₦airaland Forum

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to order the prosecution of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole and the minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, over “corruption allegations” levelled against them.

The PDP said singling out the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal and former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ayodele Oke for prosecution “while providing official cover” to others would amount to partisanship.

The Director Media and Publicity of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, on Tuesday said President Buhari should also order an open inquest into alleged involvement of some individuals said to be close to the Presidency in the N1.032 trillion alleged corrupt acquisitions in 9Mobile and Keystone Bank PLC.

“Mr. President should also immediately order the prosecution of the former aide to the First Lady, Aisha Buhari, Mr. Baba Inna, who was arrested in September last year, over accusations of receiving N2.5 billion from politicians, businessmen and women on behalf of the First Lady.

“In the same vein, he should also order the prosecution of Mrs. Amina Mohammed, who while being paraded by the Department of State Services (DSS), last year stated in public that persons close to President Buhari were involved in serial fraud and looting of public resources under the official cover of the Buhari Presidency.

“Furthermore, we challenge President Buhari to allow an inquest into the N14 trillion looted oil money under his watch, as detailed in the NNPC leaked memo; the handling of the repatriated $322m that has been siphoned under the guise of sharing to the poor; the N33 billion Internally Displace Persons (IDP) intervention fund and the billions of Naira already frittered through the ‘Tradermoni scheme.’

“Until Mr. President musters the required political will to carry out these actions, his war against corruption remains a charade.

“He is also invited to order an investigation into allegations that persons close to him and serving in his Presidency took N500 million as bribe to reduce the fine imposed on a telecommunication company operating in the country, from N1.03 trillion to N330 billion.

“Moreover, the fact that, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Mr. President had to give his nod before Babachir and Oke could be prosecuted, also goes to further confirm that President Buhari has annexed the system and directly determines who is prosecuted and who is spared.

“The PDP therefore challenges President Buhari to immediately order the prosecution of all APC leaders, particularly members of his Presidential Campaign Council, beginning with the APC factional National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, the campaign Director-General, Rotimi Amaechi, other directors and zonal coordinators, who have allegations of corruption hanging on their necks,” the PDP said.

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/babachir-oke-pdp-asks-buhari-to-prosecute-oshiomhole-amaechi.html

The President of Nasrul-Lahil-l-Fath Society, Alhaji Kamil Bolarinwa, has advised students against obsession with smartphones and other mobile devices in order to excel in their studies.

Bolarinwa gave the advice on Monday while inaugurating free JAMB tutorials for Muslims and non-Muslims at NASFAT Headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja.

He said that the free JAMB tutoring would run till the commencement of the examinations, urging those intending to sit for the examinations to utilize the opportunity.

“You all will pass at the first sitting; it can only happen if you work hard and pay attention to what you are being taught.

“Rather than to play with your phones or games you should play with your books.

“It is important for you to know that after your education, there will be better technology and you will have time to use them well.

“This time should be all about your books, focus on them, the difference between a distinction and upper credit is very wide.

“There is also a very big difference between somebody that passes JAMB in one sitting and someone who failed and re-applied for the exam.

“It is you that determines what you make out of yourself and your career, our goal in NASFAT is that you are our future and the future of Nigeria.

“So, you should all pay attention to whatever you are being taught in order to excel and be better citizens of this country.’’ (NAN)

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/nasfat-organises-free-jamb-lessons-for-muslims-non-muslims-in-lagos.html

Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo yesterday said former president Olusegun Obasanjo was acting the script of the opposition, by his attack on the present administration.

Obasanjo had in his state of the nation address on Sunday described Trade Moni, a scheme under Osinbajo’s as “outrightly idiotic.”

Osinbajo in a statement by his media, Mr. Laolu Akande said Trader Moni was designed to meet the need of the larger population of petty traders in the country.

“Being a former president, Chief Obasanjo ordinarily should appreciate the impact of such far reaching social investment schemes, which has provided what is now the largest social safety net for millions of Nigerians, and is unprecedented in the nation’s history.

“Again, the former president’s attack on TraderMoni and the person of the Vice President is an indicator that he may be wittingly or unwittingly playing to the sinister script of the opposition party to spread falsehood and attack the social investment programmes of the Buhari administration which champions such impactful schemes, and which is now attracting the praise and commendation of Nigerians everywhere.

“It is pertinent to state that the false allegations against TraderMoni raised again by the former president is sadly a rehash of baseless claims previously made by leading chieftains of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, whose record of profligacy, corruption and mismanagement clearly show it has no agenda to uplift the common man or improve the lives of Nigerians.

“Finally, attacks such as this on a scheme that benefits the masses of our people is a direct attack on the people and this kind of conduct does not reflect very well on a former president, but is only self-denigrating and of no public value. As is already now obvious, the generality of the Nigerian people will not only reject that attack, but will also condemn its source.” he said.

He urged the former president to be far more circumspect and more public-spirited in his utterances going forward.

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/youre-acting-opposition-script-osinbajo-tells-obasanjo.html

Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State has described the crowd that greeted President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to Jos at the weekend as “the mother of all rallies.”

He said “the unprecedented” turnout was not the first time the people of the state showed love and support for President Buhari.

Daily Trust reports that thousands of supporters overwhelmed security agents at the Rwang Pam stadium, venue of the rally, preventing the president or any of the dignitaries from making a speech.

President Buhari only waved at his teeming supporters and an hour later, left the stadium through a rear exit. However, Lalong said in a live discussion on national television that the uncommon crowd was typical of Buhari’s visits to Plateau all the time.

