₦airaland Forum

No fewer than 17 Nigerians have been deported from Ghana for allegedly committing offences in the country, involving in cyber crimes, known in Nigeria as 'Yahoo Yahoo'.

According to the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), it said 29 people were arrested in Ho, the Volta Regional capital but 17 were found involved in criminal activities.

The Ho Municipal Police Commander, DSP Anthony Danso, said after their arrest, they immediately handed the suspects over to immigration service to determine their status and finding shows that only 12 out of the 29 Nigerians were found to be legal residents of Ho.

Danso continued that those that were found to be legal residents were immediately freed to continue their various work and activities, adding that some house owners in the country are afraid to lease their apartments to some Nigerians.

Item recovered by the police are 20 mobile phones, 33 laptops, two television sets and other electronic gadgets.

http://saharareporters.com/2019/06/26/ghana-deports-17-nigerian-yahoo-boys

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday rationalized the treatment of retired Chief Justice of the Federation (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, saying that he dealt with him for having in his possession undeclared foreign and local currencies.

Speaking when he received members of Afenifere led by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu at the presidential villa, Abuja, he said he had to do what he did to the former CJN even though reluctantly.

The President said: “But anybody who cannot account for what he has and for refusing to declare, we will have to do something about it.

https://www.independent.ng/why-i-dealt-with-onnoghen-―-buhari

The leadership of Afenifere on Tuesday met with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, demanding for true federalism to address the challenges facing the country. The group, led by Pa Ayo Fasanmi, made four other requests cutting across security, education, youth employment and power supply.

The five demands of the Afenifere leaders were enumerated in a prepared speech read by Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye. Reading the speech Durojaiye said: “We seriously recommend clinging to the spirit and letters of our federal constitution. This is one sure way of achieving the desired goals of unity even in diversity, mutual respect, tolerance and giving true meaning to the opening phrase of our constitution that is, ‘we the people.’

“We will be a greater nation if we sincerely practice true federalism, think and act as Nigerians rather than as champions of the smaller units we were born into. Our big size is an asset worthy of preservation. “Good examples of big size, hard work and prudent spending are the USA, China and India. It is not with violence or hate speeches but with mutual trust, self-respect and tolerance that we will speedily achieve the lofty destiny of the great country, Nigeria,” he said. Those who attended the meeting were Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Segun Osoba, Sen. Abiola Ajimobi, Sen. Adedayo Adeyeye, Chief Kemi Nelson, Laoye Tomori, Solomon Akindele, Elder Yemi Alade, Mutiu Are, among others.

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/breaking-afenifere-meets-buhari-demands-true-federalism-others.html

Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, and human rights activist, Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), has told President Muhammadu Buhari to divide the country into eight regional structures.

Agbakoba, one of the greatest heroes of democracy in Nigeria, noted that there are so many unclear issues in Nigeria about how people of the country want to organize themselves and how they want to live together.

The senior lawyer told reporters at the weekend that insecurity and other serious issues facing the country “can’t [be] fully arrested,” if the central government remains so strong as it is now.

He added that, “This is because community policing or state policing is a tactical tool to deal with the problem, but the strategic tool is the bigger question of the national question.

“There are so many unclear issues in Nigeria about how we want to organize ourselves, how we want to live together, this is what some people have called the restructuring question, some call it the national question, but I call it devolution of powers question.

“Whatever it’s called that is the central issue that needs resolution so that even if you use tactical tools like community policing, but the bigger issue remains then I don’t know if we can resolve it.

“What Nigeria needs is space, there are diverse ethnicities and they are living in such close proximity that one ethnic community is in the face of the other with counter-cultures, counter-religious beliefs and that is not healthy. Even in America in spite of all their advanced democracy, they take care of diversities.

“So, I think if I were to advise the president, for instance, the first thing to do is create space…,identify the ethnic regionalities, create eight big blocs, even though we have 6 to make it 8.

“And then I will give them the power to do things at their own local level, it’s called the principle of subsidiarity; let them work at their own local level. Subsidiarity is where people engage themselves at the local level such that you find in Wales, Scotland, Ireland and England.

“Part of the challenge they had when they were living closely was to create an act of settlement of 1705, that was when peace began to come and each of the regions recognized themselves.

“They all had their own prime ministers and they call them first ministers, so the prime minister of the UK is the one we see internationally, but on local matters like school, refuse collection, education, agriculture, employment, health issues, it’s local.

“So, imagine where eight of the regional structures in Nigeria were fending for themselves at their local level and not depending on federal allocation from Abuja, things will be different.

“Immediately they will take control of what is around them, they will create state police, they will create the relevant security apparatus to deal with any threat, therefore, you don’t need one Chief of Army Staff, and they don’t need one Inspector General of Police to be running around entire Nigeria.

“For instance…say in the South-south region, they will have all the relevant apparatuses to deal with whatever situation that they need to survive as a region.

“They could have courts; they might like to have a Supreme Court of the South-south where cases end in the Supreme Court of the South-south, so they do not have to go to the Supreme Court of Nigeria because the Supreme Court of Nigeria has no business dealing with issues arising from there.

“That is the kind of space I think that should be paramount in the issue concerning where Nigeria is heading to.

“Because that discussion is not on the table, all these ethnic issues flare up as major national insecurity challenge. So, that is what I will do or suggest if I had the opportunity to advise on it. The Federal Government is too strong.

“The Federal Government is actually not a Federal Government, ours is a unitary government because the states have no power on the legislative list so there are 68 items on the Exclusive List and as the name implies in Exclusive List only the Federal Government handles it.

“There is 30 on the Concurrent List, concurrent is between the federal and the state to legislate, but if the Federal Government legislates then pursuant to what is called the doctrine of covering the field the state is not allowed to do anything. In other words, the states have no legislative authority, that creates a problem.

“Why should the Federal Government be dealing with Universal Basic Education for primary schools? What is the Federal Government responsibility with that? I don’t understand.

“What is the Federal Government responsibility with setting up a JAMB process so that you equalize educational activities, but if my grandchild from Anambra scores 282, but my friend’s grandson from Zamfara scores 100, my friend’s grandson gets into the university, but my own does not get in. Why don’t you simply say ….look each region can just organize itself and take your examination?

“So, it is this centrifugal federalism, that means federalism that has a pyramid that has only one leader that is our problem.

“We just have to blast the structures and allow regional leaders as we had under the 1960 Constitution. So, when you have regional leaders you will have people who will like to play regional politics or regional law.

“There is no reason, for instance, in my own profession the eight regions I propose should not be awarding SAN to their best lawyers. Why must it only be Abuja? In the UK, the SAN in England is different from the SAN in Scotland.

“So, the formula that worked for Nigeria was to recognize the differences and I think the best example of the agreements that we can apply is the Aburi Accord.

“The Aburi Accord recognized that Nigeria’s problems were as a result of our diversity not being well managed. We need to manage our diversity that is the way we can move forward.”

https://dailypost.ng/2019/06/23/apply-aburi-accord-divide-nigeria-now-agbakoba-tells-buhari/

National chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has asked the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, to seal off the Bauchi State House of Assembly.

