Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday said the court would await further directives to proceed with the trial of a former Governor of Abia State, Orji Kalu, on charges of N7.2 billion fraud.

Kalu, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), was alleged to have committed the offence between August 2001 and October 2005 when he was in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Kalu together with his former Commissioner for Finance, Ude Udeogo, and a company, Slok Nigeria Ltd., for the alleged offences.

On October 31, 2016, the EFCC preferred 34 charges, bordering on N3.2 billion fraud, against the accused. The charges were, however, amended and increased to 39 counts. Kalu and the others had each pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bail.

Justice Idris, who had been sitting as a trial judge in the criminal charge against Kalu, was elevated to the Court of Appeal, but he continued with the trial, following a fiat authorising him to continue with the trial.

At the last adjourned date on November 12, 2018, Kalu was absent from trial, after being absent on a previous adjourned date of November 5, 2018. Although the defence counsel had informed the court that he was away for medical treatment in Germany, the court had revoked his bail and ordered that at the point of his entry into the country, he must submit himself and all relevant travelling documents to the EFCC, failing which he would be arrested. The court had then adjourned the case until January 23, for the continuation of trial.

On Wednesday, the prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), appearing for the prosecution, informed the court that in spite of its order, the accused had refused to submit himself or his travelling documents to the EFCC.

He argued that such attitude constituted a clear disregard for the court, adding that in the circumstance, he would urge the court to give effect to the provisions of Section 352(4) of the ACJA and continue with the trial of the accused even in his absence.

Jacobs urged the court to order defence to call in its witnesses, failing which the court is allowed by the provisions of the law, to close their case.

Responding, counsel to the accused, Mr. Awa Kalu (SAN), expressed his displeasure with the submissions of the prosecution, noting that such arguments should be put in an affidavit for the defence to reply.

In its reaction, however, the court informed parties that although the case had been adjourned for the continuation of the trial, the fiat issued by the presiding judge of the appellate court expired at the end of November 2018.

He said that on January 10, he had received fresh fiat in respect of some other matters before him, adding that the case in point was not mentioned. Idris said that for this reason, he had strong doubt if he should continue with proceedings, adding that it was important he acted with abundant caution.

“I should not proceed further, otherwise, I will be acting without authority. So, in the circumstance, I am of the view that further proceedings shouldn’t go on until I receive further instructions,” he said.

The court added that as soon as such notice was received, hearing notices would be served on counsel.

http://saharareporters.com/2019/01/23/just-judge-abandons-orji-kalu’s-n72bn-fraud-trial-till-further-notice

A group, the Buhari Campaign Organisation (BCO) has sued the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, accusing him of defaming President Muhammadu Buhari and his family.

In the suit filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the plaintiff wants the court to order Atiku and his party to pay N40million damages for alleged libelous claims that Buhari and members of his family own substantial shares in 9mobile and Keystone Bank.

The president’s support group had two weeks ago threatened to sue Atiku and the PDP if within seven days they fail to provide proof of the said allegations against the first family

Atiku had, in a statement issued in Abuja last week by his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, claimed the first family now plays big in the nation’s financial sector after acquiring mouthwatering shares in Keystone Bank with total assets of $1.916 billion (equivalent to N307.5 billion) as well as purchasing about ₦3 billion worth of shares in the new Pakistani Islamic Bank.

In the suit, the plaintiff, the plaintiff also seeks declaration that “the 1st defendant (Phrank Shaibu) on behalf and for the 2nd defendant (Atiku) neglectfully, unlawfully and recklessly permitted and caused to be published in newspapers defamatory and damaging statements against the 1 st Plaintiff (President Buhari)”.

In its witness statement on oath made by its Director of Communication and Strategic Planning, Mallam Gidado Ibrahim, the plaintiff stated that Atiku and his media aide allegedly engaged in smear campaign of calumny against by willfully allowing and sponsoring the said purported defamatory and image-damaging statements made by the 1 st Defendant to be published by some newspapers to members of the public.

It said President Buhari’s reputations was greatly affected by undue diligence with regards to the authenticity of the information as it relate to the true ownership of the alleged companies which the 1 st Defendant on behalf and for defendant falsely published in the newspapers for the consumption of the general public.

It further stated that: “The 2nd Defendant permitted and sponsored the 1 st Defendant, Mr. Phrank Shaibu to make and publish defamatory and damaging statement against the 1st plaintiff in order for 2nd defendant to get undue advantage in terms of votes from the member of the public more than the 1 st Plaintiff (Buhari), the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“The 2nd defendant, who is a Presidential Candidate of the People Democratic Party, hanged on this publications and using same on every campaign grounds to smear the person of the 1 st Plaintiff to his supporters and other members of the public.

“The 1st defendant as an agent to the 2nd Defendant who is freely accessible to members of the public for patronage on behalf the 2nd defendant, has the duty to investigate any information/ documents means to be issued out either by words of mouth or publication to the members of public, most particularly where such information concerned a third a party or any member of the public.

“The 1st defendant without investigating the authenticity of the purported defamatory information with intent to damage the reputation and integrity of the 1st Plaintiff caused to be published in the Newspapers.

‘’That the plaintiffs shall tendered two daily newspapers the Vanguard and Punch Newspapers both dated 27th December,2018 before the court during the hearing

The plaintiff further prayed the court to order “specific damages against the defendants N30million 000,000.00) as compensation for the financial loss the plaintiffs incurred due to the wrongful, neglectful and fraudulent acts of the defendants which forced the plaintiffs to spend to correct the wrong impression created in the minds of the members of the public due to the publication caused and published by the Defendants.

The plaintiffs also sought for general damages of N10m jointly and severally against the defendants for the embarrassment, pain and unnecessary financial loss suffered by the plaintiffs most particularly the 1st plaintiff who is a public figure, an honourable presidential candidate and reputable gentleman to the core”.

BCO further prayed for an order of the court “for the payment of N375,000,000 only being incidental expenses and/or legal charges which the 1st plaintiff incurred in respect of this matter”.

http://thenationonlineng.net/keystone-bank-buhari-campaign-group-sues-atiku-demands-n40m/

Leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has insisted that there is no going back on its ongoing nationwide strike.

The union stated this despite meeting with the Federal Government on Monday in Abuja to resolve the issues raised by the lecturers which led to the industrial action in the universities that has lasted over two months.

The meeting reconvened by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, with the leaders of the union led by ASUU President, Professor Biodun Ogunyemi, failed to bring an end to the strike as the issues could not be resolved.

The striking lecturers insisted that the Federal Government must show a strong commitment to funding and revitalisation of universities before they would suspend the industrial action.

More to follow…


https://www.channelstv.com/2019/01/21/breaking-ASUU-strike-continues-as-union-demands-strong-commitment-from-fg/

The proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Monday reaffirmed its resolve to boycott next month’s election.

