₦airaland Forum

Anambra Debt Refund Approval: Could Chris Ngige had lied?

On Sunday, Sen. Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige in a live radio interview on Odenigbo 99.1fm discredited Senator Victor Umeh's claim that he played a "vital" role in the Federal Government's approval of N37.9bn being owed to Anambra State as part of monies used by the state to execute federal projects.

Ngige stated that Umeh was yet to arrive the Senate when these funds were processed. He gave credits to Senators Andy Uba and Stella Oduah for the role they played in ensuring that the Senate approved the monies.

In Chris Ngige's words: "About N45bn was submitted as claim by Anambra State government, during the vetting process it was reduced to 37bn".

Ngige stated that the approval process passed through the Federal Executive Council (FEC) before it was presented to the Senate for approval. According to him, during that time Umeh had not even "neared" the Senate.

"At some point there were some unclear areas and the two Anambra Senators (Uba and Oduah) went to the Finance Minister for clarifications", Ngige stated.

He said Umeh could not claim to have played a vital role in a process that preceded his arrival to the Senate and that credits should be given to whom it is due - by this, he meant Senators Andy Uba and Stella Odua.

Now for those who may not be aware, a total of 21 States laid claim for refund by the Federal Government. Anambra State had the 5th highest claim for refund behind Lagos, Zamfara, Akwa Ibom and Ogun States. These funds which totalled about 488bn were approved jointly by the Senate.

According to statements shared by social media handles loyal to Umeh, Senator Umeh's office was used as a Secretariat by the Anambra State delegation that came to verify and defend these claims in a public hearing organized by the Senate - the delegation included the State's Deputy Governor, Commissioner of Works, and others. The Statement as released also stated that Umeh accompanied the Anambra State delegation to the public hearing held by the Senate Ad-hoc committee set up to verify these claims by states and at no point did the release state the roles Senators Andy Uba and Stella Oduah played in the process.

Now the question that comes begging is, could the Senate have approved these claims if a place other than Senator Umeh's office was used as a Secretariat by the Anambra State delegation? Could it also have been successful if Umeh did not accompany them to the Senate public hearing, which in all sincerity he had no business attending, as he was not part of those to be queried?

The answers to the questions above would determine if indeed Senator Umeh played any crucial role in the approval of the said 37.9bn Naira.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/anambra-debt-refund-approval-could.html

Against the background of the gale of defections of politicians from one party to another in the country, no fewer than 1,650 members of All Progressives Congress, APC, from the 12 wards of Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State have resigned their membership of the party. Spokesman of the former APC members who addressed journalists in Benin City, yesterday, Mr Omo-Osagie Efosa (aka Mighty Man), said that they decided to resign their membership of the party because the “change mantra,” which was what brought them into the party had failed. Omo-Osagie listed other reasons for their resignation from the party to include the undemocratic manner in which the party was run by the state leadership and the “cabal like manner“ in which cronies and political jobbers were secretly anointed by some party leaders to conduct the last congresses in the state. He also alleged that during the APC local government council primaries, of which he was a front runner for the chairman in Oredo LGA, he was armed twisted and edged out of the race after he had paid for and collected nomination form. He said: “They secretly selected councillors and chairmen as candidates for the election and were not allowed to face the electorate in the primaries. “Even when there were complaints that some leaders were collecting huge sums of money from aspirants, the party blatantly refused to entertain the complaints nor did it investigated them to give victims the needed justice.”

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/1650-resign-membership-of-apc-in-edo.html

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has come under attack over his threat to lead the effort by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to take back Imo State in 2919.

The State Governor, Rochas Okorocha advised the former Vice President and PDP Presidential aspirant to face his challenges and not leave Imo politics alone.

Governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, described Atiku’s statement as an empty threat that can never be achieved.

According to the statement, “the former Vice President leave Imo and Governor Rochas Okorocha alone and face his worrisome challenges”.

The statement also added that the governor will defeat the former VP in any election, even in his home state of Adamawa.

It added that, ” and if he does not know, Governor Rochas Okorocha will defeat him in any part of the Country including his Adamawa State in any election involving two of them. He does not therefore have what it takes to lead any struggle that will return the PDP to power in the State or the Country in 2019. That promise was a false one”.

It continued that, “the former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar was in Owerri for a meeting with the stakeholders of the PDP in the State over his presidential ambition.

“While meeting with the PDP Stakeholders in the State, he was reported to have told them that he would lead the struggle for the PDP to take over Imo and Nigeria in 2019. He also tried to run down the governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha and his government.

“What we do not take from anybody is blackmail against the government of Rochas Okorocha. We would do our best to set the record straight. The former Vice-President would have done his meeting without scratching the governor and the government he heads in the State. And that is where we come in”.

The statement also read, “the former Vice-President therefore leave Imo and Governor Rochas Okorocha alone and face his worrisome challenges. And if he does not know, Governor Rochas Okorocha will defeat him in any part of the Country including his Adamawa State in any election involving two of them. He does not therefore have what it takes to lead any struggle that will return the PDP to power in the State or the Country in 2019. That promise was a false one.

“To say the least, that promise of returning Imo to PDP was very deceitful knowing full well that in 2011 Rochas ran on the ticket of APGA that had no structure on ground and defeated an incumbent PDP governor with a very wide margin. In 2015, he took the soul of APGA to merge with other parties to form APC and defeated two powerful Candidates of PDP and APGA, even with the PDP Candidate having the Federal might behind him. Interestingly Alhaji Atiku Abubakar was not in exile when all these happened.

“Imo PDP is dead. The monumental achievements of Governor Okorocha in less than eight years have destroyed the Imo PDP because the Party has no claim again to make before Imo people.


“When PDP was in power in the State the Imo Airport was an eyesore, but today it has become an International Cargo Airport with all the facilities available and Courtesy of Rochas Okorocha’s administration. The former Vice-President would have demonstrated statesmanship by commending Rochas Okorocha for that feat”.

