₦airaland Forum

The outgoing president of Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari accented to his defeat at the just concluded APC Presidential Rally in Delta State.

He confirmed his position to step aside while handing over the flag of the party to Mr. Great Ogboru.

"I am now handing over the flag of honor of APC to our presidential candidate" Buhari said.

We look forward to seeing more of Mr. Great Ogboru has he take over the campaign from Muhammadu Buhari.

January 15, 2019

Press Conference

Fascism: Get Ready To Defend Your Country, PDP Charges Nigerians

Gentlemen of the press, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) today, makes a clarion call to all Nigerians to brace up for the February 16, 2019 Presidential election as the only way to defend and save our nation from the fascism being plotted by the Muhammadu Buhari Presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Nigerians are already aware that the APC and the Buhari Presidency are not serious with campaigns ahead of the Presidential elections. They know that the APC and its candidate, President Buhari are seeking ways to enmesh the election in crisis, stalemate the electoral process and pave the way for rigging and actualization of plots to perpetuate President Buhari in office.

With the prevailing state of our polity; the flagrant violation of our constitution, continuous attacks on institutions of democracy and principle of separation of powers, consistent abuse of human rights, erosion of personal freedom, uninhibited extra-judicial killings, illegal detention, attack on peaceful protesters, clampdown on the media and vocal members of the Civil Society, as well as the unleashing of brutality on innocent citizens, that have characterized the Buhari Presidency; it is manifestly clear that our nation is on a rapid descent into fascism, which we must all resist with our votes.

The PPCO urges all compatriots to note that any vote for APC is an endorsement of fascism and allowing President Buhari another tenure will be a pathway to full totalitarianism, where citizens would be treated as vassals in a conquered territory.

Today, our freedom and personal liberty as a people are under threat. Our rights as constitutionally guaranteed as citizens are about to be completely taken away. Our last lines of defence as a free people; our legislature and our judiciary are also under siege.

We are all witnesses to the unrelenting assault on the institution of the judiciary and the courts by the Buhari Presidency and the APC. This siege on the Judiciary has now come to a climax with the widely condemned attempt by the Buhari Presidency and the APC to forcefully remove the Chief Justice of the Nigeria, (CJN) Justice Walter Onnoghen.

In spite of widespread condemnation, President Buhari and the APC have refused to show remorse. If anything, they have carried on as if Nigerians are already a conquered people.

This ignoble act is with the view to replace Justice Onnoghen with a pliable CJN that will execute the plot to annex the court and use them to curtail freedom of expression and to silence opposition members as well as perceived opponents of the Buhari administration ahead of the February election.

Such attempt at annexations is to subject judicial officers under the control of the Attorney General to determine and even write judgments on political and human rights cases and cover atrocities of anti-democratic forces.

The world can recall how the Buhari Presidency, in a widely condemned ‘sting operation’ in 2016, used the Directorate of State Services (DSS) to hound and round up sitting Supreme Court and High Court judges in Nigeria.

Since that ‘sting operation’, our judiciary Nigeria has remained under siege with the agents of the Buhari Presidency and the APC directly interfering in cases and trying to direct the rulings of courts.

Nigerians and the world can recall also how agents of the Buhari Presidency and the APC, last year, besieged and attempted to forcefully remove the elected leadership of the National Assembly; the symbol of our democracy.

Nigerians will also recall how the APC and the Buhari Presidency used apparatus of state powers to seal the legislative complex, unleashed thugs to invade the Senate chamber, disrupted legislative proceedings and forcefully carted away the mace, the emblem of the sovereignty and authority of the people.

In our slide into fascism, Nigerians are daily falling victims of extreme torture, illegal detention, extra-judicial and arbitrary killings, forceful crackdown on peaceful protesters and mass burial by unrestrained agents of the state, as detailed in the 2017/2018 Amnesty International (AI) Human Rights Report.

In the same vein, there have been concerted efforts by the government to gag the media leading to the manhandling of journalists and invasion of media houses over reports considered unfavorable to government.

Furthermore, Nigerians can recall how the Buhari Presidency attempted to inject crisis into the electoral process with the delay in the presentation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) election budget and the refusal by President Buhari to sign the amendments to the Electoral Act which eliminates openings for rigging.

This is in addition to the widely condemned foisting of Mrs. Amina Zakari, President Buhari’s relation by marriage, as head of the collation of results of the Presidential poll as well as plot to use the Police as suppressive tool to intimidate voters and assist APC agents to unleash violence and manipulate the process, for which President Buhari is bent on retaining the overtly partisan Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris even when his tenure had expired.

This administration has turned out to be the most vicious in the history of our nation. Nigerians and the world must therefore rise in condemnation of this dangerous drift towards, Hitler’s Germany, Mussolini’s Italy, Idi Amin’s Uganda, Charles Taylor’s Liberia and Than Shwe’s Burma.

Perhaps, President Buhari has forgotten that Nigeria is a democratic state, and needs to be reminded that as a people, we have chosen democracy as a form of government with the personal freedom, liberty and rule of law that it guarantees. Nigerians will never accept any kind of draconian rule and dictatorial tendencies.

We therefore charge all Nigerians; all victims of injustice and brutality of the Buhari Presidency; all victims of the mindless killings encouraged by the insensitivity of the Buhari Presidency; all those impoverished by the corruption and incompetence of the Buhari administration and all lovers of democracy in Nigeria to get ready to defend our nation and save her from fascism by voting out President Buhari on February 16, 2019.

The February Presidential election is therefore a referendum for our freedom. We make a clarion call on Nigerians to vote in defence of our nation. We must vote in defence of our rights and lives as free citizens; we must vote in defence of rule of law and resistance of repressive forces and political bandits seeking to foist a fascist regime on our nation.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan
Director, Media & Publicity
PDP Presidential Campaign Organization

Tension is currently sweeping through Ondo State following the interception of a truck load of 1550 ballot boxes expected to be used in the upcoming re - run Osun elections scheduled for this Thursday.

The transparent white ballot boxes were intercepted on the Akure - Ilesa road, 110 kilometres from the state capital, by state security operatives.


The boxes were found in a 24 feet container trailer with registration number plate, Abuja XE794 ABJ driven by one Mohammed Abdullahi.


The consignment according to Abdullahi, was destined for Osun State. 


Information from eye witness reporters and citizens at the scene of the incident soon spread that the boxes were stuffed with thumb printed ballot cards.


To douse the tension, the police has confiscated the boxes in the presence of police, state security and INEC officials, reporters and representatives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Police Area Command head office Akure.


When contacted earlier on, Mr. Kayode Idowu, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman said he is not yet aware of such development. Further attempts to contact him as since proved abortive as all his numbers has been switched off.


Meanwhile, the driver of the truck has been detained along with the truck pending when the state security personnel are able to determine the origin of the truck and subsequently fish out the master minds of such criminal acts.

There are men and there are men! There are those who came to the world only to allow the world to pass through them. And there are those who made sure to sacrifice sleep, sweat and pleasure to leave a lasting legacy in the world so that they can pass through the world rather than having the world pass through them!

One of such men is Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, the spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party of Nigeria. Rising from humble beginnings earlier on in life, he set a benchmark of success for the future which has eventually helped him to become not only a man of means but also a man that is passing through this world while leaving lasting legacies and footprints in the hearts of every man and woman he has ever came across.

To many, they see him as the highly placed National Publicity Secretary of the largest political party in sub Saharan Africa. They see him as a man at the apex of his dreams, they see him as a man who dine with kings and princes and not before mean men of this world.

Hardly would you see any household that his name is not been mentioned. You may praise him or you may castigate him, but one major fact that you can not take away from him is that he is at the top!

In Nigeria and the whole large part of west Africa all the way to Israel, Russia, Great Britain and the United States of America, his name is being echoed on the lips of men and women of all race, tribe and religion.

He is the ruling party's government's nightmare, the All Progressive Congress bad day, the single voice of reasoning in the political arena of Nigeria, the distant voice of hope calling out from the desert to the desolate and down trodding Nigerian populace.

Yes, he is a loving husband, great father and inspirational mentor on the home front. On the political front, he is an enigma, the Nigerian Samson that has kept the APC Philistines currently destroying Nigeria in check. His is the silencing voice of reason, vile preachers of hate and deception turned on their heels at his arrival.

He has been busy restoring sanity just when Nigerians thought there's no sanity in the nation anymore. Nigerians continue to hope for a better and all inclusive governance because of Kola Ologbondiyan. Kola is a man of simple means that can not be corrupted, his concern is not about personal enrichment. He still drives himself in his Toyota Camry despite the position of oportunities he occupies.

His staffs always say good things about him, his extended family are not left behind. He is so humble that he always show up at his staffs' events unexpected to put a smile on their face and help support the occasion. He always listen to his followers and identify with them. He is so fond of always saying 'dont prostrate for me, stand up and talk to me.'

His loyalty is to God, family and country. He is so pious that you can't buy or bribe him with money. He turned down many positions of power in Kogi state even before he came into office as the National Publicity Secretary of PDP. As a member of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC), if he is not attending any external function or speaking on TV and radio, Kola always resume work as early as 8am and stays late until his staffs start telling him its late and its time to go home. In fact they even seldom beg him to eat as he is always engulfed in his work.