On Wednesday, two factional Speakers emerged on the floor of the state Parliament, with 11 lawmakers loyal to the Bauchi State governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), electing Hon Abubakar Suleiman Ningi as Speaker of the Assembly in the early hours of the day.

Later on, 20 lawmakers in the 31-member Parliament elected Hon Kawuwa Shehu Damina as Speaker and Tukur Ahmed, the member representing Toro constituency as Deputy Speaker.

Tribune Online findings revealed that 19 members were elected on the platform of APC while the New Nigeria Peoples Party has a member, Jamilu Umar Dahiru, the only NNPP member, representing Bauchi Central constituency.

Further checks revealed that the ruling party in the state, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has since poached two members increasing their members to 13.

Addressing the gathering of APC lawmakers from Bauchi State led by factional Speaker, Honourable Damina who led his colleagues to the party national Secretariat to formally present their case, Comrade Oshiomhole said he has since briefed President Muhammdu Buhari on the need to forestall breakdown of law and order in Bauchi state.

Apparently faulting the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Habu Sani Ahmadu, whose men fired teargas canisters to disperse the 20 lawmakers, the APC chairman said it was a shame “if the police provide security for any illegal act.”

He disclosed that he had equally met with the IGP and would formally write a letter to demand that the State Assembly be secured and open only to the majority of the members of the House.

He faulted: “The attempt by the Governor of Bauchi State to illegally resort to nocturnal tactics at nocturnal hours to inaugurate the House.”

Addressing the lawmakers, Oshiomhole said: “I have briefed the President in full having met with you earlier when you shared with me the details. I have had a conversation with the Governor so I have all the facts. We members of NWC have met with the IGP after deliberating on the issues. We will prevail on him to ensure that the police do not provide security for an illegal act. Because the worse form of robbery is political robbery, it is worse than robbing people of their property.

“There is no way the PDP can produce the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker and other principal officers. If the Governor insists, then he is inviting trouble for himself. He should have said he is vacating the Government House, until the determination of his case. If he had submitted to the rule of law I don’t think Governor Bala Muhammed with all due respect, would have no choice than to submit himself and the PDP in Bauchi to rule of law.

“I assure you on behalf of APC that we stand by the statement we made yesterday that the purported election organised under cover with illegal use of the Nigerian Police to install a puppet against the wish of the majority of the members cannot stand and it will not stand by God’s grace.

“We will fight it to its logical conclusion and we will prevail on the police to provide enforcement for the rule of law, we are not asking for any partisan support. The parliament must be secured because that is the business of the police and security agencies to secure lives and property. The parliament is the property of the people of Bauchi State. They must ensure it is used for the purpose for which it was built, which is for which is law making not for the Governor to lock up the place.”

I am ashamed to talk about Edo under Governor Obaseki — Oshiomhole

Commenting on a similar development in Edo State where nine lawmakers elected Speaker in a 24-member parliament, the former Edo State governor said he was ashamed of development in his home state under Governor Godwin Obaseki.

“Unfortunately, the situation in Bauchi is also similar to the one that is happening in Edo State, I am ashamed to talk about it but there is nothing to hide. We have a similar situation in Edo, where in our own case we have 24/24 all of them APC but somebody wants a particular person as a Speaker, 19 out of 24 are opposed to this person. They then decided to carry six members into the house who were willing, while they invited the other ones as if for dinner only to arrive and be bundled into a vehicle, some of them in their short knickers to be inaugurated at 9.30 pm in the night.

“Yours was 6:00 am, Edoka was 9.30 pm, all these are unholy hours. Those are nocturnal hours. The working hours for parliament are provided by the rules of the parliament. It is not up to anyone to change those rules only properly constituted parliament can change the rules as they are.”

https://tribuneonlineng.com/220398/

Itse Sagay, chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), says it is a waste of effort to jail corrupt persons.

Sagay, represented by Etannibi Alemika, PACAC member, spoke on Wednesday during a workshop organised by the committee in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Jos, Plateau state.

According to Punch, the chairman of the committee said after an evaluation, he discovered that jailing corrupt people in the country was “a waste of effort” because of the weakness in the judicial process.

According to him, they rather placed emphasis on recovering stolen assets from people found culpable.

He said while focus is placed on financial corruption, “the truth is that nepotism is a more serious problem”.

Sagay also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his anti-corruption fight while calling on the public to alert relevant agencies about any acts of corruption.

“Corruption has primarily been fought by the Federal Government in the country. There is too much focus on financial corruption but the truth is that nepotism is a more serious problem,” he said.

“After our evaluation in the fight against corruption, we discovered that jailing people is a desperate and wasteful effort. It is going to be difficult to have convictions because of the weakness in the judicial institution. And that is why we have concentrated more on asset seizure of corrupt people as the way to go.”

https://www.thecable.ng/its-waste-of-effort-to-jail-corrupt-people-says-sagay/

Contrary to claims by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) that some states in Nigeria were unsafe, the Nigeria Police Force has declared Nigeria safe and beautiful.

The Force while admitting that the country was faced with some security challenges stated that Nigeria is one of the beautiful places in the world to live.

The reaction came following a statement credited to Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advising people not to travel to some States in the country.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office in a report titled , Nigeria travel advice.

advised against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States and within 20km of the border with Niger in Zamfara State

The FCO also advised against all but essential travel to Bauchi State, Zamfara State, Kano State, Kaduna State, Jigawa State, Katsina State, Kogi State, within 20km of the border with Niger in Sokoto and Kebbi States, non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers State and Abia State.

The office stated that terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Nigeria.

Reacting to the advice, a statement in Abuja on Wednesday by the Force Spokesman, DCP Frank Mba reads: “The attention of the Nigeria Police Force has been drawn to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advice against all travel to some States and border areas in Nigeria.

“While the Nigeria Police acknowledge that Nigeria is not without some security challenges, just like other nations of the World, including the advanced democracies, we wish to restate that Nigeria remains one of the most beautiful places to live in the World. It is a safe country with its own peculiar socio-economic and security challenges.

“We therefore wish to reassure Nigerians and the International Community of their safety and the commitment of the Police and other security agencies to continue to provide effective security services to the nation.”

https://thenationonlineng.net/police-declares-nigeria-safe-beautiful/

…Alerts of possible terror attacks in those states

By Anthony Ogbonna

The United Kingdom government, Tuesday, warned its citizens in Nigeria against visiting some states in the country over possible terror attacks.

The UK government warned its citizens against visiting 24 states in Nigeria, among which are President Muhammadu Buhari’s home state, Katsina and others including, Borno, Yobe Adamawa, Gombe States.

According to a statement on its website, the UK government warned its citizens that terrorists are likely to carry out terror attacks in those states.

It also warned that beside Abuja, other states in the north remain risky.

