₦airaland Forum

*Case against Senate, its President withdrawn

The Senate President, Bukola Saraki has evaded the trouble of being subjected to trial for contempt as he conceded to the request for the payment of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege’s withheld entitlements.

The information that Saraki has authorised the payment of Omo-Agege’s entitlements was made public on Thursday by his (Omo-Agege’s) lawyer, Alex Izinyon (SAN).

Izinyon made the disclosure at the resumption of proceedings in the contempt case initiated against Saraki and the Senate by Omo-Agege, before the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Omo-Agege (representing Delta Central) initiated the contempt proceedings over allegation that Saraki and the Senate refused to obey a portion of the court’s earlier judgment ordering that he (Omo-Agege), who was earlier suspended, be paid his entitlements.

The Saraki-led Sanate had, earlier this year, suspended Omo-Agege, which suspension the court, in a May 10, 2018 judgement, set aside, ordered his reinstatement and the payment of all his accrued benefits for the period of the suspension.

Omo-Agege later returned to the court with a contempt case against Saraki and the Senate, claiming that while they reinstated him, Saraki and the Senate withheld his entitlements in disobedience to the court’s judgment.

On the last adjourned date, October 11 this year, Izinyon prayed the court to hear his client’s committal application against Saraki and the Senate, who were absent in court.

But instead, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba said he would give Saraki another chance to either “remedy the alleged wrong” or appear in court to defend himself, and adjourned to October 18.

On Thursday, when the case was called, Saraki was also absent. But he and the Senate were represented by a lawyer, Efut Okoi.

Izinyon told the court that his client was paid his entitlements on October 12, 2018, barely 24 hours after the court elected to accord Saraki another chance to either right the alleged wrong or attend court to enter defence in the contempt case.

Izinyon said after the last proceedings, he ensure that Saraki was served with the court order of October 11, along with a letter from his chambers informing him of Thursday’s date.

He added that on the next day, on October 12, a Special Assistants to Saraki informed him that his client has nine cheques waiting for him.

Izinyon said he received the cheques on behalf of his client and acknowledged receipt.

He said Omo-Agege acknowledged that there was a shortfall of N6m when the cheques were handed to him, Izinyon said when notified, the Senate President’s aide acknowledged that the Omo-Agege’s claim was correct.

He added that the Saraki’s aide admitted that the shortfall was from an error in computation. He said the error was promptly rectified and the N6m paid to his client.

Izinyon said, with the development, there was unnecessary to proceed with the contempt case.

He applied to withdraw the contempt case, and application Okoi did not object to, following which Justice Dimgba struck the case out.

http://thenationonlineng.net/alleged-contempt-saraki-concedes-pays-omo-ageges-entitlements/

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says Ayodele Fayose, ex-governor of Ekiti, is still being interrogated at its head office in Abuja.

Wilson Uwujaren, EFCC spokesman, confirmed this to NAN.

Fayose voluntarily showed up at the office of the anti-graft agency on Tuesday over allegations of 4.7 billion fraud.

Asked why Fayose had not been released after 24 hours, Uwujaren said: “We are still within range. We are not keeping him but interrogating him.”

Fayose had said he was prepared to stay for as long as the agency was willing to keep him. He arrived at the commission’s headquarters with a bag of his clothes.

The former governor was accompanied by Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers state, and Femi Fani-Kayode, former minister of aviation.

On arrival at EFCC office, the former governor, wearing a shirt with the inscription ‘EFCC, I am here’, had said: “I am here in line with my promise that I will be here on the 16th of October.

“And, like I said to EFCC, they should await my arrival. They had been to my house; they cordoned off my street which I feel personally was unnecessary. It is unwarranted.

“I had led Ekiti, and the best I could give, I have given. Therefore, every question, whatever they need to ask, I will be able to respond appropriately.”

https://www.thecable.ng/efcc-still-interrogating-fayose-one-day-after-ex-gov-reported-for-probe/

The campaign structure of Mr. Jimi Agbaje, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Candidate for Lagos State, has appointed a former lieutenant of the Late Engineer Funso Williams to oversee operations as its Director of Organisation.

The position is familiar terrain for Osikoya Adeleke, who in 2011 was elected the Organising Secretary for Lagos PDP.
Announcing the appointment in a press statement at the weekend, Agbaje’s Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. Felix Oboagwina, credited the new Director with contributing immensely to the successful mileage Lagos PDP recorded in the 2015 elections.

Adeleke was part of the think-tank of the Late Engineer Funso Williams, former PDP governorship aspirant assassinated in Lagos in 2006.

He first joined Williams’ team when the former Works’ Commissioner ran for the Lagos State governorship under the defunct United National Congress Party (UNCP) and thereafter the Alliance for Democracy (AD).

Adeleke, with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Sociology from the Lagos State University (LASU), hailed from Agbowa Ikosi in Epe Local Government of the state, according to the statement.

An avid political player whose active participation began on campus, he won election as a Parliamentarian in the students’ union government to represent the Department of Sociology and the Faculty of Social Sciences through his four years in LASU.

He also served as the Secretary to the Jonathan/Sambo Campaign Council for the 2011 presidential election won by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Adeleke equally worked as Personal Assistant to the Minister for Works and Housing, Chief Femi Anibaba, between 2004 and 2007.

From 2013 to 2015, he was Technical Assistant to Deputy Chairman of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), Chief Tanwa Olusi.

In addition, the PDP national leadership had variously appointed Adeleke to serve on several committees, some of which he chaired.

His interest in politics reportedly dated back to his sojourn with his Aunt, the Late Alhaja Adetutu Odunsi, former Iyaloja General and market leader in Lagos State.


https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/10/jimi-agbaje-appoints-funso-williams-assistant-as-director-of-organisation/

Outgoing Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose bade a tearful farewell to the people of the state as his tenure finally ended on Sunday.

Fayose shed tears shortly after a thanksgiving service held in his honour at the Government House Chapel on Sunday.

The service was shunned by majority of political office holders who had earlier boycotted the farewell dinner held in Fayose’s honour Friday night.

The departing governor could not control his emotion as he was about to depart the state for Akure Airport to catch a flight.

As the thanksgiving service ended at about 11.00 am, tears had welled up in the eyes of the governor as he was about to enter his white Lexus Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).

The wife of the governor, Mrs. Feyisetan Fayose, who noticed that her husband was shedding tears, moved closer to him as said “please take heart, please take heart.”

After the tears stopped, Fayose bade his wife, few aides and other admirers who were watching the drama bye-bye as the convoy headed for Akure.

Throughout the service, Fayose was in pensive mood and his voice was laden with emotion as he addressed the congregation.

The outgoing governor said he was leaving the state number one seat a contented and fulfilled man.

Fayose said: “I’m contented, I’m happy and I say thank you. Don’t be disparaged, don’t worry about me, I will come back. I will rise to the glory of God. I have enjoyed uncommon grace; I will never complain but thank God.”