“When he visited Plateau in 2011, he was unable to get out of the vehicle due to the mammoth crowd and could only wave at the people,” Lalong said.

“In 2014 when he came to campaign, the crowd was so overwhelming that a stampede unfortunately claimed three lives.

“The crowd had been expected because everywhere the president goes, a huge crowd followed him but what we witnessed in Jos was so overwhelming that people are now calling it the mother of all rallies,” the governor said. He stated that the chances of APC in the state were bright, especially since Saturday’s rally had attracted people from across the state irrespective of ethnic and party affiliations. He said his administration had done well in the last four years and therefore deserved reelection.

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/mother-of-all-rallies-took-place-in-jos-lalong.html

A former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo his presently holding a State of the Nation briefing.

The event is taking place at his Pent House Residence, inside Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Oke-Mosan, OOPL, Abeokuta, Ogun State.


https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/happening-now-former-president-olusegun-obasanjo-holds-state-of-the-nation-briefing.html

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the recruitment of election staff for the general elections due on February 16.

A notice on the Twitter page of INEC listed Supervisory Presiding Officer (SPO), Registration Area Centre (RAC) Manager, Presiding Officer (PO), Assistant Presiding Officer (APO) and Registration Area Technical Support (RATECH) as the positions available to be applied for.

According to the notice a registration portal was opened on Tuesday, January 15 by 8:00 am and will be closed on Monday, January 21.

The http://pres.inecnigeria.org, as at the time of filing this report was not easily accessible, due technical glitch.


A check shows that while some applicants were able to submit their applications, some others were unable to access the portal or were stuck midway and could not complete the registration.

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/2019-inec-commences-recruitment-of-election-staff-2.html

Action Alliance (AA) has adopted PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and pledged to work for his emergence as president in the February 16 election.

National chairman of the party, Chief Kenneth Udeze, told newsmen, yesterday, in Abuja that their decision was premised on the fact that Atiku, a former vice president would tackle the challenges bedevilling the nation and restructure Nigeria on the path of growth. “We are for Atiku/Obi leadership and we are glad to work with all believers of true federalism and efficient administration of governance at all levels to accomplish this as we approach the forthcoming elections,” he said.

“The National Executive Committee (NEC) of our party is on the same page concerning our support for Atiku, same with all our state chapters in this matter,” he added.

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/action-alliance-adopts-atiku-as-candidate.html

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Walter Onnoghen was absent yesterday as the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) heard allegations of false asset declaration against him.

The Chairman of the CCT Justice Danladi Umar has however adjourned the arraignment to Tuesday, January 22 to enable proper service of summons be effected on the CJN.

A team of over 90 lawyers, including over 40 Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) led by Wole Olanipekun, challenged the jurisdiction of the CCT to hear the case against Justice Onnoghen.

Olanipekun said the position of the law is that where a defendant is challenging the jurisdiction of the court, the defendant does not have to be in court.

He said he and other defence lawyers only appeared in court in protest against the jurisdiction of the tribunal.

He added that from the account given by the official of the tribunal earlier in the proceedings, the CJN was not served with the charges and summons personally, but through his aide.

He argued that Section 123(a) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) has directed that in a criminal case, the summons must be personally served on the defendant.

However, prosecution counsel, Aliyu Umar (SAN) said the defendant was aware of the provisions but of his own volition directed the court registrars to serve the summons on his personal secretary.

“There is no law that says a defendant may refuse to appear before the court and say he is protesting against the jurisdiction of the court. He has to come to the tribunal and can then refuse to take his plea,” he said.

After minutes of argument from both parties, Umar applied to the tribunal to issue another summons on the CJN. He made this application after conceding to the impropriety of the earlier service based on the provisions of the ACJA.

Tribunal adjourns case to Jan 22

He however asked the tribunal to order that the summons be served personally on the CJN and not received on his behalf so as to avoid what earlier happened.

The chairman of the tribunal’s three-man panel, Danladi Umar, while ruling on the application, initially said the fresh summons must be served on the CJN between Monday and Wednesday, and that the trial would resume on Thursday.

However, Olanipekun appealed that no date in this week would be convenient for the defence. He also queried the perceived haste with which the case was moving from the moment the charge was filed.

“Justice also entails fairness. With all respect, this matter started on Friday, why the speed of lightning? We are talking of service and the tribunal is talking about this week? I want to ask, why the hurry”, he asked.

After several back and forth, the tribunal adjusted its earlier scheduling and adjourned the case to January 22.

The chairman also ruled that the defendant’s application challenging the jurisdiction of the tribunal and the prosecution’s motion on notice would be taken together on the day.

Daily Trust reports that Olanipekun announced the names of over 40 SANs who were in the tribunal as part of the CJN’s defence team.

They include: Adegboyega Awomolo, Kanu Agabi, Yusuf Ali, Chris Uche, Hassan Hassan, Paul Erokoro, S.I. Ameh, Sebastine Hon, Magaji Mahmoud, James Onoja, Akinlola Kehinde, Chukwuma-Machukwu Ume, Victoria Awomolo, Tawo Tawo, Muyiwa Akinbolohun, Varile Azinge, Abdul Ibrahim, Olubowale Taiwo, Garba Tetengi, Offiong Effiong, Patrick Okolo and Kehinde Ogunwumiju.

Onnoghen reports for work

Daily Trust reports that the CJN reported for work in his office at the Supreme Court premises in Abuja yesterday.

Sources told Daily Trust that the CJN, who usually arrive the court around 8 am when he is to preside over a panel, arrived the office around 9 am as he was not sitting on Monday and stayed in his office until the close of work.

