosion
Also, President Buhari yesterday expressed expressed regret over the unnecessary loss of lives and property as a result of the pipeline explosion in Osisioma Ngwa community of Abia State on Friday morning.
Preliminary reports by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) show that the incident was not an accidental explosion, but a result of vandals who pilloried the pipelines to scoop the products.
President Buhari, in a statement by his media aide, Garba Shehu, sympathised with those who lost loved ones. He urged communities and state governments that host oil pipelines to be more vigilant and rise to combat the challenges posed by pipeline vandalism. Noting that the Enugu depot of the NNPC has been repaired and ready to function, but remains idle today because of the vandals, the president appealled to host communities to collaborate with the NNPC to tame oil pipeline vandalism in their areas.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/pmb-condemns-kaduna-communal-killings.html

Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has charged political appointees to always give their best in rendering services to Deltans.

The governor gave the charge today in Asaba at the swearing-in ceremony of two new members of the State Executive Council: Hon. Freeman O. Fregene and Mr. Julius Takeme, three members of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission – DESOPADEC: Hon. Ejaife Odebala, Hon. Mofe Pira, Hon. Talib Tebite and Dr. Samuel Ochonogor Ossai as Executive Director, and the inauguration of Mr. Kelly Oghenekevwe as member of Delta State Internal Revenue Board.

According to Governor Okowa, “I expect that those appointed to serve in various capacities, should give their best to the entire State; in your various portfolios, we expect you to serve with integrity, devotion, commitment and accountability.”

“It is our expectations that you will provide fresh ideas and new drive to support the government in consolidating our programmes and projects, while moving the politics of Delta State to a higher level of humility, justice and harmony as you serve our people,” he said, adding, “I want to remind the new appointees that your assignment will be especially challenging, as we seek to accomplish most of our projects and other commitments under a disciplined financial regime and urgency, especially as the seasons of expectations of our citizens, active politics and attendant elections begin to accelerate.”

He used the occasion to also call on all Deltans to actively participate in politics, stating that Deltans should be conscious and at all times, stand for transparent, free and fair elections, where every vote counts.

While congratulating the appointees, Governor Okowa urged them to inject fresh and productive ideas into the Ministries, Commission or Board they find themselves, stating, “I urge all those sworn-in or inaugurated today to bring with them the desirable winning attitude, ingenuity and deep insight in the handling of your various assignments; these are the only ways you can assist this administration leave a desired legacy of service in Delta State, while also endearing yourselves to our people.”

“We are approaching the twilight of our first term in office; we have before us, many urgent challenges arising from the committed pursuit of our projects and programmes, including the inevitable pressures of politics as we are getting deep into the electioneering season; but, we need not be derailed in our commitment to our economic agenda,” he admonished.

Responding on behalf of the appointees, Hon. Ejaife Odebala thanked Governor Okowa for the appointment, expressing delight that they have been chosen to be part of the team that was working to positively change the lives of Deltans.
He assured the governor and all Deltans that they will discharge their duties meritoriously to the benefits of the people.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/gov-okowa-swears-in-new-commissioners.html

Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello yesterday met Vice President Yemi Osinbajo over speculations that the federal government is planning on selling Ajaokuta Steel.

Speaking to State House correspondents after the meeting, Governor Bello said the Vice president assured him that there is no plan by the government to sell the steel company.

He said “first of all, the Vice President, being the Chairman of the National Economic Council, we came to make some enquiries from him over the purported sale of Ajaokuta Steel Complex and he has indicated that there is nothing like that.

“He said there is no plan by the Federal Government to sale Ajaokuta Steel Company. The VP said Ajaokuta is an asset of the Federal Government and that they are looking into how best to make good use of that particular complex for the benefit of Nigerians at large.

Recall that the Kogi state Elders Forum had vowed to resist any attempt to sell off the Ajaokuta Steel Company.

The forum, in a statement issued in Lokoja said it would employ all constitutional means to stop the sale of the “sprawling integrated steel company.”

The Federal government, according to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele had hinted that the aim of the planned sale is to raise more money to implement the country’s 2018 deficit-based budget.

Governor Bello also boasted that the 2019 presidential election will be a walk over for President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to him, the north central will deliver massive votes as never witnessed before to President Buhari in the general elections.

He said “On the preparation for 2019 general elections he said, every primary can be anchor out and everybody can hustle for one ticket or the other.

“ I can assure you that we have a capable leadership of the party – President Muhammadu Buhari. Also, we have our able chairman, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomole who is doing his best to ensure that the party is strong and the party is really very strong.

“As for the general elections, in Kogi State, we are one hundred percent ready and we are going sweep all the state and by the grace of God, we shall bring out a vote that has never been witnessed in the North Central by the Grace of God.

“ I can assure you as well that the 2019 elections for Mr President, it’s going to be a walk over by the grace of God.

He also disclosed that state would on Saturday coronate the new Oba of Kabba.

“Also, we are going to coronate the new Oba of Kabba on Saturday, we came to notify him as a father of the event that is coming up on Saturday and to seek for his blessings, “ he added.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/no-plan-to-sell-ajaokuta-steel-osinbajo.html

On Wednesday, October 10, 2018, a Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, nullified the ward, local government and state congresses of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, held on May 19, May 20 and May 21, 2018.

The Court, presided over by Hon. Justice Chinwendu Nwogu, also nullified all the indirect primaries, which produced Governorship as well as National and State Assembly candidates of the APC in the state.

One Ibrahim Imah and 22 other members of the APC in the state had in May 2018, approached the Court following their inability to be part of the party’s congresses, even after purchasing the forms for the congresses.

