₦airaland Forum

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has declared he was not on board the Boeing 777-300 aircraft Ethiopian flight that encountered bad weather during landing at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Wednesday.

Obasanjo was widely reported to have been among the 393 passengers on the flight from Adiss-Ababa, capital of Ethiopia.

But the former President said he didn’t travel, let alone board the flight.

Obasanjo made the clarification through his spokesperson, Kehinde Akinyemi.

Akinyemi said Obasanjo had been in his home in Abeokuta, Ogun State and the former president never traveled.
A news agency had reported Obasanjo was returning from a stakeholders’ dialogue on Continental Trade and Strengthening Implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) which ended on Tuesday in Addis Ababa, when the incident happened.

Ethiopian Airlines clarified that its Boeing 777-300 aircraft which took off in Addis Ababa on its way to Lagos encountered bad weather during landing and the airport.

It was Ethiopian Flight (ET 901/29 MAY).

According to its General Manager Nigeria, Firihiewot Mekonnen , the aircraft upon experiencing bad weather had to embark on a go – round the airport for better and smooth landing, which she said was in line with flight safety procedure.

She said: “On a second attempt, the aircraft made safe and normal landing. This was according to safety standards. Pilots are encouraged to make similar go – round in such cases. However, some media incorrectly reported this standard safety precautionary go – round. “

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) also confirmed the incident involving Ethiopian Airlines.

In a statement, its spokesperson, Henrietta Yakubu said : ” An Ethiopian Airline flight numbered ET 901 flying from Addis Ababa to Lagos today escaped a mishap and landed safely at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

“The flight, which tried to land at about 1157hours had earlier mis-approached due to bad weather and immediately went up to position properly for landing.

The aircraft landed safely at exactly 1213hours and parked at gate E63.”

“The Ethiopian flight had departed Lagos for Addis Ababa at 1351hours.”

https://thenationonlineng.net/i-didnt-escape-any-plane-crash-says-obasanjo/

…Says ceding of Bakassi, 76 oil wells illegal and hurting

BY IKE UCHECHUKWU

CALABAR-Prof Ben Ayade has declared that Cross River will become an industrialized state under his watch stressing that in spite of the ceding of oil well which was illegal they will grow into a self actualisation in his second term.

Gov Ayade gave the assurance while delivering his inaugural address after he was sworn in on Wednesday for the second time as governor by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Michael Edem at the U.J Esuene stadium.

Ayade who promised to make sure that his entire signature projects and others will be completed said they will make sure that Cross River becomes fully industrialised as every local government will have at least one industry.

His words : “Be committed and steadfast Cross River state will be an industrialised state under my watch .In this my second tenure I will no longer be the governor ,My Deputy will be the acting governor while I will become the project manager of Cross River state as I will relocate to Ikom LGA.

“This tenure will be food on the table ,hands on the plough, no amount of investment in infrastructure will be equivalent to taking care of the well being of the people ,paying salaries and employing them.We must understand that anytime our problems can only be solved by money then our intellect has failed us ,”Ayade stated.

The governor who described the ceding of Bakassi as illegal and the 76 oil wells to Akwa Ibom as hurting said Cross River has been abused and reduced in body and soul.

He called on President Mohamamadu Buhari to help the people of the state adding that all CrossRiverians should get ready because the Federal government must tell the state what it(Cross River state ) has done wrong.

He said: “ The ceding of Bakassi and our oil well is unacceptable where a country took our oil wells and gave to a state that has more ,Cross River feels highly hurt, we have been abused and reduced in body and soul but we are on a voyage of self actualisation as a state,” he said.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/05/in-this-my-second-tenure-i-will-no-longer-be-the-governor-ayade/

– The deputy chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator Lawali Shuaibu, has asked the national head of the ruling party, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, to resign – Another wave of heat has hit the All Progressives Congress (APC) as Senator Lawali Shuaibu, the party’s deputy national chairman has demanded for the resignation of the party’s national boss, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Vanguard reports.

Addressing Oshiomhole in a six-page letter, Shuaibu opined that in developed nations leaders who are unable to impact on those they are leading or improve upon antecedent leave office with honour. In the letter titled APC: Its fortune and misfortune, time to act, Shuaibu said: “It is my honest opinion that your ability to ensure this party flourishes is deficient as you lack the necessary composure and you also don’t posses the capabilities and the requisite experience to run a political party.”

https://www.independent.ng/breaking-apc-deputy-chairman-demands-oshiomholes-resignation/

Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, says he cannot guarantee whether or not the President Muhammadu Buhari administration will put an end to Boko Haram insurgency.

Speaking on Sunrise Daily, a programme on Channels Television, Shehu acknowledged that while the federal government is still cracking down on Boko Haram insurgency, new security challenges have emerged.

Asked if terrorism has come to stay or it will phase out completely, Shehu said: “I can’t promise you that Boko Haram will or will not be eradicated but it is an ongoing challenge globally even in the more advanced, more weaponised nations, it is still a challenge.”

He, however, said Boko Haram has “faded away”, and that the federal government is doing all it can to tackle banditry and kidnapping.

“I am happy that there is a realisation that there is shifting ground. When the president came in in 2015, the big issue was Boko Haram. Boko Haram has faded away, it is on the way out but new challenges have arisen. You have mentioned banditry and kidnappings and these ones are being tackled,” Shehu said.

“Recent successes have been recorded, look at what for instance, the police are doing, operation Puff Adder that they launched. They have netted in over 150 suspected kidnappers and bandits and they have recovered huge quantities of weapons, guns, surprisingly, locally made semi-automatic weapons, revolvers that have multiple cartridges in Anambra, Plateau and Zamfara.”

He said the government and security agencies have identified and have to deal with the availability of weapons if the war against insecurity must be won.

“The attacks you just mentioned is still a far cry from those attacks that we had seen in the past. They are being pushed away farther from the national population. We had mentioned this thing about cheap availability of weapons in the country and across borders,” he said.

“As it is now, our security services are coming to terms with the fact that that is one area they have to tackle. The source of weapons whether locally manufactured or brought from abroad has to be tackled otherwise, it is like oxygen to crime.

“They will replenish because these things are readily available. Government has identified local manufacturers and seized weapons. Government is also internationalising this campaign.”

https://www.thecable.ng/garba-shehu-we-cant-promise-boko-haram-will-be-eradicated

delugajackson:
And some people have been fasting and praying for just ONE. Irony of life.

May God bless every barren woman out there with the fruit of the womb.

Amen!