It said, “You should avoid places where crowds gather, including political meetings, religious gatherings and places of worship, markets, shopping malls, hotels, bars, restaurants, transport hubs and camps for displaced people. Attacks could be indiscriminate and could affect western interests as well as places visited by tourists.”

It said there is high threat of kidnap throughout Nigeria.

The statement reads thus:

“The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to:

Borno State
Yobe State
Adamawa State
Gombe State
riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States
within 20km of the border with Niger in Zamfara State
The FCO advise against all but essential travel to:

Bauchi State
Zamfara State
Kano State
Kaduna State
Jigawa State
Katsina State
Kogi State

within 20km of the border with Niger in Sokoto and Kebbi States
non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers State

Abia State
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Nigeria. Most attacks occur in the north east, particularly in Borno (including central Maiduguri and along access routes connecting the city to other major towns and along the Niger border, including in Damasak), Yobe, including the eastern LGAs bordering Borno State both north and south of the Damaturu road), and Adamawa States. There have also been significant attacks in Gombe, Kano, Kaduna, Jos and Bauchi States and in the Federal capital, Abuja. The terrorist threat across eastern Yobe and Borno State is high, with frequent recent attacks. Terrorist groups carried out attacks in North East Nigeria during the February 2019 election period, and further attacks are likely. We continue to advise against all travel to Borno and Yobe States.

On 23 February 2019, ISWA launched an attack involving indirect fire that resulted in explosions in multiple locations within Maiduguri.

You should avoid places where crowds gather, including political meetings, religious gatherings and places of worship, markets, shopping malls, hotels, bars, restaurants, transport hubs and camps for displaced people. Attacks could be indiscriminate and could affect western interests as well as places visited by tourists. Besides Abuja, other major towns and cities remain particularly at risk, including Kano and Kaduna. See Terrorism

There’s a high threat of kidnap throughout Nigeria. Kidnaps can be motivated by criminality or terrorism, and could be carried out for financial or political gain. See Terrorism and Criminal Kidnaps

The security environment in the north east has deteriorated since 2018 and there is a heightened risk of kidnap. Kidnaps in the north east have included humanitarian and private sector workers. There are also reports that Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa (ISWA) are continuing to actively plan to kidnap foreigners. As well as in north-east Nigeria, this is believed to include some northern and middle belt states including Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Kaduna, Niger and Adamawa. If you’re working or travelling in areas where there is a Boko Haram or ISWA presence, especially in the north-east of Nigeria, you should be aware of the risk of terrorist kidnapping.

There is also a high threat of criminal kidnap in the Niger Delta region and Kogi state.

If you travel to areas to which the FCO advise against travel, you are particularly at risk and will need a high level of security. If you’re working in northern Nigeria you should make sure your employers provide an adequate level of security where you live and where you work, make sure they regularly review security arrangements and familiarise yourself with those plans.

There have been recent attacks in Maiduguri, Baga, Monguno, Damasak and Rann in Borno State and in Gujba and Geidam LGAs in Yobe State. Further attacks are likely. We advise against all travel to Borno and Yobe States. See Local travel

A number of kidnappings, including of foreigners, took place in Kano city in April 2018. We advise against all but essential travel to Kano state. If you’re in or around Kano city, we recommend you take added precautions.

You should be aware of your surroundings and avoid large crowds and public demonstrations as they can turn violent unexpectedly and at short notice. Follow news reports and be alert to developments. If you become aware of any nearby unrest or disturbances, you should leave the area immediately. Violent crime is common. See Crime

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control confirmed an outbreak of Lassa fever on 22 January. For further information and advice see the NaTHNaC website.

UK health authorities have classified Nigeria as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. For information and advice about the risks associated with Zika virus, visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre website.

Around 117,000 British nationals visit Nigeria each year. Most visits are trouble-free.

Before considering travel to areas to which the FCO advise against all or all but essential travel you should take professional security advice. Be vigilant at all times, keep others informed of your travel plans and vary your routines. If you’re working in Nigeria you should follow your employer’s security advice, make sure your accommodation is secure and review your security measures regularly. Consular support is offered in Nigeria although limited in areas where the FCO advise against all or all but essential travel.

Flash flooding can occur during the wet season (June to October). There is a greater risk from water-borne diseases during the rainy season. See Health

On 1 August 2018, the Democratic Republic of Congo government confirmed an outbreak of Ebola in North Kivu province, originating in Beni territory. The latest updates can be found on the World Heath Organisation (WHO)website.

The outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo in August 2018 could result in some additional checks taking place at international airports in Nigeria. There are no direct flights from the Democratic Republic of Congo so these checks could be in place for any flight. This is a standard precaution and no a cause for alarm.

If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.

Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel. Make sure your policy covers you for the type of travel you’re proposing to undertake.”

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/06/terror-attacks-uk-govt-warns-britons-against-travelling-to-24-nigerian-states/

Eniola Akinkuotu, Abuja

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has made a U-turn, insisting that he never promised to solve the Apapa gridlock crisis in 60 days.

The governor said this while fielding questions from State House correspondents in Abuja on Tuesday.

Sanwo-Olu, who was still governor-elect on May 18, 2019 had during an interactive session with his classmates at the Executive Master of Business Administration class, University of Lagos, 1998/2000 set, said that he would end the protracted gridlock in Apapa area of the state within the first 60 days of his administration.
He said not minding the politics involved, he would rid the area of all the trailers whose operations have been responsible for the intractable gridlock.

Sanwo-Olu had said, “The Apapa trailer issue; it’s a campaign issue, it’s very serious. I’m going to take it very seriously. I believe that it is something that we are going to solve in the first 60 days of our government. Whatever is going to be required of us, we will take them out.

“There is a lot of politics being played around there. But no, it cannot be the way we’ll continue to live. We cannot continue to give excuses.”

Speaking with reporters on Tuesday, however, the governor said he never promised to clear the traffic congestion in 60 days rather, he would review what has been done on Apapa roads in 60 days.

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for setting up a task force to address the Apapa issue but said a permanent solution would only be reached when the port has been decongested.

The governor said, “Interestingly, some media houses have actually been counting down on me. They said that I mentioned during the campaign train that I was going to clear it in 60 days. I have mentioned it before, what I said was that in 60 days we would review what was done but that does not take the fact that even if people give you dateline, it’s because they want you to do well and they want you to be able to be accountable for those datelines.”

https://punchng.com/sanwo-olu-makes-a-u-turn-says-i-never-promised-to-fix-apapa-gridlock-in-60-days/

The population of the world hits 7.7 billion, the United Nations Population Division said on Monday.

According to the World Population Prospect released by the UN on Monday, the medium-variant projection indicates that the global population could grow to around 8.5 billion in 2030, 9.7 billion in 2050, and 10.9 billion in 2100.

The fine data also shows that males outnumber females in Nigeria, and the world as a whole, negating the popular belief that women outnumber men in the West African country.