Apparently referring to the former Speaker, Kola Oluwawole, who was removed by 14 lawmakers on Thursday, Fayose urged him (Oluwawole) to take his sack in good faith.

Fayose said: “I don’t want you to trouble your mind, there won’t be testimonies without battles. Go and concede defeat in the overall interest of Ekiti. You were removed illegally but let God fight for you.”

Mrs. Fayose assured that her husband would come back to Ekiti a triumphant man.

She said: “We are coming back, I don’t know how but I have 200 per cent assurances.”

In his sermon entitled, “Affliction shall not rise the second time,” the Chaplain of Government House, Pastor Seyi Olusola, said a man must be ready to face affliction, if he must rise.

Olusola said: “Don’t allow anything to trouble your mind, always come to God.”

As he leaves the Government House premises, Fayose displayed a wooden board with the inscription “Ekiti Kete, thank you all and good bye.”

The thanksgiving service was attended by traditional rulers led Chairman of Ekiti State Council of Obas and Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, Oba Oluwole Ademolaju and the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe.

The outgoing Deputy Governor, Prof. Kolapo Olusola and his wife,Janet; the Chief of Staff, Dipo Anisulowo; Head of Service, Dr. Gbenga Faseluka and the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Modupe Alade also attended the service.


http://thenationonlineng.net/ekiti-fayose-ends-tenure-in-tears-says-he-will-be-back/

Ayodele Fayose, outgoing governor of Ekiti, has left for the nation’s capital, Abuja, to honour the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Fayose had earlier written a letter to the EFCC saying he will turn himself in immediately his tenure as governor expires on October 16.

Idowu Adelusi, chief press secretary to Fayose, said “the governor is on his way to Abuja right now. Though, it’s on Tuesday that he will be going to the EFCC office”.

TheCable understands that the governor will meet with his lawyers at his private residence to prepare for the invitation.

“Also, there is a plan to mobilise his supporters and some PDP leaders to follow him when he will be reporting at the EFCC office, so that’s why he is going to Abuja today,” a source said.

Fayose is expected to meet with Umar Mohammed, the commission’s director of operations, at the anti-graft agency’s head office.

TheCable had reported that the EFCC had begun the investigation of Fayose, his wife Feyisetan and top aides over allegations of money laundering and abuse of office.

On Saturday evening, the governor moved around major streets of Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, thanking the people for their support and saying farewell.

https://www.thecable.ng/fayose-heads-to-abuja-for-showdown-with-efcc/

The choice of Mr Peter Obi as the running mate to the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 presidential election has divided the party in the South East.

The leadership of the party in the zone had, after the announcement of Obi, summoned an emergency meeting in Enugu.

Obi, a former Governor of Anambra, was picked by PDP Presidential flagbearer Atiku Abubakar for the 2019 race.


However, the meeting which was slated to hold at the party’s zonal headquarters, was later shifted to the Independence Layout residence of the Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu.

In attendance in the closed door meeting were all PDP governors in the zone, some members of the National Assembly from the zone, zonal leaders and others.

Addressing newsmen after the meeting, Gov. Dave Umahi of Ebonyi said that the leadership of the party was not aware of the choice of Obi as running mate as it was not consulted.

Umahi said that they only heard the appointment on social media and expected that they would be carried along prior to the announcement.

The governor said that the leadership still expected that the candidate of the party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar would visit to inform them about the choice he made.

Meanwhile, the candidate of the PDP in the 2017 governorship election in Anambra, Mr Oseloka Obaze, has faulted the position of the party leadership on Atiku’s choice.

Obaze told newsmen after the meeting that it had never been heard of that a presidential candidate would consult on a zonal level before choosing a running mate.

He said that what was playing out were the antics of few individuals within the party and cautioned that they needed not go into the election divided.

“As the leader of the party in Anambra, I want to say that we support the choice of Mr Peter Obi. He is our son but we are here saying we are not aware of his nomination.

“We need to support him and the party,” he said.

Obaze said that the conduct of the governors who took off from the residence of Ekweremadu without meeting with party faithful who attended the meeting was most regrettable.

“I have heard corridor talks about passing a resolution to repudiate the selection of Obi as Atiku’s running mate.

“I hope that those who champion such cause will also have the courage to sign their names to the resolution so that in the fullness of time our posterity will appreciate our folly.

“If we lose the present opportunity to produce the vice president due to the whims of a few among us, Ndigbo will never recover the past and history will be unkind to us,” Obaze said.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/10/2019-peter-obi-divides-pdp-in-south-east/

The Director General of the Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign Organisation, Otunba Gbenga Daniel has given reasons why Mr. Peter Obi was picked as the running mate to the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Abubakar.

The 57-year-old Obi was a former governor of Anambra State and a former Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc.

In a statement on Friday, Daniel said Mr. Obi’s choice was largely influenced by his youthfulness, vast knowledge of global and local economics as well as being a financial expert, all experience which Nigeria is in great need at this point in time.

“This ticket will be able to steer our nation back on the path of progress, economic prosperity and unity”, Daniel said.

Born 19th July, 1961, Obi attended the Christ the King College, Onitsha and later proceeded to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy.

The statement continued, “He is also a graduate of several international and national institutions such as the Lagos Business School, Harvard Business School, London School of Economics, Columbia Business School, Institute of Management, Switzerland, Kellogg Graduate School, Oxford University and Cambridge University.

“In public service, he has led various divisions some of which includes: Member, Presidential Economic Management Team; Vice-Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum; Chairman, South-East Governors’ Forum, and the Governor of Anambra State.

“Peter Obi is an astute professional who has laid his footprints across the corporate world. He was the Chairman, Board of Security and Exchange Commission (SEC); former Chairman, Fidelity Bank PLC; former Chairman, Guardian Express Mortgage Bank; former Chairman, Future Views Securities; former Chairman, Paymaster Nigeria; former Chairman, Next International Nigeria; former Director, Guardian Express Bank PLC; former Director, Chams Nigeria PLC; former Director, Emerging Capital: former Director, Card Centre PLC.

“He is a member of the British Institute of Directors (IOD), Nigerian Chartered Institute of Bankers and Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG).

http://thenationonlineng.net/why-atiku-picked-peter-obi-as-running-mate-daniel/

Olalekan Adetayo, Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari again on Friday met with three state governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.

The President’s Personal Assistant on Ne Media, Bashir Ahmad, disclosed this on his Twitter handle, @BashirAhmaad.

Ahmad listed the governors who met with Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja to include Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun) and Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara).


“President Muhammadu Buhari this afternoon, met with Governors of Kano, Ogun and Zamfara States at the Presidential Villa, Abuja,” he wrote.

Although the president’s aide did not disclose the purpose of the meeting, i5 is believed to be part of ongoing efforts to resolve the post-primaries crises that erupted in the ruling party in some states.

Details later…

https://punchng.com/just-in-buhari-meets-kano-zamfara-ogun-govs/

The outgoing Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has asked workers to collect their outstanding four months salary arrears from the incoming governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.


