₦airaland Forum

Department of State Services(DSS) confirmed on Friday night that Senator Dino Melaye has been moved from the Police Clinic in Area 1, Garki, Abuja to its medical facility in the city.

In a statement on Friday night the DSS denied that its men abducted Melaye from the police hospital.

The DSS spokesman Peter Afunanya, said the abduction story was far from the truth.

“The fact is that it was the Police that brought him to the DSS facility after obtaining a 14-day detention warrant with effect from 9th January, 2019. The aim of bringing him to the Service’s facility is to complement Police efforts in giving the Senator a deserved medical attention.

“Consequently, the Service, in line with medical ethics and spirit of inter-agency cooperation, accepted him. This clarification has become necessary in order to address the false allegation that hooded men suspected to be DSS operatives abducted the Senator from the Police hospital.

Melaye was arrested in connection with the shooting of a police officer in Kogi state in July.

He surrendered to the police after a week of being holed up in his house in Abuja. (NAN)

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/12/didnt-abduct-melaye-admitted-better-medical-care-dss/

Saturday letter1

The choice of former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, as the vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party [PDP] has been greeted with widespread optimism among Nigerians of various standings. One of the striking features of Obi’s emergence is how it defied political logic and calculations at a time popular permutations considered a south-west VP candidate as one that will best serve the opposition’s quest to reclaim power in 2019. But as it turned out, the choice of Obi proved not only wise, but from all indications, a masterstroke as millions of Nigerians, irrespective of ethnicity, religion and even political persuasions, have whole-heartedly embraced the choice. This is what obtains when competence, pedigree and governance are accorded primacy over clannishness and politics. Indeed, Atiku acted with the wisdom of Solomon, and his party can go into the next election confident of victory in a free and fair exercise.

But why has Obi’s candidacy generated such wide acceptance? This question is very relevant considering that the vice-president’s position was never known to excite significant public interest, at least in the context of our local politics. If anything, that position has always been perceived, rightly or wrongly, as a mere appendage to the office of the President – as with the Deputy Governor of a State — with the incumbent merely performing a “yes-sir” kind of service to the number one.

Against this backdrop, the people’s excitement over Obi’s emergence must have stemmed from something special; and that is very easy to ascertain: Obi’s pedigree speaks of a man with a different approach to leadership and human relations in general. Much has been written and said about how the little politically-known Obi emerged to seek the leadership of Anambra State at the highest level, and which he got (not before he had scaled some formidable obstacles mounted by the forces of old), and of course acquitted himself creditably on the job. Little wonder his exploits as the Governor of Anambra has become a paradigm; a case study in the art of governance, especially in the context of a system steeped in decay. Fully aware of this fact, Nigerians rejoiced on hearing the news of Obi’s emergence. They believe, rightly, that light has appeared at the end of the tunnel; that a new dawn will come with him as the number-two man. Though he would only be the vice-president, his teeming admirers nurse no scintilla of doubt that this shrill-voiced technocrat and administrator is bringing something radically different to the table. They are hoping for a vice-presidency fundamentally unlike what they have known in this country.

At a time the nation is in deep economic crisis with petroleum, the bedrock of our economy, fast losing its attraction and place in the global development architecture, no less a manager is needed than one who has proven to be extraordinarily creative, innovative, prudent and thrifty. The manager is Peter Obi. His continuously updated knowledge of national and global economic affairs and direct involvement in corporate and financial management as a private sector player make him an inimitable choice for not only rescuing our sinking economy in the short-term, but also for charting and implementing our long-term goal of transiting from a developing economy to a developed economy.

In spite of all this pedigree, however, some persons may not be too pleased with Obi’s emergence as running mate to Atiku. Being a true democrat of proven record, Obi totally respects all tendencies, including those adversarial to his cause. He nurses no grudges against anyone, but remains focused on contributing to human and societal development. But, from known trends, today’s critics will eventually turn to admirers tomorrow. Truth will always prevail.

But then a word must be said about the initial opposition to Obi’s emergence as the VP candidate from a section of the political class. Those south-east politicians that did so might have their personal reasons but the truth is that Igbos must no longer be seen as the very architects of their political exclusion. Must we always give others reasons to believe that we are disunited and lack fraternal love? If the whole idea of the south-east/Igbo advocacy is to secure the welfare of our people, we must support our best to represent us at the highest level realistically available to us today — the VP position. You don’t go into battle leaving out your best fighter just for some sentimental reasons. If Obi has distinguished himself as the best among our living political leaders, then he is the most-suited to take on that position. Anything to the contrary is mere pandering to mediocrity. Time is here for Igbos to stop crying marginalisation and grasp the opportunity laid before them.

John-Paul Okeke, Enugu

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/12/storm-peter-obi/

The Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, has recommended steps to take in addressing the issue of politicians allegedly plotting to buy Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) in the general elections.

He advised the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to immediately call a meeting of stakeholders in the coming polls.

Senator Saraki gave the advice on Thursday in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu.

The meeting, he noted, should be convened with the sole aim of formulating plans and ideas on how to render useless the intention of the purported politicians with intention of buying PVCs.

“We have continued to maintain that manipulation of election results does not start and end on Election Day,” the Senate President was quoted as saying in the statement.

“It starts long before the day and goes on even after the declaration of results.”

He added, “That is why we have to continually be vigilant and once we identify any threat to free, fair and transparent conduct of a credible election like the INEC chairman has done, all stakeholders must put heads together to block the loopholes.”

Saraki who condemned the plot to purchase PVCs as alleged urged the INEC boss not to stop at raising the alarm.

He, however, asked Professor Yakubu to immediately devise a water-tight arrangement to make futile the efforts of such unscrupulous politicians.