“The world’s population is projected to grow from 7.7 billion in 2019 to 8.5 billion in 2030 (10% increase), and further to 9.7 billion in 2050 (26%) and to 10.9 billion in 2100 (42%). The population of sub-Saharan Africa is projected to double by 2050 (99%),” the report read in part

“Other regions will see varying rates of increase between 2019 and 2050: Oceania excluding Australia/New Zealand (56%), Northern Africa and Western Asia (46%), Australia/New Zealand (28%), Central and Southern Asia (25%), Latin America and the Caribbean (18%), Eastern and South-Eastern Asia (3%), and Europe and Northern America (2%)”.

https://www.thecable.ng/breaking-world-population-hits-7-7-billion-as-men-outnumber-women-in-nigeria/

Kidnappers and herdsmen abducting people in some parts of the Southwest have been warned to stop their nefarious activities or risk incurring the wrath of the Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC.

Giving the warning in a statement issued in Lagos on Saturday the President, Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, Aare Prince Osibote warned kidnappers and herdsmen abducting innocent Nigerians to stop their criminal activities in the Southwest or relocate elsewhere.

According to Osibote who succeeded late Dr. Fredrick Faseun as OPC national leader:

”Enough is enough. Yoruba are peace loving and hospitable. We welcome everybody with open arms , but OPC will not allow any individual or group to make the Southwest unsafe or turn Yorubaland into a den of criminals. Time is up for these criminals abducting people. This is the final warning to them, they should stop now, or relocate elsewhere outside the Southwest. If they fail to do so , they will soon meet their waterloo”, he declared.

Assuring South-West residents not to panic, Osibote said OPC was ready to confront and flush out the kinappers, and herdsmen abducting innocent Nigerians from their hide-outs.

”We are watching the unfolding ugly developments with keen interests. Yoruba and other residents in the Southwest should not panic. We are however calling on the Federal government to quickly address this insecurity problem before it further degenerates. OPC leaders will not watch helplessly or fold their hands while some criminals are making life difficult for people, and are behaving as if they are above the law”, he declared.

He expressed OPC’s readiness to join hands with government to tackle the insecurity problem.

https://thenationonlineng.net/opc-warns-kidnappers-herdsmen/

Ohanaeze Ndigbo has commended the Federal government for commemorating June 12 and making it a
Democracy Day as well as a public Holiday.

The organization noted that nothing was too small to remember those who laid down their lives for Democracy.

It suggested that those responsible for the annulment should be placed in the NIGERIA HALL OF SHAME while those that suffered the effect should be in NIGERIA HALL OF FAME.

In a statement by its deputy spokesman, Chuks Ibegbu, Ohanaeze noted that some elements around late Chief M. K.O. Abiola worked against June 12 and colluded with the Abacha junta to truncate the swearing in of the winner of the June 12 election.



It, therefore, praised President Buhari for this remarkable recognition but advised him to be a true Democrat and shed his military baggage.

The group also congratulated the former Minister for Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi for his repentance and penitence over his shocking remarks recently that Ndigbo has no right to insist on the 2023 Presidency.

It lauded Amaechi for his most recent comment where he showed remorse for the statement credited to him.

He called on Ndigbo to forgive him and remove his name from the IGBO HALL OF SHAME and called on Igbo political elites not to make disparaging comments against their race no matter the situation as Northern or Western and even Niger Delta elites can never do such.

https://thenationonlineng.net/ohanaeze-hails-fg-for-honouring-abiola-ask-ndigbo-to-forgive-amaechi/

Abuja – Former Ogun State governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, says the recognition of June 12 as National Democracy Day by President Muhammad Buhari indirectly recognised MKO Abiola as a past president of Nigeria.

Osoba said this during the celebration of the first National Democracy Day on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said that the Day was significant as past presidents from 1999 had refused to recognise the day or Abiola’s sacrifices for Nigeria’s democracy. He said that the late Abiola, who refused to surrender his mandate, suffered and died in the struggle for democracy for the country. “I have lot of very bad memories about June 12, as a lot of people lost their lives for the struggle, a lot of families also suffered incurable damages, also a lot of people sold their properties to survive.

“I also suffered in the hands of Seargent Rogers, who made two attempts to kill me and I was in hiding for almost a year, along others who paid the price. “I also recalled that when I was a governor with a former president from my state and all efforts that we should do something to immortalise Abiola did not make any impact. “You can therefore see why we are grateful to President Muhammad Buhari who recognises the significant of June 12.

“The significance is the full price paid by Abiola that is making us enjoy democracy that is 20 year old now. “One of my own benefited from Abiola sacrifice to become president but here is Buhari who indirectly accepted that Abiola was once past president of this country, so those sacrifices that we also suffered are no more in vain,” he said. He commended the President, saying that democracy have come to stay in Nigeria. (NAN)

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/06/buhari-recognises-mko-as-past-president-says-osoba/

A high court sitting in Imo state has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to issue certificate of return to Rochas Okorocha as senator-elect for Imo west senatorial district.

Ngozi Ukoha, a judge, restrained INEC from “departing from its decision not to issue a certificate of return in respect of Imo west senatorial district election.”

A copy of the judgement dated Tuesday, June 11, was seen by TheCable.

The judge gave the order while ruling on an application filed by Osita Izunaso of the All Progressives Grand Alliances (APGA), pending the determination of the motion on notice challenging the victory of Okorocha who is of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The commission had refused to issue the certificate to Okorocha who was declared winner of the poll after the returning officer reported that he declared the former governor winner under duress.

But INEC said it would meet to consider the the order of the federal high court, Abuja, which asked it to issue the certificate to Okorocha.

The latest court order is the third on the issue, coming after that of the federal high court and a May 23 order from the high court of Imo directing INEC not to issue a certificate of return to any of the candidates in the election.

INEC is expected to announce its decision on the matter later on Tuesday.

Okorocha had earlier been denied accreditation when he arrived the National Assembly Complex for the ongoing inauguration.

https://www.thecable.ng/just-in-another-court-asks-inec-not-to-issue-certificate-of-return-to-okorocha

Bola Bamigbola, Osogbo

The 19th Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria has approved 160 and above as the national minimum benchmark for admission for the year 2019 into public universities.

The meeting held at Bola Babalakin Auditorium, Gbongan, Osun State, on Tuesday also approved 140 as minimum UTME score for admission into private universities.

For public polytechnic, 120 UTME score was approved, while 110 score was approved as the least score for admission into private polytechnic.

Details shortly …

https://punchng.com/breaking-jamb-institutions-approve-160-as-cut-off-mark-for-2019-admission/

Few hours to the inauguration of the 9th National Assembly, vote buying has taken the centre stage in both camps of the lawmakers seeking elective positions.

While Senators Ahmed Lawan (APC, Yobe) and Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno) are slugging it out for the position of the President of the Senate, Francis Alimikhena (Edo) Kabiru Gaya (Kano), Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia) and Ovie Omo-Agege (Delta) are in a hot chase for the position of the Deputy President of the Senate.

