₦airaland Forum

Saraki dumps APC to run with Ekweremadu
June 9, 2015


Bloc votes
plan collapses

Ex-Kwara governor shuns Ndume, Goje, others

Plans to get Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators-elect and members of the House of Representatives-elect to vote en bloc for principal officers during today’s inauguration of the Eighth National Assembly collapsed yesterday.

There was also a split among the PDP governors on who to support between Senator Ahmed Lawan and Senator Bukola Saraki for Senate president.

But The Nation learnt this morning that at a meeting of PDP Senators-elect in Abuja, 28 agreed to back Saraki/Ike Ekweremadu ticket; 17 agreed to back Lawan/Akume ticket. That was after Saraki decided to work with PDP in a desperate move to win the race.

Some senators and members-elect rejected the suggestion by Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose that PDP senators should vote Saraki.

Lawan at the weekend emerged the choice candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) after a mock election by the party’s senators-elect. But the Saraki camp rejected the straw poll and vowed to contest for the position on the floor today.

The APC is the majority party in the Senate, with 59 senators-elect. The PDP has 49 senators.

It was learnt that at a meeting held by the PDP caucus on Sunday night in former Senate  President David Mark’s residence in Apo, Abuja, the divided PDP senators-elect and their governors were said to have threatened to draft one of them into the race if the APC failed to agree on a consensus candidate.

Some of the PDP senators said to be rooting for Saraki allegedly suggested that they should forge a vibrant opposition on Tuesday by voting against the APC consensus choice as a signal of what form of opposition to expect in the Senate in the new dispensation.

The PDP senators were said to have contended that voting against APC’s preferred candidate would signpost a resolute stand to keep the PDP alive.

A source at the meeting said a former principal officer in the Seventh Senate was the brain behind the proposal.

The source said most of the senators disagreed vehemently with the suggestion.

Those opposed to the suggestion, it was learnt, averred that toeing the line of action would only serve the interest of a few, particularly the governors, rather than that of the PDP as a party.

The source noted that most of the senators agreed that “we should wait and see what the APC senators will come up with”.

He said: “The surprise of the night was that some of the governors who former President Goodluck Jonathan laboured to install were those at the vanguard of the Saraki project, a man who practically destroyed PDP.

“Most senators at the meeting viewed supporting Saraki as robbing Peter to pay Paul.

“They contended that it will be bad politics to reward a man who took up arms against his party, destroyed it and moved to build another one.”

The meeting was said to have ended without the Senators taking a final decision on who to back for Senate president.

A former acting National Publicity Secretary of PDP Chief Bode Ojomu, yesterday warned the party against supporting any of its defectors from either being the Senate President or the Speaker.

Another source said: “At the end of the day, we could not agree on bloc votes for any of the candidates for the Senate and House of Representatives. Governor Fayose pleaded with party leaders to see the battle as one between the PDP and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. He begged the party to ‘clip’ Tinubu’s  wings.

“But some senators-elect warned Fayose against going personal. They queried the morality behind PDP supporting candidates who defected from the party to the APC. They alleged that their defection led to the defeat of PDP at the polls.

“The governors were also split on who to back for the National Assembly offices.”

“At the end of the day, we could not reach a consensus on casting our votes en bloc for either of the candidates. I can tell you that everyone is on his own.”

The difficulty in arriving at a consensus has created an upset in Saraki’s camp.



It was gathered that those who are pro-Saraki were trying to strengthen the accord between their candidate and the immediate past Deputy President of the Senate, Chief Ike Ekweremadu.

The latest plot will lead to Saraki dumping Senator Ali Ndume as his favourite for Deputy President of the Senate.

Another source added: “They will continue to sell a dummy to Ndume that he will be Deputy President of the Senate if Saraki gets the ticket.

“But as soon as Saraki wins, they will nominate Ekweremadu who is expected to deliver the bloc votes of the Senators-elect from the SouthEast in collaboration with Senator Andy Uba.”

Uba and Ekweremadu could not be reached for comments last night.

It was gathered that the collapse of consensus by PDP has created a serious setback for Yakubu Dogara who is seeking to contest for Speaker of the House of Representatives with the party’s candidate, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Dogara could only garner support from 55 out of the 209 APC members-elect for the House of Representatives.

Another source said: “Dogara had banked on permutations that 120 PDP members-elect will vote for him but his hope was dashed last night by the split in the party.

“In fact, to earn the support of PDP, he was mandated to mobilise at least 70 members-elect from the APC. But Dogara is stranded as he could only secure the backing of 55 members-elect from the APC.

“As it is now, the moves to frustrate Gbajabiamila’s aspiration have failed. This is why they have resorted to blackmail and wild-chase in the court.

“Some pro-Dogara members-elect were also last night whipping up religious sentiments to set the core North against the party’s candidate.”

Ojomu warned the PDP against supporting any of its defectors from either being the Senate President or the Speaker.

He said those who defected from PDP to APC could not turn back to the party they decimated for succour.

Ojomu, in a statement, warned the PDP against playing politics of “pay back time” against the APC.

The statement said: “It is worrisome to observe that many of those who walked out were former PDP members who joined the APC and are acting out exactly the same script of ‘give a dog a bad name to hang it’ adopted as strategy to exit from the PDP for their safe landing in the APC.

“Today, by their actions and inactions alongside, other several factors left PDP comatose and one wonders if everybody acted like them who will be PDP senators and House of Representatives members to be now courted to defend their interest for victory at all cost against their ruling party’s official position.

“They decimated the PDP and now want to rely on it as strength to climb to number three and four in our nation. That’s crass opportunism and the PDP leaders in the Red and Green Chambers should not provide themselves as ready tools for self-serving pursuits.

“Strengthening party supremacy, party discipline, national stability and cohesion in government are the gains of PDP in National Assembly, standing firm that any political party official position or policy shall stand.

“Nigeria needs men of stable character. After all, those who stand for nothing fall for anything. The men and women that constitute the Nigeria’s Legislature must stand for something and in these circumstances it is principled position on party supremacy, notwithstanding that the former A.C.N botched that principle in the choice of speakership in 2011.“

Ojomu said the APC had the right to put forward those who should be on its platform in the National Assembly leadership.

The statement said: “Let it be noted that if the party was ever right to sponsor senatorial/House of Representatives candidate for election, it must also be right to determine who to put forward on its platform.

“No responsible political party in a democratic process that outlaws individual, independent candidate for elective offices will abdicate its historical and natural responsibility to present a sole candidate for each of the NASS Principal Offices.

“It will be unconventional for APC to watch helplessly for its members to contest in a free for all manner in the Red and Green Chambers.

“The gladiators need to drop sophistry in their argument and be educated that there is nothing undemocratic in the ruling party adopted open balloting process as opposed to secret balloting that was preferred by contending parties. Option A4 adopted in the Third Republic with SDP and NRC was adjudged one of the best democratic processes this country has ever witnessed. You queue behind your preferred candidate or party.”

“The lesson in my story is that all Nigerians must have part of my spirit which is resistance,” Governor Rotimi Amaechi yesterday told dignitaries that gathered for his 50th anniversary at a lecture in Port-Harcourt.

It was indeed fitting that in the epic struggle by rivals of President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of the 2015 presidential election, that they found a fitting mould in the person of Governor Rotimi Amaechi to lead the fight against the titanic Peoples Democratic Party, PDP which had projected itself to lead the country for 60 years in the first instance.

The choice of Amaechi to lead the presidential campaign of the All Progressives Congress, APC was indeed helped by his own past struggles in the trenches outside government. Even in government, his populist crusades for the enthronement of an egalitarian society that have seen rich and poor in Rivers State access the same standards of education and healthcare were indicators of a rebel in Government House.

Amaechi’s exposure to class struggle came first as a student activist when he fought against perceived harsh government policies. Remarkably, one of his most prominent struggles against authoritarian government policies were his agitations as an official of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS during which he fought in the trenches against the policies of the Muhammadu Buhari regime.

By the time he graduated in 1987 from the University of Port Harcourt, with a degree in English and Literature, he had also served as the President of the National Association of Rivers State Students (NURSS). His introduction into partisan politics had to wait until the onset of the Third Republic on the banner of the National Republic Convention, NRC and he subsequently became the Special Assistant to the Deputy Governor of the State, Dr. Peter Odili.

Ahead of the commencement of the Fourth Republic, Amaechi became the state Secretary of the Democratic Party of Nigeria (DPN) caretaker committee and following that, at the death of General Sanni Abacha, Amaechi joined the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP on whose ticket he was elected to the State House of Assembly.

Amaechi was to emerge as the speaker of the House of Assembly and won the record of being the only man to serve two straight terms as speaker in any of the 36 state Houses of Assembly. Amaechi’s political fibre was demonstrated in the days leading to the 2007 governorship election when after winning the ticket of the PDP he was removed on the assertion of him or his ticket having a K-leg.

Amaechi fought back and in the process, the once solid relationship he had with his one-time political mentor, Dr. Odili was severed. Amaechi’s doggedness eventually paid off in late October 2007 when the Supreme Court upheld him as the valid holder of the PDP ticket who should have been sworn in as governor.

He may have been the last of the 2007 set of governors to have taken office, however, Amaechi’s blueprint on taking office put him indisputably among the leaders in terms of performance in office.

The about 500 primary schools he built are comparable to the best in the world, the model secondary schools would put many local universities to shame, the 128 primary health care centres dwarf the prestige and sophistication of many hospitals, and the agricultural revolution he stimulated through the Songhai scheme are laudable achievements that put Amaechi on the pinnacle of history as among the best governors to have passed through Rivers State.

His achievements in the first term, his accusers allege, were tempered by the politics he played outside the state. His insistence on assuming his mandate for a second term in office as the chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, NGF was a reflection of his initial struggle for his governorship mandate in 2007.

Again, in his battle with President Goodluck Jonathan over the leadership of the NGF, Amaechi showed doggedness and unwavering commitment to the principles of democracy seemingly putting the president and his associates to pressure in their struggle to prove that 16 was a greater number than 19.

There is no doubt that the emotions that flowed from that struggle inevitably led to the defection of the five governors from the PDP, a development that nearly everyone now acknowledges signposted the defeat of President Jonathan and his party in the recent round of general elections.

Amaechi is, however, an ordinary man. He wins some and loses some. He may have lost the governorship battle in Rivers State with the victory of his one-time subordinate and chief of staff, Nyesom Wike in the recent governorship election. But it was a victory that came through a process that has been described by some as flawed by opponents of the PDP.

That seeming dent was not regarded as a defect for Amaechi yesterday. As he said, victory achieved at the cost of one human life is no victory. At 50, Amaechi has indeed put behind him the life of hustle-bustle, putting on the dignity that comes with life on the Golden plane.

- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/amaechis-lessons-at-50/#sthash.btTQ2Kkc.dpuf

The imminent inauguration of General Muhammadu Buhari as president this Friday provokes reminisces of another man who came to office in the same mould – Olusegun Obasanjo.
Buhari-&-OBJ

Buhari-&-OBJ

In his first days in office as a military dictator in 1984, Gen. Buhari severally claimed that his administration was an offshoot of the Murtala/Obasanjo regime. That was until an infuriated Obasanjo came out to denounce any relationship between him and the new regime.

In his second coming as Nigerian leader, Buhari, now a more matured man is not expected to walk in the image of another man as every indication is that he intends to answer his own name. But the similarities between the political adventures of Obasanjo and Buhari are real.

General Obasanjo became military head of state of Nigeria in February 1976 following the assassination of the then head of state, Gen. Murtala Muhammed during a failed coup attempt. Obasanjo was in office as military dictator until October 1979 when he stepped handed over power to President Shehu Shagari at the beginning of the Second Republic.

Remarkably, Shagari’s government was ousted in a military coup initiated by some officers who beckoned on Buhari, then the General Officer Commanding the 3rd Armoured Division of the Nigerian Army to lead the government. Buhari after twenty months, however, did not have the privilege of exiting on his accord as he was forced out in an internal coup initiated by some officers within his junta.

However, the inconsistency in their entry and exit out of power does not remove from the fact that the two men sit positioned as potentially the only two men to have successfully governed this country twice – ironically both as military dictators and as democrats. Obasanjo’s re-emergence as civilian president in 1999 was upon the broad support of the country’s political class, and especially retired military officers.

It is almost in the same way that Buhari is again being relocated to the peak of power as a civilian upon the broad support of the civilian political class on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC. Just like Obasanjo who after his release from prison dismissed reports linking him to the 1999 presidential election and famously asking reporters, “how many presidents will you make of me”, Buhari, after three attempts at the presidency between 2003 and 2011, was also known to have also renounced further efforts at a comeback.

However, both men were to succumb subsequently to entreaties from political associates when they were seemingly projected as the Messiah needed to move the country forward at difficult periods respectively in 1998 and 2015. However, given the experience of President Obasanjo in office between 1999 and 2007 when he in the view of some, acted with impunity, fears that Buhari may act in a similar manner has exercised some within the ranks of the political class, and particularly, in the APC.

Would Buhari follow Obasanjo’s alleged steps in impunity?

That both men are strongly opinionated on issues of corruption is not in any doubt and both men are known to have a strong repulsion of corruption. Obasanjo’s efforts in fighting corruption were highlighted by his remarkable efforts in enacting new legislation to combat vice. The first effort was the enactment of the Independent Corrupt Practises and other related offences Commission Act, which was one of the first legislative proposals introduced by his administration to the National Assembly in 1999.

Another landmark effort by his administration was the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Establishment Act, which was enacted to strengthen the corruption battle even outside the public sector. However, as a civilian president, reports of Obasanjo disregarding acts of corruption affecting his political allies was well reported. His indulgence of his political allies was especially highlighted by the allegedly skewed efforts of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC towards politically exposed persons.

The EFCC it is alleged, acted decisively in the N54 million bribe for budget scam involving the Senate Committee on Education on the supposition that Senator Adolphus Wabara was planning to run for the presidential election in 2007 at a time the Third Term script was allegedly being scripted. The decisiveness in the case of the N54 million education budget scam was, however, lacking in the widely reported N50 million third term bribe collected by senators and members of the House of Representatives who were enrolled into the third term plot.

Would Buhari be selective in his prosecution of corruption? Close aides and most associates disagree. Indeed, a high ranking official of the APC in a chat with some reporters acknowledged the trepidation among party officials as he said that Buhari was looking for the first person in his cabinet to go to jail for corruption.

The seeming difference in the way the two men may fight corruption was signposted by the revelation that Buhari would publicly declare his assets and require his aides to do the same. In making his assets public, the incoming president would have put public scrutiny and transparency to a high level that would inevitably only put those who are above board to show a willingness to serve in his administration.

Assertions that Buhari would not protect his associates involved in corruption is a fact many associates are now admitting. The ongoing struggle by some party chieftains to position their favourite godsons in key positions in the National Assembly some allege, is one way they also hope to check Buhari from moving against them should he consider taking his anti-corruption battle to within the top hierarchy of his party.

But the question as to whether Buhari would act with impunity in imposing his will on the political class as some allege that Obasanjo did in his years between 1999 and 2007 is another matter. Obasanjo was widely acknowledged to have foisted his will in the election of the leadership of the National Assembly during his time, a development that led to much instability in the two chambers of the National Assembly in that period.

Buhari has, however, promised not to follow that path saying that he has learnt from the lessons of the instability that shadowed the National Assembly during the Obasanjo period. Given his inclination towards law and order, Buhari is expected to bring a sense of discipline in the conduct of government business in a way that is expected to inspire emulation among aides and bring fear and dread to those who have until now indulged in trampling on the will of the people.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/like-obasanjo-like-buhari/#sthash.N14ghKlt.dpuf

Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State explained yesterday that the refusal of President Goodluck Jonathan to repay over N105 billion spent by the state government on the repairs of federal roads in the state was the major cause of their disagreement.

Ameachi spoke in Abuja after the presentation of a documentary titled: Dynamic of Change, which chronicled the achievements of his administration in the last eight years.

He said that even with three days to the expiration of the life of the present regime, the money was yet to be refunded.

He also hinted that his quarrel with President Jonathan escalated following the unnecessary interference of the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, in the affairs of Rivers State.

According to him, his resistance to the unsolicited actions of Mrs. Jonathan whom he accused of unleashing Police, military and other security agencies on the state to achieve her aim, fueled their disagreement.

Amaechi expressed gratitude to God for seeing him through his tenure as the governor of the state despite many efforts to remove him from office.

On his achievements in the state, the governor stated that the projects were executed in an attempt to bequeath people-oriented legacies to the people of the state, adding that he engaged 13, 200 of the 91,000 teachers required to boost education in state.

He, however, hinted that the state’s financial earnings from oil proceeds which used to be N20 billion had reduced to N6 billion due to the dwindling oil prices.

The occasion attracted the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Umar Na’Abba, his former deputy, Chibudom Nwuche, Senator Magnus Abe and other officials of Rivers State Government.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/where-jonathan-and-i-disagreed-amaechi/#sthash.ec3i55OD.dpuf

As the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) met last night to appoint a replacement for the former chairman, Chief Tony Anenih, who resigned last week, there was fear that if the out going President Goodluck Jonathan accepts the offer of being the next chairman it might present PDP as a regional party.

Also, there is the fear that Jonathan is trying to grab all the structures of the party in his pocket against all other major stakeholders.

This fear is coming against the background that the acting National chairman of the party, Mr. Uche Secondus, is from Rivers State and the National Secretary, Prof Wale Oladipo, is from Osun State.
Both are from the southern part of the country.
The stakeholders are worried that if Jonathan assumes office as the PDP BoT chairman, it would further complicate the regionalisation of the PDP and alienating of the North.

The president who is billed to hand over on Friday to Muhammadu Buhari is from Bayelsa State.
According to a concerned stakeholder, “we opposed former President Olusegun Obasanjo who after handing over became the chairman of PDP. It is not good for President Jonathan to do same, even if he is offered the office of the chairman of the BoT.

“It would not augur well in view of the party that some of the major offices are already concentrated in the south. We have other competent Nigerians that are members of BoT. President Jonathan should resist the temptation of accepting to become the chairman of the BoT. The choice is his either he accepts to become the chairman of the BoT and further diminish the stars of PDP or reject it thereby brightening the stars of the PDP.”

“The immediate past chairman of the PDP BoT offered President Jonathan the chance of becoming the new chairman, which he rejected, it is not known what informed the outgoing president’s rethink of accepting it now,” the source who is a member of the BoT said.

THISDAY gathered that President Jonathan is said to be in dilemma over the offer of accepting to be the chairman of the PDP BoT.

Meanwhile, there are plans to truncate the planned inauguration of the disciplinary committee scheduled for tomorrow.

THISDAY gathered that some members of the PDP would be filing at injunction at the Federal High Court today to stop the inauguration.

It is for this reason that the party is said to have outsmarted the plans by moving the inauguration to today.

Although the initial plan was to inaugurate the committee tomorrow but having gotten wind that some PDP chieftains were planning to challenge the constitutionality or otherwise of the committee today, the inauguration has to be to frustrate the plan.

“We have a plan to challenge the legality of that kangarooic panel because it is illegal and unlawful. There is a disciplinary committee set up, with the late Dr. Umaru Dikko as the chairman. That panel is still standing and until it is dissolved, another cannot come up,” a source disclosed.
http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/jonathan-in-dilemma-over-acceptance-of-bot-chairmanship-post/210221/

n a move to checkmate Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors, President Goodluck Jonathan has taken over the party’s structure to spearhead its much touted reformation.

Besides, the search for a National Chairman has started, with the slot still retained in the Northeast.

As at press time, the choice is between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Sen. Bala Mohammed and the Minister of State for Power, Mohammed Wakil, who is a former member of the House of Representatives.

Jonathan, it was learnt yesterday, actually pulled the strings of the revolt in the National Working Committee(NWC), which led to the “forced” resignation of former National Chairman, Ahmed Adamu Mu’azu and the immediate past Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih.

Acting National Chairman Prince Uche Secondus, National Secretary Prof. Wale Oladipo and National Publicity Secretary Chief Olisa Metuh were the coordinators of the palace coup against Mu’azu – courtesy of the Presidency.

A highly-placed source said: “With the exit of Mu’azu and Anenih, the President has beaten PDP governors to the game. He is now in firm control of the party’s structure, instead of allowing the governors to dictate the pace. He may also end up being a major financier of the party. So, whoever is not pleased will have to pitch his political tent elsewhere.

“ I can tell you that he is going to spearhead or drive the reformation of the party. With Jonathan’s emergence as the Chairman of the BOT, a new generation of leaders will take charge in PDP.

“But there is disquiet in PDP on the hijack of the party’s structure by Jonathan. Some party leaders said they might resist it after Jonathan has left power on May 29.”

Responding to a question, the source added: “I think there is a touch of 2019 in the sack of Mu’azu and Anenih. Jonathan wants to take charge of the party and reform it along its own agenda.”

Meanwhile, the President and party leaders on Wednesday night agreed that the Northeast should retain National Chairman to “avoid any crisis in the party, especially from members from the geopolitical zone”.

It was learnt that initially the Northcentral wanted the slot, with the Minister of National Planning, Dr. Suleiman Abubakar, as the likely choice, but the plan was stopped.

After retaining the seat in the Northeast, the leaders have begun a search for chairman.

Some leaders contemplated bringing back ex-National Chairman Bamanga Tukur, but the suggestion was immediately dismissed, The Nation learnt.

A presidency source said: “These two candidates – Muhammed and Wakil – are favorites of the President. While some leaders are pleading with the party to allow Bauchi State to produce the new chairman, others have fears that Governor Isa Yuguda and some PDP governors may not buy into the candidature of Sen. Bala Mohammed. They said it is of no use having a party chairman without a home base.