The lawmakers decried that the development constitutes a major threat to the successful conduct of the 2019 Polls, as it can become the single factor to decide where victory swings in the election.

“All stakeholders must come up fast with a solution to render useless the antics of those who intend to procure voter’s cards,” he maintained.

“We all need to put our heads together and I am sure that such a stakeholders’ meeting will not only nip in the bud the looming danger, it will also engender general confidence in the system and create a system in which all stakeholders become problem solvers.”

Senator Saraki said that in the next six weeks, preceding the first set of elections and immediately after the elections, it was important for INEC to devise an arrangement in which it would constantly consult with stakeholders to identify issues affecting the process and how to find joint solutions to them.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/11/inec-can-tackle-pvc-buying-general-elections-saraki/

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, Mr. Emmanuel Jime, has said he has no plans to repeal the state’s law prohibiting open livestock grazing but would rather strengthen it.

He stated this on Thursday at a thanksgiving service and reception organised in his honour at NKST Central, Zaki Biam.

Jime was reacting to the propaganda in some quarters that he is sponsored by certain groups opposed to the law.

He said: “I want to tell you in very simple language that neither I, nor my mother is Fulani. I am also not coming to repeal any law; instead I would strengthen the law to the benefit of Benue people and robustly engage security agencies and other stakeholders for full adherence, as opposed to what obtains now.”

Earlier, the Director-General of Jime/Ode Governorship Campaign Organisation, Senator Jacob Tilley Gyado, assured the governorship hopeful that Sankera people are very trustworthy people.

He said: “They have stood behind me and have never denied me any favours since I joined partisan politics in the 1970s. Right now, I owe them a debt of gratitude. I have been looking for ways to pay and I believe Jime is better positioned to pay that debt on my behalf.”

He, therefore, urged the people to mobilise massive support for his victory at the poll.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/10/benue-2019-what-ill-do-to-ortoms-enemy-of-touching-law-apc-governorship-competitor-jime/

The Lagos Journalists League (LJL), a group of vibrant pen professionals based in Lagos, has condemned, in the strongest terms, “the unwarranted attacks by suspected hoodlums on journalists covering the official flag-off of the governorship campaign of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos on Tuesday.”

The organisation, in a release signed by its secretary general, Enitan Olukotun, said that the unfortunate incident is a sad reminder of how journalists have become endangered species in the course of duty.

LJL said: “We are deeply worried that whilst media contributes immensely in deepening the nation’s fragile democracy through election coverage and reportage, the political class who are the biggest beneficiaries of the process could not provide adequate security for our members on such dangerous assignments.

“Perhaps, if Lagos APC had provided tight security measures accorded its VIPs for journalists at Sky Power Ground, the Group Political Editor of The Nation Newspaper, Emmanuel Oladesu, Temitope Ogunbanke of New Telegraph and Ibile Television cameraman, Abiodun Yusuf, would not have been victims of the deadly gang clash at the rally.”

The League however demanded treatment and security measures accorded VIPs and top chieftains of the political parties at rallies to be extended to men and women of the fourth estate of the realm.

“We will not hesitate to advise our esteemed colleagues to shun rallies of any political parties who could not provide the barest minimum security for journalists who are reporting their activities.

“Lagos APC should with immediate effect provide world-class, adequate treatment for Oladesu, Ogunbanke and Yusuf, who were attacked by daredevil hoodlums during the melee.

“After all, the affected journalists are not lesser beings to Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, an APC chieftain who was involved in a similar tragic incident in Ekiti State,” LLJ said.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/09/league-demands-vip-security-journalists-political-rallies/

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) has made the following predictions about Nigeria’s weather condition for today, Wednesday, January 9, 2019:

NORTHERN STATES: Dust haze condition is anticipated over the northern part of the country with visibility range of 1 – 3km and localised visibility of less than or equal to 1,000m throughout the forecast period. Day and night temperature values are expected to be in the ranges of 25 – 33℃ and 11 – 17℃ respectively.

CENTRAL STATES: Dust haze condition with visibility range of 2– 5km and localised visibility of less than or equal to 1,000m is anticipated over the region throughout the forecast period. Day and night temperature values are expected to be in the range of 30 – 35℃ and 13 – 21℃ respectively. Jos 28/10.

SOUTHERN STATES: Dust haze condition with visibility range of 2 – 5km and localised visibility of less than 1,000m is anticipated over the Inland areas throughout the forecast period while, partly cloudy condition is expected with early morning mist/fog patches over the coastal area. Day and night temperature values are expected to be in the range of 30 – 33℃ and 16 – 21℃ respectively.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/09/weather-forecast-wednesday-january-9/

MTN executives may have expected investors to cut them a little slack after they got potential liabilities of $8.1bn in Nigeria reduced to $53m last month. Not so.

MTN stock has risen just 2.8% since the settlement on December 24, still 20% below its price in late August. That is when Nigeria’s central bank first alleged that the Johannesburg-based wireless carrier had illegally repatriated funds from its biggest market.

MTN faces a Nigerian court hearing on February 7 over a separate claim that it owes $2bn in back taxes, which it disputes. There is also the memory of an earlier $1bn Nigerian fine levied on the company for failing to disconnect subscribers without proper registration.

“The market is wondering when or if the Nigerian government will want to raid the MTN piggy bank again,” said Nicholas Kunze, a money manager at Sanlam Private Wealth. “The market is asking when will this stop. It’s only two years since the last falling out.”

MTN is the mobile market leader in Nigeria with about 66-million customers, so it is also vulnerable to broader risks facing Africa’s biggest oil-producing nation, such as a tumbling oil price and next month’s presidential election.

