The Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr Ahmed Idris said the Federal Government on Wednesday shared N610.36 billion, generated in January to the three tiers of government.

He said this at a news conference at the end of the monthly Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting in Abuja.

He, however, said approval was being awaited from the Minister of Finance, Mrs Zainab Ahmed for additional N50 billion from the Foreign Exchange Equalisation Account, which would be distributed accordingly.

According to him, Nigeria’s Excess Crude Account (ECA) currently stands at 249 billion dollars.

A communique issued at the end of the meeting noted that in January, the federation crude oil sales increased by 2.4 million barrels, resulting in increased federation revenue by 149.94 million dollars, in spite of a drop in price of crude oil from 81.06 dollars to 75 dollars per barrel.

In the month under review, oil royalty, import and excise duties increased substantially while Companies Income Tax (CIT) and Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) decreased marginally.

It also said that the gross revenue of N505.24 billion was received in January, a figure lower than the N547.46 billion received in the previous month by N42.216 billion.

“The gross revenue from Value Added Tax (VAT) is N104.46 billion as against N100.76 billion distributed in the previous month, resulting in an increase of N3.708 billion.

“From the total gross revenue from VAT, the Federal Government received N15.04 billion, the States received N50.14 billion, while the LGAs received N35.10 billion and the revenue generating agencies received N1.17 billion,” it stated.

The communiqué also showed that the Federal Government received N252.41 billion, the States received N170.54 billion, while the Local Government Areas (LGAs) received N127.923 billion.

It also indicated that the oil producing states received N41.99 billion as 13 per cent derivation revenue, while the revenue generating agencies received N17.50 billion as cost of revenue collection.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the revenue was derived in January but was shared in February

source:

https://citadelng.com/faac-fg-shares-n610-36bn-allocation-to-three-tiers-of-govt-in-feb/

Ondo State Government has been commended over its plan to establish an ethanol plant in the state.

The National President of Cassava Growers Association, Pastor Segun Adewumi who gave the commendation said the move will encourage cassava farmers in the state.

“We are told that Wewood, a Chinese company has just established an ethanol plant in the state which will use 300metric tonnes of cassava per day. That is a welcome development as farmers will have market for their produce.

“And If the state government can replicate it in the two other senatorial districts, it will empower the farmers because the main issue with cassava is market.

“Ethanol happens to be the most marketable item in the world right now because the world is moving away from using fossil fuel as it contributes to global warming”, he said.

While saying the soil of the state is suitable for cassava cultivation, Adewumi said Ondo state is a major cassava producer in the country.

He said cassava is one of the most important crops in the world noted that what Nigeria use #3trillion to import to the country annually can be derived from the crop.

Other challenges confronting cassava farmers in the country according to Adewumi are land clearing and lack of equipment which is why farmers can not go into large scale production.

“Land clearing is a problem not only in Ondo state but in the Southern part of the country generally. In the north they don’t have this problem because their land is automatically cleared.

“The normal way to do commercial farming is when you clear a large expanse of land, demarcate into plots and apportion to farmers. If we have our land cleared, may be 5000hectares or 10,000 hectares, then you can bring specialized equipment like planter to plant for everybody and that will collapse the cost of production.

“But if what you have is 10hectares and it plants it in a day, what will it be doing in the next one year.

“What we have been doing even in anchor borrowers programme is subsistence farming and that cannot take us anywhere in Nigeria. The cost of our production is about two or three times that of the international market, so we can not penetrate the international market”, he stressed.

According to him, cassava is not being exported as being noised by some people because of high cost of production.

While saying Nigeria is still backward in mechanised farming, Adewumi said other African countries have gone far.

” You scarcely find any other African countries where tractor is not surplus. But in some states in Nigeria, you hardly find ten serviceable tractors. I don’t think there is a country in the world where they still till the ground except Nigeria,” he lamented.

He congratulated Ondo State government for the feat and called for assistance for farmers to encourage large scale production.

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has described the landslide victory of All Progressives Congress, APC, in the weekend elections in Kwara State as the fall of Berlin Wall of Kwara politics.

Alhaji Lai Mohammed He attributed the victory to Almighty God and the people of Kwara State, who he said truly wanted freedom from the political rulership of Saraki dynasty and ensured that it happened. The minister spoke, yesterday, in Ilorin at a briefing attended by all the newly elected members of National Assembly, party leaders and supporters to celebrate the party’s victory.

He, however, urged the electorate to sustain the victory and consolidate on it by voting massively for the party’s governorship candidate, Abdulrahzaq Abdulrahman, and that of the state Assembly in the next elections. PDP set to cause panic days to polls – FG According to him,”permit me to use this opportunity to give gratitude to God, without whom this victory would not have been possible, and to most immensely thank the good people of Kwara State.

“No single individual can claim credit for this victory. It belongs to the people of Kwara State. All of us, the party leadership, were fortunate to have been in the right place at the right time to lead the process.

“But the ultimate credit goes to the people who resoundly said no to PDP last Saturday.

I said it was the beginning of the crumbling of the Berlin Wall of Kwara politics.


“Today, the Berlin Wall of Kwara politics has fallen. The chain has been broken. The good people of Kwara have ensured that.” The minister, however, urged Abdulrahzaq, who he described as incoming governor, to declare February 23 of every year as the Day of Liberation for Kwara State immediately he was sworn in May 29, 2019.

Describing the outcome of the election as 10-0 against PDP in the state, he said: ”As you must be aware by now, the official results of last Saturday’s National Assembly elections in Kwara State have been announced. It is a clean sweep for our party, All Progressives Congress, APC. “All three seats in the Senate and all six in the House of Representatives were won by our party.

The match between our party and PDP ended 10-0 (1 President, 3-0 Senatorial, 6-0 House of Reps). Kwara is free “With the outcome of last Saturday’s elections, I can now conveniently say that Kwara is free! Free from a choking and pauperizing political hegemony of a self-imposed dynasty. “Never again will Kwarans be treated like slaves in their own land.

