₦airaland Forum

The governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, on Tuesday empowered pastors under his divine mandate campaign platform and members of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN in the state, with N500 million.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the divine mandate pastors received N250million with each of the over 2,500 members, receiving N100,000 each while the five blocs of CAN shared N250 million.

Mr Umahi said during the disbursement, that he decided to empower them in realization that pastors and other members of the clergy were not exempted from the harsh challenges of life.

“One of the pastors sent me a text message that though they receive stipends to help in their monthly prayers, they were not Okada (commercial motorcycle) riders.

“I told him that I didn’t know they get stipends and cautioned that he may be one of those who graduated from school, didn’t secure a job and believe that ‘pastoring’ was an easy way of life,” he said.

The governor noted that temptation, poverty, idleness and lack of knowledge do not know who a pastor is, as human challenges are products of the environment.

“It is therefore important that every pastor must be doing something because when you get involved in business, you will get more experience and training to mediate among brethren.

“Let this fund be a mustard seed and if it is too small to start something, aggregate it as I believe that the over N500 million we are disbursing presently would yield over N4 billion in two years,” he said.

He recalled that the pastors have been praying for his gubernatorial ambition not to be given cars and money but for good governance.

“Your prayers are not debts unto us, don’t feel that you worked for me and got no reward but realise that your rewards are of compound interests before God.

“Money is however highly needed in the present day evangelism because if you are preaching to a hungry person and is not properly dressed, he will not believe you.

“He will say if God can do what you claim, why hasn’t he done it for you and people disbelieve native doctors because they would claim to make one rich yet dress in rags,” he said.

Mr Umahi noted that the pastors, CAN members, over 5, 000 empowered widows, government officials among others, would participate at the flag off of his campaign rally on Nov. 18, at the Pa Ngele Oruta stadium.

“We would fast from 8.am to 6.pm on that day with the divine mandate pastors from the 13 Local Government Areas of the state, subsequently fasting and praying for election successes in the state and country.”

Eunice Oyeyemi, Coordinator of the divine mandate pastors, said that the prayer team was borne from the governor’s initiative and absolute trust in God for wisdom and direction.

“The governor is like the biblical King David who will not go into any battle until he has heard from God as he believes in the prayers of genuine men of God.

“These pastors devout their time and pray across the 13 LGA for the government while mobilising their faithful to regular praise nights and other activities of the government,” she said.

She noted that the empowerment would bring smiles and encourage the pastors who have been interceding for the government since its days of struggle till now.

“The governor believes that we should not depend on our churches and people around us for survival as we have our Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) to deliver on our mandate,” she said.

Rev. Fr Abraham Nwali, the chairman of CAN in Ebonyi thanked the governor for the gesture and pledged the continued prayers and support of the church to his administration.
NAN

By Maryam Hassan



The governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, who was caught on tape receiving bribe in hard currency from contractors, has been conferred with ‘Best Governor in Infrastructure Development’ award by LEAD Innovation.

DAILY NIGERIAN had published two out of 15 videos in which the governor was shown receiving bribe.

Mr Ganduje, who is currently facing probe at the Kano State House of Assembly, received the award on Sunday at the 10th LEAD Innovation Festival at Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

In his remark at the ceremony, Mr Ganduje thanked the group for honoring him with the award, his administration had recorded achievements in education, healthcare, infrastructure, among others.

“In the last three years, we managed to make significant strides towards implementing our development agenda to ensuring that Kano people enjoy the dividends of change.

“Not only that, development programmes are evenly spread across the state in terms of infrastructure development in the areas of road construction/rehabilitation, education, health, water supply, environmental protection, agriculture, economy etc.”

“The choice of this year’s festival theme: ‘Exploring Great Innovations building Institutions in Africa’ is a clear testimony of the organizers’ vision to gingering all stakeholders in innovation towards achieving the goal of recognizing and encouraging innovators and entrepreneurs in different sectors of the African economy,” he added.

By Fikayo Olowolagba 


A 57-year-old man, ‎Daramola Kehinde has been remanded in prison by an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly raping his 16-year-old daughter death.

Kehinde, of no fixed address, is facing a count charge of rape.

