₦airaland Forum

Buhari should lead the way

Elzak:
Let them do it for democracy, do it for Nigeria

So unfortunate to think that you are learned and sounding this senseless.

Clerverly:
This is just a normal PDP wailing meeting, albeit with so many microphones.

Buhari doesn't deserve such sacrifice

Elzak:
Why not boycott the 2019 election? Perhaps that would show how serious and concerned u are

Until proven guilty, don't make false accusations.

JusticeSeeker:
A meeting of renowned thieves.

Where did you leave Buhari? And what evidence do you have that he is their sponsor?

BuhariAdvocate:
Nonsense herdsmen's sponsor.the blood of thousands innocent people that herdsmen's killed is on your head bastard criminal.

More images

Arrival / commissioning of Akwa Abom San Carlos greenhouse farms (a subsidiary of Akwa Ibom San Carlos cocoa precessing company). By his excellency PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday had an emergency meeting.
The party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and his running mate on Monday held a meeting with governors and other party chieftains in Abuja.
The party had suspended campaign activities for three days in protest against the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen.

National Chairman, Uche Secondus, on the party’s Twitter handle @officialPDPnig on Saturday, said that the suspension of its campaign activities was in solidarity with Nigerians in collective rejection of the assault against democratic order.
“In the first instance, we are suspending our campaign for 72 hours.
“It is our hope that President Muhammad Buhari will listen to the voice of all lovers of democracy the world over and restore democracy in Nigeria immediately and without qualifications.

“We call on all well-meaning Nigerians to rise in defense of democracy and save our nation from this imminent slide into tyranny,” Secondus said.

By Raphael Ede, Enugu

There was anxiety in Enugu State over the bombing of the President General of apex Igbo cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, at his country home.
Daily Sun gathered that the bombing occurred at about 5:00 am Sunday morning at his Ukehe home in Igbo-Ettit Local Government Area of Enugu State.
In a release by Chief Emeka Attamah, Media Adviser to the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the bomb explosion took place on Sunday, 29th April, 2018 in the country home of Chief Nnia Nwodo.
According to him, a cursory look by the Police Bomb Disposal Unit suggested it was an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that was hurled over the fence into the compound causing extensive damage to the windows, the ceiling of one of the houses in the compound, and an air-conditioning unit.

Daily Sun reports that the Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Danmallam Mohammed, accompanied by the Area Commander for Nsukka Police Command and the Divisional Police Officer for Igbo Etiti LGA, were on hand to inspect the scene of the bomb blast, which cratered parts of the compound.
Addressing the residents of Ukehe who trooped to Chief Nwodo’s home, the Police Commissioner enjoined them to be vigilant and report any strange faces to security operatives.
Describing Enugu State as very peaceful, Danmallam wondered why miscreants would be after the life of Chief Nwodo who he said is serving his people, adding that what happened called for greater security around him.
Danmallam ordered that security be beefed up in and around Nwodo’s compound and promised that the perpetrators would soon be identified and brought to justice.
Earlier, the Commander of the Bomb Disposal Unit, DSP John Aniche, had briefed the Commissioner and Chief Nwodo on the items they collected from the scene, including batteries, pellets and other materials used in preparing the IED, and said that they would be carefully analyzed.
Welcoming the Commissioner to his home, Chief Nwodo expressed surprise that anyone would be after his life, but added that the incident would not deter him from leading his people.
He thanked the Commissioner for his prompt response to the incident.
In a speech, the traditional ruler of Umudele in Ukehe, Igwe Lawrence Aroh, thanked God for saving the life of the President General.
Aroh wondered why some bad elements would constitute a danger to others.
He assured the Commissioner that the people would be extra vigilant and that any such an attempt in the future would be nipped in the bud.
Later, the Enugu State Director of DSS, Mrs E A Likiyon, came to see the scene of the explosion.
The Enugu State Police Command meanwhile vowed to unmask those behind the attack, describing the bombing as a minor explosion.
A release by police spokesman Ebere Amaraizu made available to Daily Sun, said that the Commissioner of Police Danmallam gave the assurance when he led some of key officers to the scene of the explosion.