Enough is Enough. O To Ge. “Fired on by perhaps the most impactful, three-word political slogan ever in the history of party politics in this land, O to ge Kwarans have confirmed the saying that the power of the people is much stronger than the people in power. Thank you, Kwarans. “Not a single shot was fired throughout Kwara. No one snatched ballot box.

It was an atmosphere of conviviality. It was a sharp departure from what used to be in the state. “It confirms what we have been saying, that when there is adequate security, there will be a level playing ground for all the parties, and for all Kwarans.” He, however, commended the security agencies for their hard work, dedication to duty and professionalism.

The minister particularly commended all members and supporters of his party across the state, as well as all the leaders of the party at all levels.

Less Than One Year Of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN As Ondo State Governor- Achievements Are Numerous

1- Construction of Iwalewa Road, Akure.

2- Construction of Sabomi Road, Ese Odo.

3- Construction of Abusoro, Ijoka Road, Akure.

4- Construction of Opasorun road, Bajare/Okemayo

5- Construction of St. Joseph Road in Idanre.

6- Construction of 3 box culverts at Oyinmomo Ishakunmi and Merida Rental Road , Ikare.

7- Construction of Jubilee - Ugbe Road, Ikare.

8- Construction of Oke Alafia Road, Supare.

9- Construction of Ogbomo Ifedara, Ajegunle Streets and Howlet Road, Ifon.

10- Construction of Ilara Mokin /Ikota, otherwise known as Gulf C road, Ilara.

11- Construction of Police Road, Ore.

12- Construction of Virgin road network within GRA to Prison, Owo.

13- Construction of internal and access roads within the Ondo State University of Science and Technology (OSUSTECH) Okitipupa.

14- Ongoing work at the notorious Oke Alabujoto in Ikare Akoko.

15- Rehabilitation of the deadly Iwaro Oka hill.

16- Rehabilitation of Sabo Road, Akure.

17- Rehabilitation of access roads within the state specialist hospital, Akure.

Work is also ongoing on the construction of 50km road linking Araromi seaside, Ondo state to Ibeju Lekki, Lagos State.

On health, the Akeredolu led administration has signed into law, a contributory health insurance scheme which afford all classes of people in the state access to affordable health care services.

Apart from this, the Akeredolu led administration in partnership with the world Bank is facilitating $500,000 to enhance primary health care across Ondo state.

Governor Akeredolu also facilitated the presentation of 40 imaging medical items to the state medical village by the People's Republic Of China.

On Agriculture, the government reactivated the afforestation projects in Ondo state. 10,000 Hectares of the state afforestation projects sited at Omotoso in Okitipupa local government. The projects is worth N20billion and it's employing over 1,000 youths of Ondo state. It's a Public Private Partnership with Weewood, a Chinese company.

Under Akeredolu, Over N210, 000, 000 have been disbursed to farmers co-operative societies in the state, under the FADAMA Scheme. Also, 1,000 metrics ton of fertilizers have been distributed to farmers in Ondo state for enhanced farming. The Akeredolu's administration has also mobilized 35,000 farmers for the Anchor Borrowers Scheme.

In one year, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Aketi has done these and even more.

Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has said the commission was now poised to deliver credible polls on February 23 after postponing last Saturday’s election because of logistics issues.

He allayed fears that the electoral umpire was being pressured to compromise the February 23 presidential and National Assembly elections.

He also disclosed that announcement of the result of the 2019 presidential election would follow the 2015 pattern, indicating that result would be announced on Tuesday, February 26.

The INEC boss, who fielded questions in Abuja on Wednesday, during INEC’s daily briefings ahead of Saturday’s election, also lauded the scathing attacks directed at it by the two leading political parties, APC and PDP, saying the accusations indicated that INEC was doing the right thing.

He said the commission would have been concerned if the attack was coming from one of the political parties, noting that accusations like the ones being spewed by the political parties were common in election.

He promised, however, to be fair to all parties in the polls, and said the votes of Nigerians would count.

“Let me repeat that now we have more presidential candidates than 2015. We have more registered voters than we had in 2015.

“The size of the result sheet is bigger than we had in 2015, but we are committed to concluding the process for the presidential roughly around the same time that we concluded the last general election.

“I understand that there is greater urgency but keenly following the extension and particularly for those who are covering the commission that they don’t extend their stay more than is expected for the outcome of the election.

“Although whatever we can to speedily conclude the election, consistent with the provisions of the law, we won’t sacrifice due process on the altar of speed.

“But, we will make sure we balance speed and what we are supposed to do under the law,” he stated.

He maintained that INEC’s ICT facilities could not be hacked since, he said, the system was offline.

“I want to assure you that much of our ICT facilities are offline. And, it is almost impossible to attack something that is offline.

“You can only attack something that is online. So much of it is actually offline. But, I have taken note of what you have said and we will continue to strengthen security around the ICT.

“But, at the moment, we have no panic about any possibility of attack on the facility or compromise our ICT facilities,” he assured.

On information making the rounds that the Rivers State APC had written INEC, insisting on its right to field candidates in the 2019 general election, the INEC chairman said the matter had been determined, and that Nigeria was a country built on laws.

He maintained that the Supreme Court, the nation’s apex court, has sealed the fate of the ruling party on the matter.

He declared that as election managers founded on law, it must abide by the decision of the Supreme Court.

“I think the Supreme Court has a number of pronouncements on that matter. And, for that reason, the commission has taken the position made by the judgment of the Supreme Court.

“Under our constitution, the Supreme Court is the last court of resort for any citizen.

“There must be an end to litigations, as lawyers say. And, once a Supreme Court makes a pronouncement, all essence of authority in the paper are bound to obey the judgment of the Supreme Court.

“And the commission, as a law abiding institution, is bound by the judgment. That is my answer to the question, and there is nowhere else to go.

“We will go by the judgments of all the courts but once it gets to the apex court, that is the end to the litigation.”