However, a panel of the Supreme Court presided by Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour sat briefly over about seven civil appeals and rose before 11.30 am.

The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) filed a six-count charge against the CJN over alleged failure to declare his asset upon assumption of office as provided in Section 15 (1) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act C15, punishable under Section 23 (2) (a) (b) and (c) of the same Act.

But the CJN was absent at the CCT, citing lack of personal service of the summons in line with Section 123 of the ACJA.

Court restrains CCT from arraigning CJN

A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an interim injunction restraining the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) from trying the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen.

Justice E.N. Maha on Monday ordered for status quo that exists as at January 14, 2019 and “shall not take steps that will interfere with the RES or subject matter of the suit pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.”

The ex parte application was brought by a group of students of Economics through their lawyer, J.C. Njikonye challenging the proceeding at the CCT in Abuja.

But the Incorporated Trustees of International Association of Student Economists and Management had filed the action against the Attorney General of the Federation, the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), the chairman of CCB and the Inspector General of Police.

The group had asked the court to make an interim injunction restraining the defendants from arresting, arraigning, prosecuting, charging the CJN or giving effect to charge no: CCT/ABJ/01/19 on the grounds that Section 153 (1) (i), 158(1) and Paragraph 21 of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution “pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice filed together with this application.”

The case was adjourned to January 17 for hearing.


https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/why-tribunal-adjourned-onnoghens-arraignment.html

No fewer than three persons were feared dead during an attack by unidentified gun men on Sunday night between Asso and Tanda bridge in Gwong Chiefdom of Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna state.

Mr Peter Averik, Chairman of the Local Government, who confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, said the attack took place around 7:30 p.m when unidentified gun men opened fire on innocent persons who were walking along the Asso and Tanda bridge.

“I was told the gun men, who seemed to be advancing, opened fire on the pedestrians over fear that they may be exposed.

“One person died on the spot while two others who sustained injury were rushed to Fadan Kagoma Hospital where one of them died this morning following the magnitude of injury sustained,” he said.

Averik further confirmed that the third victim’s corpse was found earlier on Monday in a bush path at Wazo village before Aso.

He said arrangement had been concluded to convey the injured persons to Barau Diko Specialist Hospital in Kaduna, following referral from Sir Patrick Memorial Hospital, Kafanchan.

The chairman said security personnel had since been drafted to the affected community adding that the government would continue to ensure safety of lives and property.

NAN recalls that 15 persons were recently killed while 17 others were injured when unidentified gun men opened fire on innocent persons at Ungwan Pa’ah Gwandara village in Godogodo Chiefdom of Jema’a Local Government Area. (NAN)

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/fresh-attack-claims-three-persons-in-jemaa-lg.html

The Chief of Army Staff of Nigeria, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has responded to the joint Freedom of Information request by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, the Enough is Enough and the BudgIT requesting him to provide information on spending on military operations across the country, particularly in the northeast.

SERAP Senior Legal Adviser Bamisope Adeyanju said yesterday that Buratai’s “bulky photographic and textual documentation with a cover letter dated 24 December 2018 was delivered to SERAP’s office last Friday by a military officer at around 11:40am.”

The letter, signed on Buratai’s behalf by Brigadier-General S.B. Kumapayi, read in part: “The Nigerian Army (NA) has in recent time come under unrelenting public scrutiny by both private individuals and Non-governmental organizations over issues of appropriation of funds. The most recent being a call from your organization for the Nigerian Army to explain how funds appropriated for the NA under the administration of the Chief of Army Staff were utilized.”

Adeyanju, on behalf of the civil society groups, said: “This is a joint FOI request involving EiE and BudgIT and not just SERAP. Therefore, our groups will carefully study the letter and documentation by Mr Buratai to see if details of the information provided meet the requirements of our request and then promptly respond to him, as appropriate.

“A quick look at the documentation shows a list of several projects reportedly implemented by the Nigerian Army. Among those listed and displayed, which appeared to show certain projects the Nigerian Army said it carried out with budgeted funds, include: places where operations were carried out; renovation of barracks and military hospitals, spending to honour late soldiers; trainings and workshops; repairs of some old military equipment; and completion of offices and housing projects. Others are feeding of soldiers; building of new barracks and schools; acquisition of arms and ammunition and vehicles for military operations; as well as provision of welfare for soldiers.”

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/how-we-spent-funds-for-military-operations-buratai.html

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the collection of voters’ cards to the 8,809 registration areas/wards.

INEC said in a statement that the exercise will begin from January 16 to 21, including Saturday and Sunday.

The statement was issued weekend by INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye.

He said the PVC collection which is at present being done at the commission’s local government offices.

Mr. Okoye said a total of 14,283,734 new voters were registered during the Continuous Voters’ Registration (CVR) exercise between April 27, 2017 and August 31, 2018.

He added that the Commission printed the PVCs of the new registrants and delivered them to the states.

“Following appeals by members of the public and its desire to make it easier for Nigerians to collect their PVCs, the Commission held its regular weekly meeting on Thursday 10th January 2019 and took the following decisions among others: Collection of the PVCs by members of the public, which is being done presently at the commission’s local government offices, is to be devolved to the 8,809 registration areas/wards from 16th to 21st January 2019 (including Saturday and Sunday).

“After 21st January 2019, collection of PVCs will revert to the Commission’s Local Government Offices and other designated centres to be determined by the states until 8th February 2019, being the last day for collection. There will be no extension for the collection of PVCs after the 8th day of February 2019. All uncollected PVCs will be retrieved and kept in a secured place till the general elections are over,” Okoye said.