Furthermore, the statement pointed out that, “all the flyovers and tunnels Alhaji Atiku passed through in Owerri were not there when the PDP was in power for twelve years. The twelve and eight – lane roads the former Vice President saw in Owerri when he came were not there when the PDP held sway. The free education that has raised the school population of the State from 381,000 in 2011 to over one million in 2017, was not also there under the PDP.

“Beyond the noise of few power seekers in the State, Imo people are on the side of Governor Okorocha because of the large extent he has developed the State. The projects are available for verification. Let Atiku ask the PDP in the State to publish their achievements for the twelve years they governed the State and let Rochas publish his achievements for the less than eight years he has been on seat, and the former VP will discover that PDP in the State is a goner.

“And that is the reason all those who made the Party thick in the State have all left to join either APGA or APC. Today, all the former guber aspirants in the PDP are doing so in APGA including Chief Ikedi Ohakim. They have left the PDP for two people.

“So, the former Vice-President should have told the remnants of the PDP in the State to bear with the situation they have seen themselves instead of raising their hope by promising them that he would lead the struggle that will return the Party to power in the State. And on our part, we do not need to struggle for APC to sustain its hold on Imo since Imo people shall Continue to vote for the party.”

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/you-cant-return-imo-to-pdp-okorocha.html

The Edo State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has commiserated with Ghana and family of Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations and celebrated diplomat, over his passing at the age of 80.



In a statement, Obaseki said Annan was a shining light of the African continent, who strode like a colossus in the diplomatic community and worked tirelessly for a peaceful and fair world.

He said: “I received the news of the passing of Kofi Annan with a heavy heart.


He lived a noble, courageous life and was an example of excellence in public service.

From his humble beginning in Ghana, Annan grew to conquer the world, displaying an expert understanding of the world’s complexities and working to entrench respect for human rights in the UN system. I commend his impact on global peace.”

He noted that Annan lived a life that was not only worth celebrating, but also portrayed a commitment to “service and a rare grace that marked his various engagements at the UN, while he led the global body.”

The governor urged youths to toe the path of the statesman and global icon, noting that the virtues portrayed by Annan while he lived, would not only stand young people out, but also set them on the path of success in their chosen careers.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/we-lost-colossus-in-diplomatic.html

The predictions of a high-stakes political battle ahead of 2019 election, appear to have been corroborated yesterday by the All Progressives Congress, APC, declaration that the poll had been won and lost. A statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Yekini Nabena accused the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, of using propaganda to attract votes.
In addition, APC said the party was being obsessed with the amendment to Nigeria’s Electoral Act which had not been signed. The statement reads: “The PDP has realised that the 2019 election has been won and lost. If the election is held today, it is clear that the APC will win by a landslide, judging by visible and landmark achievements recorded by the President Buhari administration. This is an apparent fact that gives the PDP sleepless nights. Hence its daily lies and propaganda in its desperate early campaign to attract non- existent votes “PDP’s attempt to hide under the yet to be assented Electoral Act Amendment Bill is an attempt to draw attention away from the treasonable actions of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki who has refused to convene the National Assembly to consider at plenary the crucial 2019 Election Budget of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)”. “The Electoral Amendment Bill passed by the National Assembly is alive and awaiting assent. However, assent to bills in all democratic governments reflects the prudence and discretion of the president in balancing the powers of key constitutional bodies and understanding the concerns of the executive. “While we strongly condemn the abuse of office by the Senate President backed by his PDP cohorts in sabotaging the executive, specifically INEC, all well-meaning Nigerians have a duty to speak up and ensure that the National Assembly performs its constitutional role and not serve an individual’s personal interest. “We call on all Nigerians, civil society and indeed the international community to resist the ongoing travesty and legislative rascality being perpetuated by the Senate President and the PDP. The sanctity of our electoral system is being threatened by this orchestrated sabotage and deliberate attempt to weaken INEC as we prepare for the general elections in 2019. The National Assembly must be convened immediately.’

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/2019-election-won-and-lost-apc-boasts.html

Former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd) celebrated a low-key 77th birthday yesterday at his country home, Minna, Niger State.


Rather than throw a lavish birthday party, the retired general, his immediate family members and close associate held an early morning prayers at IBB Mosque, praying for his long life and good health as well as for the peace and progress of Nigeria.

The prayer was led by the Chief Imam of the IBB’s Uphill Mosque, Sheikh Musa.
Most of the dignitaries that joined the former military president in celebrating did so after the Friday Jumat mosque held at the Minna central mosque.

Some of the dignitaries were politicians and the former military president’s childhood friends while a host of others were said to have come from Delta and Rivers States.

The delegations from Delta State, according to insiders, were relations of his late wife Maryam.
Among those in attendance, were a former military governor of Niger State, Colonel Habibu Shuaibu (rtd); Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmed, a former Commissioner for Information in Niger State, Alhaji Danladi Abdulhamid and a governorship aspirant, Alhaji Muazu Hannafi Sudan.

General Babangida, flanked by his children, later cut his 77th birthday cake to the admiration of his guests and the popular song “Happy birthday to you” sang after the master of ceremony counted from 74-77.
The Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Bello was not in attendance. The governor was said to be away in Abuja on “a special assignment.”

The deputy governor, Alhaji Muhammed Ahmed Ketso, who was to stand in for him was reportedly trapped at the site of a collapsed bridge between Lapai and Gulu and was unable to attend the birthday ceremony.
“The deputy governor may be in the house tomorrow to felicitate with General Babangida” an aide to the deputy governor said.

According to one of those in attendance, Babangida was happy about the relative peace in the country and prayed for its sustenance.
“We should accept one another and be our brothers keepers”, IBB was quoted as saying after cutting his birthday cake.

“He also specifically asked that prayers be offered for our leaders because they need our prayers to succeed,” said another source.