A woman, by name the Catherine Bridges, has been delivered of seventeen babies at once at a fertility clinic in Rhodes Island.

She has, therefore, laid a world record to inspire many women to believe in God for pregnancy and delivery. The news has gone round on Facebook.

“It was incredible” explains Dr. Jack Morrow who assisted the woman through the whole operation.” The babies kept coming and coming and coming and coming… Man! I think I’m gonna have nightmares about this day for a long time! This was my last delivery!” he adds in disgust.

Catherine Bridges and her husband had been trying to have a child for many years and had decided last year to use medical assistance from a fertility clinic in Rhodes Island. The insemination process was definitely successful, as the couple got an entire litter of seventeen beautiful and identical boys.

The couple has already chosen the names for the boys with an obvious continuity of thought: James, Jacob, Jarod, Jarvis, Jason, Jeffrey, Jeremy, Jerome, Jesse, Jimmy, Joachim, Jonathan, Jonas, Joseph, Julian, Jimbo and surprisingly, Darth Porkinus.


https://www.independent.ng/breaking-woman-gives-birth-to-17-babies-at-once/

The management of the National Assembly is disposing off office equipment to outgoing members of the National Assembly at rock bottom prices, The Nation has gathered.

Payment for the equipment such as computers, scanners, photo copying machines, television sets and refrigerators will be deducted from the severance package of the beneficiaries.

Some non-returning federal legislators were seen on Friday moving such office equipment into waiting trucks and Sport Utility Vehicles.

Although some of the lawmakers gave the acquired items to their aides and supporters, others chose to sell theirs to willing buyers within the National Assembly complex.

Some National Assembly workers were shocked at the development, especially at what they called the ridiculously low prices the items were being given away.

One of them said: “It is unfortunate because the equipment cost much more than what they are being given out for. It is no excuse that the equipment are tagged used because you can’t get them for those ridiculous prices outside.

“Meanwhile, incoming lawmakers must be provided with a new set of these equipments. What is wrong with these ones being given away that the incoming lawmakers cannot use, even for the next four years. Why do they have the Maintenance Department if any of the equipment breaks down?”

In a memorandum sighted by our Correspondent, 11 office items cost a total of N367,479.33.

The breakdown showed that a Samsung double door refrigerator was given out for N25,000; HP Envy Core 13, N49,000; Apple Ipad Air computer , N41,980; LED TV Samsung UA4600AR 50, N59,500.

Shredding machine, N19,800; Water dispenser with bottle, N8,990; Photocopying machine Sharp Copier AR 6021 N57,172.00; Scanner HP Scanjet Pro 3900 Fi N20,130.00; HP Laserjet Pro M201 N10,038.00; Desktop Computer Model Envy 23″ Touch screen; and Suit hanger N1,900.00.

Any member taking the entire 11 items would pay N349,970,50, with N17,498.83 as VAT for items.

Sources put the current market value of the items at over N3m with a Led television going for N300,000; HP Envy Core 13, N400,000; HP Desktop Envy23″. N420,000; Samsung double door refrigerator, N315; Sharp Copier AR6023, N380; HP Laserjet M201 dw, N120,000; HP Scanjet Pro 3500F1, N195,000; and Cway water dispenser, N50,000.

https://thenationonlineng.net/shock-as-nass-management-sells-office-equipment-to-outgoing-lawmakers-at-give-away-prices/

Special Media Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari, Femi Adesina, has disclosed that the 2017 illness that saw the President spend most parts of the year in London was a debilitating illness.

He stated this in an opinion piece titled “PMB’s second term: Ain’t no stopping us now, we’re on the move”.

He also alleged that it may be a spiritual attack on the President by those whom he described as adversaries who wanted to get rid of him because of his perceived honesty.

Adesina had once denied that the President went to London for medical treatment.

The presidency had claimed during the Buhari’s trip that he was in London between January 19 March 10, 2017, to “undergo routine medical check-ups” during a short holiday.

But Buhari on his return to the country tacitly admitted that he was very ill, telling his cabinet members that; “I couldn’t recall being so sick since I was a young man, including the military with its ups and downs.”

He also disclosed that he had “blood transfusions, going to the laboratories and so on and so forth.”

Adesina wrote: “A massive coalition for change was built around him, and good Nigerians stood up for the champion. Did he live happily ever after? Not on your lives!

“The adversaries went after him. Ran, pursued, and attempted to overtake. All sorts of things, physical and spiritual, were thrown at him, just to get rid of the man who would not steal, and not allow people to steal.”

“A debilitating illness came. And for most of 2017, the President was receiving medical attention, both at home and abroad. Instead of goodwill and prayers, they were rejoicing. We’ve finally stopped him, they gloated. But did they? Could they? Not if God was still alive.”

“Ain’t no stopping Buhari, as in August 2017, he got back his groove. His health rebounded, and he resumed work fully.”

https://thenationonlineng.net/buharis-2017-illness-debilitating-adesina/

Elder statesman and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Robert Clarke has said that the South West region is already well positioned to produce President Muhammadu Buhari’s successor in 2023.

He noted that since 1999, presidential power goes to any region where two of the three major tribes of Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa/Fulani decided to take it to after forming an alliance.

Against that backdrop, Clarke posited that with the current collaboration between the Southwest and President Muhammadu Buhari, presidential power was certain to shift to Yorubaland in 2023.

He said it was unfortunate for the Igbos that they have never had a partnership with either the Hausa or the Yoruba in any election since 2011.

Speaking in an interview with Sun Newspaper, the elder statesman said, “The problem in Nigeria is that the politician has created for themselves a situation where if two of them gather against the third one, they will want political power to be rotating among themselves.

“There are three major tribes. The Igbo, Yoruba and the Hausa. Where two of these major tribes gang up, that is where the power is going.

“In 1999, when the constitution came in, Obasanjo wasn’t sponsored by the Yoruba, even though he was a Yoruba man; the Yoruba rejected him, and sponsored Falae. But the Northerners and the Igbo voted for him; the Yoruba never voted for him and he still won because the Northern Hausa and the Eastern Igbo decided to support him.

“In 2003, Obasanjo came for the second term; again, he was not sponsored by the Yoruba; the Yoruba put up another candidate but still he won.

“In 2007, Yar’Adua was not supported by the Yoruba but the Igbo supported the Northerners and he won.

“In 2011, Jonathan came in, he’s not a Northerner but he was supported by the North and the Igbo, and he won. Having realised that power is between two of these sects, the Yoruba and the Hausa merged in 2015 and they produced Buhari.