A statement issued by the group’s media and publicity secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful said the IPOB “ably led by our supreme leader and prophet of our time Mazi Nnamdi Kanu will stand on the decision of election boycott in Biafraland on the 16th of February 2019”.

The statement insists: “The boycott of presidential election next month will showcase our readiness, determination and seriousness in the pursuit for Biafra freedom and sovereignty. It is important we notify our people mostly politicians, clergymen and women including pastors who strongly believe in rebuilding one Nigeria to retrace their steps because Nigeria Government and it’s leadership has been hijacked by Fulani people. Fulanis are parasites and stranger in Nigeria today but unfortunate that they control over 200 million Indigenous Population because of British support to them.

Our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu during his weekly radio Biafra broadcast from the holy land of Israel on Saturday evening reaffirmed strongly to the people and gullible Nigerians who still doubt our stand towards boycotting the forthcoming presidential election next month. It is crystal clear that one of our major lethal weapons to achieve this present Biafra demand is civil disobedience, therefore we urge Biafrans, both home and abroad to advise and caution their families not to vote and totally boycott this coming election no matter the level of promises and inducement politicians of this days might have given them.

In few days to come IPOB high command will release a blueprint and how this election boycott will be achieved and it’s benefit to Biafrans, IPOB will evoke high level of civil disobedience next month to make it effective so as Biafrans will realize how much determined we are. Federal Government of Nigeria, South East governors mostly Okezie Ikpeazu, David Umahi and Willie Obiano including Ohaneze Ndigbo led by Nnia Nwodo conspired and brought in operation python dance to frighten our people to trigger panic, apprehension and fear in the minds of Biafrans who believe in Biafra restoration project. IPOB will inevitably bring those governors and few Abuja/Lagos based politicians who believe in serving Hausa Fulani caliphate to account in no distant time.

It is in the light of this recent distortion, twist and adulterated truth and propaganda against IPOB decision by unscrupulous individuals, groups and politicians in our land that prompted our supreme leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to come on air last week Saturday to state unequivocally without mincing words the position of IPOB in Abia and Ebonyi states gubernatorial elections come next month.

Okezie Ikpeazu and David Umahi who unbeknown to most people has donated a portion of our sacred land of Biafra to Miyetti Allah cannot support Operation Python Dance and expect the people not to revolt accordingly. IPOB is at the front of this coming revolution next month.

The potency of our agitation for Biafra will be made clear for all to see. We remain unwavering and determined as ever to bring this divine and ordained mission to its successful conclusion. Our freedom is paramount therefore ongoing politically motivated abductions, high levels of humiliation, intimidation, abduction, arrest, massacre and sponsored propaganda against a peaceful group like IPOB will not shake our resolve, instead it will make us stronger.“

http://thenationonlineng.net/ipob-insists-boycotting-election/

Madam Theresa Jimoh, the mother of billionaire business mogul, Mr Jimoh Ibrahim, was at the early hours of Saturday burnt to death in a fire which engulfed her Lagos apartment.

The 76-year-old grandmother was said to be inside her house in the Victoria Garden City (VGC), Lagos, when a fire broke out in her residence at the early hours of Saturday, around 2:00 am.

The helpless septuagenarian was said to have been burnt to death by the strange fire before it was put out by firefighters from the Lagos State Fire Service.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), in Lagos, CSP Chike Oti, when contacted on phone by Tribune Online confirmed the incident.

Oti said the unfortunate incident occurred, and investigations were ongoing to unravel the cause of the fire.

https://www.tribuneonlineng.com/185093/

The Kano State Government has revoked three contracts awarded to Tiamin Multi Services Ltd, a company belonging to Aminu Mohammed. Mr Mohammed is believed to be the contractor behind the videos showing the state governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, receiving money from contractors.
The three projects were worth N1.6 billion.

The state commissioner of information, Mohammed Garba, announced the cancellation at a widely reported press briefing on Friday, on the resolutions of the State Executive Council.

The state government gave “non-performance” as the reason behind revocation, which affected Tiamin and one other company, FNL Engineering Limited. It is unclear if the second company is also linked to Mr Mohammed.

Last year, an online newspaper, Daily Nigerian, published a series of videos showing Mr Ganduje collecting wads of dollar bills at different times believed to be kick-backs from contracts awarded by the state government.

Findings by this newspaper indicate that Tiamin’s managing director, Mr Mohammed, was the one who filmed the videos while delivering the cash to the governor at different times.
Mr Mohammed however declined to answer PREMIUM TIMES inquiry on his role in the sting operation.

However, a senior official in the company, who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES Friday evening but declined to be named as he was not authorised to speak by his boss, confirmed that Mr Mohammed was indeed the unseen face in the infamous Ganduje videos.

He said the cancellation is not unconnected with the decision of Mr Mohammed to blow the whistle on Mr Ganduje’s alleged misconduct.

Ironically, one of the projects by Tiamin that was revoked by the government, dualisation of Kofar Dawanau-Dandinshe-Kwanar Madugu was mentioned in one of the bribe-taking videos among those the contractors needed the governor’s intervention for payment.

Mr Ganduje was heard promising to talk to the state’s Accountant General on the outstanding payments.
The other two projects by the same contractor revoked by the government are roads linking different parts of Bichi and Fagge local government areas.

Mr Garba said the road projects in Bichi and Fagge were awarded on August 2, 2017 and November 13, 2017 with completion period of four months and 14 months respectively.

He said the contracts were revoked based on the contractors’ inability to complete the projects despite collecting respective advance payments of N204 million and N96 million.

Mr Ganduje is enmeshed in the bribe-taking scandal in spite of his denial and his suit against the news platform and its publisher, Jaafar Jaafar.

A probe into the scandal by the Kano State House of Assembly was also stalled in November by a high court of Kano State at the instance of Mr Ganduje.

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed resentment over the misconduct as captured in the videos.

He was reported to have made references to it at a meeting with Nigerian community in Paris last year, and at a meeting of his party’s campaign council penultimate week.

On Thursday, Mr Buhari re-echoed the dilemma he expressed at the party meeting on the irony of campaigning for Mr Ganduje with the allegation still around the governor’s head.

Mr Buhari mocked the governor for going to the extent of receiving the bribes personally and “smiling”. He said he hoped the issue would be cleared before his scheduled campaign visit to Kano and suggested the videos could have been doctored.

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/306538-kano-govt-revokes-contracts-of-contractor-who-filmed-ganduje-bribe-videos.html

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has formally endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari for the 2019 presidential election.

Secretary of the group, Alhaji Mohammed Kiruwa, spoke with State House Correspondents after a closed meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Friday.

Kiruwa said the visit was to present certificate of endorsement to Buhari.

He said it was a follow up to the association’s last congress on Dec. 27, 2018, where all members converged and endorsed Buhari the Next Level.

“We’re here today to formally present him with a plaque and a certificate symbolising the support of over 20 million of our members across the country.