The prosecutor, Insp. Johnson Okunade, told the court that the accused committed the alleged offence on Aug. 10, at Iyin-Ekiti.

Okunade said that the accused raped his 16-year-old daughter, which led to her death.

According to the Prosecutor, the offence contravened the provisions of Section 31 (2) of Child Rights Law and Section 214 of the Criminal Code, Law of Ekiti State, 2012.

The prosecutor, therefore, urged the court to remand the accused in prison, pending legal advice from the office of Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

However, the Chief Magistrate, Mr Adesoji Adegboye denied the plea of the accused.

Magistrate Adegboye then ordered that the accused be remanded and adjourned the case until Nov. 2, for mention.

By Deji Elumoye in Abuja



The Senate Committee on Establishment has uncovered an employment racket in the Federal Civil Service Commission, FCSC, through which no fewer than 80 prospective job seekers were defrauded of over N20 million.

Chairman of the Committee, Senator Emmanuel Paulker (PDP Bayelsa Central), made this known in Abuja on Monday while three members of the Commission were being screened by the committee for re-appointment as Commissioners.

According to him, over 80 job seekers were recently reported to have been swindled of N250, 000 each for employment into federal civil service which turned out to be fake.

Paulker, described the scandal as a “huge embarrassment to the country that should not have been swept under the carpet.”

He said the committee will like to know what role the nominees who are being screened for re-appointment knew about the scam and their individual roles in the scandal.

The FCSC is the executive body that has the authority to make appointments, transfers and exercises disciplinary control over all federal civil servants.

Paulker wondered why the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Offences Commission (ICPC) that investigated the scandal failed to make its report available to the committee upon request.

The Senator further said the alleged racket was so serious especially when the seal of the Commission was used by the racketeers adding that while few of those who got appointment letters started work “others worked for over three months and had to be stopped when the scandal blew open.”

Paulker noted that it was all the more shocking to discover that some commissioners who served during the period were fingered to have been involved in the deal.

The Committee therefore took on the three Commissioner-Nominees- Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed (Kaduna), Professor Aminu Sheidu (Kogi) and Simon Etim (Akwa Ibom), to tell members what they knew about the fake appointment letters.

In his response, Mohammed told the committee that the issue came up several times but nobody accepted responsibility.

According to him, FCSC resolved that the issue should be thoroughly investigated hence its invitation of the ICPC to probe the scandal adding that he was not invited by the ICPC during its investigation.

On his part, Sheidu also confirmed that the issue was investigated but noted that what actually happened was that “our procedure was not followed by our Chairman, Deaconess Tolani Ayo.”

“At a point in time, the chairman (of the commission) was by-passing the commissioners and was issuing directives to the director of recruitment. On several occasions, some commissioners confronted the chairman.”

He noted that what further escalated the issue was that the chairman unilaterally fixed a date and asked MDAs to delist those who were recruited during the period.

The decision of the chairman to unilaterally delist some recruits, he said, did not go down well with most of the commissioners.

In his response, Etim also alleged that the unilateral decisions taken by the FCSC Chairman fuelled the recruitment scandal
According to him, the chairman never brought the issue of delisting some recruits to the commissioners for ratification.

He noted that as soon as he became the acting chairman he invited all those delisted to appear to defend how they got their appointment letters saying those who were able to defend their letters of appointment were recommended for reinstatement.

Temidayo Akinsuyi and Tony Ezimakor



Lagos/Abuja – Aggrieved All Progressives Congress (APC) governors believed to be plotting the removal of Adams Oshiomhole, the party’s National Chairman, may have backed down.

This followed President Muhammadu Buhari’s reported disapproval of the alleged plot.

The governors, led by Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State, who is the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF); Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State; Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State, and Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, were said to be at daggers drawn with Oshiomhole over the outcome of the party’s primaries in their states.

Aside this, Oshiomhole was said not to have been in the good books of some APC governors who were loyal to the immediate past national chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

The arrowheads of this group are believed to be Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State and Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State.

It was alleged that the governors, who had reportedly infiltrated the National Working Committee (NWC) leading to a sharp division in the committee, were already gathering in Abuja to perfect their move.