Delivering judgement in the suit, Nwogu declared that the congresses were illegal because they were not conducted in line with the APC Guidelines and Constitution.

The presiding judge stated that all actions taken by the APC during the pedancy of the suit have been set aside because they are illegal and unconstitutional.

He declared that all those who purchased nomination forms for the ward congresses were entitled to contest the ward congresses of May 19, 2018, but were unjustly excluded by the party.

Nwogu said: “The Rule by might must be checked by the rule of law. We must restore the hope of the common man in the justice system.”

The judge, who based his judgement on the Amaechi versus INEC matter of 2007, noted that having studied the submissions in the matter, he was bound to make consequential orders to ensure that justice was done in the case.

He stated that the State High Court has jurisdiction to entertain the matter as an appeal filed by the respondents at the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt to stop proceedings on the suit was rejected by the Appellate Court on September 21, 2018.

The judge further stated that all through the hearing, the APC filed no counter-affidavit denying the facts of the matter as presented by the applicants in the originating summons.

Nwogu, who said it is trite law that facts not disputed are deemed admitted, declared that the Abuja High Court is of coordinate jurisdiction with the High Court in Port Harcourt and cannot sit in appeal over it.

To Mr. Henry Bello, counsel to the applicants, the judgement of the Rivers State High Court is a victory for democracy and rule of law.

Bello said: “According to the Constitution, not according to the caprices of the elite, the Court has nullified and set aside the primary elections conducted indirectly by APC on September 29, 2018.”

For Prince Azunda, counsel to the APC, the Rivers State High Court lacks the jurisdiction to entertain the matter.

Azunda said: “Once a preliminary objection relates to jurisdiction, no matter how it is presented, it must be considered by the Court. This is so that the decision of Court conducted without the requisite jurisdiction is a nullity. The judgement that was just delivered is a judgement of nullity.”

Speaking on the development, a governorship aspirant on the APC platform, who is believed to be the brain behind the Prince Peter Odike-led faction of APC, Senator Magnus Ngei Abe,

urged the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC to obey the order of the Rivers State High Court.

Abe said: “Today as we speak judgement has been given on the congresses and the Court has done that which we told you from the beginning that you cannot collect money from people and you don’t allow them to participate. You are not leading well, it will bring well.

“We stand on direct primaries and we want to use this opportunity go appeal to the National Working Committee to stand by the will of the people. We have been in a situation in this state where even when the Courts will speak, people will go to the radio and television and announce that they will not obey the Courts.

“I want to use this opportunity to appeal to the All Progressives Congress to respect the decision of the Courts. Those people who voted were not our delegates. They could not have chosen anybody on our behalf. That is why we went and votes by ourselves and those results are there. The national APC should respect it.”

However, Chairman of APC in Rivers State, Hon. Ojukaye Flag-Amachree, declared that he remains the Chairman of the party in the state, despite the judgement of the State High Court that nullified all the party’s congresses.

Flag-Amachree, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt said: “Let me state with all authority and for the purposes of clarity that I remain the chairman of APC Rivers state as I have not seen any judgement suggesting otherwise.

“What I know is that on 4th September 2018 Justice A. O. Musa granted a perpetual injunction barring any institution or the national body from tampering with or dissolving my party executives and it will only take an Appeal Court to upturn or set aside that injunction not a court of coordinate jurisdiction

“I therefore enjoin all APC members and party executives at the ward, LGA and State levels to go about their normal party activities and remain calm as I remain the chairman of APC Rivers State.”

Before the statement from the party’s chairman, the Publicity Secretary of APC in the state, Senibo Chris Finebone, addressed a press conference in Port Harcourt, where he declared that the party was not surprised at the verdict of the Rivers State High Court.

Finebone stated that the Court ruling, which coincided with a mega rally organised by the Odike-led faction of the APC in Port Harcourt, has ended a collaboration between Abe and Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wine.

He said: “The Rivers State Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC), is not surprised that a High Court of Rivers State presided over by Justice Chiwendu Worgu, much to our expectation, said it has set aside ward, local government and state congresses of the APC held in May, 2018.

“We state that today’s ruling did not come to us, as a party, by surprise. However, it brings to an end the collaboration between Senator Magnus Abe and Governor Nyesom Wike to destabilise the APC in Rivers State.

“We recall the many overt and covert partnerships between Governor Wike and Senator Magnus Abe using the Rivers State Judiciary on this matter to scuttle the electoral fortunes of the APC in 2019. Today’s ruling is a culmination of such an evil collaboration.

“We further note that the grand rally staged today by Senator Magnus Abe was carefully planned and scheduled by both the Senator and Governor Nyesom Wike to coincide with the Rivers State High Court judgment details of which they were already privy to.

“It was therefore not surprising when Senator Abe gleefully announced the exact ruling of the court on the rally rostrum just about when the judge was still reading his judgment in court.

“We wish to inform APC members and sympathisers of our great party in Rivers State and across Nigeria to remain calm as we are well prepared in anticipation of the ruling and have therefore done the needful.

“Despite aspects of the matter which are already before the Court of Appeal and the Nigerian Supreme Court, the lower court went ahead to decide on a matter that is being challenged at higher courts of the land.

“Indeed, our legal team is already finalising the paperwork to file an appeal on today’s judgment and stay of execution. There is absolutely no cause for alarm.