“First of all for his disposition as a person; for his honesty, transparency and commitment and secondly for the desire and effort he has in reviving the entire livestock sub-sector after a long period of neglect.

Thirdly, for his anti-corruption crusade and infrastructure development in the country.

“Fourthly, for creating employment through skill acquisition; empowerment and other social investment programme embarked by this administration. These are some of things we considered.’’

He said that both Atiku Abubakar and Buhari were both of the Fulani nationality but Abubakar did not deserve MCBAN’s support.

Kiruwa said that Abubakar had a 16 year two terms as vice president of the country but there is nothing put in place to change the condition of pastoralists in the country.

He said that throughout that period, the sub-sector suffered the worst neglect ever as the grazing reserves were allowed to taken over by farmers.

“They allowed the infrastructure in the reserves to dilapidate; the reserves were not maintained; so, we have a period of neglect; it is now we are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel.

“And we know what Buhari did when he was at Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF); he has a lot passion towards the development of this sub-sector; we have seen what he is trying to do to revive the entire livestock sub-sector.’’



He said that leadership of the association had been going round creating understanding between farmers and herders in the country.

“Just last week, we were in Ondo State; we try to create peace; we try to create understanding between farmers and pastoralists.

“And I am sure you must agree with me that this crisis is more politicised than what is actually taking place.

“Immediately Atiku became the candidate of PDP, you will agree with that the crisis has gone down drastically; this is to show that it is more of propaganda,’’ he said(NAN)

http://thenationonlineng.net/2019-poll-miyetti-allah-endorses-buhari/

The Federal Government of Nigeria has said that the candidate of the opposition PDP in the 2019 election, Atiku Abubakar, has questions to answer when he returns from his current trip to the United States.

The government said it is investigating Mr Abubakar’s alleged role in the collapse of former Bank PHB.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, said this while briefing State House correspondents on Friday.

Mr Mohammed said the decision to question Mr Abubakar is “following fresh evidence that he benefitted from slush funds that led to the collapse of Bank PHB.”

The government spokesperson said the government has in its position “paper trail which shows that he benefitted from N156 million.”

“It started from an internal memo dated 13 January 2009 asking that a draft in favour of Atiku Abubakar of 156 million should be raised,” he said.

Mr Mohammed also said another memo on the same date was raised to confirm that the amount was raised from a “claimant management account.”

He said the government has proof of the account mandate, cheque and account statement showing Mr Abubakar as the signatory to the account that received the money.

“We want him to stay in the US for as long as he wants but he has to explain to Nigerians when he returns,” he said.

Speaking further on the visit of the former vice president to the U.S., the minister said the government had earlier issued a statement advising the U.S. not to issue him a visa.

He, however, said it remains the prerogative of the U.S. government to issue visa to anyone
“We are not perturbed one bit. He can go ahead and get a U.S. green card. That will not save him from imminent defeat in the forthcoming election,” Mr Mohammed said.

He also said the “election will be held here not in the U.S.”
The minister, however, said his claim does not imply that the former vice president will be arrested on his return.

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/306445-breaking-atiku-to-be-questioned-when-he-returns-from-u-s-lai-mohammed.html

Former Vice President and the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has not travelled to the United States of America (USA), his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Paul Ibe, has said.

Ibe told our correspondent via a telephone chat Thursday afternoon that online reports which stated that Atiku had travelled to the US were a figment of the imagination of the authors.

“You know what the social media can do. You know the social media for what they are now. It is not true. His Excellency hasn’t gone anywhere,” he said.

The clarification came following an online tweet from the Publisher of Ovation magazine, Mr. Dele Momodu, who shared the web link of the online report. See his tweet below:


BREAKING… ATIKU LANDS IN US…https:///0nEKXZANWl

— Dele Momodu Ovation (@DeleMomodu) January 17, 2019


https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/atiku-hasnt-travelled-to-us-aide.html

Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is scheduled to travel to the United States “any moment from now”, possibly before Saturday’s presidential debate organized by the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) and the Nigeria Elections Debate Group (NEDG), SaharaReporters has been told.

Atiku hasn’t stepped on American soil for well over decade dating back to his vice presidency, allegedly due to the belief he would be arrested for allegations of corruption, including one by US congressman Williams Jefferson that part of the $100,000 cash found in his refrigerator was intended as bribe for Atiku for his role in helping American firm iGate secure a contract to expand broadband in Nigeria.

However, in October, Atiku Abubakar, Gbenga Daniel, Director-General of the Atiku Presidential Campaign Orgsanisation (APCO) said his principal had received “signals from American officials” to apply for visa and it would be granted.

Despite the protestations of Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information, that the United States should exercise caution in granting visa to Atiku, it was reported in December that the visa had indeed been granted.
SEE ALSO

Lai Mohammed Warns US About The Implications Of Granting Visa To Atiku
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A source very close to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who played a big role in the securing of the visa, then told SaharaReporters that the Vice President would be busy back home for a while rather than travelling to the United States.

“The ban has been lifted but it doesn’t mean he is travelling like today or anytime soon,” the source had said. “The restriction has been lifted, which means he can travel anytime he wants. But he’s not planning a US trip soon.”

That was six weeks ago. SaharaReporters understands that Atiku is now planning the much-talked-about trip to the US, with Friday being a tentative date. But a source very familiar with the development said this still doesn’t obliterate the fear of arrest in the Atiku camp.

“Atiku will travel to the US any moment from now, and it could even be on Friday,” the source said.

“He is still afraid the coast is not completely clear, and he could be harassed or arrested once he steps in. But I can authoritatively confirm that he will indeed be going to the US very, very, very soon."


http://saharareporters.com/2019/01/17/exclusive-‘atiku-travel-us-‘very-very-very-soon’

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) says it has uncovered alleged plot by the Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) govt to “harm” the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen”.

Imo Ugochinyere, CUPP spokesman, stated this on Wednesday in a statement which contained a letter by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation, directing the freezing or Onnoghen’s accounts.

DAILY POST reports that the accounts are the same contained in a petition against the CJN by a group, the Anti-Corruption and Research Based Data Initiative (ARDI).


The group said its petition, dated January 7, 2019, became necessary, “bearing in mind the imminence of the 2019 General Elections and the overwhelming roles of the Judicial Arm both before and after”.

ARDI said Onnoghen “is the owner of sundry accounts primarily funded through cash deposits made by himself up to as recently as 10th August 2016 which appear to have been run in a manner inconsistent with financial transparency and the code of conduct for public officials”.

ARDI alleged that prior to 2016, Onnoghen appeared “to have suppressed or otherwise concealed the existence of these multiple domiciliary accounts owned by him, as well as the substantial cash balances in them”.

Account balances listed against as follows: The Standard Chartered Bank dollar account 1062650 with a balance of $391,401.28 on January 31, 2011;

The Standard Chartered Bank Euro account 5001062686 with a balance of EURO 49,971 .71 on January 31, 2011;

The Standard Chartered Bank pound sterling account 5001062679 with a balance of GBP23,409.66 on February 28, 2011;

“It is curious that these domiciliary accounts were not declared in one of the two CCB Forms filed by Justice Onnoghen on the same day, 14th December 2016,” the group said.