“We thank God that there is no loss of life, nor major destruction. We have to be more vigilant and security-conscious and be able to partner with security agencies to ensure that there is no repeat of such an incident,” the spokesman stated.
The PPRO said that the explosion, which occurred at the early hours of Sunday, caused minor impacts on two windows of one of the buildings by the entrance of the gate and very close to the fence.
“Background enquiry gathered revealed that the perpetrator, who may not have had access through the entrance gate, may have thrown the object through the fence and it landed on the ground near the windows and exploded and gave some impacts,” he stated.
He disclosed that the operatives of the Explosive Ordinance Department (EOD) of the State Command has already moved into the scene where they have collected some of the samples from the debris of the explosion for proper analysis.
Amaraizu however assured that the area has been rendered safe by the EOD operatives, even as the Commissioner has directed the Area Commander Udenu to beef up security and surveillance within the axis.

Reacting to the incident, the Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr Osita Okechukwu described the incident as shocking and very unfortunate.
“I call on the security agencies to fish out the culprits immediately. For we cannot avoid this kind of heinous crime. Enugu is been very peaceful and friendly. This peaceful climate musn’t be disrupted or truncated,” he said.
On his part, the Enugu State President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Alex Ogbonna, described the incident as a clarion call to the Igbo people to be vigilant.
He said that what happened at Chief Nwodo’s house will not deter him from fighting the cause of Ndigbo.
“For the first time Ohanaeze, led by Chief Nnia Nwodo, is being reorganized to give Ndigbo a voice in national affairs and, most unfortunately somebody, bombing his house. For what reason? I am not sure if the person is Igbo, but we are waiting for police to fish out those behind it.
“I weep for Ndigbo because we are under attack. But I can assure you that what happened will not deter the PG from fighting the cause of Ndigbo in Nigeria,” Ogbonna said.

By Success Nwogu, Abuja

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, on Monday said Nigeria is passing through difficult times with the recent developments in the country.

He stated that the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen was an attack on the judiciary.

Speaking during a media conference at Abuja, he added that it could precipitate a constitutional crisis which he warned could derail Nigeria’s democracy.

He warned the All Progressives Congress and the Muhammadu Buhari government to stop acts that could truncate Nigeria’s democracy.

He said, “APC should stop actions that could lead to a constitutional crisis that could derail Nigeria’s democracy.”

Source : https://punchng.com/nigeria-passing-through-difficult-times-atiku/

The way God has suspended your senses.

Baawaa:
"ATIKU becoming president is like hearing that a former armed robber is now your bank manager.OBJ(My Watch, page 49)
Onnoghen Suspended
Atiku's Campaign Suspended
May God suspend every Evil against Nigeria in Jesus Name

Yet again, our dear country is passing through a difficult moment. How we react to this challenge in the following days will determine the fate of our democracy, which has been brought to great peril by this needless crisis engineered by a government that is unwilling to subject its conducts to the requirements of our constitution.

Meanwhile, I commend all Nigerians and friends of Nigeria who have expressed outrage over the unlawful removal of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, an action, which constitutes a flagrant breach of our constitution and a frontal assault on our democracy. I want to note the universal condemnation of this unlawful act by all Nigerians, as well as the international community.

I need to state that this latest action by General Muhammadu Buhari falls squarely within the pattern of executive lawlessness that has now been firmly turned into statecraft by the APC government.

The serial disregard of court orders, and consequent violation of constitutionally guaranteed human rights of our citizens confirms beyond all doubt that General Buhari and his government would rather obey their own whims and operate by separate rules outside the well-established constitutional order and the rule of law. It scarcely requires emphasis that this behaviour is alien to democratic rule and more in line with that of a military dictator.