With that explanation, the commission put paid to the fate of APC and its candidates in Rivers State.
Earlier, while giving update on preparations ahead of Saturday’s rescheduled presidential and National Assembly elections, the INEC boss said it had achieved 100% reconfiguration of the smart card readers.

He also said that stakeholders in the states had commenced verification of INEC materials in the custody of the central bank in various states of the country.

He said deployment of election materials from state capitals and the 774 LGAs had commenced and would be concluded today, Thursday, in all the states.

According to him, special arrangements had been made with the navy, marine police, and other security agencies for the escort of INEC staff and election materials to the five riverine LGAs in Bayelsa as well as other riverine areas in Ondo, Delta, and Edo states.

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed astonishment at the huge amount of foreign currency flooding the country intended to influence the general elections beginning on Saturday.

Speaking during the Federal Executive Council, FEC meeting Wednesday, the President accused some politicians of flouting money laundering regulations in their desperate bid to capture political power.

President Buhari, however, commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC for successfully tracking the money in “millions of United States dollars.”

The EFCC success followed the presidential directive to investigative agencies to probe a number of high profile cases.

Reassuring the nation of his administration’s determination to wage a relentless war against money laundering and terrorist financing, the President again appealed to Nigerians, especially politicians to place the interest of the country above all others, as they troop out to cast their votes in the coming elections.

The Fourth Quarter 2018 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) results released recently by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) give lots of cause to cheer.

Below are salient points to note from the report, as the Muhammadu Buhari administration puts the Nigerian economy on firm, solid footing:

1. The economy has recorded continued progress since it emerged from recession in 2017. Current result shows a Real GDP growth of 2.38% compared to 1.81% in Q3 last year, representing the strongest growth since the economy slipped into recession in 2016.

2. For more than five decades, Nigeria has paid lip service to diversifying the economy, from sole dependence on oil. The latest result shows that economic growth has continued to be driven by the non-oil sector, which grew by 2.70% in Q4 2018, up from 2.32% in Q3 2018. It represents the strongest growth in the sector since Q4 2015.

3. The non-oil GDP growth was driven by Quarrying and Other Minerals, followed by Telecommunications, Agriculture, Manufacturing, and Construction. That is diversification in progress, real time, no matter what the naysayers may say.

4. While the non-oil sector actually drove GDP growth, the oil sector contracted with crude oil and gas GDP reducing by -1.62%. This shows that with good governance, focus, prudence and accountability, the life of the country need not depend on oil ad infinitum.

5. The NBS report further shows that Services GDP growth recorded its best performance in 11 quarters, growing by 2.90% compared to 2.64% in Q3 2018 and 0.10% in Q4 2017. Overall, while growth in the economy was moderated by the contraction in the oil sector, 39 out of 46 economic activities recorded positive growth in the quarter under review.

6. The improved GDP growth can be attributed to Government's continuous implementation of the policy initiatives in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), which has boosted the performance of the non-oil sector.

7. The growth in Q4 2018 GDP is consistent with the improvements in other macroeconomic indicators, including inflation, capital inflows, foreign trade, external reserves, amongst others.

8. Headline inflation has been trending downwards from 18.55% as at December 2016 to 15.37% in December 2017 and further to 11.44% in December 2018.

9. The total value of capital importation into Nigeria stood at $2,140 million in the fourth quarter of 2018. This translates to a full year capital inflow of $16,812 million compared to $12,228 million in 2017.

10. Although the economy is now growing, more still must be done to deepen its diversification and make it less vulnerable to external shocks. That is an unflinching commitment of the Muhammadu Buhari administration.

Those who do not see any good in something not initiated by them toil endlessly to hoodwink Nigerians into believing that nothing good is happening on the economic front. But facts are stubborn things. The more they try to deny the facts, the more they rudely stare at them in the face.

With the Buhari administration, economic Eldorado beckons. Nigeria is inexorably set for that Next Level.

President Muhammadu Buhari has warned against violence during the elections.

Buhari, represented by the Ambassador to Republic of Congo, Deborah Iliya, issued the warning during the women’s conference of the First African Church Mission in Zuturung, Gada Biyu in Zango Kataf Local Govt Area of Kaduna State.



In the address obtained by our correspondent on Monday, the President called on the people of Southern Kaduna to support his reelection bid.

Buhari said, “I’m not an apostle of bloodshed, no, I’m not available for violence.

“Those who sponsor and perpetrate violence during the elections, no matter how highly influential, will face the law. Let me also say that Nigeria is our country, we do not have any other place called Nigeria. This country will not be sacrificed on the altar of violence.

“Our youths are the leaders of tomorrow and so, they must shun any invitation meant to use them for violence. As you all prepare for the general elections, please come out, cast your votes. Do not exchange your Permanent Voter Cards for money.”

The President, who praised the leaders of the church, restated his commitment to creating an environment conducive to Nigerians.

While congratulating the church on behalf of the President for supporting the government, Iliya said the Nigerian project had “become a reality”.

She said, “I believe that your prayers will give your leaders the power towards their numerous efforts to improve the lives of all Nigerians, irrespective of their religious beliefs.

“On the front burner of the agenda of the present administration is the provision of adequate security for the citizenry. The President has since demonstrated this by equipping the security agencies.”



The ambassador added, “The President is a man of peace and a bridge builder. Although he has been greatly misunderstood by many because of his fight against corruption, he means very well for Nigeria. H e is a respecter of every religion and tribe.”

Great initiative

And we will give him

Campaign Fatalities: Buhari sends condolence team to Taraba


President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday despatched a team to Jalingo, Taraba, to condole with the government and people of the state over loss of lives that attended the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential rally.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that three persons lost their lives during a stampede at the APC Presidential Campaign rally in Jalingo, on Feb. 7.
The team, led by Mr Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), included Gov. Jibrilla Bindow of Adamawa; Sen. Ali Ndume and the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammed Bello.