He said the monies he could have used to pay them as expected had been withheld by the Federal Government for Fayemi’s resumption.

“They paid other states Paris Refund, they didn’t pay Ekiti; Fayemi should help me pay the money.


“They didn’t pay N2.2bn Budget Support Fund; my promise is fulfilled but the money is in the hands of government, they should help me to pay.”

Fayose spoke on Wednesday during the inauguration of a new school he built in his Afao-Ekiti home country as part of his legacies projects.

The governor told the gathering that he did not borrow money from anywhere to fund any of the projects.

“With all these legacies projects, I didn’t borrow any dime. I do not owe any debt, if they say I’m owing; they should show evidence of transaction.

“Besides, no governor can borrow without the knowledge of the Ministry of Finance and the Debt Management Office.”

Fayose urged the incoming administration not to neglect the school or abandon any legacy project.

He said the school named Gifted Academy International would receive students from Ekiti and outside on 50:50 ratio.

“The school is equipped with modern equipment, laboratories, furniture and Closed-Circuit Television for surveillance,” he said.

He urged the people of the town to preserve the heritage and support government in sustaining it.


http://dailypost.ng/2018/10/10/hold-fayemi-responsible-salary-arrears-fayose-tells-ekiti-workers/

Kamarudeen Ogundele, Ado Ekiti

The Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has said that he won’t leave the Peoples Democratic Party for the All Progressives Congress, advising the ruling party to bury the notion.

He stated this while reacting to a statement by the Ekiti Chairman of APC, Paul Omotoso, who said Fayose was not wanted in the party.

“APC my foot! I will never have anything to do with APC.

“For the party’s leaders to be saying that Fayose is coming to APC amounts to unnecessary dissipation of energy.

“I will never, ever, go to APC and will never ever have anything to do with the party,” he vowed.


https://punchng.com/apc-my-foot-fayose-vows/

By Deji Elumoye in Abuja

The Senate received an Executive communication from President Muhammadu Buhari asking the National Assembly to approve a request for for the issuance of $2.786 billion Eurobond for partial financing of the 2018 budget’s fiscal deficit.

The Senators who had been on recess since July 24 upon resumption Tuesday went into an Executive Session that lasted for 20 minutes from 11.05 am to 11.25 am.

THISDAY learnt from reliable sources that during the Executive Session the Senators were frank in their discussions about recent developments in the Senate in particular and the National Assembly at large.

The Senators were said to have agreed to give peace a chance with all members having fruitful discussions about the future of the Eighth Senate as it goes into its last stage.

Other resolutions include that Senators agreed to give peace a chance and avoid allowing the Red Chamber of the Federal Legislature to degenerate into an arena of conflict over partisan and personal issues.

The APC Senate Caucus leadership headed by Senate Leader, Senator Ahmad Lawan , THISDAY further gathered, also extracted a promise from the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, that national interest will continue to take precedent over any other consideration in the activities of the Senate.

The Senators during the Executive Session were reported to have unanimously agreed not to allow external forces and influence to cause disaffection, disturbance or crisis within the legislature.

After the Executive Session, Saraki read to the hearing of other Senators the Executive Communication from President Buhari from July to September which include that of the issuance of $2.786bn Eurobond to finance the 2018 federal budget’s fiscal deficit.

Buhari in the letter dated July 23 explained that he was requesting for the distinct and specific resolutions of the National Assembly for the $2.786bn Eurobond in line with Sections 21(1) and 27(1) of the Debt Management Office, DMO.

The President in another letter presented the N693.026 billion 2018 Statutory Budget Proposal of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC to the Senate for passage in line with the NDDC (Establishment) Act.

The 2018 budget proposed by President Buhari for NDDC is far less than the N729.016 billion budget approved by the Senate for the Commission in 2017.

President Buhari also requested for the confirmation of the appointment of Olanipekun Olukoyede by the Senate as the Secretary of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

In the letter dated September 10 and read at plenary by Saraki, President Buhari said he was nominating Olukoyede in compliance with the provision of Section 2(3) of the EFCC Act 2010.

Other letters from President Buhari that were also read on the floor of the Senate by Saraki include Buhari’s declining assent to 10 bills namely Institute of Enterpreneurship(Establishment) Bill 2018, Stamp Duties(Amendment) Bill 2018, Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2018, Industrial Development (Income Tax Relief)(Amendment) Bill 2018 and The Advanced Fee Fraud And Other Related Offences (Amendment) Bill 2017.

Others are National Institute Of Hospitality and Tourism ( Establishment) Bill 2018, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (Amendment) Bill 2017, The Subsidiary Legislation ( Legislative Scrutiny) Bill 2018, Agricultural Seeds Council Bill 2018 and National Research and Innovation Council(Establishment) Bill 2017.

The Senate President said the Senate will study all the Bills that President Buhari refused to assent to with a view to knowing all the issues involved adding that “we have set up a technical committee to look into the reasons for the President’s refusal of assent to them “

Saraki also formally announced the death of a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Funke Adedoyin, and requested for a minute silence in her honour.

At this point, Senate Leader, Senator Ahmad Lawan, raised a point of order stating that with the demise of the House of Representatives member and going by the tradition of the National Assembly the Senate should suspend any further debate and therefore moved a motion for adjournment till Wednesday.

This was seconded by the Minority Leader, Senator Biodun Olujinmi.

Suleiman Abba, the former Inspector General of Police, has rained curses on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He stated this after he was screened out of contesting for the Jigawa Central Senatorial District seat on the party's platform.

Although he did not expressly say so, Abba is believed to be referring to Adams Oshiomhole, National Chairman of the party, since he continually made reference "one person in the headquarters of APC".

Abba, who stormed the national secretariat of the party to register his displeasure after he was delisted from the participating in the conduct of the primary election in the state, addressed journalists in Abuja on Monday.

He said: "You are all aware that a list was released where I was duly cleared and another list was released delisting my name. This is not time for too much talk; this is time for prayers and I want you to join me in this prayer.

"The prayer is this: 'Almighty God, any person copying you and your power should not be in the headqaurters of this APC. Almighty God, if there is already one, you know what to do so that you don't allow him continue copying you. Almighty God, any person claiming to be an officer of the APC, if he will not work with the vision and mission of the APC, Almighty God, don't allow him to use the demon style of destroying."

Abba was disqualified by the screening committee from Jigawa South Senatorial District primary election. The committee claimed that his name was erroneously included in the list of NWC-cleared aspirants.

http://saharareporters.com/2018/10/08/after-losing-senatorial-ticket-ex-igp-suleiman-abba-asks-almighty-god-deal-oshiomhole

Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, on Sunday emerged the presidential candidate of the Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN).


Al-Mustapha polled 3,564,262 votes to beat other presidential aspirants – Dr Imuetinyan Igbinnosa who had 2,183,856 votes and Chief Isiaka Olorunnimbe, who garnered 1,400,755 votes.