While saying that there shall be no collection of PVCs by proxy, he added that INEC, in the spirit of transparency, will give account of the number of PVCs collected and the balance from previous registrations and urged all registered voters, are yet to collect their PVCs, to seize the opportunity to do so.

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/2019-inec-issues-new-directives-for-pvc-collection-2.html

President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, said the National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will fully be in charge of his second term campaigns.

Buhari who made the disclosure during the inauguration of his presidential campaign council at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, said he would not allow his job to suffer during his campaigns.

The president who said the campaigns would be based on their performance in the last three and half years, urged the council members to resist being provoked.

“Even though we have only 40 days, this campaign is going to tax us all because we intend to touch all corners of our great and vast country. But I must also add that though we will all be deeply involved, I would like to assure the nation that I will do my part without making governance or my work suffer,” Buhari said.

“Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, my co-chairman, will be fully in charge, and is going to be on 24-hour vigil.

“That is to say, the operational buck of this campaign stops at his table, and I therefore urge all of us in the leadership of this campaign, in the field operations on the campaign trail and in the secretariat to consult with Asiwaju whenever guidance is needed,” Buhari said.

He said the Director-General, Rotimi Amaechi, will have overall responsibility for all aspects of the campaign, including field operations; while the secretary will be responsible for all administrative and treasury-related activities of the council.

He appealed to party members to resist being provoked, but remain focused and civil in their campaigns.

“Let us engage our citizens on issues and ask for reflection on the comparative difference between 2015 and 2019 on security, economy and corruption and abuse by those entrusted with leadership in Nigeria.

“As we embark on the campaign to secure mandate for the next level, I want to acknowledge the sacrifices and contributions of all stakeholders who have endeavoured to keep our party united, and our governance successful. I urge members of this formidable team to always keep their eyes on the ball, which is the success of our party at the polls,” Buhari added.

Reiterating his commitment to free and fair elections, he said, “If there is one legacy I want to leave is the enthronement of democracy as a system of government. And for democracy to be enthroned, elections must be free and fair.

“That means citizens have a right to vote for candidates of their choice without intimidation in any form. I have warned INEC and security agencies to that effect. We will keep insisting that votes must count,” he said.

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/why-tinubu-will-be-fully-in-charge-of-my-campaigns-buhari.html

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The governorship tussle in Ogun State, yesterday, assumed a new twist as Governor Ibikunle Amosun led the candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Abdulkabir Adekunle Akinlade, to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Villa.

The meeting was held 10 days after a former governor of the state, Segun Osoba, took the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dapo Abiodun, to the president.

Akinlade who could not get the APC ticket to vie for the governorship in Ogun State had moved to APM and became its flag bearer.

Speaking after the meeting yesterday, Amosun said they were totally committed to the second term bid of President Buhari.

“For us in Ogun State, you are aware that our party, the APM adopted him (Buhari) as our presidential candidate. So, what we just tried to do today is to reassure him that what we have done still stands and we are working very hard to make sure that he wins in Ogun State,” Amosun said.

“And what we are taking away is to tell our people that he (Buhari) is doing very well and by God’s grace, come February 16, we will vote and he will win that election Insha Allah, “ he added.

Meanwhile, President Buhari has said he will not decline courtesy call from opposition candidates.

A statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu said, “Following repeated media enquiries on the matter, the Presidency wishes to state in clear and unmistakable terms that as a party leader and a candidate on the platform of the All Progressives Congress in the coming elections, President Buhari will campaign for the party and all its candidates.

“This however does not mean that he, as the nation’s leader, will decline courtesy calls or offers of support from citizens including candidates flying the flags of other parties.

“There is no doubt that the President has no competition here in terms of popularity in the coming elections. But the more support he gets, the wider the margin of victory there will be,” the statement said.

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/i-wont-decline-courtesy-calls-by-opposition-candidates-buhari.html

The Nigerian Army has said the Maiduguri and Abuja offices of Media Trust Limited (Publisher of Daily Trust newspaper titles) were invaded over a report that undermined national security.

A statement from Army spokesman, Brigadier General Sani Usman, at 11:54pm on Sunday night said ” the Nigerian Army wishes to clarify on alleged invasion of Media Trust Headquarters in Abuja and regional office in Maiduguri.”

He said, “we would like to state that soldiers of the Nigerian Army along with elements of Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies were indeed at Abuja and Maiduguri offices of the publishing company to invite the staff of the company over its lead story on Sunday Trust publication, which divulged classified military information, thus undermining national security.”

He said, “In it, the newspaper disclosed details of planned military operations against the Boko Haram terrorists.”

“The disclosure of classified security information amounts to a breach of national security and run contrary to Sections 1 and 2 of the Official Secrets Act.

“It afforded the Boko Haram terrorists prior notice of our plans and giving them early warning to prepare against the Nigerian military, thus sabotaging the planned operations and putting the lives of troops in imminent and clear danger.

“We would like to state that the invitation of those responsible for divulging military plans was done with the best of intention in order to make them realise the import of such acts to our national security.

“We therefore advice all, particularly journalists, not to worry but engage in their responsive reportage and to be professional as the Nigerian Army has no intention of muzzling the press or jeopardising press freedom.

“We however, wish to enjoin further that they should eschew jeopardizing national security in their reportage.

“We would not tolerate situation where a publication would consistently side with terrorists and undermine our national institutions.

“We wish to appeal to all, especially the media, to join hands with the Nigerian military and security forces to end terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria.