He has silenced all the lying lips and deceptive tongues of vile and desperate people that are ready to destroy Nigeria for their own selfish gains as a result of his determination to work hard to contribute his quota to ensuring that a government of the people, for the people and by the people is brought back to Nigeria. One by one they came after him from different ways and one by one they took to their heels in different directions. Even the lion of Edo state knows better than to go after Kola Ologbondiyan now.

When we are talking about men that are working to uplift Nigeria back to her previous status, Kola Ologbondiyan is one of such few men. Let me make bold to say Nigeria is blessed to have people like Kola Ologbondiyan at a crucial time like this in the nation's history!

By Broda Ayo
@sovereignayo

How men change: A case study of Senator Smart Adeyemi.

Senator Smart Adeyemi, a man that fell from grace because of his unending taste to hold on to power and greed for money.

He used to be a highky reverred and astute politician in his early years in politics. His people loved him and the youth also looked up to him. But all that was to come to abrupt end when he couldnt serve his people well as a senator of the federal republic of Nigeria. What a shame.

He was beaten by Senator Dino Melaye when he tried to run for the same seat which he has proven times without number to be effective in. His bitterness at losing at the polls led him to dump PDP for APC in the hopes of using his affiliation with the APC evil machinery of governance to rig his way into federal power again.

Senator Smart Adeyemi 's allignment with the APC can only be compared to that of a man who sold his soul to the devil just for a piece of morsel and some paltry pottridges.

He has since gone from being a man of honor as disciplined character to becoming a man of evil and vile intentions. He now proudly does and fight in support of everything he once fought against when he was a serving senator.

In his quest to desperately steal a mandate that no longer belongs to him, he shamelessly brought himself so low to become a stooge to the unpopular and infamous governor of Kogi state; Yahaya Bellow aka 'Little Hitler of Kogi'. He Senator Smart is now an errand boy for Yahaya Bello. It is so bitter to hear that a one time distinguished senator is now been ordered around by the likes of Edward Onoja the chief of staff to kogi governor. Its a pity what men will do for their stomach!

Dont let us forget that this same Senator Smart Adeyemi played an evil role during the recently concluded Lokoja/Koto Federal Constituency Bye Election in Kogi state. He was seen by many witnesses shamelessly moving around polling units with men of the state anti robbery squad SARS in order to intimidate and force innocent voters to cast their votes in support of APC.

Senator Smart Adeyemi has also proven to be a sneaky bastard and an insecure man of stony heart. He has been trying to penetrate into the close ranks of members of PDP in Kogi state in a deliberate effort to gather information on the activities of the peoples democrats.

One of such of Senator Smart evil ploys was to go about using stipends to lure unsuspecting and greedy staffs of PDP members serving in government in order to divulge vital information on theit bosses' movements from them. The latest victims of such disgusting and unholy attempt is Mr. Adekunle David, a personal assitant to the indefatigable and unshakable Hon. Sunday Karimi. The traitorious Mr Adekunle David fell into Senator Smary Adeyemi's traps because of a paltry N25,000 monthly side pay in exchange for information on his boss's movement and activities. What a double faced man.

But we give glory to God that the faces of the evil ones in ranks of good people who have the best at heart for their nation is being revealed. God will continue to reveal all the evil plans of Senator Smart Adeyemi and all his evil collaborators.

What we do today echos in eternity So let us spend our lives doing good to all and hurting none.

Contrary to the report that the personal assistant to the member representing Yagba Federal constituency at the green chamber, Hon. Sunday Karimi, resigned his appointment, facts has emerged on the reason why the two term member of the house of representatives sacked his personal assistant, Mr Victor Adekunle David.

Adekunle is said to have been exhibiting act of disloyalty to his boss, particularly his penchant for gossip and blackmail which made his boss to loss confidence in him thereby reducing his functions to a mere errand boy who only go to bank to deposit money in bank and send correspondence to the village.

The estranged Personal Assistant to the Honourable was also said to be a dishonest character who cannot be trusted to hold the confidential duties of a personal assistant but was left on the job out of benevolence and sympathy of his boss who considered him as a family man who need to cater for his family needs.

The decision to sack Mr Adekunle was arrived at when it was established that he has been on the pay role of Senator Smart Adeyemi of the APC, earning N25,000 monthly. His role is to give vital informations about the movement of his boss and his political activities, a development which was said to have angered Hon Karimi who was said to have sacked him and barred him from coming to his office.

A close source to Hon Karimi told our correspondence that the purported resignation letter in circulation is an after thought to get back at the Karimi who was said to have disgraced him out of his office about a week before the date on the resignation letter which the honourable himself read on the internet.

When contacted to comment on the allerged resignation of his personal assistant, Hon. Karimi said Adekunle is not worth his comment but to set the record straight, he was simply sacked and I want to advise the public and all my political associates and supporters to discontenance his attempt to disparage my person.

Mr Adekule was said to have found a safe heaven with Senator Smart Adeyemi who is desperate to score cheap political goal to boost his chances of clinching the Kogi west APC senatorial ticket. Senator Smart is is said to have practically turned herself to an errand boy of Governor Yahaya Bello and his chief of staff in his bid to get nomination of the APC was very happy to received Mr Adekunle whom political observers described as a light weight politician whose absence will not be felt by his former boss.

KOGI STATE BYE ELECTION 2018: YAHAYA BELLO USES SECURITY FORCES TO BLOCK ENTRANCE INTO LOKOJA THE STATE CAPITAL AHEAD OF AUGUST 11, 2018 BYE ELECTIONS


The Kogi state governor, Yahaya Bello has directed all security personnels in the state to block all roads leading into Lokoja the state capital ahead of the state Bye Elections scheduled to be held tomorrow August 11, 2018


The security forces has been properly mobilised with huge sums of money which was disbursed through the state commission of police, the Kogi state head of intelligence and the commander of the Nigeria Army platoon garrisoned in Kogi state.


The length and breadth of Lokoja was left awestruck all night by the heavy movement of security forces across the state capital which was subsequentely accompanied with sporadic gun shots.


Our source reliably gathered that all roads leading into Lokoja has been blocked and no one is permitted to enter until after the elections scheduled for tomorrow


This gladiatorial move was pre-empted by the plot to massively rigg and distraught the election results without the presence of watchful eyes of the opposition agents which the aim has been designed to inevitably favour the candidate of the All Progressives Congress; Isa Haruna.


Other opposition parties accredited observers are being forced to exploit alternate risky routes into the state capital through the water ways. "Our democracy is under attack in Kogi state by a democratically elected governor but we are prepared to risk our lives in order to restore true democracy back to Kogi citizens. "We are prepared to lay down our lives for the cause of good governance even if it means drowning in the confluence river" - said one of the opposition party agents interviewed by our under cover reporters.


Reliable reports also reaching us indicates that kogi state government security forces are currently storming and breaking into hotels and guest inns suspected to be harbouring opposition parties' election observing agents in the state capital.


We have been informed that the massive operation to crack down on all opposition parties' agents by the state security forces are being led by the state deputy commissioner of police Mr Monday Kuryas, the head of the Nigerian Army in Kogi state and the Kogi state head of intelligence who happens to be an appointtee of the kogi state governor. We have also reliably gathered that an illegal crack team of the Nigerian Airforce has been deployed into Kogi state from Abuja for the same above mentioned purposes.


"Yahaya Bello wants to win this election at all cost and it is evident that he doesnt care if democracy fail or falter in the process." Said one of the opposition parties agents interviewed by our undercover reporters.


A. Ayodeji is reporting from Lokoja the state capital of Kogi state.

The Kogi state governor; Yahaya Bello has given out already written fake election results to fake INEC agents to distribute to election collations centres across the state a day to the actual elections.


The agents are members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and loyalists of the governor of Kogi state. Their mission is to travel to all local government and ward collation centres to make sure that the fake election results are included in the real election results. 


A reliable source from the Kogi state government house who refused to reveal his identity emphasised thay 'The fake INEC observers has moved out in over 25 groups across the state to deliver their manufactured election results in order to make sure that the outcome of the election favour the APC candidate Isa Haruna in the Kogi Lokoja/Kotonkarfi 2018 bye elections.


Speaking to our reporter on ground in Lokoja this evening, the source reiterated that the agents are moving out under the protection of government security personnels which includes the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force alongside political thugs that has been hired from Kogi Central Senatorial District by Alhaji Yahaya Bello the governor of Kogi state.


The source further affirmed that directives has been sent out to all security apparatus and election agents to keep the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Department of State Services (DSS/SSS) in the dark over their planned nefarious activities during the August 11, 2018 bye elections scheduled to take place tomorrow.


"The thugs have been mobilised with arms and ammunitions by the Kogi state State Anti Robbery Squard (SARS) with the full support and mobilisation of the Kogi state Deputy Commissioner of Police Mr. Monday Kuryas".


Their plan is to start shooting and chasing voters away during which they plan to use the opportunity of the rampage to successfully insert the fake election results and overturn the authentic ones. 


The APC/Yahaya Bello agents have three (3) main targets to execute their almost perfectly executed plans.