Chairman, PPN Presidential Primary Elections Committee, Hon Dare Adekolu, who collated election results from the 36 states and the FCT at the PPN Presidential Primaries/2018 National Convention which held in Ado Ekiti, declared Al-Mustapha as the party’s presidential candidate.


Adekolu, who is PPN Ekiti State Chairman, while urging members and Nigerians to support and vote for the party’s flagbearer for the 2019 presidential election, said: “PPN has come to redeem Nigeria. PPN has come to save Nigeria from poverty, lack, unemployment and underdevelopment, hence the need for support”.

In his acceptance speech, Al-Mustapha, who was represented on the occasion by Zakaria Husseini, promised Nigerians good leadership and promised to salvage the country and put it back on the path of growth and prosperity.

Husseini, who described the PPN flagbearer as a detribalised, patriotic Nigerian and experienced administrator, assured that Al-Mustapha would “provide the missing link in governance in Nigeria and ensure better lives for the citizenry in all spheres of the economy”.

In his address, PPN National Chairman, Hon Razak Eyiowuawi, who expressed confidence that with the party’s flagbearer, the road was clear for PPN to win the 2019 presidential election, described the party as the country’s life-wire with its emphasis as agriculture development.

Eyiowuawi said “the popularity, wealth of experience and Major Al-Mustapha and his appeal to a wide spectrum will help the party to victory. PPN is a force to reckon with. We are going into this election which we believe we can win with positive mind”.

The PPN chairman, who dismissed insinuations in some quarters that the 2019 presidential election would be straight fight between APC and PDP, said his party was the party to beat, saying: “Major Al-Mustapha will take over from President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.

“Remember PPN is part of coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP). Apart from the fact that our party can win the election on its own, our candidate is expected to emerge as the CUPP candidate for the presidential election and will defeat Buhari.

“I know that PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, will work with Major Al-Mustapha when our candidate emerges as CUPP presidential candidate. Nigerians can be rest-assured of value of lives, welfare of workers, education development and repositioning of the economy among others under Al-Mustapha’s government,” the PPN National Chairman said.

http://dailypost.ng/2018/10/07/al-mustapha-emerges-ppn-presidential-candidate/

The Presidency on Sunday reacted to the emergence of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar as the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate ahead of the 2019 elections.

Atiku scored 1532 votes to beat 12 other contestants who had vied for the party’s sole ticket.

The PDP’s National convention chaired by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State held in Port Harcourt between 6th and 7th October 2018.


However, in a swift reaction, Buhari’s Aide on New Media, Lauretta Onochie, while congratulating Atiku, said his emergence has made APC’s job easy.

Breaking News. Atiku Wins - AIT.
Alh. Atiku Abubakar outspends Saraki, Tambuwal and others.
Wins the PDP Presidential Ticket for 2019.
Congratulations Alh. Atiku Abubakar.
You have outspent the rest. You have a new toy. But believe it, its only a dream. You ran away from facing President Buhari in a Primary, now you'll meet him at the Presidential elections. Ntor!
14.8 million people made President Buhari their candidate
1532 people made Atiku their candidate.
Bearing in mind that you can't go to America to represent us at the United Nation, nor meet with Nigerians in America, our job is made easy.
Say Baba Buhari. 2019 is settled.
God bless Nigeria.
Lauretta Onochie
@Laurestar

https://m.facebook.com/100000889720395/posts/2086469304726040/

The Publisher of Sahara Reporters and Convener of #TakeItBack Movement, Omoyele Sowore, has been elected the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) for the 2019 general election.

Mr. Sowore was unanimously elected without opposition by members of the party on Saturday at its national convention that took place at Duplex Plaza, CMD, Shangisha, Lagos.
The Ondo-born activist thanked the party delegates for supporting his dream to “take Nigeria out of mess.”

“We must work to realise the dream of a new Nigeria, where we would be able to send our children to school and where the black man will be proud of the Nigerian nation. We must say enough is enough. Those who are taking Nigeria into the future are here with us.”

He applauded Femi Falana, a Lagos-based Lawyer and rights activist, for supporting his ambition.
“It would be impossible for me to graduate from the University of Lagos without him. We are not alone. We have people at the Diaspora and our ancestors who have gone with us. I thank those who have nominated and supported me in the journey to become the President of Nigeria”, he said.
Reacting to Mr. Sowore’s candidature, Mr. Falana at the convention urged the party to elevate politics of ideas as against politics of money.

“Elsewhere, when convention is taking place, dollars are being distributed. We must never allow some people take over our country. We must determine the destiny of our country with our own hand.
“AAC, you must elevate politics to the platform of Nigerians. When others are distributing money we must be distributing ideas because it is only ideas that can eradicate politics in our country,” the senior advocate said.

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/288895-2019-sowore-emerges-aac-presidential-candidate.html

At the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, convention ongoing at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, at least 138 lawmakers who are delegates have reportedly backed the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, an aide to Saraki has revealed.

Saraki is one of the 13 contenders for the party’s presidential ticket.

According to the aide, both the South-East and the North-East delegates have split over whom to vote between Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and Saraki.

The aide also revealed that 37 votes from delegates living with disabilities have equally gone to Saraki.

According to him, “Following marathon meetings with 22 state caucuses and PDP blocs, Saraki has secured the votes of all the North Central States, 138 federal lawmakers and at least 37 votes from people with disabilities.”

He however said that while 34 serving lawmakers have backed the Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, that 28 others have gone for Atiku.

He said among the 5 States in the South-East, that delegates have been split between Saraki and Atiku on a 3:2 basis, while in the North-East, delegates have been split between Saraki and Atiku on a 3:3 basis.

He also claimed that all North Central delegate caucuses have backed Saraki.

Meanwhile, one of the 13 aspirants jostling for the party’s ticket, Tanimu Turaki, has asked PDP delegates to vote for Saraki if, for whatever reasons, they reject him.

Turaki, in a video produced hereunder, said only him and Saraki possess the pedigree, competence and character to solve Nigeria’s problems.

He said, should the delegates reject him, that they should however, not hesitate to vote for Saraki whom he said is his brother.


https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/10/pdp-convention-south-east-north-east-delegates-split-over-saraki-atiku

Bukola Saraki, President of the Senate, is under “intense pressure” to withdraw his presidential ambition and support the aspiration of Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President, to secure the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2019 general election.

SaharaReporters had earlier reported how the camp of Aminu Tambuwal — Saraki’s main opponent for the ticket — was pushing, and had made considerable progress, for the withdrawal of Sule Lamido, former Governor of Jigawa State and former Foreign Affairs Minister; David Mark, former Senate President, Niger State Governor and Communications Minister; and Ibrahim Dankwambo, the outgoing Governor of Gombe State, from the race to support the former House of Representatives Speaker.

To counter this, Atiku has been reaching out to “other strong aspirants”, and Saharareporters has been told the number-one focus is Saraki.

“Atiku has been meeting with other contestants , such as Saraki, with the hope that they would also drop their ambitions, so that it is going to be a game of Atiku and Tambuwal at the convention ground on Saturday,” said a source close to one of the "other strong aspirants" approached by the Atiku group.