Recall Lawan was endorsed by the presidency and the leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC), while Ndume vowed never to step down but contest even though the party had endorsed Lawan.
Lawan had last weekend said that he has the backing of 60 APC members, 38 People’s Democratic Party (PDP) members and one Young Democratic Party (YDP) member, making 99 senators out of the 107 senators that will vote today.

It was, however, learnt that the lawmakers contesting for elective positions are spending heavily to lobby to win the support of members. It was also learnt that in a bid to outdo themselves, thousands of dollars have exchanged hands just to woo members for support.

Despite the endorsement of Lawan, Omo-Agege, Femi Gbajabiamila his Deputy, Gaya, Alimikhena and Orji have vowed never to step down, even when the leadership of APC has taken position.

Alimikhena had on Sunday said that he’s still in the race and has not stepped down for anybody, Gaya while speaking with newsmen yesterday said that he would contest the election today.

He boasted that despite the endorsement of Senator Omo-Agege by the APC leadership, his chances of emerging as DSP was very bright, adding, “this is not my first time of contesting an election. Tomorrow will make it the fourth time and by the grace of God, it will be peaceful.

“I’m still in the race. I will contest with whoever that would also contest the position of the DSP tomorrow. Democracy is actually a game of number. Whoever has the highest number would win.”
Boroffice, who withdrew from the race in deference to President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday, appreciated the senators-elect for their support and also thanking them for their warm embrace and a great display of camaraderie.

Boroffice, in a statement by his Press Secretary, Kayode Fakuyi, also appreciated the people of Ondo North senatorial district and friends across the country for their prayers, support and goodwill messages.

“For the far-reaching endorsements, steadfastness and unflinching support, gratitude goes to all concerned political groups across the country especially, the Women for Buhari and Osinbajo group, and the Ondo APC Youth League,” he said.

Orji on his part disclosed that President Buhari had not adopted any candidate. This is contrary to speculations in some quarters that the National Working Committee (NWC) of APC, after wide consultations with the President and other stakeholders of the party, had formally endorsed Senator Omo-Agege as the party’s candidate for the position of Deputy Senate President in the 9th National Assembly.

The former governor of Abia state, who said that he has withdrawn from the contest, added that “I hold the President in high esteem as well as the National Chairman of our great party, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and other members of the NWC and as such, I will not disobey any formal pronouncement by them.

“However, I am still in the race to become Deputy Senate President because the President and the NWC have not adopted any candidate and as such the contest is open to all members of the party, who have the capability.

“I have the political dexterity, leadership qualities and goodwill to complement the efforts of the Senate President in actualizing the objectives of the legislature in support the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari in taking Nigeria to greater heights.

“Leadership positions in the 9th Senate should be given to people who have the will to support the agenda of the APC while not deviating from the ideals of democracy.

“As I continue to mobilize support for the position of Deputy Senate President, I commend the President, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and other stakeholders of the party for their support.

“Come tomorrow (today) by the special grace of God and to the admiration of APC members and Nigerians at large, I will emerge as Deputy Senate President in the 9th national assembly.”

Meanwhile, the PDP governors last night met to finally take a position on who the party will support.
The meeting, which was held at Bayelsa state governor’s lodge in Abuja, it was learnt was for the governors, under the platform of PDP Governors’ Forum to take their position.

It was also that the PDP senators-elect are having a crucial meeting with the former Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu and Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike to impress it upon the senators, which direction to take and who to vote for during the election.

A source told INDEPENDENT that Ekweremadu invited the elected lawmakers for a meeting with Wike and thereafter a final meeting of the forum will meet at Ekweremadu’s residence.

https://www.independent.ng/9th-national-assembly-vote-buying-takes-centre-stage/

Abok Ayuba, a 33-year-old final year student of the University of Jos, on Monday emerged as speaker of the Plateau state house of assembly.

Ayuba, a law student, was elected unopposed at the assembly’s inaugural sitting.

His emergence followed the passage of the “Not Too Young To Run” bill which reduced the age limit for members of state house of assembly from 30 years down to 25 years.

A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) representing Jos-east, Ayuba was nominated by Ibrahim Baba-Hassan, Jos North-north/APC and the nomination was seconded by Simi Dusu, Jos North-west/PDP

In his acceptance speech, Ayuba thanked his colleagues for the support and promised not to fail them.

He assured them that his leadership would not discriminate against anyone either on the basis of tribe, religion, gender or political difference.

“As speaker of this noble assembly, I promise to serve with the fear of God, high sense of responsibility and humility,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ayuba is not the only one in his early 30s who emerged house speaker.

Debo Ogundoyin, 32-year-old lawmaker from Ibarapa east constituency, has also been elected speaker of the Oyo state house of assembly.

Ogundoyin is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He contested the position unopposed.

https://www.thecable.ng/33-year-old-undergraduate-emerges-speaker-of-plateau-assembly

Benue State Government has directed chairmen of the 23 local government areas of the state to leave with their official vehicles when their tenure ends.

Consequently, the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in a statement issued on Sunday requested Directors of General Services and Administration, DGSAs to allow chairmen to leave with the official cars.

Recall that the tenure of local government chairmen in the state expires this week.
According to the statement made by the Information Officer of Bureau Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ahangba Ayati said that the DGSA of the councils should comply with the directive.

“The Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has requested that the Directors of General Services and Administration of all the councils in Benue State to comply with the directive of the State Executive Council on vehicles attached to immediate past local government chairmen.

“The directive stipulates that the chairmen be allowed to leave the office with their official Toyota Corolla cars given to them in accordance with laid down procedure.

“The Benue State Executive Council gave the directive before its dissolution on 27th May 2019,” parts of the statement read

https://tribuneonlineng.com/217442/

Popular Nigerian pastor and general overseer, Omega Fire Ministries, Apostle Johnson Suleman, has accused the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan of “stealing so much money”.

The controversial pastor made the allegation in a tweet via his official Twitter handle, @APOSTLESULEMAN, in the early hours of Saturday, June 8, adding that he was not just criticising the current administration but had been doing so even during the former regime of President Jonathan as he was not political but committed to “speaking truth to power”.

“Someone asked me why am against the present govt and I screamed God forbid. i asked him why he didn’t say same when I was seriously speaking out against the activities of the previous govt that stole so much money…am not political, I speak truth to power..,” Suleman tweeted.

https://www.independent.ng/jonathans-administration-stole-so-much-money-says-apostle-suleiman/

A poitical pressure group, Ebonyi Women Vanguard (EWV), an umbrella body of Ebonyi women in politics and professionals has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint women from the state into his new cabinet.

The National President of the group, Mrs Immaculata Ibe, made the demand in a statement in Abakaliki on Saturday ahead of presentation of lists of nominees for federal cabinet members to the soon to be inaugurated 9th Senate.

The body which comprised also Ebonyi women entrepreneurs as well as Ebonyi women resident outside Nigeria, decried long period of exclusion of Ebonyi women in Federal Government ministerial and other federal executive appointments.

She said: “Our appeal to Mr President for inclusion of at least a woman from Ebonyi extraction into his up-coming cabinet is predicated on the long period of neglect and marginalisation suffered by Ebonyi women under successive administrations.