READ Almost Two Million Candidates To Write JAMB- Registrar
Without doubt, the fight against corruption is crucial to good governance and the progress of our country. In this context, the issue of corruption as it relates to the institution of the judiciary is even more crucial. As the last refuge of the common man, our judiciary must not only be above suspicion but must also be seen to be manifestly above board. The issue at stake is not whether the Chief Justice is guilty or not, but whether his removal from office has been done in accordance with the process specified in our constitution.

As a democrat, I must say, without equivocation, that no mission or goal, no matter how noble or well intended, should be used as a pretext for the subversion of our democracy and our democratic institutions. To create a condition that allows the constitution and the rule of law to become secondary to any other agenda is to pave the way for tyranny. History is replete with odious dictators whose path to dictatorship started with statements of good intentions. We must therefore remain vigilant in defense of our democracy.

We are all witnesses to how this government has serially assaulted the National Assembly, a separate arm of government that represents the bastion of our democracy. However, with this attack on the judiciary, General Buhari has set a new precedent in our democracy that has no equivalence in our history, not even in the darkest days of military dictatorship. This cannot be allowed to stand.

READ FLASH| Buhari moving to bribe senators to avoid Impeachment
At this juncture, I must warn the APC government to desist from taking actions that may push us further down the slippery slope towards a major constitutional crisis that could derail the electoral process. General Muhammadu Buhari must remember that he is a beneficiary of a free and fair election. It is therefore a matter of honour for him to allow a political environment and process that gives confidence to everyone.

All my life, I have been a democrat and a defender of democracy. Like all men of good conscience and patriots, I believe this present challenge has imposed on us yet again, the duty to rise in peaceful defense of democracy, for which so many have laid down their lives. I also know that the surest weapon against tyranny is the democratic will of the people. Nigerians have consistently demonstrated their preference for democracy, and I am, and will always remain, on the side of the people of Nigeria.

READ Suspension of CJN Onnoghen Illegal, Constitutional Crisis, A resort to self help ~ Southern/Middle Belt Leaders
I conclude by expressing, once again, my gratitude to the international community for standing by us in this challenging time. However, the primary responsibility to resist tyranny and protect democracy in Nigeria ultimately lies with Nigerians. It is on this note that I call on all Nigerians to seize the opportunity of the coming general elections to vote in defense of democracy and the rule of law.

We must vote out this anti-democratic government and restore our country to the path of true democracy, which is the surest way to ensure progress and prosperity for our people.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. God bless you all.




Images from the Press conference by the PDP Presidential Candidate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar at Umaru Yaraduwa center, FCT, Abuja.

...says Buhari works only three hours in a day



The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus has said that the government of President Muhammadu Buhari is collapsing because he is not in charge and takes no responsibility in the leadership of the country.



Prince Secondus said that the government is under performing in all sectors because the commander in Chief whom the bock ends on his table is not available to take vital decisions.



Speaking at a special conference on security organized in Kaduna by the PDP Presidential campaign Council as part of the on going national campaign, Prince Secondus said that Nigerians should not expect any surprise from a President who works only three hours in a day and sleeps out the rest.



"The reason why the APC administration is not performing because the President sleeps most of the man hour and leaves governance in the hands of cabals who do what ever they like.



The National Chairman said in statement from his media office signed by Ike Abonyi that ruling over 200m people requires a 247 leader not one who sleeps most of the time.



Prince Secondus noted that the security situation in the country got worse under President Buhari's watch because it's an area that requires that the Commander in Chief must be fully in charge to take responsiblilty.



The National Chairman told the conference that PDP administration under Atiku Abubakar is coming up with robust security policy that will respond to the changing dynamics.



He disclosed that the policy will ensure that there are adequate investment in technology to update nation's security structure to include having a war situation room at the seat of power for quick response to local and international security challenges.



Also speaking at the occasion while responding to questions from the audience, the Vice Presidential candidate of the PDP, Peter Obi said that Atiku Presidency will address the nation's security challenges from the root.