“Some are however making a strong case for Mohammed Wakil as part of a long-term plan to win the Northeast back to PDP in 2019.

“If any of the ministers becomes the PDP National Chairman, it will confirm the fact that Jonathan has taken over the PDP structure.”

It was also learnt yesterday that out-going PDP governors, who have hailed Muazu’s exit, may field one of their colleagues from the North for the position.

A source said the governors have their eyes on Jigawa State governor Alhaji Sule Lamido, and his Katsina State counterpart, Alhaji Ibrahim Shema.

According to the source, the governors may form a formidable bloc in post-2015 as the direct financiers of the party.

He added: “The out-going Preisdent, who is also a former governor, will head the powerful bloc. The governors are already convincing the president on their preference.

“Governor Lamido appears to be one of the most dedicated PDP leaders from the North. He is one of the few founding fathers who have not taken a back seat. It appears that he will command the respect of the six geo-political zones.

“But, if he declines, the odd may favour Governor Shema of Katsina State. It will be interesting that the new president and the opposition leader will come from the same state.”

The source, who is a member of the National Working Committee (NWC) added: “The governors want a dedicated leader from the North, who can continue to protect their interest. They also want a chairman who can effectively play a meaningful opposition role.”
http://thenationonlineng.net/new/president-grabs-pdps-structures/

The people of Ogbia Local Government in Bayelsa State, President Goodluck Jonathan’s home council, have described him as a prodigal, who has no balls to call his contractor friends to order and has allowed the community dotted with many uncompleted projects.

Angry that they have nothing to show for Jonathan’s reign as Nigeria’s president, they have demanded an apology from him for the abandoned and uncompleted projects in the area.

The demand came via a resolution at a meeting Monday by some Ogbia communities who threw their weight behind Comrade Oniekpar Ikuli, the Ijaw Youth Council Director of Mobilisation.

From the proceedings of the meeting, it was not President Jonathan alone the Ogbia people have grudges against.

They also have grudges against Barr. Azibaola Robert, the CEO of Kakaatar Engineering Limited, said to have been the main contractor for most of the abandoned projects. The communities said they are supporting Ikuli to sue Robert to redeem payment for services rendered for Jonathan’s campaign.

The case will be heard at an FCT High Court on the 28th of May, 2015.

The Ogbia people said for the six years they were privileged to have produced the President, the area has little or nothing to show for it, as most of the jobs approved were awarded to companies owned by Jonathan’s friends. They said the contractors have refused to execute the jobs and Jonathan has equally refused to call them to order.

Top on the list is Kakaatar Engineering Limited, a company formerly known as Mangrovetech Engineering Limited which controls over 80 per cent of the contracts in the area that have been abandoned.

They said this agitation became necessary as the government of their son winds up and their only hope now is the belief that the fear of General Buhari will be the only reason these contractors might resume work in the area.

Some of the awarded jobs they are begging Kakaatar to execute are:

Shore erosion control works at Akipilai, Ayakoro and Otuoke towns awarded by the Ministry of Transport at a cost of N7,503,344,599.
Construction of 2000 rooms hostel at Federal University, Otuoke at a cost N4 billion. It was awarded by NDDC.
Otuoke/Ikima Internal road network of N4 billion awarded by NDDC.
Opume/Okoroba 9.5 Km Road at the cost of N10 billion.Also awarded by NDDC.
Bayelsa State Cargo Airport (Sandfilling) 4 Million Cubic of Sand at N10 billion.

The Ogbia people said they have compiled all the abandoned projects in a petition they are giving to the EFCC, since Jonathan has refused to call his friends to order.

Outside Ogbia and Bayelsa, Kakaatar is also linked with various contracts. Some of them are: NIMASA awarded shipbuilding/dockyard construction (civil and infrastructure), Delta State at the cost of N18,457,283,591.91. FCTA awarded provision of engineering infrastructure, Kyami District, Abuja at the cost of N60,887,492,656.65. Others are FCT awarded Karshi-Ara road in FCT at a cost of N4,097,185,656.30 and Federal Ministry of Works awarded 14km Mbaise-Ngwa road in Imo state at the cost of N2.94 billion.
http://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2015/05/20/jonathan-a-prodigal-son-say-kinsmen/

A Lagos-based lawyer and rights activist, Mr. Ebun Adegboruwa, has faulted the decision of the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) to drop his military title of Major General after May 29 swearing in date, arguing that it is illegal and immoral. He, therefore, threatened to drag Buhari to court.

In a statement in Lagos, Adegboruwa contended that it will be unlawful for him to take such decision now, having enjoyed all benefits attached to that title as a former military officer and head of state.

According to him, “by virtue of Paragraph 1(1) of the 1st Schedule of the Armed Forces Pensions Act, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) is entitled to, and has indeed been receiving and benefiting from pension, as an officer who held a regular commission, before his retirement.

“Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) is the official and legal status, title, designation and appellation of our President-elect. He has no choice in the matter, but to continue to carry this cross for life.

“The military world over is a dignified institution, built on discipline, selflessness, courage, dignity, loyalty and patriotism.
Buhari

Buhari

“It is an institution that everyone should be proud of, except those of them who were trained and equipped by this noble institution, but chose to capture civilian power, through coup d’etat.

“Buhari attends the Council of State meetings as former Head of State, which office he held in his capacity as a Major-General, which officially qualifies him to earn some benefits, have security aides, salaries, emoluments, diplomatic passports as well as free medical treatment, home and abroad.

“From all the foregoing, I therefore humbly appeal to the President-elect to continue to bear his official name and status, by which he once climbed to power. I do sincerely sympathise with him on the very sad and distasteful memories that this title attracts to him. But it is his cross to carry.

“Nigerians voted for him in spite of his past and that should be enough encouragement for him to strive to erase any negative impression that it may have occasioned.”

Buhari is in order—Falana

Another Lagos lawyer and activist, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), disagreed with Mr. Adegboruwa, saying “Buhari’s decision is normal. General Obasanjo did the same thing. He was referred to as Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.

“There is nothing wrong in that. In the real sense of it, he remains a General. However, when you become an elected President, you cannot continue to be addressed as a General in a democracy. We cannot have a General in a democracy.

“Even his (Buhari) ADC, under the constitution, shall be a police officer not below the rank of an Assistant Superintendent of Police. Section 419 of the Police Act states this.

“The parade of the military as ADC by Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan is not part of our constitution.”

His wishes must be respected —Ubani, ex-NBA boss

Also arguing in support of Mr. Falana, former Chairman of Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Ikeja branch, Mr. Monday Ubani said: “What Buhari did is right.

“If you are filling a form and you are requested to put your name as you want to be addressed, you may decide not to answer Barrister Ubani, but just Ubani or M. O. Ubani.

“What the President-elect wants is uniformity in addressing him as President Muhammadu Buhari, not Alhaji, or General. So, as somebody who wants to operate under a democratic dispensation, he decided to put aside all the military toga.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/lagos-lawyer-threatens-buhari-with-suit-over-change-of-title/#sthash.ariGEAqM.dpuf

Former Governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu, says it is unfair to accuse the Igbo of voting en masse for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), stressing that PDP massively rigged the election in the region.
Orji Kalu

Orji Kalu

Kalu, made the statement said this during an interview session on a Channels TV programme, tagged, “View from the Top,” yesterday..

According to the former governor said who failed to secure the Abia-North senatorial seat, on the platform of the Progressives Peoples Alliance, believed that he did not lose in the election but was rigged out by the PDP.

He said, “The issue is that what happened in my constituency was a rigged election. Apart from Enugu and Ebonyi states, where the PDP had very good outings, every other state they won in the South-East was rigged.

Kalu said the people of Abia State voted against the PDP because of their feelings towards Governor Theodore Orji and the overbearing nature of the President’s wife, Patience Jonathan.

“So, the Igbo did not make any mistakes, I feel bad when I see people blaming the Igbo. In the presidential election, the result brought out from Abia where I was, did not reflect the voting pattern of the people.

“In Aba, I can tell you and I will tell Jonathan, that he did not win election in Aba. The APC won the election there but when I saw the result, it was a different thing because the people were angry because of the attitude of T. A Orji and the occasional interference of the wife of the President. People were angry.”

Kalu said it would be unfair to criticise a geopolitical zone for voting en masse for a party, adding that in 1999, the South-West voted massively for the then Alliance for Democracy even though Olusegun Obasanjo of the PDP is from the zone.

The former governor said the PDP lost the general election because of its greed and superiority complex.

He said he and a former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, had planned to form a merger around 2007 but his political associates in the South-East thwarted the plans.

He said he was not surprised that Tinubu went on to form Nigeria’s biggest opposition party which finally defeated the PDP.

He said, “The PDP was bound to lose the elections because many people were very greedy. There was impunity; people in the party felt they were mini gods. And when you feel that God Almighty is no longer God and that you are the new God, you are bound to fail and that was what happened.

“The PDP felt that they could afford anything money could buy. My brothers, the Igbo didn’t understand the local politics. What you see in the country today was planned by Bola Tinubu and me.

“He is alive, you can ask him. He planned to go with the Action Congress and I planned to go with the PPA. We said at the same time, we could come back to the stage but the two governors we had from the South-East were not as forthright as Governor Babatunde Fashola. Fashola was the only AC governor at the time.”


- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/pdp-rigged-s-east-election-massively-kalu/#sthash.wOBOM5TI.dpuf

The Nigerian Army has ordered 30 of its top officers to proceed to the Army Headquarters Garrison in Abuja to face a judicial panel reportedly over their conduct and performances in the ongoing war against Boko Haram.

According to an internal army memo dated March 11, 2015 the officers are to be court-martialed for various offences.


The memo listed 30 senior officers who were instructed to depart their current posting and head for the Army Headquarters garrison for “jurisdiction”.

The specific offences for which each of the officers is to be tried was not stated but military insiders say it has to do with their conduct in the fight against the Boko Haram extremist group.

Among those listed in the document is Enitan Ransome-Kuti, a Brigadier General and commander of the Multi National Joint Task Force, who has been blamed for the loss of Baga in January.

The brigadier general, his chief of staff, Lieutenant Colonel GA Suru and some other senior officers were arrested for failing to repel terrorists attack on the headquarters of the MNJTF.

According to the document seen by this newspaper, only one officer – a Lieutenant Colonel CA Ekeator – out of the 31 senior officers was posted from court martial at the AHQ garrison to Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, where he is Director of Studies.

The posting was signed by the releasing officer, Military Secretary, II Abba, a Major General, reports Premium Times.