“It is also important to emphasise that the entire 319 Wards and 23 LGAs EXCOs of the Party are, by implication, protected against the ruling by any court of coordinate jurisdiction with the Abuja High Court that granted the Ojukaye-led State Exco a Perpetual Injunction before today. We urge everyone to go about their duties without let.

“Again, it must be mentioned that if the entire collaboration between Senator Abe and Governor Wike on this matter is to nullify actions the party has taken recently relating to its mandate by seeking to invalidate the Ojukaye-led EXCO, such an exercise has failed.

“For example, the primaries so far conducted in Rivers State were done by the national executives or national leadership of the APC and not essentially by the Ojukaye-led EXCO in Rivers State and seeking to invalidate the Ojukaye-led EXCO cannot in anyway invalidate the primaries.

“We are urging our supporters not to lose sleep as appeal have been entered and stay of execution on the matter have been entered. We commend the Special Adviser to Gov. Wike on Electronic Media, Mr. Simeon Nwankaudu for his efforts at the court today in furtherance of the collabo between Senator Magnus Abe and the Rivers State Government. We also commend the judge for the “industry” put into the process.”

To a chieftain of the APC, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, the judgement of the Rivers State High Court, which nullified the party’s congresses and primaries in Rivers State was premeditated and inconsequential.

Eze, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, said the High Court erred in its judgment on the primaries as it was conducted by a team from the national secretariat of the APC and not the Ojukaye Flag- Amachree-led state working committee of the party.

He said it is only that national leadership of the party that has powers to conduct primaries for Governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly primary elections.

The APC chieftain stated that the Presiding Judge should have known that it was the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party that set up the committee that conducted the primaries in the state.

Eze further stated that the judge forgot to note that the Supreme Court was clear on matters that once a name is sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), no Court can change it not even electoral umpire can stop the candidate.

He advised both party officials and members to stop panicking because the Court didn’t based it’s ruling considering the list of delegates that voted in those primaries as to know who voted and their names.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/rivers-apc-congresses-primaries-and.html

A member of Sokoto State House of Assembly Alhaji Muhammad Bashir, who lost in the bid to secure the All Progressive Congress (APC) ticket for the House of Representatives, has dumped the party.

Bashir said on the floor of the assembly on Wednesday in Sokoto that he has now shifted loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Bashir was beaten in the primary for Yabo/Shagari Federal Constituency by Alhaji Abubakar Yabo.

“I wish to formally announce my defection from the APC to PDP as provided by Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

Reacting on the development, Alhaji Sani Yakubu (APC-Gudu), said the member had been hobnobbing with the PDP for long, adding, “so this defection has not come to us as a surprise.”

Yakubu disclosed that even after Bashir lost the ticket for the federal constituency, the APC still returned his state Assembly ticket for him to contest.

“We wish him well in his new political party, and want to assure APC members in his constituency that his departure will translate into huge success for our party,” he said.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/sokoto-lawmaker-dumps-apc-after-losing.html

The Naira on Tuesday appreciated against the dollar at the parallel market, exchanging at N360 to the dollar, stronger than N361 posted on Monday.

At the Bureau De Change (BDC) window, the Naira was sold at N360 to the dollar, while the Pound Sterling and Euro closed at N477.5 and N413.

Trading at the investor’ window saw the Nigerian currency close at N364.33, with a market turnover of 198.71 million dollars.

The Naira had remained stable at the foreign exchange market, owing to series of interventions by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/naira-appreciates-against-dollar-at.html

Adamawa Police Command on Tuesday confirmed the killing of four travelers with four others hospitalized in an attack by some youths in Bali village of Demsa Local Government Area of Adamawa.

The Spokesman of the command, SP Othman Abubakar, who confirmed the incident, said investigation had begun to arrest the perpetrators.

Abubakar who told NAN that no arrest had been made so far, called for calm and cautioned against reprisal attacks.

“We are doing everything to bring the suspects to book, there is no need for reprisal attack as two wrongs do not make a right,” Abubakar said.

Speaking on the incident, the driver of the affected truck, who identified himself as Adamu, said they left Numan on their way to Jalingo when some armed youths directed them to stop.

“I refused to stop seeing that they were armed but they chased me using motor-cycles and caught up with us near Pasham.

“I stopped and we tried to run but they caught up with me and others and started beating us before the people of Pasham came to our rescue.

“Four of my passengers were killed and some injured,” Adamu said.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/adamawa-youths-mob-bus-kill-four.html

A young lady, Anita Akapson, was on Saturday night shot dead by a policeman in Katampe Extension, Abuja.

According to a police report, she had an encounter with policemen that night. The encounter resulted in her being shot dead.

A Twitter user, Ms Carla @ihekauche, who claimed to a friend of the deceased said, she was killed at a road checkpoint in Maitama, after she had an argument with policemen. She said,

“The police shot her at a check Point in Maitama last night, her sister said they were dragging with her and she was trying to run when they shot at her and it killed her”

In a statement released by police on its Twitter handle, the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has ordered an investigation into the killing.

The statement partly read,

“IGP has ordered the detention and investigation of Policemen involved in the incident that led to the death of Miss Anita Akapson.

“He deeply commiserates with the family of the deceased and assures them that justice will be done in the matter

“The Inspector General of Police has directed the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja to immediately detain and personally carry out a thorough investigation of policemen involved in the incident that resulted in the death of Miss Anita Akapson at Katampe Extension, Abuja on the night of Saturday, 13th October, 2018; and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“The IGP deeply commiserate with the family of the deceased and hereby assure them that justice will be done in the matter. The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory Command is already in touch with the family as directed by the Inspector General of Police.