Meanwhile, the Niger State Government as well as the Peoples Democratic Party in the state have joined many Nigerians to felicitate with Nigeria’s former military president on the occasion of his 77th birthday.

The state government and the PDP in Minna described the former Nigerian leader as “an enigma, political colossus, and a patriotic Nigerian”.

The Niger State Government’s statement was signed on behalf of Governor Bello by his Chief Press Secretary, Jibrin Baba Ndace, while that of the PDP was signed by the state chairman of the party, Alhaji Tanko Beji.
Governor Bello in the statement said: “General Babangida’s life has remained a testimony to the power of good leadership and purposeful living.

“The former Military leader has continued to demonstrate great statesmanship and patriotism and has remained resolute on the path of promoting national unity, integration and development.

“We salute your resilience and commitment to the service of our nation in particular and humanity in general. We will continue to tap from your wealth of experience.”

On his part, Beji said General Babangida had remained the bridge linking all parts of the country”, adding that his wisdom and experience which he shared with the younger generations of Nigeria had kept the nation together.

While wishing the former Nigerian leader more active years in the land of the living, the Niger State PDP Chairman urged the former military president to continue to sacrifice his time and offer suggestions to the political class so that the ship of state would not hit the rock.

It was the second year running that the former Nigerian leader would be having a quiet birthday and also did not address the press on the state of the nation and other matters.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/ibb-marks-77th-birthday-quietly-prays.html

Godwin chukwunenye Ezemo dumps Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA) for People's Democratic Party(PDP)

full details at http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/breaking-godwin-ezemo-dumps-ppa-for-pdp.html

As the gale of defections and threats for more continue to trail All Progressives Congress, APC, in Edo State, a chieftain of the party, Mr Charles Idahosa, has appealed for restraint from members threatening to leave, saying they should stay in the party and resolve their differences.
Briefing newsmen, yesterday, in Benin City, Idahosa said the party must work towards exceeding the 46 per cent President Muhamadu Buhari got in Edo State in 2015, especially now that Oshiomhole is the national chairman of the party. He said: “Nobody should start threatening that we want to leave because we have a lot of work to do considering the fact that the President of this country, Buhari, is doing very well. Whether kings are dying or queens are mourning, Buhari is coming back as president of this country come 2019. “We took this state from the clutches of dare-devil politicians when we were in opposition and to God be the glory I was the political adviser to Oshiomhole for eight years, it was not all smooth, we fought battles, we won two elections in this state from the opposition. How come now that we are in government, people are decamping from the ruling government to opposition? It is a big shame. “Our son, Oshiomhole is the national chairman, what a shame will it be if he succeeds in doing all the job in 36 states of the federation and Edo State is in disarray? So, leaving the party is not the issue. You cannot leave this party for anybody because it is not their property when we voted. “Did you see anybody’s name on the ballot paper? There was no independent candidature here. Some people come to Edo State for politics for different reasons, we are home boys. All the things we are seeing are temporary and not enough to destroy the party.” “Have you seen a landlord leaving his house for tenants? When a child is born, he learns how to crawl, then walk and then run but some people want to run when they cannot even crawl and when you try that, you fall. Those who make peaceful change impossible, make their disgraceful exit possible.”

https://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/we-cannot-leave-apc-for-outsiders-says.html

The Coordinator, National Youths Service Corps in Osun State, Mr Emmanuel Attah, has warned corps members who will be deployed for the September 22 governorship election in the state to avoid inducement while discharging their duties.

The NYSC coordinator said any corps member who violated the provisions of the Electoral Act would be arrested and prosecuted irrespective of their family background or influence.


Attah gave the warning on Monday at the closing ceremony of the orientation course for the 2018 Batch ‘B’ corps members at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Ede, Osun State.

He said the NYSC had been participating in conducting elections for some time, saying the participation of corps members in the electoral process had given it credibility.

Attah said, “Let me remind you that in a couple of weeks, the State of Osun governorship election will take place, precisely on September 22, 2018. You are going to play a major role in shaping the next administration of this great state through your active participation in the electoral process.

“You must be aware that over the years, the NYSC has given great credibility to elections in Nigeria; we intend to maintain it as such. The NYSC is apolitical; we do not belong to any political party. You are to be neutral in your work, words and actions.

“Avoid corrupt politicians who might want to induce you. Let me sound a note of warning, any of you who might be called to participate in the electoral process and goes against the Electoral Act, will face the full wrath of the law. You have your name, that of your family and the NYSC scheme to protect.”

The Osun State Governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, while addressing the corps members, said, “You have been rightly informed during the swearing – ceremony of your role in the forthcoming election in the state. You all will play one role or the other during the election and I urge you to let your role be positive.

“Ensure that all votes are well counted at the polling units and don’t let any political party put their will on you. Do ensure you abide by the advice which came to you through seasoned officers of the scheme.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/osun-poll-errant-corps-members-will-be.html

The Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose on Sunday called on Nigerians to pray for divine intervention regarding the state of the country under the All Progressives Congress (APC).



Fayose, while speaking at a meeting with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aspirants for the next national and state House of Assembly elections, stated that the APC has allegedly eroded democratic gains made by Nigeria when the party came to power in 2015.



Fayose said God would intervene in the political and leadership affairs of Nigeria and put a stop to the level of intimidation by the APC-led administration.



He said: “It is unfortunate that the ruling APC had allegedly eroded all democratic gains it inherited when it came to power in 2015. The level of desperation, intimidation and harassment being meted out to the opposition by the APC was disheartening and dangerous to democracy.

“I just want to let Nigerians know that divine intervention is what they should be praying for as far as the situation in the country is concerned. And I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

“For instance, what happened last week to Lawal Daura, the erstwhile boss of the Department of State Service (DSS) is a finger of God intervening in Nigeria’s matter.



“We are in this mess because the level of desperation and intimidation we are currently witnessing in the country is unprecedented.

“Opposition figures are hounded into jail. Accounts of state government are frozen for no just reason. Look at what happened in Benue State. We must pray hard for divine intervention and I am sure God will prove Himself that He is the one in charge.”

