₦airaland Forum

KOWA Party has announced Adesina Fagbenro-Byron as its flag bearer in the 2019 presidential election.

According to a statement on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Habiba Balogun, Mr Fagbenro-Byron won the party ‘s presidential primary elections on Saturday at The Alexis Hotel, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Jabi Upstairs, Abuja.

”KOWA Party takes great pleasure in announcing that Adesina Fagbenro-Byron emerged victorious as Kowa Party’s Presidential Candidate from the party’s National Convention and Presidential Primary that took place on Saturday 29th September, 2018 from 11am to 5pm at The Alexis Hotel, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Jabi Upstairs, Abuja.”

”He surmounted vigorous competition from his fellow presidential aspirants, Professor (Mrs) Remi Sonaiya, who was the party’s presidential flag bearer at the 2015 elections, and veteran actor, Mr Ayo Lijadu, who ran a very strategic national grassroots recruitment campaign.”

According to the spokesperson, the aspirants were properly screened by answering multiple choice questions posed by experts from diverse fields, and writing an essay on a topic of national interest.
”KOWA Party subjected its aspirants to a rigorous process. They were formally screened including security clearance,” Mrs Balogun said.

”Then they submitted to a written examination on Friday 28th September answering multiple choice questions posed by experts from diverse fields, and writing an essay on a topic of national interest. ”
“At the convention, the debate was moderated by the founder of Integrity Group, Soji Apampa, as the candidates were all given equal opportunities to appeal for votes as the profile of all candidates were distributed to all party members by SMS

”Finally, they participated in a Presidential Debate ‪at noon‬ during the convention on Saturday 29th September moderated by Soji Apampa, the founder of Integrity Group. The aspirants were also given a final opportunity to appeal for votes.

”Their profiles has been circulated to all party members by sms and email prior to the commencement of paper balloting at the National Convention,” she added.

She also explained that KOWA adopted a multi-channel voting system for its national primary as the party used a combination of paper, online and sms voting so that all of its members could participate.

”Party adopted a multi-channel voting system for its national primary. In keeping with our spirit of inclusiveness, the party used a combination of paper, online and sms voting so that all of its members, even those in rural areas could participate, including those without smart phones and who could not travel to the state convention centers that the party set up in 28 states. Indeed some members who were unwell were still able to cast their votes from their sick beds.

The online voting system was first successfully piloted at our Lagos State Congress in May 2018 and was witnessed by INEC.

”KOWA Party prides itself as being the credible alternative to the traditional political parties. The party’s slogan is “Together, we make a difference” and it aims to avoid the traps that have bedevilled the big parties in Nigeria and cling strongly to its founding principles of transparency, inclusiveness, people-centred development and meritocracy.

”Its aspirants run based on their state of residence, not their state of origin. Women, Youth and People Living with Disabilities are not considered token or minority members, they are welcomed and embraced as full members and officers of the party at National and State levels, and are well represented at decision-making levels.”

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/287560-2019-kowa-party-announces-presidential-candidate.html

Buhari congratulates Oyetola, urges aggrieved contestants to go to court

It’s a charade, embarrassment to democracy — Saraki

Democracy is dead in Nigeria, Atiku, Fayose

Our victory is divine — APC

I will run an inclusive, participatory govt — Oyetola

By Dayo Johnson, Clifford Ndujihe, Henry Umoru, Ishola Balogun, Gbenga Olarinoye & Rotimi Ojomoyela

WITH the declaration of Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as the winner of the Osun State governorship election, there was an uneasy calm in the state, yesterday.

The victory was not heralded with the usual celebration and jubilation across the state. Rather, security personnel were stationed at strategic places in the state capital ostensibly to prevent protests by members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Even the state secretariat of the ruling party did not witness any celebration despite the declaration of Gboyega Oyetola as governor-elect by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

There was heavy presence of security men including the military in Osogbo, and the adjourning town, Ede, the home of the PDP Governorship Candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke.

According to the results announced by the INEC in the early hours of yesterday, after Thursday’s re-run poll in seven polling units across four local councils, Oyetola defeated Adeleke with 482 votes. He polled 255,505 votes while Adeleke got 255,023 votes.

The result elicited mixed reactions in the polity yesterday. While President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC hailed the exercise, described the party’s victory as divine, and asked aggrieved contestants to seek redress in court, the PDP and its leaders kicked. PDP leaders that kicked against the outcome of the Osun governorship election, yesterday, included Senate President Bukola saraki, fomer Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose.

An elated Oyetola saluted Osun people and APC leaders for his victory and promised to run an inclusive and participatory government when he takes over from Governor Rauf Aregbesola in November.

However, unlike the usual celebrations that greet victory of political parties at poll, the streets of Osun state were devoid of jubilation by residents.

Residents who are supporters of the APC did not jubilate on the streets but some prominent leaders and members of the ruling party thronged the State Government House at Oke Fia to felicitate with Governor Aregbesola and Oyetola.

Joined in the joyous mood was the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Senator Iyiola Omisore whose party had an alliance with the APC in the Thursday re-run election.

I will reclaim my mandate — Adeleke

Meanwhile, the PDP flag-bearer Senator Ademola Adeleke, yesterday, pooh-poohed election and vowed to use all legal and civil means to reclaim his mandate.

Speaking at a press conference in Ede, Adeleke said that the party would unite against electoral oppression, while those he considered as electoral robbers will face justice.

He urged Osun people to gear up and not to be low-spirited, saying the APC victory was just a temporary setback for the PDP.

He commended the international community, domestic and international observers for their impartial coverage and monitoring of the poll.

Oyetola pledges to run an inclusive govt

Appreciating God, the people of the state and APC leaders for his election, Oyetola in his acceptance speech in Osogbo, said: “I will run an inclusive and participatory government. I will consult with the party, workers, communities, traditional rulers, the civil society and the people of the state in their heterogeneity. I will engage the youth, tap into their ideas and enable them to unleash their creative energy in a positive way.

APC warns Secondus on political language, conduct

“I pledge to serve God and humanity and the people of Osun with my whole being, without prejudice to religion, ethnicity, race and ideology.’’

Our victory is divine —APC

Also, the Osun State chapter of the APC in a statement by its Director of Publicly and Strategy, Barrister Kunle Oyatomi said: “We rejoice with the people of Osun for the narrow escape from tragedy which God made miraculously possible on Thursday, September 27, 2018. Without divine intervention on Saturday September 22nd, when the forces of evil almost fraudulently snatched victory, the good people of this emerging state would have been in mourning by now.”

‘Both the governorship election on Saturday on the 22nd of September and the partial re-run of Thursday 27th were classic examples of how “God intervenes in the affairs of men.”

‘We firmly believe that PDP did not deserve a second place in that election; and because they did not earn it, they lost it.

‘PDP had never been and could never become a substitute for the APC in Osun. If ill-fate had helped them all the way through last Saturday, Osun would have stalled and regressed.

‘But because the people did not merit that kind of fate, God allowed the PDP to collapse under the burden of its own evil machinations.