“We would like to further assure that the invitation is for further investigation and if need be, all those culpable of jeopardising security operations will be prosecuted by the relevant law enforcement agency, ” the army statement read.

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/why-we-invade-daily-trust-offices-army.html

It was a tragic day in Bauchi on Friday, 28 December 2018, when a bride-to-be suddenly died a few hours to her wedding fatiha scheduled to hold on Saturday, 29th December 2018 by 11am at Gwallaga mosque. The families of Engineer Salisu Alhaji Boyi and Alhaji Abdulkadir Tataru had completed all arrangements for the wedding in Bauchi, but her funeral prayer was conducted in the same mosque, same time, because she died on the eve of her wedding.

Late Fauziyya was buried on Saturday, after the funeral prayer conducted at the Gwallaga Jumma’at Mosque that would have been the venue for her wedding fatiha.

Daily Trust Saturday traced the families of the deceased and the groom, who narrated what actually happened to late Fauziyya Abdulkadir Tataru, who was a Quantity Survey graduate of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi State.

In his account, father of the deceased, Alhaji Abdulkadir Tataru said: “Fauziyya died after a protracted illness. She was ill for some time, soon after her wedding invitation cards had been distributed and all arrangements had been concluded for their wedding fatiha. Before Thursday, she stopped eating anything, and as a result, medical doctors put her on drip that Thursday and through Friday. When she asked for it to be removed, one of her sisters, who is a nurse, said they will do so only on condition that she agrees to take pap. She agreed and it was removed. She drank the pap, talked to everyone around in the house, but after Magrib prayer I was told that she passed away. From Allah we come and to him we shall all return.”

Alhaji Tataru said: “Late Fauziyya memorized the Holy Qur’an, and that she lived in peace with everybody. She also lived an exemplary life, was religious and attended both western and Islamic schools and had started her second degree in Quantity Survey.”

Fauziyya’s husband-to-be, AbdulJalil, said he met late Fauziyya as far back as 2008 when she was in Junior Secondary School at Ulul Albab School in Katsina State and he was in Senior Secondary School with her elder brother, Abdulmalik.

AbdulJalil said while in school, whenever her brother did something that upset her, he was the one who calmed her down and made sure that she was happy. “That is how we started before Fauziyya was transferred to Bauchi where she completed her secondary school at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University International Secondary School, Bauchi. She then went on to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University and graduated as a Quantity Surveyor. She served in Maiduguri and later enrolled for her master’s degree.”

AbdulJali was shocked when he was told that Fauziyya died, but he did not dispute the information. “Because I know nothing is beyond Allah’s will. I went and saw her corpse. As Muslims, we believe in destiny, both good or bad. I believe what had happened to Fauziyya is our destiny and that is how Allah wants it. We can’t do anything except pray for her,” he said adding that the demise of Fauziyya became a milestone in his life.

“I will do my best to console myself and the people around me,” he said. “I will submit everything to the almighty Allah, because everyone has what God has decreed for him. I will never forget her and will continue to pray for her. I will continue to live and try to make progress in my life. I will not say I will not marry again, I have submitted everything to Allah. I will do my best to live a normal life by the grace of Allah.”

According to AbdulJalil, “The way she died and the circumstances is a lesson to all humanity. It is not a small thing, it’s a very big event that has happened. We have no choice but to believe and be patient with the will of God. May Allah forgive her and have mercy on her, and may her soul rest in perfect peace.”

Elder brother of Fauziyya, Abdul Malik Abdulkadir Tataru, who was a close friend and classmate to Fauziyya’s husband-to-be said they are seven in their family, and he is the first born, while Fauziyya was the second. He said since they grew up, he had not seen anyone quarrel with his late sister. “She is kind-hearted, and tries her best to put smiles on people’s faces. You never see her angry, and she works hard not to offend. We lost a rare gem but take it as being from God.”

Abdul also added that her husband-to-be is his friend and if Allah wills, he will marry from their house because he is now a relative.

Immediate younger brother of late Fauziyya, Sabi’u Abdulkadir Tataru, described her as the centre of unity in their family. “She was sick for about two weeks and I saw people posting on social media. She didn’t have the opportunity to participate in her wedding preparations, but watched people doing so,” he said.

Sabi’u said she was always the first person he contacted if anything happened to him and she always gave him sound advice. “We are all very close to her and she advises all members of our family,” he said.

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/how-bauchi-wedding-fatiha-became-brides-funeral-prayer.html

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday met behind closed doors with the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim K. Idris, 10 days to when the police boss would attain the 60 years mandatory retirement age.

The meeting held at the President’s office at the State House Villa, lasted for about 20 minutes after yesterday’s Friday Jumma’at prayers.

No statement was issued at the end of the meeting. However, sources said it was on the forthcoming retirement of Idris.

Daily Trust Saturday reports that there have been intense lobbying in the presidency for the extension of the service of Idris.

Born on January 15, 1959 in Niger State, Idris was enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force in 1984, after graduating from the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, where he studied Agriculture.

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/retirement-buhari-meets-igp-10-days-to-clocking-60.html

The Fertiliser Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN) has donated N570million for the re-election bid of President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2019 general elections.

This is the first public donation to President Buhari’s campaign. Buhari is yet to formally launch his second term campaign.

The President of FEPSAN, Mr Thomas Etuh, announced on Wednesday night during a Gala night organised by the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

At the event attended by President Muhammadu Buhari and a national leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, among others, Etuh said the money was contributions for the re-election of President Buhari.