It was also alleged that 15 of the 21 APC governors had collected signatures for his removal and were planning to converge on Abuja today to finalise the plot to remove him.

But, according to a source in the presidency, President Buhari was strongly opposed to any move by the governors and made his opinion known to them in clear terms.

According to him, the governors had been meeting with the president to register their grievances with the outcome of the primaries.

“But while the president gives them audience to express their feelings, he will eventually ask them to go to Oshiomhole to iron out their differences,” the source said.

He added that Oshiomhole was at the villa on Sunday where he met with the president, and that the president assured him of his full support while asking him not to be distracted but be focussed on his mission of reforming the ruling party.

Our source said the president also met with Oshiomhole on Monday evening though the details of the meeting were not known.

“What they don’t know is that Oshiomhole carries the president along in his day-to-day running of the party. Everything he sends out, the president approves of it. He is just laughing at the governors saying, ‘so, the rich can also cry’.

“As we speak, few of the governors who are hell-bent on removing Oshiomhole are in Abuja, but they are afraid of doing anything.
“All of them are hiding now, including the anti-Oshiomhole NWC members. None of them has come out to counter the statement issued by the national chairman,” the source said.

Speaking with Daily Independent , Prince Tony Momoh, one of the national leaders of the ruling party, said though many of the party members were aggrieved due to the outcome of the primaries, the issue would be managed such that it won’t lead to Oshiomhole’s removal from office.

He said: “If a group of people are ganging up against someone, they must have their grievances. The chairman of APC is a creation of the law, APC constitution.

“How he got there is in the party’s constitution and how he can be removed is also there. If there is any gang-up against him, it can only bear fruit if the conditions are met. Otherwise, they can’t succeed.

“A lot of people, after the primaries, are aggrieved and one of the outcomes of that is the extreme measure of threat of removal of the chairman.

“But there are several ways of resolving issues and any of these ways can be resorted to. Removal is an extreme measure, but I don’t think it will get to that. Even if that will happen, it will be in accordance to due process.”

Also on Monday, Simon Ebegbulem, Oshiomhole’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS), issued a statement withdrawing the earlier one he issued on Sunday in which he claimed that some powerful stakeholders were ganging up against his principal and plotting to pass a vote of no confidence in him.

In the statement, he also claimed that some of those not happy with the reforms being carried out in the party by members of the current National Working Committee were plotting Oshiomhole’s removal as Chairman.

According to Ebegbulem, the earlier statement was not authorised by the chairman.

Part of the statement read: “On Sunday, October 21, 2018, I issued a statement on alleged plans by some stakeholders to move against the leadership of the Comrade Adams Oshiomhole led All Progressives Congress (APC).

“I want to state categorically that the statement was not authorised by my principal, Comrade Oshiomhole, and I hereby withdraw the statement. I deeply regret the error.

“As APC Chairman, Comrade Oshiomhole is enjoying the maximum support of stakeholders of the great party as shown by the reality on the ground.

“Comrade Oshiomhole will speak on the issues affecting the party when there is the need to do so. Meanwhile, he is busy giving leadership as the party girds its loins for the 2019 elections.”

Posted By: Tony Akowe




The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has said he did not approve the statement issued on his behalf by his media aide on Sunday accusing some unnamed stakeholders of plotting a vote of no confidence on him.

In a statement signed by the same media aide, Simon Egbebulem, the APC chairman said he enjoys a cordial relationship with all stakeholders of the party and will speak on the state of the party when there is the need to do so.

Egbebulem had issued a press statement on Sunday stating that some of those not happy with the reforms being carried out within the party by members of the current National Working Committee were plotting Oshiomhole’s removal as Chairman.

However in another statement in the early hours of Monday, Egbebulem who is Oshiomhole’s Chief Press Secretary apologies for issuing the statement without the permission of his principal.

The statement reads: “On Sunday, October 21, 2018, I issued a statement on alleged plans by some stakeholders to move against the leadership of the Comrade Adams Oshiomhole led All Progressives Congress (APC).

“I want to state categorically that the statement was not authorised by my principal, Comrade Oshiomhole, and I hereby withdraw the statement. And I deeply regret the error.