Fayose condemns Osun guber election, says ‘democracy’ dead in Nigeria

‘God knew best and we are aware that if APC government did not continue, the PDP would have not only halted everything Gov. Rauf Aregbesola had done, they would have also replaced it with the PDP signature of ‘blood and tears.’’

Buhari thanks Osun people for re-electing APC

President Buhari, while congratulating Oyetola, and commending Osun people for re-electing APC, urged those aggrieved to go to court.

Buhari, in a statement his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity Garba Shehu, said: “Thank you Osun State for supporting our good governance agenda by re-electing the APC. I assure you that we will continue to work for the progress and prosperity of the state and the nation.”

He urged the Governor-elect “to always remember that the electorate expects unreserved commitment to delivering results that directly impact their lives and families’’ and ‘’affirms that the successful election in the State further strengthens the democratic culture in the country, extolling INEC for, once again, making the country proud.’’

President Buhari commended ‘’ the maturity, loyalty and courage of all contestants in putting in their best to be elected to serve the state, urging them to seek redress in court, where they disagree with the outcome.’’

It’s a charade, embarrassment to democracy — Saraki

However, Senate President Saraki, who is the chairman of the PDP Campaign Council on Osun State Governorship election, dismissed the election as a charade and an embarrassment to Nigeria’s democracy.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki stated that: “Yesterday, we witnessed another display of the subversion of the will of the Osun people during the re-run gubernatorial elections in the State. The election was characterised by widespread voter intimidation, violence and harassment. Accredited observers were denied access to polling units and duly registered voters were prevented from participating in the electoral process by thugs and compromised security agents.

“Like I said a few days ago, this needless re-run election was only designed as an avenue for the ruling party to perpetrate electoral fraud. The nature of these elections is an embarrassment to our democracy and casts an alarming pall on the institutions responsible for protecting the will of the Nigerian people as stated through their votes. That was why for more than ten hours the INEC could not collate and announce results in just seven polling units with just over 2000 votes.

“It is surprising that the election in which on Saturday, the two leading candidates were running neck to neck with the PDP candidate having an edge, four days later, as a result of manipulations and impossible conditions, the APC candidate is now being credited with all the votes and some paltry number of votes were being recorded for the PDP candidate.

“It is important for Nigerians and the international community to insist that the hands of the clock should not be turned back in terms of the achievements we recorded in the last general elections. We should not make a mockery of democracy by conducting elections in the manner that the Osun Polls were conducted. The Osun election is a clear indication of how the 2019 election will be conducted. It demonstrates that if we cannot conduct free, peaceful and fair elections in seven polling units spread across four local government areas of a state, then the conduct of the general elections in 774 local government areas across 36 states of the country is already endangered.

“I therefore call on the government, INEC, security agencies and development partners to ensure a radical change in the way and manner the next set of elections will be conducted. Osun 2018 Polls is a very low point in our electoral system.’’

It’s demonstration of tyranny — Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and PDP Presidential aspirant described the result as a travesty of justice and a demonstration of tyranny.

In a statement he signed personally, Atiku said: “The result just declared today in Osun by the Independent National Electoral Commission in favour of the All Progressives Congress and its candidate is a travesty of justice. That was not democracy. That was a demonstration of tyranny.

“The victory of the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Ademola Adeleke, was firmly established last week on Saturday the 22nd of September, 2018.

“This so-called victory of the APC is not a democratic victory. Observers, both foreign and domestic, reported the brazen intimidation of voters and outright suppression of voting in PDP strongholds with even PDP agents physically prevented from being at the polling units.

These actions showed to the whole world that this unnecessary rerun, in polling units cancelled or voided by the INEC, was nothing more than a red herring, to distract attention and gain time, while the ruling party perfected strategies to pull a fast one on the electorate, as it has done today…

“I call on the international community not to stand idly by while democracy is being trampled upon. Nigeria is a very unique nation. We are very strategic to Africa in terms of population and location. A destabilised Nigeria will destabilise Africa and this must never be allowed to happen.

“I call on Nigerians to be on guard. The APC has shown its hand. It is the leprous hand of a tyrant. Therefore we must be alert in future elections, for as Thomas Paine said “eternal vigilance is the price of liberty,” he said.

It’s a show of shame — Fayose

Describing the development as ‘’a show of shame’, Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State said the only conclusion one could draw from the Osun’s scenario is that “democracy is now dead in our beloved country”.

According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Idowu Adelusi, the governor said: “With what happened in Osun state, democracy is actually dead in Nigeria and we are in critical times. The Osun supplementary election was just a repeat of what happened in Ekiti state on July 14th. And it is unfortunate that, again, the will of the people has been perverted.

“It was obvious even to the blind that the Osun election, as was the case with Ekiti, was a contest between the PDP and the security agencies supervised by a compromised INEC”

Fayose added that the people used by INEC have, ab initio, been compromised and only serve the interest of those he described as their pay masters.

“Therefore, we want to believe that conscionable Nigerians and the survival of this country as a whole are at the mercy of God and of the judiciary. And if the judiciary fails to rise up to the occasion, Nigerians will be among men the most miserable”

Re-run characterized by voters’ harassment, intimidation — TMG

Meanwhile, the Transition Monitoring Group, TMG, which observed the supplementary election, said there were several incidences of intimidation and harassment of voters during the poll.

“In Orolu Local Government in particular, some observers and journalists were arrested and detained by some security agents, while some other observers were prevented from accessing the polling units, by some hoodlums,’’ said the Chairperson, TMG South West Coordinator, Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi and Sulaimon Arigbabu.

“By these acts, we observed that sizeable number of voters was therefore prevented from performing their civic duties particularly in Kajola, Orolu Local Government, Oyere and Osi in Ife South Local Government. Our observations also show that several party agents were prevented from observing the process. There were also sporadic gunshots in some locations in Osogbo and Ife.

“Furthermore, TMG observers’ report also show that some PVCs were found with people who were not the owners and who had tried to use same to vote.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/09/osun-re-run-tension-as-soldiers-police-patrol-osogbo-ede/

By Emeka Mamah

Enugu——The Eastern Consultative Assembly, ECA, has condemned what it described as the brazen rigging of the governorship election in Osun State, saying that the region will not vote in the 2019 presidential election as the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has made it impossible for people’s vote to count.


This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Deputy Leader of ECA and the Secretary, Evangelist Elliot Ugochukwu-Uko, after a meeting of the group in Enugu, yesterday.

Osun : We have accepted to support the APC – Iyiola Omisore

The statement read, “The horror of the brazenly manipulated Osun rerun elections confirms the fears of all and sundry,that this inept government, will never allow a free, fair and credible presidential elections next year.

“The daylight robbery in Edo plus the brutal show of force in Ekiti, both warned the world of what to expect in 2019.

“The macabre dance of shame in Osun,has removed whatever doubts remaining in our minds,that 2019 elections will be sham elections.

“The ruthless use of security forces to oppress and intimidate supporters of the opposition, the clear employment of the army, the police, the Department of State Services, DSS, and other government security agencies in open aid of the ruling party, plus the subtle endorsement of vote-buying, all, have made it impossible for us to have confidence in the electoral process as managed by the present arrogant government.