1. To attack the state polling units with intent to slot in the fake election results and if that fails;


2. To attack the local government collation centers with intent to slot in the fake election results and if that fails;


3. To attack the ward collation centers with intent to slot in the fake election results. 


They are strongly focused on the ward collation centers because that is where the results will be transmitted to the local government collation centers and the Polling Units.


"Security personnels has been deployed all around the state to block and man check points at all entries from the ward collation centers. The security forces has been given orders to search all vehicles and passengers trying to get into Lokoja with real election results papers and pictures taken by mobile devices and to confiscate the materials and detain their carriers until after the election results has been announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)"


Gunshots are being heard all over the state capital and there has been heavy movement of security personnels all over the capital. 


One source in the APC that our undercover reporters spoke to said "this election is a do or die affair for us and we the members of Kogi state APC are ready to give all it takes to win this election. The opposition can go to court to challenge the outcome if they like. We dont care because the duration of the tenure in office for the winner is just 7 months and election tribunals require 6 months to address any election case. So we are ready"


A. Ayodeji is reporting from Lokoja the capital of Kogi state.

Some thugs openly chanting APC slogans and brazenly flying APC outfits was spotted in Lokoja this evening by one of our reporters on ground to monitor the scheduled House of Representatives bye-election in Lokoja/Kotonkarfe constituency tomorrow Saturday, August 10, 2018

Information gathered is that the thugs were hired from Kogi central and moved into the state capital in groups of 3 and 4 people at a time in order to avoid being detected by any watchful eyes of the opposition parties going up against the All Progressives Congress candidates tomorrow.

We are also reliably informed that each person was paid N150,000 and have been given clear directives to take over all the polling units tomorrow by force if it becomes evident that the vote are not favouring the All Progressives Congress candidate.

We hereby call on all lovers of democracy, friends of Kogi State Government, indigenes and security agencies to stay alert to their antics.

NOT LAZY NIGERIANS MOVEMENT FIRST PUBLIC APPEARANCE / INTERACTIVE SESSION TAGGED "PVC AWARENESS AND SENSITISATION WALK"

TIME: 11AM PROMPT.   VENUE: MILLENIUM PARK ABUJA.   DATE: JULY 21, 2018


Not Lazy Nigerians Movement is launching out tomorrow Saturday 21, July 2018 at Millenium Park in Abuja.


We are conducting our first public appearance which will mark the first of our national outing tomorrow starting from Abuja the nation's capital.


This is our first of many public appearances in Nigeria. 


The event will feature:


Interactive session between all members of Not Lazy Nigerians Movement in Abuja


Permanent Voters Card awareness walk and public sensitisation.


Mass rallying up of Nigerians to join the movement towards building a great Nigeria that we can be proud of.


Its going to be explicit, interesting and interactive.


Most times history calls on us to be a part of something great but then we slack and loss our place. Don't be a Lazy Nigerian Youth show up and come with your friends and family that are tired of the status quo.


DONT BE A LAZY NIGERIAN YOUTH AND ENDEAVOUR TO ATTEND!


For informations and enquiries please call the following numbers: 


Comrade Joseph: 08154002097


Comrade Tom: 08055314525


Comrade Ayo: 08164832269


It is time for Nigerian youths to show the world that we are not lazy Nigerians!

March 20, 2018

Press Statement

PDP to Orubebe: We Will Not Disappoint Nigerians

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reassured that its repositioned and rebranded platform remains the best political vehicle to return Nigeria to the path of good governance and national unity.

The party said it has been aggregating opinions of its members and Nigerians at large on the way forward and has since perfected a level playing ground as no individual or group can claim ownership or control of the party under its present leadership.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, in a statement on Tuesday, said the fears expressed by one of the party leaders and a former minister, Elder Godsday Orubebe, was rather misplaced as the issues contemplated in his open letter are no longer obtainable in the repositioned PDP.

It is also obvious to all, that our great party, under the leadership of Prince Uche Secondus, has since been thrown open to all Nigerians for equal and unhindered participation, a development that has led to the renewed interest of Nigerians on our platform as the only true vehicle to return the nation to good governance.

Furthermore, we have already moved forward by inviting members who had left the party and the responses, which we have received so far, have been very encouraging. Not just that, our party is also receiving new members from other political parties and we will soon commence an online registration to capture the old, new and returning members with equal rights, opportunities and privileges.

It is imperative to inform that with the proposed membership drive through the online registration, it is certain that the party is being returned to the people, whose financial contributions would make them the true owners of the PDP.

As a political party, with mass support of Nigerians and representing all interests across the six geo-political zones, the 36 states of the federation and the FCT, our new leadership has succeeded in bringing all our members on board and we are working together now, more than ever before, to rescue our nation from the misrule of the dysfunctional All Progressives Congress (APC).

We therefore urge all our members to continue to propagate the ideals of our party and engage only in activities that promote unity and the tenets of democracy in line with the vision of our founding fathers and the overall interest of our dear nation.

Today, Nigerians across board are waiting on the PDP to navigate our collective quest for a return to good governance, national cohesion and economic prosperity and we cannot afford to disappoint them.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary

MARCH 20, 2018

PRESS RELEASE

UNDUE POLITICAL INTEREST AND INTERFERENCE IN THE CASE OF CHIEF OLISA METUH.

In the past few weeks, we have witnessed statements, sponsored articles and comments by the All Progressive Congress (APC) and some federal government office holders and apologists in furtherance of the well- funded media trial against our Client, Chief Olisa Metuh.

More disturbing is the direct threat, harassment and intimidation of medical personnel and institutions involved in the treatment and management of our client's ill-health. We have instances and evidence of these APC controlled agents and agencies directly interfering with the various hospitals that have admitted Chief Metuh in the last two months but the latest is the letter written by APC to the Wellington hospital, London, U.K, depicting our client as an enemy of the Nigerian state and one that should not even access to medical treatment abroad.

A simple Google search on Dr. Adrian Casey would have revealed his profile including his references in the wellington hospital website. However these individuals were actually more interested in continuing with the ridicule and media trial of our client and to go further to create controversies even with his last hope for medical succour. Are they just more interested in ensuring that he must be denied access to medical treatment at all cost?

It should be recalled that the APC and government officials had launched a massive campaign to ridicule, mock and make cruel jokes of Chief Metuh's appearance on a stretcher and subsequently in a wheelchair in his obedience to the Rulings and Orders of Justice Abang. 

These people are quite aware that the learned Judge had ruled that he will no longer accept medical reports from any doctor in Nigeria. On the same day, the Court ordered that Metuh must appear in Court at the next adjourned date and the only clear choice for a bedridden person would be to appear in Court with his hospital bed or in a stretcher. 

The clear fact, as evidenced by his MRI report, is that Chief Olisa Metuh has severe spondylosis with disc herniations, cord and nerve root compressions in his Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbosacral spine. This has resulted in semi-paralysis and we have even gone further in open Court to request that the prosecution be allowed to conduct their own independent clinical examination of the person involved.

Our Client has not left the confines of a hospital or his own bedroom for the past 2 months except to attend Court proceedings. He spent several hours in Court on the 14th of March, 2018 and had to be taken straight to hospital to be sedated with pentadine injection and other strong pain killers. In order to be present in Court on subsequent days (15th and 16th of March 2018) he also had to take the strong pain killer injections early morning before the sittings. This however, resulted in our Client being semi-drowsy on the 15th and 16th and was clearly unable to even observe or follow the proceedings in open Court.

In any case, are these people not aware that it is only in Chief Olisa Metuh’s matter that the issue of release of passport for an accused person has been such an impossibility?

Just last week, a Court released the passport of an accused person being prosecuted by the same EFCC to enable him attend a conference abroad. Others have been allowed to go for medical check- up abroad and even for pilgrimage. The same Court had also granted some other accused persons facing charges the same indulgence being denied Chief Olisa Metuh.

We believe strongly that these media trials are geared towards convincing the public that a man whose charge is that he "reasonably ought to have known" that the money given to him was part of an unlawful activity of another individual who has not even been questioned, investigated or charged is already guilty and convicted even before he has given his evidence in the matter.

Our Client, Chief Olisa Metuh has pleaded not guilty to the charges and has been making his case on his innocence. He has applied the highest level of comportment in showing his respect for our legal system. His only worry remains his plea to be allowed to have a definitive treatment of his worsening ailment. He has suffered humiliation and pain simply by being obedient to court orders.

The fight against corruption does not imply persecution, manifest wickedness and lynch mob approach to particular individuals.

Enough is Enough!


Signed:

Barr. Benchuks Nwosu
Counsel To Chief Olisa Metuh

By: Martin's Adeniyi


Youths under the aegis of Kabba/Bunu Youth Agenda Forum (KBYAF) have thrown their weight behind Comrade Akinwale Samuel-Aledare for the 2019 House of Assembly in Kabba/Bunu Constituency of Kogi State.



Speaking on behalf of the group, Mr. Martin's Adeniyi said the group had carefully screened all the people jostling for the seat and found that Comrade Akinwale Samuel-Aledare was the best of them all.