“While other states in the South-East zone have produced, at various times women who were appointed into the federal cabinet and other executive positions, no Ebonyi woman has enjoyed this privilege since the creation of Ebonyi in 1996.

“We have remained marginalised, neglected and excluded in spite of the robust contributions of Ebonyi women in Nigerian politics and national development.

“For 20 years running, successive administrations in the country have neglected Ebonyi women from appointment into major Federal establishments.

“EWV considers it as unfair and against the spirit of equity, fairness and good conscience in the distribution of political appointments in the country.”

The group noted that Ebonyi paraded some of the most illustrious women that Nigeria could offer, who had contributed tremendously in the socio-economic and political emancipation of Nigeria.

It added that a woman, Mrs Ann Agom-Eze, made solid contributions and indeed mobilised the different segments of women and youths for the second term re-election of Buhari in the last presidential election.

The group also said that Agom-Eze dared and contested senatorial position on the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the last general elections, a position that had remained the exclusive preserve of the men.

EWV noted that women in other South-East states had fair representation in major federal appointive positions and argued that the alienation of Ebonyi women deserved a legitimate concern.

“A checklist of federal appointments of women from Abia, Anambra, Enugu, and Imo states into federal establishments reveals a stark illustration of how Ebonyi women have been marginalised since the advent of democracy in 1999.

“Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former Minister of Finance is from Abia state; Mrs Stella Odua, former Minister of Aviation, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, Ex-Education minister and later Solid Minerals, Mrs Josephine Anenih of Women Affairs were all from Anambra.

“Anambra also produced late Dr Dora Akuyeli, former Director-General, National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and later appointed Minister of Information and National Orientation.

“In Imo State, Mrs Viola Onwuliri and Mrs Kema Chikwe served as ministers at various times, while in Enugu state, Mrs Fidelia Njeze and Mrs Alison-Madueke were appointed ministers of Aviation and petroleum.

“Mrs Chinwe Obaji, a former Minister of Education was also from Enugu state,” she said.

The group regretted that in spite of the avalanche of stockpile of intellectual amazons that abound in the state, no woman had been considered for ‘juicy’ federal appointment.

“Mr President, our appeal is predicated on the reality on ground of how our women who have the experience, capacity, intellectual accomplishments, and proven track-record of achievements in divers areas of human endeavour remained unfairly treated”.

The group, therefore, urged Buhari to translate his ‘Next Level’ agenda into resolving the injustice meted out to women in Ebonyi by setting aside at least one ministerial slot in favour of an Ebonyi woman when his new cabinet is constituted.

http://saharareporters.com/2019/06/08/ebonyi-women-beg-buhari- ministerial-slots-ahead-cabinet-reshuffle

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has emerged as the Chairman of the African Union’s International Summit Council for Peace (ISCP).

Jonathan also urged AU to set minimum acceptable standards for appointing the leadership of electoral commissions as a means of building citizen confidence and ensuring credibility of elections on the continent.

The former President spoke on Friday at the International Leadership Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he emerged as the chairperson of the newly inaugurated ISCP, a body made up of mainly African former Presidents and ex-Heads of State.

The two-day conference tagged ‘Africa Summit and Leaders Conference 2019’ has in attendance government officials, former African Heads of State, clergy and traditional rulers from across Africa.

South African President was represented by Mr. Gwade Mantashe, national chairperson of the African National Congress (ANC) and minister of mines and energy.

In a keynote speech titled ‘The Need for Good Governance and Peaceful Electioneering Process in Africa, former President Jonathan noted that the credibility and legitimacy of electoral processes are hugely dependent on the competence, impartiality and independence of electoral management bodies (EMBs).

He also stressed that many African nations face election-related crises in cases where the citizens have no confidence in the electoral process, especially when they suspect that the election umpires do the bidding of the partisan appointing authorities.

The former President said: “It is interesting that almost all the EMBs in Africa are identified with the prefix ‘Independent’, but the jury is still out on whether these agencies are truly independent as their names imply.”

As a means of deepening democracy on the continent Jonathan, therefore, urged the African Union to establish minimum standards and benchmarks for constituting electoral management bodies and encourage member-nations to ratify such declaration.



He said: “The AU should, through its Political Affairs Department, set up a team of electoral experts to study different models and recommend the system they consider best for the continent.

“Such benchmark should also take cognizance of the need to review the election of judicial processes to ensure that, where election tribunals are set up to specifically handle election cases, one judicial officer do not handle the role of appointing all members of the tribunals.

“Since neutrality of the security services is absolutely necessary in ensuring free and fair elections, it is also important that the Africa Union should establish a code of conduct guiding security officials in charge of elections. All these recommendations should be accommodated in AU’s procedures for elections that should serve as guidelines for election observers.”

Jonathan praised South Africans for the peaceful conduct of last May’s national and provincial elections, adding that the credibility of the process stemmed from the fact that all the stakeholders in the elections had confidence in the electoral commission and the security systems.

He said further: “Once you get to that point where all role players in elections can express confidence in the umpire and the security systems, you would have solved more than 70% of your electoral challenges. Sadly, not many African countries have got to this point. The point where they can beat their chest and boast of political freedom, inclusiveness, independence of the electoral management body and credibility of the political process.”

As the Chairman of International Summit Council for Peace the former President is expected to lead the charge for the association’s crusade for peace and good governance on the continent.

Speaking further Jonathan argued that “Africa’s leadership problem has more to do with weak institutions than the case of leaders serving in office for long periods of time. When the democratic institutions are strong they will develop firewalls that will resist attempts to alter the constitution and manipulate electoral processes for selfish reasons.”

According to the President: “Democracy is not about holding periodic elections but conducting credible, transparent, free and fair polls. African elections must meet minimum acceptable standards for democracy to be beneficial to the people of the continent.

“African nations must improve their electoral processes by establishing systems that will support and deliver credible elections. That is the impetus the continent needs to achieve lasting peace that will catalyse growth and sustainable development.”

https://thenationonlineng.net/jonathan-emerges-chairman-aus-international-summit-council-for-peace/

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an order ex-parte for the maintenance of status quo, pending the determination of a motion filed by DAAR Communications Plc in its suit challenging the suspension of its operating licence by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a ruling a moment ago, rejected two prayers by DAAR, for restraining orders against the respondents – NBC, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture (FMIC) and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

DAAR Communications had, in the reliefs turned down by the court, sought to restrain the respondents from interfering with its operations pending the determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunctions.

Instead, Justice Ekwo granted the alternative relief: “an order for the maintenance of status quo ante bellum as at 30th of May, 2019, pending the hearing and final determination of the motion on notice filed along with this application.”

Justice Ekwo said the applicant, DAAR would be penalised should it turn out, at the end of the day, that the order ought not to have been made.

The judge noted that, by the issues raised in its application by DAAR Communications, the respondents deserved to be heard.

