₦airaland Forum

Following the emergence of Ahmad Lawan as President of the Nigeria Senate in the 9th Assembly, pressure is currently being mounted on the major contenders for the Speakership position in the House of Representatives, Umaru Bago to step down to pave way for Femi Gbajabiamila.

This is because of the bandwagon effect which may play out in the next few hours in the lower chamber. But many members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have stuck to their guns insisting that they must go on with the election.

Bago has been taken out of the chamber by his associates to pacify him and advise him to follow the path of honour. This would enable him to negotiate and strike a deal instead of going for the contest.

There was drama when most of his supporters who were hailing him as soon as he entered the chamber made a U-turn as they began chanting "Femi! Wase!".

Bago was visibly angry with the turn of event as his supporters tactically abandoned him.


As of the time of this report voting for the position of the Senate Deputy President was going on in the upper chamber.

http://saharareporters.com/2019/06/11/just-pressure-mounts-bago-step-down

Security has been beefed up at the National Assembly as members-elect continue accreditation ahead of the inauguration of the 9th National Assembly on Tuesday.

All staff and visitors to the national assembly were critically checked before being allowed entry into the premises. Those who could not identify themselves properly were turned back.

Meanwhile, there is a presence of security operatives at strategic areas, while moving around designated areas for accreditation was limited.

Speaking to newsmen after his accreditation, Sen. Emmanuel Bwacha from Taraba State, said the process was going on smoothly.

On why PDP is keeping quiet on who to endorse for senate presidency, he said, “there is dignity in silence and mischief in noise making”

Sen. Kabiru Gaya (APC-Kano) also said the accreditation was going on without hindrance.

Gaya, who is in the race for the position of Deputy President of the Senate, denied stepping down as insinuated in some quarters.

The national assembly is a beehive of activities as preparations for the inauguration were on top gear.

Activities ranging from erecting of a tent, renovation of structures and decoration are going on in mapped out areas to make the occasion colourful.

There is, however, heightened tension as people are seen in clusters discussing their expectations of the day.

While some believe that it might not be much of a drama as witnessed in 2015, others say there could be surprises following Senator Ali Ndume’s insistence to continue in the race and the long silence from the major opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

From the list released by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), there are 62 APC senators-elect, 44 PDP senators-elect and one Young Progressives Party (YPP) senator-elect, while two senatorial seats in Imo State are still outstanding.

http://saharareporters.com/2019/06/10/tight-security-national-assembly-ahead-inauguration-election-leaders

The Arole Oodua & Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II on Friday played host to His Royal Highness, Igwe Cyprian Mmaduabuchi Nevobasi, Ezeani III of Mmaku, Enugu State and other prominent Igbo leaders, who were at his Ile-Oodua palace, Ile Ife in the State of Osun on a royal homage.

Arole Oodua & Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II and His Royal Highness, Igwe Cyprian Mmaduabuchi Nevobasi, Ezeani III of Mmaku, Enugu While welcoming the visiting Igbo monarch and his entourage, Ooni Ogunwusi who is a co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria(NCTRN) described the Yoruba people of South Western part of Nigeria and their Igbo counterpart in the South East as two inseparable African races who if well united as a family and with other tribes would form a formidable block as a catalyst towards building a unified Nigerian nation and the continent of Africa.

“We need to cement our togetherness in this country because without the coming together of the Igbo and the Yoruba natives, it will be very difficult for Nigeria and the entire continent of Africa to progress. We are the real embodiment of the black people and the continent of Africa is looking forward to us.

“Handshake across the Niger like this is very important because we belong to the same family, so we should not separate ourselves the more. Let us look into things that bind us together like our rich cultures and traditions.

“We want to tell you today that we are now directly associating from the Kingdom of Ife to the entire Mmakun Kingdom in Igboland and Your Royal Highness have cemented that good relationship with this visit.

“Once again, I appreciate your philanthropic and leadership works especially towards the poor, oppressed and the downtrodden in Enugu and beyond, since you ascended the throne of your forebears some 20 years ago. I am proud to associate with you after hearing so much about you and I am so happy that we eventually met. Ooni Ogunwusi said.

Earlier in his address, Igwe Cyprian Mmadubuchi who described the Ooni as a symbol of unity explained that he was thrilled by his navigation across Nigeria, provision of veritable road map for social integration, cultural inter-face, engagements and healing wounds.

“Your Imperial Majesty the Ooni, I commend your courage and candour for championing this strategic initiative on behalf of other traditional rulers. As I earlier said is because as custodian of tradition and culture of the people, we are expected to be in the vanguard of ensuring national unity and cohesion in the country”.

Igwe Cyprian stressed that, “I am loyal to your Imperial Majesty and I am here to assure you that you have found your missing ribs in the South East. I have seen with my eyes that you are a moving train, you have proven to our nation that you are a great leader we can trust and we are following you.

“Infact, If we Africans were Catholic, you are the black Pope.” the Igbo monarch added Similarly,

Alaagba of Aagba in the State of Osun, Oba Rufus Ogunwole who was instrumental to the Igwe’s visit to Ile Ife, expressed his heartfelt joy over the history making day. He recalled that he secured Ooni’s permission to visit the Igwe when he was invited to visit the Enugu community in 2017, after which the relationship has been so cordial.

The event also witnessed various traditional performances from the Igbo dancers and their Yoruba counterparts as well as drummers among others. Thereafter, the Ooni offered prayers with the breaking of kola nuts and bitter colas which he said were first discovered in Ile-Ife.

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/06/without-the-coming-together-of-igbo-yoruba-it-will-be-very-difficult-for-nigeria-to-progress-ooni/

Gbaja-Wise

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Images from the signing ceremony of endorsement register by member-elect supporting the Gbaja-Wase Speakership ticket

A meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Governors of the party on the platform of Progressive Governors Forum and all its elected representatives in the National Assembly is ongoing in Abuja.

Although the agenda of the meeting presided over by the National Chairman of the party, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole is not known, it is believed that the meeting is to fine tune arrangement for the inauguration of the National Assembly on Tuesday.

The meeting may also come up with arrangement for the remaining positions both in the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The party is supposed to produce the Senate Leader, Deputy Senate Leader, House leader and his deputy Chief Whip as well as the Chief Whip for both the Senate and House of Representative.


An official statement is expected after the meeting which is also being attended by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.

The SGF also held a high level meeting with the some of the governors at the Kebbi Governors lodge on Sunday night while the NWC also met to finalise arrangement for the inauguration of the National Assembly, endorsing Senator Ovie Omo-Agege as Deputy Senate President and Idris Wase as Deputy Speaker.

https://thenationonlineng.net/breaking-apc-in-high-level-meeting-with-lawmakers-elect/

Less than 48 hours to the election for the presiding officers of the 9th House of Representatives, about 230 members-elect of the House of Representatives have signed endorsement register for Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as the nation’s next Speaker.

Also, six top contenders have publicly signed to endorse the candidacy of Femi Gbajabiamila and Idris Wase as the Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively.

An overwhelmed Gbajabiamila, however, assured the nation that he and his deputy, Hon. Idris Ahmed Wase will not disappoint Nigerians.

The public endorsement took place at a signing ceremony held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja last night.



Abdulmumin Jibrin, Director General of the Gbajabiamila/Wase campaign organisation said the reason for the event was to show the world the strength of the Gbajabiamila/Wase team.

He also said 60 members of the opposition parties have signed up for the team while adding that consultation would continue till the day of the election tomorrow.

He said: The pretenders not contenders will know that the are seated in this hall

“This is to show how transparent and our strength is which will be done by signing of endorsement”.

Saying that the meetings would go into executive session after the signing ceremony where important issues of the election would be discussed,

“We know we have the numbers but we don’t want to take anything for granted. In the next 24 hours we have to tighten the knots”.

According to him, over 60 members of the opposition, including the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) have endorsed the frontline contestants, including the South East caucus, led by Him Pat Asadu that adopted Gbajabiamila/Wase team on Sunday afternoon.