Others were Dr Ali Isa Pantami, Director-General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA); Sen. Yusuf A.Yusuf and Mr Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity.
At the Taraba Government House, where the team was received by Gov. Darius Ishaku, Mr Boss Mustapha, speaking on behalf of the President, lamented the sad loss of eight people during and after the rally, promising that they would not die in vain.
“President Buhari will continue to focus on public good and welfare of the people. The eight people would then not have died in vain.
“They represent the good of our people and country. They wanted good governance as symbolized by President Buhari, so they turned out to welcome him at the rally.

“As we go to the polls, let’s exercise the civic responsibility with zeal, but also with decency and restraint. The country is our own, and we must preserve its oneness,” he said.
Responding, Gov. Ishaku thanked the President for promptly sending a delegation to condole with the people of the state.
He added that the people of Taraba were grateful for the show of concern.
Ishaku prayed that the souls of the dead would rest in peace, stressing: “Peace is my mantra. I stand by it any day. I am thankful that Mr President, who is firstly my elder brother before being my president, came to Taraba in peace, and left in peace.”

An official letter of condolence personally signed by the President was presented to the governor by the SGF.
At the palace of the Emir of Muri, Alhaji Abbas Tafida, the leader of the delegation condoled with the monarch and the people on behalf of the President, praying that God would give them the fortitude to bear the loss.
In response, the Emir said it was President Buhari that needed to be condoled, since he lost his supporters, who loved him dearly.

While promising not to forget the relations of the dead, the Emir said he would do his best to cater for them.
He also urged Nigerians to emulate President Buhari and copy his integrity and transparency.

At the family home of one of the dead, where the relations of other victims had congregated, the names of the deceased were read out.
Alhaji Haruna Kawuwa, who lost his wife, Safiya, at the overcrowding that attended the rally, thanked President Buhari for remembering and condoling with them at their time of sorrow.

The delegation also visited the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo, where prayers were said for the quick recovery of the injured on admission.
On hand during the visit, among many others, were Taraba APC chairman, Barrister Ibrahim El-Sudi, who also got a condolence letter from the President; the APC gubernatorial candidate, Alhaji Sani Danladi, his running mate, and other party chieftains.(NAN

Reasons why you should vote Buhari

Mrs Olubisi Osinbajo, Mother of the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, on Thursday said that President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration had done enough and deserved another term.
Mrs Osinbajo, an 85 -year-old widow, disclosed this when his son, Prof. Osinbajo, visited her during the vice resident’s house-to-house campaign in Somolu area of Lagos State.
“They have tried. If anybody says they have not done anything, then you can say that man or woman is not in this world, such is in another world because they have tried.
“What they (Buhari/Osinbajo) did in three years, people couldn’t do it for 16 years. We are praising God and we shall praise God after the elections.
Mrs Osinbajo thanked God for sparing the life of his son, following the helicopter crash in Kogi on Saturday.
“I am overwhelmed with this visit and I must thank God for everything that He is doing in my life.
“Do you know that on Thursday (Jan. 31), I was busy thanking God and praising God. I didn’t know what was going to happen on Saturday (When Osinbajo Helicopter crashed in Kogi).
” I, have been praising God and I told my people I wanted to praise God on that Thursday until evening of that day not knowing that something would happen on Saturday.
“That gift was given to me by Jesus Christ that I should be praising Him and that I will never be sorrowful. That was what God told me,” Mrs Osinbajo said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Osinbajo on Thursday moved his house-to-house campaign to Somolu to feel the pulse of the residents and seek support of the people for Buhari’s re-election.
The Vice President, who visited some houses in Gbagada, Igi Olugbin and Ladi Lak areas of Solmolu, also engaged in “Road Show” on some streets to seek support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates.
Osinbajo was companied by APC chieftains, including Sen. Anthony Adefuye, Ademorin Kuye, APC candidate for Somolu Federal Constituency and Rotimi Abiru, APC candidate for Lagos State House of Assembly, Somolu Constituency II.
The team also visited the Palace of Oba of Somolu, Oba H.O.A Kassim-Bashua (Odu I).(NAN)

Trade Fair complex in Ojo Area of Lagos State was agog, yesterday, as traders trooped out en masse to endorse the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), President Muhammadu Buhari, for a second tenure.

The traders, who, during the rally, sensitised the people on the need to vote for credible candidates, also endorsed the APC governorship candidate in the state, Babajide Sanwo-olu.

Executive Director/CEO, Lagos International Trade Fair, Lucy Ajayi, said the traders and the people of Amuwo-Odufin have good reasons to support the second coming of president Buhari.

“He is the only person who is capable of leading this country. Before he came in 2015, there was a government in power and the government made mess of things which Buhari’ s administration is repairing gradually.

“You’ll agree with me that corruption was the in thing then, but, under Buhari’s administration, this has reduced drastically. Even, in this complex, the past executives were not remitting money to the government coffers. When I was appointed, Buhari gave me a mandate to transform the place, which I’ve done.

The good thing is that I’m given freedom to work. This is not the first rally we’ve embarked upon, to sensitise the Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area, in support of president Buhari’s re-election.

We want them to know that Buhari has done so well and deserves to be re-elected. We are doing this because, when you don’t sensitise people, they will assume he may not want to come back.

“We’ve reasons to vote for Buhari because he has done so well. It is during this administration that we did the facelift of the place. Truck carrying containers used to fall down because of bad road, but, I’ve put some palliative measures in place and trucks no longer fall.

There was no government presence in this complex, until Buhari came in. We are feeling the Federal Government’s presence now. There used to be security challenges, but, when I was posted here, the people stopped fighting, as I gave many of the jobless youths jobs. The jobs were created by Buhari’s administration and more jobs will be created in his second coming.

“People should come out to vote for Buhari, who has brought sanity in the country. He has also brought respect to the country. One of the most important reasons we should vote for him is that he encourages indigenous production. He has been advocating self-reliance, and if we depend on importation, the country will not move forward .