He ordered the respondents – NBC, FMIC, AGF – “to appear in court on the next date to show cause why the prayers in the applicant’s motion should not be granted.”

Justice Ekwo adjourned further proceedings till June 13, 2019.

https://thenationonlineng.net/breaking-closure-of-ait-others-court-orders-maintenance-of-status-quo/

Ben Murray-Bruce, senator representing Bayelsa east, says some of his colleagues at the upper legislative chamber do not read.

Speaking on Thursday at the valedictory session of the eight senate, Murray-Bruce said it is important for his colleagues to read and understand events around the world.

He said their duty as lawmakers is to make laws for the future and not the past.

“Lawmakers make laws about the future and not the past. This important for the ninth senate. When you are a senator, you have to read and understand what happens in the world,” the lawmaker said.

“Knowledge changes every six months. Whatever knowledge you have today in six months, it becomes irrelevant. Some of the bills I presented were rejected, and that made me think that some of us do not read.

“In the ninth Senate it is important that you are up to date modern technology and the realities of the world because if you are not,you do not make laws about yesterday but the future.

“I hope the next senate will talk about green energy, electric cars, diaspora voting, talk about laws that will help the economy, help the executive.”

Murray-Bruce urged the executive to allow his colleagues elect their leaders.

“I want the executive to know that the leadership of the ninth senate should be chosen by 109 members of the senate and not the executive,” he said.

https://www.thecable.ng/some-of-you-dont-read-ben-bruce-hits-colleagues-at-valedictory-session/

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday in Abuja signed Executive Order 5 to improve local content in public procurement with science, engineering and technology components.

The Executive Order is expected to promote the application of science, technology and innovation towards achieving the nation’s development goals across all sectors of the economy.

The president, pursuant to the authority vested in him by the constitution, ordered that all ‘‘procuring authorities shall give preference to Nigerian companies and firms in the award of contracts, in line with the Public Procurement Act 2007.’’

The Executive Order also prohibits the Ministry of Interior from giving visas to foreign workers whose skills are readily available in Nigeria.

It, however, notes that where expertise is lacking, procuring entities will give preference to foreign companies and firms with a demonstrable and verifiable plan for indigenous development, prior to the award of such contracts.

In the proclamation entitled ‘‘Presidential executive order 5 for planning and execution of projects, promotion of Nigerian content in contracts and science, engineering and technology,’’ the president also directed Ministries, Departments and Agencies to engage indigenous professionals in the planning, design and execution of national security projects.

It adds that ‘‘consideration shall only be given to a foreign professional, where it is certified by the appropriate authority that such expertise is not available in Nigeria.’’

http://community.thenationonlineng.net/forum/buhari-signs-executive-order-to-prevent-foreigners-from-getting-j

The Eight National Assembly will conclude its business session tomorrow with valedictory sessions in the Senate and House of Representatives.

It will also mark the last day for 66 Senators and 135 members of the House of Representatives at the National Assembly who failed by the way side during the 2019 elections.

The Ninth National Assembly will be inaugurated on Tuesday June 11, 2019 to usher in the beginning of a new legislative year.

In the Senate only 43 senators found their way back to the upper chamber after the hotly contested Senatorial election on February 23, 2019.

In the House, 225 members scaled the electoral hurdle to return to their seats.

It will be sessions of chest beating and back patting during which Senate President, Bukola Saraki and House Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, will reel out the high points of their two chambers.

It is also expected that the two out- going presiding officers may paint some low points of their chambers including perhaps what could have been done differently.

Other members of the two chambers will also seize the opportunity to blow their trumpet.

Those who did not make it back to the National Assembly are mostly expected to be upbeat to justify their stay as members of the Eighth parliament.

The offices of the outgoing lawmakers have been cleared of their belongings including refrigerators and television sets which were resold to them at give- away prizes.

The National Assembly management is repainting and refurbishing the offices to receive new members.

While the Senators-elect and House of Representatives members-elect are already warming up to take their seats at the hallowed chambers of the Senate and House of Representatives having concluded their induction, most of those who failed in their bids to return are sulking away.

The mood of those who failed to return could be gleaned from the near empty chamber witnessed since after the elections.

Although some of the big guns in the Senate like Senators Godswill Akpabio and George Akume have gone to court to challenge their defeat, they attended plenary a couple of days since after the elections.

After tomorrow the likes of Senators Saraki, Akpabio, David Mark, Akume, Musa Kwankwaso, Sani Yerima, Shehu Sani, Magnus Abe and Kabiru Marafa, will come to the National Assembly as visitors.

https://thenationonlineng.net/end-of-road-for-66-senators-135-reps/

--Unconfirmed proclamation document emerges

Unconfirmed Presidential Proclamation document of the Ninth National Assembly surfaced on Monday in Abuja.

The Proclamation document dated May 30, 2019, purportedly signed by President Muhammadu Buhari slated Tuesday, June 11, 2019, as the date for the inauguration of the Ninth National Assembly.

The document also with a Presidential seal, went viral on social media.

Although sources at the office of the Clerk to the National Assembly, Alhaji Mohammed Sani-Omolori, confirmed the receipt of the letter for the Proclamation of the Ninth National Assembly, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate) Senator Ita Enang, claimed ignorance of the document.

Enang promised to establish the authenticity or otherwise of the document and revert back to reporters.

The Presidential Aide was yet to revert back by the time of writing the story.

Another Presidential aide also contacted asked reporters to get in touch with Enang for confirmation.


The letter tagged “President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

Proclamation for the holding of the 1st session of the 9th National Assembly” read:

“Whereas it is provided in Section 64(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) that the person elected as President shall have power to issue a Proclamation for the holding of the first session of the National Assembly immediately after his being sworn-in.

“Now, therefore, I Muhammadu Buhari, President Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in exercise of the powers bestowed upon me by Section 64 (3) aforesaid and of all other powers enabling me in that behalf, hereby proclaim me in that behalf, hereby proclaim that the first session of the Ninth (9th) National Assembly shall hold at 10:00am on Tuesday, 11th June, 2019 in the National Assembly, Abuja.

“Given under my hand and the public seal of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at Abuja, this 30th day of May, 2019. Muhammadu Buhari”

A senator condemned what he described as “hide and seek game” the Presidency was allegedly playing with the proclamation of the Ninth National Assembly.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senator who does not want to be quoted noted that “there appear to be some ulterior motives to the whole scenario of the proclamation.”

He said, “It is a public notice meant to alert National Assembly members-elect that they will be inaugurated on a particular stated day. Why this unholy secrecy just few days to the expected inauguration. It is not a fire service thing. We are watching.”

Meanwhile Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senators, Senators-elect and members of the House of Representatives of the party scheduled to meet in Abuja on Monday.

It is expected the party members will take position of the election of the presiding officers of the two chambers of the National Assembly.