“Unlike 2015 we have made a lot of inroad into PDP. We knew we have to consult them and they are not even interested in Committee Chairmanship but to be partners in progress with APC.



He said of the other top contender is unwilling to step down, “There are no problems, we’ll meet on the floor on that day.

“Those supporting the others are hiding, but as we can see, we go everywhere with our supporters. We want to see the strength of the other contenders”.

Deputy Speaker aspirant Idris Wase after appreciated the gathering and for believing in the two aspiring presiding officers.

On his part, Gbajabiamila said: “This is more or less a night of gratitude, we’ve gone round the country.

“We can only thank and not just for the moment but for the next four years.

“This is because if you did not buy into our vision, it will not see the light of the day

“But with this we are convinced the 9th Assembly will be like no other, a legislature where our members will stand shoulder to shoulder with any in the world.

“Where opposition will also be proud. I’m in a vantage position having been an opposition and Majority Leader. That balance gives an edge.”

He thanked Mr. President for being unequivocal on who he wants to work with.

He also appreciated the party and its hierarchy, the Southeast PDP and APGA governors that gave their total support and endorsement, “It is for this reason that you see this amount of support from them.

“I want to assure you that we will not disappoint Nigerians. We will do our best to move the nation forward.”

https://thenationonlineng.net/240-reps-elect-sign-up-for-gbajabiamila/

Trolls drag Mercy Aigbe for trying to ‘flirt’ with Sanwo-olu


Trolls drag Mercy Aigbe for trying to ‘flirt’ with Sanwo-oluAfter being allegedly romantically involved with the immediate past Governor of Lagos state, actress and mum of two, Mercy Aigbe is presently making moves at new Governor, Sanwo Olu.

While Ambode was in power, it was alleged that he built the Mansion the actress got in one of the high brow areas of Lagos state.



It was further alleged that the former Governor was largely responsible for her lavish lifestyle even though she often owe it all to her hard work.



Well, it appears Mercy Aigbe is now making moves at the new Lagos state Governor just a few days after he resumed office.

She posted a comment on his Instagram page hours ago and of course, prying eyes immediately began mocking the actress for “porting” so fast from Ambode to Sanwo olu.



Check out screenshots of some reactions below:





https://www.gistreel.com/trolls-drag-mercy-aigbe-for-trying-to-flirt-with-sanwo-olu/

Submitted that Gbajabiamila was not a fit and proper person to be elected as a federal lawmaker or speaker having been allegedly convicted of a $25,000 fraud by the Supreme Court of the State of Georgia, USA.


Justice Inyang Ekwo, of the Federal High Court, has ordered that Femi Gbajabiamila, a federal lawmaker, be served through substituted means the proceedings of the suit seeking to remove him from the House of Representatives over his alleged conviction in the US for fraud-related offences.

Justice Ekwo said that since the court was unable to serve the processes on Gbajabiamila in person, the lawyer to the plaintiff, Olasupo Azeez, should do so by substituted means.

“Cases of this nature are of public interest, and it’s either you are ready or not,” the judge said.

As a result, Ekwo adjourned the matter until Friday, June 7, for further mention.

The originating summons filed by Philip Undie through an originating summons by his lawyer, Barr. Ayodele Justice, submitted that Gbajabiamila was not a fit and proper person to be elected as a federal lawmaker or speaker having been allegedly convicted of a $25,000 fraud by the Supreme Court of the State of Georgia, USA.

Undie is contending that under Section 66(1) (C) and (D) of the 1999 Constitution and the verdict of the Supreme Court of Georgia, “The mood of our nation today will not warrant placing the position of the speaker of the House of Representatives in the hands of any individual that has a tainted or questionable character.”

In the affidavit attached to the suit, Undie averred that Gbajabiamila, who was then known as Femi Gbaja, accepted payment of $25,000 client’s money as personal injury claims and deposited those funds in his attorney trust account in January, 2003, which he failed to disburse to the client.

He further stated that Gbajabiamila violated Rule 1-15(1) of Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct in Bar Rule 4-102(d), which is punishable with disbarment and was suspended from law practice in the USA for 36 months (three years) even though he refunded the client’s money in 2006 and “his lawyers filed a certification of compliance of the Supreme Court ruling as of March, 2007.”

Meanwhile, a member of the House of Representatives, Raphael Nnanna, has brought an application to be joined in the suit seeking to stop Gbajabiamila.

Justice Ekwo directed the counsel to Nnanna, C. Onyemachi, to serve the application for joinder on the parties in court.

http://saharareporters.com/2019/06/04/speakership-court-orders-substituted-service-gbajabiamila-over-us-fraud

Many stakeholders are intensifying their agitation for the devolution of policing. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU writes on the desirability of state police in a highly heterogeneous country.

He has been up and doing in the last few months. Even, President Muhammadu Buhari has attested to his capacity. That was when he was on “trial” as acting police boss.

Much is now expected of Abubakar Adamu, following his appointment as substantive Police Inspector General by the Commander-In-Chief.

It appears that the police boss is interested in making a difference. He has been boosting the morale of officers with inspirational advice and strategic directives. Yet, he faces an uphill task.

The police, as it currently exists, is not the pride of the nation. It is demoralised; deprived of funding and lacking the required numerical strength to police a country of estimated 200 million people. It us always in want of critical tools to work, and suffering the agony of poor remuneration. Many policemen are not proud of their calling. Their presence, unlike before, does not evoke respect in the community.

The image of the police is that of an over-worked agency that is denied the motivation to perform. Many policemen promote vices by taking bribes, aiding and abetting crimes.

Yet, when Nigerian policemen go abroad for peace-keeping, they return home with laurels. Why? The environment is conducive. Which means that a society gets the kind of police it deserves.

Funding is critical. Adamu should be an initiator of police reforms along this line. Also, the Federal Government should assist him to succeed.

The take home pay should be jerked up to motivate policemen. This will not encourage them to cut corners at checking points and inside their stations.Also, police pensions should not be embezzled.

Training and retraining are very important. The grave security challenges mean that policemen should be well equipped with new skills and implements to combat crime. It is sad that policemen usually bow to superior weapons when armed bandits are on the prowl.

There should special training focussing on improved capacity for intelligence gathering. Nigeria should go back to the good old days when policemen were friends of the people.

The bad eggs in the police should be flushed out by the IGP to prevent contamination with the patriotic elements in the system. Discipline should be vigorously enforced.

The police service commission and the IGP should not work at cross purpose.

There is the need to recruit more Nigerians into the police to bridge the manpower gap.

The police/public collaboration should be reinvigorated. Security is a collective enterprise involving policemen and other citizens.

An over-centralised police structure is incompatible with the spirit of federalism.

It is embarrassing that governors are chief security officers in their respective states only in name.

State governors have been providing guns, patrol vehicles and other tools for the police. But, policemen are only accountable o ly to the power-loaded Federal Government.

Governors can issue directives to police commissioners in their states, but the commissioners have to take clearance from the distant Inspector General in Abuja before compliance.

What is the essence of posting a Kanuri as policeman to police Ijebu or Egba in Ogun State? How can a policeman of Enugu origin perform excellently while on police duty in Nupe, Tiv and Hausa/ Fulani states?

Will language not be a barrier? Does he know the geography, sociology and custom of his place of assignment? Is devolution of police not the solution? Is state or community not the answer? Unless these lines of reforms and restructuring are pursued, the Police may not live up to expectation in the maintenance of law and order.

President Muhammadu Buhri has accepted the recommendation of the panel that has recommended state police.

The onus is on the president to now approach the National Assembly with a bill to make it a reality.

State police can only become a relity, if there is a constitutional amendment in that direction by the parliament.

https://thenationonlineng.net/is-state-police-not-the-answer-2/

Twenty-three years after, the killers of Kudirat, wife of the late Chief Moshood Abiola, are still at large. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU writes of the pro-democracy activities of the Amazon, who paid the supreme prize.

She was the most outstanding woman crusader for justice, equity and fair play during the dark days of the military.