“He has recovered stolen wealth kept in foreign banks. All the recovered stolen money will be put back into the economy. What we are pleading with the people is to exercise patience with him. The past administration caused a lot of havoc and as you all know, Rome was not built in one day.

“We are not only appealing to traders, we are appealing to the public to join hands to vote for Buhari and Sanwo-olu. You should come out to vote for APC candidates. You will not regret it,” she said.

A leader in the market, Pascal Udeh, called on those who have not collected their permanent voter cards (PVCs) to go and collect theirs, so as not to be disenfranchised.

“PVC is the key to election. If you don’t have it, you are not qualified to vote. I’m speaking on behalf of all the traders, we are in support of Buhari. He has done well in the market through Ajayi, the great woman who has spoken to us. We had never had it so good since Buhari came on board. He has done so well. We are appealing to you to come and vote for Buhari and Sanwo-Olu as president and governor respectively. We are fully in support of the two candidates.”

Less than 10 days to the presidential election, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has pledged to support the candidature of President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as its consensus candidate.

In a statement in Abuja on Thursday, it said the decision was part of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the party.

The statement, signed by the party’s Director of Media and Publicity, Yemi Akinbode, said the party also suspended its National Publicity Secretary, Alfa Muhammad.

“The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has resolved to adopt President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as candidates of our party for the 2019 presidential election.

“Members of the SDP are enjoined to vote for President Buhari at the presidential level only, ” he said.

Akinbode said that the party was not going into merger with the APC but explained the party’s decision was due to its inability to present a candidate.

This, he explained, was due to a “lingering legal battle” between Donald Duke, the winner of the SDP presidential primaries and his major challenger, Prof. Jerry Gana.

“We, therefore, feel that it is imperative to technically withdraw from the presidential election and focus on the National Assembly, governorship and state assembly elections, for which we have fielded candidates across the country.”

The party also suspended its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad, for allegedly breaching its constitution by indulging in anti-party activities.

All attempts to speak with the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Chief Olu Falae, proved abortive as his line was switched off.

When contacted, the Ondo state chairman of the party, Chief Korede Duyile neither affirm the party’s adoption of President Muhammadu Buhari for a second term nor did he deny it.

In a telephone interview, Duyile simply said “I’m still away in Abuja and by tomorrow I will be able to confirm it with you fully. I can’t confirm anything now, I’m in a meeting”.

Taraba agog for President Buhari at APC Campaign Rally on 7th Feb 2019

Taraba Rally 13: A young lady cries to have a glimpse of President Buhari as he attends Campaign Rally in Taraba State on 7th Feb 2019

Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, has said that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government has plans to create an additional state in the South-East.

Obiano said this when members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Lagos branch, paid him a visit at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, Anambra State on Wednesday.

He said, “I am in good terms with the President. He has good plans for the South-East, contrary to the perception of some people.

“He has emotional feeling that the South-East ought to have an additional state.

“I am also hopeful that the Federal Government will set aside November 16 as a national day in memory of the late Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, the first President of this great country.”

Obiano condemned Ohanaeze’s decision to fix a meeting on a day Buhari was in the state to inaugurate Azikiwe’s mausoleum.

Mr Nnamdi Nwigwe, who led the delegation, said they were in the state to show solidarity to the Obiano-led government

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday said that he would provide adequate security to make sure the 2019 general elections are free and fair across the country.

President Buhari further assured Nigerians that he would not change but remain consistent and steadfast in providing good governance to the nation.


President Buhari stated this while addressing party supporters at the Aper Aku stadium, Makurdi, in continuation of his presidential campaign rally in Benue State.

President Buhari explained that when he came to Benue State in 2015 to canvas for votes, he promised to tackle three key areas which include economy, security and fight against corruption.

He maintained that his administration had been able to stop importation of foreign food, particularly rice and encouraged the farmers by making fertilizers available, thereby promoting large scale farming across rural areas in the country.

“You will recall, when I came to canvas for your votes in 2015, l promised three things; to improve economy, security and fighting corruption. I have been able to stop importation of foreign foods.

“Although fighting corruption has remained a major challenge of this government, I will not change but be consistent and steadfast. All recovered looted funds will be used to improve infrastructure, build roads, construct rail lines and improve power.”

On his part, the leader of the APC in Benue State, Senator George Akume, described the PDP led government in the state as a failed one that had refused to improve on the welfare of Benue people.

According to him, President Buhari had taken a bold step to rescue Nigeria from the hands of corrupt leaders who had completely milked the nation’s resources.

“Money meant for fighting Boko Haram was shared mercilessly by these corrupt leaders.


“Today, many of these people are running away from the money kept in the banks. Buhari does not love money; he was a governor in two states, a former head of state and a minister of petroleum resources, yet he had no oil well.

“ Today, there is one governor in the north central Nigeria who is richer than Buhari and has more money than Buhari in just three and half years of being a governor,” Akume stated.

He explained that Benue people have no problems with Fulani herdsmen, saying that he was a governor for eight years and no farmer had problem with any herder.

In continuation of his campaign in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Buhari said when he came in 2015, he discovered that Boko Haram was using young girls of 15 years to kill people. He said the Islamic sect was planting bombs on the girls and sent them to churches, mosques, markets and any crowded area to detonate the bombs which killed a lot of people.

He said his government had been able to tackle security in fulfillment of his promise when he became president.

Seven years after the suspension of its partnership with Ondo State Government, the United Nations Development Programme on Wednesday announced the resumption its development partnership with Ondo State Government.

Mrs Khardiata Lo Ndiaye- Resident Representative made the disclosure
during a courtesy visit to Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN on Wednesday at the Governor’s office, Alagbaka, Akure.

Mrs Khardiata Lo Ndiaye who was accompanied by Mr Matthew Alao expressed the readiness of the United Nations Development Programme to reengage very strongly with Ondo State Government in its various development initiatives.