When the group approached him on the need for him to accept its call to represent the constituency come 2019, the Philanthropist, who is fondly called “Grassroot Man,” promised to rescue the constituency from poor representation and misrepresentation if elected into the House of Assembly come 2019.


He said: “I am indeed humbled by the clarion call on me by the ever political conscious youths of Kabba/Bunu Constituency to come on board to salvage our constituency from total misrepresentation in the past. I am left with no option than to yield to the voice of my people.”.



The group further stated that they believe in truth that if the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, will ensure a level playing field for all candidates irrespective of political parties, Akinwale would win the election overwhelmingly.


In a related development, the people of Aiyeteju/Kajola Ward in Kabba Area, where Akinwale comes from, have described the movement as a train for change, which no one can stop, saying “those who say their philanthropic leader will not occupy the House of Assembly seat in 2019, should keep watching to see what God has already perfected.”


Adeniyi,also appealed to every kabba/Bunu youths to brace up and sensitize both young and old on the need to get their PVC ready for 2019.

NNPC MD Says Buhari's Chief Of Staff Abba Kyari’s Asked Them To Keep N50bn Away From TSA

The House of Representatives on Tuesday raised questions over a “purported” presidential approval withholding some special Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation accounts from being transferred to the Treasury Single Account. The accounts, with funds worth N50bn, are still being kept by commercial banks in breach of the TSA policy, which provides that all accounts belonging to Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government should be transferred to the TSA. The TSA, a centralised Federal Government revenue account, is kept by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Sahara reporters
��������

May God deliver us from evil

From $26b misappropriated,$43m hidden @ikoyi house ,#500m mtn birbe,#2.6b for grasscutting ,#120b IGPgate,#300b mainagate,$200m COAS Dubai houses etc.....now #50b hidden away

According to his claims
Buhari, the self acclaimed "man of integrity....was born in 1942, and finished secondary school in 1953 (1953-1942 = 11years)

�����������������

Nigerians stop crying,you have an highly intelligent man as President which most countries don't have,with such a great achievement
Even more physically and mentally stable@80 years to run for second term(2019) which most 1st class university graduates,entrepreneurs working with years of experience can not offer at 50 years
�����������������

Our mumu never do

December 13, 2017


For APC, the Bell Tolls


The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has noted the frenzied moves by the All Progressive Congress (APC) to create disaffection among our members, distract our great party, and divert the attention of Nigerians from the colossal failure of its government.


 Having woefully failed to stop the PDP elective National Convention, a desperate APC has again failed in another bid to plant seeds of discord within the ranks of our members in the Southwest, particularly on issues relating to the outcome of our hugely successful  National Convention.


The people of the South West have, however, seen through the antics of the APC propaganda machine and  would not allow themselves be deceived.


The South West leaders who contested for the PDP National Chairmanship position are all men of quality and credibility; the fallout of the convention cannot, in any way,  diminish their standing as core nationalists and statesmen whose interests, particularly in the PDP, and the nation, are not driven by personal or ethnic considerations.

 

What essentially drives the individual and collective aspirations of the Southwest leaders in the PDP remains in tandem with the vision of other leaders of our party across the country, which is to rescue our dear nation from the directionless administration of the APC with its attendant economic hardship on Nigerians.


In fretting, the APC does not seem to realize that people in the Southwest are as much victims of its misrule as other Nigerians. Those in the Southwest suffer from the current shambolic state of the economy which the APC administration has inflicted on the nation; they groan from the APC’s negative policies on foreign exchange as well as the heavy taxations that are killing industries and businesses; they suffer the misery in the land resulting from the spiral rate of inflation, decline in the stock market and decayed infrastructure.


The APC’s attempt to plant seeds of discord among our members in the South west merely betrays their fears of losing control of the region.


 The southwest is too sophisticated to fall for the gimmicks of the APC. They cannot be distracted or deceived by baseless propaganda and cheap resort to ethnic politics. The Southwest will not fail to join other despairing Nigerians in voting  out the APC in the 2019 election.


The truth is that the APC administration, having wrecked the country, is resorting to shadow boxing to stay afloat; Nigerians are, however, impatient to kick them out.


The APC must note that their exit has become inevitable. They must note that the more they fight the PDP,  the more united we become and the more Nigerians see through their deception and emptiness. 


Today, many are leaving their ranks in droves. Very soon their party will be empty and its collapse will be loud.


For the PDP, we remain one big family committed to credible processes that guarantee internal democracy in our party. Our leaders have since revved our internal conflict resolution mechanisms to pacify those disaffected by the outcome of our convention and consultations in this direction are yielding tremendously positive results.


 Finally, the PDP assures all Nigerians not to despair as we have now repositioned to provide direction and return the nation back to the path of unity and prosperity: a nation where citizens live without fear of molestation by those with the apparatus of state power.


 Signed:


 


Kola Ologbondiyan


National Publicity Secretary

It’s unfortunate that @APCNigeria Convention is on recess since October 2014.


Article 25 (A)(i) of the APC constitution stipulates that the National Convention of the Party shall be held ONCE in two (2) years at a date to be recommended by the NWC.


Last APC convention was Oct. 2014.



It's rather funny APC as a Clueless Party are throwing stones at PDP who has successfully conducted four (4) Conventions in 2 years.


My dear APC, Go and conduct your Convention and leave PDP alone.

#Just as they deceived those 15m MUMUs in 2015, they have started the 2019 election deceit...

*Buhari goes to Daura to greet his cows.

*Osinbajo goes to the market to buy ATARODO and TOMATO in Ijebu.

*Aisha Buhari sighted inside KEKE NAPEP.

Soon, another story of KULIKULI seller donating N1,000 to Buhari's campaign fund and people TREKKING from Lagos to Abuja will start...

As for me, I was not deceived in 2015 when they shared pictures of Buhari using sachet COWBELL MILK to drink tea and I will never be deceived now even if they show video of Buhari riding Okada from Daura to Abuja.
#Hisssssssssh

December 13, 2017



Press Statement



PDP Congratulates Gov. Nyesom Wike At 50



The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has sent a message of congratulation to the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike as he marks his 50th birthday anniversary today.



PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, in a statement on Wednesday praised Governor Wike for his political sagacity that has propelled the party to greater heights.



Specifically, the party said Governor Wike, who has earned the sobriquet of “Mr. Project” because of his outstanding performance in the development of Rivers State is a jewel and pride not only to the PDP and Rivers state but also to the nation at large.



“The PDP is very proud of Governor Wike for his exceptional leadership qualities and outstanding performance which have spanned over the years. He is an excellent manager of men and resources with a track record of performance as a former local government chairman, Chief of Staff of Rivers state, minister of the Federal Republic and now as Executive governor of Rivers state”, the party said.



The party urged him to remain steadfast in his determination to bring the dividend of democracy to the people of Rivers state and good governance to Nigerians.



The PDP also prayed that God in his infinite mercies will grant Governor Wike good health, peace and courage in the years ahead.



Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan

National Publicity Secretary

*PUNCH*

Amaechi says Jonathan wasted $65bn excess crude fund, PDP kicks

Oyegun congratulates Secondus, preaches tolerance

Three die in suicide attack on Borno village

Removal threat: Olubadan says high chiefs are year-end entertainers

Saraki faces fresh CCT trial, to appeal at SCourt

Estate surveyor boss dies while delivering speech at ICPC

NAssembly puts Lagos-Ibadan road reconstruction on hold, dumps N135bn request

Northern senators debate restructuring, insecurity at retreat

TSA: Reps query Buharis exemption of N50bn NNPC accounts

Okowa, Obiano, FRSC meet over Niger Bridge Yuletide gridlock

Monarchs petition Buhari, demand probe into Kanus fathers whereabouts

Nigerias population alone cant attract foreign investments NEPZA boss

Senate queries minister over repeated votes in 2018 budget

NUPENG seeks end to fuel scarcity in Abuja, others

FG hands over State House, Marina to Lagos

Lawyers tackle trafficking

NPA denies recruitment report

El-Rufai signs N216.55bn budget into law


*VANGUARD*

2014 Confab report: Northern senators tackle Southern counterparts

January 13, payback time for Victor Umeh ' APGA Forum

Mrs Ambode makes case for less-privileged children

Contempt: Lagos bizman asks court to hands off case

NMA demands compulsory health insurance nationwide

Relocation: Lagos shuts Chisco, other transport fims at Jibowu

We couldn't meet N30bn target because of LG polls, says Kwara Revenue Service

What Nigerian varsities must do to be relevant 'American don

Nigerians must stop NGO bill in 24 hrs ' Amnesty Int'l warns

deposition threat: You're end-of-the-year entertainers, Olubadan replies kingmakers

APGA to field presidential candidate in 2019

Boundary crisis: A-Ibom community seeks reconciliation

Karo lauds Okowa over successful PDP convention

Warring Ogbe-Ijoh, Aladja communities told to pursue peace

Court rules on Omotoso's suit against bank tomorrow

NSE honours ex-Delta SSG, Erheuero

Ongoing civil service reforms will enhance productivity ' Obaseki

JAMB warns against fake question papers


*THE NATION*



The Nation News Headlines Today 
[Wed-13-Dec-2017]