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/what-happened-to-sacked-dss-boss-daura.html

Rochas Okorocha, the Imo State Governor has said he stands a better chance of becoming Nigeria’s President in 2023.

Okorocha, who is a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, made the declaration while addressing newsmen at the state’s Government House in Owerri, the state capital, yesterday.

”I stand a better chance of making the Presidency in 2023 but my greatest challenge will come from the Igbo. It is our character.

“It will be a foolish thing to imagine that the Igbo will support me,” he said.
The governor noted that people of the South East political class has the “pull-him-down syndrome where they never support or believe in anyone from their region.”
Okorocha stated that the support he required to achieve his presidential aspiration will come from other regions.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/i-stand-best-chance-to-become-president.html

Eight pilgrims from Kebbi have fallen prey to the nefarious activities of some Saudi-based fraudsters in Madinah, losing their Basic Traveling Allowances (BTA).

NAN reports that the fraudsters, mostly Nigerians resident in the Holy land illegally often gained access to Nigerian pilgrims outside their hotel accommodation, where they lured their unsuspecting victims into shady business transactions.

The leader of Kebbi State’s pilgrims in Madinah, Abubakar Argungu, confirmed this to newsmen on Thursday in Madinah.

He lamented that illegal money changers deceived the pilgrims, especially the elderly people, and dispossessed them of their cash.
“Our major concern this year is that “Tikaris” (illegal residents) have been cheating and stealing our pilgrims’ money. Eight of our pilgrims were defrauded of their BTAs.”
He decried the attitude of the state officials who abandoned their pilgrims to their fate on arrival in the Holy land.

Argungu appealed to state governments to always appoint credible officials with the fear of God to take care of pilgrims’ welfare.
He also urged the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, to devise measures to protect pilgrims who engaged in “tooth cap glitz” and money exchange.
“Government should do this like it did by designating a single bank to collect fees for sacrificial animals during the Hajj”, the official said.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/2018-hajj-nigerians-scammed-in-saudi.html

No fewer than 21,476 Nigerians have overstayed their visas to the United States within the last one year, Per second news media reports on Thursday. It said that information it gathered from Washington indicated that those who overstayed include students, workers and tourists, with increase in numbers of those that has refused to return to Nigeria.

Illegal immigration by overstaying a visa has been shown to outweigh a number of people entering by an illegal border crossing. More than 700,000 foreigners who were supposed to leave the United States during a recent 12-month period overstayed their visas, according to U.S Department of Homeland Security ‘ Fiscal Year 2017 Entry/Exit Overstay Report. 185,375 Nigerian visitors were expected to depart after their stay, with 630 of them overstaying their visas, while 19,046 visitors and business men and women refused to return to Nigeria and residing illegally inside the United States. In the report obtained, a total 9,245 students were expected to depart the U.S after their studies with 258 returning to Nigeria after overstaying their visas, while 2,172 refused to return and are currently residing illegally in the U.S An overstay is a nonimmigrant who was lawfully admitted to the United States for an authorized period but stayed in the United States beyond his or her authorized admission period. Nonimmigrants admitted for “duration of status” who fail to maintain their status also may be considered overstays. “Duration of status” is a term used for foreign nationals who are admitted for the duration of a specific program or activity, which may be variable, instead of for a set timeframe. The authorised admission period ends when the foreign national has accomplished the purpose or is no longer engaged in authorized activities pertaining to that purpose. An example is a student program that runs for four years. When the program is completed, the student must leave or go on to pursue another program of study. The DHS classifies individuals as overstays by using the ADIS system to match departure and status change records to arrival records collected during the admission process. DHS further identifies nonimmigrant status through manual vetting processes to support possible enforcement action. DHS identifies an individual as having overstayed if his or her departure record shows he or she departed the United States after his or her authorized admission period expired 17 (i.e., Out-of-Country Overstays). While these individuals are considered overstays, there is evidence indicating they are no longer physically present in the United States. DHS also identifies individuals as possible overstays if there are no records of a departure or change in status prior to the end of their authorised admission period (i.e., Suspected In-Country Overstays). Overstays accounted for 1.3 percent of the 52.7 million visitors who arrived by plane or ship during the latest period, an improvement from the overstay rate of 1.5 percent a year earlier. Canada again occupied the top slot for overstays, followed by Mexico, Venezuela, the United Kingdom and Colombia. Nigeria, China, France, Spain and Germany rounded out the top 10. The overstay rate was much higher among students and foreign exchange visitors, with 4.2 percent staying after their visas expired, a decline from 5.5 percent the previous year. President Donald Trump has focused border security efforts on erecting a multibillion-dollar wall with Mexico. But the latest annual figures underscore how visa overstays are a big driver of illegal immigration. An estimated 40 percent of the roughly 11 million people in the country illegally stayed past their visas.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/us-21476-nigerians-overstayed-visas-in.html

The Boko Haram insurgents yesterday, killed a staff of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) John Iliya in Damasak, Borno state.


Sani Datti, NEMA's Head of Media and Public relations said in a statement on Thursday that the late Iliya was an excavator operator attached to the military.


According to him, the Director General of NEMA, Engr. Mustapha Maihaja and the management staff have been thrown into mourning following the staff's death.


Though, he did not state how the staff was killed, he said the DG has dispatched a team to Maiduguri to facilitate the return of his remains to the family.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/boko-haram-kills-nema-staff.html

Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State say the leadership of the party is not losing sleep over the defection of Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi and other prominent members to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The party supporters, under the aegis of the Kaduna Restoration Group, said this through their secretary, Muhammed Shehu, at a news conference on Wednesday in Kaduna.

Shehu noted that the defection of the Senator representing Kaduna North and others did not come to them as a surprise, alleging that the defectors had been more of PDP than APC since the inception of the present administration.