Her life was on line. But, no sacrifice was too much to make. Her priority was the de-annullment of the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election won by her husband. It never happened. Kudirat Olayinka Abiola died as a fighter for popular rule.

It was an untimely death. Her husband, Chief Moshood Abiola, was in detention for winning a popular mandate. Kudirat had a hint about the impending doom, having been alerted by diplomats from friendly countries. On that fateful June 4, 1996, she had an appointment to keep at the Canadian Embassy. She left her Ikeja residence with hope. But, she never got to the Victoria Island. At Oregun/Seven Up Junction, she was gunned down by assassins.



A cenotaph has been erected at the site to remind Nigerians, both present and future generations, how an innocent blood was shed by blood thirsty soldiers of fortune who loomed large on the country for years.

Two years after, her husband also died mysteriously in detention; in the hand of his tormentors. The whole June 12 struggle appeared to be in vain. When civil rule was restored in 1999, it was nearly a double tragedy. Power was transferred from the military to military cronies, lackeys, confederates and majority of people who scuttled June 12.

Alhaja Kudirat was one of the numerous wives of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential flag bearer. The annulment changedcher status and forced her into the pro-democracy movement. Having traversed the vast country with her husband during the hectic campaigns, Kudirat was confident of victory. To her charging, the election results were cancelled on frivolous excuses.

She developed a steely determination that dared military bullets. When her husband was in solitary confinement for claiming his presidential mandate, Kudirat confronted the military dictators. Her leadership motivated other pro-democracy groups to spring up and seek the actualisation of the election.

In 1994, when the struggle got to a head, Kudirat was actively involved in sustaining the oil workers strike, which succeeded in crippling the nation’s economy and weakened the military government.

Kudirat was subjected to harassment. She had frictions with courts over her stance before her eventual release on bail. Despite the harassment, she continued her campaign. She and the late Chief Alfred Rewane funded the pro-democracy activities, which unsettled the military.

When protesters were detained, she would promptly visit police stations to secure their release. On one occasion, the late Rev. Tunji Adebiyi was bearing a letter from Lagos-based National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) leaders to the late Pa Adekunle Ajasin at Owo, Ondo State. The ‘stop and search’ team of policemen conducted a search on him at Maryland, Ikeja and the ‘incriminating letter’ was found with him.

In excitement, the Inspector leaped for joy, saying that the “heroic” act of apprehending a NADECO operative will fetch him promotion. The DPO was in the same mood of excitement.



Kudirat stormed the police division. She was full of charisma and carriage. The Amazon understood that the policemen wanted to used the arrest to impress their bosses to get promotion. But, Mrs. Abiola calmed them down, explaining that they will get better promotions under an Abiola presidency. Her persuasion secured Adebiyi’s release.

Kudirat knew that she was operating in an atmosphere of danger. She was planning to process her visa to leave the shores of Nigeria before she was killed. Few days to the third anniversary of the June 12 election, she was shot dead by assassins.

Kudirat was born in 1951 in Zaria. She was the second senior wife of her husband. Her children are Yusau Olalekan, Hafsat Olaronke, Abdul Muman, Hadi, Moriam and Khafila.

Kudirat’s killing was the subject of an investigation and trial. The murder was allegedly ordered and carried out by six men. Abiola died in her car. Her driver also died. Her personal assistant who was later accused of being involved with her assassins was in the car, but was not hurt.

Her husband continued to be detained without charge after her death. Chief Abiola late died in suspicious circumstances.

At the time of her death an anti-military rule “Radio Democracy” had just been created and it was based in Norway. It was backed by the American, British, Swedish, Danish and Norwegian governments to help end military dictatorship in Nigeria. The Radio station’s name was changed to Radio Kudirat. In 1998 a street corner in New York was renamed Kudirat Abiola Corner, despite protests by the Nigerian Government.

In October 1998, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha appeared in court with the previous President Abacha’s son Mohammed, charged with the murder of Kudirat.

Paying tribute to her memory, Second Republic Kaduna State Governor Babarabe Musa prayed for the repose of her soul.

To the elder statesman, Kudirat was an outstanding campaigner for democracy.

He said: “I remember her for her dedication, her commitment to the nation, and in particular, the actualisation of June 12 election won by her husband. I wish her a happy rest.”

NADECO and Afenifere chieftain Chief Ayo Adebanjo lamented that the fruits of Kudirat’s struggles were enjoyed by those who opposed June 12.

Adebanjo, who was detained by the military hailed Kudirat’s life of sacrifice for democracy, saying that she was a source of inspiration to other fighters.

He added: “She is a woman to be remembered. She stood firm at a time to be remembered. She was a source of courage to pro-democracy forces.”

https://thenationonlineng.net/kudirat-in-memory-of-a-martyr/

With the inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari for a second four year term of office, all eyes are now focused on the National Assembly.

The big question now is who emerges Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Ninth National Assembly.

President Buhari is expected to issue the proclamation for the inauguration of the Ninth National Assembly any time this week, it was learnt.

Findings showed that the two front line contenders for the Senate Presidency, Senator Ahmad Lawan and Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, have increased the tempo of their campaign and lobbying of their colleagues to clinch the exalted position.

A competent source in Lawan’s camp told our reporter yesterday that “efforts of Lawan campaign organization to convince more senators and senators-elect to key into the Lawan for Senate President project, have been yielding tremendous results.”

He referred to the open declaration of support for Lawan by Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senator, as a telling example.

More PDP senators including a former governor from Abia State, he said, were warming up to declare support for Lawan this week.

Ndume is also said to be “moving steadily” to get more senators on his side.

A source close to the Borno South senator confirmed that Ndume held a close door meeting with Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje last week.

Although the source refused to say the out come of the meeting, he described it as “strategic” and “not unconnected with Ndume’s move to gain the support of more senators.”

Findings showed that the two front liners have stepped up their games, leaving no stone unturned in their bids to carry the day.

Senator Goje was rumoured to be in the race for the Senate Presidency.



However less than two weeks to the inauguration and election of the presiding officers of the National Assembly, the Gombe Central senator has not declared his intention to run for the position.

The insinuation making the rounds is that Goje may have “quietly jettisoned the idea to go for the Senate Presidency.”

It is not clear why Goje may wish to withdrew from the race.

Speaking on the emergence of presiding officers of the Ninth Senate, Chairman, Senate Committee on Labour and Productivity, Senator Abu Ibrahim, said that it is unfair to say that President Muhammadu Buhari should not have interest in who becomes the next Senate President.

Ibrahim said that it is in the interest of President Buhari to find someone he could work with harmoniously although he may not openly campaign for the person.

He said that the President is not barred from making preference especially when the National needed competent leadership.

The Katsina South Senator also said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) must come in to zone positions, which it had done.

He added, “The issue of imposition is misunderstood. If someone is recommended, he must be elected by the senators on the floor. The only thing is that people have to subject themselves to the principles of their parties.

“Anybody conniving with PDP should be expelled. The party has done everything for you, so you should be expelled.”

https://thenationonlineng.net/senate-leadership-lawan-ndume-in-last-minutes-lobby-for-support/

A Nigerian Army lawyer, Major Ajibade Azeez Atobatele of the Directorate of Army Legal Services, studying in the United Kingdom, has made the country proud.

He distinguished himself by finishing with a distinction in International Human Rights and Terrorism Law, coming top in his class.

The Nigerian Army officer also bagged the Best Dissertation Award of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Lancaster, one of the top 10 universities in the United Kingdom. He was honoured at the convocation ceremony of the University, which was held in the UK.

Attesting further to Atobatele’s brilliant academic performance, the Director of Postgraduate Programmes in the Lancaster University Law School, Prof. Sigrun Skogly, confirmed, in a letter written to the Nigerian Embassy in London, that the Army officer performed exceptionally well and achieved the highest mark of his cohort – a mark she described as rarely awarded by the university.

The Law School further confirmed that Atobatele had been offered a doctoral degree admission in order to further his research on legal issues surrounding the war against insurgency in Nigeria.