But CUPP said the federal government was angry because Onnohen “refused to compromise the composition of the post-2019 election Supreme Court Appeal Tribunal.

The coalition said: “Lobbying of all sorts by the APC chieftains to get the Chief Justice of Nigeria to accept to compromise the Presidential Election Appeal Tribunal and to compose the Governorship election Supreme Court Appeal Tribunal Rivers State, Akwa Ibom State, Delta State, Lagos state, Benue State, Imo State, Kwara State, Plateau state, Kaduna State, Abia State and Sokoto State with their preferred choices of justices did not succeed as the Chief Justice had remained faithful to his Oath of office and said by his actions that the Supreme Court was neither going to be partisan nor partial and would not consider such requests.

“The current ordeal of the Honourable Chief Justice will not end soon. He is up against people who are desperate and who do not care if the engine of state grinds to a halt. They have taken this dastardly attack to a new low by freezing all the family assets of the family of the CJN.

“We are in possession of the letter from the Attorney General of the Federation to this effect. This onslaught on the judiciary is as undemocratic as it is unconstitutional. This is capable of furtherderailing our democracy as such brazen violation of the Constitution is
only tantamount to treason.

“With the happenings in the last 48 hours and the insistence of the Presidency to either get the CJN to comply or be removed from office, we hereby notify the nation that the life of the Honourable CJN, Justice Walter Nkanu Onnoghen as well as those of his family members is not safe.

“The situation will very quickly descend into compromising the security of the CJN. The APC govt views the resistance of the CJN to the plot to hijack the Supreme court as the only piece that has not been fixed in its grand design to rig and manipulate the 2019 general election for President Muhammadu Buhari and APC chieftains.

“Nigerians will be shocked by the contents of the letter directing the freezing of the accounts and assets of the CJN. We hereby attach it.

“We are also in possession of audio recordings of meetings of those behind the plot including call records which we will be releasing as we analyze them. It is still amazing how the Buhari led APC govt is continuing in this path of ignominy, opprobrium, reproach, and dishonour despite the widespread outrage by Nigerians across board. Their mind is made up. They believe nothing can stop them now.”

http://dailypost.ng/2019/01/16/breaking-cupp-releases-agfs-letter-directing-freezing-cjn-onnoghens-accounts-vows-revelations/

Senate President, Bukola Saraki has reacted to the attack on his Agbaji Ilorin family residence by thugs.

DAILY POST had reported that political thugs reportedly working for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State on Sunday attacked the Agbaji Ilorin family residence of Saraki.

They opened fire on residents of the area, wounding at least 11 persons in the process.

The thugs also destroyed about 50 cars parked at various locations within Agbaji Quarters.

Saraki visited his hometown to sympathize with the victims of the attack.

Saraki, while urging the people of Agbaji to remain calm and not retaliate the attack, pledged to repair all the vehicles destroyed by the thugs.

In a statement by his Special Assistant on New Media, Olu Onemola, Saraki promised to tighten security in the area.

The Senate President also visited the General Hospital, Ilorin to see victims of the attack who are currently receiving treatment.

He added that the unfortunate incident of yesterday had justified his earlier claim that there were threats to his life, his family and supporters.

http://dailypost.ng/2019/01/13/saraki-reacts-attack-residence/

The Nigerian Army on Sunday, said it had uncovered Boko Haram logistics supply syndicates among loggers and charcoal dealers in Borno.

Brig.-Gen. Bulama Biu, the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri.

Biu was reacting to the ban imposed on the supply of firewood and charcoal in Borno.

He disclosed that intelligence report indicated that some dealers in Maiduguri were hiding under the guise of firewood trade to aid the insurgents.

“Some of them are errand boys of the Boko Haram insurgents, they hide food items, drugs, petrol and other items beneath their trucks, and supplied them to the terrorists.

“We also found out that some of them are running businesses on behalf of the Boko Haram insurgents.

“They go deep into the forest where ordinary people could not venture; to cut down trees, burn and produce charcoal.

“This could not be possible except they are in agreement with the insurgents.

“We arrested some of them and they made quite revealing testimonies, we shall fish them out to put an end to their nefarious activities,” he said.

Biu explained that the ban was temporarily designed to checkmate activities of criminal elements among the dealers and not to make life difficult for firewood and charcoal users.

He stated that the military had allowed suppliers from other states such as Oyo, Kano, Katsina, Niger and Kaduna to supply their goods under strict supervision of the command.

Biu called on the people to support the military and other security agencies to end insurgency as well as protect lives and property.

On his part, Malam Maidugu Ali, the Chairman, Borno chapter of the Firewood Sellers Association of Nigeria, expressed dismay over the development.

He expressed the association’s shock at the allegation by the military authorities.

Ali said the union had engaged members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) to support the military in the screening of its members before allowing them entry into Maiduguri.

He also that the union had adopted measures to screen vehicles conveying firewood or charcoal to Maiduguri, to check suspicious activities among its members.

Maidugu disclosed that more than 60 members of the association were killed by the Boko Haram insurgents in the past 10 years.

“Three years ago; we also recorded an incident when the insurgents’ hijacked one of our trucks and used it for suicide bomb attack, both the driver and his boy were killed during the incident.

“We are also victims of insurgency; we are strict in the registration of new members, any prospective person must produce two sureties before he was enrolled and engage in firewood trade,” he said.

Maidugu noted that the measure was to monitor its members and guard against any infiltration by the Boko Haram insurgents.

He reiterated the readiness of the association to support the military in the counter insurgency campaign and peace restoration process in the state. (NAN)

http://thenationonlineng.net/army-uncovers-boko-haram-logistics-suppliers-borno/

Ambassador Yahaya Kwande, elder statesman and member of the APC Board of Trustees (BOT), was among dignitaries that attended the PDP presidential campaign rally in Jos on Saturday.

Also at the rally held at the Polo Ground were Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the PDP Presidential Candidate, as well as Dr. Bukola Saraki, Senate president and Director-General of the PDP campaign organisation.

Also in the Plateau capital for the campaign were Mr Uche Secondus, the National Chairman of the party, and his Deputy, Mr Lyel Imoke.

News men, covering the event reports that the party big wigs were joined by Sen. Jeremiah Useni, the governorship candidate of the party in the state, and his running mate, Dr. James Dalok.

Also at the Polo Ground for the activity were Sen. Jonah Jang, the immediate past governor of Plateau, Alhaji Ibrahim Mantu, former Deputy Senate President, and Mr Fidelis Tapgun, a former Plateau governor.


NAN recalls that Kwande had earned the wrath of the APC in June 2018, when he followed Atiku to the Plateau State headquarters of the PDP, when he came to the state to solicit for votes from the party’s national delegates.