The 30 senior officers include:
1. Brigadier General EA Ransome-Kuti, from MNJTF to AHQ garrison for jurisdiction
2. Colonel OC Ajunwa from MNJTF to AHQ garrison for jurisdiction
3. Lieutenant Colonel UG Yusuf from 202 Battalion to AHQ garrison for jurisdiction
4. Lieutenant Colonel A Haruna from 134 Battalion to AHQ garrison for jurisdiction
5. Lieutenant Colonel MO Eteng from 174 battalion to AHQ garrison for jurisdiction
6. Lieutenant Colonel MY Lawal from HQ CAR to AHQ garrison for jurisdiction
7. Lieutenant Colonel JO Ememe from 21 SERV to AHQ garrison for jurisdiction
8. Lieutenant Colonel HM Bukar from HQ 7 Division to AHQ garrison for jurisdiction
9. Lieutenant Colonel GA Suru from MNJTF to AHQ garrison for jurisdiction
10. Major AA Malgwi from MNJTF to AHQ garrison for jurisdiction
11. Major C Amah from OTD to AHQ garrison for jurisdiction
12. Major N Akpagher from 243 battalion to AHQ garrison for jurisdiction
13. Captain EE Ayegba from 101 DES to AHQ garrison for jurisdiction
14. Captain BT Bamisaiye from 525 SR to AHQ garrison for jurisdiction
15. Captain CU Okereke from AHQ DO G to AHQ garrison for jurisdiction
16. Captain EO Ogundile from STF (OP Safe Haven) to AHQ garrison for jurisdiction
17. Captain F Abajah from 134 battalion to AHQ garrison for jurisdiction
18. Captain UJ Atumeyi from 241 battalion to AHQ garrison for jurisdiction
19. Captain RG Mohammed from NASI to AHQ garrison for jurisdiction
20. Captain DY Chiwar from 174 battalion to AHQ garrison for jurisdiction
21. Captain P Dangnap from 174 battalion to AHQ garrison for jurisdiction
22. Captain JA Maku from 174 battalion to AHQ garrison for jurisdiction
23. Captain EU Omatighene from S1 list (UNAMID) to AHQ garrison for jurisdiction
24. Captain BE Alfred from MNJTF to AHQ garrison for jurisdiction
25. Lieutenant AA Tijjani from 541 BS to AHQ garrison for jurisdiction
26. Lieutenant GM Gomo from MNJTF to AHQ garrison for jurisdiction
27. Lieutenant AV Chijioke from 174 battalion to AHQ garrison for jurisdiction
28. Second Lieutenant IS Mekwunye from 149 battalion to AHQ garrison for jurisdiction
29. Lieutenant AJS Gulani (posting amended to read AHQ garrison for jurisdiction)
30. Major ES Okore (posting amended to read AHQ garrison for jurisdiction
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/05/boko-haram-brigadier-general-ransome-kuti-29-others-to-face-court-martial/

Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, says he believes that the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, cannot be worse than past presidents because he will be guided by a sense of history.

He, however, said that he “is cautiously optimistic” about Buhari’s performance.

Soyinka said this while delivering a lecture titled, ‘Predicting Nigeria, Electoral Ironies’ at the Harvard University Hutchins Centre for African and African American Research in the United States, according to a gazette by the institution.

A former US Ambassador to Nigeria, Walter Carrington, had asked Soyinka if Buhari could reform Nigeria like the late Singaporean leader, Lee Kuan Yew.

In his response, Soyinka said he was optimistic. He added that Buhari might deal ruthlessly with corrupt politicians.

Soyinka said, “I am very, very cautiously optimistic.”

He predicted that Buhari would be influenced by those around him to “keep his nose to the letter of the law. In his zeal to absolutely eradicate corruption, he might take advantage of ambiguous areas in the law and the constitution to empower himself to deal very ruthlessly and quickly with those who have robbed the nation blind.”

Soyinka reasoned that Buhari was unlikely to do worse than his predecessors.

He, however, said it would be naive for Nigerians to think that Buhari is the messiah.

He said, “I think that Buhari has a sense of history. He knows that he must make a mark, a very positive mark, on Nigeria to be able to live with himself, or die with a clean conscience. We must make sure that Nigerians are not allowed to forget his past. They should not think that the messiah has finally arrived.

“I think we stay on guard and continue to do what has needed to be done for the past 20 years or so.”

Soyinka said he believed that terrorism would continue for a long time because those perpetrating the act were of the belief that they were doing God’s work.

He said, “We will never get rid of Boko Haram. They are jihadists who wish to impose Sharia law and ban Western learning across Nigeria as indoctrinated. They are fanatics who believe that if they die in the cause, they will go straight to heaven where they believe literally in the 77 virgins awaiting their arrival.”
http://247nigerianewsupdate.co/must-read-soyinka-says-buhari-cannot-be-worse-than-past-presidents-because/

Recruited officers of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) and Federal Task Force (FERMA) have accused the Lagos State coordinator of the programme of owing them three years salaries running into millions of naira.

The officers during a protest on Monday at the office of the National Human Rights Commission, Oshodi, Lagos, southwest Nigeria, equally protested against the fraudulent extortion of money from them by some executives of the programme.

The protesters accused their National officers and chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Lagos as being responsible for subjecting them to such dehumanising condition and extorting money from them, adding that the management was using the SURE-P/FERMA job to exploit desperate job seekers for their selfish political gains.

The protesters carrying placards with offensive inscriptions on it, sang and chanted solidarity songs alleging that they were mandated to pay outrageous sums before they were employed for the job, adding that three years after employment and resumption of duties they are yet to be paid a dime.

They said that at the commencement of the programme in 2013, applicants were made to pay the sum of N32,500 each for uniform while additional N5,000 was paid for the procurement of the SURE-P forms.

They alleged further that the forms were picked at the residence of PDP Chieftain, Chief Bode George, with a promise that they would be trained in recognised institutions in the country.

They lamented that to date, no form of training had been organised for them. Instead, they were used for political rallies whenever any prominent government official was in the state in the build up to the last general elections.

The angry protesters said the whole recruitment exercise was a fraud, adding that they were just exploited by some people in the name of Federal Government project.

They vowed to continue their protest till the Presidency pays them the arrears of their salaries for three years.

Some of the women among the protesters who spoke with our correspondent in tears also recounted their tales of woe in the hands of the coordinators of the programme.

The pains they went through knows no bound in the course of their respective trainings as they took turns to tell their stories.

Some alleged that they lost their pregnancies while undergoing rigorous training exercises in the course of the programme while some said they lost their loved ones including husbands and children. “I lost my sick husband while doing this stupid work because I hardly had the time to take proper care of him. I expended all I had on the work because of the prospect I thought was in it being a federal government thing but at the end of the day, it was tales of regrets everywhere,” said Nkechi.

According to the coordinator of the protest, Aderibigbe Kayode Vincent,”we heard from a source within the Presidency that A PDP chieftain in Lagos (names withheld) told Mr President he paid us N350,000 each. This is a big lie. We have not been paid a dime for the three years that we have worked. We have over 70,000 staffs and they are owing all of us. So, I don’t know where he got that figure from.

“We ought to have had this protest on the eve of the governorship election but because they knew it will negatively affect the chances of the PDP at the polls, they called us and begged that we should shelve it. We went to their office on the Friday before the election as earlier scheduled and we waited till 7pm and they refused to show up and address us.

“We already wrote all the appropriate authorities on this ugly development including the police, ICPC, EFCC, our lawyer and others and they advised that we embark on the protest if not our money will not be paid.”
http://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2015/05/04/duped-sure-p-employees-protest-in-lagos/

What Forensic Audit Report Of NNPC Revealed (SUMMARIZED VERSION)

I Know most people won't have the time to read the lengthy report so I have summarized it

The report of forensic audit of NNPC was released to the public yesterday in accordance to President Goodluck Jonathan's directive.
Here are some major points as revealed by the report.

1. $ 980 million was over charged as subsidies on Petrol and Kerosene between January 2012 and July 2013.

2. $3.38bn was spent on kerosene subsidy for the review period.

3. A total sum of $ 13, 637, 077, 362 from sale of domestic crude was not remitted.

4. The following cannot be substantiated due to lack of supporting documents:

i. $ 0.25 billion claimed as NPA charges

ii. $ 59, 324, 737.01 spent on charter Hire services

iii. $ 6, 658, 588.74 of the $ 17, 767, 683.54 claimed as management fee of MT Tuma and MT Oloibiri.

iv. $ 5, 457, 006.98 of the $ 46, 265, 215.13 claimed as crude transport payment.

v. $ 6, 707, 826.05 on marine through put.

vi. $ 11, 896, 654.71 claimed as repair cost on pipeline vandalism.

vii. Management charge out rate claim of $ 59, 712, 530.83

5. The following funds cannot be substantiated due to insufficient supporting documents.

i. $ 10, 257, 161.07 claimed as enviromental remediation.

ii. A capital expenditure of $ 27, 179. 005.48

6. A total sum of $ 305, 885, 083.77 cannot be verified due to exceptions.

7. Both CBN and NPDC did not grant the audit firm access to nor give the requested information to the firm.

This was published by New York Times on January 19, 1984.
The man Buhari then is still the same.

CABINET IN NIGERIA INSTALLED WITH A WARNING
By CLIFFORD D. MAY
Published: January 19, 1984

LAGOS, Nigeria, Jan. 18— Nigeria's new leader, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Buhari, swore in the members of his Cabinet today, warning them that the ruling Supreme Military Council ''will keep a keen and watchful eye on your performance, your style of life and general public conduct while in office.''

He said the new administration, which came to power after the overthrow of the civilian Government of President Shehu Shagari on Dec. 31, ''will not tolerate fraud, indiscipline, corruption, squandermania, misuse and abuse of public office for self or group aggrandizement and other vices which characterize the civilian administration of the past four years.''

Of the 18 ministers named, only 7 are career military men. The proportion surprised some Western diplomats here but essentially accorded with statements by Mr. Buhari in an interview on Tuesday in which he said ''only a small number'' of military officers would be named to top political posts.

Apparently responding to criticism in the Nigerian press over the pace of decision-making under the new military regime, Mr. Buhari said that ''the appointment of ministers has taken us some time because we had to undertake a deep search for competent Nigerians of proven integrity, a high sense of discipline, public probity and transparent honesty.'' According to some Nigerian and Western sources, several candidates for portfolios were reluctant to accept appointment until the stability and direction of the new Government became apparent.

A senior Western diplomatic source said most of the ministers named today ''are not particularly well known.'' Other sources added that they perceived no particular ideological bent among them. A diplomat said many appeared to be ''lesser lights with provincial rather than federal experience.''

Named to the key position of Minister of Finance was Dr. Onaolapo Soleye, who said that he had most recently been teaching industrial sociology at the University of Ibadan and that he had served in an earlier military government as a commissioner of industries and in the Ministry of Finance.

Dr. Soleye declined to comment on substantive policy matters, saying he had not had time to study the situation.

The new Minister of Petroleum and Energy is Prof. Tam David-West, a biologist by training and a former commissioner of education in Rivers State.