“Accordingly, we find it difficult to cue in the hot sun to cast our votes, only for a vicious cabal with a born-to-rule mentality,to ensure our votes do not count.

‘Therefore, we are shouting it out loud, we will boycott the presidential elections. Our people desirous of voting in local elections (governorship and state assembly) may vote, if they so wish. But we will boycott presidential elections in order to allow General Buhari rule his Nigeria with iron fist until he is 130 years old.

APC presidential primaries: Governors to serve as Returning Officers

“Now we know why all military and security agencies are deliberately placed in control of one particular region, now we know why the 97%/5% policy of the central government is implemented with single mindedness.

“Because decision has already been taken, that votes will not count, even INEC has also been placed under total control of the ruling party. Why would any sensible person, bother to go out to vote.

“The confidence of the people in the electoral process, has been completely destroyed by the armed robbery that was Osun Rerun election.

The fact that the perpetrators of this heist, are boastful about it, confirms that we are in big trouble as a country.

“Going through the brigandage and pillage of the former ruling party, only to fall into the hands of this ruthless and vicious cabal, is a costly mistake.

We hereby apologise to the IPOB, who saw clearly, earlier than anybody, that this inept government do not have the intention to ever conduct fair and credible elections.”

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/09/osun-election-east-to-boycott-2019-presidential-elections/

THE APC Campaign Council for the Osun governorship election has advised the PDP to stop issuing threats and take full advantage of the democratic process if it has any grouse with Thursday’s supplementary election result.

In a statement issued in Osogbo, the Chairman of the Council’s Media Committee, Alhaji Lai Mohammed expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the supplementary election.

Mohammed who is also the Minister of Information and Culture said with the results, the people had emphatically pitched their tent with the ruling party.


”When the PDP led in the main election, which was declared inconclusive, we did not threaten fire and brimstone, neither did we drag the international community into it.

“We simply went along with the prescribed process. We urge the PDP to emulate this,” he said.


The chairman congratulated the Governor-elect, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, the outgoing Governor Rauf Aregbesola and the entire APC family for the “well deserved but hard-earned victory”.

He, also, commended INEC and the security agencies “for a largely peaceful and orderly election, as attested to by local and international observers”

He called on INEC and the security agencies to ensure that the “PDP thugs, fake observers and vote buyers” who were arrested during the rerun were all brought to justice expeditiously.


The chairman noted that the biggest winner in the whole election saga the is democracy.


He gave the credit to the people of Osun as well as the ruling APC, which did not hesitate to submit to the democratic process despite the high stakes.

”As we said in an earlier statement, the PDP, in its time, would not have given any room for a rerun as it would have hijacked the main election, with its brigandage, rigging and total disdain for the democratic process.

”But as a party of change, we believe strongly in the democratic process.

“We believe in the ability of the relevant institutions to carry out their assigned responsibilities and we believe in the ability of the people to do what is right.

”In the end, the good people of Osun did what is right by ensuring the shellacking of the PDP,” he said

The chairman stressed that the Osun electorates had done the right thing in voting the APC, considering the impressive performance of the party’s led government in the state in the last eight years.

https://www.tribuneonlineng.com/166472/

The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr Olagunju Ojo, the Minority Leader, and five other lawmakers on Tuesday defected to three different parties.

The Clerk of the House, Mr Paul Bankole, read the separate letters of defection by the lawmakers during the plenary session in Ibadan.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Speaker (Labour Party-Orire), Mrs Wunmi Oladeji ( Labour Party-Ogbomoso North) and Solomon Olukayode (Labour Party-Ogbomoso South) defected to All Progressives Congress (APC).

Gbenga Oyekola ( Labour Party-Atiba) and Peter Oyetunji (Labour Party-Ogo Oluwa/Surulere), on the other hand, defected to African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) respectively.

The Minority Leader, Mr Ademola Ige (Accord Party-Ibadan South-East II) and Mr Fatai Adesina (Accord Party-Ibadan South-East I) defected to ADC.

Meanwhile, the house has appealed to the Commissioner of Police in the state, Abiodun Odude, to make conscious efforts to put a stop to gang-related crimes and violence in Oyo town.

The assembly also urged the commissioner to deploy competent police units to tackle the dastardly activities of criminal gangs.

This followed a Matter of Urgent Public Importance raised by Mr Muideen Olagunju (Accord Party-Oyo East/Oyo West) during the plenary.

According to Olagunju, the dramatic upsurge in gang warfare within the town has resulted in residents living in fear as well as property damage and deaths.

“The acts of violence are traceable to battle for supremacy among bands of youths in certain black spots within the town.

“During these battles of attritions, the gangs engage in spates of physical attacks, maiming, property damage, looting and sadly, killings.

“More often than not, innocent citizens bear the brunt of these acts of violence especially in Agunpopo, Balogun, Apara, Apinni, Ilaka, Akesan Motor Park, Iseke and Tengbe.

“It calls for concern that in spite of the fact that Oyo town and its environs have four Divisional Police Headquarters, one Area Command as well as a unit of SARS, it appears the gangs are controllable with low rate of arrests and prosecution of offenders,” he said.

The Speaker directed the House Committee on Security and Special Duties to convene, charge and monitor relevant authorities to act swiftly to curtail violence. (NAN)

https://punchng.com/oyo-assembly-speaker-defects-to-apc/

President Muhammadu Buhari is on his way to Osun State where he is expected to meet with traditional rulers, ahead of the All Progressives Congress mega rally in the state.

He earlier arrived at Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital before proceeding to Osun.

The President is expected to attend the mega rally to canvass support for the APC’s governorship candidate, Gboyega Oyetola, which is slated to hold on Saturday, September 22, 2018.

https://www.channelstv.com/2018/09/18/buhari-arrives-ibadan-en-route-to-osun/

By Nwafor Sunday

The senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, Sunday visited the home of the former military head of state, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.


The reason for the visit is still unknown as at the time of filling this report. But saraki via his facebook handle opined, “Before my meeting with PDP delegates and party executives from Niger State, I paid my respects to General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida at his home in Minna.”

Recall that the presidential aspirant had visited IBB in August and refused to speak on his presidential ambition with journalists. Saraki rather dropped some hints on his tweeter account on why he visited IBB, ”I dropped in to pay my respects to General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida. Always happy to be with a father and leader.”

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/09/breaking-again-saraki-storms-ibbs-home/

Barely forty-eight hours after directing members of his cabinet to turn in their resignation letters if they have obtained forms to contest in the 2019 elections, six persons have resigned their positions, SaharaReporters learnt on Sunday.

The aides — four commissioners and two special advisers — have expressed their interest to contest for seats in the National Assembly in their various constituencies.

They are Donald Ojogo, Commissioner for Lands and Housing; Gboyega Adefarati, the Commissioner for Agriculture; Omowumi Olatunji, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare.

Others are Timeyin Adelegbe, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry; Jibayo Adeyeye, the Special Adviser on Health and Victor Olambitan, a Special Adviser on Rural Development to Akeredolu.