The PDP members who are in minority in the two chambers of the Senate and House of Representatives are not expected to field any candidate for the position of the Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

https://thenationonlineng.net/breaking-confusion-over-proclamation-of-national-assembly/

This is highly commendable. We hope it improves the poor security condition being faced across the country

Barring last minute changes, any of the trio of Retired Col. Hameed Ali, current Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, NCS, outgone Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, or former Lagos State governor and outgone Minister of Works, Housing and Power, Babatunde Raji Fashola, will be named as substantive Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari in what is gradually emerging as part of the president’s plan to attract less controversies and rejig his cabinet for the next four years, Sunday INDEPENDENT reliably learnt early in the week.

With the presidential inauguration last week, which ushered in President Buhari into his second tenure in office, all eyes are now set on who gets appointed into his kitchen cabinet and the federal executive council made up of ministers and key appointees.

The Office of the CoS and key ministerial appointments have become subject of intense lobbying, intrigues and horse trading among friends and family members of Buhari, it was learnt. This, according to the newspaper findings, became apparent after the president made plain that he intends to effect sweeping changes in the next four years. Even more, there are those who say that Buhari might not have been impassive about the cabinet composition which appeared lopsided with the bulk of his key men coming from his geographical zone and religion.

The president, earlier in April had made a short trip out of the country to UK ostensibly on a private visit. But as exclusively reported by Sunday INDEPENDENT even before the trip was made public, President Buhari had the trip in order to consider reports on his ministers and to consider possible candidates for his second term.

According to presidency sources, Mr President came to the realisation that unless a clean sweep is made of his kitchen cabinet made up principally of his close relatives no federal cabinet can function well.

“Unknown to many, President Buhari follows up on many of those complaints made about his principal staff like Abba Kyari (chief of staff). It will be by an extremely weird circumstance that he will make it back into his cabinet,” explained a presidency source to the newspaper.

https://www.independent.ng/new-cabinet-list-fashola-hameed-adamu-jostle-for-buharis-cos-office/

Reno Omokri, former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, on Saturday appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to negotiate with Boko Haram over the release of Leah Sharibu.

Omokri made the appeal while sharing a photograph of Buhari and his children.

The former presidential aide insisted that Leah’s father, Nathan Irmiya would also love to take a photograph with his daughter, hence the need for negotiation.

Sharibu was abducted by Boko Haram insurgents on the night of February 19, 2018 alongside her schoolmates from Government Science College, Dapchi in Yobe State.

The abducted student has remained in custody of the insurgents for refusing to denounce her Christian faith.

However, Omokri, in a tweet wrote: “Dear @MBuhari,

“Leah’s father, Nathan Irmiya Sharibu, also wants to take a picture like this with his daughter, Leah Sharibu.

“Please, I BEG on my KNEES, enter into negotiation with Boko Haram to #FreeLeahSharibu.

“Please join me in RETWEETING till Muhammadu Buhari sees this.”

https://dailypost.ng/2019/06/01/leah-sharibu-im-knees-negotiate-boko-haram-jonathans-ex-aide-omokri-begs-buhari/

Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN ), better known as Shiites, set ablaze the national flags of the US and Israel during a massive protest in Abuja on Friday.

The protesters, who converged on Wuse market junction, described the US and Israel as enemies and oppressors of the people of Palestine.

Abdullahi Musa, secretary of the academic forum of the movement, said the flags were burnt to show anger against the countries over their “oppressive tendency” against Palestine.

The flags were displayed to the crowd with the caricature of President Donald Trump before some members of the group sprayed fuel on them.

The incident led to traffic logjam in the area. Also, three coffins wrapped with Palestinian flags were on display which signified the three children of Ibraheem El-Zakyzaky, leader of the group, who were killed by the security operatives during a protest in Zaria in 2015.

The movement said the protest was organised to drive home the demand for President Muhammadu Buhari to release Ibraheem El-Zakyzaky, leader of the group, to enable him seek medical attention.

The group vowed to continue with the protest irrespective of the “intimidation” by the security agents.

The security operatives had on Friday morning mounted several roadblocks along Maraba-Abuja express way subjecting people to security checks.

https://www.thecable.ng/just-in-shiites-set-us-flag-on-fire-in-abuja/

President Muhammadu Buhari is to spend N1. 001 billion on travels this year.

The detailed 2019 budget, which he signed into law early this week, showed that the president would spend N751.296 million traveling around the world and another N250. 021 million locally.

President Muhammadu Buhari signing of the 2019 Appropriation Bill to law at the State House, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida 27/05/2019

Global businesses spend $3.2tr on innovation, ROI drops 27% in five years.

According to the budget, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will also spend N217.060 million on foreign travels and another N83. 74 million on local travels.

N3.822 billion was earmarked for annual routine maintenance of mechanical/electrical installations in the Villa.

According to the budget, N576. 747 million was set aside for the phased replacement of vehicles, spares and tyres in the presidential CVU, security/police escort and State House operational fleet.

Another N395. 834 million was earmarked for the construction of the Presidential Wing of the State House Clinic, while N395. 834 million would be spent on the construction of office buildings.

The President would spend N164. 176 million on honourarium and sitting allowance, as well as, N25 .652 million on meals and refreshments.

The Office of the Chief Security Officer to the President got the sum of N 433. 457 million for the purchase of security and operational vehicles.

The State House Medical Centre was allocated a total of N798.856 million, with drugs and medicals supplies taking N208. 350 million and N 244.364 million earmarked for the purchase of health and medical equipment.

Conversion/upgrade of Villa Ranch and construction of wildlife conservation capture would take N27. 463 million; while rehabilitation of animal enclosure/procurement of Vet Lab equipment was allocated a separate N11. 865 million.

Meanwhile, the Office of the President would spend N8,580,741 on the purchase of books in the 2019 fiscal year. Similarly, N26, 432, 346 was provided in the budget for the purchase of newspapers, while N3, 511,909 was set aside for magazines and periodicals.

http://saharareporters.com/2019/05/31/president-buhari-sets-aside-n1bn-2019-budget-travels

The inauguration ceremony in Borno state, on Wednesday, ended midway after Babagana Zulum, the governor, suffered persistent coughs while reading his speech.

Kashim Zanna, the chief judge of the state, swore in Zulum and his deputy, Umar Kadafur.

Speaking during the inaugural address, Zulum listed a 10-point agenda his administration intends working on to develop the state.

“My focus is on improving the security of the state as insecurity is the major impediment that affected people’s lives for a decade,” he said.

“I will ensure the return of our displaced people to their farmlands to ensure national food security.

“I will also fight unemployment and poverty among youths and embark on the massive reconstruction of destroyed communities.

“This will enable the people to return to their ancestral homes, while we seek more support from humanitarian donor agencies across the globe.”

Halfway into the speech, the governor started coughing persistently and began to have difficulties in reading further.

It was suspected that a security official had accidentally opened a tear gas which affected the governor’s breath.

He was later made to step down from the podium and led away, accompanied by Kashim Shettima, his predecessor.

The ceremony was abruptly brought to an end with the national anthem.

https://www.thecable.ng/borno-inauguration-ends-abruptly-as-cough-disrupts-govs-speech/