SaharaReporters attempted to find out what Saraki thought of the entreaties, and what his decision would be.

Although a source in his camp confirmed the story “for certain”, he conceded it wasn’t immediately clear what decision Saraki would eventually take.

“I don’t think it is likely he would accept but I know he is under intense pressure,” said the second source, who asked not to be named.

“There is pressure on him; there have been meetings, and there have been talks for him to step down for Atiku. Atiku is trying to build consensus; if Saraki steps down for him, it means he has a good chance because Saraki’s delegates would definitely be passed on to him. I do not know what Saraki will decide, but I can confirm certainly that yes, he is under pressure to stand down for Atiku.”

The PDP presidential primary holds on Saturday, with Tambuwal, being the anointed of Nyesom Wike, the party's biggest financier, tipped to emerge victorious.

http://saharareporters.com/2018/10/05/exclusive-saraki-%E2%80%98under-intense-pressure%E2%80%99-step-down-atiku

For placing him on watchlist and directing that he should be arrested if he attempts to travel out of the country as a sitting governor conferred with constitutional immunity against any criminal proceedings, Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose has demanded N20 billion as damages from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), a written apology from the commission to be published to all Security Agencies in Nigeria, three National Newspapers and the Social Media as well as withdrawal of the request/directive to Security Agencies to place him on security watchlist.

He threatens that, “unless these demands are met within 72 hours of the date of this letter, we shall not hesitate to carry out our client’s firm instruction to proceed forthwith to institute legal action against you to seek appropriate remedies before the law court without any further recourse to you.”

Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, said in a statement issued on Thursday that the demands were contained in a letter by his counsel, Obafemi Adewale, dated September 3, 2018, which was received at the Abuja office of the EFCC yesterday.


The letter reads; “By a letter Ref No: 3000/EFCC/ABJ/EG/TA/VOL.59/010 dated 12th September, 2018, you instructed all Security Agencies in Nigeria, including but not limited to the Nigerian Customs Service, NCC, to place our Client on a watch list and to arrest him at sight upon ‘suspicion’ that he might be attempting to flee the country. In your exact words, we quote: ‘The under listed suspect is under investigation in connection with the above mentioned offences and
there is reasonable suspicion suggesting that he may likely leave the country either through the land borders, airport, or seaport in order to invade investigation. Hence, you are kindly requested to watch-list and arrest him.’

“By these words, you have not only fallen foul of the clear provision of Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic which grants our Client, as an incumbent Governor, immunity from any criminal process/proceedings, you have also exposed our Client to ridicule, opprobrium, odium and hatred in the eyes and opinion of the ordinary man on the street and falsely and mischievously portrayed him as a common fugitive, a run-away from the law who could/should be arrested at sight like a dangerous criminal.

“By this act and words, particularly coming after our Client had by his letter of 10th September, 2018 duly received in your office on 11th September, 2018 voluntarily without any prompting by you or anybody else, offered to report in your office in Abuja on 16th September, 2018, the very next day after his tenure as Governor, Ekiti State would have ended and his immunity lifted, you have demonstrated premeditated mischief, open hatred for our Client and contempt for his office as Governor. This is even moreso when considered against the background of your earlier threat on your official EFCC twitter handle which was widely circulated on the social media and published in the Punch Newspaper of 16th July, 2018 where you mocked our Client in the following words to the whole world: ‘The parri is over, the cloak of immunity is torn apart and the staff broken, Ekiti Integrated Poultry/Biological Concepts Limited N1.3bn fraud case file dusted off the shelves. See you soon.’

“In the light of the above, our Client has directed that we demand of you and we hereby demand as follows; a retraction and withdrawal of
the aforesaid request/directive to Security Agencies to place our Client of the security watch list and arrest him at sight even whilst he still enjoys immunity as Governor forthwith.

“A written apology to our Client published to all Security Agencies in Nigeria and in 3 National Newspapers and the Social Media for the flagrant mischievous and deliberate attempt to breach his
constitutional rights and malign him in the eyes of right thinking members of the society.

“Payment of the sum of N20bn as damages to our Client for the flagrant, deliberate, pre-meditated and reckless libel and unprovoked attack on his character and reputation and breach of his constitutional right/immunity as an incumbent Governor.

“Take notice that unless these demands are met within 72 hours of the date of this letter, we shall not hesitate to carry out our client’s firm instruction to proceed forthwith to institute legal action against you to seek appropriate remedies before the law court without any further recourse to you.”

http://dailypost.ng/2018/10/04/fayose-threatens-sue-efcc-demands-n20bn-public-apology-placing-watchlist/

GOVERNOR Umaru Al-Makura has picked the Nasarawa South senatorial seat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

The electoral committee Chairman, Ismaila Ahmed, represented by the Secretary, Abdullahi Candido, announced the result on Wednesday in Lafia, saying that Al-Makura polled a total of 1,262 votes to defeat his opponent, Sen Salisu Egyegbola, who scored 312 votes.

He added that 1,612 delegates were expected to participate in the exercise, as 1,608 were accredited, while 1,594 vote. And 20 invalid votes were recorded for improper thumb printing.

Reacting to the victory, Gov Al-Makura who expressed delight at the outcome of the election and dedicated the victory to the people of the state commended the maturity exhibited by his opponent for accepting the result of the election in good faith.

He also lauded the electoral committee for the transparency of the process, saying that they had demonstrated the ideals the APC stood for.

The governor promised not to let the people down when eventually elected as Senator representing Nasarawa South at the general election.

Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker of the state, Hon. Godiya Akwashiki beats Mary Ewongulu with 906 votes to pick the Northern senatorial zone, as Former Governor Abdulahi Adamu gut automatic ticket.

SENATOR Ovie Omo-Agege representing Delta Central Senatorial district in the Senate has been expelled from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State over alleged anti-party activities.

The expulsion was made known in a statement signed by the State Legal Adviser, Dennis Nwanokwai Esq of the Chief Cyril Ogodo-led APC and made available to TribuneOnline on Wednesday evening in Warri, Delta State.

“At an emergency meeting of the State Working Committee (SWC ) of our great party APC led by Chief Cyril Abeye Ogodo held today 3rd October 2018, the Delta State SWC took a decision to expel Senator Ovie Omo Agege for his continuing anti-party activities that have remained unabated.

“The latest of such activities relate to the hijack of primaries panel members and materials sent from the national to conduct primaries in the state and deploying same to conduct unauthorised parallel primaries.

“The manipulation and tampering of delegates lists and the use of thugs to harass and deprive authentic delegates of access to primaries venues; all that in conjunction with Prophet Jones Erue and others who have earlier been expelled from our party.

“The expulsion of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege is with immediate effect. The SWC also resolved to petition the Security services including the Police and DSS to arrest and prosecute Senator Omo-Agege, Prophet Jones Erue and others for impersonation and others actions calculated to breach public peace.

The Chief Ogodo-led APC executive had earlier elected Chief O’tega Emerhor, the APC leader in the state, as the Senatorial candidate for the Delta Central Senatorial district.