He consequently asked the APC national leadership to sack remaining party members whose loyalty were in doubt, including a senator whom he claimed was more of a liability than an asset to the ruling party.

The group’s secretary insisted that those defecting would pose no threat to the success of the APC and re-election bid of Governor Nasir El-Rufai in the general elections in 2019.


He alleged that two of the senators from the state have never been supportive of Governor El-Rufai’s administration but rather have been playing the opposition role.

Shehu said, “The three senators from Kaduna state, two of whom were supposedly APC, played a greater role in scuttling the Kaduna State’s bid to obtain a World Bank loan that would have seen the state witnessing an excellent infrastructural and human capital development.

“They have been doing the opposition’s job better than the opposition, even before officially joining the opposition party. Their defection is just about setting the record straight; it is about where their heart and loyalty truly lies.”

The group’s secretary added, “We are happy to note that the APC’s primary source of votes, the masses, have remained intact and reports from our strongholds indicate that their support is still unshakable, and have equally vowed that come 2019, it is going to be another opportunity to demystify the so-called power brokers in the country.”

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/kaduna-apc-not-losing-sleep-over.html

Conduct of a by-election for Katsina north senatorial seat will require at least 7,800 adhoc staff, just as Vice president Yemi Osinbajo is expected at a rally on Thursday


Jibril Zarewa, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Katsina State, revealed the number in a meeting with stakeholders and representatives of political parties ahead of the election.


Many of the staff are recruited from the NYSC and tertiary institutions and undergo training ahead of the polls.


The REC further said all the non sensitive materials have been delivered to the affected 12 local government areas in the constituency, adding that the sensitive materials were presently in custody of the Central Bank of Nigeria.


Zarewa said: “ We are inviting political parties,security agencies, civil society groups and the media to witness the distribution of the materials”.


He said accreditation of voters would begin by 8:00 am on Saturday across the 148 electoral wards in the 12 local government areas.


Police say measures are in place for security.


Vice president Yemi Osinbajo is expected in Daura on Thursday to join a final rally of the APC ahead of voting on Saturday.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/7800-ad-hoc-staff-for-katsina-polls.html

Legendary musician, Innocent Idibia, better known as Tuface has reacted to the siege on the National Assembly by operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS.

News broke Tuesday morning that masked DSS personnel had blocked all entrances into the National Assembly complex as well as mounted sentry near the legislative house to provide cover for the impeachment of the presiding officers of the Senate by senators of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

As expected, the polity soon became heated and Nigerians became divided in their opinions of what was going on in the National Assembly.

However, Tuface, via his Twitter handle, urged Nigerians not to be deceived by the impeachment drama staged by the senior lawmakers, adding that the politicians had lost every sense of shame in their game of maneuvering.
The music artiste tweeted: “Only a few knew exactly what went down at the National Assembly.
“Now, poor Nigerians are fighting each other.

“Please, don’t let these politicians fool you. There’s no shame in their game anymore.”
It could be recalled that last year, Tuface pulled out of his planned protest to the National Assembly and the State House, Aso Villa over the hardship faced by the masses.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/nass-tuface-speaks-on-dss-siege.html

New music sensation, Bimbo Queens, who has been lighting up the music scene with her lusciously sexy photos and with some stirring songs to go with, has come for other upcoming female artistes to up their game and take the fight to those at the top, that, they too, have what it takes to be heard. In this regard, the Ilesha, Osun State-born singer has declared herself the goddess of the music industry. Take it or leave, the musician-cum actress born Abimbola Queen Oguntominiyi, has written her resume and doesn’t give a hoot whether anyone likes it or not. “First off, by saying, “I’m the goddess of the industry, I don’t mean filling up arenas or speaking to be the best, or the sort of unlimited abundance in my shield that could ‘make it rain’ everyday. I mean music and modeling has been my full-time focus that pays bill, and I love doing what I’m actually proud of. I have been inspired to write on behalf of the upcoming female artistes and models in the industry who are seeking for means to sustain their ground as famous and successful artistes. There are a lot of discoveries on ground for the upcoming talented artistes which they can learn from; I’m still applying the discoveries myself and learning everyday from them, I hope this article will help the next generation of conscious artiste trying to let their voices be heard” she declared. “ I can do music and focus on evolving myself to a modellig ambassador to companies; I’m currently building my community and nation as a whole. Most importantly, I will be dropping my new single titled “All Over” for the benefits of my fans. Let’s share in the spirit of collaboration and not competition. Here is a tip to also be the goddess of the industry with no rival – just don’t worry about being signed, 95% of signed artistes fail; with those odds, it makes more sense to learn in the new music business on your own. You can stay independent and keep control of your music by learning and applying the principles of marketing to your music,” she added.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/im-goddess-of-music-industry-bimbo.html

The United States Consul General, John Bray, on Tuesday, visited the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, ahead of the election slated to hold on September 22.

Journalists were not allowed to be part of the meeting held at the residence of the politician and the consul general was shielded from granting an interview to journalists after the meeting.


However, our correspondent gathered that the envoy discussed the need to ensure a peaceful poll with the PDP candidate and that he had earlier held a similar meeting with the leadership of the police and the Department of State Services in the state.

Adeleke told journalists after the meeting that he was confident that there would be no violence during the election, saying the people of the state would also watch over their votes to ensure that the poll was not manipulated.

Adeleke said, “Osun State is different from Ekiti State; Osun people are vibrant and vigilant. Osun people will vote and stay with their votes and I believe that what happened during the Osun West Senatorial District by-election, the landslide victory, the same thing will happen this time round. This will be so because Osun people are vigilant.

“I also told him that Osun State needs change because the present government led by Governor Rauf Aregbesola owes a lot of money. He owes teachers, civil servants and pensioners and pensioners are dying, and that is why Osun State needs this change in order to move forward.

“I want the people of Osun State to be calm, this election will be peaceful. This election is hoping to send a message to the international community that Nigeria has arrived and that Nigeria is ready for democracy.