The company is now uninvestable, according to Karin Richards, an independent trader based in Cape Town. “Apart from anything else, the constant claims, all for massive amounts, must be absorbing an extraordinary amount of management time,” she said. (Bloomberg)

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/08/mtn-nigeria-deal-fails-fuel-shares-trouble-feared/

Barely, two months after Teleology Holdings received approval to take over the operations of 9mobile as the preferred bidder, Teleology Holdings has expressed its dissatisfaction with the business relationship with its local partner, 9mobile Nigeria, and has decided to pull out from the 9mobile project.

According to THISDAY report, Teleology Holdings Limited will be seeking to exit its shareholding in the local joint venture, Teleology Nigeria Limited, which will be required to change its name.

This development, it was learnt, will put the $50 million initial deposit paid for the acquisition of 9mobile by Teleology Holdings, in jeopardy.

Sources close to the 9mobile told THISDAY that Teleology Holdings had become increasingly uncomfortable with actions taken outside of the agreed business plan, since the November 12, 2018 formal take-over of 9mobile.

According to the source, Teleology Holdings has been blocked from concluding a management services contract with the local joint venture, Teleology Nigeria Limited.
The management services contract would have enabled Teleology Holdings and its team of experts oversees the implementation of the organisation’s elaborate business plans, including funding proposals.

It was further gathered that following this ugly development, the Founder of Teleology Holdings Limited, Mr. Adrian Wood, who is the pioneer CEO of MTN Nigeria, has resigned from the boards of Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services, which is trading as 9mobile, as well as Teleology Nigeria Limited.Wood has also in a statement expressed his disappointment about situation in 9mobile.

“Fifteen Teleology experts have worked since June 2017 on detailed 9mobile turnaround planning, development strategies and financial restructuring. This included lining up more than $500 million fresh direct foreign investment from international institutions.
9mobile is an exciting opportunity to build a revolutionary mobile network that could be the pride of Nigeria, unfortunately it appears that we will not be able to participate,” Wood said.

Wood added that: “We now must stand down from further work on the 9mobile project.”

The development may further compound the woes of the struggling 9mobile operation. In a pre-disconnection notice advertised by the Nigerian Communications Commission in the media on December 18, IHS, the infrastructure services provider, which hosts majority of 9mobile’s base stations, was granted permission to disconnect 9mobile and other debtor telecom operators within a 10-day ultimatum, ostensibly on account of 9mobile’s indebtedness.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/08/breaking-teleology-pulls-9mobile-deal/

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has said that it was now clear that Senator Magnus Abe was being used by the state Governor, Nyesom Wike to destroy the party.
Eze said this in a statement he forwarded to DAILY POST in reaction to the Federal High Court judgement that nullified the governorship candidacy of Tonye Cole.
Eze charged all faithful of the party in the state not to be dissuaded by the Monday’s Federal High Court’s judgment, which nullified all the party’s primaries.
He said the ruling was the “tonic to strengthen us in our resolve to ouster Wike.”
The former New Peoples Democratic Party, nPDP spokesperson noted that there was nothing new in the judgment, or making it different from an earlier judgment delivered by the state’s High Court.
Eze assured that the party would pursue the matter to the Supreme Court, where he believed the party would get true justice.
Exe said that Abe had burnt his own fingers by writing off any chance he might have had with the party.
Eze urges the party leadership that now is the time to welcome Magnus Abe and his supporters back to the party so that “he can join Tonye Cole in our rescue mission in the State.
“They went to court to be declared candidate but the court declined. Unless they want to pitch tents with Wike, it’s clear the fight is between PDP and APC and APC has said, we have a candidate in the person of Pastor Tonye Cole.
“Today’s judgment nullifying our gubernatorial candidate Pastor Tonye Cole and other candidates including Magnus Abe who is the architect of this unwarranted situation have exposed both Wike and Abe of lacking ideas and principles on how to move Rivers State forward.
“Let me reiterate that today’s FHC verdict only succeeded to strengthen us the more in our resolve to form the next Govt come May 2019.
“There is nothing new said by Hon. Justice Omotosho of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt that delivers his judgment today. He only affirmed what was said by the State High Court judge, which Magnus and Wike collaborated against APC. He summed up his judgment according to paragraph 7 of the State High Court judgment that nullified our primaries.
“Besides, we should note that the State High Court judgment by Justice Chinwendu Nworgu was based on faulty foundation as it was based on an illegal representative of the party by a fellow not authorized to represent the party in the court proceedings.
“My happiness is that Magnus cannot eat his cake and have it having realized that wike used him to destroy APC in Rivers State unless he is working in collaboration with Wike.
“Party faithful should not be distracted and inclined to listen to microwave legal interpretations as to how APC will have no candidates. They will. Let the lawyers do their work, politicians do their own and the voters do theirs when the time comes.
“Let Wike and his misguided followers not celebrate as this court ruling is part of a process, not the main event. The match is not over. We have not even reached half time. Until the appeal is concluded, no contrary action will be taken especially by INEC.
“Finally, I will urge all APC members not to panic or be dismayed as Tonye Cole will not only contest this election but will be sworn in as the next Governor of Rivers State come May 29th, 2019 no matter the odds”, he said.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/08/2019-apc-goes-senator-abe-working-wike/

Going viral today is the unconfirmed story of Chioma dumping her popular musician boyfriend, Davido. The news came from a controversial blogger and journalist Kemi Olunloyo.

Kemi who owns a blog is known for revealing stories that may be hidden and she is never slow in bringing out the rumour. This time she has come out with the rumour of Chioma and Davido.

Kemi was categorical in her statement when wrote on social media that Chioma has finally left her boyfriend, Davido.

She wrote on her Instagram handle: “#HNNAmebo Poor Davido, after Chioma’s page went down when I reported it, Baby Mama #2 Sophia and wife Amanda ganged up on her during Christmas.