“In 2023, if the Igbo don’t find themselves holding onto the Yoruba as a friend or the Hausa as a friend and allow the Hausa and the Yoruba to hold themselves together as in 2015, then that ticket will produce the president. That means the Yoruba will produce the president, the Northerners will produce the vice president because that is the reality of the number. Politics is in number.

“Since the demise of Zik, the Igbo had never had a leader and that is the fault of the Igbo race today. If tomorrow, the Igbo bring out a young vibrant Igbo leader who can now find his way either to go with the Northern Hausa and form alliance or the Yoruba and form alliance, then the hope of an Igbo president in Nigeria will come up.

“But I as Robert Clarke seeing the terrain of politics in Nigerians do not see any hope for an Igbo presidency except they change their attitude in aligning themselves with one of the two tribes. I’m looking at Nigeria consisting of three ethnic groups; between two of these three groups, there the power lies. So, if the Igbo can fix themselves in any of the two alliances, then there’s hope for them.”

https://dailypost.ng/2019/05/25/2023-yoruba-will-produce-president-buhari-clarke/amp/

Former deputy governor of Ekiti State and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the last governorship election, Professor Kolapo Olubunmi Olusola, has said as Omoluabi Ekiti, he was congratulating Governor Kayode Fayemi on his victory today at the Supreme Court, but implored him to sincerely exhibit the true Omoluabi attitude Ekiti people are known for, focus governance in the true sense of it without bitterness.

Olusola who said his own brand of politics is without bitterness but of development and service called on all PDP members in the state to put the pain behind them and unite to move the party forward.

While thanking Ekiti people for standing by him all through the court cases, Olusola restated: ”My consolation at this time is that the people of Ekiti, as well as Fayemi and the APC, knew I was robbed but God is God, the true story shall be told someday by those who orchestrated the theft.

“The least expectations of Ekiti people from Fayemi and APC now is that they should reduce the people’s pains by governing well so the people do not suffer double loss having now lost their mandate freely given.

” I urge Ekiti people to maintain peace and keep hope alive, adding that everyone including himself will cooperate to move Ekiti forward as the state is greater than any individual.”

Olusola stated further: “I am committed to Ekiti, I am going nowhere but will work side-by-side with my people until Ekiti is delivered from clutches of mindless and heartless vampires and election riggers.

“I call to all true lovers of Ekiti that time for a broad coalition to free Ekiti from those mortgaging its interests and destinies to outside forces has come. I am prepared to play my part and together we shall win. Awolowo once said “after darkness comes glorious dawn”

The former deputy governor was also full of praises for his boss, the former governor of the state, Chief Ayodele Fayose and as well all members and leaders of the PDP at the state, zonal and national levels for the unflinching support they gave him.

Olusola who again lost to the APC candidate in today’s ruling over an appeal filed by him said, “though we lost at the Supreme Court, this has not diminished our confidence in the judiciary as the last hope of the ordinary citizens out there.

“Again I urge the good people of Ekiti to remain committed to the development of the state and trust in God for better days ahead.

“I congratulate Governor Kayode Fayemi over his election as chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum and I wish him success.”

https://tribuneonlineng.com/214165/

A group of worshipers, presumed to be members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as the Shiite Movement chanted ‘Allahu Akbar’ as President Muhammadu Buhari observed Juma’at prayers at the National Mosque, Abuja. Daily Trust reports that the sect members started chanting Allahu Akbar when the Murshid, general administrator of the mosque, Professor Shehu Ahmad Galadanci was making a special prayers for the president and the country.

The two rakats Juma’at prayers started around 2:03pm ended by 2:11pm peacefully. The sect members started making noise when Galadanci was making the prayers. At the mosque were the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Tanko Mohammed, Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna state, Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, Security chiefs, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional rulers, lawmakers, ministers, among others.


The president observed the Juma’at prayers at the National Mosque, as part of activities lined up for his inauguration for second term. Buhari would be sworn in for second term on Wednesday at the Eagle Square Abuja. Recall that the president had years back stopped observing Juma’at prayers at the National Mosque. The president had explained that the decision was to prevent the constraints and inconveniences presidential movements may cause to the people. The president observes the weekly Juma’at Prayers at the Presidential Villa Mosque. Over the years, Shiite members have been protesting the detention of their leader, Ibraheem El-Zakzaky.

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/shiites-chant-allahu-akbar-as-buhari-observes-prayers-in-national-mosque.html

All the best to him

The Acting Inspector General of Police, Adamu Mohammed has been confirmed by the Council of State, as the new Inspector General of police.\

More details shortly.


https://www.channelstv.com/2019/05/23/breaking-adamu-mohammed-confirmed-as-igp/

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the minister of Labour, Chris Ngige, have unveiled the leadership of what they called, “short men in government”. At a valedictory Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, which was chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari, Ngige named Osinbajo as chairman and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole as deputy.

While Kaduna state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, was named as Secretary General of association, Ngige said he is the provost. Osinbajo said: “Just to mention for the record that I was elected chairman of the association to which Dr. Ngige referred the one to which Adams Oshiomhole, Ngige and El-Rufai are members, not because I’m the Vice President but because I’m the tallest member.”

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/just-in-osinbajo-ngige-unveil-leadership-of-short-men-in-government.html

By Dirisu Yakubu

ABUJA – Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the 2019 elections, Mr. Peter Obi are currently in a meeting with governors elected on the platform of the party in Abuja.

Senate President, Bukola Saraki (left)and Speaker Yakubu Dogara (right) briefing State House Correspondents after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House, Presidential Villa Abuja. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida
The meeting which is holding at the Gombe State Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Vanguard gathered, is expected to deliberate on key issues, particularly the election of a new chairman for the PDP Governor’ Forum.

Also on the card according to well-informed sources, is the party’s Presidential election petition pending before the tribunal.

Governor of Gombe state, Ibrahim Dankwambo, who currently chairs the forum will be stepping down next week, following the expiration of his tenure, thus paving way for the emergence of a new chairman.

Present at the meeting are the PDP national chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, Governors Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa), Samuel Ortom (Venue), Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom), Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta) and Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto state respectively.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/05/saraki-obi-secondus-pdp-governors-others-meet-in-abuja/

The Imo Government on Monday handed over state-owned general hospitals to some security agencies, the Anglican and The Lord’s Chosen churches to be operated under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative of the state government.

The event took place at the Imo Government House, Owerri with the signing of the Memoranda of Understanding with the beneficiaries.

Speaking at the event, Gov. Rochas Okorocha said the initiative was part of the efforts to expand the scope of government.