“There are rumours that the police will be deployed in the state to disrupt the election but I believe that our police are law-abiding. I believe that our President is law-abiding and that he will direct the security personnel very well that he wants a free and fair election.”

Adeleke added that he believed that the presence of the members of the international community to monitor the election would make the election peaceful

Meanwhile, the governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Party, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, has advised members of the party on the need to work hard for the success of the party in the coming election.


Adeoti said this while welcoming the Deputy Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Azeez Adesiji, who defected to the ADP with eight other members of the State Working Committee of the ruling party.

He said the ADP was a home for all progressive-minded politicians while urging the people of the state to support the party in the poll.

He said, “In view of the dwindling fortune of the APC in recent times, the only best choice to all Progressives is the ADP, which has become a suitable home to all.

“We must work together to ensure victory at the September 22 governorship election and also avoid what led to the mass exodus of committed members from the APC.

“What we need at the moment is a collective prayer of all for the success of all democratic institutions in the country including our President Muhammadu Buhari.”

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/osun-people-will-resist-rigging-says.html

A political campaign group, PMB Sensitisation/Workshop Committee (PMB-SWC), North-Central chapter, says nobody in the country can defeat President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2019 general elections.
Williams Ozi-Raji, Chairman, North-Central division of PMB-SWC said this on Tuesday in Abuja while addressing journalists on the activities of the group ahead of the 2019 general elections. Ozi-Raji said the group had concluded plans to carry out sensitisation programmes across states in the zone to ensure the re-election of Buhari. He described PMB as a man who exhibits “zero tolerance for corruption and injustice and whose political will helped in transforming the Nigerian economy. “Within the age bracket of those who have served in government, we do not have anybody that equals PMB in terms of character, credibility among others,” he said According to Ozi-Raji, the group will also work for the election of other contestants in the All Progressives Congress (APC) from ward to the federal level. “In achieving this, a lot has been put on ground structurally because if you do not plan, it simply means you have planned to fail. “We are also to ensure that every Nigerian in the North-Central is properly educated on what PMB has done for Nigerians for him to deserve a second term. “This will be from the ward, local and state level in the North-Central states; the road transport workers, civil servants, the less privileged and the physically challenged will all be carried along,” Ozi-Raji said. He attributed the herdsmen killings across the country to ploy by desperate politicians to discredit the present government and to frustrate the re-election of Buhari in 2019. “The election of Mr President in 2015 was not because some politicians decamped from PDP to APC, but because he was one man who Nigerians felt it was time to do the right thing and they gave him their votes. “Those that defected to APC in 2015 did that because they wanted a situation where they would destabilise the efforts of Mr President and APC. “Now that the opportunity was lost, they thought it was time to return to their original party to carry out their enterprise. “Even if PMB stands alone in APC, the good news is that our votes will count and he will still win the election.“

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/2019-nobody-can-defeat-buhari-says-group.html

There are indications that the Federal Government may name the most senior Director in the Department of State Service (DSS), Matthew Seiyefa, as the Acting Director General. Seiyefa, from Bayelsa State arrived the Presidential Villa in an official SUV at 4pm, clutching a file and was received at the entrance by the ADC to the Acting President. Shortly after, the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, also arrived, and walked briskly into Osinbajo’s office. Magu, however was seen rushing out at about 4:40pm, as State House Correspondents, tried to catch up with him for an interview.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/breaking-fg-may-name-seiyefa-acting-dg.html

A former Governor of Rivers State, now Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has again, claimed that he has nothing to do with money.

Amaechi said that even people that criticise him in Rivers State know he has a good reputation, adding that he does not indulge in alcohol or cigarette.

The former governor, who spoke with Vanguard, said he has the moral standing to criticise members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for allegedly looting the nation for almost 16 years because he was not corrupt.


He said, “I ask people ‘what do I need money for?’ I don’t smoke, I don’t drink, I am not the one with luxurious houses and cars and it is like what I said when I became governor. I said Nigerian politicians actually commit what they call manslaughter, which is killing by accident when you don’t have intention to kill. How do we politicians kill by accident?

“The money that is meant for the people and earmarked to be used for building hospitals, you take it for your private use and the hospitals are not built and so Nigerians go to hospitals where there are no drugs and they die without knowing it. For me, you have committed manslaughter and the problem for me is that Nigerians don’t hold us accountable!”

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/i-dont-need-money-for-anything-amaechi.html

The Federal Government is set to repatriate 116 of the Nigerian migrants trapped in Libya slave camps, say the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

Dabiri-Erewa said this in a statement by her media aide, Abdur-Rahman Balogun on Sunday in Abuja.

She said that the Federal Government and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) have located the detention camps of the Nigerians, and offered to bring those willing back home.

The Nigeria Mission in Tripoli, she said, had traced the migrants to Osama Detention Centre, Zawiya , Libya.

According to her, 116 Nigerian migrants have been processed online by the Nigeria Mission and IOM for repatriation back to Nigeria.

However, 24 of them insisted they must get to Europe.

She said that Federal Government moved to rescue the detained migrants after their plea for assistance through video clip from Libya on July 8.

In the video, the stranded Nigerians who veiled their faces, said that their final destination is Europe but was intercepted by the security agencies in Libya and locked up in dehumanising conditions.

The migrants had in the video said they were being tortured to death daily under a dehumanising condition.

” We are dying here. Come and rescue us. Europe is our final destination but we are trapped in Libya subjecting us to inhuman treatment”, one of the Nigerians said in the video.

Dabiri-Erewa said that 9,438 Nigerian migrants had so far been repatriated by the Federal Government and the IOM.

She gave assurance that President Muhammadu Buhari would continue to ensure that all stranded migrants willing to return home are brought back.

President Muhammadu Buhari early this year directed immediate evacuation of Nigerians from Libya.

According to her, those that have been brought back are being profiled and enrolled in various technical and vocational training centres with relevant agencies and NGOs.