Obi said that Atiku's resolve to restructure Nigeria is derived from the fact that the current system cannot produce a just society and unjust society breeds anger and violence which leads to insecurity.



Another area that causes insecurity is unemployment which Atiku Presidency is taking as a Cardinal program if this country is to be rescued.



The Senate President and the Director General of the Presidential campaign council, Senator Bukola Saraki charged the people of Kaduna and and other North West states to vote for Atiku and the PDP to help rescue this country.



The security conference which attracted top PDP leaders and a cross section of the society including security experts reviewed the security situation in the country.



Signed

Ike Abonyi

SA media.

Patiently and OBIdiently Atkulating

Zombie

BubuZombi:
By His Appearance, He Looks Like Saraki's Aide.







Well, welcome back, Nigerians Will Still Not Vote For You... PMB All The Way

Olusola Fabiyi and John Ameh, Abuja

The Federal Government said on Friday it was in possession of fresh evidence allegedly linking the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, to the collapse of Bank PHB.

It stated that Abubakar had questions to answer in connection with an alleged N156m slush funds that he took from the bank through Claremont Management Services Account on 13th January, 2009.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Mr Lai Mohammed, made the allegation in Abuja while speaking with State House correspondents on whether the government was disturbed that the former VP got a United States visa and travelled to the US on Thursday.

Mohammed claimed the government was not bothered about the trip but added that he must clear his name of corruption allegations, especially his alleged role in the collapse of Bank PHB.

The minister said, “I have come to make few remarks about the recent visit of the presidential candidate of the PDP to the US. You can recall that a few weeks ago, I did issue a statement advising the US Government not to issue a visa to Atiku.

“Remember also that in that same press conference, I also stated that it remained the prerogative of the US government to issue visa to anyone it deemed fit.

“Let me say right away that we are not perturbed one bit that Alhaji Atiku Abukakar was able to secure a visa to the US. As a matter of fact, he can go ahead and get the US Green Card; that will not save him from imminent defeat in the forthcoming election.

He added, “I want to remind Abubakar that the elections will be right here in Nigeria and not in the US. In any event, any time Abubakar returns home, he has questions to answer following the fresh evidence that we have that he benefited from slush funds that led to the collapse of former Bank PHB.

“The document we have shows he benefited to the tune of N156m from that slush fund.

“The paper which we have here started from an internal memo on January 13, 2009, which reads, ‘Please refer for discussion, your requested overdraft in favour of Atiku Abubakar for N156m and deliver same to me.



“Please note that it must be delivered today (January 13) on the same date.’’’

The minister stated that there was a second memo, which confirmed the receipt of the money requested.

He quoted from the second memo, which reads, “Please confirm that the amount stated below be issued from Claremont Management Services account.”

He said, “And we have evidence here of the account mandate, the name of Atiku Abubakar; we also have a copy of the cheque in which the sum of N156m was issued to Atiku Abubakar, dated January 13, 2009.

“And of course, we also have a statement of account within that period that confirms that this sum was actually paid into his account.

“These are fresh evidence as to his involvement in the collapse of Bank PHB. So, we want him to stay as long as he wants in the US, but as soon as he comes back, he has to explain to the electorate and to Nigerians what his role was in the collapse of the former Bank PHB.”

Mohammed, however, observed that the visa the US gave to Abubakar was an indirect endorsement of Abubakar for the February 16 polls by the US government.

Allegation of corruption by FG is cock and bull story -Atiku

In his reaction, Atiku mocked the Federal Government for failing to stop the United States government from granting him visa, saying with or without a trip to the US, the PDP would dislodge the President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress at next month’s election.

The former vice-president also dismissed as cock and bull story, the allegation by Lai Mohammed that he had a case to answer over the collapse of Bank PHB (Platinum Habib Bank).

In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, Atiku’s Special Assistant on Public Communication, Mr Phrank Shaibu, said the Federal Government should bury its head in shame having failed to stop him from travelling to the US.