Okorocha said that history had shown that the private sector was better equipped to run establishments than the government.

He urged the beneficiaries to respect the terms of the MOU and hand the facilities back to the government at the expiration of the lease period.

The governor said that the hospitals had not been sold to them.


He directed that the beneficiaries of the facilities should pay N100,000 every month to the state government, while government would be entitled to 10 per cent stake.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that three hospitals were leased to the Anglican Church for a period of five years with an 18-month moratorium, while the Claretian and Lord’s Chosen Universities secured 99-year leases, also with an 18-month moratorium each.

NAN reports that benefiting security agencies included the Nigerian Army (Owerri West General Hospital), Nigerian Navy (Ngor Okpala Hospital), Nigerian Airforce (Owerri North General Hospital) and Police (Ideator South General Hospital.

http://community.thenationonlineng.net/forum/shocking-okorocha-hands-over-state-hospitals-to-churches-security

The Nigerian National Assembly has released stringent guidelines for fresh accreditation.

This is coming barely two weeks to the inauguration of the 9th National Assembly.

In a guideline released by the management on Monday and signed by the Director of Information, Mr. Emmanuel Rawlings Agada, the NASS requested for fresh application letter from journalists intending to cover the plenary.

The management among other things, requested for evidence of Income tax return from media organisations as a prerequisite for accreditation.

The guideline also stimulated that media houses would only be entitled to one accreditation for both chambers except for those that require a photographer or videographer.

For the online media, the management said it would only accredit those who have up to 5000 viewers or hit per day, those who are up to 5 years in existence and those whose staffers in Abuja are up to 5.

It also classified accreditation of journalists into permanent, temporary, foreign/international media and Freelancers with proof of membership of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and National Library registration as criteria.

Read below the guidelines as obtained by our correspondent:

NEW GUIDELINES FOR THE ACCREDITATION OF MEDIA ORGANISATIONS, JOURNALISTS/ CORRESPONDENTS COVERING THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

1.0 Number of journalists/correspondents to be accredited for prints, electronic and online media for Senate and House of Representatives respectively.

1.1 Television – 1 Reporter and 1 Cameraman
1.2 Radio 1 Reporter
1.3 Independent Producers – 1 Reporter and 1 Cameramen
1.4 Online Media 1 Reporter and 1 Photographer

CLASSIFICATION OF ACCREDITATION
2.1 Permanent Accreditation 2.2 Temporary Accreditation
2.3 Foreign/lnternational Media Houses 2.4 Freelance

3.0 REQUIREMENT FOR PERMANENT ACCREDITATION OF JOURNALISTS/CORRESPONDENTS FOR PRINT, ELECTRONIC AND ONLINE MEDIA ORGANISATIONS

3.1 Evidence of certificate of incorporation of the media organisation.
3.2 Evidence of membership of professional bodies for media organization.
3.3 Proof of membership of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) with registration number.

3.4 Code of certification from the National Library for the media organization.


3.5 Functional Bureau in Abuja (Staff Strength not less than 5 Editorial staff and daily circulation of 40,000 copies for the print media with evidence to support the claimed circulation figure.

3.6 Media Houses must be publishing daily and on weekend (Applicable to Online Media).

3.7 Re-certification form must be signed and endorsed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Media organization Bureau Chief, City Editor as the case may be.

3.8 The Media organization concerned must have experience of covering proceedings of the National Assembly for at least two (2) years before applying for permanent accreditation.

3.9 All media organization will submit a copy of its income tax return for the last two years.

3.10 All online media must have at least 5000 viewership per day, the site must have been in operation for 5 years and provide satisfactory evidence to this effect with clippings of the news utilized (especially parliamentary news).

3.11 Only television stations with national coverage and specific independent producers with current running programme on the National Assembly will be allowed access into the Chambers on a permanent basis (All the production crew will be accredited as entity).

3.12 All correspondents must attach photocopy of letter of appointment of the media organization on whose behalf request has been received for grant of accreditation.

3.13 All freelance journalist seeking permanent accreditation must show evidence of not less than 5 years coverage of the National Assembly proceedings/full editorial focus and publication on parliamentary reportage.

4.0 It is only Journalists and correspondence whose media organisations meet the above requirements for Permanent accreditation that will be entitled to carry National Assembly Identity Card/Membership of the respective Press Corp

5.0 All other media organization who do not meet the above requirement will be captured under the Temporary accreditation status and they will not be entitled to carry National Assembly Identity Card/Membership of the Press Corp of the Senate and House of Representatives.

6.0 All Temporary accredited media houses, journalists/correspondents shall be allowed permit into the National Assembly for specific coverage not exceeding one (1) week in the first instance and not more than twice in a month.

7.0 All foreign/international media houses seeking accreditation shall abide by all the Diplomatic Protocols established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for foreign media organizations, the Code of Ethics for Nigerian Journalists and security clearance before accreditation will be considered upon the recommendation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

8.0 All permanently accredited journalists/correspondents shall submit recertification letter from the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of their media organization on a sessional basis failure to which accreditation shall be withdrawn forthwith.

9.0 All accredited media organization will be considered as a single entity in the issuance of passes irrespective of their membership of Senate and House of Representatives Press Corp.

10.0 This new accreditation guidelines shall come into effect from June 11 2019.

https://dailypost.ng/2019/05/20/9th-assembly-nass-moves-gag-press-issues-stringent-conditions-coverage-legislative-activities/

Immediate past governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, and the lawmaker representing Lagos West Senatorial District in the Green Chamber Senator, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, have eulogised the virtues of Hon Abdulahi Ayinde Enilolobo, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos.

Speaking at a symposium to celebrate the party chieftain’s Golden jubilee, the duo, described Enilolobo as a humble, dedicated and honest family and party man.

Senator Yayi said: ” Hon Enilolobo means everything to me. He is a political juganut in the setting of Lagos, he is a seasoned administrator who is blessed with a loving mother.

“He has contributed immensely to the success of the party especially in Alimosho. If he wanted any political office, he would get it but he prefers to remain a party man. He has touched many lives and would satisfy others before himself. He has always been there for everyone of us.”

Expressing concern about the relationship between the country’s growing population and the lean revenue accruing to the nation, Aregbesola said: “We don’t remember that we are poor here in Nigeria. If we have a deep thought, we ought to have a day of weeping every month.

“If we don’t work harder to improve our fortunes, we would continue to be poor. In 2017, Brazil had a population of approximately 200 million people almost about what Nigeria had. That year, Brazil had a revenue of about $600 billion and a budget of $700 billion. Nigeria in that same year made $13 billion and a budget of $23 billion. Are the two countries equal?