Buoyed by Atobatele’s brilliant and excellent performance in its LLM course in International Human Rights and Terrorism Law, the university has also immediately offered him a place in its Doctor of Philosophy programme for the 2019 academic session.

Documented testimonials obtained by our correspondent from the UK-based highbrow university attest to Ajibade’s “exceptional brilliance” throughout his course of study at the Lancaster University Law School.

The General Secretary of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Comrade Olayinka Folarin, expressed confidence that allowing military officers to go for such courses in human rights and returning to apply the knowledge acquired, regarding the observance of the rules of engagement, would ultimately help to regulate the conduct of troops during operations.

Folarin added that the efforts by the Army to improve respect for human rights of persons during their operations would also result in raising the rating of the country’s human rights record in the global arena.

The CDHR general secretary said, “I believe it will regulate their conduct as far as human rights is concerned in the fight against terrorism. It is a welcome development. It will enhance their performance; it will enhance their conduct. We just believe that by having their men studying such courses and coming back to apply it, it would go a long way in building confidence in the Nigerian military because everyone should be accorded his or her human rights. We must know that human right is the cornerstone of any professional practice.

“We just hope that the Nigerian military will see reason why they should be humane in their conduct and also take time to listen accordingly to the voice of the people. And the mentality that they are trained to kill can easily be addressed when the respect for human rights is there. When they are acquainted with what human rights entail and when they also understand that Nigeria is also party to several international treaties on human and people’s rights; it will assist them in their performance, in their operations. It will make them to be more professional and it will put our country in tune with the rest of the
world.”

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Speaking in the same vein, a defence analyst and strategist, Mr. Adesola Olatunji, said allowing military officers to undergo such courses would go a long way in checking the alleged violation of human rights of citizens by military personnel involved in combating terrorism and insurgency across the country.

The military expert added that the development would also improve the poor rating of the human rights record of both the military and the Nigerian nation by international human rights
bodies.

“This development has brought to the fore, the commitment of the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and the vision of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai, in having a professionally responsive Army discharging its constitutional role in strict compliance with the various international conventions on human rights, especially in its war against terrorism,” he said.

Military authorities decline to comment.

However, efforts by our correspondent to reach the Chief of Training and Operations, Nigerian Army, Major Gen. L.O. Adeosun, for an update on the outstanding performance of the brilliant officer proved abortive.

Adeosun did not pick calls made to his phone and also did not reply text messages sent to him as at the time of filing this report.

https://www.independent.ng/terrorism-studies-nigerian-army-officer-emerges-best-in-uk-varsity/?utm_source=&utm_medium=facebook

Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has described its May 30 sit-at-home order as a huge success, saying over 100 countries where Biafra people resided participated.

The group in a statement on Sunday through its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, said the protest took place beyond Biafraland.

While commending members for their doggedness and perseverance in the agitation, the group said the South East governors who tried to sabotage the exercise should cover their faces in shame.

According to it, the governors’ threats were ignored by the people who went ahead to obey the sit at home order.



The statement partly read, “We the global family of the Indigenous People of Biafra considers it imperative to congratulate all Biafrans and lovers of freedom all over Biafraland and various parts of Southern Nigeria who contributed in one way or the other towards the successful outcome of our heroes remembrance day by sitting in doors at their respective homes as directed by the of IPOB high command.

“We salute the uncommon courage, determination and resoluteness of all Biafrans that defied the military and police threats including intimidation and harassment from Hausa-Fulani cabal in Aso Rock and South East governors to sit-at-home across the length and breadth of Biafraland.

” We commend the people of Ogoni, Ijaw, Uhrobo, Annang, Igbo, Idoma, Igede, Igala, Igbanke/Igboakiri and others who afforded to observe and remember those that sacrificed their youthful lives for us to be alive today.

“From Ogoja in the east to the border town of Igbanke in the west; from the Oturkpo in the north to the island of Bonny in the south, Biafrans observed in their own unique way a day of solemnity, reverence and respect for our departed heroes and heroines.

” We also salute the indefatigable spirit of IPOB family members in the diaspora that rallied in over 100 countries across Europe, Asia, America, Australia, South America and Africa .

“Picture and video evidence abound to lend incontrovertible credence to the fact that the Biafra people obeyed IPOB sit-at-home order on May 30, 2019”.

https://thenationonlineng.net/ipob-sit-at-home-successful-in-100-countries/

Five pupils drowned on Thursday in Central Vietnam after a group of children attempted to rescue a friend who fell into a reservoir, a local official said.

The accident occurred when a group of eighth-grade pupils, about 14 years old from a secondary school in Nghe An province, were playing near a dam in Bac Thanh commune.

One of the children fell into the water and four others tried to pull her out, but they, too, fell into the reservoir.

“All the four girls and one boy perished,” Tran Danh Luong, the chairman of the commune, said.

Around 2,000 children drown every year in Vietnam, according to government statistics, making it the country’s leading cause of death among children under 15 years of age.

Many kids do not know how to swim and since the beginning of 2019, at least 30 school-age children have drowned in Nghe An province alone.

https://punchng.com/five-pupils-drown-in-water-reservoir-trying-to-rescue-classmate/

Residents of Owerri, the Imo capital, on Thursday, defied the sit-at-home order from the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) and went about their normal businesses.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that commercial activities went on uninterrupted in Owerri metropolis and its environs.

Banks were open to customers, while commercial activities went on normally in all the markets in the city, including the Relief and Timber markets.

Academic activities were also going on normally in some schools visited in the city.



Mr Michael Ugochukwu, a school administrator, who spoke on why the IPOB’s order was not complied with, said:

“We did not tell the students anything about it.

“We allowed parents to use their discretion. Some came while others stayed back.”

Another school owner, Mrs Chinwendu Osuji, said that the sit-at-home order was not captured in the list of holidays for the current academic session.

According to Osuji, “the school did not think it was wise to add an unofficial holiday to the week, having already observed May 27 and 29 as public holidays, respectively.”

She said: “We already observed holiday for two days this week and we didn’t see the need to add an unofficial third.

“We did not announce it, even though some parents held their children back at home, probably for fear of the unknown.”

Also, Mr Anthony Obinka, a commercial vehicle operator, said, “Whether or not there is a holiday, people have to feed. So I came out to look for my daily bread.”

https://thenationonlineng.net/imo-residents-defy-ipobs-sit-at-home-order/

Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki has congratulated Nigerians on the nation’s attainment of 20 years of uninterrupted democracy.

He urged the people to use democracy to entrench peace and genuine development.

In a statement by his Special Adviser (SA) on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, the Senate President described the commemoration of 20 years of democracy as a thing of joy in view of the many positive developments the country has witnessed since May 29, 1999.

He advised Nigerians to fully take ownership of democracy and its institutions and use them to “entrench peace, welfare and improved standard of living for all our people.”



Saraki said democracy is about the people, and the people should use democracy to achieve social justice, equity, inclusiveness and economic self-reliance.

While urging the followers to hold their leaders accountable and ensure they always act in the best interest of the people and country, the Senate President also advised the people to be good followers and be law-abiding at all times.

“We should avoid conflicts and blood-letting as no country can develop in the midst of chaos. We should all steer clear of issues, comments and situations that emphasise our fault lines,” he said.

Saraki urged newly-elected leaders, who were sworn in yesterday, to work for the development of the country and the continuous preservation of the nation’s democracy.

The Senate President noted that the benefits of a constitutional democracy far outweigh the challenges that have confronted the country since the return of democracy.

He said: “It is a thing of absolute joy and national pride that we are today celebrating two decades of sustained democratic governance in the country.

https://thenationonlineng.net/saraki-lets-use-democracy-to-entrench-peace-development/

The Nation Newspaper

Gunmen kill family of six in Jos
By Yusufu Aminu Idegu, May 29, 2019.


Six persons, believed to be members of one family, were feared killed on Monday night by yet to be identified gunmen.

The killing took place at Dangwal village, Ganawuri district of Riyom Local Government of Plateau State, on the Jos-Kaduna-Abuja road.