She appealed to Nigerian youths to avail themselves the opportunities in the country as against risking their lives to search for a non-existing and deadly greener pastures abroad.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/fg-to-repatriate-116-nigerians-still-in.html

The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has faulted the plan of President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government to build a modern refinery in his home state of Katsina.

It described the plan as insensitivity and callousness.

The group, which further said Biafra struggle had reached the point of no return, stressed that no amount of intimidation would deter or stop the drive.

A statement signed by the Leader of MASSOB, Uche Madu, in Abakaliki, queried the rationale behind building a petroleum refinery in Katsina, which is not an oil producing state.
According to MASSOB, Buhari wants to build a cattle ranch in Edo State which is an oil producing state and also conversely wants to build a refinery in Katsina, which is a cattle rearing state and many people are wondering what is wrong with Nigeria as a country?
He noted that this is an open evidence of sadism and wickedness, which always expose Nigeria as a state of injustices and inequalities, where marginalisation, deprivation and subjection of Biafrans and Christians are highly promoted.
In another development, the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company has described energy security as very paramount to survival of the country’s economy and business growth.
Chairman, Board of Directors of the company, Alhaji Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar, who stated this at the weekend during the maiden Kaduna Members’ Evening and Dinner organised by the Institute of Directors of Nigeria (IODs), urged business communities to join hands with the government in ending the current security challenges in the country.
He noted that the security challenges in Zamfara, Sokoto and Kaduna states are not only adversely affecting the operations of firm, but almost all businesses in those areas.
He, therefore, called on captains of industry and the business community to lend their support to government’s campaigns aimed at creating peaceful and conducive atmosphere for businesses to flourish.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/massob-faults-fed-govts-plan-to-build.html

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos, has said that the meeting of speakers of 36 states Houses of Assembly in the state despite gale of defections experienced across Nigeria, showed that there was still hope for the country.

Ambode gave the assurance when he received the lawmakers who paid him a courtesy visit at the State House, Ikeja; he, thereafter, hosted them to a dinner as part of activities for the 2018 Conference of Speakers of States House of Assembly. The governor stressed that convergence of speakers of 36 states Houses of Assembly in Lagos, not minding the defections that occurred lately, which changed some political affiliations, further indicated that the hope and aspirations of all for the country would be realised. He said: “It is very significant for us to have been able to bring together speakers from the 36 states inspite of the various movements in our politics. It means there is still hope in Nigeria.” The governor argued that the gathering indicated that irrespective of the political affiliation, they could still meet and deliberate on issues that would bring development to the nation. “This is the second time we would be having this in Lagos. The first occurred during the administration of former governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, when Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora was the speaker of the state,” he added. While harping on the importance of harmonious relationship between the executive and legislature, he hinged the massive development witnessed across Lagos on cordial relationship that exists between both arms of government. “I want to implore other state governments to emulate Lagos State by ensuring harmonious relationship between the executive and the legislature. Earlier, the chairman, Conference of Speakers, Mr. Ismaila Kamba, urged the governor to persuade his colleagues to embrace and implement the legislative and judicial autonomy law. It would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari signed the bill on legislative and judiciary autonomy into law recently.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/there-is-hope-for-nigeria-even-with.html

The quick passage of a bill on factoring in Nigeria, is a crucial step in facilitating the ease of doing business, and procuring the trust of investors in the country, was underscored recently during a public hearing held at the National Assembly in Abuja.    

Speaking during the Public Hearing on the Factoring Bill, the Chairman, House of Representatives Banking and Currency Committee, Jones Onyereri, said the introduction of factoring in the financial sector would serve as complementary financing to conventional financing, and will largely target micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

“This will facilitate the provision of cash flows to MSMES, especially those that have quality receivables and may not be in the position to obtain adequate conventional bank finance due to high interest rate, collateral or credit profile constraints,” Onyereri said.


The Managing Director, Intra-African Trade Initiative, African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Kanayo Awani, highlighted the importance of factoring in unlocking the economic potential of SMEs.

He noted that it could play a key role by supporting the SMEs; promote open accounts, which is beneficial to SMEs in enhancing their competitiveness, and provide an alternative source of trade access to finance.

She said Afreximbank is committed to supporting the appropriate legal and regulatory environment as a key strategic initiative for the promotion and development of factoring.

She also noted that under its strategy, the Bank is required to work on improving the legal environment to bring about harmonised standards and transparency within the factoring industry in Africa, and providing for legal enforcement arrangements.

The public hearing, which was organised in collaboration with Afreximbank, also attracted the participation of representatives of the House of Representatives Banking and Currency Committee, NEXIM, FCI, the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Debt Management Office, the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Financial System Strategy 2020, and many other stakeholders.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/afreximbank-calls-for-quick-passage-of.html

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday, met with service chiefs at the State House in Abuja.

The meeting, which lasted for about three hours, dwelt on plans to forestall future security incidences in Zamfara, Sokoto and the Birnin-Gwarinpa axis.

The Public Relations Officer to the Minister of Defence, Colonel Tukur Gusau, in a statement noted that Operation Sharan Daji would now be extended to reach the fringes of the Niger border.

It also said security agencies have been directed to increase patrols along the Abuja- Kaduna highway to reduce criminal activities.
Gusau disclosed that the Defense Minister, Mansur Dan Ali, requested for provision of more security equipment for the Armed Forces.
“The operation has recently been reinforced with more troops from the Nigerian Armed Forces, Nigeria Police and Department of State Services and is supported by the Intelligence, Surveillance and Recognisance Wing of 207 Quick Response Group of the Nigerian Air Force.

“There was a review of Operation Safe Haven leading to the appointment of a new Commander in the North Central.
“The Honourable Minister also reiterate the need for the deployment of the Nigeria Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in all areas liberated by the military in the North-East in order to consolidate on the gains of military operations as well as to enable the military push forward in its clearance operations,” the statement read.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/full-details-of-buharis-meeting-with.html

A total of 1,307 vehicles were involved in road traffic accidents across the country in May, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

The Corps said in its report of road traffic accidents for the month which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday that cars came top in the number of vehicles involved in the crashes with 469 cases.