Asked about his prior experience in the oil industry, he said he was ''well versed in the issues.'' He, too, declined to discuss policies or plans.

A leading Nigerian businessman who has known Professor David-West said: ''He was probably picked because he is tough and something of a disciplinarian. A headmaster type, not easy to get along with.''

The new Minister of External Affairs is Dr. Ibrahim Gambari, who served most recently as director general of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, having been appointed by former President Shagari. Dr. Gambari, the 40-year-old son of an emir, received a Ph.D. in international relations from Columbia University in New York in 1974. The swearing-in ceremony took place in a wood-paneled conference room in a military compound in the Lagos suburb of Ikoyi.

Each appointee read an ''oath of allegiance'' followed by an ''oath of office.'' A section of the oath of office pledged that ''I will not allow my personal interests to influence my official conduct or my official decisions.''

Addressing the ministers after the ceremony, General Buhari said each would be expected to declare his assets within six weeks and to complete by the end of April a ''critical review'' of all projects and programs under way within their ministries.

He said the new administration must ''curb the monstrous effects of a grossly mismanaged economy, galloping inflation and insure that food and other essential commodities are readily available at the easy reach of the ordinary citizen.''

NNPC deducted $18.53bn oil revenue, audit report confirms Sanusi’s allegation

A forensic audit of Nigeria’s state oil firm released on Monday confirmed the accusation by Emir Muhammed Sanusi that the NNPC withheld about $20 billion that it ought to have remitted to the national treasury.

The report ordered released by President Goodluck Jonathan, more than two months after it was submitted by PriceWaterHouseCoopers confirmed that the NNPC illegally expended $18.53 billion on operational costs, kerosene and petrol subsidies, without authorisation from the National Assembly. Part of the money was also withheld by an NNPC subsidiary, without National Assembly authorisation.

Although the audit found that the firm overpaid the state by almost $750 million, within the 19 months probed, it recommended a refund of $1.5 billion to government coffers. The audit covered January 2012 to July 2013.

Outgoing Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan released the audit days after his elected replacement, Muhammadu Buhari, pledged to probe the allegation all over again and crack down on corruption in the energy company once in office.

The probe of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation’s (NNPC) books was instituted last year after former central bank governor Lamido Sanusi said the firm had withheld $20 billion in oil revenue from government coffers, jeopardising the country’s finances.

Sanusi had told a Senate committee in 2014 that NNPC had received $67 billion and handed over only $47 billion.

After the allegations, Jonathan publicly dismissed the claim and replaced Sanusi, saying the banker had mismanaged the central bank’s budget. Sanusi has since become Emir of Kano, the country’s second-highest Islamic authority.

The PwC audit, however, said NNPC and its upstream subsidiary, the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, should hand over $1.48 billion arising from unsubstantiated costs, duplicated subsidy claims and computation errors.

The report also recommended an overhaul of how NNPC is run.

“The NNPC model of operation must be urgently reviewed and restructured, as the current model which has been in operation since the creation of the corporation cannot be sustained,” it said in the 200-page document.

An earlier one-page version of the report, which had been due out in September, was released in February.

The affair has caused consternation in a nation long accustomed to reports of grand graft in Africa’s largest oil producer.

Analysts say Buhari, 72, managed to oust Jonathan in elections last month because voters believed he would tackle graft in Africa’s largest economy.

Culled From Reuters

BUHARI BARS AIT FROM COVERING HIS ACTIVITIES - News

"Staff of Africa Independent Television, AIT, have been barred from covering all activities of the President-elect, Gen. Buhari until issues bordering on ethics and standards against them have been addressed."

Just read the above news headline. This is essentially what I wanted to read first hand about this development before commenting on it. Personally, I'm ok with it. It is usually ignoring the vices our co-journey mates commit as a nation that encourage further practice of such unethical behaviors, most especially where financial gains are involved.

We are all witnesses that AIT went against many professional journalistic standards and ethics during the campaign of the recently concluded 2015 Presidential Elections, particularly against the personality and character of the Presidential-Elect and even some members of his family in some instances, all in the baseless assumptions that Buhari will never emerge victorious.

Now, that he has won the race as God Wills, against all of AIT's full blown struggle to frustrate his ambition as a citizen of this country, if he finds it necessary to correct the anomaly practiced by such a corporate outfit, I believe to discourage similar re-occurrence by AIT and other outfits, not just media in future, such a barring should be accommodated, pending other legally binding retributions that might follow.

It is usually allowing persons or organizations to "get away with murder" as the saying goes, that is encouraging the impunity we are witnessing amongst many who find themselves in the corridors of power. If we are indeed serious about the CHANGE we have been shouting for in this country, then we must of essence be ready and willing to do what is necessary to salvage our disgraced image in the eyes of the world.

Many of us might not like it due to reasons based on sentiments bothering on region, religion, ethnicity etc, but if we are to truly find a bearing from the lost course we are pursuing as a nation, we must make persons be accountable for their actions. The consequences of each action must be fully weighed by any before fully indulging in it.

Let this journey of a New Nigeria begin. The world so far ahead, turns its head with hope and encouragement for us to catch up and occupy our position in the committee of nations. We must not disappoint ourselves or the rest of the world.

“Your mother was not properly married to your father” – David Mark insults Dan Onjeh

Door2Door Organization, the official campaign team of Senate President, David Mark has fired back at Dan Onjeh, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the Benue South Senatorial District election, describing him as a disrespectful child.

Onjeh, a former students’ leader had in a statement described Mark’s recent visit to the president-elect as a ‘wild goose chase.’

According to Onjeh, Mark’s visit to Gen. Buhari would not save his already dying political career.

Reacting to Onjeh’s assertion, the national coordinator of Door2Door, James Oche in a statement stated that Onjeh was over stepping his boundary and should be called to order.

Oche said Onje’s action shows that he mother was not properly married to his father.

The statement reads.

“I do not want to dignify a certain Daniel Onjeh with a response. I believe that in our culture and indeed African, tradition is held in high esteem and respect for elders is an integral part, when a young man consistently misbehaves there is a tendency to ask if his mother was properly married to his father, Daniel Onjeh arguably fit into this category.

For the avoidance of doubt His Excellency Sen. David Mark GCON visited President-Elect Gen Mohammed Buhari on Thursday 23rd April 2015 at about 2p.m on the invitation of the latter as a senior citizen of Nigeria.

Of course there was exchange of barters and issues of National concern where discussed by the two leaders.

For a certain Onjeh to resort to insult on the Senate President for honouring an invitation extended to him by our respected President -Elect is throwing caution to the winds. One wonders when it has become an offence to Honour an invitation.

This clearly marks Onjeh out as a child with a very faulty upbringing. To put the records straight, Sen. Mark does not need to campaign for votes in Benue south senatorial Zone. His land mark achievements are enough evidence to sell him any day.

But as a humble leader, he still went to all the nooks and crannies to canvass for votes; of course, the result was overwhelming as he won the election clean and clear.

Everybody on the streets of Benue south can attest to the quality representation and dividends of democracy including but not limited to 14,685 students of tertiary institutions who were placed on scholarships.

Ordinarily, the lot of them would not have had access to education, but did based on the scholarship of Sen. Mark through the David Mark scholarship foundation.

This is beside other categories of physically challenged orphan and gifted girl child on full scholarship. Onjeh should not forget that in Idoma Land respect for elders is sacrosanct.

That whatever his ambition or that of his pay masters may be no logic can diminish the solid facts of Sen. Mark’s achievements.

Above all Sen. Mark adorns a garment made by God and washed by Angel which a thousand Onjeh’s cannot stain or drag into mud.

Onjeh, a former president of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NAN, and West African Students Union, WASU, was yet to react to the statement”.
http://dailypost.ng/2015/04/27/your-mother-was-not-properly-married-to-your-father-david-mark-insults-dan-onjeh/

Toast of the moment, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki has secured his place in the history of Nigeria with the comprehensive victory of the All Progressives Party(APC), in the just- concluded elections.

Not only has ABS kept the Saraki Dynasty alive, he has achieved what even his legendary late father, Sen. Abubakar Olusola Saraki could not achieve in his life time – a100 percent electoral success in Kwara State.

And even more fascinating beyond the frontiers of Kwara State is the younger Saraki’s star power at the national level. Kwara, and indeed the nation, was thrown into deep mourning when Oloye passed on in his sleep in 2012, aged 79.

In generosity and philanthropy, Oloye was matchless; in politics, he was The Master; in relationship with the ordinary people, he was uncommon. Oloye was also a Nationalist par excellence. Kwara sorely misses its indefatigable political Godfather. The nation has fond memory of a politician whose influence transverse the ?entire country.

In the wake of his death, some pundits and implacable Saraki critics said it was the end of the Saraki Dynasty in Kwara. Yes, it was the end of an era, the Oloye era, but the dynasty was not buried with him. The Saraki phenomenon is still alive and kicking. Two reasons account for this.

First, the dynasty was built around the people, not the individuals in the Saraki biological family. The philosophy and practice of Oloye’s egalitarianism was so well-imbibed by many who had benefited from his leadership.

Second, Oloye was blessed with a son who cultivated the great man’s political structure, broadened it while the sage was still alive and nurtured it after the political titan’s exit.

ABS shares so many attributes of his late namesake (Abubakar) father. Both were born as silver spoons, both trained as medical doctors, both were elected as Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the younger succeeded the older as Turaki of Ilorin.

And of course, both cultivated the common people even if the elder Saraki was miles away in this arena.

Oloye created a world record in Africa for getting his son (ABS) elected as governor and his daughter, Rukayat Gbemisola elected as Senator simultaneously in 2003 and both observed two terms in their respective elected positions.

But despite their shared interests, the ABS path to political greatness is different from his father’s. He is unarguably the architect of modern Kwara. He assembled a first-class team (Cabinet) in his very first term to support his quest for excellence in governance. One of the stars of that cabinet, Alh. Abdulfatah Ahmed succeeded him as governor.

ABS was methodical in his approach to political leadership and influence. His chairmanship of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum gave that body a great turn around, making NGF a formidable platform for qualitative governance (through its peer review mechanism) and turning it to a formidable political machine that even a no-nonsense President Olusegun Obasanjo would not confront. He leveraged on that leadership to attain national prominence.

His level of influence increased when he successfully got Kwara (for the first time in history) a slot in the powerful National working committee of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party(PDP). He fought hard to get Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje elected as PDP’s National Secretary. He indeed, had a brush with OBJ who had already anointed Senator Tunde Ogbeha for the top job.

ABS is not abrasive, but he is a fighter. He is a veteran of many political battles. Until he waded in, ministerial positions for Kwara were always minister of state (1999-2008). Memorably, ABS fought for and won the battle for power shift to Kwara South (after Kwara Central’s unbroken 12 years reign). He is a great hero in this regard as he sacrificed his biological family’s interest for this historical political shift to happen. He still carries the scar of that epic power shift battle but it is comforting that the reconciliation within the family has now been substantially achieved with the deft defection of Senator Gbemi (GRS) to APC and the end of animosity between brother and sister.