“Today, OPEC allowed Nigeria to extract and sell 2million barrel of crude oil per day but we don’t get that quantity. Even if we get 2million barrel per day and if the price rises to $100 per barrel, it means our income will be $200 million.

” If you divide this by 200 million people, it amounts to $1 per every Nigerian. We have to check our population by practicing birth control. If we don’t address this, we would have huge problems to deal with. We would also need every able-bodied person to work.”

https://thenationonlineng.net/nigerians-should-have-a-day-monthly-for-crying-aregbesola/

Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has declared that anyone who refuses to sit at home on May 30th deserves to be stoned to death.

Nnamdi Kanu expressed his grievances that the Nigerian Government passed a bill recognizing June 12 as Democracy Day in honour of MKO Abiola but turned against the remembrance of millions of Igbo killed during the war.

According to him, Biafrans are going to sit at home on 30th May to remember and honour over 3.5m Biafrans killed by Britain through Nigeria.

Nnamdi Kanu revealed this in a live broadcast from London, on Thursday, saying: “They passed a bill today to recognise and honour June 12 because of one man, then turn against IPOB for honouring 6 million victims of genocide and those that fought to save those of us who are alive today.

“They must be mad and insane. Anybody who fails to sit at home on May 30th deserves to be stoned to death.

“Now the same band of God forsaken Fulani slaves in our midst is telling us not to honour over 3.5 million victims of genocide and the brave men that fought to keep us alive.

“What a bunch of soulless evil men? They are telling us not to honour our own people because an Igbo man or any Biafra for that matter is not worthy to be honoured in Nigeria.

“These are the same people whose politics of acquisance and compromise put us in the mess IPOB is trying to fix today. We must send a clear, unambiguous message to these Fulani slaves in our land that we must honour our brave fathers and mothers that fought for us.

“We are going to sit at home on 30th May to remember and honour over 3.5m Biafrans killed by Britain through Nigeria”.

http://saharareporters.com/2019/05/17/anybody-who-fails-sit-home-deserves-be-stoned-says-nnamdi-kanu

There is nothing as fatal as a blow from a “consanguineal fist”. A cut from a “sibling” hurts deeper than that from a stranger. I have been inflicted severe cuts – caustic verbal attacks – by some Igbo persons for advocating a president of Igbo extraction in 2023. While some of them are irritated by the attention that I have been able to generate for the cause, a few others see the “advocacy” as a means of cutting deals for filthy lucre.

The fiercest opposition to the cause, “president of Igbo extraction in 2023”, has been the people for which it is championed – the Igbo. While some of my kinsmen argued that they want restructuring and not the presidency, a great number of them say that they only want to “secure Igbo-land economically, politically and security-wise.” But when you ask them, how they intend to actualise these “dreams”, they just let off inchoate pieces of babble. As a matter of fact, most of these objurgators are just fortune seekers pinning and angling to benefit from “anything Igbo.”

I recall when Ifeanyi Uba, senator-elect, Anambra South, was trying to make an inroad into the fold of the dominant party at the national assembly, he was brutally hacked down with vicious criticisms by his own people. I have reflected pensively on what the Igbo political agenda could be, but at every point I become sectioned with a brain gay. What do the Igbo really want?

I have written a couple of essays, expounding the reasons the Igbo deserve the 2023 presidency and why all Nigerians of dispassionate interest and untainted conscience must support the group in actualising this noble goal. I still believe, for the sake national cohesion, the southeast region deserves a shot at the presidency. But it appears they are not ready for it.

In my essay, ‘With Buhari’s 4+4, Igbo presidency in 2023 is now non-negotiable’, I wrote: “I believe healing will begin for Nigerians when political justice is seen to have been done to all. At that point we can build a country defiant to disunity. But political justice must be done to all to get to this stage.”

However, I failed to add: “Political justice must be demanded when it is not given”. How can justice be done to a people who have resigned to hopeless fate? How can a people who are stuck in political stasis be called to the table for negotiations? How can a people who are on the path of no certain destination be taken seriously?

Really, I was surprised at the reactions to the essay by most Nigerians from the north and the south-west. I have messages from reputable Nigerians across ethnic divides in my phone log, telling me that it will be grave injustice if the Igbo are schemed out of the 2023 presidential race. I remember one retired general asked at the end of his message to me, “But what is the southeast doing about the 2023 presidency?” I only responded with a “smiley OMG”. But the answer to that is, “nothing; just whining, blowing hot air, fantasising about restructuring and mouthing off about Biafra”.

Luck is when opportunity meets preparation. I can see the southwest positioning itself strategically and making the necessary noise and calculated connections for a 2023 presidential bid. I cannot begrudge a people who are resolute about what they want, and who are, most importantly, feisty about their destiny. The cake will certainly be taken by a fiercer cat; it will not be handed to a gutless kitten.

You can demand political justice when it is not given; injustice only persists because you allow it.

https://www.thecable.ng/the-yoruba-deserve-2023-presidency-the-igbo-are-not-a-serious-people/

Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that the candidate of opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in last year’s governorship election in Osun, Senator Ademola Adeleke, is unfit to govern the state.

The party, in a statement issued by its spokesman, Kunle Oyatomi, said the scandals surrounding Adeleke’s personality and qualifications were embarrassing, which informed the reasons why some PDP members approached the court for clarity over his eligibility to hold such public office.

The APC said, “Adeleke’s personality is problematic and embarrassingly scandalous in regard to his educational qualifications.

“If the PDP as a political party is not embarrassed by the scandals surrounding Adeleke’s personality and qualifications, some of its members are concerned enough to seek clarity in court.

“But for the PDP through its chairman, Hon. Soji Adagunodo, to turn around and accuse the APC of instigating PDP’S members, led by Mr Ajayi Shuaib, to seek clarity in court appears dumb to us.

“Let’s remind the PDP that when Adeleke was rejected by the APC years back for the senatorial election, the PDP adopted him within hours and dumped their best qualified and professional minds.

“However, what they did not factor into their hasty adoption was the potentially obvious down sides of the young man. They did not really think it through,” the APC said.

The APC castigated the PDP for failing to take responsibility for the baggage it invited to their party because it was desperate to win election.

“We have no interest in Adeleke. We rejected him long ago. Now that the PDP is discovering why the APC dumped him, it is just reasonable that the PDP carries its cross,” it said.