“Why would anyone be dating a man with 3 baby mamas, allow their name in a lifetime video and one abandoned child constantly singing her name. Chioma’s cousin says she’s in “deep depression” Igbo girls dating Yoruba boys is self-imposed $uicide if they ain’t putting a ring on it.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/08/assurance-expired-chioma-finally-leaves-davido/

A cross section of Imo people Monday, urged Governor Rochas Okorocha to start preparing his handover notes, ahead of May 29, 2019, even as they were insistent that “his son in-law, Uche Nwosu cannot succeed him as governor”.

Speaking exclusively to Vanguard in Owerri, a legal practitioner, Mr. Stanley Ozuzu, recalled that Okorocha, who came on board through an overwhelming support of the citizens, has sadly drifted.

“Governor Okorocha’s free education policy made him very popular, but today, what the citizenry have been witnessing is excruciating pain, poverty, gross insensitivity and inexplicable high handedness, never before experienced in the history of Imo State. I urge him to start preparing his handover notes”, Ozuzu said.

Enumerating some of the ills of the administration, Ozuzu said it included, but not limited to, reduction of workers emoluments, short-changing of pensioners, demolition or outright seizure of private properties and the destruction of Ekeukwu Owerri, and New Market, despite valid court orders”.

Answering a question Mr. Ozuzu opined that “from the way the Governor and his aides behave, it looks clear that they are not worried about people’s anguish, calling everyone’s bluff and making the state look like a conquered territory and personal enterprise.” He further opined that the celebration of the New Year in Imo State, hinged on their happiness that their eventual liberation from bondage, was only a few weeks away.

Speaking also to Vanguard, an Owerri based Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Chief Mike Ahamba, was particularly irked by what he called “the Governor’s disrespect for the rule of law and how he positioned himself last year, as the state’s political manager and decreed that his son in-law, Uche Nwosu, must succeed him”.

After mentioning some of the Court Orders that Governor Okorocha allegedly respected in the breach, Chief Ahamba also recalled with grief, how the Governor rejected his party men’s wise counsel and stuck to his preferred successor.

“This singular act led to the Imerienwe Declaration and the eventual emergence of Coalition Forces within the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in Imo State”, Ahamba said.

Continuing, the learned SAN described Okorocha’s planned imposition of his son in-law as “a tall order” and urged Imo people to “rise to the occasion, use their permanent voters card very well and elect a credible person with pedigree, as governor”.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/07/must-start-preparing-handover-notes-imo-people-tell-okorocha-2/

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that 2019 General Elections will be used by Rivers people to put an end to the dictatorial tendencies of political godfathers.

Governor Wike also stated that Rivers politics cannot be controlled by any single politician, because it is not a State in the South-West where a political godfather has usurped the mandate of the people.

Speaking during the dedication of the 2019 PDP Campaigns at the Cathedral Church of Saint, Port Harcourt on Sunday, Governor Wike said if Rivers people allow political godfathers to succeed in planting their godsons, they will suffer the consequences.

“If you allow Rivers State to be like one of the states in the south-west, we will all suffer for it.

“Luckily for us, we don’t speak one language. Therefore, it is very difficult for any leader from an ethnic nationality to control the entire state. In that South-West state, a political godfather says something against a sitting governor and it happened.

“2019 will be the end of dictatorial tendencies in our politics”, he said.

Governor Wike prayed God to grant INEC and Police the courage to act in line with their constitutional roles during the 2019 General elections.

He said: “The Police should not be professionals in the rigging of elections. We will resist any attempt to rig the elections and the votes of the people must count”.

The governor urged Rivers people to be courageous as they work in unity towards the victory of the PDP in the state.

Governor Wike said that the Rivers PDP Campaign will be issue based, relying on the achievements of the administration to convince the people for another mandate.

He said for every Local Government Area, his administration has planted key projects in line with the New Rivers Development Blueprint.

He said that the PDP decided to dedicate the campaign to God because it is a tradition that has worked for the good of the party.

The governor called for three days of prayers by Christian Faithful for peaceful and credible polls. He warned politicians against promoting violence during the elections.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/07/rivers-people-will-end-dictatorial-tendencies-political-godfathers-gov-wike/

The Senator speaking to Kogi West Senatorial District, Dino Melaye, has prevented being part from securing the officials that booed President Muhammadu Buhari, amid the 2019 spending introduction before a joint session of the National Assembly on December 19, 2018.

Melaye claims he was missing at the House of Representatives chamber, setting of the spending introduction on that day.

Since the episode, there have been reports in the internet based life that the booing was driven by the Kogi Senator.

Yet, Melaye, in his first response to the online life reports, said in an announcement by his media helper, Gideon Ayodele, on Saturday evening that those that continued calling his name on the occurrence lied against him.

‎

"The consideration of Senator Dino Melaye has been attracted to a malevolent reference to his individual on the online life as one of the administrators who booed President Muhammadu Buhari amid his 2019 Budget introduction before a joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday, December 19, 2018.

"Prior to now, he had declined to discredit the underhanded internet based life creation for what it is – a shabby lie – Senator Dino Melaye was not in the National Assembly that day.

"For the evasion of uncertainty, Distinguished Senator Dino Melaye was missing at the broadcast 2019 Budget Presentation session and thus challenges anybody with opposite verification to approach with such.

"By his inclination, Distinguished Senator Dino Melaye isn't one who talks and can't guard his activity in the meantime. Whatever he says or does, he remains by his activities regardless of whose bull is gutted," ‎he said.