Updated: 2 mins ago

Court of Appeal to Saraki: you have case to answer

Nigeria plans to boost oil output as price hits $65

2019: PDP begins search for candidate

You can't remove me, Olubadan tells obas

JAMB remits N3b more to Federation Account

Costain, Jibowu bridges to go

Nganjiwa's acquittal: Senior lawyers hail verdict

Soldiers, policemen clash in Ondo

DSS attack Journalists at A'Ibom Govt House

Court orders remand of 21-yr-old over murder charge

Obaseki engages Ambrose Alli Varsity management over ranking, sets performance target

29 bag 1st Class at August 2017 law exams ' DG

NNPC threatens to shut stations hoarding fuel

Banks, insurance firms owe NHF N6.7 trillion

Senate kicks against tariff increase by DisCos

BDCs should access dollars from I&E Forex Window

Only 14 of 34 free trade zones functional

PenCom queries two PFAs


*THISDAY*

Lawyers Welcome Appeal Court Judgment on Prosecution of Judges

A'Court Affirms CCT Ruling on 15 Charges Against Saraki

Oil Prices Hit $65 on North Sea Pipeline Closure

Oyegun Salutes Secondus, Calls for Robust Engagement

Premiere of Wedding Party 2 Dazzles with Display of Middle Eastern Glamour

Deposition Threat, an Affront to Ibadan People, Says Olubadan

Donald Trump: Israeli's Friend or Foe

House C'ttee: Banks Still Holding N50bn Outside TSA

Buhari in Paris, Advocates Restructuring of Nigerian Economy Through Technology

Kachikwu: 2019 Target to End Petrol Imports

IMF Harps on Economic Diversification for Nigeria, Others

CBN Injects $210m into Forex Market

For Secondus to Succeed

Let the NDDC Be

Is Nigerias Security Architecture Degenerating Into a House Of Cards

FIFA Sanctions Nigeria over Use of Ineligible Player

Ambassador Prays for Nigeria, Russia Fina


*THE SUN*

Nsukka stands still as Kalu, Ovia, Sultan receive honorary doctorate degrees

When FCT rosefor PLWDs

US, UK security alert puts FCT on edge

PDP reconciliation: Dickson panel meets George, Gana, Adeniran, others

Akwa Ibom LG polls :We're focusing more on 2019 'APC

2019: APGA may field Obiano as presidential candidate

PDP suspends congress in Anambra

Igbo intellectuals, leaders launch book on restructuring

Day NCWS honoured agriculturists

Past govt blew $65bn Excess Crude Account savings 'Amaechi

Day foundation honoured DPO Garba, Dede Uzor in Onitsha

In Kebbi, PDP crisis festers despite reconciliation

Group takes advocacy to agric sector in Anambra

2019: Buhari may pick Tinubu as VP

PDP: Oyegun tasks Secondus on responsible leadership

Ambassador hopes for Nigeria, Russia World Cup final

CHAN Eagles confront NPFL champions Plateau United

Algeria blunder: NFF begs Nigerians, vows to deal with culprits


*GUARDIAN*

FIFA deducts three points from Nigeria for fielding ineligble player

World Bank proposes $1billion for FG's power reform

States assemblies speakers okay NotTooYoungToRun bill

Mixed reactions trail appeal court's ruling stopping EFCC from prosecuting judges

11 suspected car snatchers apprehended in Ebonyi State

FG's support for creative industry paying off, says Mohammed

Reserves hit $40b, forex market gets $210m boost

Our father who art in Abuja

Classified group, ROAM to connect Africans to opportunities

X - ray


*DAILY TRUST*

S/West PDP leaders urged to join APC

Aregbesola mourns president of Osun Muslim community

2019: Group canvasses for Atiku-Okonjo-Iweala ticket

Anambra PDP moves to reconcile aggrieved members

2019: New APC mobilization group launched

APC congratulates Secondus

Impunity, pull-him-down politics cost us Anambra - PDP

2019: APGA likely to field Obiano as presidential candidate

Abuja hosts Golden Rule conference on unity, peace

Foreign investors inflow into stock market decreases by N9bn

FG woos investors on renewable energy

Glos Johnbull: Small businesses have potential to grow - KOK

Access to train 30,000 students on leadership, financial literacy

ADE Digital targets youth with Free Digital scheme

Nigerias export value increases by 13.19% in Q3 - NBS

Tips: Hold onto your dreams

Kwes TV offers 75% discount on subscription

Club owners drum support for Match4IDPs

Maikaba satisfied with MFM draw

UKAD clears Fury to fight again

Russia backs neutral athletes for Winter Olympics

World Cup: Eagles to play Egypt, two others in friendlies NFF

Fifa punishes Nigeria for ineligible player in World Cup qualifying

Cyprus' top flight is very challenging- Abdullahi


*TRIBUNE*

President Buhari decorates pioneer army pilots

Enugu PDP gov appoints APC chieftain as commissioner

Mainstream sinks another N8.3bn into Kainji Power Plant

FG's priorities creating better investment environment 'Udoma

Buhari seeks international help to tackle climate change effects

Lagos-Ibadan rail: FG, Lagos govt agree to demolish Jibowu, Costain bridges

Threat to traditional kingdom: Benins dare ljaw freedom fighters

I regret not using my power to allocate land for my personal use, Gowon laments

Osinbajo inaugurates 300m litres capacity tank farm in Ogun

Dethronement threat: You are entertainers of the year, Olubadan replies 21 obas

Saraki sent back to CCT, as Appeal Court upturns his acquittal

Dogara calls for private sector participation to tackle housing deficit

Senator Misau arraigned, granted bail on self-recognition

PDP blasts Bello over country home mansion

Christmas: Prices of tomatoes, pepper drop by 45% in Lagos

Saraki: Appeal Court upholds CCT decision on 15 counts, disagree on 3

Traffic rules: Lagos shutdown Chisco, Ifex, GUO, other transport companies at Jibowu

Relocation of federal capital to Abuja based on territorial integrity 'Gowon

Forex market gets another $210m boost from CBN

Kwara tax board aims N30bn annual revenue


*LEADERSHIP*

Concessionaire Injects N9.6bn To Overhaul 80mw Kainji Power Turbine

UNICEF Spends N200m On HIV In Kaduna

Boko Haram: Military Gets Clean Bill Of Health In North East

El-Rufai Signs N216.55bn 2018 Budget Into Law

Ongoing Civil Service Reforms Will Enhance Productivity Obaseki

Only Agriculture Can Save Our Country!

Court Grants Senator Misau Bail On Self-recognizance

ICPC To Go After Ex-govs Indicted Of Corruption

APDA Condemns Open Bazaar At PDP Convention

Allegations Of Drugs, Equipment Diversion Rocks NASS Clinic


*SAHARA REPORTERS*

Exclusive Documents Reveal That EFCC Received Permission From NJC To Try Justice Nganjiwa

Nigerian Government Finally Hands Over State House, Marina To Lagos State Government

Democratic Candidate Doug Jones Defeats President Donald Trump's Candidate In Alabama Senatorial election

N2bn Scam: Court Grants Oronsaye Leave to Travel

Nigerian Lawyers' Group Condemns Appellate Court's Dismissal Of Bribery Charges Against Justice Nganjiwa

German-Based Nigerian Pastor To Be Tried For Forgery, Land Grabbing

Union Grounds Operation Of Kenya Airways At Lagos Airport

#ENDSARS: Police Promise To Control SARS Movement

Trial Of Judges: Where Appeal Court Goofed Badly

Insecurity And Renewed Terrorism: Buhari And His Weird Take On The Situation By Ifeanyi Izeze

Police Tortured Me, Forced Confession, Suspect Says

Senator Accusing Inspector General Of Police Of Corruption Gets Bail

Nigeria's Senate President Saraki Ordered By The Court Of Appeal To Face Fresh Corruption Trial

Three Killed, Seven Injured In Maiduguri IDP Camp Suicide Attack

Amnesty International: Families Of Hundreds Of Shi'a Muslims Killed In Zaria Still Await Justice

Nigeria Lost $32bn To Corruption Under Former President Jonathan ' DFID

Code Of Conduct Trial: Court Of Appeal To Deliver Judgment On Saraki's Acquittal Today

How We Eliminated Five Boko Haram Commanders ' General

Detention Of Niger Delta Activists: IYC Petitions UN, Africa Commission On Human And People's Rights

Ten Soldiers Killed In Boko Haram Ambush

#EndSARS: SARS Officer Gruesomely Tortures Man To Death In Ondo State, Dumps Corpse At Hospital Morgue


*PREMIUM TIMES*

Nigeria requires international support to reduce effects of climate change ' Buhari

100 women died from pregnancy complications in Zamfara in 2016 ' Consultant

Lagos-Ibadan rail line to be completed December 2018 ' Amaechi

JAMB remitted N7.8 billion to Nigerian govt, not N5.2 billion ' Oloyede

Saraki reacts to Appeal Court judgement ordering his retrial

Nigeria's trade balance exceeds N1 trillion for first time since 2014 ' Report

Beware of fake past questions, JAMB warns

Algeria Match: NFF reacts to FIFA sanction on Nigeria

Bankers aid money laundering in Nigeria ' Nuhu Ribadu

Judge berates Police, EFCC, others for arresting, detaining suspects before investigation