Miffed by Kwande’s fraternity with the rival party, the APC chairman in the state, Latep Dabang, issued a query to him and later warned him against repeating such.

Kwande, in his reply, had claimed that Atiku had been a long standing friend, and told the APC that he would not abandon such a close friend because of political reasons.

NAN reports that the event, which caused massive gridlock along the Gadabiu-Faringada axis of the city, witnessed traditional dances by women and youth groups that sang songs praising Atiku and asking Nigerians to vote for him in the Feb. 16 presidential election.(NAN)


https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/01/kwande-apc-bot-member-attends-pdp-presidential-campaign-rally-in-jos/

…. To be Arraigned on Criminal Charged

The Federal Government has declared war against the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen asking him to immediately vacate his exalted office as Head of the Nation’s judiciary over alleged sundry asset declaration issues.


In a move to force Justice Onnoghen out of office, the Federal Government will on Monday January 14, 2019 arraigned the CJN before the Justice Danladi Yakubu led- Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) in Abuja on charges of failures to declare his assets as required by law and for operating Bank Domiciliary Foreign Currency Accounts.

The charge sighted against Justice Onnoghe has already being filed and served on him last Friday at his official residence in Abuja preparatory for his appearance at the tribunal.

The Federal Government among others is accusing Nigeria’s Head of the Judiciary of refusal to declare his assets in breach of the provision of the Code of Conduct Bureau Act.

He is also being accused of maintaining Domiciliary foreign currencies account which comprised Dollars Account, Pound Sterling Account and Euro Account which are alleged to be contrary to relevant laws, especially for public office holders.

Justice Nnoghen whose appointment suffered unprecedented delay by President Muhammadu Buhari over undisclosed issues may be the first CJN in Nigeria to be arraigned for criminal charges by the Federal Government.

Apart from putting the Chief Justice in the dock on Monday, PRNigeria learned that motion on notice is to be filed against him praying the tribunal to order him to vacate office and recuse himself office so as to prevent alleged interference in his arraignment and trial.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria names withheld has been engaged by Federal Government to lead the onslaught against justice Onnoghen, while PRNigeria could not ascertain names of those who will lead the defence team for CJN.

However, it is gathered that eminent lawyers have volunteered to put their services at the disposal of Justice Onnoghen in the bid to rescue him from the claws of the government.

It would be recalled the President of the Senate of Nigeria, Dr. Bukola Saraki was in 2015 shortly he emerged the Head of the Legislature arraigned at the tribunal but the charges against him were quashed and he was discharged and acquitted by the tribunal on the ground that the charges against him by government were based on hearsay that could not stand in the face of the law.

Saraki’s discharge and acquittal was upheld by the Supreme Court under the leadership of Justice Onnoghen.


https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/01/breaking-fg-asks-cjn-onnoghen-to-vacate-office-over-asset-declaration/

Olagunsoye Oyinlola, chairman of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), says President Muhammadu Buhari should allow Bola Tinubu, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), contest the president election.

Addressing journalists at a news conference in Abuja on Friday, Oyinlola said Buhari would go down in history as the first president to hire a proxy in a presidential contest.

He said Buhari must debate against other presidential candidates and “account for his stewardship to Nigerians”.

“President Buhari has indeed said senator Bola Tinubu would do the campaigns on his behalf. We hope he was misquoted. Otherwise, Nigerians should simply ask him to step back from the contest and let his party put Tinubu forward as its candidate,” he said.

“Buhari would go down as the first candidate in history to hire a proxy in a presidential contest. He is the one contesting, he should not be afraid to be the one to interface directly with Nigerians.

“We urge Nigerians to insist that President Buhari must show that he is fit and able for the nation’s top job by leading his own campaign and by being at the presidential candidates’ debate.”

Oyinlola also accused the APC of plotting to rig the 2019 elections by refusing to sign the electoral bill.

He noted that the amendments were made in order to have better legal frameworks for delivery of free and fair elections.

He said: “We, therefore, see the president’s decision not to sign the bill as a direct, open threat to the integrity of the elections and it is not funny.

“We call on him, therefore, to have a rethink and sign the bill into law without any further delay.”

https://www.thecable.ng/oyinlola-buhari-is-first-candidate-ever-to-hire-a-proxy-in-a-presidential-contest/amp

Masked police operatives have stormed the hospital where Dino Melaye, the Senator representing Kogi West, was receiving treatment.
The officers forced the lawmaker, who was on the hospital bed, into an unmarked vehicle and drove him to an undisclosed location, witnesses told PREMIUM TIMES.
Mr Melaye was arrested last week after police laid siege on his home in Maitama, Abuja, for eight days.
He turned himself in after hiding in the house for days. Mr Melaye has been in the hospital since then.
Police accuse the senator of being involved in the shooting of an officer in his native Kogi State.
Details shortly….


https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/305271-breaking-masked-officers-whisk-dino-melaye-from-hospital-bed.html

The national assembly office of Remi Tinubu, senator representing Lagos central, has been reportedly burgled.

In a statement on Thursday, Nifemi Aje, the senator’s aide, said the incident was discovered on Wednesday when the staff resumed work.

According to Aje, the suspected burglars destroyed the CCTV and carted away some “critical items”.

He said the incident has been reported to the national assembly police while they are waiting for the outcome of the investigation into the matter.

“Items removed included an HP laptop computer, Smile internet device, machine box attached to CCTV HP screen and some copies of Laws of the federation,” the statement read.

“Traces of footsteps were discovered on the office rug. The wall cabinet was left disorganised.

“A report of the incident has already been lodged at the Police Post at the National Assembly and we are assured that the investigation has commenced into the matter.

“We do not know those who perpetrated the burglary or those who sponsored them.

“We are, however, waiting for the outcome of police investigation into the matter.”


https://www.thecable.ng/just-in-oluremi-tinubus-national-assembly-office-burgled/amp

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has denied endorsing Alhaji Atiku Abubarka, the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 presidential election.

The Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the organisation, Mr Chuks Ibegbu disclosed this on Thursday in Enugu at a media briefing to mark the second anniversary of the current executive of the organisation.

Ibegbu said that the clarification became necessary following misconceptions on the event of Nov. 14, 2018 where some Igbo leaders endorsed the candidacy of Atiku Abubakar for presidency.

It would be recalled that some Igbo leaders had, during a meeting in Enugu, attended by Atiku and the national leaders of the PDP including the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, endorsed Atiku.

Ibegbu, however, clarified that the said endorsement was done by the friends of Atiku, adding that the organisation had not endorsed any particular candidate.

The deputy national publicity secretary said that the organisation needed to be circumspect, “as our children are in all the political parties.’

“It is erroneous to say that we endorsed Atiku. Ohanaeze Ndigbo did not endorse anybody. That meeting at Nike Lake Resort was organised by friends of Atiku.