Ojogo (Ondo South), Adefarati (Akoko North), Olatunji (Akure South), Adelegbe (Ose) and Adeyeye (Owo) are contesting for seats in the House of Representatives, while Olabimtan (Akoko East) is eyeing a seat in the Senate.

SaharaReporters learnt that as at the weekend, the six political aides have sent in their resignation letters, thanking the governor for the opportunity given to them to serve.

On Friday, Akeredolu had told members of the State Executive Council (SEC) in the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government in the state to resign their positions if they had obtained nomination forms to contest.

The governor's decision was also contained in a circular issued and signed by his Chief of Staff, Gbenga Ale, in Akure.

“Following preparations towards the 2019 general election and subsequent expression of interest of some Executive Council members to contest for political offices, Mr. Governor has directed that any member who has obtained nomination form to contest election into any political office is to put in his/her letter of resignation on or before Monday, 17th September, 2018,” the circular read.

Our correspondent learnt that other members of the cabinet, who had initially shown interest in contesting, are anxious as they are scared of losing out both ways.

A source within the government's circle, who confirmed this on Sunday, said the governor had met with members of his cabinet, who are eyeing political positions.

He mentioned those yet to decide as: Sakari Yusuf, Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development; Sola Amodeni, Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning; Wale Akinteriwa, Commissioner for Finance; Rasheed Badmus, Natural Resources Commissioner, and Tobi Ogunleye, a Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation.

According to the source: "The governor met with those who are seeking elective political positions in his cabinet and advised them to think deeply before leaving because they are on their own if they don't get the party's ticket.

"In fact, he frankly told them that if they leave, they should consider themselves gone and not coming back as their positions would be considered vacant and they would be immediately replaced.

"But the fearless ones among them have gone ahead with their political campaigns in their constituencies and they are canvassing support.

"Although, we cannot rule out some of them that the governor promised to personally give tickets to run like Messrs. Olabimtan and Adelegbe."

http://saharareporters.com/2018/09/16/four-commissioners-two-special-advisers-resign-akeredolu’s-cabinet-contest-2019-polls

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has asked the Nigeria customs service to place Ayodele Fayose, outgoing governor of Ekiti, on its watch list.

Fayose, whose tenure ends on October 16, is being investigated by the EFCC for alleged abuse of office, money laundering, among others.

In a letter dated September 12, and addressed to the comptroller-general of customs, the EFCC said Fayose may be planning to flee the country.

“There is a reasonable suspicion suggesting that he may likely leave the country either through the land borders, airports or seaports in order to evade investigation. Hence, you are kindly requested to watch-list him and arrest him,” read the letter signed by Ibrahim Magu, acting chairman of the EFCC.

In its response, the customs instructed all zonal coordinators, area commanders and comptrollers to monitor Fayose.

“Consequently, you are requested to monitor the subject and report to Economic and Financial Crimes Commission through the provided contact details if sighted,” the customs wrote in a letter dated September 14.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lost the July 2018 governorship election in Ekiti state.

Kayode Fayemi, candidate of the All Progressives Party (APC), defeated Olusola Kolapo to win the election.

https://www.thecable.ng/efcc-asks-customs-place-fayose-watch-list-stop-leaving-nigeria/

Olufemi Atoyebi, Ibadan

Former Oyo State Governor, Rashidi Ladoja, has debunked the rumour that he was rushed to the University College Hospital, Ibadan, after allegedly collapsing in his house on Friday.

An online news medium had reported that Ladoja collapsed and was rushed to the hospital.

Ladoja who recently defected to the African Democratic Congress from the Peoples Democratic Party in the state had been involved in the running of the party at the national level since his defection.

The former governor, who spoke through his media aide, Lanre Latinwo, said he was hale and hearty after taking part in the campaign of the African Democratic Congress governorship torchbearer, Fatai Akinbade, in Osun State on Thursday.

He said, “The report is not true and we have contacted the peddler of the rumour. Ladoja was having political meeting at home when the report was seen online. He is healthy and carrying out his political activities at this time with vigour. He did not collapse and he was not rushed to any hospital. He travelled to Abeokuta and Osun on Thursday and returned in good health. We dismiss the rumour.”

https://punchng.com/ladoja-denies-being-rushed-to-uch/

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, has justified the loans taken by the incumbent governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola.

Oyetola said Aregbesola’s administration in which he was a key member took the loans to develop infrastructure and to provide basic amenities which were lacking as at the time he assumed office.

The APC standard bearer and the governorship candidates of other major political parties spoke at a debate organised by the Yoruba Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation.

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Ademola Adeleke, was absent at the debate, which was held on the main campus of the Osun State University, Osogbo on Friday.

The governorship candidates present at the debate include Alhaji Fatai Akinbade of the African Democratic Congress; Moshood Adeoti of the Action Democratic Party; and Senator Iyiola Omisore of the Social Democratic Party.

Oyetola said, “The debt situation in the state is not precarious, repayment terms are being followed with early 2019 exit from one of the bonds and another to be liquidated in 2020.

“The massive road construction across the state, the state-of-the-art schools are some of the projects the loans were spent on. You cannot build the Osogbo-Iwo Road without taking a loan.”

Oyetola, who promised to fix the Osogbo-Iwo Road immediately on assumption of office, insisted that the indigenes of the state who live outside the state were true citizens of the state.

Akinbade, Adeoti and Omisore promised to pay workers as and when due and effect payment of full salaries and pensions, noting that the welfare of the people would be the focus of their administrations if elected.

They also promised to plug all loopholes, develop infrastructure and ensure adequate security of lives and property of the people.

Specifically, Akinbade promised to ensure due process, accountability and transparency in the award of contracts if he won the election.

https://punchng.com/oyetola-justifies-aregbesolas-loans-as-adeleke-shuns-bbc-debate/

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti says Ayodele Fayose, outgoing governor of the state, is plotting to sneak out of the country when he leaves office.

The party said Fayose’s offer to voluntarily surrender himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for questioning is “suspicious” and “diversionary”.

Fayose will leave office on October 16 and has expressed his readiness to “clarify some issues or answer some questions” before the EFCC.

Taiwo Olatunbosun, APC spokesman in Ekiti, said the letter was a decoy for Fayose to “seek safe landing to enable him run away from the country”.

“The letter to the EFCC can be used by Fayose as a distraction and diversionary tactic to pave way for his escape from the country, thereby running away from justice,” he said in a statement.

“Fayose’s promise to appear before the anti-graft agency on the handover day sounds too good to be true and highly suspicious

“We therefore recommend that he be put under serious close surveillance since he is morally and duty bound to account for many of his recklessly corrupt practices that have made him billions of state money richer than the state itself

“No matter how smart Fayose thinks he is and no matter how fast he thinks he can run, the long arm of the law must catch up with him to refund our collective wealth and money for the benefit of all in our dear state, Ekiti.”

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

https://www.thecable.ng/apc-efcc-fayose-planning-run-away-keep-eye

Former national publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, has declared his intention to contest 2019 governorship position in Kwara State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Abdullahi, who made his governorship intention known in a carnival-like atmosphere in Ilorin on Wednesday, said that his administration would be pro-youth.