Nigerian govt formally transfers Marina Presidential Lodge to Lagos

Lagos govt partners Olamide Live in Concert 'OLIC4

Olubadan reacts to deposition threat

Nigeria, 37 others seal economic pact on investment, trade

Saraki meets northern Senators; speaks on restructuring, others

29 bag First Class in Law School exam

ICPC may revisit files of 20 indicted ex-governors ' Acting Chairman

BOI, Unity Bank in court over N150 million loan

N2 billion Scam: Court grants Oronsaye permission to travel abroad

30-year-old brothel shuts in Uyo

World Cup: FIFA rules against Nigeria, awards Algeria 3-0


*BUSINESSDAY*

BusinessDay 13 Dec 2017

Monetary, Fiscal policy combine to push T- Bill yields to 2-year low

Shut Forties pipeline to boost demand for Nigerian crude

Fate Foundation graduates 114 new entrepreneurs

APM Terminals launches refrigerated truck transport for perishables agric produces

Expert advocate measures to strengthen regulatory services in insurance, other financial sectors

NPA in alleged secret recruitment against FG directive

First Bank Insurance's underwriting profit surges 45.12 percent

Customs moves to check abuse of fast track scheme by importers

NBCC identifies market opportunity for SMEs

Nestl Nigeria and partners boost youth entrepreneurship in the country

PenCom to Senate: Ignore proposed Bill seeking 75% withdrawal from RSA as lump sum

Claims rise shows growing product recall risks

What banks are charging on BDC transactions is high

DMO redeems N198.032bn maturing Treasury Bills

Asian stocks fall ahead of central bank meetings: Markets wrap

Integrity of database, good governance seen driving efficient tax system

The tax and growth paradox

Paying Taxes 2018: More countries make payments easier

December 13, 2017

Press Statement

National Convention: PDP The Winner - Metuh

…Says Secondus Highly Competent As National Chairman


It is incontrovertible that the activities leading to the PDP elective National Convention and the outcome thereof have left no one in doubt that the party has been repositioned to take over power in 2019.

While commending Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa and his team for a very credible process, one must salute the courage, determination and resilience of all the aspirants who, in the course of their campaigns took the message of the PDP not only to our members but also to the nooks and crannies of the nation so much so that at the end of the day, their activities have really gone a long way to enhance party sensitization and mobilization ahead of the 2019 general election.

The convention witnessed contests by very qualified and competent party men and women, who exhibited high sense of patriotism and sportsmanship for which the PDP is known.

One is particularly elated by the crop of new national leaders of our great party, especially the new National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, a tried and tested hand and proven party administrator with exceptional institutional memory to handle the affairs of our great party.

It is instructive to note that nobody, not even the worst of critics has questioned Prince Secondus’ competence and capacity to lead the party at this critical time. This is essentially owing to the well-established fact that the PDP witnessed one of her best moments under Prince Secondus as Acting National Chairman, during which time a lot of reforms were articulated and implemented.

It is in that regard that I join our party leaders and other notable stakeholders to congratulate our National Chairman whose victory derived not only from his track record of proven service to our party but also from his very robust and issue-based campaign across all the states and zones of the federation.

To other aspirants who did not have the opportunity of being elected, it must be understood that the outcome of the election does not in anyway detract from their credibility and their qualification for offices. What is needed now is for them to join hands with the new leadership to reposition the PDP for the task ahead.

Whilst our party had embraced the zoning principle, it is pertinent to note that the cardinal principle of the PDP and the underlying vision of our founding fathers remains the promotion of competence and merit.

All that is now needed is to implement the burning desire and yearnings by Nigerians for a credible opposition that will continuously provide alternatives and options to the policies and programmes of the ruling party.

It is therefore needful that we all join the Prince Uche Secondus-led NWC in the collective task of rebuilding our great party and ensuring success in the quest to regain our lost glory.

Signed:


Chief Olisa Metuh

Former National Publicity Secretary

The choice of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Kayode Fayemi as the chairman of the Inter Agency Task Team (IATT) programme to commemorate the 2017 International Anti-Corruption Day held in Abuja yesterday, has been likened to a case of “corruption condemning corruption.”

Special Assistant to the Ekiti State Governor on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, who reacted to Fayemi’s comment that Nigeria must say no to impunity and eliminate the syndrome of ‘sacred cows’ for the fight against corruption to succeed, said; “Fayemi offering solution to the corruption fight is like notorious armed robbers like Oyenusi and Shina Rambo giving lecture on how to stop armed robbery.”

He said it was funny that Fayemi was not even ashamed to sermonise on the need to say no to impunity and eliminate the syndrome of sacred cows, when he, himself acted like a sacred cow by refusing to appear before a commission of inquiry, duly constituted to probe his four years as governor of Ekiti State.

Olayinka, who said President Muhammadu Buhari must stop deceiving himself with his fight against corruption, said he personally challenged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) acting chairman, Ibrahim Magu at a function in Abuja on the commission’s refusal to investigate Fayemi, despite the loads of petitions against him and the EFCC boss could not offer any explanation.

The governor’s spokesperson said; “The reality is that President Buhari is leading a government of scandalously corrupt people and one of them is Dr Kayode Fayemi.

“It is even safe to say that President Buhari is the father of corruption and that has been further established by the attitude of the President towards his men that have been accused of corruption.

“From MainaGate to allegation of award of $25 billion contracts without following due process made against Dr. Maikanti Baru by Dr Ibe Kachikwu, the DSS indictment for corruption of the Acting Chairman of EFCC, Ibrahim Magu and the alleged N500 million bribery said to have been paid to the Chief of Staff (COS), Abba Kyari by officials of the MTN Telecommunications Company, President Buhari has remained the shield over and above his corrupt men.”

*• says Nigeria recorded over 4.7million job loss under Buhari administration*
.
December 12, 2017
----------------------------------------
Abuja;
The Senate President , Bukola Saraki , has stated that it will be futile for the current administration led by President Muhammadu Buhari to blame past administrations for the spate of unemployment in the country which hr said has mounted to over 4.7million job loss at 1.7million loss in 9months between 2016-2017 alone based on National Bureau of Statistic data .
.
He called on the Federal Government to do more in creating jobs for the teeming youths in the country .
.
Saraki also called for closer coordination between the agencies of the Federal Government in charge of youth development and job creation.
.
He stated that this would ensure that government ’s policies and programmes on job creation were aligned across the board .
.
The Senate President said this at a one- day ‘Special Public Hearing on Youth Job Creation and Entrepreneurship ’ held at the National Assembly Complex , Abuja , on Monday .
Representatives of Civil Society Organisations and ministries , departments and agencies of the Federal Government were in attendance.
.
Saraki said , “It is futile to point fingers or cast blame on any one administration and / or government programme . Nigeria ’ s youths deserve our immediate interest , best thinking and above all , our best efforts to create workable solutions to include their concerns in our national investment framework . ”
.
The Senate President noted that it was necessary for the executive , legislature , private sector and civil society organisations to give immediate attention to tackling youth unemployment and developmental crisis facing the country .
.
He also stated that the primary factors contributing to high youth unemployment were high population growth outpacing economic growth and “the fact that the curricula in our schools have not equipped students with appropriate skills for employment ; and the lack of vibrant industries to absorb competent graduates .”
.
Saraki noted that the hearing was intended to discuss issues that would inform the Federal Government ’s budgetary and social policy decisions

In 1984, Buhari had 150 cows, in 2015 Buhari has 180 cows.....

In 2015 Buhari visited his farm, in 2017 Buhari visited his farm.

Question: What has been the FOOD supply from Buhari's farm to Nigerian Market?

We don't want a man that cannot grow his own personal Business to run for President in 2019.

Happy Tuesday

AS if further justifying the sack of the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr David Babachir Lawal, over the scale of alleged corruption in catering for the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, in the North East, a fresh damning report demands urgent action to bring the alleged profiteers in human misery to justice.

The new report by the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP and the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, covering the period 2015 to 2017, catalogues the spate of thievery and criminal diversion of funds, food and other items meant to alleviate the plight of innocent Nigerians displaced by the Boko Haram Islamic insurgents by officials of the Presidential Initiative on the North East, PINE.

PINE officials, the report said, “paid less attention to the critical needs of IDPs in the areas of housing, food, education and healthcare, but rather used the bulk of the resources on contracts that were found to have immensely benefited some public officials, including the now sacked Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Babachir Lawal”.

The report also said that corruption and conflict of interests led to gross breaches of public procurement rules; companies where public officials had personal interests were paid for jobs not done or completed and featured brazen kickbacks. It added: “Again, out of 249 trucks carrying 10, 000 metric tonnes of maize released by the Federal Government for the benefit of the IDPs in the six states of the North East, 65 trucks were diverted and did not reach their intended destinations”.

This report is obviously a vindication of the investigative effort of the Senate Committee on Humanitarian Crisis in the North East headed by Senator Shehu Sani. It indicted Lawal and led to his eventual removal from office after protracted foot-dragging by the Presidency.