“However, due to our peculiar circumstance in the country, we will identify with candidates that will restructure Nigeria if voted into power,” he said.

He said that the organisation would soon meet to take a holistic position on the 2019 general elections.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo has been canvassing for our people to identify with candidates that will restructure Nigeria.

“We still stand on that and in the next few days we shall meet to take a holistic position on the elections,” he said.

Ibegbu noted that within the two years in office of the Chief John Nwodo led Ohanaeze Ndigbo, “we have given our modest contribution by re-jigging Igbo leadership and issues concerning our people”.

He said that the current leadership of the organisation had built synergy with its affiliate groups with a view to achieving unity in the area.

He said that the dexterity and leadership acumen of Nwodo had positively affected the relationship between the organisation and other ethnic socio-cultural associations in the country.

“This has earned the president general an award as ‘Bridge Builder of the Nation’, which will be presented to him on Jan. 17 by Daily Independent Newspapers,” Ibegbu said.


https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/01/2019-elections-we-didnt-endorse-atiku-says-ohanaeze/

Eniola Akinkuotu, Abuja

Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, says he has read several reports of the trending audio clip depicting the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, insulting President Muhammadu Buhari but he has not been able to spot any insults as insinuated by the media.

Soyinka said this in Abuja on Wednesday at a symposium on fake news organised by BBC News.

The playwright, who was a panellist at the event tagged, ‘Nigeria 2019: Countering Fake News’, urged the traditional media not to act like the electronic media by spreading unfounded allegations.

He said, “Just two or three days ago, I read an item where a minister was supposed to have insulted the President and it was carried in some media and I checked the statement and of course there was a video and so on and I looked through it, I read the text again and again and I said I have to relearn the English language because I didn’t see where the insults were.

“So sometimes, print media feels compelled to compete with the electronic media and this is a great mistake because there is a reputation, there is an expectation and you should not be embarrassed to show yourself superior to a medium which is accessible to the lowest, the very dregs of society.”

According to audio released by Phrank Shaibu, an aide of Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Amaechi, said this in a conversation with some journalists.

In the clip, Amaechi, who is the Director-General of the Buhari Campaign Organisation, purportedly said Buhari neither reads nor listens to anyone.

In one of the clips, Amaechi purportedly said, “The President is not listening to anybody. He doesn’t care. You can write anything you want. The President doesn’t care. Does he read?”

In another part of the audio, the minister threatened to bar journalists from events if the audio is leaked.

He said, “These are not things you publish ooo. If you publish them, you will never sit with me any day.

“Three years of Buhari oo, everybody is crying, crying…pressmen are crying, farmers are crying, workers are crying, politicians are crying, students are crying, three years oo!

“The rate of poverty is very high. The people are hungry. Nigeria will divide!”

Amaechi was heard saying, “This country can never change, I swear. The only way this country can change is in a situation where everybody is killed.

“This country is going nowhere. When Magnus (Abe) was secretary to the Rivers State Government, I told him that this country is hopeless and helpless and he told me, ‘Oga, stop it’. This cannot be coming from a governor.


“But two months in Abuja, Magnus came to meet me and said, I agree with you; this country is hopeless and helpless. All they do in Abuja is to share money.

Members of Buhari’s media team as well as close associates of Amaechi have confirmed the authenticity of the clip but said it was edited out of context.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said on Tuesday that the controversial audio would not affect the ruling All Progressives Congress ahead of next month’s elections.

https://punchng.com/minister-didnt-insult-buhari-in-audio-tape-soyinka/

Former governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose; and Senate Minority Leader, Senator Biodun Olujimi on Tuesday continued their hostility by inaugurating parallel campaign councils for the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the ex-governor, in his capacity as the South West Coordinator of the Peoples Democratic Party campaign, inaugurated the council members in Ado Ekiti, in line with list of names reportedly approved by the national secretariat of the party.

However, Olujimi, representing Ekiti South Senatorial District at the National Assembly, at a different location in Ado Ekiti, inaugurated a parallel council.

In a petition to Uche Secondus, the party chairman, she accused Fayose of hijacking the council and injecting his cronies in all strategic positions with a view to sidelining other members of the party from participating in mobilising for the PDP presidential candidate during the election.

This, she said, was contrary to the list agreed to by party stakeholders and therefore, urged the National Working Committee to disband and reconstitute the council in the interest of all in the forthcoming elections.

Olujimi asked Secondus to compel Fayose to adhere strictly to the resolution reached by stakeholders on the composition of the council at a stakeholders’ meeting in Ado-Ekiti on December 28, 2018 to forestall crisis in the party ahead of the polls.

NAN reports that while the Olujimi inauguration took place at the Ajilosun area of the state capital and was attended by members of the party loyal to her, Fayose’s inauguration, on the other hand, took place at his former campaign office in Adebayo area of the state capital, now renamed Atiku/Obi campaign office.

The former governor, while inaugurating his version of the campaign council, described Olujimi’s effort a nullity.

He warned that he might use his position to mobilise the people to vote out those he described as ‘traitors’ in the coming election.

Olujimi is seeking re-election to the Senate in the election slated for March.

“They need me more than I need them, because in my own case, I have got nothing to lose as I am not contesting any elective position. We will ask our people to vote against these betrayers,” he said.

According to the former governor, the campaign council was carefully selected in agreement with the National Secretariat of the party to represent all shades of opinion in the state PDP.

In his remarks, the chairman of the campaign council for Fayose’s camp and former Deputy Governor, Prof. Kolapo Olusola, also distanced himself from the Olujimi campaign group.

Olusola said that the Olujimi council was illegitimate.

“There is no alternative campaign council except this one. Any other campaign council where my name appears outside the one inaugurated by our leader, the (ex-)governor, is illegal.”

The state PDP chairman, Mr. Gboyega Oguntuase, said the Fayose-led Council is the only legitimate body recognised by Abuja.

“This is the only legitimate gathering where authority resides. Any other gathering is illegal and illegitimate but we shall not be provoked,” Oguntuase said.

NAN reports that Olujimi, at the inauguration of her campaign council, said that injustice breeds impunity; adding that if the party stakeholders met and selected people, no individual, including Fayose, has the right to void same.

She said though she was not a party to the selection of the campaign council, she has the right to continue with the assignment.

NAN reports that the two inaugurations were well attended by chieftains of the party from the Senate, state House of Assembly, House of Representatives and former Local Government chairmen.

(NAN)

https://punchng.com/fayose-olujimi-inaugurate-parallel-campaign-councils-for-atiku-obi/

President Muhammadu Buhari says the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) wants to force his government to print more money to meet their demands.

Speaking in an interview with Arise TV, the president asked the NLC how they expect his government and state governors to get N30,000 minimum wage, considering the struggle to pay N18,000.

“I have just mentioned how much this country was earning between 1999 and 2014, but there are states that were not paying salaries,” Buhari said.

“We had to do what you call bailout twice and then paid Paris Club and whatever it is, up till now there are states that for six months are not paying one kobo.