Mrs Khardiata Lo Ndiaye said that she was aware that the governor has a vision with developmental agenda and key objectives set up all of which she said fall within the 2030 Development Agenda of the United Nations Development Programme.

The Governor who spoke earlier said he was happy to welcome the UNDP team back to the State. Governor Akeredolu said it was on record that the United Nations Development Programme had to suspend its operations in the State in 2013 due to one reason or the other.

The Governor further informed the visiting team that the State Government has a -25 year development plan and open for partnership on the key programme of development particularly provision of social amenities to the people at the grassroots.
http://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/UNDP-Resumes-Partnership-With-Ondo-State-Government

I’ve no personal grudges against Buhari, says Ortom


Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom on Wednesday said that he has no personal grudges against President Muhammadu Buhari.

Ortom, who has defected to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), was at the Nigerian Air Force base, Makurdi to receive President Buhari, whose plane landed at the base around 10.37 am.

According to him, Mr. President is beyond parties as he has made adequate security arrangement for his visit to Benue state.

Speaking with journalists shortly before the President’s plane landed, Ortom said “Mr President is beyond party, he is the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and whatever he is doing, it is our responsibility to give him adequate protocol.

“He is our President, and he is beyond party and so I am doing all the needful.

Read Also: Ortom has no business seeking second term – APC
“There is no special thing in what I am doing, it is what I am supposed to do as governor of Benue State irrespective of party because he remains my President and I respect him.

“I have no personal issues with him; we talk about policies and issues there is no personal grudge.

“So, I am here to receive him, and I have made adequate arrangement. This State belongs to Mr President. So he has access, he can be here and do whatever he wants.” he stated.

Akure stands still for Buhari



Akure, the Ondo State capital literarily stood still for President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday as the popular Moshood Kasimaawoo Abiola (MKO) Abiola Democracy Park in Akure, was yesterday filled to its capacity.



The crowd, majority of whom were supporters of President Buhari were in Akure to welcome the President who was in the state seeking for votes for his re-election bid.

The broom-wielding crowd, decked in various APC branded outfits, thronged the ever-busy and popular Oba Adesida Road shouting “Sai Baba, sai Baba”.



Addressing the party supporters, President Buhari assured Nigerians of the resolve of the present administration to secure the country, and continue tackling all security challenges.

He explained that Boko Haram used to hold substantial parts of the North East, but the situation was no longer so.

“They are now indoctrinating youths especially girls and arming them with explosives for soft targets like churches and mosques, even that has become rare.

“ln 2015, our campaign was based on tackling security challenges, fighting corruption and rejuvenating the battered economy and I believe we have not failed you.

“I can assure you all that we will continue to secure this country and make it corruption-free” he said.

The President further said Nigerian was virtually self sufficient in food security, while importation of rice had reduced by 95 percent.

Buhari further explained that the government was buying fertilizers and making them available to farmers at half price in a bid to improve the economy.

According to him, the most significant part of the campaign was fighting corruption, which was developed into the culture of the country and it could not be gotten rid of rapidly under this system.

He urged people of the state to ensure that all candidates of the APC win every elective position in the February 16 general election both at the state and National Assembly.

Adams Oshiomhole, National Chairman of APC, said the difference between the candidates of APC and PDP was very clear.

He said the APC candidate cared for the poor and down trodden, and remembered their children with the school feeding programme.

“In a country that exports so much crude oil, the child of the poor should have at least one meal a day.

“We have also given every state government money so that workers can be paid. He has stopped importation, and we must stop exporting our jobs to Europe and importing unemployment into Nigeria,” he said.
Akure stands still for Buhari



Akure, the Ondo State capital literarily stood still for President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday as the popular Moshood Kasimaawoo Abiola (MKO) Abiola Democracy Park in Akure, was yesterday filled to its capacity.



The crowd, majority of whom were supporters of President Buhari were in Akure to welcome the President who was in the state seeking for votes for his re-election bid.

The broom-wielding crowd, decked in various APC branded outfits, thronged the ever-busy and popular Oba Adesida Road shouting “Sai Baba, sai Baba”.



Addressing the party supporters, President Buhari assured Nigerians of the resolve of the present administration to secure the country, and continue tackling all security challenges.

He explained that Boko Haram used to hold substantial parts of the North East, but the situation was no longer so.

“They are now indoctrinating youths especially girls and arming them with explosives for soft targets like churches and mosques, even that has become rare.

“ln 2015, our campaign was based on tackling security challenges, fighting corruption and rejuvenating the battered economy and I believe we have not failed you.

“I can assure you all that we will continue to secure this country and make it corruption-free” he said.

The President further said Nigerian was virtually self sufficient in food security, while importation of rice had reduced by 95 percent.

Buhari further explained that the government was buying fertilizers and making them available to farmers at half price in a bid to improve the economy.

According to him, the most significant part of the campaign was fighting corruption, which was developed into the culture of the country and it could not be gotten rid of rapidly under this system.

He urged people of the state to ensure that all candidates of the APC win every elective position in the February 16 general election both at the state and National Assembly.

Adams Oshiomhole, National Chairman of APC, said the difference between the candidates of APC and PDP was very clear.

He said the APC candidate cared for the poor and down trodden, and remembered their children with the school feeding programme.

“In a country that exports so much crude oil, the child of the poor should have at least one meal a day.

“We have also given every state government money so that workers can be paid. He has stopped importation, and we must stop exporting our jobs to Europe and importing unemployment into Nigeria,” he said.
Akure stands still for Buhari



Akure, the Ondo State capital literarily stood still for President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday as the popular Moshood Kasimaawoo Abiola (MKO) Abiola Democracy Park in Akure, was yesterday filled to its capacity.



The crowd, majority of whom were supporters of President Buhari were in Akure to welcome the President who was in the state seeking for votes for his re-election bid.

The broom-wielding crowd, decked in various APC branded outfits, thronged the ever-busy and popular Oba Adesida Road shouting “Sai Baba, sai Baba”.