“The public will be informed of the outcome of investigations into the incident.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/igp-orders-arrest-of-policeman-who-shot.html

President Muhammadu Buhari has come under attack from some Nigerians for claiming that dollars were shared at the PDP national convention in Port Harcourt.

Buhari had while speaking on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primaries, stated that most Nigerian politicians were materialistic in nature.

He was quoted as saying, “The question of religion and ethnicity is fraudulent. Some people are not sincere they don’t mean what they say.
“I’m telling you and some of you know during my primary (in 2015) my opponents said naira had finished and people were given dollars.

“Even in their late primaries recently dollars were being given, nobody takes naira.

“Really, it’s materialism that we will fight to make sure that we stabilize every level and do justice to our country.”

However, reacting to the President’s postulation, some Nigerians on social media, expressed divergent opinions.

Below are some comments DAILY POST gathered on the issue from Facebook.

Kehinde Osineye, ” Even if Atiku shares the whole Nigerian treasury, we’ll vote him. He has more integrity than a scam, lifeless cow.”

Jimoh Oladele, ”Vote buying starting during Buhari’s regime, Edo,Ondo,Ekiti and Osun states respectively is that not corruption.

Abubakar Ibrahim, “Buhari have nothing to offer other than lamentations,the level of criticisms is the same before and after he assumed office as a President,it would be the same thing if he eventually won the second term.Nigerians are tired of this excuses,what they are after is service delivery.”

Dedejavu Desmond, “It’s almost 4 years now that you’ve assume office it’s this same complain and blame game you have been doing before you won the election 2015 you are still doing even after spending over 3 years in office. Get something done and stop crying like a baby 2015 when you contested with other powerful aspirants didn’t you spend money during primary? Do some work and stop beating about the Bush, Integrity my foot

Ngozi Gloru Mbah, ”Atiku shared dollars, show us proof , till now we have not seen evidence. Buhari that 14million people voted for and were counted in less than 12 hours is the one that did not share dollars.”

Davids Mactony, ”This man is shameless and frustrated. The people he won in the primary have congratulated him and non of them complained of irregularities.”

Francis Joeseph, ” Buhari, do you remember that both local and foreign currencies were deployed to your advantage during presidential primaries where you emerged as APC flag bearer and the 2015 general election?”

Chris John, ”Buhari and APC were surprised after the PDP primaries because they thought all the aspirants were going to leave the party but confused as they are waxing up strong in their togetherness.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/atiku-buhari-under-fire-for-saying.html

Elder Stateman and Secretary General of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Mr. Anthony Sani has said former President Olusegun Obasanjo is suffering from a dearth of vision, conviction and consistency required of a statesman.

Sani stated this following Obasanjo’s endorsement of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar who he had earlier condemned.

Sani in a statement made available to newsmen noted that Obasanjo may change his mind again and withdraw his support for Atiku before 2019 with the level of his inconsistency.

He queried Obasanjo’s values, stressing that he is supposed to be an embodiment of national ideals and moral values for the nation.

The statement read: “The actions of Obasanjo reek of inconsistency which comes with a dearth of vision and conviction required of a statesman. From tearing his PDP card and saying he would no more play partisan politics.

“Then Obasanjo formed a movement which he said is the third force only for him to convert it into a political party, ADC. Then the final act, the endorsement of former Vice President Atiku.

“It is democracy in action which at once confirms the saying that the only thing that is permanent in politics is interest; no permanent friends or enemies.

“If you consider what the former President has written about his former Vice President Abubakar Atiku to the extent of saying God would not forgive him if he endorsed Atiku for president, then you can hardly avoid the conclusion that common decency is yet to take root in our democracy, especially when regard is paid to the place of the former president in the order of things in Nigeria.

“President Obasanjo is a statesman who is expected to be an embodiment of national ideals and moral values for the nation. But the way he has conducted himself by tearing his PDP card and saying he would no more play partisan politics and forming a movement which he said is third force only for him to convert it to a political party of ADC, culminating in the endorsement of former VP Atiku reeks of inconsistency that comes with dearth of vision and conviction required of statesmen.

“That may explain why most Nigerians may be curt and dismissive of the former president out of fear that he is just like a reed who can change his mind before the day of elections in 2019.”

Speaking on the North supporting Atiku following Obasanjo’s endorsement, Sani added: “It is not possible for the whole North to be with former President Obasanjo in that endorsement precisely because the former Vice President is a major challenger of the incumbent President who is also a Northerner and a Hausa/Fulani Muslim.

“As a result, politics of identity as symbolised by ethnicity, religion and of region would give way for those of real issues of real concern to real ordinary Northerners and by extension Nigerians.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/2019-sani-blast-obasanjo-speaks-on.html

President Muhammadu Buhari has dismissed the endorsement of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar by ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Abubakar, who is Buhari’s main opponent in 2019, visited Obasanjo on Thursday afternoon alongside some clerics and top members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Obasanjo had said though he was not on the same page with Abubakar over some undisclosed reasons, he had forgiven him based on the apology tendered by his former deputy.

The elder statesman said the race to dislodge Buhari from Aso Rock is tough and that Abubakar is a better leader than the incumbent president.

But speaking through Garba Shehu, his spokesman, Buhari vowed not to be distracted by the alliance of his opponents.

“The Presidency has received the news of former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s predictable U-turn and somersault on the endorsement of the PDP candidate, Atiku Abubakar, at a meeting Thursday, and to say that we are the least surprised by the well-rehearsed theatre.