It is not accidental that the hyped “freedom fighters” in Kwara met their political waterloo in the just-concluded elections. Saraki prepared well for them. An unusual mix of traditional Saraki critics and recent high-profile Saraki beneficiaries, had massed in PDP and their war-cry was “Freedom for Kwara”. They vowed to end Saraki dynasty and of course, terminate ABS political career. They made the 2015 election a referendum on Bukola Saraki’s political leadership. They were humiliated.

Indeed, the political mastery of ABS came to the fore in the 2015 elections. He solidified the political structure through an innovative polling unit approach. Don’t be a big man for nothing just hold your polling unit. It worked magic as it was easy to forecast the APC electoral strength even before the first election was held. So, despite PDP’s huge war chest which was recklessly displayed on election days, and the frightening federal threats and intimidations, Saraki and his structure prevailed in the presidential election, posting over 70 percent success rate .

The National and state Assembly results were even more humiliating for the PDP giants with clay feet: 9-0 (3 senators, 6 House of Representatives in the National Assembly), 24-0 in the State Assembly. A 100 percent score in the four 2015 successive elections was a feat that even Oloye would be proud of in his grave.

ABS had significant leverage in the Yar Adua government such that after the latter’s sudden death while in office, his influence in national politics, especially with the ruling party dipped. But he was only down, not out. He was soon back in the limelight, earning national applause as the arrow head of the merger of the PDP elements with the legacy parties in APC. It was a grave risk leaving the PDP comfort zone for the then struggling opposition APC but he pulled it through.

As he turned around the fortunes of Kwara in his time as governor, he has also displayed a similar shrewdness in the national assembly. He transformed a colourless committee on environment and ecology to a first class oversight platform in the senate. His contributions on the floor of the senate are well-documented and applauded.

Indeed, Oloye is alive.

al prominence.

His level of influence increased when he successfully got Kwara (for the first time in history) a slot in the powerful National working committee of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party(PDP). He fought hard to get Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje elected as PDP’s National Secretary. He indeed, had a brush with OBJ who had already anointed Senator Tunde Ogbeha for the top job.

ABS is not abrasive, but he is a fighter. He is a veteran of many political battles. Until he waded in, ministerial positions for Kwara were always minister of state (1999-2008). Memorably, ABS fought for and won the battle for power shift to Kwara South (after Kwara Central’s unbroken 12 years reign). He is a great hero in this regard as he sacrificed his biological family’s interest for this historical political shift to happen. He still carries the scar of that epic power shift battle but it is comforting that the reconciliation within the family has now been substantially achieved with the deft defection of Senator Gbemi (GRS) to APC and the end of animosity between brother and sister.

It is not accidental that the hyped “freedom fighters” in Kwara met their political waterloo in the just-concluded elections. Saraki prepared well for them. An unusual mix of traditional Saraki critics and recent high-profile Saraki beneficiaries, had massed in PDP and their war-cry was “Freedom for Kwara”. They vowed to end Saraki dynasty and of course, terminate ABS political career. They made the 2015 election a referendum on Bukola Saraki’s political leadership. They were humiliated.

Indeed, the political mastery of ABS came to the fore in the 2015 elections. He solidified the political structure through an innovative polling unit approach. Don’t be a big man for nothing just hold your polling unit. It worked magic as it was easy to forecast the APC electoral strength even before the first election was held. So, despite PDP’s huge war chest which was recklessly displayed on election days, and the frightening federal threats and intimidations, Saraki and his structure prevailed in the presidential election, posting over 70 percent success rate .

The National and state Assembly results were even more humiliating for the PDP giants with clay feet: 9-0 (3 senators, 6 House of Representatives in the National Assembly), 24-0 in the State Assembly. A 100 percent score in the four 2015 successive elections was a feat that even Oloye would be proud of in his grave.

ABS had significant leverage in the Yar Adua government such that after the latter’s sudden death while in office, his influence in national politics, especially with the ruling party dipped. But he was only down, not out. He was soon back in the limelight, earning national applause as the arrow head of the merger of the PDP elements with the legacy parties in APC. It was a grave risk leaving the PDP comfort zone for the then struggling opposition APC but he pulled it through.

As he turned around the fortunes of Kwara in his time as governor, he has also displayed a similar shrewdness in the national assembly. He transformed a colourless committee on environment and ecology to a first class oversight platform in the senate. His contributions on the floor of the senate are well-documented and applauded.

Indeed, Oloye is alive.

Barring any last-minute change, former militants and self determination groups will today begin the execution of the N9.3b waterways and oil pipelines contracts.

A memo from the Presidency directed the ex-militants, led by Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo), Mujaheedin Asari-Dokubo and Chief Bipobiri Ajube (aka Gen. Shoot-At-Sight) to take over Nigerian waterways and oil pipeline protection from the police and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) as from March 16.

But the contract execution was said to have been delayed because it was uncertain whether the incoming administration would revoke it.

It was learnt that some of the ex-militants did not have enough arms to man the pipelines and needed more time to get well-equipped for the job.

The Federal Government, it was learnt, is set to make a two-month payment out of the N9.3billion contract sum to the beneficiaries through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

The exact amount to be paid could not be ascertained last night.

The security agencies will hand over to the militants today, a source said last night.

The contract was signed on March 16. The companies are owned by some former Niger Delta militants and prominent citizens, including founder of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) Dr. Frederick Fasehun who confirmed that his company was being considered for the multi-billion naira contract.

The OPC National co-ordinator, Otunba Gani Adams, also confirmed to have been awarded the contract, saying it would provide jobs for his “boys”.

Seven companies have been allocated “regions” or operational areas as follows: Egbe Security River One (Bayelsa); Gallery Security (Mosinmi-Ore); Close Body Protection (Edo State); Adex Energy Security(Rivers) ; Donyx Global Concept(Lagos and Ogun); Oil Facilities Surveillance – (Delta) and New Age Global Security (Mosinmi-Ibadan).

The Federal Government was said to have appointed one Engr. Molokwu from the NNPCV Energy and Technical Department as the coordinator.

It was learnt that in 2009, a former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Ufot Ekaette, presented a memo to the Federal Executive Council for the award of the N1.8billion Kurutie Shoreline Protection and Reclamation contract.

A company, KFT Kpudoh, allegedly owned by Tompolo and another called Phoenica Nigeria Limited, bid for the said contract.

Based on the advice of the Bureau of Public Procurement, after a thorough technical audit, the Shoreline Protection and Reclamation Contract was awarded to Phoenica Nigeria Limited by FEC.

But the award of the contract to Phoenica fetched Ekaette death threats. The government later reviewed the contract.

A source in Warri, Delta State, said the contract for pipelines in Delta State would be executed by Oil Field Surveillance Limited, the same company, which had previously handled it. It is owned by Tompolo.

Nigeria has been battling with huge revenue due to vandalism of oil and gas pipeline.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Usman Jibrin, recently announced that Nigeria had been losing an estimated 100,000 barrels of crude oil valued at N1.18 billion daily to oil thieves. This amounts to an annual loss of N433.62 billion.

Pipeline vandalism is said to have led to shortage of gas for firing power plants.

The electricity market, which has 5,500MW installed capacity now generates an average of 3,575.85MW following paucity of gas as vandals who always strike whenever the sector is about to hit 4,500MW”.

Adams was quoted as saying that President Goodluck Jonathan deserves praise for approving a contract for the OPC to protect pipelines across the South-West.

Wide criticisms trailed the president’s approval of the contracts. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Niyi Akintola, described the plan as an act of corruption which has no precedent anywhere in the world.“Why must we encourage the establishment and operation of ex-militants in securing our oil pipelines? What is the responsibility of the Police and the Navy if the ex-militants are to be saddled with the responsibility?” he asked.

Lagos lawyer Festus Keyamo blasted the Federal Government for conceiving the idea in the first place, saying: “It is irresponsible of the Federal Government to give up part of its security to individuals. The money that would be given to such people should be used to equip the Police and the Navy. If this is done, they will perform better.”

Retired Police Commissioner Abubarkar Tsav blamed the plan on the desperation of President Jonathan to win the election at all costs.

Second Republic lawmaker Dr Junaid Mohammed said: “You can’t hire out the functions of the government to an individual no matter how connected they are…”
http://thenationonlineng.net/new/ex-militants-opc-begin-n9-3b-pipeline-jobs-today/


Opinion:What a country!!! Security officials should hand over security details to militants? This is a bad precedence and time will tell. Why not recruit the so called militants to the respective security agencies and let them work together thereby ensuring accountability and illegal proliferation of arms and all what not.

Colonel Azem Agouna, Chadian Army Spokesman, said on Wednesday that they have repatriated 43 children, who had been kidnapped by Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram and forced to become child soldiers.

He said in N’djamena that the children, who are aged 12 and older and are Chadian nationals, were found in the Nigerian town of Damasak, in North-Eastern Borno.

NAN recalls that Damasak was under Boko Haram control until Chadian and Nigerian forces recaptured the town in early March.

Agouna said the children managed to escape during the clashes between the insurgents and soldiers, while the local families helped them to hide from the jihadists.

He disclosed that when it was certain that Boko Haram had been defeated and would not return to the town, the children came out of their hiding places and asked Chadian security forces for help.

The spokesman said the army would look into how and when Boko Haram abducted the children from Chad.
http://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2015/04/23/chadian-troops-rescue-43-boko-haram-child-soldiers/

Baring any last minute change, President Goodluck Jonathan is expected to vacate his official residence at Aso Rock before the end of April. This is to enable Julius Berger commence extensive renovation work at the apartment, ahead of the inauguration of President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, on May 29.

The construction giant has been given up to two weeks, beginning from the first week of May to complete the renovation, including furnishing of the official quarters. Jonathan is expected to relocate to the Glass House located just next to his official residence where he will stay with members of his family until his tenure expires on May 29.

http://omojuwa.com/2015/04/jonathan-set-to-vacate-presidential-villa/

Dagrin: “If I die, make you no cry for me”

It is now five years since the rap king, Dagrin died, yet his fame and name never at any time disappeared in Nigeria’s rap game. Reminiscing on his death reminded me of his bravery and guts in the use and commands of language which he best displayed in his last song ‘If I die”.

In the chorus of this song, Grin as popularly called by some of his followers stated clearly, about his abhorrence for pretentious tears and developed his verse to tell of himself as man who wanted his best and not self-pity.

Today, we celebrate a legend by obeying his lines:

“ If I die, if I die
Make you no cry for me
E jen simi, ejo kejen mi”

When the song was released shortly after his death , it triggered tremendous controversy, went viral and was even perceived as diabolical due to its’ contextual coincidence with the talent’s death but one can’t ignore that this same song gave the biggest succor to many of his fans who couldn’t bear his demise at the said time.