He said it was shameful that the governing APC took it upon itself to call on the authorities of another country not to grant a private citizen entry visa, which ordinarily should not be its business.

Atiku who arrived in the US on Thursday said the APC was jittery knowing that its government had failed.

He stressed that Buhari’s days as President of Nigeria were numbered, adding that members of the ruling party had been running from pillar to post.

Atiku challenged the Federal Government to either prove his alleged corrupt activities or forever remain quiet.

He said, “It is disgusting to continue to spin allegations of corruption against me by people who have failed to come forward with a single shred of evidence of my misconduct while in office.

“Isn’t it a shame that the ruling party, which National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, only on Thursday gave official confirmation to the general belief that even if Lawrence Anini becomes an APC member today, Buhari will forgive and consecrate him, can turn around to accuse me of corruption today?

“They just suddenly woke up to the reality that their lies about Atiku being corrupt can no longer hold?”

he had added, “I challenge the Federal Government to come up with evidence that I benefitted from N156m slush funds through Claremont Management Services Account on 13th January, 2009 as well as the collapse of Bank PHB as they have alleged.

“It is instructive to note that the same Bank PHB is now Keystone Bank, which was said to have been acquired by Buhari’s cronies through AMCON last year.”


Source : https://punchng.com/we-have-fresh-evidence-of-corruption-against-atiku-says-fg/

Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has described as ‘cock and bull story’, the allegation that he played a role in the collapse of Platinum Habib Bank, Bank PHB.


DAILY POST had reported that the Federal Government of Nigeria on Friday said Atiku would be questioned when he returns from the United States.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, who disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents on Friday said the government would investigate Atiku’s alleged role in the collapse of former Bank PHB.


According to him the investigation was “following fresh evidence that he (Atiku) benefitted from slush funds that led to the collapse of Bank PHB.”

But reacting, Atiku in a statement issued Phrank Shaibu, his special assistant on public communication, challenged the federal government to either prove his alleged corrupt activities, or forever remain quiet.

He stated that the federal government should bury its head in shame having failed to stop him from travelling to the US.


He said, “It is disgusting to continue to spin allegations of corruption against me by people who have failed to come forward with a single shred of evidence of my misconduct while in office. Isn’t it a shame that the ruling party whose National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole only yesterday gave official confirmation to the general belief that, even if Lawrence Anini becomes an APC member today, Buhari will forgive and consecrate him can turn around to accuse me of corruption today?

“They just suddenly woke up to the reality that, their lies about Atiku being corrupt can no longer hold? I challenge the federal government to come up with evidence that I benefitted from N156 million slush funds through Claremont Management Services Account on 13th January, 2009 as well as the collapse of Bank PHB as they have alleged.

“It is instructive to note that, the same BankPHB is now Keystone bank which was said to have been acquired Buhari’s cronies through AMCON last year,” Mr Abubakar said.

Atiku also said with or without a trip to the U.S., he will defeat the President Muhammadu Buhari at next month’s election.

“Tell them that their days of deceit are numbered. Nigerians are tired of them and they can no longer lie or take the people for a ride anymore,” the statement said.

”It was a mark of the idleness of the folks in charge of the APC that they resorted to lobbying the US to deny him (Atiku) visa, when they should be busy strategising on how to save their party from an imminent defeat.

“I am shocked that the minders of the governing APC can be lobbying the US to deny me a visa, when no other party is in a bigger mess than the APC following the confusion arising from its unprecedented record of non-performance.

“There is no need to worry, as we shall unveil on Sunday, January 20, 2019 “Buhari’s Hall Of Shame”. It’s a scorecard of failure, incompetence, nepotism and a President’s proclivity to harbouring indicted and other famed thieves of our patrimony. Date and venue shall be made public in due course.

”Never in the history of Nigeria have the people being subjected to the kind of unemployment level that the country is now witnessing under the All Progressives Congress (APC). It is indeed a double tragedy that a government that cannot even provide for the people is also unable to ensure their security.