He said that part of his goals as governor would be to empower youth in the state for growth, competitiveness and economic transformation.

Abdullahi, hailed Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki’s leadership style, noting that the leadership had empowered young people from the poor background like himself who ordinarily would not have had a shot at public office in their lifetime.

He said: “This is a journey that started in 2003 when I joined the state government. In all those years one thing that has become very clear is that Kwara state’s biggest asset is our youths. And so we need to ensure that our young ones don’t constitute the problem for us in the state because right now, 54 per cent of Kwarans are below the age of 0-19 years.

“We have to plan for them and that is my main agenda. I will focus mainly on youth development because if we don’t solve the problem of the youths, they will one day come and solve us, so to speak. Because they are in the majority, if we don’t solve their problem, one day they will wake up and descend on us.

“I interact with them regularly and I know what they want; these young people want decent education, they want to develop their skill, they want to have good jobs, to become useful citizens and not beggars. And unless we make their issue a priority this state won’t survive.

“We may be spending money building roads and bridges but if we neglect them we are deceiving ourselves. I, therefore, understand that our greatest focus must be on education and health.”

On criticism of the Saraki political structure, Abdullahi recalled that but for Saraki’s involvement in his life, it would have been difficult for people like himself to come to limelight.

Dr Abisola Sodipo-Clark, wife of the prominent Ijaw national leader, Chief Edwin Clark, has declared her intention to contest for Ogun Central senatorial seat on the platform of African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Sodipo-Clark, who was former commissioner for health in the state, submitted her letter of intent and curriculum vitae at the ADC state secretariat in Abeokuta.

She ran for the same position as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in 2015 general elections.

Speaking while being received by the Dr Gbolade Osinowo-led executive of ADC, Sodipo-Clark said she was in the senatorial race to make a positive difference in the lives of the people.

She pointed out that there was a need for more women representation in the National Assembly as well as public offices for the country to move forward.

She said, “You remember that recent United Nations resolution is that for us to achieve optimal development, especially in developing countries, we all need to have at least 60 percent representation of women in our National Assembly.

“I believe that if this can be achieved, we will be able to get it better creating health, wealth, development, progress and taking our country out of the recession it is currently.”

The former commissioner, who noted that her track records and experience stood her out, solicited the support of ADC leaders and members ahead of the primaries and elections.

In his remarks, Osinowo acknowledged the experience and political sagacity of the senatorial aspirant and also commended her resolve to run for public office.

The ADC state chairman said his party has provided opportunity for women, especially, to vie for elective positions because of its belief in their capacity and administrative prowess.

According to him, the opposition party has generously reduced its nomination fees unlike the main political parties in the country driving eligible Nigerians away with outrageous nomination process.

He said, “The ADC is a party in Nigeria today that places premium on women and youths. In our nomination process, youth and women will pay only 50 percent. We don’t want our youths to be not too young to run but also not too poor to run. We don’t want money to be a barrier to our youths. We want to see many of our youths in the House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate.

“You see what is happening in other parties. They don’t know what is called democracy, they are practising dictatorship. Before primaries and elections, they have started writing the names of candidates.”

Osinowo, a former presidential adviser to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, said Nigerians will recover their prosperity in 2019 after the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) must have been kicked out of power.

He assured that his party, ADC, would provide jobs and employment opportunities for teeming unemployed youths in the country.

https://newtelegraphonline.com/2018/09/edwin-clarks-wife-joins-ogun-senatorial-race/

Let's wait and see. Time will definitely tell

About 23 members of the House of Representatives under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are set to dump the main opposition party for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Daily Trust learnt on Tuesday.

The prospective defectors, it was gathered, were uncomfortable with alleged manipulations by their state governors to “anoint new candidates” in place of the incumbent “seasoned legislators.”

States said to be affected by the planned defection include Gombe, Benue, Kogi, Enugu, Ekiti, Anambra, Cross River, and others whose lawmakers are at loggerheads with their governors.

A source privy to the planned mass defection revealed that, as an indication that all is not well with the PDP, meetings of committees saddled with the responsibility of ensuring a smooth consensus primary election across the states were deadlocked last week without any reasonable outcome.

The source further disclosed that the APC is already dangling automatic tickets to lure the aggrieved lawmakers into their fold, should they perfect their plans to cross over to the ruling party.

“We want to leave not because it is our wish but the governors have pushed us to the wall.
“We have fought physically and mentally to defend the PDP and democracy. Despite our commitment to the party, see what the governors are doing to us,” the source said rather emotionally.

To perfect their plans, the affected lawmakers are said to be currently pushing for an earlier resumption from the ongoing annual recess of the National Assembly, as against the already speculated date of October 9.

However, efforts to reach the Chairman, PDP caucus and Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Chukwuka Onyema (PDP, Anambra) to comment on the development, were not successful as his lines were said to be switched off.

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/23-pdp-reps-set-to-defect-to-apc.html

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

ABUJA – A political group working for the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari, National Consolidation Ambassadors Network, NCAN, has arrived the Presidential Villa to present the Expression of Interest and Nomination Form for the President for the 2019 presidential election at the cost of N45 million.

The ceremony is expected to hold at the New Banquet Hall Presidential Villa Abuja by 11:30 am

National Coordinator of the group, Sanusi Musa, had last week made the presentation to the national leadership of the party at the party’s national Secretariat.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/09/2019-ncan-arrives-state-house-to-present-nomination-form-to-buhari/

John Alechenu, Abuja

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomhole has told Nigerian youths not to live under the illusion that their age alone qualifies them for leadership.

Oshiomhole said this in an interview he granted Channels Television, monitored in Abuja, on Monday night.

He was responding to a question about the high cost of the party’s nomination and expression of interest forms.

The APC national chairman said, “I don’t want our young people to wonder under this illusion that age is a quality, just because you are young therefore or you assume you will do better. What will count is exposure and ability to lead.

“We need to look at our income distribution and see whether there is a correlation between age and wealth. You are not supposed to start learning leadership with human lives, you are supposed to start learning how to manage, how to superintend a system.

“Not just too young to run for political office; but also not too young to run a business; not too young to run an enterprise.

“Look at what is happening around the world, the founders of Apple and Facebook, these were very young people; they were not too young to become billionaires.

“If you look at the world richest people today they are not the oldest people. There are a lot of young men under 40, under 30 who are multi-billionaires who have overtaken Bill Gates on account of their intelligence and resourcefulness that is one explanation.”

https://punchng.com/youthfulness-alone-not-a-qualification-for-leadership-oshiomhole/

By Ola Ajayi, Ibadan

IGBO community in Oyo State has been thrown into crisis following emergence of parallel executives after two separate elections to fill various positions in the union.

Following the crisis that greeted the election, the Oyo State branch of Ohaneze Ndigbo has called on the state government, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji and security agencies to prevail on those trying to foment trouble among members of Igbo community in the state to allow peace to reign.

The call was made at a press conference jointly addressed by its Chairman, Chief Ndidi Emma Nzeakor; Secretary, Chief Andrew Anieriobi; and the Ezendigbo of Ibadan and Oyo state, Eze Alex C. Anozie.