Commending the President for turning around the fortunes of farmers in the country, FEPSAN president said from four before 2015, the country now has 30 fertiliser blending plants working at full capacity.

Narrating how he mistook call from the President’s Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, for fraudster when he was first invited for a meeting at the Villa, he said President Buhari has turned around the fortunes of farmers in the country positively.

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/2019-fertiliser-producers-donate-n570m-for-buharis-campaign.html

The presidential candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar and his running mate Peter Obi have the capacity to end mass poverty, grow well-paying jobs, diversify the Nigerian economy and, restructure the nation, Igbo Political Stakeholders Assembly said.

The stakeholder’s assembly comprises of a former governor of Anambra State, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Senator Ben Obi, Dr ABC Nwosu, S.N Okeke, Dr Mrs Jennifer Douglas Abubakar, the wife of the PDP Presidential candidate, and Mrs Margaret Obi, the wife of PDP vice presidential candidate.

Chief Okeke, a one-time chairman of the Police Service Commission, who is chairs the assembly said in a statement at the weekend that, “We find the Atiku policy document progressive in conception, compelling in vision and actionable given its specific details, timelines and implementation schedule.”

The assembly said it will deploy its considerable human and material resources, leverage on its extensive network of support across Igboland and the whole nation, and partner with like-minded patriotic women and community-based organizations to ensure the victory of the Atiku-Obi ticket in the 2019 presidential election.

Other leading members of the group are AVM C E Umenwaliri, Chief Sam Nkire, Chief Rex Onyeabor, General C R U Ihekire, Chief Coleman Uba, Prof Uka Ezenwe, among others.

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/atiku-obi-presidency-will-end-poverty-create-jobs-igbo-assembly.html

Suspected Boko Haram insurgents pounced on rice plantations around Zabarmari and Koshebe communities, last Saturday evening, killing four farmers and burned their corpses.

The communities are about 10 kilometers at the outskirts of Maiduguri metropolis.

The suspected insurgents had, on December 1, invaded some of the plantations, razing down hundreds of hectares of rice farms, including hundreds of tonnes of the harvested farm produce.

“They [suspected insurgents] invaded our plantations again at about 6pm last Saturday, and again, set ablaze hundreds of hectares of our rice farms, brutally gunned down four of our fellow farmers, heaped grasses on the corpses and burned them,” Alhaji Hassan Mohammed, Chairman of Zabarmari Rice Farmers Association, told Daily Trust on Monday.

“We grow rice, guinea corn, millet and various fruits in the expansive plantations,” the leading rice farmer said, adding that, “we had been planning for the dry season farming which has set in; the bulk of the quantity of the food produced in Borno comes from here; but we are scared now.”

He pleaded: “Government should please come to our rescue by providing more security to enable us practice dry season farming.”

There is a rising spate of attacks by the suspected insurgents on military formations and communities, killing tens of troops and civilians in Borno State over the last one week, according to Daily Trust investigations.

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/just-in-boko-haram-kills-4-farmers-burns-corpses.html

The Police Service Commission (PSC) on Tuesday said it has received 104,289 applications from Nigerians who want employment into the Nigeria Police Force as Constables.

The spokesman of the PSC, Ikechukwu Ani, in a statement said, “this is just twelve days after the Commission’s Recruitment Portal was opened on November 30th, 2018.”

He said: “The applications hit this figure as at 11.30am today, Tuesday, December 11th, 2018. The portal will officially close on the 11th of January, 2019 in compliance with the six weeks requirement by Federal Character Commission.

“Niger State has the highest number of applicants at 7,985 while Bayelsa State has the least applications of 347. Kano State is second with 7,513, Katsina came third with 6,820; Bauchi fourth with 6,204 and Kaduna State fifth with 5,729 applicants.

“Following Bayelsa from the rear, is Lagos State with only 516 applicants, Ebonyi State is next with 600, Anambra State, 605, Abia State, 733 and Imo State with 870 applicants.

“Out of the 104,289 applications received so far by the Commission, 93,871 were males while 10,418 were females.

“The Commission restates its commitment to ensure a merit-driven and transparent recruitment exercise that will follow due process and abide with the relevant rules and regulations in the Public Service.

“Applicants are warned not to give money to anybody for assistance as the giver and receiver, if caught, will face the full weight of the law.

“Applicants are required to apply on-line to the Commission’s portal www.nigeriapolicecareers.net and applications are free. This is for the benefit of other interested applicants. They are only required to fill the form online and also submit it online,” the PSC statement said.

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/police-receive-104289-applications-for-10000-jobs.html

hmmm

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will use card readers during the 2019 general elections but ruled out the electronic transmission of results.

This is coming days after President Muhammadu Buhari’s rejection of the Electoral Act amendment bill sent to him by the National Assembly.

However, INEC chairman Prof ‎Mahmud Yakubu said the commission would deploy card readers in every polling unit in the country just as it did in 2015.

Yakubu, who spoke during the public hearing on the menace of vote buying and improving the country’s electoral processes, said the commission had finished all preparations towards the use of the card reader.

The public hearing was organised by the joint National Assembly committee on electoral matters and political parties’ affairs jointly chaired by Sen Suleiman Nazif Gamawa (PDP, Bauchi) and Rep Aishatu Jibril Dukku (APC, Gombe) respectively. However, the INEC chairman said the commission was yet to configure the card readers to match specific polling units, noting that INEC will do that in the coming weeks.

Responding to questions from some senators and stakeholders, Prof Yakubu said: “For those talking about whether INEC would use card reader during the 2019 elections or not, I want to assure that INEC will deploy card reader in every polling unit in the country.