“They will lose together. Listening to the prepared statement of the former President after the meeting showed the usual ego trip and “I know it all” character of Chief Obasanjo.

“In the first place, we dare to say that a pompous statement from the former President advising Nigerians on a vote against President Buhari is the best recommendation that can come at this time. It also betrayed a lack of understanding of today’s politics, which is about good governance.

“The country voted for change in 2015 and a leader that ensures good governance which only President Buhari and the APC can provide. Bent on these laudable goals, we will not allow ourselves to be distracted.

“We are busy on various national issues including the restructuring and the diversification of the economy, fighting corruption, terrorism and other threats to national security; increasing the availability of electric power, improving education, health, and providing long-delayed infrastructure – roads, rail, airports and so forth.

“Many governments have come and gone, but they did not care about some of these projects. We were talking about these things for sixteen years under the PDP and nothing was done.

“Nigerians trust President Buhari in this effort because they are convinced he is not in government for personal financial benefits, or for an ego trip. It is just eleven years ago that the former President and Vice President in their ugly fight for power accused each other of corruption. Nigerians are yet to forget all that,” the statement read.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/president-buhari-responds-to-obasanjos.html

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that the endorsement of presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar by the former President Olusegun Obasanjo will amount to nothing.

It declared that Obasanjo’s support will not in any way affect the chances of President Muhammadu Buhari.

National Vice Chairman (South-south) of the party, Utufam Hilliard Eta told newsmen, Thursday evening that Obasanjo was no longer relevant.

“Obasanjo will be demystified. His endorsement (of Buhari) had nothing to do with our (APC) victory in 2015,” Eta said.

“I know that politics is more of deception but I tell you that Obasanjo’s electoral value is little to nothing.

“Remember that Obasanjo in all the elections lost from his ward level to everywhere. Obasanjo is more loved away than at home and like I said earlier, Obasanjo will be demystfied.”

On the presence of some religious leaders at the meeting, Eta said: “One of the political wing of the PDP is one organisation called Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), so one is not surprised that CAN can do all they can do,” he said.

Outspoken clerics, David Oyedepo, Bishop Mattew Kukah and Sheikh Ahmed Gumi, were at the residence of Obasanjo in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital, to witness his public support.

Also in attendance were Pa Ayo Adebanjo, former Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel, PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, Senator Murray Ben-Bruce, Osita Chidoka, Chief Bode George, among others.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/buhari-vs-atiku-apc-reacts-to-obasanjos.html

At least, ten persons have been reported killed and several houses razed down in a communal clash that ensued between the people of Usumutong and Ediba in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The violence started on Tuesday and has led to the destruction of property including houses, farmlands, domestic animals, electronics, furniture and cash.

A source hinted DAILY POST that it wasn’t the just concluded primary election that triggered the problem, as the people of Ediba were allegedly spoiling for a showdown with the people of Usumutong before the exercise.

Speaking with our correspondent on phone on Wednesday night, a community leader in the area, Comrade Joseph Omini Ogburuwa, insisted that the crisis has nothing to do with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives primary elections.

He claimed that the people of Ediba only capitalized on the elections to unleash mayhem on the people of Usumutong.

Comrade Ogburuwa, who is the community leader in Usumutong, appealed to government for quick intervention as his people were leaving in danger.

He said, “When we were informed about possible attacks, it did not come until that day of PDP primary election when they alleged that the vehicle conveying our people to Ugep carried arms but that was not true.

“In actual fact, nobody saw any of our people arms. When the Police ordered that the vehicle be searched, the driver of the vehicle kicked the car and moved but the Police shot the tyres yet the driver continued driving it into our road.

“When our boys on motorcycle saw it, they went for rescue operation and rescued the driver. Police then reversed. However, a man form Usumutong identified some of his cults members and went to exchange pleasantries but the people dragged him to their side and gave him a thorough beating,” he explained.

He said the Police, however, rescued him and took him to Ugep instead of taking him to hospital.

“The rescued suspect was taken to Ugep Police station instead of releasing him to his people or taking him to the hospital, he died the following day of injuries and internal bleeding.

“The Ediba people started the war when they captured our man who went to hunt animals in the bush, he was killed and the corpse taken to Ediba. The situation became worse when more people were ambushed and killed with their private parts removed.

“There is serious tension in the troubled areas because Ediba boys seized the service riffle from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Abi. Police were deployed from zone six to recover the riffle. The DPO was attacked by Ediba people and his service riffle seized”.

Reacting, Mr Eteng Ojong, an indigene of Ediba denied allegations leveled against his community, explaining that the communal clash between the two communities started long time ago.

He told our correspondent in Calabar that the people of Usumutong always attack them and they (Usumutong) promised to wipe them from the earth but God would not allow them.

“We have been leaving in peace but I believe the crisis started because of land for farm. We have appealed to the government to come to our aid. Several of our people have been killed too but that doesn’t stop us from inter marriage” he stated.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Ms Irene Ugbo said “Our men are on ground, they have been deployed to the troubled areas. The crisis started on Tuesday, houses were burnt. Commissioner of Police has directed the deployment of men to the areas.

On what triggered the problems, the PPRO said as at the time the command got the information, “We don’t really know the real cause of the clash, but we were able to calm the situation. The crisis started at about 3pm on Tuesday,” Ugbo stated.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/ten-killed-several-houses-burnt-as.html

October 11 every year is celebrated as the International Day of the Girl-Child. The day, which was declared by the United Nations in October 2012, is aimed at highlighting and addressing the needs and challenges girls face, while promoting girls’ empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights.