This profiteering on human tragedy is not only evil, but an indication of a crippling insouciance and the height of man’s inhumanity to man. The 103-page UNDP/NHRC report revealed that out of the N8.352 billion released by PINE in 2016, only N6.326 billion was spent, leaving N2.026 billion unaccounted for.

We call on the anti-graft agencies to get cracking on this case and bring all the perpetrators to justice for profiting in blood money. This alleged diversion led to the deaths of thousands of infants due to malnutrition, which was reported to President Buhari by international humanitarian groups working in the North East.

1. National Chairman - Prince Uche Secondus

2. National Deputy Chairman South – Elder Yemi Akinwonmi

3. National Deputy Chairman North – Sen. Gamawa Babawo Garba

4. National Secretary – Sen. Ibrahim Tsauri

5. Deputy National Secretary – Dr. Agbo Emmanuel

6. National Treasurer – Hon. Aribisala Adewale

7. Deputy National Treasurer – Alh. Wada Masu

8. Financial Secretary – Ibrahim Husseini Maibasira

9. Dep. Fin. Sec. – Hon. Irona Alphonsus

10. Nat. Org. Sec. – Col (Rtr) Austin Akobundu

11. Dep. Nat. Org. Sec. – Barr. Hassan Yakubu

12. Publicity Secretary – Kola Ologbondiyan

13. Dep. Nat. Pub. Sec. – Hon. Diran Odeyemi

14. Nat. Legal Adviser – Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem

15. Dep. Nat. Legal Adviser – Barr. Ahmed Bello Liman

16. Nat. Auditor – Mal. Adamu Mustapha

17. Dep. Nat. Auditor – Miss Divine Amina Arong

18. Nat. Women Leader – Haj. Mariya Waziri

19. Dep. Nat. Women Leader – Umoru Adizet Hadizat

20. Nat. Youth Leader – Rt. Hon. Udeh Okoye

21. Dep. Nat. Youth Leader – Umar Babangida Maina

PDP - Power to the people

December 10, 2017

PDP PRESS STATEMENT

PDP Convention: APC Jittery, Clutching On Straws.

Our attention has been drawn to a statement credited to the spokesman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Malam Bolaji Abdulahi, wherein he criticized the conduct of the elective National Convention of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

It is indeed laughable that the APC which has roundly failed in not only managing the affairs of the country but also its own internal issues would recourse to panic mode just because the PDP has succeeded in uniting its fronts by conducting of a very credible elective National Convention.

We were very much aware of the plots by the APC to scuttle the convention and failing it has resorted to a failed attempt to discredit an elective convention that has been adjudged as creditable, novel and laudable by political stakeholders and lovers of democracy across the nation.

This unwarranted attack is only symptomatic of a party that has lost control and only clutching on straws for survival having been outrightly rejected by Nigerians.

Is it not disgusting, reprehensible and embarrassing that the APC that has repeatedly failed to hold meetings, congresses and convention in the last three years and has flagrantly continued to violate its own constitution is questioning our party’s rights to perform her legitimate and constitutional obligation?

Perhaps APC leaders have never read Article 25 (A)(i) of their party’s Constitution which stipulates that “the National Convention of the party (APC) shall be held once in two years at a date, venue and time to be recommended by the National Working Committee (NWC) and approved by the National Executive Committee (NEC) subject to the giving of the statutory notices to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and at least 14 days notice given to members eligible to attend.”

Which impunity could be higher than APC violating its constitution?  It is strange that APC could be moralizing on the principles of social justice whereas its actions against Nigerians are a complete departure from the norms.

It is important for this spokesman of a failed party and his pack of incompetent members to reminisce on the needless pains and suffering they have inflicted on Nigerians rather than being jittery over the successful outcome of the PDP’s elective national convention.

Nigerians have come to discover that APC is a fraud, an organization of deceitful characters who have failed to keep a single of its countless promises made to the citizens.

It is no longer news that the nation is drifting under APC and the PDP has come to the rescue. We must therefore remind the APC that the era of deceit, trickery and scaremongering, which has been the hallmarks of their government, is gone and Nigerians are just waiting to kick them out come 2019.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan

National Publicity Secretary

Press release

My attention has been drawn to a statement issued by an unknown person,peddling a malicious falsehood concerning the candidature of Hon Kola Ologbondiyan to have withdrawn from the race of the National publicity secretary at the Saturday's Elective Convention of the PDP as prevailed upon by kogi Elders.

Usually, it's not in my person to respond to statements where a person hides under the cloak of anonymity to cause mischief,but to set the record straight,I'm forced to clear the issues bothering on the said falsehood .

1. My question is,who are the kogi state elders ?

2. A meeting was called by the leadership of the north central zone at Grand Ibro hotel on the 7th of December 2017,the meeting began at exactly 9pm and in attendance was former Governors of Benue H.E Rt.Hon. Gabriel Suswan , kogi, H.E capt. Idris Wada,Niger state,H.E Aliyu Babangida, H.E senator David Mark, H.E senator Tunde Ogbeha,H.E Alhaji Ibrahim Idris and a host of others.

3. At the meeting it was resolved that the party leaders had rejected the person of Bar kabiru on the backdrop of imcopetence and the 2105 scandals that saw him absconed with Campaign funds.

4. Only for a few leaders from kogi east to call a meeting in the residence of former national PDP chairman,Sen Ahmodu Ali and asked Farouk Adejoh and Hon Kola Ologbondiyan to withdraw from the race so that the zone can present Bar Kabir as the sole candidate.

Let me quickly remind us all that this act negates the principles of Equity, fairness and justice. How can a few kinsmen of the said candidate assemble themselves like it was a local town hall meeting to chun out their selfishness at the expense of the party? This to me is ridiculous,laughable and at best an empty shot in futility.

5. We are fully aware of Governor Wada's hidden agenda and mischievous thoughts of desperately pushing Barr Kabiru against the wishes of the party leaders to help him racket his 2019 ticket to contest gubernatorial elections in kogi state.

6. Let it be on record that senator Ahmodu Ali accused Rt Hon Suswan of a hidden conspiracy to hijack the position of the NPS for prof Suleman Olarenwaju of Kwara State.
Sen Ahmodu Ali has no moral justification to impose any candidate on the party.

7. To set the record straight,Hon Kola Ologbondiyan has NOT WITHDRAWN from the race and has urged all delegates to ignore the petty rumor making rounds that He has stepped down for whoever.

8. Eagle square beckons, let's meet at the polls.

David G. Itopa
DG Team Kola Ologbondiyan campaign Org.
08/12/2017

Our attention has just been drawn to a purported statement by the state publicity secretary of Kogi PDP, Bode Ogunmola, claiming that Bar Kabiru Usman has emerged a sole candidate for the position of National Publicity Secretary at the PDP's National Convention on December 9.

Ogunmola was said to have predicated his statement on the aborted convention in Port Harcourt.

It would be recalled that prior to the aborted PortHarcout Convention, Kogi PDP zoned the position of National Publicity Secretary to Kogi West.

The following aspirants came out of Kogi West namely, Kola Ologbondiyan, Deji Adeyanju and Sola Adedoyin while Kabiru who is from Kogi East also showed interest.

On the night before the aborted convention, the leaders of Kogi PDP namely Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, Prince Sola Akanmode, Hon Musa Ahmadu and Arc Yomi Awoniyi met with the four aspirants.

Alhaji Idris at the meeting categorically told Kabiru to withdraw from the race insisting the position had been zoned to Kogi West that has never held a national position of our party. This declaration was hailed by Kogi West and Kogi Central as uniting.

In the current run up, Adeyanju has left the party while Adedoyin has withdrawn from the race and declared support for Kola Ologbondiyan.
However, Kabiru is insisting on contesting for the position the zoning to Kogi West notwithstanding. Faruk Adejoh from Kogi East has also joined the race.

It is therefore strange, ridiculous and laughable that a handful of unstable characters will claim to have declared Kabiru a sole candidate from Kogi State for PDP's National Publicity Secretary.
How did they arrive at such a horrendous conclusion? Has the state exco invited the aspirants for any interviews or conducted any eligibility tests for the aspirants? How can there be a sole candidate where three aspirants have already indicated their interests?

It is important to state that the action of the state exco portends calamitous consequences if the national leadership of our party failed to mandate Kogi State exco to redirect its steps.

We therefore call for investigation of the action of the state exco by the National Caretaker Committee led by Senator Ahmed Makarfi.

Just recently, the media space was awash with reports of rejection of this mouthed aspirant by the national caucus of our great party on the grounds that the said aspirant has not shown capacity to perform if elected NPS.

We hereby invite the Board of Trustees, PDP Governors Forum, the National Assembly Caucuses, the North Central Caucus and general members of our party to show more than a passing interest in who speaks for our great PDP.

This is not a time for coronation of candidates as we must endeavour to put round pegs in round holes to help our party face the challenges ahead.

Signed
David Godwin (History)
DG TEAMKOLA CAMPAIGN ORGANISATION
25/11/2017

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has scheduled to hold its Elective National Convention from December 9 – 10, 2017, in Abuja, Nigeria. The Convention is supposed to elect officers of the party at the National level to pilot the affairs of the party for a period of four years.