“This is an assurance from the commission, and we are ever ready to do that, although we are yet to configure the card readers to match every polling unit.”

‎Senate President Bukola Saraki, had while declaring the hearing open, urged INEC, security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure free, fair and credible polls in 2019.

He said INEC should improve on the unprecedented record it set during the 2015 elections, pointing out vote buying is currently one of the most disturbing challenges of Nigeria’s political process.

The joint committee chairmen, Gamawa and Dukku said the public hearing was organised to give Nigerians an opportunity to suggest possible ways of tackling vote buying.

Disquiet over electronic transmission of results

But Daily Trust reports that beyond the issue of card reader, the leadership of the two chambers of the National Assembly, led by Senate President Bukola Saraki and Speaker Yakubu Dogara, with acting support of the leadership of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) want the amended Electoral Act assented to so that other issues including electronic transmission of results would be backed by law and therefore mandatory.

It was gathered that the PDP leaders had at a recent meeting with other stakeholders in the electoral process expressed fears that besides the reasons given by President Muhammadu Buhari for not assenting to the Electoral Act amendment, the Presidency and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) do not want the new electoral act for now simply because they have perfected plans to rig the 2019 elections.

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/inec-adopts-card-readers-rules-out-electronic-results-transmission.html

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has listed key members of the party for arrest ahead of the 2019 general elections.

A statement last night by the Special Adviser on Media to the PDP National Chairman, Mr. IKe Abonyi said the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and his running mate, Peter Obi have been marked for arrest including their associates.

Others according to the statement are the Senate President, Bukola Saraki; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and Prince Uche Secondus who are to be arrested on “frame up” charges.

Secondus who said in the statement that Nigeria was on the keg of gunpowder, cautioned the EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Magu against what he described as impunity, saying the country could explode any moment if there was no caution.

“The country is in a keg of a gunpowder at the moment as a result of your (Magu) hatchet job for the ruling government and I warn you to get away from this illegitimate job of using instruments of state to harass and intimidate opponents,” he said.

Secondus said the target of the ruling party was to bring the PDP to its knees so that by January, the party would be finally grounded with its leaders framed up and put behind bars.

“The PDP national chairman chides Magu and other characters of his type who are willing to assist the APC in undermining democracy, to look back at history and know that the consequences are always not palatable,” he said.

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/2019-atiku-saraki-secondus-others-listed-for-arrest-pdp-2.html

Atiku

A supporter of President Muhammadu Buhari has described the Electoral Act controversy as unnecessary distraction to blackmail the President into signing the law with his eyes wide closed.

According to him, the Electoral Act is like a landmine laid in the path of the President by the PDP-led National Assembly, determined to force his hands, despite the fact that the President has unambiguously explained his reasons for not assenting to the Electoral Act.

He said the Act is fraught with dangers, which if ignored, could only create chaos and confusion during the 2019 elections.

The supporter said as a law-abiding leader, Buhari would not do anything that might portray him as someone who is indifferent to disregarding due process.

He explained that Nigeria is a signatory to the ECOWAS protocol that says you can’t pass a legislation within 90 days before election, and wondered why the President should ignore this issue.

Beside the fact of the ECOWAS protocol, the sources also expressed concern about the ongoing process leading to the elections, the registration, the primaries and the nomination of candidates all which have been completed on the basis of the 2010 electoral act. “Nobody wants to leave the elections open to contests in courts.”

He also alleged that the Electoral Act was full of booby traps that could undermine free and fair elections in 2019.

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/controversy-over-electoral-act-plot-to-blackmail-buhari.html

The federal government will commence the sack of unqualified teachers in the country by January 2020, following expiration of deadline given to them to upgrade before the end of December, 2019.

The Registrar of Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Prof Josiah Olusegun Ajiboye disclosed this in Abuja, while speaking to journalists.

Prof Ajiboye said: “The government took a position long time ago that anyone who is not qualified or registered and licensed by TRCN by December 2019, will no longer be allowed to stand in front of our children in classrooms.”

While noting that so far TRCN has registered up to two million qualified teachers across the country, he said any teacher who is not registered by January 2020, will be removed from the classroom.

He said over the years, they have sensitised the people on the need to find a way of getting themselves qualified before the deadline.

The TRCN boss noted that they have carried out census in six states, saying, “we are going to start with those states because we now have the data base of those who are qualified and those who are not registered.”

According to him, the six states include Nasarawa, Ogun, Ebonyi, Jigawa, Cross River and Bauchi.

“We are going to start our implementation from those states and it is going to be a continuous process because after those states we will continue with other states, until we root out unqualified teachers in the country,” he said.

The Registrar maintained that the minimum qualification required for anyone to practice teaching in the country remains Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and that as a qualified teacher, it is required that one registers with the council.

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/fg-to-commence-sack-of-unqualified-teachers-january-2020.html

The Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Muhammad Babandede has said the service is working on a strategy to stop foreigners from participating in next year’s general election.

Babandede disclosed this while speaking to the press at the NIS’s end of year award night at the service headquarters in Abuja.

He assured that the service will be fully involved in the election process to ensure that no foreigner is allowed to vote.

“What I will do if I see them during election is that we will arrest them if we see them trying to participate by voting”, he said.

“This year, we have retrieved over 700 voter cards from non-Nigerians. We will be there during elections to ensure that non-Nigerians don’t participate.

“We will make sure that they don’t vote and they are not voted for. During the election, we will ensure the borders are secured so that nobody can enter the country during the days of election.