“As APC Chairman, Comrade Oshiomhole is enjoying the maximum support of stakeholders of the great party as shown by the reality on the ground.

Comrade Oshiomhole will speak on the issues affecting the party when there is the need to do so.

Meanwhile, he is busy giving leadership as the party girds its loins for the 2019 elections.”

lalasticlala, Mynd44

By Lanre Adewole and Bola Badmus


A fast-paced plot is unfolding in the Lagos State chapter of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to sack embattled Governor Akinwunmi Ambode before the expiration of his single term on 29 May, 2018, Saturday Tribune learnt from both pro and anti-impeachment groups in the state.

The plot, which is now at an advanced stage, according to sources on both sides of the divide, is mainly being hatched by the elite in the party but being sold to the rank and file as a last-minute solution to feared defeat of the party in next year’s governorship election.

Factional chairman of the state chapter of the party, Mr Fuad Oki, has warned the House of Assembly to drop its threat to impeach Governor Ambode or it would incur the wrath of Lagosians.

Also, a Lagos-based civil rights movement, Save Lagos Group (SLG), said it had concluded arrangements to picket the House of Assembly next week over what it termed illegal impeachment process against Ambode, warning the Hon. Mudashiru Obasa-led Assembly against being used by those it called selfish individuals to impeach the governor.

One major weapon to get the public to the pro-impeachment side, according to findings, is the raging issue of heaps of refuse in the state, which has become a major talking point with the House of Assembly directing the restricted PSP operators to resume work all over the state.

The state is contracted to Visionscape for major refuse disposal engagements, while the PSP operators who hitherto had the entire space to themselves are now restricted in their operations.

The “sacking” of the PSP operators had been a major contentious policy issue for the Ambode administration.

On Thursday, the state legislature ordered the local service providers back to work, including areas where they had been barred by the state environmental laws, passed by the assembly.

A top source in the dogfight told Saturday Tribune that the discontent of residents of the state over the challenged capacity of Visionscape to handle the refuse business is now being explored by the party elite to push their agenda through.

It was learnt that after the appearance of the commissioners summoned by the state assembly, the lawmakers would launch an investigation into the payment allegedly made to Visionscape on the order of the governor, after the assembly had pronounced the foreign firm a ghost.

The “accountability” probe, according to a top anti-impeachment element, will likely be spread to other contractual issues with the assembly expected to pronounce the governor guilty of misapplication of state funds, among other impeachable offences to abe listed against him.

“These people (lawmakers and their patrons) are forgetting history. Is this not the same nonsense they tried with Fashola (former governor)? What came out of that process? They are inviting crisis and they would have it,” the obviously embittered party leader told Saturday Tribune.

It was learnt that though all commissioners but two have deserted the governor who was stopped by the same party elite from seeking a second term in office, his camp is not planning to allow those behind the impeachment plot to have a field day or a smooth passage.

“Yes, we are very aware they are planning to impeach Akin (Akinwunmi Ambode) and we are saying, let them try it. I am surprised with the way the media is allowing these people (pro-impeachment camp) to get away with impunity. Is legislative motion not mere advisory? Can they order the governor around in the name of motions?
“Imagine them usurping executive function by directing PSP operators back to work.

Will they pay them? Maybe those ones want to work for free. Party members are not buying their ploy and they would be shocked next year. Do they think Lagosians are fools? Because Akin went back into his shell after the charade of primaries, do they think he is a fool? Let’s wait and see. There is always a limit to nonsense like this,” the party leader told Saturday Tribune.

About a fortnight back, the assembly and the governor reportedly met and parted as friends with the lawmakers said to have come out of the meeting at the Government House smiling.

Facts of the meeting could not be independently verified.

Days after, there were reports of alleged pressure on the governor to resign from office or be impeached.

A party top shot in the state also reportedly boasted recently that “he (Ambode) will go.”
The said leader is a heavyweight in the party’s affairs.

An alleged encounter between a major contractor to the state and the governor not quite long ago reportedly incensed the party elite, firming up their stance that retaining the state depended mainly on getting the governor out as soon as possible.

The said contractor, who is allegedly a major financier of the party and expected to be a major donor for the general elections’ expenses, was said to have returned empty-handed from the meeting where he was supposed to be properly “briefed” on some jobs.