The fresh killing occurred less than 24 hours after a protest in parts of Jos city claimed five lives.

Eyewitness said the family belonged to Lo-Gwong Du family comprising the grandfather, grandmother, two children, their mother and father.


Confirming the killing, the police command said the victims had been given mass burial due to the demand of the community.

In a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Plateau Police Command, DSP Terna Tyopev, the police said: “On May 28, at about 0600hrs, one Dalyop Boyi, male, the youth leader of Nakai Danwal village in Riyom Local Government reported to the Plateau State Police Command that at about 1900hrs, gunmen attacked the house of Gyang Dachung, male, of Nakai Danwal village. Consequently six persons lost their lives.

“The command mobilised to the village, the photographs of the bodies were taken and released to the relatives on demand and they were buried according their traditional rites.

“The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations, Plateau State Command, Jos visited the scene. Patrol of the area is being intensified in order to prevent reprisal.

“The command is soliciting credible information to track and arrest the perpetrator(s) to face justice”.

https://thenationonlineng.net/gunmen-kill-family-of-six-in-jos-2/

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has given President Muhammadu Buhari’s first four-year tenure a low mark for failing Nigerians adding that it will retrieve the 'stolen mandate' of its presidential candidate in the 2019 general election, former vice president, Atiku Abubakar.

In a statement on Tuesday by its spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, the party said that the President’s interview on Monday was nothing short of his usual blame game and continuous search for scapegoats.

“The PDP notes that it was an internationally accepted position that all critical sectors in our country performed abysmally in the last four years because of the incompetence of President Buhari’s administration.

“It was unfortunate that instead of accepting responsibility for the failures of his administration, Mr. President is looking for scapegoats where there are none.

“It is for this reason that the PDP presented a presidential candidate and deputy with strong knowledge of the economy and social order in order to rescue our nation from the dire straits into which she had been thrown due to poor leadership in the last four years”, the statement read.

The PDP also commented on the Buhari’s recent statement that leadership of the National Assembly led by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, were not patriotic for not speeding up the approval of the 2018 budget.

In its reply to the President’s statement, the PDP said: “Mr. President’s personal attacks on the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, were totally uncalled for and speak volumes of his disposition about democracy.

“Moreover, President Buhari should end his showboating on the war against corruption. He must admit that he failed because his administration, which swims in the ocean of corruption, cannot fight corruption.

“This is an administration which thrives in concealment; under which over N14 trillion belonging to Nigerians have been frittered by officials, who have not been investigated or prosecuted.”

“Furthermore, it is disappointing that Mr. President has no soothing words for millions of compatriots who have been subjected to the worst form of economic and social misery under his incompetent and corrupt administration

“The party, however, urges Nigerians not to despair but continue in their determination and prayers to retrieve the stolen presidential mandate at the tribunal so that our nation can have a purposeful government that will be truly alive to its responsibility to the people.”

http://saharareporters.com/2019/05/29/we-will-retrieve-stolen-presidential-mandate-says-pdp

ARELY 14 days to the election of a new Speaker for the House of Representatives, Phillip Undie, who approached a court to stop Majority Leader Femi Gbajabiamila from contesting, has offered to withdraw the suit.

Undie has sent a letter of authorisation to his counsel, Ayodele Temitope Justice, to file a withdrawal notice in court.

The counsel, who confirmed on the telephone that he got the notice of withdrawal from his client, was however silent on the next step.

In a May 27, 2019 letter, “Authorisation to file my withdrawal as plaintiff from suit number: FHC/ABJ/CS/539/2019, the plaintiff said he has got fresh facts confirming that Gbajabiamila was cleared of no criminal conviction by the Office of the General Counsel of the State of Georgia.


Undie’s letter to the counsel reads: “I am writing to notify you of my intention to withdraw from the above referenced legal suit wherein I sought for the disqualification of the 1st defendant from contesting the office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“It is important that I honorably discontinue the suit following the emergence of more facts indicating that the 1st Defendant, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila was cleared of no criminal conviction in the state of Georgia or any other part of the United States of America in a letter dated August 30, 2010.

“I am also in possession of an order of the Federal High Court, Abuja dated May 22, 2018, delivered by Justice Abdu Kafarati in favour of Femi Gbajabiamila. Kindly avail me details of my legal fees in accordance with our earlier agreement. Accept my warm regards.”

Read also: Why I changed my mind, Man explains withdrawal of suit against Gbajabiamila
In a follow up statement, Undie said the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Adamu Abdu Kafarati had decided a similar case in favour of Gbajabiamila on May 22, 2018.

The statement said: “I, Philip Undie, a Nigerian Tax payer who filed a legal suit against Femi Gbajabiamila in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/539/2019 at the Federal High Court, Abuja on the let day of May 2019.

“The suit was filed in my innocent belief that the first defendant, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila ought not to be allowed to contest for the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives based on information then at my disposal that he had been criminally convicted by the Supreme Court of the State of Georgia, United States of America.

“Since the matter was filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, I have come into possession of more facts on the alleged criminal conviction which shows beyond all doubt that the basis of the suit is found on misinformation and misrepresentation of facts.

“One of the documents I now have is a letter dated as far back as August 30, 2010 issued by the State Bar of Georgia, the body involved in this matter and which regulates legal practice in Georgia, United States of America indicating that the 1st Defendant, Femi Gbajabiamila has no record of criminal conviction in the State of Georgia or any other part of America.


“In fact, the letter states categorically that Femi Gbajabiamila”is currently an active member in good standing of the State Bar of Georgia”.

“In addition, I am also in possession of a copy of the decision of Federal High Court, Abuja in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/501/2015 decided by Justice Adamu Abdu-Kafarati in favour of Gbajabiamila on May 22, 2018 as the plaintiff in that case was unable to diligently prosecute the case.

“The suit in reference was based on the same facts as the one in which I am now the plaintiff.

“In view of the above therefore, I wish to honorably announce my decision to immediately discontinue and terminate the suit I initiated at the Federal High Court, Abuja against Hon Femi Gbajabiamila (1st defendant); House of Representatives (2nd defendant); Attorney General of the Federation (3rd defendant); All Progressives Congress (4th defendant).

“Attached herewith are relevant processes to effect the discontinuance and termination of suit no FHC/ABJ/CS/539/2019.”

Undie had last week asked the Federal High Court to stop Gbajabiamila from remaining in the House of Representatives over his alleged conviction in the US for fraud related offences.

In the originating summons filed through an originating summons by his lawyer, Justice, Undie argued that “Gbajabiamila is not a fit and proper person to be elected as a member of the House of Representatives or Speaker having been convicted of $25,000 fraud by the Supreme Court of the State of Georgia, USA.”

https://thenationonlineng.net/plaintiff-withdraws-suit-to-stop-gbajabiamila-from-contesting/

Another major crisis is brewing in the National leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the Deputy National Chairman (North), Senator Lawal Shuaibu, is demanding the resignation of National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole.

He accused him of lacking the capacity to lead a national party.

Shuaibu is holding Oshiomhole responsible for the crisis in the party leading to the recent Supreme Court judgement sacking all its candidates in the last election in Zamfara state.

In a letter dated May 27, and addressed to Oshiomhole, Shuaibu alleged that some of the decisions taken by the National Chairman were done without consultations with the leadership of the party while unilaterally upturning some major decisions taken by the NWC.


He said majority of those who contested the 2019 election on the platform of the party were not happy, while the party came out of the 2015 elections worse than it went into it.

He alleged that minutes of meetings held at the national secretariat would clearly revealed that decisions of meetings were altered, adding that the disqualification of the former Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Jummai Alhassan was clearly a decision taken by the chairman as against the decision to allow her contest the election.

The six-page letter was delivered to the office of the Chairman yesterday

Blaming the party’s crisis at the door steps of Oshiomhole, Shuaibu said: “The last congresses in states, unfortunately, represented a complete lack of knowledge, not to talk of experience on how due process in political electoral process is adhered to.