“Having failed woefully, it is time for the Buhari led administration and APC governments at all levels to be kicked out through the forthcoming general elections,” the statement added.

Source : http://dailypost.ng/2019/01/18/atiku-speaks-bank-phb-tells-fg/

ADEMOLA BABALOLA

Wife of a former Vice president and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Titi, was on Friday evening attacked by suspected political thugs at Sarkin Sasa house in Ojoo area of Ibadan, Oyo State.

Mrs. Abubakar had arrived in the city two days ago to solicit support for her husband’s presidential bid.

An eyewitness told our correspondent that she had had a fruitful discussion with Sarkin Sasa and the Hausa community in the area when the hoodlums attacked her convoy.

Some of the supporters in the convoy were said to have been injured in the attack.

A chieftain of the PDP in the state, Alhaji Bisi Olopoenia, confirmed the development to our correspondent but said the party was investigating the attack on the harmless visitors.

He said there were insinuations that the attackers demanded money from the visitors and after they were allegedly given, some of them still went ahead to foment trouble.

Efforts to reach the State Police Public Relation Officer, Adekunle Ajisebutu, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

Source : https://punchng.com/hoodlums-attack-atikus-wife-in-ibadan/

LMAO

ejimatic:
The bitter truth is he cannot lose.He will win the election convincingly..... The north has additional four years now and the power will shift to the siouth ...It is sealed already.

Below is the video

https://twitter.com/J_9ine/status/1086013000656584705?s=19

The Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Organization (PPCO) says President Muhammadu Buhari’s comments at the Wednesday’s Presidential Town Hall meeting, in Abuja, exposed his proclivities for corruption, as well as his insensitivity to the plight of ordinary Nigerians, particularly those in the North.

Nigerians were shocked listening to President Buhari’s defence of the Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, over videos showing the governor allegedly receiving bribe from a contractor.

Particularly revealing was President Buhari’s contention on whether Governor Ganduje could not have used another person to get the money; a comment, which ostensibly exposes how corruption is being covered in the Buhari Presidency.

Nigerians can now see that the Buhari Presidency is a sanctuary of corruption, where officials thrive in using faceless individuals as fronts to fritter trillions of naira and cover their trails, while Nigerians wallow in hunger, acute starvation and untold hardship.

Perhaps, this offers an insight into why there has been no investigation into alleged involvement of some individuals said to be close to the Buhari Presidency in the N1.032 trillion alleged corrupt acquisitions in 9Mobile and Keystone Bank PLC.

This is in addition to the muting of investigations of a former aide to the First Lady, Aisha Buhari, Mr. Baba Inna, who was arrested in September last year, over accusations of receiving N2.5 billion from politicians, businessmen and women on behalf of the First Lady.

Nigerians can also recall the confession of one Amina Mohammed, who while being paraded by the Department of State Services (DSS), stated in public that persons close to President Buhari were involved in serial fraud and looting of public resources under the official cover of the Buhari Presidency.

This could also explain why investigations into the leaked memo detailing how N9 trillion was frittered through underhand contracts at the NNPC and Ministry of Petroleum Resources has been stalled.

This is in addition to government’s refusal to open up on allegations that 18 unregistered companied were used to divert N1.1 trillion worth of crude oil in 2017, as well as the alleged stealing of over N18 billion out of the N48 billion approved by the National Assembly for the rebuilding of six North east states ravaged by insurgency among other sleazes in the Buhari Presidency.

The PPCO therefore counsels President Buhari to end his showboating as Mr. Integrity as Nigerians have seen through the deceptions of his Presidency, particularly its humongous corruption and have decided to rally behind our Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar to restore integrity and transparency in governance.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan
Director, Media & Publicity
PDP Presidential Campaign Organization

Contrary to reports making the rounds, an aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar say there is no truth to the reports that Atiku has left Nigeria for USA.