As the major opposition political party in the country and a party that has also been in power since the birth of the forth republic in 1999 till 2015, Nigerians are of the opinion that the success of the PDP Convention in December will end the APC regime of misgovernance, maladministration and total failure to deliver on its campaign promises.

It is however worrisome that the PDP has not leant any lessons from the fourteen months leadership crisis that began on May 21st 2016 and ended at the Supreme Court on July 12, 2017, after some governors on the platform of the party imposed one of their own, the former Governor of Borno state, Senator Ali Sheriff on the Party.

The PDP is once again enmeshed in some serious power-game, involving different stakeholders, zones and organs of the party competing for who becomes the National Chairman of the party and other positions come December 9, 2017. The most worrisome aspect of these power tussles includes and not limited to the following:

1. Culture of impunity and imposition of candidate

2. Influx of immediate past National Working Committee (NWC) members into the race and the records of misappropriation of funds by the same NWC in recent past.

3. Endorsement of some aspirants by the zones and party leaders without recourse to merit and capacity to deliver.

4. Threat by some zones to leave the party if election does not favour them at the convention.

Another disturbing development is the revelation that the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), has concluded plans to plant aspirants for key and sensitive offices in the PDP, like the National Chairman, National Secretary, National Organizing Secretary and National Publicity Secretary, in order to destroy the party from within as it did on the wake of the 2015 General Elections.

It is therefore incumbent on the founding fathers of the party and other elders to intervene urgently to rest these ugly developments before the scheduled National convention of the party; otherwise, the PDP is heading for another dangerous implosion that may end the life of the party if proper care is not taken.

Some concerned members of the party are calling on the former Head of States, Gen. Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar and other Generals behind the formation of the party to quickly intervene on these issues to restore peace in the party before the Convention.

Others are also inviting the founding fathers of the PDP that are still alive, e.g former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Dr. Bamanga Tukur and Alhaji Adamu Ciroma to call the rampaging members to order before it is too late.

Some stakeholders have also mooted the option of convening meetings of Major critical stakeholders of the party to brainstorm on the way forward to resolving these issues in order to carry everybody along, to give them sense of belonging and inclusion.

Nigerians are waiting with great expectations that the PDP will conduct a very successful, free, fair and credible Elective National Convention in December 2017, that will end the misery of the failed APC led administrations at all levels.

Dimgba Okonkwo is writing from Ebonyi State

My Social Naija
POLITICS State of Affairs in the PDP and the way forward

Spread the love
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is at its lowest ebb since it first emerged as the ruling party in 1999. From a near total domination of the Nigerian Political space, the party lost the Presidency in the March 28, 2015 Presidential and National Assembly Elections and PDP won only 11 States out of the 27 seats in April 11, 2015 Governorship poll.

The PDP also lost its domination of the Senate with 40 members out of 109. The PDP currently has about 130 members out of the 360 in the lower chamber of the National Assembly. Most State Assembly seats have also been conceded to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).

Apart from the loss at the National and State levels, the Party in the build up to the last elections suffered gale of defections across the country which continued unabated within the period of the 14 months leadership crises that rocked the foundation of the party between May 2016 to July 2017.

Within the periods under review, the morale of Party members, officers and supporters was dampened beyond imagination until the July 12, 2017 Supreme Court judgment that brought a lot of relief to the party. The National Secretariat of the PDP that used to be a center of political gathering was deserted due to the crisis but suddenly came alive after the Supreme Court ruling.

The Way Forward:

The current situation in the PDP presents another golden opportunity for the emergence of a strong team of leaders that will re-cultivate that nationwide support base the PDP is known for in order to bounce back to power in 2019.

A critical analysis of the candidates that emerged during the April 11, 2015 Governorship Elections proves that the PDP is still the dominant political party in Nigeria. The current APC Governors of Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Jigawa, Katsina, Kano, Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kaduna, etc were all former PDP members who left the party due largely to the issue of imposition of candidate, impunity and lack of internal party democracy. There is therefore a chance to correct these mistakes and rebuild the party for the greater good of all Nigerians.

The first step will be to rally round the remaining members of the party across the states of the federation and at the national level to halt the tide of defection. The party organs must remain active, holding meetings regularly and getting the leaders elected on the platform of the Party to be very supportive of the party at all levels.

As a matter of urgency, the Party must put in place series of reform programmes before the December 2017 Elective National Convention that will encourage participation of all members and the return of other previous party supporters that left on the wake of the 2015 general elections and with the period of the leadership crisis. The leaders of the party that will be elected at the forthcoming National Convention should be people of unwavering character that are committed to revitalize and reform the PDP speedily before 2019.

In view of the above, efforts must be made to consciously do away with the above listed impediments that have remained the clog in the wheel of progress in PDP.
An opportunity therefore exists to harvest from the catalogue of failures that has bedeviled the ruling party, the APC in the last two and half years. The achievements of previous PDP government at the national and states levels are great advantage for the PDP to regain power in 2019.

The party must therefore do away with the burning issues of imposition of candidates, gross impunity and lack of party internal democracy. Party leaders must allow a level playing field for all members of the party to contest for any offices he/she deems fit without interference.

Another topical and disturbing issue at various discussions in the party at the moment is that of micro-zoning. Some concerned members of the party are of the opinion that the office of the President which has been zoned to the North, based on the Ike Ekweremadu report should be allowed for all eligible party members in the three northern zones to contest while that of the Chairman should also be allowed for the entire zones in the south to contest.

These opinion leaders are averse to micro-zoning the two important offices in order to create an opportunity for a robust platform for party members to choose the right person (s) that will pilot the affairs of the country in 2019 and that of the party from December 2017.

Finally, deliberate and conscious efforts must be made by the Party’s Standing Reconciliation Committee to achieve total reconciliation especially towards individuals and groups that were disenchanted and alienated by the party in order to present a unified force towards 2019 general elections.

Mohammed Bashir is writing from Kano.

The Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), the leading opposition political party in Nigeria has scheduled to hold its elective National Convention, between November and December, 2017 to elect officers that will replace the National Caretaker Committee (NCC) and pioneer the affairs of the party ahead of 2019 and beyond.

2. However, the concern in the minds of stakeholders of the party and other lovers of democracy in Nigeria is that, the PDP must surmount the various political calculations and interest within the party and in the country in order not to further destroy its fortunes.

3. Critics of the PDP are already positing that the party has not learnt from its past mistakes of imposition, lack of internal party democracy, illegal manipulation of the zoning arrangements and possible disenfranchisement of credible persons that may take the PDP out of the woods.

4. One of the issues under contention in recent times, is the influx of the immediate past National Working Committee of the Party in the race for various party positions. It has been alleged that the Immediate past national working committee of the party committed serious act of gross misconduct and looted the party with reckless abandon.

5. Nigerians may recall that, after the disappointing loss of the PDP in the 2015 General Elections, staffers of the PDP National Secretariat raised an alarm, accusing Prince Uche Secondus, the former Deputy National Chairman of the Party and other members of the then NWC of mismanagement and misappropriation of party funds.

6. The party had recorded over N12 Billion from the sale of nomination forms during the 2015 General Elections but the members of the NWC under Dr. Adamu Muazu and Prince Uche Secondus squandered the said amount before leaving office in May, 2016.

7. In one of the publications made available to newsmen by the PDP staff, it was gathered that Prince Secondus after the resignation of Adamu Muazu sat with other members of the NWC and appropriated to themselves various sums of money ranging from N30 to N100million without the approval of the National Executive Committee (NEC).

8. It was reported that the NWC in less than six months paid themselves six years housing allowances in areas, far above the stipulated four years tenure of the NWC, thereby neglecting the backlogs of the same allowances meant for the administrative staff of the party.

9. It was also gathered that, one of the share meant for Dr. Adamu Muazu was paid into Julius Berger company account, a situation that led to some Inter agency rivalry between the company and the party.

10. In order to perpetrate this nefarious act, the then National Working Committee under Prince Uche Secondus opened a pseudo or ‘All Purpose’ bank account in Zenith Bank, N0 1014041654, without the approval of NEC, in the name of ‘Morufi Nigeria Limited, where monies were diverted to serve their personal interest. The Morufi Nigeria Limited account was used, instead of the Party official account for the payment of nomination forms of delegate elections in 2015.


11. Investigations has also revealed that part of the failure of the PDP in 2015 was traced to the Immediate past National Working Committee of the party.. It was revealed that the non inclusion of some of the past NWC members in the Jonathan Campaign Organization angered most of the members, leading to infighting and anti party activities.

12. Some stakeholders are also of the opinion that the former National Chairman, Dr. Muazu, his Deputy, Prince Uche Secondus and the members of the NWC colluded and collected huge sums of money from various aspirants of the party and later denied them tickets. This also led to the mass exodus of PDP members before the general elections. It is therefore a misnomer and suicidal to allow the immediate past NWC members to administer the affairs of the PDP at this crucial times.

13. Party members are therefore worried with these embarrassing situations and believes that, returning again this same set of persons to the National Secretariat will not only spell doom for the party, but will remain an impediments to the progress and success of the PDP in the 2019 general elections.

Musa Abdullahi is writing from Bauchi, Bauchi state.