“The National Working Committee is saddled with the responsibility of recommending guidelines for every electoral process and appointing committees that will embark on conducting primary elections for every constituency and submit report and thereafter an appeal committee will attend to complaints and petitions and also submit its report to the NWC.

“The National Working Committee is then expected to perform the duty of the final adjudicatory body on each electoral matter and from there you have the final list of candidates. National Chairman cannot, in any circumstances be Chairman of any committee be it screening committee of any other committee contrary to what you did.

“Chairman presides over the meetings of National Working Committee in which each matter disposed of by any appeals committee is examined and final decision reached.

“If the National Chairman should chair any of these committees what if there is a complaint about his own conduct, who do you send your petition to? He cannot be a judge in his own matter.”


The APC deputy national Chairman alleged that most of the meetings where major decisions affecting the party were taken were not held at the secretariat and not backed by minutes.

He said: “National Working Committee meetings, in my own experience, shall not be held in private residences especially where it involves thousands of party men and women with grudges over injustice meted out on them by officials of the Party. The party secretariat is the officially recognised venue of such meetings, unless if there are other motives for keeping away from there.

“For every meeting of any organ of the party, there shall be minutes of the meeting reflecting every decision taken at such meeting. Most of the meetings held and fundamental decisions purported to have been taken were not backed by minutes.

“The few meetings that were covered by the secretariat and minutes taken could clearly show that final decisions of the NWC were altered! Example was the unanimous decision by NWC to allow Mrs Aisha Alhassan, former Minister of Women Affairs to go and contest with her co-aspirants at the primaries in Taraba State which decision was overruled by you.

“You singIe-handedly disqualified her and members in the party got depleted and thereby weakened. So also, several other aspirants that you personally disqualified without just cause.

“Arising from such conduct, the APC ended up with severe injuries and is today badly fractured in virtually every constituency in this country, resulting in the erosion of the massive goodwill that you met the party with. “


“Apart from the President, more than 60% of members, including those that contested elections under the APC in 2019 are not happy with the process as it left a lot to be desired. We have court cases in every state, by far much more than it was in 2015 and I wonder how much money the party is likely to spend on litigations arising from mistakes of the National Chairman in not adhering to due process and sidelining transparency.

“Committees for primaries became secret affair to the extent that not even members of the NWC were aware of how certain committees were constituted with members mostly from Edo State outnumbering every other state and in some instance, the same Edo members serving in more than one state in conducting primaries.

“The records are there to be seen. What is wrong with being just in what you find yourself doing for the people? Personal interest should not be allowed to overshadow the interests of our teeming loyal members across the country.”

He went on: “We had 23 states in 2015, but after the 2019 elections we lost 7 states. We also had 60 Senators in 2015 at the end of the election count, we now end up with 57 Senators in 2019. You were not brought in to lose election. It is absolutely unacceptable.

“What this entails is that for any Senator to become a presiding officer, he needs to go and kneel down before the PDP Senators and beg for support! And to make things worse, you announced that APC will not allow any PDP Senator to be appointed as Committee Chairman except the committees statutorily meant for the opposition members of the Senate.

“That is never the tradition of the legislature anywhere. The legislature is the house of collaboration and lobby and you can never succeed with hostile approach, you must lobby seek for cooperation of members across party divides.

“If you don’t know, you have made the situation worse than it seems. Try and use your calculator and you will find that as at now, if anybody, backed by the PDP members, wants to become Senate President, all he needs is the support of only 6 APC Senators to win the election on the floor of the Senate. Chairman, strategies are not announced on television, they are discussed at caucuses.

“In advanced democracies, people who fail to add value or build over and above what they met on assumption of duty show some civilised examples, they honourably bow out.

https://thenationonlineng.net/apc-nwc-member-challenges-oshiomholes-leadership-style/

Few hours after he was officially handed over to, incoming Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has made his first appointment.

He has appointed Tayo Ayinde as the new Chief of Staff.

Ayinde was Sanwo-Olu’s Campaign Director.


Close sources to Ayinde confirmed the development.

Many friends of Ayinde has bombarded the social media with congratulatory messages.

Independent Online reports that the out-going Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, on Tuesday officially handed over to the Governor-elect, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, ahead of his inauguration on Wednesday.

Sanwo-Olu’s emergence followed the decision of the ruling All Progressives Congress party in the state not to sponsor Ambode as its governorship candidate in the general elections.

Shortly after the handing over at the Government House, Alausa, the governor-elect told newsmen that it “was a very private formal hand over’’.

The governor-elect was accompanied by his running-mate in the election, Dr Obafemi Hamzat.

Sanwo-Olu had during an interactive session with journalists few days ago given a hint on those that would make his cabinet and his plans for them.

Sanwo-Olu said: “There are so many intelligent people in Lagos. It’s just for us to identify them. Some could work full time, some part time, others could be technocrats or politicians but the bottom line is for us to identify square pegs into square holes and round pegs into round holes. That’s number one.

“Number two, those who would work with Dr Hamzat and I must share our vision. They have to be on the same page with us from day one. The moment a politician or technocrat is appointed, he or she should see himself as a commissioner or staff adviser of Lagos, not for a sect or an area or jurisdiction. These are the basic things, we will not compromise.

“Femi and I have been on this journey for the past eight or nine months. So, immediately we come on board, we will organise a crash course for them (cabinet members) to see where we are going. The moment we all see a common vision, it will be easier for us to drive a common agenda. But I can say Lagosians will be happy with us when we finally bring out those names.”

https://www.independent.ng/breaking-sanwo-olu-makes-first-appointment/?utm_source=&utm_medium=facebook

This is Abiola Ajumobi, Oyo state governor not Amosun

BY ABDUL LATEEF TAIWO AND JONATHAN IPAA

Ahead the 2023 general elections, political re-alignment within the various political stakeholders in the South-west All Progressives Congress, APC, may have taken another dimension with stakeholders divided between the candidature of Ahmed Bola Tinubu, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Governor Kayode Fayemi, on the other hand.

AljazirahNigeria reliably gathered that with few days to the end of the first term in office of President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Osinbajo and the inauguration of the second term of the duo, three interest groups have emerged in the South-west to succeed President Muhammad Buhari.

The groups are made up of those of Ahmed Bola Tinubu, the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress , APC, Vice President Yemi Osibanjo and Governor Kayode Fayemi, of Ekiti State.
Signs that Governor Kayode, is aiming for the top job started emerging shortly after he was elected on July 15, for the second time, as the Ekiti State Governor.
AljazirahNigeria gathered that shortly after his inauguration, Fayemi began what a chieftain of the APC in the South-west who pleaded anonymity described as a subtle campaign and mobilisation of the South-west under the aegis of Afenifere Renewal Group ,ARG.

Less than one year, Governor Fayemi, has convened series of meeting of the group and selected Yoruba elders, canvassing for the restructuring of Nigeria.
Fayemi has been consistent in his charge to South-west leaders that they must adopt new methods if their quest for restructuring of the country is to be realised.
The governor, who spoke in Ado Ekiti, during one of the meetings tagged a national retreat of the Afenifere Renewal Group ,ARG, which he hosted, said the current tactics being used in agitating for restructuring was defective.
According to him, the Yoruba race needs to be more tactical if it is indeed desirous of actualising its desired restructuring.

He urged the proponents of restructuring in the region to liaise with other zones on how to actualise the plan.
“There are those who entertained fear on this issue of restructuring and whether this is legitimate or not, we must reach out to them because we are not an island onto ourselves.
“We don’t need to be shouting on the roof tops before we get it, but if we want to do it alone, the agitation will fall,’’ he said.

The governor also expressed dismay at the voter apathy in the South West region in the last election, saying a total of 16.2 million were initially registered in the region while the number of those who voted was not impressive.