According to them, Igbo Community Development Association (ICDA) was recognized as the Oyo state branch of Ohaneze Ndigbo in year 2000, and has never at any time been found guilty of any offence to have warranted being deregistered as a branch.

Nzeakor who spoke on behalf of the group noted that Article 8 of the Ohaneze constitution states that “in states outside Igboland, there would be only a branch of Ohaneze, while every other Igbo body who wished to belong must register through those state branches of Ohaneze”.

The Oyo Ohaneze Chairman said, “we are hereby informing the whole world that we Ndigbo under the above mentioned body, who represents the interest of more than 90% of Igbos in Oyo state, are not part of the election held on Wednesday, 5th of September, 2018. So, we are still what we are, we appeal to our numerous followers – Igbo town unions, and different associations in Oyo state to please remain calm, as our Great God will fight for us again as usual.

“We are also calling on the Oyo government, the Olubadan and council, and all security agencies whom we have worked with cooperatively for all these years, to please call those people to order, as they continue in their tireless efforts to create crisis in our peaceful Oyo state”.

Also speaking, Eze Anozie said, “I have been in this position for about 21 years now, and there has never been any crisis. Despite all the provocation, we have continued to maintain peace. All we are demanding is that the right thing must be done in the right way”.

When the other party in the crisis was contacted, Engr. Ndubuisi Okorie, who is claiming to be Chairman of the Oyo Ohaneze, said he had no comment on the development.

Engr. Okorie, who spoke with newsmen on telephone, said since he was sworn in by the national leadership of Ohaneze, only the national body could respond to issues raised

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/09/crisis-erupts-in-igbo-community-in-oyo-over-election-of-executives/

By Dirisu Yakubu
ABUJA – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused President Muhammadu Buhari of aiding corruption in the secret release of over N16.6 billion Paris Club fund to Osun state.

PDP blasts Buhari over N16b release to Osun secretly


The party in a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, Saturday, said its investigation revealed that the N16.67 billion is to be diverted to influence Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, compromised international observers as well as pay hoodlum contracted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in its desperate plot to rig the September 22, 2018 Osun governorship elections.

“It is reprehensible that President Buhari, whose handlers have been parading as ‘Mr. Integrity’, could approve such dark scheme to convert funds meant for payment of several months’ arrears of workers’ salaries to bribe electoral officers and pay thugs to foist a rejected leadership on an already impoverished people.

“Further investigation reveals that bulk of the money has already been penciled for sharing to APC leaders, especially at the national level, as bribe, to short-circuit the system to favour President Buhari’s re-election bid, while the people of Osun continue to suffer deprivation.

“The PDP has been further made aware of how part of the fund will be moved to private company accounts as well as various hidden locations for the compromised INEC officials and APC leaders.

“Indeed, these revelations have clearly shown that the Buhari Presidency and the APC care less about the welfare of Nigerians and have completely sold themselves to sleaze and corruption for selfish gains.

“The PDP therefore charges the people of Osun State, particularly the workers to rise up and reject this direct assault on their rights, sensibilities and survival as a people, by the APC, which have become notorious for corruption and subversion of rules.

“The PDP invites the world to note how President Buhari and the APC, who were huge beneficiaries of credible elections conducted by the PDP in 2015, are bent on destroying our hard-earned democracy, just because they have been rejected by Nigerians,” the statement read in part.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/09/pdp-blasts-buhari-over-n16b-release-to-osun-secretly/

Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose and the Governor elect, Dr Kayode Fayemi on Friday exchanged verbal invectives over allegations on sales of some state government property including Oja Oba ultra modern market and some landed property.

Fayemi had recently through a public notice issued on his behalf by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Yinka Oyebode issued a public notice urging public to beware moves by the out going governor to dispose of some valuable properties of Ekiti state government through alleged shady arrangement.
But reacting to the allegation, Fayose said that he remains the governor of the state legally till October 16 urging Fayemi to wait for his time he would be sworn in.

The public notice reads in part: “The attention of the Governor-Elect of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has been drawn to the clandestine moves by the outgoing Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Peter Ayodele Fayose to hurriedly dispose off some valuable properties of Ekiti State Government through shady arrangements.

Some of the properties are: i. A large expanse of land between Ondo State Civil Service Commission and Elan Club, in front of Government Printing Press, Alagbaka, Akure. ii. Erinfun Livestock Development Center, covering 600 hectares of land along Federal Polytechnic Road, Ado-Ekiti. iii. The new Oja Oba Market, among others

“We hereby inform and advise the general public, particularly prospective buyers to be circumspect in entering into any transaction with the outgoing Governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose in respect of any of the properties mentioned above or any other one whatsoever as the incoming administration may not recognize or give effect to such transactions.“A word is enough for the wise!

Reacting, Fayose said, “the Governor elect is wasting his time. I am still the governor of Ekiti state till October 15 legitimately. He is only ranting. That is ranting. He should wait for his time. Somebody stole a mandate and he is still claiming to have a mandate.

“It is the kind of leadership we have in the country that cause this kind of issue. I was elected for a four year term which will end in about 6 weeks time, I will function till the last day of my departure. If he like, he can do what he like during his tenure. The record will be there for him.

“Was he the one that build the market? I build it and I am allocating it. The people will have legal backing to protect them. They want to come and give it to their cronies. I will do my legitimate job until the last day of my departure. Even if I want to sell Ekiti property, I am still the Governor here. When he comes, everything will be in public domain.

“ How will I have spent 4 years meritoriously, done great jobs including the flyover, governor office and the high court complex and the option I will have is to sell them, I am not a charlatan. I must do everything to protect the interest of these people. they want to come and allocate the market to their chronies, I will not allow that.”

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/09/again-fayose-fayemi-lock-horns-over-alleged-sales-of-government-property/

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said the media is free to criticize the President but not to denigrate him or his office.

The Minister said this in Abuja on Thursday in continuation of the advocacy for the National Campaign Against Fake News, which was launched in July.

He said that in the rush to de-market the President and his government, some mainstream media platforms have now resorted to the use of uncouth language to denigrate the person and office of the President.

“In fact, fake news has taken another dimension. Now, it is not uncommon for otherwise respectable media organisations to accuse the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria without backing up their accusation with an iota of evidence. The latest of such occurred two days ago, when a newspaper wrote an editorial in which it resorted to the use of uncouth language to denigrate the President on the farmers-herders clashes and other issues.

”In their eagerness to de-market the President, they forget that the President is the living symbol of the nation and that by denigrating him, they are denigrating the country, including themselves,” Alhaji Mohammed said.

He said because of the impressive performance of the present administration, the critics know they could not take on the government on issues pertaining to performance, hence their resort to fake news.

“They are unrelenting because fake news is the only weapon they have against a performing Administration like ours. They know they cannot take on us on the issue of infrastructure, economy, fight against corruption, agricultural development, etc. They have therefore resorted to using fake news to de-market our Administration. Thankfully, they are failing,” the Minister said.