The theme for the 2018 celebration is, “With Her: A Skilled GirlForce”, and one of the requirements needed to achieve this theme is education.

Education in any normal society is accepted as an instrument to power, prestige, survival, greatness and advancement for men and women. The United Nations General Assembly (2001) adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which stipulates that everyone has the right to education which shall be free at least in elementary and primary stages. Similarly, the National Policy on Education emphasizes among other things that there will be equal opportunities for all citizens.

Since the creation of Rivers State in 1967, successive administrations in the state has not relented in pushing for the advancement of girl-child education.

The establishment of several all-girls secondary schools in the state by successive military and civilian governors was aimed at encouraging more girls to embrace education.

The current administration in the state led by Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has also not relented in its effort to advance the cause of girl-child education in the state.

The return of several state government-owned all-girls secondary schools to boarding status as well as the reconstruction of the Government Girls’ Secondary School, Rumuokwuta in Obio/Akpor local government area of the state, are pointers to that direction.

A record obtained from the Rivers State Ministry of Education, showed that a total of 215,349 females enrolled into post-primary schools in the state representing 48.67 per cent of the total enrolment in the 2017/2018 Academic Year.

According to the record, Port Harcourt City local government area has the highest number of female enrolment with 56,172, followed by Obio/Akpor local government area with 28, 348.

Ogu/Bolo local government area of the state has the lowest number of female enrollment into post-primary schools with a total number of 906. It was gathered that the low number of female enrollment in the area is not unconnected to the small population of the local government area.

Just like every other aspect of life, girl-child education in the state has some factors militating against its advancement and these factors include, poverty, parental influence, early marriage, cultural practices, and religion.

According to Kaldick Jamabo, a Director in the Rivers State Ministry of Education, there is low demand by parents to have their girl-child educated.

Jamabo said: “Parents’ demand for the education of their daughters is low, reflecting both cultural norms and girls’ work in and around the home. In addition, the cultural perceptions of girls as child minders, marriage material and a burden to the family influences their educational attainment the contemporary society.

“Also some parents decided in many cultures that, education is not worthwhile for their daughters who will move into their husbands’ families when they marry and that the gains in productivity or income due to education will accrue to the families of the sons-in-law rather than to them.”

A trader, Mrs. Nneoma Onyeji who attributed the low enrolment of the girl-child into schools to poverty, said that most parents see girl-child education as adding extensive stress to the family.

Onyeji said: “I love education and I believe that educating my daughter will be of great benefit to my family tomorrow, but poverty have remained a serious enemy of girl-child education.

“Most parents struggling to raise a child, often see poverty as adding extensive stress to the family hence many girls who should class have been withdrawn to work for money.”

But Justice Suzzette Nyesom-Wike, wife of the Rivers State Governor believes strongly in provision of the needed incentives to boost the education of the girl-child. She insisted that there is the need for families to prioritise girl-child education.

Speaking at an occasion to mark the International Women’s Day in Port Harcourt, Mrs Nyesom-Wike who urged families to prioritise girl-child education, stated that the level of women education determines the level of their contribution to the development of the society.

She said: “If we give every girl the opportunity to access education, it would form the needed foundation for them to contribute meaningfully to societal growth”.

Speaking recently at the commissioning of Girls Secondary School, Rumuokwuta, Port Harcourt, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Awkright, warned that lack of investment in girl-child education will hinder the country’s development.

He said: “There is no reason we should neglect half of our population, who can help ensure the country’s prosperity. That is why education is important. That is why girl child-education is important. Without girl-child education, this country cannot thrive.”

In Rivers, development partners have been supporting the task of ensuring improved education in the state.

One of such is a leading indigenous oil company in the Niger Delta, Belemaoil Producing Limited. The firm recently sent 10 female indigenes indigenes of the state to the United Kingdom and Ghana.

The girls, drawn from 10 local government areas in the state, are for post-graduate and undergraduate studies under the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC/Belemaoil Joint Venture (JV) 2018/2019 Foreign Scholarship Scheme.

The local government areas include: Khana, Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, Etche, Oyigbo, Ikwerre, Degema, Asari-Toru, Ogu/Bolo and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni.

Eight of the beneficiaries, Kainde Chinenye Akaya, Precious Ogochukwu Ajim, Pearl Befee Ezekiel, Fame Obiageri Onyechere, Benebo Daviesba Josephine, Christiana Victor, Obunezi Onyinyechi Favour and Rejoice Nathaniel are to study in the United Kingdom, under the post-graduate category.

Also, two other beneficiaries, Gloria Iyama Apikisirobia and Francisca Ibiso Francis are to study in Ghana, under the undergraduate category.

Speaking during a farewell ceremony for the beneficiaries in Port Harcourt, the Manager, External Relations, Belemaoil Producing Limited, Barrister Samuel Abel-Jumbo, said the scholarship is in furtherance of the company’s resolve to promote girl-child education and its commitment towards the advancement of education as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/strengthening-girl-child-education.html

Chief Ebenezer Babatope, a former Minister of Transport and member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP has given reasons former President Olusegun Obasanjo will eventually support Atiku Abubakar in 2019.

Babatope, said to be a close friend to Obasanjo said the former President will support Atiku because of his interest for Nigeria.

Speaking with Independent, Ebenezer said Obasanjo’s nationalistic feelings for Nigeria will make him support Atiku despite their differences.

He said: “They don’t know Obasanjo but I know Obasanjo very well. I used to be a very good friend of Obasanjo. In fact, he took me to Angola when I was at the age of 33, and eventually he sacked me from my job.