The APC maintained that, “the PDP is still living in darkness. No matter how hard that party tries, it cannot get Osun people to repeat the tragedy of 2003.”

https://dailypost.ng/2019/05/17/osun-beyond-senator-adelekes-capacity-govern-apc/

The Bauchi state house of assembly has passed a bill to repeal the law on the recovery of looted public funds and properties.

The bill was passed on the floor of the house on Wednesday with 13 members out of 31 in attendance.

Kawuwa Damina, speaker of the assembly, presided over the plenary where three bills passed through first, second and third readings without objection.

This is coming less than two weeks to the end of the tenure of Mohammed Abubakar, governor of the state, who was defeated during the March governorship election.

The Independent National Electoral Commissioner (INEC) had declared Bala Mohammed of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In 2017, the governor signed into law the bill establishing Public Property and Funds Recovery Tribunal 2017 aimed at assisting the government recover all stolen public assets and funds.

The governor had said the tribunal has the mandate to recover state assets, including properties and monies stolen by past government officials, civil servants, companies, individuals and also prosecute looters.

https://www.thecable.ng/bauchi-assembly-passes-bill-to-halt-recovery-of-looted-funds

The senate committee on banking, insurance and other financial institutions has approved of a second term for Godwin Emefiele, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

While screening Emefiele on Wednesday, members of the committee dismissed the allegations of stolen N500 billion at the apex bank.

Rafiu Ibrahim, its chairman, said the allegations were targeted at “bringing you (Emefiele) down because you are a good person”.

Last week, President Muhammadu Buhari nominated Emefiele for a second term.

During the screening, the committee expressed satisfaction over Emefiele’s first tenure at the CBN.

According to Ibrahim, “I do not have any question for the Governor. I am overwhelmed. I wish you well and pray for you. May God continue to guide you.

“Now, we know the reason why there are some videos on social media because in Nigeria, once you are a good person, some people will always try to bring you down. We will expeditiously take a report to the chamber for consideration. You can take a bow.”

Kurfi Umaru representing Katsina central also commended the CBN governor for “a job well done.”

“Let me start by congratulating the governor for his second term and also congratulate you for your article presentation. I commend you for a job well done,” he said.

Philip Aduda from FCT said: “Mine is to wish you well and to pray to God almighty to grant you wisdom so that you can put the economy of this county on a pedestal of hope and prosperity. Congratulations.”

EMEFIELE: VERY TOUGH ROAD AHEAD

In his remarks, the Emefiele said the apex bank will continue to do its best, admitting, however, that “the road ahead is still very tough.”

He said Nigeria has workable policies but “implementation has been neglected because we see sabotaged activities.”

“CBN will ensure that those who seek to undermine the policies of Nigeria will be brought to book. Pray for us because the road ahead is tough,” he said.

“On Agriculture, the credit should go to the President. It was what he said ‘eat what we produce’, that birth the anchor borrowers programme.

“We have started looking at Palm oil. The price of a barrel of palm oil is more than a barrel of crude oil. We will grow that market again. After palm oil, we will focus on cocoa in the south-west.”

https://www.thecable.ng/senate-panel-endorses-emefiele-for-second-term-dismisses-stolen-n500bn-allegations/

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday reviewed the relationship between the Executive arm of the government and the outgoing 8th National Assembly and concluded that it was not the best.

Speaking at the Iftar dinner (breaking of fast) he hosted for the leadership of the National Assembly led by Senate President Bukola Saraki at the State House Tuesday evening, Mr Buhari said the nation deserved better than it got.

He said he hoped for a better working relationship between the two arms of government in the 9th National Assembly.

“Relations between the Executive and the Legislature were not the best in the 8th National Assembly. I sincerely hope each one of us will do his utmost to ensure there is a better working relationship between these two arms of government in the 9th Assembly so that we can serve the people better,” Mr Buhari said.


Mr Buhari said the the principal task of the National Assembly “is to cooperate with the Executive so that together we can fashion policies that will lift our people out of poverty and out of illiteracy. I appeal to the Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members to subordinate all personal interests and ambitions to the imperative of working for the common good of our people.”

The president in a subsequent email sent to PREMIUM TIMES by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, congratulated the members-elect on their success in winning their constituency seats.

He said, “this is a great burden and a great responsibility placed on you by your people. Our citizens are faced with challenges of poverty.

“Your principal task is to cooperate with the Executive so that together we can fashion policies that will lift our people out of poverty and out of illiteracy. I appeal to the Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members to subordinate all personal interests and ambitions to the imperative of working for the common good of our people.”

He assured the leaders that his doors remained open “to all of you who have genuine concerns or advice to improve the quality of governance and service delivery to our people.”

Mr Saraki assured the president that the National Assembly would maintain focus on national interest at all times.

In addition to Mr Saraki and Speaker Yakubu Dogara, the event was attended by the Deputy Senate President, the Deputy Speaker, the majority and minority leaders, the majority and minority whips and their deputies.

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/329983-i-had-a-bad-relationship-with-national-assembly-under-saraki-dogara-buhari.html

Following an authentic phone conversation as confirmed by the Central Bank of Nigeria between the governor of the bank, Godwin Emefiele, deputy governor, Edward Lamtek Adamu and Dayo Arowosegbe, special adviser to Emefiele, SaharaReporters presents the full transcript of the second part conversation which details a frantic effort by all involved to cover up missing N500bn which was invested in a private business that flopped.

-Phone Rings-

CBN DEPUTY GOV. EDWARD ADAMU: Hello sir.

CBN GOV. EMEFIELE: Edward can you please step aside?

CBN DEPUTY GOV. EDWARD ADAMU: Okay sir... - Not clear –

CBN GOV. EMEFIELE: I am not too happy that Arowosegbe led us like this.

CBN DEPUTY GOV. EDWARD: In fact, that was what I was asking, I said we have an impression that we had 500 billion, he said no. I said but that was the impression until the end of the year.

CBN GOV. EMEFIELE: Ahhh! What are we going to do?

CBN DEPUTY GOV. EDWARD: You know... that’s what I told him.

CBN GOV. EMEFIELE: along we all thought he had that but it was very shocking to hear that apparently, it was not 500 ...you know.

CBN DEPUTY GOV. EDWARD: That’s the major issue.

CBN GOV. EMEFIELE: Ahh! ...Ye! I don die now where I go see money.

CBN DEPUTY GOV. EDWARD: What I told them is, let’s look at our income if there is anything we can do around that area, you know, that might be an option.

CBN DEPUTY GOV. EDWARD: Because, now, we are in a very bad situation. He really didn’t give us full information.