He said even though the National Campaign Against Fake News has not discouraged its purveyors, it has brought the phenomenon to the front burner and equally heightened public discourse on the dangers of fake news which, he said, has the capacity to instigate religious and ethnic crisis in the country.

Alhaji Mohammed, who described fake news as a global menace, said even though different countries have been evolving ways to deal with the issue, Nigeria’s approach is to appeal to the sense of responsibility of media practitioners, bloggers and social media influencers.

He said the government will not tow the path of coercion or censorship in the campaign against fake news, and that it believes in the capacity of the media to self-regulate, so as not to self-destruct

https://www.tribuneonlineng.com/amp/163128/

Officers of the Nigeria police force and some supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) clashed at the party headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.

The protesters besieged the area as former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar submitted his presidential nomination form.

The clash resulted in the officers firing gunshots into thin air to disperse the protesters.

More to follow…


https://www.thecable.ng/breaking-gunshots-pdp-secretariat-atiku-submits-nomination-form/

By Nwafor Sunday

Former minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode on Wednesday bragged that nobody touched him when he honoured Inspector General of Police, Mr, Ibrahim Idris invitation yesterday.

In a statement he disclosed via his facebook handle, Fani-Kayode expressed his gratitude to those that escorted him to the force headquarters and prayed for God’s blessings upon them.

“You entered the lion’s den with me fearlessly and we came out together unscathed. God will never forget you and yours”, he said.

Recall that Chief Fani- Kayode was released on bail by the Inspector General of Police Monitoring unit after two hours of interrogation.

When he came out from the forces headquarter Chief Femi insisted that he would never stop but rather hit harder on the opposition.

“Left the Inspector General of Police’s office after a cordial interview. The Police were courteous and professional.

“I was invited because of my essay titled ‘Five Useful Idiots and The Spirit Of The Accursed Slave’ which was about Fulani hegemony and terrorism together with other write-ups. No regrets. I will hit harder and write more”, he said yesterday.

Read his full statement below:

A big thanks to Barrister Kayode Ajulo, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Barrister Wale Balogun, Senator Grace Bent, Mr. Ibrahim Bunu, Rev. Emmanuel Omata, Mr. Agbor Ojo, Prince Deji Adeyanju, Mr. Oyinemi Nicholas Endelie, Mr. Ken Matthew Odugu, Mr. Adedayo Coker, Barrister Olu Aluko, Mr. Myson Nejor, Mr. Tough Tony Yongo, Mr. Opeks Bobo-Jama, Mr. Orngu Anngu, Mr. Terver Lorhemen, Barrister Rapheal Oyewole, Barrister Henry Dimgba, Mr. Chubi Chikwendu and all the other wonderful men and women that stood by me and accompanied me to the Inspector General Of Police’s Office yesterday morning.

When the history of this country is written your names will be encrusted in gold. Your courage and loyalty to our collective cause and truth is second to none.

You entered the lion’s den with me fearlessly and we came out together unscathed. God will never forget you and yours.

I also thank all those that prayed for me and my family and that offered good counsel and words of love, encouragement and support to us from all over the world. I was deeply moved.

Finally I thank all those that stood in the gap for me, my loved ones and all my family members from far and wide for being consistent, resilient, steadfast and strong. You inspire me and give me strength.

May God bless you all. We shall overcome.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/09/we-entered-the-lions-den-came-out-fearlessly-fani-kayode-boasts/

BY CHARLES KUMOLU

The senatorial ambition of the wife of the late Biafra warlord, Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu- Ojukwu, yesterday, faced a major setback as some members of the Ojukwu family vowed not to support her even if she emerged the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance APGA.

In an interactive session with newsmen, Dr. Ike Ojukwu, who is one of the directors of Ojukwu Transport Company Limited, OTL, said it was wrong to allow a woman from Ngwo in Enugu State to represent Anambra South Senatorial District.

He said: “Is she from Nnewi? She is from Ngwo in Enugu State. I would prefer someone who is a son of the soil, and because I come from Nnewi, I would like an Nnewi indigene to represent us.”

On his part, Emeka Odimegwu Ojukwu Jnr said: “She is apparently coming out on the platform of APGA and that is APGA’s business. They can decide on whoever they want to bring out. That should not be my business but I find it curious that they want somebody from Enugu State to represent us in Anambra South.

“This is a young woman, who was supposedly married to my late father. A young woman who could remarry tomorrow maybe from Abia State or later from Sokoto State. And they want her to represent us. I wonder if there are no other people in Anambra South, who can represent us.

“Has anybody asked Odimegwu household whether we believe in her to represent us? This is a woman we don’t interact with. She doesn’t talk to us. She can’t have access to our property She can’t cross our gate in the village. She doesn’t associate with the members of the family.

“There are certain questions that should have been asked before moving in that particular direction. Like I said, APGA is free to field whoever they want to field. I know that APC is trying to field a very credible candidate and when we get to the field of justice we will see what happens.”

Also speaking, a legal practitioner Chief Debe Odimegwu Ojukwu, said: “As a lawyer, I would say no. why I said no is that there are so many marriages, even when you look at Nollywood, there are many marriages everyday but that does not make it legal.

“Why I am arguing this is because there was a woman my father married in a court, and that marriage was never nullified, and my training as a lawyer tells me that when there is a subsisting marriage, subsequent marriage or attempt at marriage becomes null and void.”

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/09/anambra-south-ojukwus-children-vow-not-to-support-biancas-ambition/

By Henry Umoru

ABUJA- THE Police on Tuesday raided the Abuja residence of Federal Commissioner for Information and South South Leader, hChief Edwin Clark.

The Police men who searched all the rooms of the ElderStatesman, alleged that they were in the house to search for arms which they accused him of keeping.

The Policemen who arrived the Asokoro residence of Chief Clark at 1.30pm, left the premises 2.30pm.

They did not find any incriminating evidence or ammunition in the house.

According to the Policemen, the stormed the house on the orders of the Inspector- General of Police, Ibrahim Idris.

Details later..

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/09/breaking-police-raid-edwin-clarks-residence-in-abuja/

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has assigned its first task to the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, as well as the governors of Sokoto and Benue states, Aminu Tambuwal and Samuel Ortom.

Saraki was appointed by the PDP to chair its National Campaign Council for the governorship election in Osun State while Tambuwal and Ortom are members of the council.

The council, which also has other PDP governors and Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu as members, will be inaugurated by the party’s leadership on Monday in the nation’s capital.

“The National Working Committee (NWC) of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has approved the composition of the National Campaign Council for the September 22, 2018, Osun State Governorship Election.

“The Campaign Council will be inaugurated on Monday, September 3, 2018, by 2pm at the Legacy House, Abuja,” the party said in a statement.

More to follow…

https://www.channelstv.com/2018/09/01/breaking-saraki-tambuwal-ortom-get-first-pdp-assignment/

Nigeria has developed a $6.7 billion “Buhari Plan of Action’’ for the reconstruction, rehabilitation and resettlement of Northeast that had been devastated by Boko Haram activities sincd 2009.