Melaye's forswearing comes 24 hours after he surrendered himself to the police, following a one-week attack on his Maitama living arrangement, over a supposed instance of at fault murder, a claim he denied.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/06/dino-melaye-talks-police-authority-booing-buhari/

A former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, on Saturday said that he retired from seeking political offices because he overworked himself while he was the governor of the state.

Ladoja, who is now the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland was the governor of the state between 2003 and 2007 on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He said that the need to rest, attend to family demands made his to retire from seeking elective positions, because, the situation at hand now deserves the need to rest.

Ladoja, while speaking with journalists in Ighoho, headquarters of Oorelope Local Government Area, recounted his journey from Accord Party to the Zenith Labour Party.

He insisted that candidates selection procedure made him to leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

He reiterated that the 2015 gubernatorial election in the state was not free and fair, leading to the suit his party filed to the election tribunal.

Ladoja while speaking said, “We have done what we could do, but I have said I won’t be vying for any office again.

“I almost neglected my family when I was in government because I gave my all to ensure good governance.

Ladoja, who is now a chieftain of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), added that he can only counsel the gubernatorial candidate of the party, Barrister Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli and not that he will be dictating for him after he becomes the governor in May 2019.

He said, “I will only counsel Sarafadeen Alli when he becomes governor. I can’t run his government for him. He would be the one to receive praises or insults, so he will do well to heed to good counsels”.

The former governor lamented that he was just an edifice without influence when he was in ADC.

He said that “they started doing things they didn’t tell us before we joined the party. They didn’t tell us that some persons will be given automatic ticket.

“We questioned the integrity of those the wanted to give automatic ticket. What is the assurance that people will vote for them.

“When was saw that we couldn’t persuade them to do the right thing, we decided to leave the party because we aren’t sure of its future.”

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

The Lagos State University (LASU) has urged its students to disregard any notice directing them to resume for lectures amidst the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

Spokesman of the university, Mr Ademola Adekoya told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the information was a lie and handiwork of mischiefmakers.

“Similar information was released for Ladoke Akintola university students some days ago. Kindly disregard the information as it does not emanate from the office of the LASU Registrar,’’ he said.

NAN reports that a notice had gone viral on the social media recently directing all students of the university to resume for academic activities on Jan. 8.

The notice also claimed that the management of the university at its meeting of Jan. 3, said all students be notified of the commencement of academic activities including course registration and lectures.

DAILY POST reports that ASUU had on Nov. 4, 2018 embarked on what it described as a ‘total, comprehensive and indefinite strike’ to press home some demands from the Federal Government.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/05/ASUU-strike-lasu-speaks-resumption-date/

Chelsea will not be signing AC Milan forward, Gonzalo Higuain, in January, according to Goal.

Blues boss, Maurizio Sarri, has been eyeing Higuain for a while now, as he looks to bolster his attacking options, for the second half of the season.

The duo previously worked with each other at Napoli for the 2015/2016 campaign, where the Argentine netted 38 goals in 42 games.

However, the Blues will now not be signing Higuain in January despite recent reports suggesting otherwise.

The reason is the complexities of the deal, with the 31-year-old currently on loan at Milan from Juventus, making a potential deal difficult to conclude with two other clubs involved.

Chlsea are now looking elsewhere to enhance their front line, with Higuain set to remain at the Italian club for at least the rest of the season.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/05/epl-chelsea-pull-deal-higuain/

A former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, has said the failure of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, to win next month’s presidential election was not an option for Nigerians.

According to him, the only way out of the present predicament across the nation was for all to work for the victory of Atiku Abubakar, a former Vice-President.

Idris stated this yesterday at the inauguration of the Kogi state chapter of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council in Lokoja, the state capital.

He said, “Victory is a must. We have not enjoyed anything from the current government. We have not benefited anything from the current administration.

“The only way out for us is to win the 2019 elections by ensuring we deliver the Atiku/Obi ticket.

“For the outcome of the general elections to favour the party and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, all hands must be on deck and members of the party, affiliate organisations and supporters must work round the clock to ensure effective mobilisation of voters from their immediate environment.”

Speaking also, the campaign council’s Director-General, Clarence Olafemi, urged all members of the council to be united and work hard to Atiku’s ouster of incumbent president Muhammadu Buhari at the polls.

“We have a task at hand and we must take it seriously and work very hard to deliver it,” he said.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/04/atikus-failure-win-2019-presidency-not-option-ex-kogi-governor-idris/

Ibrahim Magu, Acting Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said that the commission will intensify efforts at ensuring that more convictions are secured in 2019.

A statement by the commission’s Acting Spokesman, Tony Orilade, in Abuja on Thursday, disclosed that Magu made the promise during a working tour to its Lagos office.

He said “With 312 convictions in 2018, we are strategising to redouble our efforts in 2019.

“This is part of our concerted efforts aimed at ensuring that the negative narrative of pervasive corruption in the system is changed for the better.

“And the perception that some persons are above the law, remains altered,” he said.

Magu noted that the EFCC had already secured three convictions few days into the new year, which he described as a good start.

“The commission shall continue to rid the country of economic and financial crimes and effectively coordinate the domestic efforts of the global fight against money laundering and terrorism financing,” he said.

Magu said that the EFCC remained committed to carrying out its duties in conformity with best international practices and within the ambit of the law.

He commended the exemplary leadership of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Walter Onnoghen, for the success recorded in the past year.

The acting chairman said that the judiciary remained key to winning the corruption fight.

He said “Let us have it at the back of our minds that we are only prosecutors; without the support of the judiciary, led by the CJN and other heads of court across jurisdictions, we could not have been able to achieve the much we did in 2018.

“Therefore, to be able to double that feat in 2019, let us know that we cannot do without the judiciary”.

He further called for the unalloyed collaboration of other stakeholders and urged Nigerians to be more dedicated to reduce corruption to the barest minimum.