Addressing the party supporters, President Buhari assured Nigerians of the resolve of the present administration to secure the country, and continue tackling all security challenges.

He explained that Boko Haram used to hold substantial parts of the North East, but the situation was no longer so.

“They are now indoctrinating youths especially girls and arming them with explosives for soft targets like churches and mosques, even that has become rare.

“ln 2015, our campaign was based on tackling security challenges, fighting corruption and rejuvenating the battered economy and I believe we have not failed you.

“I can assure you all that we will continue to secure this country and make it corruption-free” he said.

The President further said Nigerian was virtually self sufficient in food security, while importation of rice had reduced by 95 percent.

Buhari further explained that the government was buying fertilizers and making them available to farmers at half price in a bid to improve the economy.

According to him, the most significant part of the campaign was fighting corruption, which was developed into the culture of the country and it could not be gotten rid of rapidly under this system.

He urged people of the state to ensure that all candidates of the APC win every elective position in the February 16 general election both at the state and National Assembly.

Adams Oshiomhole, National Chairman of APC, said the difference between the candidates of APC and PDP was very clear.

He said the APC candidate cared for the poor and down trodden, and remembered their children with the school feeding programme.

“In a country that exports so much crude oil, the child of the poor should have at least one meal a day.

“We have also given every state government money so that workers can be paid. He has stopped importation, and we must stop exporting our jobs to Europe and importing unemployment into Nigeria,” he said.

https://ondostate.gov.ng/Home/NewsItem/Akure-stands-still-for-Buhari

Is obvious that some Nigerians has failed to see the good in President Muhammadu Buhari’s led administration in less than four years in office, this administration has done notably well in different sectors of the government which in turn has corrected some of the degradation caused by PDP 16 years led administration.
On the basis of Buhari’s tract record, Agriculture has gained a new turn, it booms as Nigeria now exports more than they import. From statistics, agriculture earns the government about $85 Billion annually.
Buhari’s administration launched 4 initiative under the special intervention programme;
“School Feeding”, 9 million children from 49 different public schools has be fed under this initiative. More so, they bought the food from local farmers to help promote local business.
An interest free loan of 30 thousand naira with the name “TraderMoni” were given to traders and Artisans, which increases as they pay back to collect more till it reaches the limit of one million Naira. Also “N-Power”; which is aimed at curbing unemployment, attracts #30,000 every month for unemployed graduates, some were given Laptops and IPad. So far this initiative has alleviated 200,000 unemployed graduate from poverty. More to this, a conditional cash transfer were made to less privilege, most vulnerable in the society, it is paid every 2 months, beneficiaries get #10,000 each time and 400 thousand households has benefitted from this initiative.
Presently, the federal government is working on producing 10 large scale rice processing plats in Bayelsa, Benue, Anambra, Ogun, Bauchi, Kaduna, Kebbi, Kogi and Zamfara State, to help grow and consume our local rice, the government binds the importation of rice, as they also gave out Fertilizer to farmers.
This administration, also completed and commissioned Airports abandoned by the former government. Needless to say, work is on going at the second Niger Bridge, the Yenegoa Oloibiri road wher the former President hails from has witnessed the touch of this administration.
On the bid to get the youths into government, Buhari signed a “Bill of Not Too Young To Run” which allows the youths to vie for any political position in Nigeria, this was not considered by the previous administration
Buhari still remains the right President for Nigeria especially now that he is trying hard to erase the fabrics of corruption that has eaten deep this country and at such deserves your votes.
#CitadelTower
#OndoForBuhari
#OndoStateNextLevelCampaignRally

AS President Muhammadu Buhari visits Ondo State today, the All Progressives Congress, APC, has urged the President to approval the State Deep Sea Port project.

The party described the project “as key to the economic transformation of the State.” In a statement by the party’s state chairman, Mr. Ade Adetimehin said: “The project has suffered undue stagnation because of the handlers’ inability to secure the necessary go ahead by the appreciate agent of the Federal Government.

APC’s spokesperson, Alex Kalejaye said: “The visit of the President State today will further encourage and boost the morale of the State chapter ahead of the general elections.”

Behold the Sunshine State!! All out in thousands to sound the drum for the coming of President Muhammadu Buhari and his Vice, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.
Baba Ni yen!! Baba le kan si!!

Great initiative

Very nice

Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Monday donated another set of brand new vehicles to security agencies in the state as part of the effort of his administration to fight crime and criminals in the state.

It would be recalled that the Governor had sometimes in 2017 donated ten speed boats to the Naval base in Igbokoda for policing of the riverine area of the state. Akeredolu also presented five hilux vans to the state Police command in 2018.

The Governor on Monday presented 17 vehincles to the security agencies in the state. The state Police command got five out of the seventeen while the 32 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army got three and the State Security Service was given two.

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ondo State command, got three cars, while the Special Protection Unit and the Naval base in Igbokoda, got one car each.

Similarly, the Governor had presented one Vehincle to the legionnaire and one for the Anti-Kidnapping Squad.

Governor Akeredolu explained that some petty things could be resolved with patrols, and urged the security agencies to increase patrols in the state.

"Somebody came to me that people are defacing other people's posters, not necessarily All Progressives Congress (APC) posters. You can arrest them. If they know that your patrol is on the road, they will be afraid," he said.

The governor further commended security agencies in the state for reduction of crime, especially kidnapping.

Following a request from the Federal Government, the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, in Abuja, on Thursday, fixed February 4 to resume proceedings on the non assets declaration charge pending against the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen.

The Danladi Umar-led tribunal, in a statement disclosed that FG had in a letter signed by two legal officers at the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, Musa Ibrahim Usman and Fatima Danjuma Ali, applied for continuation of hearing on the charge against Onnoghen.

Onnoghen who was last Friday, suspended from office by President Muhammadu Buhari, is facing a six-count charge bothering on his alleged failure to declare his assets as prescribed by the law.

He was in the charge marked CCT/ABJ/01/19, equally accused of maintaining five separate foreign bank accounts, in breach of the code of conduct for public office holders.