The contractor is said to be central to the funding of the next elections in the state.
Saturday Tribune was further told that “they said he (the governor) was romancing the PDP when in the actual sense of it he had withdrawn into his shell. They said the way he is smiling about his defeat is ominous; that he would not only stop cash flow to their candidates’ campaign, but would use state apparatus to undermine our party.

They are now using Visionscape as an opportunity to get rid of him.”

Asked what would be the response of the governor to how he is being buffeted on all sides by his party leaders and elders, the chieftain, who is neither for the governor nor his adversaries, hinted that the crisis that would follow the impeachment attempt at the assembly could only be imagined without elaborating on the fine details.

It was, however, gathered that a silent mobilisation might be ongoing among the rank and file of the party in the state to thwart the plot by bombarding the assembly ground during sitting and force a major commotion to emphasise their discontent with the humiliating treatment being meted out to the governor.

There are also corollary actions expected from the planned assembly invasion as well as collateral damage to governance in the state.

A source warned that the lawmakers might just walk into a trap with their impeachment agenda and could get themselves crippled in a way that many would end up losing their re-election bid.

Saturday Tribune also gathered that the security apparatus in the state and Abuja might be involved in a way that would not be favourable to those who are winning now.

A day after the reported meeting with the lawmakers, it was learnt that Ambode was asked to come down to the Presidential Villa.

Saturday Tribune could not establish who he met and what was discussed.

Feelers from his camp suggested that he has the backing of the Commander-In-Chief to get along with his traducers, regardless of provocation.

While Ambode’s Villa meeting was not made known to the public, the presidential intervention in Ogun State where the outgoing governor, Ibikunle Amosun, lost in his bid to install a successor is known to all.

Though a close ally and confidant of the president, Amosun, at the persuasion of the C-in-C is letting go of the obvious political meltdown he suffered at the hands of the party’s national leader, Senator Bola Tinubu, who installed his associate, Dapo Abiodun, as the party’s candidate.

The Abiodun agenda was reportedly negotiated in a way that guaranteed Solomon Olamilekan Yayi a return ticket to the Senate, in Lagos, despite the initial support for recent PDP defector, Musiliu Obanikoro, by party hierarchy.

Obanikoro’s son eventually got the party’s nod for a House of Representatives ticket.
Yayi is originally from Ogun State and showed interest in the party’s ticket in the state.

Lagos State may also end up with two senators who have their roots elsewhere with Bayo Oshinowo being also of Ogun State ancestry.

The party’s deputy governorship candidate, Femi Hamzat, is also a prince from Ogun State, same as the party’s candidate, Jide Sanwoolu.

Tinubu’s camp in Lagos is, however, worried that the ease with which the president’s men are letting go of political contests with the national leader could portend serious danger next year if the president won a second term.

A Tinubu supporter told Saturday Tribune that the scenario was beginning to look like the proverbial massage of calling a madman the groom to allow for easier passage.

With the emergence of Abubakar Atiku, a former vice president, as the presidential candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, tongues have also been wagging about Tinubu’s longtime relationship with Atiku.

Atiku and Tinubu are believed to be more of political soul mates than the pair of Tinubu and the president.

Recently when Atiku made a supposed offensive political statement about allowing Tinubu, out of pity, to keep his Alausa seat in 2003 in the face of PDP’s storm that swept away other Alliance for Democracy (AD) governors, the expected bristling reaction from the former governor never came.

The relationship forged then by the duo, which is perceived to still subsist, is said to be a concern to the president’s camp.

Ambode, Amosun and others who have received the short end of the stick at Tinubu’s hands, are being tipped to lead the 2023 charge against him in the South West when the former Lagos governor is expected to bid for the highest seat in the land.

“We want Asiwaju to run but this president who is just accepting everything from him may be up to something,” an admirer and supporter of Tinubu said.


‘We dare them to try it’

The APC factional state chairman, Oki, in an interview with newsmen in Lagos, gave his warning against the background of a directive issued by the state Assembly to the effect that the Private Sector Participation (PSP) involved in refuse disposal in the state should return to their job and that Visionscape, a foreign company hired for the job, was not known to the law of Lagos State.