He said: “In the last presidential poll, Ekiti registered 909,000 voters, only 381,000 voted.
“In Osun 1.67million registered, only 737,000 voted; Ondo, 1.8 million registered, 586,000 voted; Oyo, 2.7 million registered, 891,000 voted; 2.36million registered in Ogun, 605,000 voted and Lagos with 6.3million, only 1.56 million voted.
“This might be caused by deficit of trust or fraudulent multiple registration, but whatever the case was, as long as we remain a constituent part of this country, ARG should reflect on this and act appropriately
“If it was as a result of deficit of voter education, then the ARG and governments need a lot to do.

“Religion also affected us because some people were brainwashed to vote based on religious consideration.’’
Governor Fayemi‘s position is coming barely one year after winning elections and nearly three years after the All Progressives Congress seems to have capitulated to the agitation for restructuring the country. Already, a high-powered committee led by Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State has submitted its report to the party on the need to dispense with the current pseudo-federal structure, which many Nigerians pinpoint as an impediment to national cohesion and economic progress. The panel had made sweeping recommendations to save the APC from the avalanche of criticisms in the build up to the 2019 general elections.

The committee was inaugurated shortly after the first Chairman of the APC Chief Bisi Akande, had taken a swipe at the party’s critics alleging it jettisoned its promise of restructuring, saying the party never promised to restructure the country during its 2015 campaigns.

He said the devolution of more power to the state was what the party has in its manifestoes.
Essentially, AljazirahNigeria sources said the current campaign by Governor Fayemi, is to mobilise the South-west and South-south to support his presidential ambition ahead of 2023.

Although oil-producing states are currently entitled to 13% derivation, most of Nigeria’s oil resources are now offshore. The Federal Government will thus be the major beneficiary in the proposed arrangement. In federal state, the federating units have control over their resources and pay royalties and taxes to the centre, as was the practice in the 1963 Republican Constitution that the military discarded in 1966. For the proposals about State Police and Prisons to be implemented, the states have to generate income from the resources in their domains. Therefore, the proposal has to be reviewed before the final draft is submitted to the National Assembly.

Buhari and the party seem to be far apart on restructuring. In his New Year’s Day broadcast, Buhari dismissed restructuring out rightly, although the party’s committee was already analysing the views of Nigerians as of that time. To the bewilderment of Nigerians, Buhari had said, “When all the aggregates of nationwide opinions are considered, my firm view is that our problems are more to do with process than structure.”

It is, therefore, hard to reconcile Fayemi’s views with the pledge of the APC to restructure the country. This is why many Nigerians believe the el-Rufai committee’s report is a well orchestrated political ploy to buy time. One, the report is yet to be submitted to the President, who might have the final say. Also, it has not reached the National Assembly, which will debate and amend the Constitution accordingly, along with the 36 State Houses of Assembly. This is a legal maze. It requires time, which is a precious commodity, as the fire work for 2023 commences.

AljazirahNigeria learnt the Fayemi’s group is working hard to reach out to the North, amidst the rejections of the proposal. It could be recalled that Professor Ango Abdullahi, a member of the Northern Elders Forum had earlier given conditions for the restructuring of Nigeria, saying
“If we want Nigeria to be restructured, the only thing that is required is for us to call a Sovereign National Conference. It is the only conference that Nigeria has not experimented. But can you call a sovereign national conference while there is a sitting government? And there is a sitting National Assembly, there are sitting States Assemblies and governments and so on? They have to step aside.”
While the Fayemi’s group faces stiff resistance from the North, in the South –West, Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ambition to succeed Buhari, in 2023 is being resisted within the North and the south – west.

AljazirahNigeria gathered that Vice President Osinbajo, has recently come under pressure from the group opposed to Tinubu, to initiate moves that will prepare him to succeed President Buhari in 2023.
But a source told our reporter that the vice president has been reluctant.

Already, the outgoing governor of Lagos State, Akinwumi Ambode, Babatunde Fashola are believed to be working with the Governor Fayemi’s group.
In a similar vein, Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmed el-Rufai and the National leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, may be on a collision course ahead the 2023 permutations for the presidency.

Governor el-Rufai, known for his forthrightness whose venom spares no one, no matter how highly placed bares his fangs as his deems necessary. He has hit even those that brought him into the limelight even as one of his books had launched attacks on ex – President Olusegun Obasanjo and his ex – Vice President Atiku Abubakar respectively.
While Atiku first made el-Rufai, the Director General of Bureau for Public Enterprises, BPE from 1999-2003, Obasanjo made him a Minister in his second term as the man in charge of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA. He later moved to become the governor of Kaduna State.

His recent attack on the acclaimed leader of the Yoruba political class, may have forced Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to travel for this year’s Ramadan special prayers along President Muhammadu Buhari in faraway Madina, Saudi Arabia. The trip, political analysts believe is to test once again, the body language of the man Tinubu had assisted to power after losing three conservative presidential elections.
The National Leader of the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC, has maintained a dignified silence on the verbal assaults, believing, that el-Rufai might be acting an unknown script to test the might of the Yoruba’s ahead the 2023 permutations.

The questions from most Yoruba leaders close to Tinubu were: who could be against Tinubu? Who is el-Rufai speaking for? when he launched his venoms against their leader in a working visit to Lagos, he advised Lagosians on how they could end godfatherism the way he did in his home state of Kaduna. He boosted that he had retired four super powers: Ex Vice President Namadi Sambo, ex governors: Senator Ahmed Makarfi, Ramalan Yero and outgoing senator Shehu Sani, from powers.

The comments emanating from Lagos, a state known for its unflinching control of the National Leader of ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Bola Ahmed Tunubu, is seen as an assault orchestrated by el-Rufai against Tinubu to at least, once again, test his popularity among the Yoruba’s.

Tinubu who halted outgoing Governor Akinwumi Ambode from returning to power in preference to his ex-Commissioner for Science and Technology, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is seen as the godfather of Yoruba politics under the current dispensation.
He survived two terms from the fireworks of ex President, Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999-to 2007 and has been anointing successive leaders in parts of the South-west political region since 1999.
In the build up to the 2019 presidential election, President Muhammadu Buhari, courted Tinubu, even made him the head of his presidential campaign team.
Inner sources even believe, Tinubu could have been offered a succession promise should he deliver APC in the South-west as he did in 2015.

However, the advice by el-Rufai to Tinubu’s kinsmen, was therefore, interpreted as an attack to test run reactions, preparatory to the 2023 power calculation in which the Kaduna governor is an interested party.
As expected, the opposition celebrated the crack in the ruling party as Reno Omokri, a former aide to ex-
President Goodluck Jonathan claimed that President Buhari was working with Malam el-Rufai of Kaduna in the “open insult” on the APC, National Leader, Tinubu in Lagos.

For Tinubu’s associates, el-Rufai’s movement from one god-father to the other: from Olusegun Obasanjo to Atiku Abubakar and now President Buhari casts doubt on his integrity.

“As soon as he gets what he wants, he moves on to the next milk-shop. He succeeded in his renowned opportunism because only a stone-hearted man will not want to listen to a genuflecting-midget”, he added.
For Omokri, Tinubu’s time as a political godfather was up, having been insulted by someone close to

President Buhari like el-Rufai in Lagos of all places.
Omokri claimed that Buhari, el-Rufai and other northern leaders are done with Tinubu politically, adding that he is now as useless as a used sanitary pad.

Though, the Lagos State chapter of the APC has denied the claim, saying Governor el-Rufai situation is not the same as Lagos State. They say it is different from Kaduna where he claimed to have retired four godfathers from politics within a single term in office.
el-Rufai, at that event took a swipe at Tinubu’s dominance of the political structure in Lagos State, saying it was time to end god-fatherism in the state just the way he ended it in Kaduna State.

To free Lagos from Tinubu’s grip, el-Rufai counselled that; “One of the best ways is to start the campaign now by embarking on a study to understand why five million, out of the six million voters in Lagos State did not vote.”