“Those who stole our commonwealth should know that there is no hiding place for them.

“A high tension searchlight is being beamed on them, it is in their interest to surrender because the game is up,” he said.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/03/efcc-will-2019-magu/

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has alleged that some state governors cannot pay the proposed N30,000 minimum wage because they are not blocking the leakages going on within their governments.

According to him, only Kano State has an anti-corruption commission.

Falana, who said this on Thursday when he was featured on a breakfast show on Arise Television, said the fight cannot be limited to the federal government alone.

He lamented what he called the negligence of state governments to join the federal government in its fight against corruption.

His words: “In line with section 15, subsection 5 of the constitution, the provision says the Nigerian state shall abolish corrupt practices and abuse of office.

“That does not mean the federal government. The Nigerian state, including the federal government, state government and local government. But apart from the federal government, no state in Nigeria is fighting corruption.

“That’s why some of the state governments are saying they cannot pay minimum wage because they are not blocking the leakages going on. Kano state is the only state, this may interest you, has an anti-corruption commission. No other state in Nigeria.

“In fact, access to information is denied by all state governments in Nigeria apart from Ekiti state. Only Ekiti state government, under Fayemi, has adopted the freedom of information act.

“So, it’s difficult in any state to ask for information with respect to public affairs. So, you can’t just single out the federal government fighting corruption in a country where majority of state governments are not bothered.

“So, it will not be fair to limit the fight against corruption to the federal government. As a country, Nigeria has not decided to fight corruption.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/03/real-reason-governors-cant-pay-n30000-minimum-wage-falana/

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has said that President Muhammadu Buhari government should ensure sustainable jobs to reduce the rate of poverty in the country.

NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos on Wednesday while making comments on national issues.

Wabba said government must implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to improve the lives of the people and develop the country.

He said sustainable jobs would only be available if the government created conducive environment for industries to thrive.

”We cannot be importers and consumers of what we do not produce.

“There is the need to resuscitate closed factories, such as textile and make business environment competitive and attractive,” he said.

The NLC president said government should also reduce electricity tariff to boost production and make businesses thrive.

Dr Mohammed Yinusa, President, Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), who spoke on the nation’s poverty index, said government needed more interventions to raise the living standard of the people.

Yinusa commended government’s pro-poor policies, but said government at all levels should pay attention to the development of critical indices of the Human Development Index (HDI).

”The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report is an indicative of a country’s quality of life.

“The report measured national achievement in health, education and income,” he said.

He added that adequate and sustainable attention must be paid to these indices to lift the citizens out of poverty.

According to Yinusa, government should work towards prioritising the creation of an enabling environment for large, small and medium enterprises.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/02/nigerian-government-must-nlc/

The 2015 governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress, APC, in Rivers State, Dakuku Peterside has called for unity amongst party members in the state.

Peterside said unity among APC members, irrespective of their grievances, was the key to wrestling power from the current administration of Governor Nyesom Wike.

In an interview with newsmen during his 48th Birthday celebration in Port Harcourt, he also said peace should be restored devoid of hatred and animosity.

On the 2019 appropriation Bill presented by Governor Nyesom Wike, Peterside, who is also the Director General of Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, said the budget had figures without projection for life changing projects and policies.

“The APC must unite so we can save Rivers State from misgovernance. I can tell you Governor Wike has no clear cut vision for Rivers State.

“The number one challenge of Rivers State is insecurity, then comes unemployment. Unfortunately, this current administration in the State lacks what it takes to address the issues.

“Wike can’t run Rivers State. He has absolutely no idea how to go about it, we must come together, not only as APC but as Rivers people to remove him because of his incompetence,” Peterside said.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/02/rivers-people-must-unite-remove-wike-peterside/

The Zamfara Government has donated N8.5 million to families of deceased and injured Nigerien soldiers, as a result of an ambush by bandits at Dumburum Forest, Zurmi local council, during a joint operation with Nigerian soldiers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that five Nigerien soldiers were killed in an ambush laid by the criminals.

The donation was presented to officials of the Government of Niger Republic by Gov. Abdulaziz Yari on Monday when he visited Maradi to commiserate with the Nigerien government and families of the victims.

Yari was received by the Nigerien Minister of Defence, Alhaji Kalla Muktari, Governocr of Maradi State, Alhaji Zakiri Umar and other Niger Government officials.

Yari said the donation was to support their families.

NAN further reports that each of the five families of the deceased soldiers would be given One million Naira; N500,000 would be presented to each of the five injured soldiers while N1 million would be given to the Commander of the soldiers who was also injured during the incident”, he said.

He described the incident as unfortunate and prayed to Almighty Allah to give their families the fortitude to bear the loss.

He pledged to sustain long and good relationship between Nigeria and Niger Republic, particularly between Zamfara and Maradi states.

He said the collaboration between Nigeria and Niger Republic, in especially tackling insecurity challenges, was necessary and should be improved.

“We will cooperate and work together to ensure effective inter-border security to protect the lives and properties of our people, “he said.

The Governor of Maradi State, Alhaji Umaru Zakari, thanked the Zamfara Government for the visit and described it as timely and a welcome development.

He said Maradi had a long existing good relationship with Zamfara.

“We will continue and work with Zamfara State, particularly in the areas of security and border control,” he said.

NAN also reports the governor and his entourage attended the funeral prayer for the Nigerien soldiers.

The governor’s delegation comprised Emir of Zurmi, Alhaji Abubukar Atiku, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Alhaji Sanusi Rikiji, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Abdullahi Shinkafi, commissioners and local government chairmen

http://mcebiscoo.com/2019/01/01/zamfara-killings-gov-yari-families-slain-soldiers/

Super Eagles forward Simeon Tochukwu Nwankwo was on target for his Italian Serie B side Crotone as they surrendered a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to Ascoli at Stadio Cino e Lillo Del Duca on Sunday.