Emerhor polled 2, 492 votes to beat Omo-Agege who polled 04 votes in the Delta Senatorial district primary held at Ughelli Open Field.

https://www.tribuneonlineng.com/167202/

Reverend Chris Okotie has joined the 2019 presidential race.

He declared his intention to run for the presidency under the platform of the Fresh Democratic Party on Monday, during a service to commemorate the nation’s Independence Day at the Household of God Church.

He also seized the opportunity to reach out to other political parties to adopt him as a consensus candidate.

He said, “I want to re-affirm my call for an interim government and to ask those that are concerned, who are the political actors to consider me as a consensus candidate. I have referred to myself as a consensus remedial facilitator because of the existential threats that we have now and I think that it’s time for us to lay aside the habiliments of our political affiliations and to embrace a new nationalistic philosophy that can salvage this country at this time”.


https://www.channelstv.com/2018/10/01/2019-chris-okotie-joins-presidential-race/

Senator Kabiru Gaya has emerged as the flag bearer of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Kano South Senatorial District, with over 1 million votes in the Direct primary election, held across the District, on Wednesday.

Announcing the results, the Returning officer, Professor Balarabe Abubakar Jakada, said Senator Kabiru Gaya scored 1,35,57 votes to defeat President Muhammadu Buhari’s Special Adviser Kawu Sumaila, who garnered 309,209 votes.

”I Professor Balarabe Abubakar Jarkada, the Presiding officer of the APC Senatorial Primaries at Kano South Senatorial District, hereby certify that elections were held in all the 16 Local Government Areas of the District. Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya, having obtained the highest number of votes is hereby declared winner of the Senatorial Primaries.”

The third aspirant Senator Isa Zarewa, also scored also scored 15,643 votes.

Also, in Kano Central, former Kano State Governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, clinched the Senatorial ticket, with 973,485 votes, defeating Suleiman Halilu, who scored 104 votes and Laila Buhari, who scored 206 votes.

It was gathered that Senator Bashir Garba Lado stepped down to pave way for Malam Shekarau’s victory.

In Kano North, the sitting Senator, Barau Jibril has his returning ticket back, as his major opponent and former Deputy Governor of the State, Alhaji Tijjani Abdullahi Gwarzo, stepped down for him.

http://thenationonlineng.net/shekarau-gaya-jibril-win-kano-senatorial-seats/

Bola Tinubu, National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has finally spoken on the recent happenings in the All Progressives Congress (APC) relating to the party's preferred governorship candidate for the 2019 election.

In a letter published by TVC on Sunday evening, Tinubu highlighted the achievements of the party in Lagos and other states, citing in particular "a master plan for economic development" for Lagos.

According to Tinubu, who reeled out a list of his achievements as Governor of Lagos State, the "master plan" was also adopted by his successor, Babatunde Fashola.

Noting that in recent times, his economic blueprint had been replaced with "inferior" schemes, he said: "For reasons unknown to me and most Lagosians, we have experienced such deviations from enlightened governance recently".

"I make no pretence that the master plan is perfect. It can always be fine-tuned. However, whenever a government departed from this plan without compelling reason, the state and its people have borne the painful consequence of the improper departure," he said.

"To ignore this blueprint for progress in order to replace it with ad-hoc schemes of a materially inferior quality contravenes the spirit of progressive governance and of our party. Such narrowness of perspective does not bring us closer to our appointed destination; it takes us farther from that destiny."

On what Lagosians should expect from the governorship primary scheduled for Monday, October 1, 2018, he said it will be an "encounter with destiny".

THE FULL STATEMENT

Tomorrow, our party and the people of Lagos will have an encounter with destiny. We shall hold our governorship primary.

With the holding of direct primaries to elect governorship candidates in Lagos and other states, the APC takes a groundbreaking step toward greater internal democracy and progressive governance for the benefit of all people. While our party is young, it has grown fast and has travelled far in a short time. This speaks well of the character of you, the party’s rank-and-file members.

What, in other nations, has taken political parties generations to achieve, we have done in a few brief years. No other party in Nigeria dare attempt what we have already dedicated ourselves to do.

I thank and commend all APC members and all Lagosians who have lent their support to this historic and humane mission upon which our party has embarked.

We are democrats in the truest sense of the word. As such, we forever search for what is good and right for the people. With this ideal as our guide, tomorrow’s primary cannot be shaded by selfish ambition or the perceived personal grievance between this or that person. Something much greater waits in the balance. What is at stake is nothing less than the future of the people of this state and how we can best maximise our collective destiny.

By resort to direct primaries, the party places the people’s future soundly in their hands. As democracy would have it, you shall be the authors of the party’s nomination and hopefully our next state government.

I trust in the wisdom of the people and will abide it. However, as a leader of the party and as a former governor of our beloved and excellent Lagos, I would be remiss if I did not make a few observations regarding the primary.

My goal is and shall always be a better Lagos. To this objective, I have dedicated the greater part of my public life. Roughly 20 years ago, a corps of dedicated and patriotic Lagosians, put aside personal interests and rivalries, to put their minds and best ideas together for the good of the state. Out of this collaborative effort, was born a master plan for economic development that would improve the daily lives of our people.

Bestowed on me was the honour of a lifetime when I was elected to be your governor in 1999. My administration faithfully implemented that plan. The government of my immediate successor, Tunde Fashola, also honoured this enlightened plan.

Where state government remained true to that blueprint, positive things happened. During my tenure and Governor Fashola’s, Lagos state recorded improvements in all aspects of our collective existence, from public health to public sanitation, from education to social services, from the administration of justice to the cleaning of storm and sewage drains. Businesses, large and small, invested, hired millions of workers and thrived.

All Lagosians were to fully participate and justly benefit from the social dividends and improvements wrought by this plan. From the common labourer, to business leaders, to professionals and our industrious civil service. We all were to be partners in a monumental but joint enterprise. None was to be alienated. None was to be left out. And none were to be pushed aside. This is especially true for those who contributed so much to our development, whether as a business leader who has invested heavily in Lagos, the homeowner who struggles to pay his fair share of taxes or as someone employed in the hard work of keeping our streets and byways clean so that others may go about their daily tasks unimpeded.

I make no pretence that the master plan is perfect. It can always be fine-tuned. However, whenever a government departed from this plan without compelling reason, the state and its people have borne the painful consequence of the improper departure.

To ignore this blueprint for progress in order to replace it with ad-hoc schemes of a materially inferior quality contravenes the spirit of progressive governance and of our party. Such narrowness of perspective does not bring us closer to our appointed destination; it takes us farther from that destiny.

For reasons unknown to me and most Lagosians, we have experienced such deviations from enlightened governance recently.

This trend is that which most concerns me as the primary nears. We must arrest this trend before irreparable harm is committed against the people and their future. For the record, let it be known that I shall vote in this primary because I see it as one of extreme import to our state and our party. Just as I shall vote, I equally urge all party members to do so.