CBN GOV. EMEFIELE: I was like, God, he did a good job, he didn’t pass time he left. How do I handle this?

CBN GOV. EMEFIELE: We have to rack our brain and get something out because we can’t afford it at all, not at this time.

CBN GOV. EMEFIELE: Opposition will say it should have depreciated in the project.

CBN GOV. EMEFIELE: Opposition will say it should have depreciated in the project.

CBN GOV. EMEFIELE: ...and then foreign investor would not begin to panic and take their money out because they would say it would depreciate.

CBN GOV. EMEFIELE: Ahhh! ooo!

EDWARD: Exactly, yes. There would be panic in the market and we can’t take this at this stage, at all. We have to get a way out. We are just discussing now in what are the possibilities, what you can do. We will get back to you.

CBN GOV. EMEFIELE: Hmmn!

CBN GOV. EMEFIELE: I’m just getting hopeless about it because I‘m still thinking which way I should go.

CBN DEPUTY GOV. EDWARD: Yes, that is really the task now.

CBN GOV. EMEFIELE: If there is a place you can find money. Ahhh!

CBN DEPUTY GOV. EDWARD: We’ll have to think of a way out because we cannot afford it at all. The implications are just too many to even think about and damaging. We cannot allow this like this, we cannot.

CBN GOV. EMEFIELE: To avoid any serious problem is just, the government to have to agree to give us at least 100 billion cash but government will not agree. They will kick against it.

CBN DEPUTY GOV. EDWARD: Yes, they will kick against it. Really. That would have been a good one but the challenge is how to get back to them but it will be very difficult, almost impossible.

- Breathes heavily –

CBN GOVERNOR: The implication for the economy is... no no,no. I’m just thinking if there is surplus of one naira, just give us then we’ll begin to refund you in 2019. I can’t even find the partners now because I cannot talk to the real partners like Ayo.
Ayo is not picking my call and I’m not used to the CI partener. I don’t’ know him, it’s only Dayo that I know and Dayo has retired. Hmnn... Oh God!

EDWARD: You’ll have to think of something. We really miss. It is a sad one. We’ll have to come out of it somehow. If only we can say there is money here but I can’t find. I kept on disturbing this guy in December and January but he kept telling me no problem. God, this guy just...

CBN GOVERNOR: It’s a mess; it’s really a mess.


http://saharareporters.com/2019/05/14/caught-tape-full-transcript-detailing-frantic-attempts-cbn-gov-emefiele-top-cbn-officials

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) says it remitted N5 billion to the Federal Government purse after the conduct of its 2019 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This is contained in the board’s weekly bulletin, tagged signed by the JAMB’s Head of Media and Information, Dr Fabian Benjamin, on Monday in Lagos.

Benjamin explained later in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the Federal Government gave back N2 billion out of the N5 billion to the board to enhance its operations. “The board returned N5 billion to the Federal Government, but out of that amount, the board was given N2 billion to further enhance its operations,” he said.


Meanwhile, some 2019 UTME candidates have alleged challenges in accessing their results through telephone as advised by JAMB. JAMB released the results on Saturday and directed candidates to use the same telephone numbers they used in vending the pins for the examination registration documents to access their results by sending RESULT to a code – 55019. NAN reports that, of the over 1.8 million candidates who registered for the examination, a total of 1,792,719 had their results released by the board.

The board withheld results of 34,120 candidates over alleged examination malpractice, while results of 15,145 candidates are undergoing further clarification, as in the case of identical twins and siblings, for example. A parent, Mrs Bridget Otuagha, told NAN that his son had yet to get the result in spite of many efforts. According to her, the candidate followed the process many times without success.

“I am worried about this whole thing. My son has been trying to get his result since Saturday to no avail. “He has been sending this RESULT to the said code, up until this morning, and there has been no response to that effect. “JAMB should see if there is another way,” she told NAN. Another concerned parent, Mrs Florence Ibem, also told NAN that her son had the same issue. “Since they released the results, we have not been able to access his score through the telephone number we used in acquiring the registration pin.

“After sending RESULT to the said code severally, there was still no result. This is disturbing and frustrating. “Something should be done, and urgently too. Even if it is withheld or cancelled, I think we deserve to know,” she said. When contacted, Benjamin, the board’s Head, Media and Information, apologised to the affected candidates on behalf of the board. According to him, the challenge was from the service providers. He said that the board had summoned the service providers for a meeting on the issue.

“We have just had a meeting with the service providers and they assured us that they are working hard to get the issue addressed. In no distant time, such candidates should be able to access their results without any hitch. “We are just trying to ensure that all the candidates deserving of results should have firsthand information of their performances via their telephones. “After that, we will post the results on our website for candidates to go ahead and print,” he said. (NAN)

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/2019-utme-jamb-remits-n5bn-to-fgs-account.html

Former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Minister of Petroleum Resources Diezani Alison-Madueke, have been accused by the federal government for accepting bribes for the controversial OPL 245 deal.

According to City Pulse, this new information was made known in documents filed at a London court by lawyers representing the federal government on the case of payments made to acquire the licence back in 2011.

FG in the court case filed against Shell and Eni stated that Jonathan and Alison-Madueke broke the law when they made a secret profit and side-lined the government from its true share of the deal.

Recall the OPL 245 was awarded by the Federal military government to Malabu Oil and Gas Ltd on the 9th of April,1998.

It was said to be owned mainly by Mohammed Abacha, son of the Sani Abacha, and Etete, who at the time were petroleum minister.

Former President Obasanjo, in 2001 had revoked Malabu’s licence before assigning the oil block to Shell, without a public bid.

Malabu eventually did go to court, but ownership was reverted to it in 2006 after it reached an out-of-court settlement with the federal government.

According to the court document: “Bribes were paid. The receipt of those bribes and the participation in the scheme officials said was in breach of their fiduciary duties and Nigerian criminal law”.

Reuters reports that Jonathan’s spokesman declined to comment, saying the former president was on duty as an election observer in South Africa.

https://www.independent.ng/jonathan-diezani-received-bribes-for-opl-245-fg-tells-london-court/

Leke Bayewu

A big division has developed in the ranks of loyalists of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, following his silence on the group’s choice as the next Speaker in the Ninth National Assembly, SUNDAY PUNCH has learnt.

Dogara, who had said he was not concerned about who becomes his successor, was said to have neither adopted any of the aspirants in his camp nor declare his ambition to retain to the office.

But some members of the group have alleged that they suspect that the Speaker be nursing an ambition to return to his seat in the incoming National Assembly.