“Immigration service has changed for the better. We have built the capacity of personnel and improved on structures and contributed to Nigeria’s security and prosperity in many ways.” Babandede said.

26 personnel of the NIS were given awards during the dinner.

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/how-we-will-stop-foreigners-from-voting-in-2019-election-immigration-boss.html

The Law Graduates Forum of the ‎National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) on Saturday praised President Muhammadu Buhari for assenting to the NOUN Amendment Act. ‎

A statement by Mr Carl Umegboro, ‎Chairman, NOUN Law Graduates Forum released in Abuja, said that the amendment would resolve the protracted crisis that had lingered over half a decade, a development that had particularly affected law students of the university.
‎
The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that Sen. Ita Enang, ‎the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, had on Friday in Abuja, disclosed to State House correspondents, the President’s assent to the bill.
‎
Enang had said, “President Buhari has also assented to National Open University Amendment Act, which allows the National Open University to operate as all other universities, having the same power and functions and the same administrative structures.”‎

‎The group expressed joy that the protracted crisis had been resolved by the President and that by so doing, the law school admission crisis as well as NYSC issues had now been laid to rest.‎

“By the Presidential assent, which has replaced the hitherto ‘correspondence’ in the Act to now ‘Full-Time programme’, which was the basis on which the Council of Legal Education refused to admit law graduates of the university to the Nigerian Law School, it is apparent the quagmires have been finally laid to rest and admission quota imminent‎. ”
‎
According to Umegboro, although the crisis began during the reign of previous administrations, nothing was done to assuage the situation until the advent of the Buhari administration in 2015.
‎‎
“In the light of this, we hail Mr. President for his understanding, trustworthiness and commitment to education and masses’ welfare in general,” he said.

‎NAN reports that prior to the Presidential assent, NOUN law graduates had been refused admission into the Nigerian Law School and excepted from NYSC, a situation the law graduates had described as unjust and discriminatory.

They had taken to the courts in search of justice‎.

This led to a situation where Justice Hilary Oshomah of the Federal High Court, Port-Harcourt, Rivers on Oct. 4 , 2017, decided to “hands-off” the matter to allow the academia to resolve the matter. (NAN)

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/noun-law-graduates-praise-buhari-for-assenting-to-amendment-act%e2%80%8e.html

The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has said Nigerians are in a difficult situation over the choice of presidential candidates for the forthcoming 2019 election.

He spoke weekend in Abuja on the topic: “The Church in Politics: Towards the election year 2019” at an event organized by Catholic Action -Nigeria.”

According to him, it would not be in the interest of the church to support one political party against the other; but to identify and stand behind those who can offer good governance for the people.

He said the new political parties that would have joined forces to produce a credible alternative presidential candidate failed to do so due to selfishness and ego.

“We see this clearly in our country Nigeria. We hear politicians often speaking about serving the nation. It has now become a huge joke. Even the simplest village man knows that the people in authority are not serving us. This is the major cause of our problems. Rulers become dictators instead of servants of God and for the people.

“The prevalent idea that politics is a rotten game for only dishonest people is a tragic error, no matter how prevalent it may be in our society. We know that it is extremely difficult to go against this trend in our public life. The fear in fact is that the nation has been captured by corrupt people who have acquired massive power through the wealth they have stolen from us. They thus monopolize all channels of decision making,” he said.

Onaiyekan said that the country is in a great dilemma as ahead of the 2019 General Elections, as it appears that the people are faced with “horrible tragedy of a choice between two well-known undesirable candidates.”

“It is a pity that whereas there are over 90 political parties, there seems to be no viable alternative to the two mega parties that have failed us. Where is the alternative? It is a pity that they cannot come together to form a viable alternative,” he said.

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/2019-no-credible-presidential-candidate-yet-for-nigerians-onaiyekan.html

wickedness

Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of Interior and National Coordinator Security Governance Initiative, Hon Aliyu Ibrahim Gebi, says the 2019 presidential election will be the last outing for PDP presidential candidate and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Gebi, who fielded questions from journalists, yesterday, in Abuja said the election would not be the toughest in the history of the country as President Muhammadu Buhari remained the only gladiator in the 2019 presidential poll.

He was responding to a question on whether the Wazirin Adamawa was a threat to the re-election bid of President Buhari.

The APC chieftain from Bauchi State and former chairman House of Representatives Committee on Security said Atiku would suffer a bloody nose during the 2019 election, stressing that the presidential election will be a walkover for Buhari and the ruling party.

Gebi said, “In this race, there’s only one gladiator and that gladiator is the current president, Muhammadu Buhari. So, there is no point saying this is the toughest election in the history of Nigeria.

“Toughest for him (Atiku), certainly, but not for President Buhari. I am from the North East and we are from the same region. As a contender what has he done for our region? What has he done for us as a people? What has he done for IDPs, widows? What has he done for the orphans? What has he done for people outside his own immediate circle?

“So, it is easy for people to come and talk… Where was he when the bombs were going off?… Atiku will not even win Adamawa not to talk of Taraba, Gombe and then come to Bauchi. If Atiku had done what he should have done, I can assure that President Buhari would not have even bothered contesting, if the system was working. He had all the opportunities in the world.

“So, it is not about taking power or looking for power because of you, your grand children and your in-laws. we are not subjects; we are only subjects of God. Certainly, we are not Atiku’s subjects, we are citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and we will ensure we do whatever we can. This will be the last Atiku outing and he will suffer a bloody nose by the grace of God.”

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/atiku-to-suffer-bloody-nose-in-2019-ex-rep-gebi.html