We must vote in a manner that returns Lagos to its better path, the one that promises a just chance for all to enjoy the fruits of our prosperity. We must always pursue our goal of a Lagos energised by creative dynamism, tolerance of others, and guided by a leadership capable of extending a collegial hand to all stakeholders, far and wide.

I am encouraged by the emergence of a candidate in this primary who has served the state in senior positions in my administration, the Fashola administration and even in the current one. While possessing a wealth of experience and exposure, he is a young man endowed with superlative vision and commitment. Most importantly, he understands the importance of the blueprint for development. He esteems it as a reliable and well-conceived vehicle for the future development of the state. He also knows the value of reaching out and working with others in order to maximize development and provide people the best leadership possible.

With people like him at the helm, the state will write the proper history for itself.

When the final word is given let it be said that we want all Lagosians to look to the future with the hope and optimism that our best days remain before us and not behind us.

We walk into this primary strong and confidently believing in the right course we are to take. We shall emerge from this primary even stronger and more confident that we have taken that course by returning Lagos and our party to their finest path.

Signed:
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

http://saharareporters.com/2018/09/30/breaking-tinubu-suggests-ambode-deviated-his-lagos-master-plan

Olusegun Mimiko, former Ondo state governor, has dumped Labour Party (LP) for the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

Mimiko told his supporters in Ondo town that he is leaving the party as a result of the division among its leadership.

The former governor said he is bothered by the “subtle hijack” of LP by the All Progressive Congress (APC) national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, using the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) leadership.

ZLP is headed by Dan Nwanyanwu, former national chairman of LP.

Eni Akinsola, spokesman to the former governor, confirmed to TheCable that Mimiko has joined ZLP.

He said the NLC and a factional chairman of the party have been making things difficult for them.

Akinsola said: “Yes, he has left the Labour Party, yesterday, he consulted with all his political structures across the state, and he updated them with fact, with what has been happening since he went to LP.

“On the day he declared for presidency, the NLC chairman said he was not wanted, one Omotosho claiming to be factional chairman of the Labour Party too claimed he was not welcomed.

“Like they say, once beaten, twice shy. Issues in PDP about who was the chairman then, who was not made us to lose Ondo state in 2016, nothing else. I tell you now if we had time and opportunity to campaign like every other party, we would have won Ondo state but that is gone anyway.

“The issue now is that Dr Mimiko is not ready to expose himself and his followers to such kind of things again. This same Omotosho went to Ilorin, Kwara state and promised to deliver 16 million votes to Buhari.”

Mimiko rejoined LP from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in June, after which he subsequently declared to run for president on the platform of the party.

https://www.thecable.ng/mimiko-dumps-labour-party-joins-zlp/

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced that its Governors will serve as Returning Officers for the presidential direct primaries.

The decision was approved by the National Working Committee (NWC).

The exercise will hold across all states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Friday, September 28.


A statement signed by the party’s spokesman, Yekini Nabena, said: “In states where there are no Governors on the Party’s platform, Senators along with the ministers are to serve as Returning Officers for the exercise.

“National and State House of Assembly members are to coordinate their various constituencies during the exercise.”

Meanwhile, the APC has released a list of governorship aspirants that have been cleared to contest for primaries in 26 states.

President Muhammadu Buhari’s ministers, Aisha Alhassan aka Mama Taraba and Adebayo Shittu were not cleared.

However, names of those cleared in other states are expected to be announced in due course.

http://dailypost.ng/2018/09/28/apc-governors-serve-returning-officers-presidential-primaries/

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has disqualified Adebayo Shittu, minister of communications from the governorship race over his failure to partake in the one-year mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.

Premium Times had reported that Shittu failed to present himself for the scheme despite graduating from the then University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU) at age 25.

More to follow…


https://www.thecable.ng/breaking-apc-disqualifies-shittu-from-guber-race-over-nysc-scandal/

BY Dayo Johnson

THE Peoples Democratic Party in the South West yesterday said that the Osun re- run governorship was compromised majorly by the Security Agencies mobilized to maintain law and order.

A statement issued by the Zonal Publicity Secretary of the party in the South West, Ayo Fadaka said “We note very disappointingly that the on going election in Osun is already being compromised majorly by the Security Agencies mobilized to maintain law and order.


“It is disappointing to note that unnecessary leverage has been accorded to the APC as its thugs have unfettered movement and capabilities to perpetrate all lawlessness.

” lt is surprising that in this election, agents of PDP have been clearly disallowed from discharging their responsibilities, they were precluded from operating in Orolu and Ife South.

“In Orolu particularly, thugs have been assaulting and intimidating residents since Monday and all reports of these incidents have not been addressed by the Police.

” Absolutely sad it is to declare that the PDP Youth Leader in Ife South has been killed alongside another pregnant woman who suffered the same fate for insisting that she must be allowed to exercise her voting right independently.

“It is terrible to note that journalists and election observers have been harassed and arrested in this election by security agencies, this is absolutely disheartening.

“We are however pleased to note that INEC has expressed its displeasure over the conduct of this re-run election, we however place the entire blame of this charade on its doorstep as it has abdicated its umpire role and descended into the fray.

” Therefore we state most unequivocally that the results of this election has been predetermined and as such cannot be acceptable to us as a Party because it is not free and fair.

“We must remind the APC Government of President Muhammadu Buhari that we are in a democracy where votes must count and not a dictatorship, the terms of engagement for security agencies under the Buhari administration seems to be tailored towards lending a helping hand to the APC in every election and this is disappointing.

“We therefore reject outrightly whatever results that will emanate from this obvious sham going on in Osun, it is a coup against democracy, we also wish to urge all Nigerians to take a serious view of this odious development in Osun.

“Buhari became President because the preceding Jonathan administration observed all the tenets of democracy and played by the rules, every election conducted under the Buhari administration have all been compromised as electoral fraud characterized them all.

“We arrived at this current destination in Osun because INEC permitted sharp practices to rob the PDP of about 4,387 votes while allocating another unearned 3,487 votes to APC, this is indeed a sad period in our national life.

“We however wish to remind the President and his Party that Nigeria as a nation cannot be bogged down by this narrow minded actions.

” We believe that the judiciary in Nigeria remain credible and it will certainly adjudicate in this matter, the victory they hope to snatch through this cheap action will eventually be returned to the rightful owner.

Fadaka said “We are also happy that Nigerians are beginning to see the APC for what it truly represents. End

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/09/osun-re-run-pdp-in-south-west-kick-alleges-compromised-by-the-security-agencies/

President Muhammadu Buhari, Lionel Messi, and Phyno are among the most searched for people in Nigeria since 2008 — according to Google, the world’s number one search engine.

The technology company said this in a statement marking its 20th anniversary.

Others on the list include Ayo ‘Wizkid’ Balogun, Nigerian Afropop star, Linda Ikeji, celebrity blogger, and American rapper Nicki Minaj.

According to the statement, while technology has changed, “people’s tastes have remained largely consistent over the past decade”.