“So when the recruited labour wanted salaries to be increased, I had to relapse into my culture, Hausa culture, and told them about a mad woman; she went to make firewood, she made firewood, she tied it, once she couldn’t carry it because it was too heavy, she increased it instead of reducing.

“When they can’t pay the basic salary of N18,000 per month, they say it should go to N30,000. My budget presentation was no secret, I read it all out. Where do we get the money?

“Do we print more currency? If you do it, you cannot control inflation, but if we have to stay in government, they would force us to print more money, let everybody be a millionaire.”

The president said he needs the sympathy of the elite to take an in-depth study of our economic problem.

“God has certainly blessed this country, we are rich in people, we are rich in resources, but we have a problem of performance, time factor.

“We have to quickly exploit our resources, we have started with agriculture, we hope we would make progress with solid minerals as much as we made with agriculture, and then stabilise the oil sector.

“But really, we have to do the infrastructure, because I firmly believe if we do the infrastructure; the roads, the rail, the power, Nigerians will mind their own businesses, but how much will it take?”

The federal government has, however, said the national minimum wage bill will be transmitted to the national assembly on or before January 23.

https://www.thecable.ng/minimum-wage-to-stay-in-govt-nlc-wants-to-force-us-to-print-more-money-says-buhari/amp

The Bus Conductors Association of Nigeria (BCAN) has expressed its readiness to re-elect President Muhammadu Buhari in the February general election.

Mr Israel Adeshola, the BCAN National President, disclosed this in an interview with our reporters on Monday in Lagos.


The Bus Conductors Association of Nigeria (BCAN) has expressed its readiness to re-elect President Muhammadu Buhari in the February general election.

Mr Israel Adeshola, the BCAN National President, disclosed this in an interview with our reporters on Monday in Lagos.



Adeshola said that the association was convinced beyond doubt that the only way to guarantee better future for the country was through good governance and sincere leadership.

“The only way to achieve this is for us to collectively ensure that President Buhari return in 2019.

“It takes patience, sacrifice and honest commitment to rebuild what had been destroyed and that’s what the administration has been doing since it took over the helm of affairs.

“We all know that to destroy is very easy but to build is always not easy.

“The last 16 years of past administration witnessed the destruction of our economy as never before in the history of the country.

“The impunity that pervaded the previous administration greatly undermined the economic growth of the nation.


“There is no doubt that President Buhari is genuinely committed to ensuring that Nigeria regains her place as the giant of Africa both economically and politically,” he said.

The BCAN leader said that the association has advised its members to guide their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) jealously as they crave for the return of the president.

“The decision we make today will determine how good or bad our tomorrow will be,” he added.

Adeshola said that now was the time Nigerian citizens must take that crucial decision of tomorrow to ensure better future for ourselves and coming generations.

According to him, Buhari was committed to bettering the lot of Nigerian citizens through sustainable economic programmes aimed at improving social economic conditions of people.



“One of such programme is the empowerment of small scale businesses for sustainable growth and development where many people have benefited.

“President Buhari does not believe in given you fish but to teach you how to fish by yourself so that you can be self-reliant, those who give you fish today may not give you tomorrow,” he said.

Adeshola said that Buhari return in 2019 would allow him complete the good work he has started by ensuring the quality of life of an average Nigerian and ensure future of unborn generations were secured and protected.

The BCAN president however called for unity and oneness among its members and the electorate to work as a team, collaborate with one another to ensure comprehensive victory for Buhari.

BCAN has mobilized its members and inaugurated its campaign offices in Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, Oyo, Delta, Kogi, Ondo, Kwara, Jigawa and Kaduna States to mobilise support and ensure the re-election Buhari

NAN

http://thenationonlineng.net/will-vote-pmb-bus-conductors-association/

Senator Dino Melaye has denied being part of the lawmakers that booed President Muhammadu Buhari during the 2019 budget presentation before a joint session of the National Assembly on December 19, 2018.

Melaye, who represents Kogi West Senatorial District on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said he was absent at the House of Representatives chamber, venue of the budget presentation on that day, let alone partake in jeering the president.

Daily Trust recalls that some lawmakers, mainly of the opposition PDP, jeered the president during the budget presentation. But they were countered by their All Progressives Congress (APC) counterparts, who cheered the president.

Apparently disturbed by the development, Buhari had to pause to caution the lawmakers, saying “May I remind Honourable members that the world is watching us, and we should be above this.”


Since the incident, there have been reports in the social media that the booing was led by the Kogi senator.

But Melaye, in his first reaction to the social media reports, said in a statement by his media aide, Gideon Ayodele, on Saturday evening that those that kept calling his name on the incident lied against him.

Our correspondent reports that Melaye’s denial came 24 hours after he surrendered himself to the police following one week siege on his Maitama residence over an alleged case of culpable homicide, an allegation he denied.

‎
“The attention of Senator Dino Melaye has been drawn to a malicious reference to his person on the social media as one of the lawmakers who booed President Muhammadu Buhari during his 2019 Budget presentation before a joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday, December 19, 2018.

“Before now, he had refused to refute the mischievious social media fabrication for what it is – a cheap lie – Senator Dino Melaye was not in the National Assembly that day.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Distinguished Senator Dino Melaye was absent at the televised 2019 Budget Presentation session and hereby challenges anyone with contrary proof to come forward with such.

“By his nature, Distinguished Senator Dino Melaye is not one who speaks and cannot defend his action at the same time. Whatever he says or does, he stands by his actions no matter whose ox is gored,” ‎he said.


https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/melaye-denies-booing-buhari-at-budget-presentation.html

General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has ordered security guards to arrest anyone found indecently dressed at the Redemption Camp.

The revered man of God gave the order on Saturday morning during the annual Ministers’ Thanksgiving at the 3×3 Auditorium at Shimawa, Ogun State.

Pastor Adeboye said that since the Redemption Camp harbours the auditorium, a holy place of worship, the entire Redemption City is as holy as the auditorium.

He also warned that any parent who comes to bail their arrested wards will be arrested, too, adding that anyone who wants to destroy the camp will be dealt with.

“The entire camp is a church and everything at the Redemption Camp revolves around the auditorium.

“The way you can’t dress to the church, don’t dress so in the camp. If you are caught indecently dressed in the camp, you’ll be arrested.

“Parents should warn their children because if you dress indecently in the camp, they’ll be arrested.

And when their parents come to bail them, they’ll be arrested, too. This is holy ground. Why? Because God is always walking in the midst of His people.

“As far as I’m still around, anyone who wants to destroy this camp will be dealt with,” Daddy Adeboye warned.

The septuagenarian also warned members of the church against peddling fake news, especially about the mission.

He advised those who peddled the untrue rumour that RCCG received some money from the Federal Government to report to him immediately or face the music.