Paul Ibe, media side to the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) told Ripples Nigeria on phone, that he’s “not aware”, that Atiku has left the country.

When asked if it was true Atiku has travelled to USA, Ibe said, “I’m not aware. He’s very much around, and we’ll soon issue a statement to counter those reports”.

There have been conflicting reports of late as to whether Atiku can travel to USA, as the opposition has severally dared him to do so, alleging that he would be arrested on entry to that country.

Source : https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/im-not-aware-aide-denies-reports-atiku-has-traveled-to-usa/

Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), will arrive the United States any moment from now, crossing one of the most serious political hurdles on his path ahead of the upcoming general elections.

Mr Abubakar, sources said, left Nigeria early today, and is expected to land in Washington D.C., the American capital, ending a 12-year deprivation of visa to a country in which he once lived and owned properties.

Campaign sources told PREMIUM TIMES Thursday evening that Mr Abubakar would be speaking at a forum by the American Chamber of Commerce in Washington D.C. and attend other meetings aimed at boosting his presidential election standing.

Mr Abubakar’s arrival in the U.S. may rattle the ruling All Progressives Congress, which has taunted him for his inability to enter the U.S. for over a decade.

Mr Abubakar has not visited the U.S. since 2007 when he left as Nigeria’s vice-president. He served under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Mr Obasanjo accused Mr Abubakar of fraud while in office, and he was also linked to corruption charges filed in the U.S. The politician denied all allegations of wrongdoing.

For the over 12 years that Mr Abubakar was unable to visit the U.S. American authorities had declined to issue him entry visa and there were speculation that a secret indictment had been entered against him by that country’s authorities.

PREMIUM TIMES reported last year that Mr Abubakar sold his estate in the United States, following his inability to enter the country. He denied that his inability to enter the U.S. informed the sale, saying he only sold the mansion because he no longer needed it as he was now fully based in Nigeria.

Mr Abubakar’s visa appears to have come through the intervention of Mr Obasanjo, with whom he recently settled decade-old dispute ahead of the 2019 elections.

Mr Obasanjo wants President Muhammadu Buhari out of office, after accusing him of displaying incompetence in the face of myriads issues confronting the country.

Party insiders told PREMIUM TIMES U.S. authorities made it clear that Mr Abubakar was issued visa without preconditions, meaning he would not be detained or harrassed in any way if he entered the country.

Mr Abubakar received a U.S. visa last December, sources said.

The ruling APC warned the U.S. government against granting Mr Abubakar a visa, saying it could tip the outcome of the upcoming presidential elections.

Mr Abubakar, however, kept his cool, refusing to join issues with the opposition party, until today when he quietly entered the United States.

Source : https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/306291-breaking-atiku-visits-america-after-12-years.html

He was the chairperson of the board of privatization doesn't mean he sold them out to his friends. El-Rufai under oath admitted that Atiku only contacted him once during the course of the privatization process. Get your facts straight and stop spreading falsehood.

Buterflyle0:
They will say Atiku is a very honest speaker who sees all Nigerians as his friends and wishes to enrich us all.

Same way he saw us as his friends when he was VP and head of privatization and sold off over 66 of our national assets thereby rendering millions jobless and poor with no Pension payments until PMB came and began paying off 10 to 20 year old pensions owed.

Every evidence released against APC will always be doctored to you stray Buhari fanatics.

Buterflyle0:
This was a live video feed unlike the amaechis doctored AUDIO.

The same way God is dealing with Buhari for his failures.

michoim:
God will deal with him . Corrupt old cargo

If all youths think like you, only then will Nigeria be a failed nation.

martowskin1:
Jobless youth, get busy with ur lives and forget about Nigeria.

Take it or leave it, Nigeria is a failed nation.