Google was founded in 1998 by Larry Page and Sergey Brin with the aim of organising the world’s information to make it universally accessible.

“The Search Index now contains hundreds of billions of webpages and is well over 100 000 000 gigabytes in size,” the statement read.

“It is, by some distance, the world’s number one search engine. This is, in no small part, thanks to its efforts to ensure that users can instantly access information that is contextually relevant to them and their surroundings.

“From humble origins in a Stanford University computer lab, Search has evolved to become a vital part of most people’s lives. People use it for everything ‒ from looking at the weather to plan their outfit the next day, to searching for life-saving procedures in the middle of a medical emergency.

“And yet, even though technology has changed, people’s tastes have remained largely consistent over the past decade. Just consider the most searched for people on Google in Nigeria since 2008 with many of them still relevant today.

“Linda Ikeji, Wizkid, Olamide, Muhammadu Buhari, Davido, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Phyno.”

According to the statement, Google has over the years evolved by making new additions to its services for improved search experience.

Juliet Ehimuan-Chiazor, Google Nigeria country manager, said the search engine has been relevant across various fields, describing it as a
“crucial social and economic tool”.

“Search is a very different product from what it was in 1998Far from simply being a way to find information, it has become a crucial social and economic tool,” Ehimuan-Chiazor said.

“This is especially true in Africa, where it has proven invaluable in helping people find jobs, start businesses, and even save money.

“Looking forward, there’s little doubt that the evolution of Search over the next 20 years will be as dramatic as the past 20.

“And, with an online population of 103 million, there’s every chance that Nigeria will be at the forefront of that evolution”


https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/most-googled-people-nigeria-2008/

By Dapo Akinrefon

Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, Saturday, expressed optimism of the APC winning at the first ballot during next Thursday’s re-run election.

Aregbesola, who spoke through his Media Adviser, Mr. Sola Fasure, said: “We expect to win at the first ballot. We believe in the rule of law and due process and democrats, we will abide by INEC’s decision, it is okay by us. If there was no cancellation in those areas, we would have won outrightly without the need for the rerun.”

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/09/osun-re-run-we-expect-to-win-at-first-ballot-aregbesola/

…Relinguishes portfolio as Minister of State, Budget

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

ABUJA- THE Presidency on Wednesday stated that Zainab Ahmed who was appointed the supervising Minister of Finance last week has fully taken charge of the ministry as she has relinquished her former portfolio as the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning.


Ahmed was last week appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari as the supervising Minister of Finance following the resignation of Mrs Kemi Adeosun from the cabinet over the allegation of parading forged National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, exemption certificate.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Femi Adesina, confirmed to State House correspondents after the end of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting presided over by President Buhari at the Council Chamber Presidential Villa Abuja that Zainab was no longer Minister of State following her redeployment to the Finance ministry.

Asked to clarify whether she was a substantive minister, Adesina affirmed that Mrs Ahmed will now be the Minister of Finance, saying that she was indeed addressed as such at the FEC meeting.

According to him, “You know she was minister of state budget and national planning, she will relinquish that or she has relinquished that to go and oversee the finance ministry, so that is her status for now.”

Pressed on whether Zainab was a supervising minister, overseeing minister or acting Minister of Finance, he said,“It is a matter of nomenclature. Yes, but she is overseeing the ministry.”

Asked how she should be addressed, the presidential spokesman further answered, “What you call her is a matter of nomenclature but if she is overseeing the ministry, then she is.

“But note that she is no longer minister of state budget and national planning for now until anything contrary happens. But for now, she is in charge of the Ministry of Finance.”

Citing the statement announcing Zainab’s redeployment, Adesina stated: “Well, you know that statement was written in English and that statement says she will oversee the ministry of finance. Let’s leave it like that.

“I just told you she is no longer Minister of State budget and National Planning, she will be Minister of Finance. In fact, that was how she was addressed at Council.

“Don’t forget it is also a legal thing, if a minister is going to be appointed there are procedures that is why it is a deployment.”

Many cabinet members had before the commencement of FEC flocked around Mrs Ahmed instead of going straight to their seats to exchange pleasantries.

She had sat on the seat usually occupied by Adeosun which is placed between the seats of the Minister of FCT, Mohammed Bello and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, in the hall.

Ahmed, who was the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning before last Friday, normally walks in to the chamber alone and moved straight to her seat and only greeted few cabinet members on her way to her seat.

The exchange of pleasantries with Ahmed ended when President Buhari arrived the Council chamber few minutes past 11a.m to start the FEC meeting.

The Muslim opening prayer was said by the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, while the Christian prayer was offered by the Minister of Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/09/zainab-ahmed-now-substantive-minister-of-finance-presidency/

The Peoples Democratic Party PDP Chairman Uche Secondus has said that the party will not accept rigging in Osun State just as he called on the people to go with their phones and cameras to the pulling unites saying “We will not accept rigging in Osun State. Go with your phones and your cameras, don’t allow them to rig you as they did in Ekiti state. Vote and defend your votes”

Ongoing Osun Mega Rally: “You must defend and protect your vote, otherwise they will steal your vote. Don’t allow them to do what they did to us in Ekiti state” – @atiku to Osun electorates pic.twitter.com/n2KR1UpxhO

— Official PDP Nigeria (@OfficialPDPNig) September 19, 2018


Ongoing Osun Mega Rally: “Yesterday, some people came here and told Osun people to vote for performance, what kind of performance when you cannot pay workers salary for months? Is that performance? Noooo. Otito” – @bukolasaraki pic.twitter.com/IreTMwqDxO

— Official PDP Nigeria (@OfficialPDPNig) September 19, 2018


Ongoing Osun Mega Rally: “We will not accept rigging in Osun State. Go with your phones and your cameras, don’t allow them to rig you as they did in Ekiti state. Vote and defend your votes” @UcheSecondus

— Official PDP Nigeria (@OfficialPDPNig) September 19, 2018

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/09/we-will-not-accept-rigging-go-with-your-phones-cameras-secondus-tells-osun-pdp-members/

Donald Duke, presidential aspirant of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), says he left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because the “umbrella was breaking”.

Duke served as governor of Cross River for eight years under the platform of PDP which has umbrella as its symbol.

Speaking during the inauguration of Cross River SDP secretariat in Calabar on Tuesday, the former governor said the SDP is on a mission to save the country from bad leadership.

“People have asked me why I left the PDP, and I always tell them that I left because the umbrella was breaking,” he said,

“The problem with the PDP was that it does automatic things automatically. With me as the presidential candidate of the SDP, we will drown other parties.

“The SDP as a party is on a rescue mission from the danger the country is into, because there is no positive hope for Nigerians.

“We have come to put the country in the right direction; therefore, SDP is prepared and committed to take hold of the country come 2019. We have come to build, recover and restore our dear country from the bad leadership of the so-called APC and PDP ideologies.”

https://www.thecable.ng/donald-duke-left-pdp-umbrella-breaking/