In the statement that was signed by the Head, Press & Public Relations, at the CCT, Mr. Ibraheem Al-Hassan, FG, via the letter it sent through the CCB on Wednesday, drew attention of the three-member panel to a ruling of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, which cleared the coast for Onnoghen’s trial to proceed.

According to Al-Hassan, FG’s request read in part: “The above subject refers. This case came up for hearing of preliminary objection to the jurisdiction of the Tribunal on the 28th of January, 2019 but the Tribunal could not proceed due to the pendency of the case at the Court of Appeal.

“However, in the wake of this afternoon, January 30, 2019 the Court of Appeal has thrown out the appeal.

“Consequently on the above, we urge the Honourable Tribunal to give us a date for resumption of the trial subject to the convenience of the Tribunal, most obliged my Lord”.

The appellate court had in a unanimous decision by a three-man panel led by Justice Abdul Aboki, declined Onnoghen’s request for his trial to be temporarily suspended, pending the determination of an appeal he lodged to challenge the competence of the charge and the procedure adopted by the CCT.

President Buhari arrived Kano for APC Presidential Campaign Rally, paying homage to the Emir of Kano, HRH Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, at the Kano Emir’s Palace! #PMBinKano

The Executive Director, Lagos International Trade Fair Management Board, Mrs. Lucy Omosefe Ajayi has called on all residents of Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos, including market women, youths, among others, to vote for President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidates at all levels in the forthcoming general elections.

Mrs. Lucy Omosefe Ajayi (middle) flanked by other supporters at the rally Ajayi in her address during the Mile 12 Market rally which took place in Kosofe area of Lagos, stated that her support for President Muhammadu Buhari was borne out of the promise fulfilled by the present administration in his first term.

Businesswoman, 39, docked for allegedly issuing N4.1m dud cheque A large number of APC faithful most of whom were clad in white vest with bold pictures of Buhari/Osinbajo and APC logo, converged on the car park of the popular Mile 12 market in the heart of Kosofe, for a support rally she organised.

The Arewa community stakeholders in the area, market women and traders all trooped out to show their support for President Buhari and APC, describing him as a man who detest corruption and is capable of restoring Nigeria’s lost glory. The initiator of the rally, Mrs. Lucy Ajayi, while speaking with Vanguard stated why Buhari’s second term bid will be a smooth one.

According to her: “We are here to tell the people of Kosofe to vote for APC across board because since APC assumed office three-and-a-half years ago and promised them the dividends of democracy, the party has not failed in its duties, therefore, we are appealing to our people to vote for APC across all levels for continuity in the 2019 elections. “Seeing is believing, Buhari speaks and does what he says. I encourage all to come out in masse and vote for our candidates,” she said.

On why the rally was organised in the market square, Lucy said: “Kosofe is a Federal Local Government, and as the former party chairman, I use Mile 12 market because of the crowd and space to accommodate us all, and we have people from various local government areas including Ojo, Alaba, Apapa, Amuwo Odofin among others,” adding that the market people are very reliable. Osinbajo meets Hausa community leader in Lagos “I have influenced the revenue drive target to the tune of N1billion not up to a year of heading the management board, an unprecedented feat at the International Trade Fair and it was made possible by President Buhari’s intolerance for sharp practices, through Treasury Single Account, TSA.

With Buhari, Nigeria is on a speedy recovery path to restoration of lost glory. “Some people have gotten Tradermoni. Even the wife of the President has reeled out programmes for women and the girl-child which is a bold step on her part. Another APC chieftain in the area, Alhaji Muhammadu Dandama Yabo, the chairman, Arewa community, Lagos State, while commenting on the importance of the rally, noted that President Muhammadu Buhari’s achievement is unmatched by previous government owing to his doggedness and untainted integrity.

“Buhari makes promises and follows through. We are sure he will be voted in again because of his passion to grow a genuine Nigeria we all can be proud of. He is all out against stealing and this is assuring enough for us that if he should be re-elected, our country will fare better,” Dandama said. Comrade Moses Samson Adewale, the Lagos State NANS chairman and Acting Coordinator of APC Student Movement, who also spoke at the gathering stated the need for youths to take decisive action in evolving a political system that works and capable of guaranteeing them a sane future.

“We are here in solidarity with our mother, Madam Lucy Ajayi who has done a lot in harnessing and supporting Nigerian youths and students, in this effort geared towards pushing Nigeria to the next level. Nigeria has been suffering from corruption issues which forms PMB’s cardinal agenda. He is trying to address it.

“Though in the education sector we feel there is still much he can do, but without cooperation and enough support we will still have to grapple with the problem for long, we should all give him support and let us take our education to the next level. He also lamented that the strike action embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities will hamper the students from taking active part in the electoral process if it persist.

“Even the strike is affecting the Nigeria student and it is going to affect the coming election in that most of our student are registered in our campuses and if the government and the ASUU leadership do not reach a meaningful agreement, automatically they will be disenfranchising the Nigerian student at large, therefore there is a need for them to call off the strike as soon as possible.

“We cannot leave our future in the hands of the old ones, because they would just continue to drain and train our future to whatever part they feel is ideal, therefore we appeal to Nigerian students and youths to make sure they come out enmasse and participate fully to ensure the change in the political future.

In continuation of the re-election campaigns tour of the winning party, APC round Ondo state and launch of Trader Moni in the state, The Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo accompanied by the Governor of Ondo state, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, visited the Palace of the Paramount Yoruba king of Ugbo Kingdom, in Ilaje local government area of Ondo State, Oba Obateru Akinruntan, The Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom.

The King who received the Vice President and Governor well, was excited and expressed his support for President Muhammadu Buhari and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo in the coming elections.

Addressing the crowd, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu thanked His Royal majesty for his unflinching support always and expressed that his administration is concerned about the welfare of the good people of Ilaje kingdom, security and infrastructural development of the community.

Louder!