Already, the House of Assembly has summoned the Commissioner for Environment, Mr Babatunde Durosimi-Etti, to appear before it, while demanding that Visionscape be made to refund all the money paid to it so far.

“Ordinarily, I don’t comment or discuss issues that arise from the social media but again to every rumour, there is an iota of truth. So, I want to comment based on what I want to perceive or assume to be the iota of truth therein and I want to dare the Lagos State House of Assembly to try it.

Let them try it. You see, people who refused to learn from history shall be consumed by history.

“You talk about impeachment as if it is something you pick up from the shelf, like you serve impeachment on Monday and then carry it out on Tuesday. You think Lagos is Ekiti or any other state where six [lawmakers] can impeach a governor. I dare them to try it. Let them try it,” the party chieftain said.

Oki, whose faction is in court following the party’s last congress, said the state lawmakers appeared to have lost a sense of history, recalling that a similar thing occurred between 2009 and 2010 but ended nowhere.

“It seems they’ve lost a sense of history. In 2009 and 2010, a similar thing was tried.

Where did it end?” he queried.

“Today, the governor and his government may not be as popular as we all love to see, but let them try it.

“I want to believe it’s a rumour. I want to believe they are all honourables, and I want to say this: I always pride myself to be the 41st member of the House because they are honourable men. I can vouch for them. I believe they would not allow themselves to be used or compromised. If they do it, they would see Lagos,” he warned.

‘We’ll picket House of Assembly next week’
In a statement, the Save Lagos Group (SLG) described as unconstitutional and illegal, the attempt by the Assembly to impeach Governor Ambode.

The signed statement issued by the group’s convener, Adeniyi Alimi Sulaiman, which followed the conclusion of an emergency meeting of the group in Lagos on Friday over the subject matter, described the move the Lagos Assembly as a ruse, self-serving and politically motivated.

It noted that the Assembly’s action was not in the interest of Lagosians but an attempt to create confusion and bad political precedent in the polity of the state.

SLG alleged that the only sin of Governor Ambode was his refusal to open the treasury of the state to certain leaders of the ruling party.

The group said it had consulted the like-mind groups across the length and breadth of the state for a mobilisation to picket the House of Assembly next week in order to forestall the impeachment of Governor Ambode.

It said the “anti-masses” attempt to impeach the governor would be resisted through legal and democratic means.

“They want Ambode out of office prematurely because they don’t want him to be entitled to the pension and emoluments of the exalted office. As a civil rights group that stands for truth and justice, we must say NO to selfish removal of the Lagos State governor.

“It is a shame on the leadership of the party [APC] that is claiming to be different in deeds from the main opposition political party [PDP] if it could attempt to impeach a governor through ‘palace coup’ on the basis of not satisfying certain political leaders’ interest.

“We believe that the impeachment process in any democratic clime used to be the poor performance of a holder of certain executive offices.

“Truly, we are not members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and we should be less concerned about their matter but as a responsible and responsive civil society organisation (CSO) that believes in good governance, we cannot fold arms by allowing certain individuals to lay a bad precedent for our hard-earned democracy. Our democracy should be allowed to grow beyond the interest of godfatherism,” the SLG said.

Sulaiman, who doubles as Executive Chairman, Centre for Human Rights and Social Justice (CHRSJ), therefore, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to prevail on the APC leaders in the state to caution the leadership of the State House of Assembly against illegal attempt to remove Governor Ambode, warning that such an attempt might be catastrophic for the state.

By Rayyan Alhassan



The Federal Government says it is engaging foreign media organisations, networks and think tanks to correct the negative narratives about the country and President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, disclosed this in London after an engagement with the Royal African Society, a body founded in 1990 to promote relations between the UK and Africa.

Specifically, the minister said that the engagement was to shape their minds and opinions on the true position of insurgency in the North East, farmers/herdsmen clash and the achievements recorded by the Buhari administration which were being downplayed.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the minister arrived in London on Sunday and delivered a lecture in Chatham House, the UK-based Royal Institute of International Affairs.