Reacting to the governor’s remarks, Publicity Secretary of the APC in Lagos, Hon Joe Igbokwe, noted that Lagos was not Kaduna where el-Rufai ended the dominance of godfathers.
He also said anyone who wanted to achieve Tinubu’s status in Nigerian politics must work hard and do less talking.
“That was what happened; he was making reference to Asiwaju Tinubu. The person that threw up the question is Muiz Banire, and you know the relationship between Banire and Asiwaju. But Lagos is not Kaduna.
A pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Omoluwabi Movement, has berated the Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, over his recent verbal attacks on the national leader of the APC.

The Publicity Secretary of the state chapter of the group, Miss Idowu Ogundola, described the recent report credited to el-Rufai on ‘ending godfatherism in Lagos’ as a mere “idle talk of a frustrated political expansionist.”

According to the South-west group, el-Rufai should not be taken seriously as he is a well-known “genuflecting opportunist, who will do anything, especially his renowned genuflecting prowess, to achieve his ulterior motive, and who will abandon his benefactor immediately he achieves his pecuniary aim.

The Yoruba group urged all well-meaning Omoluwabis to disregard the comment as a “circumstantial idle talk at a dinner by an evasive governor, who realising his inability to give good account of his crisis-ridden governance of his state, chose to launch an indirect and uncultured attack on an iconic Omoluwabi and pillar of democracy and progressive politics in Africa. It is a divisive and diversionary attempt to escape from giving account on his turbulent and most controversial administration in the annals of Kaduna State.”
“It is on record that el-Rufai has moved from one god-father to the other; from Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and now President Muhammadu Buhari. As soon as he gets what he wants, he moves on to the next milk-shop. He succeeded in his renowned opportunism because only a stone-hearted man will not want to listen to a genuflecting-midget.”
“We wish to join in warning President Buhari to be wary of the man with a gargantuan ambition and to call him to order. His outburst is understandable as his political expansionist voyage of imposing his bookkeeper on the people of Ogun State was checkmated by the members of the APC in Ogun State at the party governorship primary held last year.”
However, the ongoing campaign in getting the new principal leaders of the 9th National Assembly provides the fighting ground for the two political giants.

The ruling party in which Tinubu has an ace is bent on the Lawan/Gbajabiamila ticket as Senate President/Speaker respectively.
The APC National Chairman, Comrade Aliyu Adams Oshiomole and Hon Femi Gbajabiamila are political godsons of Tinubu.

President Buhari who had endorsed this ticket was quoted as retracing his office as aides have distanced the presidency from such endorsement.

Presidential spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, had last week said the presidency was neutral on the election of the key officers of the 9th National Assembly.
Apart from the party’s anointed Lawan and

Gbajabiamila, other candidates in the race for the key offices include: ex Governor Danjuma Goje ,Gombe, Senator Ali Ndume ,Borno, for the Senate Presidency, while Hon. Idris Wase ,Plateau, Hon Mohammed Bago ,Niger, Hon Mike Dyegh ,Benue, and Hon Mrs. Onyejeocha, the only female from Abia State are contesting for the House Speakership against Gbajabiamila.

el-Rufai, a known close ally to the president may choose to hit at Tinubu’s anointed candidates and go outside the box to set the stage for the 2023 race.
Political analysts believe the president might have used the Kaduna Governor to stir the hornets’ nest and get reactions from some quarters as regards the 2023 power calculations.

Nobody gave the former FCT Minister any chance in his return ticket to the Government House, Kaduna when he ran with a Muslim-Muslim ticket. But he had his way as the ruling APC won with a wide margin, defeating the opposition PDP backed by ex Vice President, Namadi Sambo, ex PDP national chairman and two former governors respectively.

In fact, all the three serving senators from Kaduna State : Shehu Sani, Danjuma Laah and Suleiman Hunkuyi, sacked traditional rulers and over forty thousand fired primary school teachers all lost to el-Rufai. AljazirahNigeria gathered that, el-Rufai may have received a presidential nod to commence a restructuring of the system ahead of the 2023 permutations.

Tinubu, being the most formidable force within and outside the system became the first target.
How this plays out could only be determined as events unfold.

https://aljazirahnews.com/2023-tinubu-osinbajo-fayemi-battle-over-presidency/

ABUJA – PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari is currently meeting behind closed doors with South South Traditional Rulers at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

President Buhari with Governor Al-Makura Tanko of Nasarawa State, Special Adviser Media Femi Adesina and HRH Igwe Maduabuchi Nevobasi Igwe Omeluenyi 1 of Aguneese, Ezeani III of Mmaku as he attends the Together Nigeria Event organised by the Buhari Support Organisation in Abuja on 12th Dec 2018

The meeting came on the heels of a threat by a Niger Delta Group to declare Niger Delta Republic, a separate country from Nigeria on June 1.

The meeting started at 11.37am at shortly after the President signed the 2019 Appropriation Bill of N8. 92 trillion into law.

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/05/buhari-meets-south-south-monarchs-in-aso-rock/

BY SAHARAREPORTERS, NEW YORKMAY 27, 2019


Many are feared dead with properties worth millions of destroyed in fresh violence affecting parts of Jos, Plateau state.

The violence within some communities such as Dutse-Uku and Rikkos led to massive casualties.

The incident was confirmed in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer in Plateau State, Mr. Mathias Tyopev on Sunday.

He said policemen had been deployed to the community to put an end to the violence.

“We have received reports of tension around Dutse Uku, Rikkos, Cele Bridge and we have mobilised our personnel to the area.

“As we speak, the area commander, Jos metropolis, is there on ground.”

A source residing in the community said the problem started from the last week when a boy from Angwan Miango was found dead at a boundary between the community and neighbouring Rikkos, a community of Hausa residents.

He narrated on that, on Sunday morning, another boy from the same Angwan Miango was killed at a stream that runs across Angwan Miango and Rikkos communities, adding that indigenes of Angwan Miango went on a reprisal against Rikkos, resulting in killings.

http://saharareporters.com/2019/05/27/tension-jos-reprisal-attack-kills-many-houses-burnt

BY SAHARAREPORTERS, NEW YORKMAY 27, 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari has signed the 2019 appropriation bill into law.

The assent of the President will officially make the bill become law and signal the commencement of the 2019 fiscal budget.

The signing of the bill had in attendance, Speaker of House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Danjuma Goje, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo, Udoma, the Senior Special Assistant on National Assembly Matters, Ita Enang.

Others are the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari and Minister of Finance, Boss Mustapha.

More to come.

http://saharareporters.com/2019/05/27/breaking-president-muhammadu-buhari-signs-2019-appropriation-bill

valentineuwakwe:
this Gbajabiamila CASE will only lead to more troubles for the country if he is eventually elected as speaker..his case in the U.S. is all over the internet and surprisingly those bidding for him to be speaker, will be the first to drag him to court....let's do the needful now

bro,
have you forgotten that we are in Nigeria! nothing will happen if he eventually won.

The Nation Newspaper
Southeast APC caucus leader backs Gbajabiamila over disqualification suit
Dele Anofi by Dele Anofi May 26, 2019

A member of the House of Representatives and Leader of the Southeast Caucus (APC ) of the House of Representatives, Raphael Igbokwe (Imo) has applied to the Federal High Court Abuja to be joined in a suit challenging Femi Gbajabiamila to be Speaker of the 9th National Assembly.

In his deposition before the court last Friday, Igbokwe stated that as a member of the House of Representatives, who swore to an oath to defend the law and the nation’s Constitution, he is duty-bound to ensure that the institution of legislature is not brought into disrepute on the basis of baseless fabrications.

As such, he applied to be joined in a case by Philip Undie challenging the suitability of Gbajabiamil for the Speakership position.

Joined as respondents in the suit filed yesterday at the Federal High Court, Abuja are the House, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and APC.

It would be recalled that the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Wednesday, was urged by Undie to bar Femi Gbajabiamila from contesting as the Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives, on the ground that the lawmaker was convicted for fraud to the tune of $25,000 which he allegedly failed to disburse to his then client in 2003 in the United States (US), where he was practicing as a lawyer.

https://thenationonlineng.net/southeast-apc-caucus-leader-backs-gbajabiamila-over-disqualification-suit/