But as a person u can change ur life for the better

If u like sai baba or artikulate...... Until the ruling formula is changed.... No hope

And you mean Buhari has not openly practiced corruption?
Did you even watch him last night when he was asked about Ganduje's video? This man openly condemned the video that was not investigated. The judiciary halted the state assembly's investigation yet your president draws final conclusion that the video was manipulated.
Am sure you are educated, but since I saw a professor sit foolishly and boldly tell lies yesterday, I can clearly see why your ignorance is justified in support of this tyrant.

engreddy:
Well, at the end of the matter, I'll take PMB over Atiku any day, anytime. He may not be competent in economic matters (we knew that), but he has people he should be and who are trying their best.

Besides, Atiku may be good in business. But he has that inclination to be selfish and corrupt and I cannot imagine him as the president where he answers to no one. The obj supporting him today will start writing long letters tomorrow (which wouldn't change a thing).

There is corruption in every country and every govt, but at least, let it not be openly practiced. Let there be some fear among people that if you cannot explain your source of wealth, you will be asked to returned. But Atiku is no option for me

When you grow your friends, you grow your community unlike your lifeless Buhari that has only concentrated on growing his unemployed and unqualified family members while the rest of Nigeria drown.

[quote author= post=74836352]Never again in our country are we going going to allow THIEVES, ROGUES and LOOTERS near our national treasury.

We've had enough for 16 years, thanking God for giving us the best President in the history of Nigeria that is taking us out of the wilderness the party of thieves brought upon us into the NEXT LEVEL.
GOD BLESS NIGERIA.

OBJ has finished the matter about Atiku....
These books are definitely worth a second read![/quote]

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has declared that if eventually he loses the February 19 presidential election, it will not be the first time of him losing elections. President Muhammadu Buhari The President who stated this while fielding questions on whether he will accept the results of the forthcoming election if he loses said it was impossible for him to lose. The President said he tried it three times but was unsuccessful until the introduction of electronic system and the Card Reader by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Speaking during a live programme tagged ‘The Cadidates’ debate for the 2019 general elections in Abuja, President Buhari said it sounded impossible for him the lose the election considering the wide reception has continues to receive across the country during campaigns. Asked specifically whether he will quit office if he is defeated in the forth the election, President Buhari said, “it won’t be the first time I will lose election,”. I tried 2003 and I was in Court for 13 months, 2007. I was in court for 18 months in 2011 and went up to the Supreme Court. I sat down and said God Dey. For the fourth time, God and technology helped me. President Buhari said that the government was following a tedious way in fighting corruption, following carefully the books and records. He said there are instances where contracts were awarded to companies and individuals without work done. Asked whether he was getting frustrated by the slow pace of the fight, President Buhari declares that “I can’t afford to get frustrated.”. He also explained why he has decided not to react on the bribery allegations against the governor of Kano State Abdullahi Ganduje. “I am completely overwhelmed by the Ganduje case. I decided not to talk about it because the State Assembly has taken it up,” he added.

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru
Source : https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/01/february-polls-if-i-lose-it-wont-be-first-time-buhari/

Nigeria’s main opposition candidate for president said on Wednesday he would seek to privatize the state oil company and other government assets if elected next month, while removing a costly petrol subsidy, to revive the economy.

Atiku Abubakar, a businessman who served as vice president between 1999 and 2007, has promised to double the size of Nigeria’s economy to $900 billion by 2025.

He is the main challenger to President Muhammadu Buhari in the Feb. 16 election. Nigeria’s oil-dependent economy, which vies with South Africa’s to be the largest in Africa, has performed below par since 2016, when it suffered its first recession in 25 years.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation reported monthly group revenues totaling 4.58 trillion naira ($14.9 billion) in the 12 months to September 2018. Oil sales overall account for around two-thirds of government income.

The subsidy has been a drain on government finances. A previous effort to remove the subsidy by Buhari’s predecessor, Goodluck Jonathan, raised pump prices in 2012 and caused riots.

Source: https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-nigeria-election/nigerian-opposition-candidate-seeks-to-privatise-state-oil-firm-idUKKCN1PA16Z

APC are just liars.