Putting the records straight, it will be unfair to misconstrue Dagrin’s creativity for diabolism as he is not the first artiste who did songs about the foreshadowing of one’s death. Foreshadowing, is just a literary technique which involves the use of indicative lines to set the stage for an event to unfold-Dagrin’s acclaimed mentor, 2pac Shakur had done something of this nature with songs like If I die tonight; I wonder if Heaven goota a Ghetto etc.

Dagrin mastered his musical works and he will forever remain unforgotten for it; his songs are trade-marked to sell both his brand and contents- From the release of his first sophomore album, “Still on the Matter” to his second album, “Chief Executive Omo-Ita, C.E.O”, he kept his head high and was unique among his competitors.

He had massive hits during his lifetime and he took this glory on even at his exit from Nigeria’s music scene with the track: “If I die”. He rocked parties with tracks like, “ Mo lenu bi Pon, Pon”; ‘Efimile'; Kondo (Magic Stick), Swag among others all sold out.

Do you remember that laughter signature, “A-haaaaaaa!” which always gives him the majestic street entrance into any song he finds himself? This among other techniques won him an ‘ocean-size’ kind of followers in his short reign in stardom.

Some will love him in a way that you won’t help but ask why? I once criticized a staunch Christ believer friend of mine who is also a fan of Dagrin, she was one of those who effortlessly sing in and out every track done by or any which featured the talented artiste. I asked her, “are you not aware this is a worldly song?” she replied, “Forget it! I am a born again Christian but I can’t just resist singing along the songs of Dagrin. He is deep, If singing him is wrong, please accept it as my bad habit.” She said smiling.

This is just one out the thousands overwhelming compliments awaken on the lips of the fan of this gifted artiste. More tributes are coming in, Dagrin lives on.

RIP Dagrin
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/04/dagrin/#sthash.BmUcTa4R.dpuf

The National Executive Committee, NEC of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is meeting today to resolve the issues outstanding from the zoning of principal office positions in the party as recommended by the National Working Committee, NWC of the party last week.


The deliberation of the party’s highest decision making body is expected to quell rising anxiety within the party over the allocation of party positions that has seen zonal leaders position their interests against those of other zones.

The party NWC had reportedly zoned the position of Senate President to the North-Central a development that has seen two of the major gladiators from the zone, Senators Bukola Saraki and George Akume turning into the front leaders for the contest.

The zoning of the speaker and Deputy Senate President, according to sources is expected to be resolved today or possibly tomorrow by the party hierarchy.
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/04/zoning-apc-meets-today/
The party NWC had reportedly favoured the Southwest Zone for the office of speaker a decision that subsequently generated controversy as leaders from the Northeast were believed to have also claimed the position besides the office of Deputy Senate President that was reportedly also zoned to the zone.

However, gladiators within the Northeast were yesterday reported to be canvassing the allocation of the DSP position to the Bauchi/Gombe axis in the region given the claim that other states in the region had been satisfied with other positions.

According to sources, the APC has conceded the Chairman of the Board of Trustees to Adamawa/Taraba axis, Deputy Senate President to Bauchi/Gombe axis and House Leader to Borno/Yobe axis of the northeast zone.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar according to sources is to be chairman of the BoT of the party putting Adamawa/Taraba axis out of contention in the race for DSP.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/04/zoning-apc-meets-today/#sthash.HhWnUMKt.dpuf

The evolution of the All Progressives Congress (APC) into the governing party and the emergence of its candidate, Gen. Muhammad Buhari, as the President-elect prove a fundamental truth. A single visionary blessed with courage equal to his vision is ultimately more powerful than a vast multitude that is devoid of sight, courage and sound counsel.

Gen. Buhari, a personification of integrity, stalwart patriotism and decency, was the inevitable candidate and is the right man to be President this time. Complementing him as the necessary strategic catalyst of this great democratic feat was Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Never in the history of our nation has an incumbent President lost to his challenger. For that to happen is a profound feat. For that feat to come about through a newly merged political party is something bordering on the edge of the impossible. Yet, in our Nigeria, that is exactly how our democracy has been secured and our chance for a better future revived.

As the primary architect of the APC, and a key strategist in its drive to become the government of this nation, Bola Tinubu has earned history’s verdict as a true and committed democrat. At moments when others threatened to quit or did quit, Tinubu stuck doggedly to the course. When the Alliance for Democracy (AD) ran into stormy weather and was hijacked by the reactionary elements funded by the government in power, Tinubu established another progressive party, the Action Congress of Nigeria (CAN). From his solitary redoubt in Lagos, the ACN cast its progressive message and Tinubu attracted able and committed people to the democratic cause and to his course in it.

The epic turn from governing a single state to governing a nation had begun. Few believed, as Asiwaju did, that this achievement was within reach. The ACN went on to win six states and secure the Southwest for the progressive cause.

And when the time came to re-shape the opposition nationwide into one body, Tinubu took the lead in sowing together the different political parties into a workable whole. In the face of state-sponsored attacks and spirited attempts to scuttle the merger, Tinubu led the team of political fighters to make APC a reality. The period between the formation of the party, the inauguration of the party’s executive, to its convention in Lagos, the national presidential campaign and now the elections was one charactererised by dangerous moves, plots and turns against him. Tinubu survived them all and remained standing.

As the intellectual force behind the APC, Tinubu never waivered. Gen. Buhari and Chief Bisi Akande were the strongest and most faithful of allies in this great effort.

These are statesments of high-caliber personalities who never shook when the adverse wind blew.
General Muhammadu Buhari

General Muhammadu Buhari

If along the way Tinubu had wavered, many would have wavered with him. The story today would have been a different and inferior one. He remained standing even when many tried to make him fall. Tinubu is brave at heart and large in vision. He has the fortitude to stand when times get tough and when doubt becomes as thick as fog. He forges ahead while others succumb to fear. He stands alone when others are tired and sit down. This rare man chooses to take risks and stake everything he has for a just cause. He stands alone when he makes unbelievable sacrifices in order to achieve a greater goal. He excels in the wee, lonely hours; when others are asleep, he pours over Nigeria’s problems in search for solutions. He stands alone when he makes the tough and necessary decisions, not minding how he will be perceived. He stands alone when he refuses to join the doubters and holds on to the belief that it is possible.

For standing against the tide of greater power and might all these years, Tinubu has achieved something for us all. He is truly an architect of modern Nigeria, a driving force behind a new Nigeria and one of the fathers of a truly democratic two-party system.

Tinubu has ushered Nigeria into the meeting hall of democratic nations. By staying the course, by investing his intellect, experience and resources in the struggle for a better country and by working with people of like minds, Tinubu has helped lift the nation from its despair.

APC’s electoral success is not a fluke. It was earned. It came as a result of great sacrifices and through the effort of the key drivers and other leaders who kept steadfast even when hope seemed lost. The long hours on the road and in the air, crisscrossing the nation, spreading the message of change and urging others to join the party bore fruit. The APC ship got many on board. Not even the attacks from the PDP could sink it.

On the campaign trail, Tinubu was a firebrand. He easily excited the crowd whenever he spoke. People were sure to taste of his wit, his incisive political jabs and his commanding vision about what APC can do to change Nigeria. Perhaps the greatest lines of the 2014/2015 presidential campaign that will never be forgotten and will remain in the books for a very long time is that from Tinubu. Responding to attacks by the PDP that the APC presidential candidate, Gen. Buhari was a former general and should not be trusted, Tinubu had a reply for them in full measure that shut them up. Tinubu roared at the Abeokuta campaign: “When France needed to get out of political troubles, it tapped Charles De Gaulle; when America needed solid political leadership, it called on Eisenhower; Nigeria needs fixing and the man for the job is Gen Muhammadu Buhari”. This answer and analysis from Tinubu settled the argument. It won many over and shut the mouths of the politicians on the other side. On the campaign trail from the South to the North, Tinubu was a delight.

Fired up and in his elements, he was unrelenting. He saw what many did not see, that APC will form the next government and restore hope to Nigerians.
Sunday Dare

Sunday Dare

Whenever the history of this political era in Nigeria is written, it will be said that there was one man, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who stood firm in commitment and courage to make the difference for Nigeria. Tinubu is a class act and is in a class by himself. From the corporate world, he took the political storm by storm in Lagos. This was after a commanding performance in the pro-democracy struggle to liberate Nigeria from the clutches of military dictatorship. He was at the vanguard of democracy in the days of the National Democartic Coalition (NADECO) struggle. Since then, he has never looked back. As governor of Lagos state, he excelled in governance. He brought out the excellence in Lagos through a combination of pragmatic decisions and financial and social engineering that turned it into a model city.

Lagos, today, is a reference point. He took over the Southwest, reshaping the political landscape in a positive and dynamic way. He was instrumental in identifying six men, who today remain some of the best governors this country has ever known. On the national stage, he was a constant voice of opposition. Unwavering, unbowed, unbeatable, Tinubu was the fulcrum of opposition politics. His voice rang out loud and clear against injustice, impunity and miss-governance.

For his progressive views and opposition to government, Tinubu suffered. His businesses suffered. His political structures came under severe assaults. Enemies sought to ruin his reputation. They dragged him to court, hoping to jail him but failed. In all, he survived and remained standing. Through all of this, he has remained humble and self-effacing.

In the explosive celebration that followed the victory of the APC in the presidential elections someone in the tiny crowd that gathered in his office said: “Your Excellency Tinubu, this is your finest hour”. Tinubu shot back, “No. This is Nigeria’s finest hour and it is the best birthday gift I can ever wish for”. He went on in his major reaction to the victory to describe the victory of the presidential candidate of the APC, Gen Buhari as Nigeria’s finest moment in its political history. “It is a moment when hope is re-born, faith is rekindled and a fresh fire of patriotism is released for the task ahead”.

That is the measure of a man who sees ultimate victory in the emancipation of his people and the triumph of good over evil. Tinubu has seen it all. Today he stands tall in humility. He has survived where others were crushed. He has achieved what others failed to achieve for our country politically. He has been this generation’s’ most consummate and strategic political mind. History will record that.

If anyone ever doubted the veracity of a sobriquet – The Last Man Standing – given to Tinubu, they should doubt no longer. The title is more than valid. More importantly, this last and only man standing dedicated himself to a great and selfless task that we all may stand to feel the morning rays of genuine democracy shine upon us. This man is a hero. What no one dared to do, he did.

Now, friend and foe alike, we are all the better for it.

Sunday Dare is Chief of Staff/Special Adviser on Media to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu
http://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2015/04/21/tinubu-the-quintessential-political-strategist/

Mama Peace In BIG Trouble!!! What Did She Do Again? U.S Moves To impose Sanction On Patience… Jonathan And Orubebe

Godsday Orubebe, a former Niger Delta minister, Ibrahim Shema, the governor of Katsina state, and other Nigerians accused of either inciting violence or disrupting elections in the country.

According to Premium Times, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, in a statement issued on Monday, April 20, said that the USA would shut its doors on people involved in any form of violence during the polls.