Members of his camp, which cut across the ruling All Progressives Congress and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, were said to have reached a consensus to field Mr Mohammed Bago from Niger State as their candidate against the Majority Leader, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, who the APC hadsendorsed for the office.

The PUNCH had exclusively reported that the camp had narrowed their searchlight on two out of the five aspirants – Bago and Abdulrazak Namdas from Adamawa State.

One of the aspirants in Dogara’s camp, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, disclosed that while some of the Speaker’s loyalists had insisted on backing Bago against Gbajabiamila, others had resolved to join the camp of the APC candidate.

The lawmaker said, “The truth is that the way things are now, our group wants to produce Bago but it appears that the Speaker is still interested in the office. Our group is interested in Bago but he has refused to officially support Bago, two weeks after it was agreed that Bago should be our candidate. We are beginning to learn that there is another group the Speaker will use to contest at the last minute. This is now a very serious matter.

“Now, I want to support Gbajabiamila because with what we are doing (in the camp), we are not likely to succeed. Even if the Speaker contests, he is not likely to succeed. For now, we are only buying time.”

Calls made to Dogara on Saturday to confirm or deny the allegation were not picked. He had yet to reply a text message sent to him as of the time this report.

Dogara’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Mr Turaki Hassan, refused to answer our correspondent’s questions on the ambition of his principal.

He also failed to respond to text messages sent to him.

Meanwhile, an aspirant to the Senate presidency in the Ninth National Assembly, Senator Ali Ndume, has said he is not considering any other leadership position.

Ndume said this in an interview with our correspondent on the telephone on Friday.

The senator from Borno State, who is contesting against the Majority Leader, Senator Ahmad Lawan (Yobe), stated that he would only quit the race if a consensus was reached between him, Lawan and Senator Danjuma Goje (Gombe).

Ndume said, “I have been Senate Majority Leader; I was the first Leader of the Eighth Senate before Lawan took over. Not that I was removed because I did anything wrong, it was because the party wanted Lawan to be the Leader. I agreed. They removed me and put Lawan. And now, they again want to say that I should step down for Lawan. You know that is not possible; that is not even fair.”

In a related development, APC lawmakers contesting leadership seats in the coming Ninth National Assembly may defy Oshiomhole’s directive that they should not work with the opposition.

Sources in the camps of various aspirants told SUNDAY PUNCH on Friday that the APC lawmakers were lobbying members of the Peoples Democratic Party and other opposition parties to get their votes in the leadership elections.

An aspirant, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said he had reached an agreement with the PDP and other opposition lawmakers.

The senator said, “I cannot give you more information other than the fact that the floor is now open. The party has said we can consult with the PDP; even Ahmad Lawan is consulting with the PDP. I will leave it at that.”

When contacted on his campaign strategy, a deputy Senate presidential aspirant, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, said opposition lawmakers would be fairly treated under his leadership.

He said, “Even though I am of the APC extraction, I am seeking to become the Deputy Senate President of the entire Senate. What that means is that I have to work with everybody. The goal is to create an enabling environment in the Senate for everybody, irrespective of party platforms, to operate as co-equals.

“People need to understand that the Senate President and Deputy Senate President are only first among equals. We are all equals and represent different senatorial districts.”

Another deputy Senate presidential aspirant, Senator Ajayi Boroffice, has also intensified his campaign to woo both returning and newly-elected senators.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology had written to senators-elect to seek their support.

https://punchng.com/dogaras-camp-splits-over-suspected-return-bid/

Professor Ishaq Oloyede, the Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), on Saturday broke down in tears in Abuja, at the official announcement of the 2019 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results, conducted a few weeks ago.

Oloyede said he was shocked at how far some candidates went to perfect their cheating during the examination.

The discovery made during the period of scrutiny of the examination centres was unprecedented and the Registrar was deeply shocked by the extent some candidates went.

Oloyede told journalists in Abuja that JAMB identified a large number of impersonators that specialised in writing UTME for candidates, including most of the tutorial masters that also specialised in recruiting professional writers for their candidates.

He said they use names directly or variants of the name or multiple registrations.

In Anambra State, two centres registered a large number of impersonating candidates and that led to the cancellation of the results and the CBT centres delisted.

“We also tracked the registration centres and the computers used, he said, adding that “Another dimension of impersonation was a futile attempt of defeating the biometric capturing of ten fingers that was introduced in 2017.

“The fraudsters thought they could beat the system through ‘contributed fingers’, where two or more persons would use their fingers to register for candidates, thinking that any of them would be able to write for such candidates if the system allowed it.

“Another examples were in Aminu Saleh College of Education, Azare, where someone’s fingerprint was discovered in 42 person’s registration, and in Bauchi State University, Gadau, where one person’s fingerprint was traced to the registration of 64 candidates with a view to allowing any of the finger-contributing impersonators to access the examination hall.”

He said the Board went to the extent of interacting with the principal officers of the institution in Azare, and “we appreciated the Council Chairman and Provost of the College whose cooperation led to the confession of the culprit that he contributed fingers in good faith.”

He said the confession, as bad as it was, is good for the Board as, without it, there would have been doubts about the accuracy of the technology deployed to determine and detect the infraction.

He highlighted another case in Borno State where, in Nassara Computer Academy, Maiduguri, 233 candidates had one particular finger included in each of their biometric registration.

He said that JAMB has made representative arrests through the effort of Special Task Force set up by Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB), which assisted JAMB tremendously in tracking the offenders.

https://www.independent.ng/2019-utme-results-oloyede-breaks-down-in-tears-over-exam-malpractice/

The chairman, Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr Soji Adagunodo, has said the party would appeal the judgement of the Appeal panel that upheld the victory of Mr. Gboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress in the last September election.

Adagunodo, in a telephone chat with our correspondent, said the panel relied on a technicality in giving its decision.

“Technicality was what Wole Olanipekun laid before the court. There was no argument about the decision of the Tribunal that gave us victory. We will upturn the judgement at the Supreme Court.

“It is democracy at play. We will study the Appeal Court judgment appropriately and challenge it at the supreme court,” Adagunodo said.

https://punchng.com/breaking-well-appeal-judgement-on-oyetolas-victory-says-pdp/

Governor Abdullahi Ganduje has assented the bill seeking the establishment of four additional first class Emirates.

More details shortly.

https://www.channelstv.com/2019/05/08/breaking-ganduje-signs-bill-seeking-creation-of-four-new-emirates-in-kano/

These people are always after their pockets. Nigeria needs serious overhauling.