“What I want to assure you is that when it comes to Nigeria, Obasanjo will stay with Nigeria. Whoever thinks that because Atiku has emerged, Obasanjo will be against him is making a mistake.

“Obasanjo will not go against Atiku because I believe and I think Obasanjo having led the coalition, and is still leading the coalition to ensure the removal of Buhari from power, will never discriminate against Atiku Abubakar; whatever happened between them happened when Obasanjo was President.

“Obasanjo has shown that on some occasions, he goes beyond trivialities, he is very objective. I have no doubt in my heart that eventually, Obasanjo will endorse Atiku. It will surprise Nigerians, because he loves Nigeria, I can assure that. When he took me to Angola, he said something that it has been his wish to fight for African liberation in South Africa.

“I must confess that I don’t agree with him, but nobody can fault Obasanjo’s nationalistic feelings for Nigeria, and I believe that Obasanjo will definitely allow those nationalistic feelings to come to play.”

Also speaking about Atiku’s choice of running mate from South East, Babatope added “I think the South-East should produce a running mate. Not because I was pro-Biafra during the civil war, but I just know that the South-East is fit to provide the vice president.

“But if they want to give us in the South-West, we will be very happy. We have men who can do it, but I think it should be the South-East.

“I don’t see the reason the running mate should not come from the South-East.”

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/why-obasanjo-will-support-atiku-in-2019.html

House of Representatives Aspirant for AMAC/Bwari federal constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Prof Al-Mustapha Usiju Medaner, has expressed sympathy to the family of slain party member in Kwali Area council, Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This is just as the aspirant commended resilience of party members during the period for the primaries.

“On behalf of the Prof Al-Musatapha Medaner Ussiju campaign organisation, we wish to laud the resilience of the members of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the period for the primaries of our party, especially in AMAC/Bwari federal constituency,” he said. A statement signed by the spokesman of the Prof Al-Mustapha Usiju Medaner Campaign Organisation, Umar Mahmud, demise of a party loyalist during the exercise in Kwali Area council was sad and unfortunate.

“On a sad note, we want to extend our sympathy to the APC family in the FCT for the loss of one its members during the exercise in Kwali Area council.

Indeed, this is a sad and ugly development that should not have happened,” he stated. According to the statement, thousands of APC members came out en masse to support the aspiration Prof Ussiju during the exercise. “We really appreciate them for the support and assure them that we will never abandon them in whatever situation we find ourselves.

May we also use this opportunity to thank party officials, especially leaders of the APC at the national level for insisting that the right thing must be done.

We equally appreciate the FCT leaders of the party for their good leadership.“We call on our supporters and all members of the APC in the FCT to remain calm and law abiding as we await the decision of the National Working Committee (NWC) on the inconclusive primaries for the House of Representatives held on Saturday,” the statement reads.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/fct-primaries-aspirant-sympathises-with.html

Club owner and politician, Shina Peller, took to his twitter handle to state the difference between the major contenders of the presidential seat in the 2019 election, President Buhari and Atiku Abubakar. See his tweets below.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/buhari-is-100-better-than-atiku-atiku.html

Under-pressure Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho saw his side score three goals, including a late winner, as they beat lowly Newcastle 3-2 at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Saturday.

A 90th-minute header from Alexis Sanchez secured a stunning comeback from Manchester United as they came from 2-0 down to beat Newcastle United 3-2. Pressure on Jose Mourinho had intensified after four games without a win in all competitions, although the club had dismissed reports he would be sacked regardless of Saturday’s result.

It looked as though the manager’s days could be numbered when Newcastle raced into a two-goal lead inside 10 minutes, but second-half goals from Juan Mata, Anthony Martial and substitute Sanchez sealed all three points in remarkable fashion.

Newcastle went in front for the first time in a league game this season only seven minutes in, as Kenedy ran onto Ayoze Perez’s throughball, turned away from Ashley Young and curled past David de Gea.

It was 2-0 just three minutes later, Yoshinori Muto spinning beyond Young and firing home from 12 yards out, prompting Mourinho to bring on Mata for Eric Bailly in a drastic reshuffle of his side. Marcus Rashford then headed a golden chance wide as sections of the United fans began to turn their ire towards the club’s board, chanting in support of Mourinho and former captain Gary Neville, who criticised the club’s hierarchy on Friday.

It could have been even worse for United before the break, with De Gea clawing away a header from Muto and Young perhaps lucky not to concede a penalty for blocking a free-kick with his arm – although Muto was likewise fortunate for escaping the same offence in his own box. Mourinho jogged down the tunnel at half-time to considerable applause from the home fans, who should have been celebrating a goal five minutes after the restart, when Nemanja Matic blazed over the bar with the goal gaping after Martin Dubravka denied Paul Pogba.

Mata grabbed a lifeline 21 minutes from time with an excellent free-kick from 20 yards out, which seemed to spark some life back into the home side, and Martial made it 2-2 after combining brilliantly with Pogba before firing into the bottom-left corner. United’s pressure did not relent and Sanchez responded to his own critics with a fine header from Young’s deep cross from the right, prompting resounding chants in support of Mourinho from the buoyant home crowd.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/man-utd-dramatic-comeback-gives-under.html

There is utter confusion in Imo over the fate of the ill-fated APC governorship primaries.

While Governor Rochas Okorocha has said that there will be election on Friday, the Acting National Publicity Secretary of the party, Hon. Yekini Nabena, said no decision had been taken on Imo APC gubernatorial primaries.

A statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Jones Onwuasoanya, had invited all registered members across the 305 wards in the State that there would be election on Friday October, 5. The story had gone round that Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Danbazzau, had been assigned the task of conducting fresh governorship primary for Imo.

The statement said, “These elections shall be for the nomination of APC candidates for governorship, Senate, House Representatives and the State House of Assembly.
A special electoral panel set up by the NWC of our great Party is expected in the State later today.

“Members are urged to be at designated voting venues as approved by the State Working Committee of the Party.”

However a statement later in the day from Nabena asked all members to disregard the statement.

It said, “This is to inform the good people of Imo State and most importantly, members of our great party, the All Progressive Congress (APC) to disregard any announcement or social media reports that the cancelled Governorship primary election in Imo State will hold on Friday, October 5th, 2018.

“To be frank with members of our party in Imo state, the National Working Committee of our party had an emergency meeting to take decision that will bring all governorship contestants in Imo State together as members of one family, but the meeting ended without any tangible resolution.

“However, shortly after this stalled meeting, the phone numbers of members of the NWC of APC have been inundated with unabated calls that Minister of Interior, Alduraman Dambazzua has been appointed Chairman of governorship primary election committee for Imo State to conduct an un-existing election.

“Please, disregard any such information either on radio, television or social media that the cancelled Governorship primary election for Imo State is slated for Friday, October 5th, 2018. You will also be notified that the so-called chairman of the said committee, Aldurahaman Dambazzua is out of the country at the moment for official assignment,” the statement said

Nabena said that the leadership of the party has briefed security agents to fish out those behind this dastardly act meant to put the image of the party to ridicule, adding that while the party is looking for possible modalities to resolving the umpase either by consensus or otherwise, interested parties will be communicated through appropriate channels as to whether fresh governorship primary election for Imo or other states whose elections were cancelled will be rescheduled for fresh primary.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/confusion-over-imo-apc-guber-primaries.html

An All Progressives Congress chieftain in Bauchi State, Nasiru Darazo has said that President Muhammadu Buhari will be defeated in the 2019 election following the level of irregularities recorded throughout the federation in the party’s primary elections.

Similarly, the APC chieftain said, President Buhari and APC will surely lose Bauchi state including most States in Northern part of the country in 2019.

Darazo made the observation in an exclusive chat with DAILY POST Friday in Bauchi, saying that APC primaries were marred by imposition by State governors under APC.

He added that the politics of imposition has already created bad blood against Buhari where his acceptance and popularity is at stake.

” We had warned APC and President Buhari to ensure governor Abubakar did not use state apparatus to secure the party’s guber ticket ahead of 2019 election, yet nothing was done.

He lament that there had been no primary election in Bauchi state since the exercise commenced last week.

Darazo cautioned that other APC aggrieved members will not allow themselves to be humiliated from the 2019 election against the support of the voters.

The APC chieftain vowed that President Buhari will lose Bauchi state to the opposition, describing APC primaries as a child-play, saying no election was held to produce any candidate in whatever position.

” I want to make it clear that there was no primary election held in Bauchi APC, only those preferred by governor Abubakar were candidates of the party for various positions and is that not a strong indication that APC has lost the election in 2019?” Darazo fumed.

He alleged that several aspirants under APC were shortchanged and denied the opportunity to contest in favour of Abubakar’s candidates across the state.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/why-buhari-will-be-defeated-in-2019-apc.html

The Senator representing Lagos Central in the National Assembly, Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday cautioned members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, against “vote-buying and selling.”

She stated this while urging members of APC to unite ahead of the 2019 general elections, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports.

Mrs Tinubu spoke at Eti-Osa Ward E, located at Oyinkan Abayomi drive in Ikoyi area of Lagos where she participated in the Senatorial and House of Representatives primaries in the state.

The lawmaker, who represented the district two times at the Senate, was being returned for a third term.

She also commended the people of her constituency for returning her unopposed.

Mrs Tinubu promised she would not disappoint her supporters and urged them to unite ahead of the 2019 elections.

”As we embark on the imminent elections, our politics should epitomize patriotic labour and selfless service to the community.

“Our vote is our right, hence, we must exercise this right within the ambit of law by refusing to be a party to vote buying or selling, and ensuring a peaceful election devoid of violence, chaos and upheavals.

”Together, we must ensure that our democratic process is sustained and that we embrace government efforts to transform our economy and make Nigeria a better place for all, ” she said.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/2019-tinubu-speaks-on-vote-buying.html

A pro-democracy group, Lagos Solidarity Forum, has raised the alarm that Lagos State was being pushed to the precipice by enemies of democracy in the state.

A statement signed and issued yesterday by the group’s convener, Comrade Mark Adebayo, said the state’s All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship primary which produced Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the party’s standard bearer was a hatchet job.

The statement said: “Every society that has ceased to exist starts from the point of aggravated injustice that provokes intractable anarchy.

“Unfortunately, Lagos State is being pushed in the direction of that precipice by forces which can best be described as, not only enemies of democracy, but enemies of the people. These same forces have been responsible for the mobile retrogression of Nigeria since 1999 that we have moved into civilian governance. Their weapons have been domination, imposition and brazen overthrow of the people’s mandate.

“The shameful shenanigan orchestrated by the APC governorship primary committee chaired by Clement Ebri, the former Cross River State governor erroneously thought to be a man of impeccable integrity was another hatchet’s job executed in the service of merchants of inhumanity and derogation of all elements of societal value.

“The time has come for Lagosians to rise up through a mass action to liberate ourselves.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/10/apc-primaries-sanwo-olus-victory.html