This figure, it said, represented 35.9 per cent of the total number, followed by minibuses with 258 cases, representing 19.7 per cent, while motorcycles trailed with 233, which accounted for 17.8 per cent.

The corps said Trucks recorded 158 cases, representing 12.1 per cent.

It said that vehicle categorisation indicated that a total of 785 vehicles involved in road traffic accidents during the period under review were commercial vehicles, representing 60.1 per cent of the overall figure.

The report said that private and government vehicles followed with 508 or 38.9 per cent and 14 and 1.1 per cent in that order.

The corps identified the Kaduna-Abuja road as recording the highest accidents in May with 51 cases, with 14 vehicles or 22 per cent less than that of April.

The route also recorded the highest number of deaths for the period with 29 cases, while the Oyo-Ogbomosho road and Kaduna-Zaira road had the least record of deaths in accidents during the period with 14 and 13 cases, respectively.

The FRSC appealed to the Federal Government to provide it with “Special Intervention Fund’’ to enable it to, through “aggressive public enlightenment”, stem the contributing factors to accidents and deaths.

The corps maintained that speed limit violation remained the major cause among 872 factors identified as responsible for road crashes in the country.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/see-how-1307-vehicles-involved-in-road.html

The military has assured that it will soon stabilise the troubled areas of Zamfara State and Birnin-Gwari axis of Kaduna State.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, gave the assurance during his routine operational visit to troops in Kafanchan and Kachia in Kaduna.

Buratai, who said he visited to inspect ongoing projects and assess the combat-readiness of the troops in the field, disclosed that there were plans to restore normalcy in the troubled areas.

He told newsmen after the tour: “This is routine operational visit to see the troops, to look at what we have in Kaduna, the school of artillery, and to see some of the infrastructure in place, and to see what the troops are also doing in respect of operations.


“This place is one of the Nigerian Army’s Forward Based Operations (FBOs), which we later developed into a full battalion. We just acquired some of the equipment needed by the battalion, which we will soon start using in the area.”

On the motorcycles which he said would be deployed to the area, he said: “This is internal security issue and something that we must prepare for. The troops have to be on alert to maintain security.”

When asked why stabilising the troubled areas of Zamfara and Birnin-Gwari was proving difficult, having restored peace in Southern Kaduna, the COAS said: “Nothing is making it difficult. Be assured that those places will be stabilised very soon.

He explained that they were reinforcing troops and equipment as well as adjusting deployments in that area. “We are getting the relevant platforms to ensure all the security agencies are able to deal with those security threats,” he said.

The army chief had earlier paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Kaninkon, Malam Tanko Tete, and Emir of Jema’a, Alhaji Muhammadu Isa Muhammadu, where the hosts appreciated the army and the government for improved security in their domains.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/nigerian-army-vows-to-stabilise-zamfara.html

Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, has urged government at all levels to increase budgetary allocation for health to a benchmark that can reduce the burden of viral hepatitis.

He also wants the health condition to be included in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to improve the quality and access to medical facilities across the country.

Gowon urged the Federal Government to come up with a national treatment programme to tackle viral hepatitis.

At an event to commemorate the 2018 World Hepatitis Day and to launch National Directory of Viral Hepatitis Services in Nigeria in Abuja, Gowon said to effectively deal with the health challenges of Nigerians, more funds would be required.


He urged the government to utilize the ongoing “Nigeria AIDS Indicators and Impact Survey (NAIIS)” to determine viral hepatitis burden in Nigeria.

The National Directory of Viral Hepatitis Services in Nigeria is part of efforts to meet the desire of the majority of the populace to reduce the level of the infection in the country through the creation of platform for awareness, screening and support.

Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, described hepatitis as a global infectious disease, adding that approximately 292 million people were actively infected with Hepatitis B virus while 71 million were infected with Hepatitis C virus.

Adewole noted that globally, an estimated 1.8 million children under five (5) years have Hepatitis B infection despite the availability of a potent vaccine that could be used to protect kids against the virus.

According to him, about 1.34 million deaths were recorded from the infection globally in 2015.

Quoting the World Health Organisation (WHO) report, the minister said 22 million Nigerians were estimated to have Hepatitis B while roughly four million were infected with Hepatitis C.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/08/gowon-canvasses-increased-budgetary.html

The Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has announced his exit from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement he personally signed, Saraki listed reasons for dumping the ruling party.

They are:

1. I will like to emphasise that it is a decision that has been inescapably imposed on me by certain elements and forces within the APC who have ensured that the minimum conditions for peace, cooperation, inclusion and a general sense of belonging did not exist.

2. They have done everything to ensure that the basic rules of party administration, which should promote harmonious relations among the various elements within the party were blatantly disregarded

3. The experience of my people and associates in the past three years is that they have suffered alienation and have been treated as outsiders in their own party. Thus, many have become disaffected and disenchanted

4. At the same time, opportunities to seek redress and correct these anomalies were deliberately blocked as a government-within-a-government had formed an impregnable wall and left in the cold, everyone else who was not recognized as “one of us”.

5. However, what we have seen is a situation whereby every dissent from the legislature was framed as an affront on the executive or as part of an agenda to undermine the government itself.

6. The populist notion of anti-corruption became a ready weapon for silencing any form of dissent and for framing even principled objection as “corruption fighting back”. Persistent onslaught against the legislature and open incitement of the people against their own representatives became a default argument in defence of any short-coming of the government in a manner that betrays all too easily, a certain contempt for the Constitution itself or even the democracy that it is meant to serve.

7. Therefore, anything short of a slavish surrender in a way that reduces the legislature to a mere rubber stamp would not have been sufficient in procuring the kind of rapprochement that was desired in the interest of all.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/07/7-reasons-saraki-dumped-apc.html