He also warned those who also shared the fake news to send letters of apology to him because, according to him, they had sinned against the Holy Spirit or else they’ll face the same consequences as the originator of the fake news.


https://www.tribuneonlineng.com/182074/

Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN, Media Director of Buhari Campaign Organisation, has said that Mrs. Amina Zakari of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is a lady from a town in Sudan and is related to Jibrin Al Sudan who is the body-double of PMB.

He also asked how else can we connect a woman from Jigawa to a man from Sudan?
He said ‘She arrived on the same flight with Jibrin Al Sudan and was smuggled to INEC the next day. Or, how else can we connect a woman from Jigawa to a man from Sudan?’

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/01/amina-zakari-is-related-to-jibrin-al-sudan-keyamo/

Minimum Wage: FG meeting with labour leaders inconclusive


Labour and Nigerian government negotiations
January 4, 2019Azeezat Adedigba
The Friday meeting between the federal government and labour unions ended without an agreement.

The meeting was organised to prevent the planned January 8 protest by labour unions.

The planned protest by the labour unions is to demand that President Muhammadu Buhari submit a bill to the parliament for the implementation of N30,000 minimum wage for workers.

While addressing journalists at the end of the Friday meeting, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Ayuba Wabba, said the meeting has been adjourned till 5 p.m. on Monday.

”We are still discussing and will continue on Monday. We need to make further consultations before the issues are concluded,” he said.

In his reaction, the labour minister, Chris Ngige, who led the government delegation, said the government has made progress with the workers.

The meeting, which started at 12:50 p.m., went on recess at 3:20 p.m. and reconvened 4:28 p.m.

The meeting went on break because President Buhari summoned Mr Ngige, the finance minister, Zainab Ahmed, and the budget minister, Udoma Udoma, for an emergency meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.


The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has been at loggerheads with the federal government over a new minimum wage.

The NLC and other labour unions demand that the national minimum wage be increased to N30,000 from the current N18,000.

President Muhammadu Buhari has refused to commit to the new proposal. Instead, the president said last year that he would set up a technical committee to review the N30,000 proposed by a tripartite committee earlier set up by the federal government.

State governments have also said they would not be able to pay the N30,000 minimum wage.


https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/304192-minimum-wage-fg-meeting-with-labour-leaders-inconclusive.html

TheCable

HomepageTop Stories
Yari offers to quit as Zamfara governor
TheCable in On the GoTop Stories

Pic 25. Gov Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State State House Correspondents after meeting with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday (3/12/2018)06258/3/12/2018/Sumaila Ibrahim/ICE/NAN

Abdulaziz Yari, governor of Zamfara state, says he is willing to sacrifice his position should a state of emergency be imposed on the state over the worsening insecurity.

Yari, who had also expressed support for the declaration of state of emergency to tackle the widespread killings in the north-west state, said some politicians had suggested the idea on the assumption that he was afraid to lose his office.

But he said he was prepared to do anything to ensure peace and security in the state.

Yari spoke with state house correspondents after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential villa, Abuja, on Thursday.

“I’m not playing politics with it (declaration of state of emergency). I’m serious about it,” Yari said.

He also said the high rate of crime in the state would not affect the forthcoming elections, adding that the bandits are not occupying any territory in the state.

Yari said he met the president over the security situation in the state, saying the issue of armed banditry was being exaggerated.

Asked whether he discussed the declaration of emergency with Buhari, he said, ” not at all.”

According to him, if the security agencies were serious, the insecurity in Zamfara would be easily brought under control.

“There is no place being occupied by the armed bandits in Zamfara state. They live and operate in the forest. They strike and run. Most of the camps are known by locals,” he said.

Lamenting the lack of presence of police in many parts of the state, he said policemen redeployed from the state following Buhari’s directive had not been replaced.

He said the president had directed that policemen who had spent three years and above be redeployed as a strategy to address crime in the state.

More to follow…

https://www.thecable.ng/yari-offers-to-quit-as-zamfara-governor/

Following the inability of the Federal Government to urgently transmit the bill on the new national minimum wage to the National Assembly, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has set Jan. 8 as date for the commencement of an indefinite nationwide strike.

NLC President Comrade Ayuba Wabba said the strike would be inevitable if nothing happened before the set date.

He appealed to workers across the nation to support the action to succeed in the interest of their social and economic prosperity.

Wabba called on Federal Government to urgently transmit the bill on the new national minimum wage to the National Assembly for a speedy passage.

He said: “It is unfortunate that the Federal Government is yet to transmit to the National Assembly an executive bill for the enactment of N30,000 as the new national minimum wage.

“Government’s dilly-dallying on the issue has strained Government-Labour relations with a potential for a major national strike which could just be days away.

“I want to appeal to the government to do the needful by urgently transmitting the bill on the new national minimum wage to the National Assembly.

“We also would like to use this same opportunity to urge workers to fully mobilise for a prolonged national strike and enforce their right.”

Explaining the strike becomes inevitable the last option for labour, the NLC president called on all Nigerians and businesses to understand and support it.

He however assured workers that their labour, patience and diligence would not be in vain.

Wabba said the NLC leadership remains committed to giving all it takes to ensure workers get just and fair wages in a decent work environment appropriate to their well-being.

He added that the NLC leadership is similarly committed to social protection for workers.

“The new year presents great opportunities for workers, pensioners, civil society allies and their friends and families to put their numbers to good use.

“This is by voting out, not on the basis of tribe or religion but purely policy, any candidate that cannot serve their interest.

“In the year that is ahead of us, the NLC remains unequivocally committed to the national and workers’ goals which include the campaign for industrialisation, against selective enforcement of “No Work, No Pay” policy of government, among others,” he said.


https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/01/minimum-wage-nlc-begins-indefinite-strike-jan-8-2/

Adelani Adepegba, Abuja

The Police authorities have vowed not to leave Senator Dino Melaye’s residence until they arrest him.

The Police have subsequently deployed over 50 additional policemen around Melaye’s residence located on 11, Sangha Street, Off Mississippi, Maitama, FCT.

Findings indicate that the Police might storm the building and forcefully arrest the lawmaker who had holed up in the house since last Friday.

Our correspondent who is at the scene observed many policemen taking positions around the mansion.

The Police said the lawmaker representing Kogi West at the National Assembly was wanted for the alleged shooting of one Sgt. Danjuma Saliu, attached to 37 Police Mobile Force while on stop-and-search duty along Aiyetoro Gbede, Mopa Road in Kogi State.

The operatives had, last Saturday, cut off power supply to Melaye’s mansion as part of strategies to make him uncomfortable so that he could surrender for arrest, but the senator has so far remained adamant.

The Force spokesman, Jimoh Moshood, stated that Melaye had repeatedly spurned several invitations asking him to report for investigation into the case of attempted culpable homicide.

He noted that the operatives would not leave the lawmaker’s residence without arresting him.

https://punchng.com/we-wont-leave-without-arresting-melaye-police-vow-as-they-surround-his-mansion/