“Anyone found to have incited violence or interfered with electoral processes will be unwelcome in the United States and subject to visa sanctions,” she said.

It is worth mentioning that Ms Thomas-Greenfield did not give names of those considered for sanctions.

However, Orubebe appears one of the most likely targets. It would be recalled that the former minister openly disrupted the process of collation of the presidential election results on March 31, 2015, in Abuja. Orubebe received worldwide condemnation for his actions, and later apologized for his behavior.

Patience Jonathan had said at the Peoples Democratic Party Women Campaign in Calabar, Cross River state, that anyone chanting change should be stoned.

“I’m telling you, anyone that comes and tell you change, stone that person,” she said. “What you did not do 19 kilikili, is now that age has caught up with you, you want to come and change? You can’t change rather you will turn back to a baby. You will turn back to a baby. From old age nothing, so nothing like change. Rather (it) is continuity.”

The sanctions may also target Governor Shema of Katsina state, who was caught on tape encouraging his supporters to physically assault and kill opposition politicians in the state. He described members of the opposition as “cockroaches”.

Tele Ikuru, the deputy governor of Rivers State, had also during a campaign rally in the state, called on the people to fight and redeem the state from the All Progressives Congress even if it means shedding their blood.

“It is necessary for the sake of your fathers, for the sake of your mothers, for the sake of your brothers and sisters and for the sake of your children. Every Rivers man must stand up to fight this evil among us.

“If it demands your blood, so be it,”Ikuru said.

Several other politicians may also be sanctioned after investigations into dozens of election-related violence are completed.

Ms Thomas-Greenfield said, while the elections were generally without a significant scale of violence, and irregularities in some parts of Nigeria, some people were resolved to undermine the will of Nigerians and interfere with electoral processes, resorting to violence and voter intimidation.

She said the US regretted any loss of life and property during the process, adding that violence and rigging was unacceptable in a democratic electoral process.

She commended the INEC and its chair, Attahiru Jega, called on Nigeria to continue to explore the use of relevant technologies in future elections.

“Despite some technical glitches, it is clear that technology and use of social media-INEC’s online posting of results for each polling unit, live tweeting of results, the use of biometric permanent voter cards and electronic card readers- improved efficiency and limited fraud.”

Before Nigeria’s general elections, the US President, Barack Obama, had stated that successful elections and democratic progress would help Nigeria meet the urgent challenges Nigerians face today.

“Now more than ever, it is up to all Nigerians to stay united so that Nigeria can move forward with a clear set of priorities for the future.

“This next phase is critical as the world continues its hopeful watch for what happens in Nigeria,” Ms Thomas-Greenfield said.

According to her, the conclusion of a peaceful electoral process in Nigeria will serve as an example to other nation preparing for elections. She added that the US looked forward to the inauguration of the president elect, Muhammadu Buhari, on May 29 and the beginning of a new chapter of the relationship between the two countries.
http://www.naij.com/424992-us-to-impose-visa-sanctions.html

FAAC raises panel over NNPC’s unremitted $1.48bn, revenue into Federation Account drops by N86.42bn

The Federation Account Allocation Committee on Monday night constituted a committee to find out the reasons for the delay in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation to make $1.48bn available to the three tiers of government.

Price Water House Coopers had in the report of its forensic audit report of the corporation recommended that the NNPC should refund the amount to the Federation Account.

The firm was last year hired to carry out the audit following an allegation by the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Lamido Sanusi, that $20bn was not remitted to the Federation Account by the NNPC.

Sanusi, who is now the Emir of Kano, had written a letter to President Goodluck Jonathan that $49bn was not remitted to the Federation Account by the NNPC.

But following the controversy which the letter generated, a committee was set up to reconcile the account.

Sanusi later recanted and said the unremitted fund was $12bn. He later changed the figure to $20bn.

PwC had stated in the report that while the total gross revenue generated from crude oil lifting was $69.34bn between January 2012 and July 2013 and not $67bn as earlier stated by the Senate Reconciliation Committee, what was remitted to the Federation Account was $50.81bn and not $47bn.

The audit report revealed that $28.22bn was the value of domestic crude oil allocated to the NNPC, adding that total amount spent on subsidy for Premium Motor Spirit was $5.32bn.

But the Chairman, Forum of Finance Commissioners of FAAC, Mr. Timothy Odaah, while speaking on the matter in an interview with journalists after this month’s meeting, said the committee was worried about the delay in the release of the fund.

He said while President Goodluck Jonathan had given a directive for the fund to be made available, the corporation had yet to release it with about a month to the end of the current administration.

Considering the persistent drop in allocations to the three tiers of government, he said the money was needed by the states so that they could meet up with their obligations since majority of them had yet to pay salaries of workers and contractors for projects executed.

Odaah said, “We are making a clarion call that the $1.48bn coming from the audit of the NNPC should be made available so that we can clear what we owe with that.

“The coming (April) FAAC meeting is the last (for this administration) and we believe the money should come during that period because if it doesn’t come by then, it is belated and we don’t want it to escape that period.

“Today, there was a committee constituted for the purpose of ensuring a that we meet with the NNPC so that everything would be ironed out because we know that Mr. President has already given a directive and we also know that the minister (of Petroleum Resources) has directed that it should be paid but we don’t know exactly what is happening.

“We need that money; the Federal Government needs it, the states and local governments also need it, and if it is not released with this type of abysmal funding we have seen, it will be very terrible.”

Meanwhile, the continued shutdown of trunks and pipelines at various terminals continue to impact negatively on the country’s revenue as gross revenue accruing to the Federation Account dropped by N86.42bn to N315.04bn in March from the N401.46bn received in February.

The revenue figures for the period were released on Monday in Abuja shortly after the FAAC meeting, which was presided over by the Minister of State for Finance, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda.

A communique issued shortly after the meeting stated that the pipeline shutdowns affected crude oil revenues negatively.

For instance, a breakdown of the N86.4bn decline showed that while mineral revenue declined by N78.36bn from N306.94bn in February to N228.58bn in March, non-mineral revenue dropped by N86.42bn from the February figure of N94.52bn to N86.46bn.

However, the communique stated that there was an increase in the average price of crude oil from $48.65 to $55.34 in the period under review, boosting revenue by $43.73m.

Non-oil revenue dipped further in the month of March partly due to the fact that the timeframe for companies to file their returns had not fallen due.

Most companies operating with accounting year end of December 31 have up till March 31 to file in their returns.

The communique read in part, “The gross revenue of N315.04bn received for the month was lower than the N401.46bn received in the previous month by N86.42bn.42bn. The continued shutdown and shut-in of trunks and pipelines at various terminals continued to impact negatively on crude oil revenue.

“However, an increase in the average price of crude oil from $48.65 to $55.34 in February, 2015 boosted revenue by about $43.73m.”

The communique added that the drop in gross revenue also affected the statutory allocation for the month as distributable revenue to the three tiers of government dropped by N86.99bn to N435.06bn from the N522.05bn shared in February.

From the amount distributed under statutory allocation, the Federal Government received N146.48bn, representing 52.68 per cent; while the states and local governments received N74.29bn and N57.28bn, respectively.
http://247nigerianewsupdate.co/faac-raises-panel-over-nnpcs-unremitted-1-48bn-revenue-into-federation-account-drops-by-n86-42bn/

Okocha expresses fear over who swears in Wike

Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) OCJ Okocha has expressed concern over the absence of a Chief Judge who will swear in Rivers State Governor-elect Nyesom Wike.

Okocha said the constitution empowers only the Chief Judge of a State, the President of a Customary Court of Appeal and a Grand Khadi of a Sharia Court of Appeal to administer oath of office on a governor-elect before he can legally perform the functions of a governor.

Okocha, who spoke yesterday on a radio interview monitored in Port Harcourt, said Rivers State may be in for a constitutional crisis on May 29 if Governor Rotimi Amaechi does not appoint an acting Chief Judge.

He said: “Any of these three can administer the oath. For us, it is usual that it is the Chief Judge of Rivers State. We don’t have a Chief Judge, neither do we have an acting Chief Judge. We also do not have a President of the Customary Court of Appeal.

“If these things remain as they are now, there may be constitutional crisis. Right now that office is vacant so is the office of President of the Customary Court of Appeal of Rivers State and we are facing this looming, as you say, constitutional crisis.

“Well, I hope and believe that reason will prevail and the governor will see it fit to do what is needful to ensure he appoints the appropriate person as stipulated in the constitution as acting Chief Judge so that at least, we can have our new governor sworn-in by the acting Chief Judge so appointed,” Okocha said.

Justice Lambo Akanbi of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt last year ruled that the National Judicial Council (NJC) cannot force the governor to accept whoever it recommends to him for appointment as Chief Judge.

Justice Akanbi also said that the decision of the NJC to prefer Justice Daisy Okocha and disqualify Justice Peter Agumagu was wrong, null and void.

Dissatisfied with this decision, Justice Okocha approached the Court of Appeal to set aside the decision and till now, the matter is still undecided.


http://thenationonlineng.net/new/okocha-expresses-fear-over-who-swears-in-wike/

the woman most be a devil incarnate .....cahi

Orubaebae literally mean an act destruction in china

Prostitution is one of the oldest occupations known to man. Lets find out why men have patronized these women till date.



Dating back till biblical times, Prostitution is one of the oldest professions known to man. As much as many people around the world frown on it as a profession, a good number of men still patronize these 'Jaded' women,' spending a good amount of their income on them to get sexual release.

As much as sex is a basic necessity of any human being, procuring it from a woman who has had multiple encounters with other men, increasing the chances that she might have an STD or deadly disease, still baffles many.

Could it be just the need for sexual release, the thrill of having an unknown lady in one's bed, or an addiction?

Lets hear the opinion of people on why the think men still patronize prostitutes today.

There are a lot of ladies who go about complaining that they do not know what men want.

My dear, if you will stop and really do a soul search, you will find out that you know, but you do not have the courage to build up those qualities.

Guys love women who are:

Intelligent: An intelligent woman is the pride of her husband. Not only are the genes transferable, she can speak on any subject without embarrassing the family name. Lol!

Compassionate: A woman is built to be compassionate. So, it is a turn-off to men when they see ladies who do not consider the less privileged-“hard chic.”

Self Confident: This is a big “turn on” for most guys. Though some “lilly livered” guys feel intimidated, this quality is highly admired by guys who are high achievers. This does not in any way mean you should be cocky and rude.

Selfless: Selfishness generally is a turn off for everybody. Guys love a selfless woman who gives her time, resources and talent for the upliftment of others.

Ambitious: If you are someone with goals and aspirations in your life then you’re a big catch and intensely attractive.

Trustworthy and Disciplined: No guy wants a woman who cheats and tells him lies. Guys cherish a woman who is honourable and can be held accountable.

Prudent: Money is a major challenge in every relationship, whether it is the availability or lack of it. Your ability to judiciously manage funds, will make your guy attracted to you.