Nigeria’s Ambassador/Permanent Representative to the UN, Prof. Tijjani Bande, unveiled the plan at a side event tagged ‘Strengthening the Humanitarian and Development Partnership in the Lake Chad Region’, at the UN headquarters.

The Nigerian envoy said that the comprehensive socio-economic Plan, known as ‘Buhari Plan’ aimed to advance the humanitarian and development nexus in the country.

Bande said Nigeria was spearheading the event based on the need to promote across board collaboration and cooperation among countries of the Lake Chad region, the donors and a whole range of humanitarian and development partners.

“At our national level, the $6.7 billion Buhari Plan of Action for the comprehensive Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement of the North Eastern Nigeria and the Lake Chad represents an ambitious humanitarian cum development initiative on the part of a national government.

“It is to demonstrate its total and unshakable commitment to the socio-economic development of the entire area.

“It is unmistakably true that beyond the current challenges lie numerous prospects for harnessing the capacity of the people and natural endowment of the area to facilitate integrated regional socio-economic development.

“Therefore, the occasion of this side event and its subsequent follow up actions would present opportunity for enhancing the objectives of several initiatives on the Lake Chad such as the All Lake Chad Governors Forum which held its inaugural meeting in Maiduguri, Nigeria in May.

“Also, the Berlin Conference on the Lake Chad has been slated for the first week of September 2018 and would build substantially on the outcomes of the February 2017 Oslo Donors Conference on the Lake Chad.

“I would like to take this opportunity to call on all stakeholders to redouble efforts and commitment towards making the coming Berlin Conference on the Lake Chad of Sept. 3 to 4, 2018 a watershed.

“This is in our collective resolve to further mobilise resources and demonstrate implicit commitment to plans that will ensure moving quickly beyond the immediate humanitarian need to concrete sustainable developmental projects capable of substantially elevating the lives of the majority of people in the region.”

The Nigerian envoy stressed the need for collaboration and cooperation among countries of the Lake Chad, the donors as well as humanitarian and development partners.

According to him, collaboration between the humanitarian and development agencies has gained traction at the UN in recent times such that the involvement of national governments is needed to make it work.

He said the protracted humanitarian and development challenges in the Lake Chad region had place enormous responsibilities on all to remain engaged in discussion aimed at scaling up national, regional and global responses to the crisis.

These responses need to be bolstered by strengthened coordination at the UN level to ensure a more synergised delivery of assistance, the Nigerian envoy emphasised.

“Let me emphasise that the recharge of the Lake Chad Basin, capacity building, and restoration of livelihood, through facilitation of occupational opportunities, job creation, skill acquisition and others are central to finding lasting solution to the problem in the region.

“To realise all these would entail our collective commitment to a broad range of actions, facilitated by strong international cooperation and partnership, involving the UN agencies and development partners, like the World Bank and African Development Bank among others,” Bande said.

Magagi Louan, Minister of Humanitarian Action and Disaster Management of the Republic of Niger, said the political leadership from the region were working together to ensure comprehensive response to the crisis in the Lake Chad.

Louan said several mechanisms to address the problem included the institutionalisation of joint security architecture such as the Multinational Joint Task Force and promotion of collaborative social-economic projects under the auspices of the Lake Chad Basin Commission.

Also commenting, Alifei Moustapha, Permanent Representative of Chad to the UN, disclosed that Chadian Government had set up a new coordination mechanism across the ministries to identify local requirements and develop flexible coherent responses to address the Lake Chad problem.

On his part, Michel Monthe, the Permanent Representative of Cameroon to the UN, stated that his country would finance resilience and socio-economic projects and called for response to humanitarian needs while simultaneously reducing risk and vulnerability.

The event, sponsored by Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, Chad, UN Development Programme and UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, also featured presentations by UN Humanitarian Coordinators for the four countries.

NAN

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/09/nigeria-develops-6-7b-plan-for-northeast/

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday night met with the All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders from the South West at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Main discussions at the meeting bordered on the forthcoming September 22 governorship election in Osun State.
The meeting started at the First Lady conference hall around 8.30pm when the President arrived the hall.
Those at the meeting included the National Leader of APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, former APC interim National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole.

Major stakeholders at the meeting were from Osun State.
The Chairman of the Osun Governorship Campaign Committee and Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Gamduje was also at the meeting.

Others at the meeting were Osun State Governor, Rauf Aragbesola, , Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, and Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha and the Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari were also at the meeting.
Details Later…


http://thenationonlineng.net/osun-2018-buhari-apc-south-west-stakeholders-meet-in-aso-rock/

President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo are some of the attendees of the National Executive Committee meeting of Nigeria’s ruling party, APC.

The meeting is currently ongoing at the APC secretariat in Abuja.

Mr Buhari arrived the meeting at 11:19 a.m., after Mr Osinbajo and other stakeholders arrived.
Among the earlier arrivals was former Lagos State governor, Bola Tinubu.

Thursday’s meeting will, among others, address the type of primaries to be adopted by the APC to select its candidates for the 2019 general elections.

Some senators on Wednesday told PREMIUM TIMES they could leave the APC if the party adopts indirect primaries, favoured by some governors.

The senators said they fear governors would use the indirect delegates system to ensure only their favoured aspirants emerge pary candidates.
Details later…

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/281865-just-in-buhari-osinbajo-tinubu-others-attend-crucial-apc-nec-meeting.html

Former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi has revealed that state governors during the last administration shared billions among themselves.

Obi said this on Wednesday morning while analysing the state of the economy on Channels TV.

He recalled how the former Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala begged the State Governors at the time to save for the future in the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), a programme that was meant to save fund for the nation, but most of them refused and shared the money.

Obi said, “Over the years, things have gone wrong, I remember Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala crying every day to governors to save these monies and invest in the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), a programme that was meant to save fund for the nation to cater for a rainy day as presently experienced.

“All of us disagreed and said let’s share it. some governors even went to court to get the federal government to allow them to share the money among themselves. ”

Further speaking, Obi called on the federal government to stop borrowing as they keep plunging Nigeria into poverty.

“Borrowing for consumption will not grow the economy, it gets to a state where you can’t control it. The amount being used to service our debt today is high, we use almost 60% to service them and we are borrowing more, it’s escalating.

“World Bank and IMF have warned Nigeria against rising debt.

“You are borrowing money and the issues that it was supposed to affect is not coming down. Unemployment is worsening. Our unemployment rate moved from 14.8% to 18.8% this year, which means more people have lost their jobs.

“The economy is shrinking, the entire capital votes this year ‘is’ borrowed, and we have existing debts already. Poverty is increasing, out of school children have moved from 10 million to almost 12 million,” Obi added.

http://dailypost.ng/2018/08/29/governors-shared-billions-despite-okonjo-iwealas-plea-impoverish-nigeria-peter-obi/

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday met behind closed doors with the British Prime Minister, Theresa May at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

May’s visit to Nigeria is part of her tour of some Africa countries.

The meeting started in the President’s office shortly after May arrived the forecourt of the State House around 1pm.

She was received on arrival by President Buhari and top government officials.

The meeting was still in progress at the time of filing this report.

http://thenationonlineng.net/buhari-theresa-may-meet-in-aso-rock/