Nwankwo who has struggled for playing time this season started for the second straight game and he grabbed the chance as he put his ahead with nine minute into the game.

Marco Firenze added the second five minutes later before Riccardo Brosco reduced the deficit for the home side on the stroke of half-time.

Crotono surrendered their lead as Giacomo Barretta equalised with two minutes into ninety minutes and with additional six minutes still left to play, Someone Andreas Ganz scored twice to give the home side the victory.

Having lost six of their last seven games in the division, Crotone are 18th on the log with 13 points.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/31/simy-nwankwo-stars-crotone-3-2-defeat-ascoli/

Fulani herdsmen operating in Uwheru Community in Delta State, at the weekend, allegedly injured six persons in their farmlands.

They equally raped two housewives who were said to be on their way home.

One of the victims, who spoke with journalists said;” We all were in the same farmlands when they entered with their cattle. As we tried to raise alarm, they attacked us, after which they fled leaving their cattle.”

It was gathered that the two house wives, who ran into the herdsmen were raped at gun point.

Confirming the incident to newsmen in Asaba, the state police commissioner, Anthony Agbizi said that the police were on the trail of the herdsmen.

CP Anthony Agbizi said “the police will do everything possible to ensure the herdsmen are brought to book, the herdsmen were said to have attacked some farmers and injured them, while two women were allegedly raped by the same herdsmen, the police will leave no stone unturned to bring them to book” .

But the traditional ruler of the community, HRM,Agbavwe Afugbeya Oyise 11, who spoke to newsmen, called on the Federal Government and the Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa to as a matter of urgency intervene in the attack.

The Monarch said “the attacks are becoming too unbecoming and unbearable, the safety of my subjects is my concern and is at present threatened.

“We can’t go to our farmlands again, the herdsmen are raping our women, it’s pathetic, and taboo in my kingdom, especially in Urhobo land for a house wife to be raped.

“Our major occupation is farming but for fear of the herdsmen we can’t go to our farms again. We are now hungry. If you look around, there is hunger because nobody goes to farm again, the herdsmen are boasting that we don’t have right to drive them away.

“We are appealing to the police and federal government to help us warn the herdsmen to stay away from our land and farmlands”.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/31/6-injured-2-housewives-raped-herdsmen-attack-delta-community/

Governors Samuel Ortom of Benue and Darius Ishaku of Taraba States have resolved to grant amnesty to criminals operating along the border of the states.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the offer is part of the resolution at the end of the joint security meeting between the two states held at the Federal University Wukari in Taraba.

Ishaku, who read the communiqué at the end of the tour of some border communities of Abako, Sai and Dogon-Gawa, said the amnesty window took effect immediately and would expire by the end of January 2019.

“We are willing to give amnesty to criminals who are willing to renounce criminality and surrender their weapons so that we can give them better jobs and reintegrate them into the society.

“Criminals willing to surrender, including those that defaulted in the past, are free to contact any of us (governors), traditional rulers and security agencies.

“Elections are around the corner and we will like to do this between now and end of January so that we can secure our places and synergise for peaceful elections,” he said.

The meeting condemned the spate of kidnappings, armed robbery and banditry involving youths in the states at the border.

It stressed the need for job creation as a fundamental tool to reduce unemployment which made youths to take to criminality.

It called for adequate provision of logistics support to the security agencies by both the federal and state governments to sustain surveillance.

The meeting called on the people of the areas to report all forms of criminality to appropriate authorities and not shield criminals in their domain.

“The governors have resolved to constitute a joint security committee made up of people of proven integrity and locals of the area between the two states to address the security challenges and a joint security forces to be constituted with a police station at Sai.

“The joint security meeting mandates the Boundary Committees of the states in conjunction with the National Boundary Commission to meet and ensure that boundary issues involving the two states are resolved,” he said.

Ortom called on the people of the states to report criminals in their domain to security agencies, be law abiding and shun acts capable of dividing them.

NAN reports that the security meeting was attended by heads of security agencies from both states, traditional rulers and top government functionaries from the states, including the immediate past governor of Benue, Dr Gabriel Suswam.

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/31/details-benue-taraba-govs-meeting-security-emerge/

A former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Uzor Orji Kalu, has revealed what he discussed with President Muhammadu Buhari before he (Kalu) joined the All Progressives Congress, APC.

According to Kalu, now a chieftain of the APC President Buhari had promised to start and complete some projects in the South East.

In a series of tweets on Sunday, the former Governor expressed gladness that Buhari has gone far in fulfilling the promises.

He wrote, “I met President @MBuhari a week before I joined the APC @OfficialAPCNg precisely on 8th of November, we catalogued the new Niger Bridge, Port Harcourt/Enugu/Umuahia Express Road; Enugu/Awka/ Onitsha Express road; Nitemile to Makurdi road.

“Okigwe/Arondizogu to road; Ohafia/Arochukwu and today they are under construction while some are nearing completion.

“I am glad that @MBuhari has resolutely pursued the completion of these and other projects across the nation.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/30/2019-discussed-buhari-joining-apc-uzor-kalu/

The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has commiserated with the government and people of Sokoto State, the Sokoto Caliphate and family of the first executive President of the Country, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, over the passing of the ex-President on Friday, at the age of 93.

Fayemi, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Yinka Oyebode, described Alhaji Shagari as a man of peace, who lived an exemplary simple lifestyle.

He said Shagari, through the various positions he held since 1951 when he became the Secretary of the Northern People’s Congress in Sokoto, till his presidency between 1979 and 1983, played very significant roles in the socio-political growth and development of Nigeria.

The Ekiti Governor said the late Shagari was a true example of a leader who loved peace and pursued it with all his might. “Until he breathed his last continued to render invaluable support to successive administrations at the various levels of government in the country”.
He said the late Shagari earned greater respect as an elder statesman because of his simple lifestyle, which endeared him to many.

Fayemi said, “We shall miss this great and amiable leader, who abhorred politics of bitterness.

“I convey the condolences of my family, the good people of Ekiti State to the Shagari family, the Sokoto caliphate, the government and people of Sokoto State for the passing and pray that Almighty Allah grant him Aljannah firdous.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/29/shehu-shagari-gov-fayemi-reacts-death-ex-president/

Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on National Assembly Matters, Kawu Sumaila, has expressed solidarity with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara.

This happened when Sumaila appeared at a thanksgiving ceremony organised by Dogara’s constituents under the umbrella of Gobbiya Area Development Association, GADA, held at Gobbiya community, Bogoro Local Government.

Sumaila said his presence at that event which was held to appreciate Dogara for the numerous projects he attracted to the area demonstrated that democracy is at work in Nigeria.

Dogara and the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and some other members of the National Assembly recently dumped the All Progressives Congress, APC for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

The presidential aide told reporters: “My presence here shows true democracy. I am in APC and I am working in the office of President Buhari but l’m with Dogara.

“I came to celebrate with him because he is our friend, he is our colleague. I’m the liaison between the executive and the parliament and I enjoy the contributions of Speaker Dogara who works for the unity and development of Nigeria.

“He joined us in 2007 and from there, we identified him as one of the emerging leaders of our time because he is respecting the border between the origin and tribe of the House of Reps we belonged to.

“Therefore, Dogara came, embraced this bridge between religious and tribal diversity and state and other differences.”

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/29/2019-buharis-aide-celebrates-dogara-gives-reasons/

The All Progressives Congress, APC, has released the names of members of its Presidential Campaign Council for the 2019 elections.

The names were released on Friday by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity.

The council is expected to ensure victory for President Muhammadu Buhari.

The full list is below:

CHAIRMAN
President Muhammadu Buhari

CO-CHAIRMAN

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

DEPUTY CHAIRMEN
1. The Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo.

2. The APC National Chairman Comrade Adams Oshiomole

VICE CHAIRMAN NORTH
Senator George Akume

VICE CHAIRMAN SOUTH
Senator Ken Nnamani

DIRECTOR GENERAL
His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi

DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL (OPERATIONS)
Senator A.O. Mamora

DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL (COORDINATION)
Arch. Waziri Bulama

SECRETARY
1. Adamu Adamu

2. Dele Alake

ZONAL DIRECTORS
a. North West: Senator Aliyu M. Wamakko

b. North East: Senator Muh’d Ali Ndume

c. North Central: Senator Abdullahi Adamu

d. South West: Sola Oke, SAN

e. South East: Sharon Ikeazor

f. South South: Senator Godswill Akpabio

DIRECTORATES
a. Director, Buhari Support Groups – Dr. Mahmoud Mohammed

b. Director, Strategic Communications – Festus Keyamo, SAN

a. Deputy Director- Abike Dabiri- Erewa

c. Director, Contact & Mobilization – Hadiza Bala Usman

a. Deputy Director South -Victor Eboigre

b. Deputy Director North- Senator Bashir Nalado

d. Director, Election Planning & Monitoring – Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN

a. Deputy Director I- Baba Kura Abba Jato

b. Deputy Director II-Chief Emani Ayiri

e. Director, Logistics – Dr. Pius Odubu

a. Deputy Director- Senator Umanah Umanah

b. Deputy Director II- Nasiru Danu

f. Director, Policy Research & Strategy- Prof Abdulrahman Oba

a. Deputy Director- Prof. A.K. Usman

g. Director, Youth Mobilization- Hon. Tony Nwoye assisted by the APC Youth Leader sadiq

a. Deputy Director North- Barrister Ismaeel Ahmed

b. Deputy Director South – Jasper Azuatalam

h. Director, Admin- Onari Brown

a. Deputy Director I- Chris Hassan

b. Deputy Director II- Abubakar Magaji Gasau

i. Director, Women Mobilization- Woman Leader Salamatu Baiwa

a. Deputy Director North – Binta Mu’azu

b. Deputy Director South – Adejoke Orelope Adefulire

j. Director Security – Gen. A. . Dambazzau

a. Deputy Directors – Brigadier General Gambo and Mr. U. Ukoma

k. Director Legal – Emeka Ngige, SAN

a. Deputy Director- Prof. Maman Lawan Yusufari

l. Director Field Opertaions- Mallam Nuhu Ribadu

M. Director Finance – Wale Edun

Deputy Director – Alhaji Adamu Fadan

SPECIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO MR. PRESIDENT
1. Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

2. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

3. Senator Ahmed Lawan (Senate Leader)

4. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila ( Leader of the House )

5. APC Party National Chairman Comrade Adams Oshiomole

6. Alhaji Aliko Dangote

7. Mr. Femi Otedola

COUNCIL MEMBERS

1. Chief Bisi Akande

2. Chief John Oyegun

3. Senator Ita Enang

4. All APC serving Senators

5. All APC serving and former Governors

6. All APC Members of the House of Representatives

7. All members of the National Working Committee of the APC

8. All Zonal Women Leaders

STATE COORDINATORS
1. Governors are to serve as State Coordinators in their respective states

2. Gubernatorial Candidates in non- APC States will serve as State Coordinators in their respective states

http://mcebiscoo.com/2018/12/28/apc-announces-presidential-campaign-council-buhari-full-list/