He also interacted with foreign and Commonwealth Office officials, All Party Parliamentary Group and featured on Aljazeera television news hour.

The minister also met with the largest global news agency, Reuters, New African and African Business Magazines and African Report.

Mohammed said that the whole essence of the engagements was to correct the negative narratives about the country and place on the table the giant strides of the Buhari government.

He added that “the whole idea of the trip is to engage foreign media organisations, networks and think tanks to actually explain the activities of government.

“As you were aware, we have been to the UK twice and the U.S. on this kind of mission.

“I think generally it has been quite fruitful because it offered us the platform and opportunity to explain to them what this government has achieved in the areas of security, fighting corruption and in revamping the economy.

“It also gives us the opportunity to disabuse the minds of the people about the insecurity in the North-East and how the government has succeeded in returning normalcy in affected areas.

“It offers us the opportunity to explain that the farmers/herdsmen clash is largely due to population explosion, climate change and criminality as against the naysayers’ position that it is ethnic or religious.

“Really, it has been quite helpful and we will continue with the engagements.”

The minister said he was satisfied with the level of reception and understanding achieved during the visits.

On the challenge of unemployment in the country raised during one of the meetings, Mohammed said “the administration had been trying to clean up the mess by past governments.

“For 16 years, no attempt was made to invest on infrastructure, there was absolute corruption.

“So, what you have today about unemployment is actually as a result of bad governance.

“Even at that, we have made very positive giant strides.

“In the history of Nigeria, no administration under any programme has employed half a million unemployed graduates as we have done through our N-POWER programme.”

Mohammed said the administration had diversified the economy by repositioning agriculture to become the choice of many Nigerians.

“We have been able to grow rice farmers from five million to 11 million, we have been able to cut down on importation of rice.
“So, ours is a success story in the areas of agriculture and unemployment.”

The minister stressed that the visit was not just about the 2019 general elections, rather, it was to present the facts and figures on Buhari’s achievements and true situation of security in the country.

“Many of the organisations we met were surprised to hear that we have spent as much as 7.5 billion dollars in two years on infrastructure.

“They were quite impressed to see that power generation jumped from 2,560 megawatts to 7000 megawatts.”

The minister is scheduled for more engagements before returning to Nigeria.
NAN

Dan Okoro, commissioner of police, anti-fraud unit, Federal Criminal Investigation Intelligence Department (FCIID), says there are many cloned certificates and ATM cards in circulation.

Okoro raised the alarm while briefing journalists in Lagos on the discovery of some certificates cloned by a syndicate which specialises in printing fake documents of banks, government and corporate organisations.

He said the syndicate had been using the cloned documents to defraud banks, government, corporate organisations and individuals, stressing that some bank officials were collaborating with the suspects for the crime.

According to NAN, presidential clearance certificates, CBN, IMF and court documents were among documents cloned by the syndicate.

Okoro said: “I advise members of the public against cloned certificates, ATM card and other important documents currently in circulation. I want members of the public to keep their pin numbers, passwords and ATM safe.

“We have some documents recovered from one suspect arrested. We are investigating the documents and some bank staffers allegedly collaborating the syndicate.

“It is only the bankers that have details of every deposit in the bank. Our investigation revealed that some bankers give information to the syndicate on how much customers have in every account.

“The syndicate cloned documents and transferred such money to another account, particularly, accounts with ATM cards are their easiest target.

“Many crimes are going on in different banks, unfortunately, the bank management will not allow the public to know about it because they want to keep their customers trust.”

Okoro said the unit was able to detect some of the documents through the assistance of a foreign cybersecurity firm based in Lagos using forensic analysis equipment to unravel the identities of the syndicate members.

The commissioner said the suspect arrested is currently in the hospital after he collapsed during the search of his house.

“The suspect is a website designer. He designed many of the cloned documents. We are on the trail of other members of the syndicate,” he said.

It is less than four months to the presidential election, but the shadow boxing has begun in earnest.

The two leading contenders are bragging about their chances.

Former Minister of Information Prince Tony Momoh yesterday said he was confident President Muhammadu Buhari will win.

Momoh told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on telephone that the president deserved re-election.

The Atiku Abubakar camp disagreed. It said the former Vice President would retire President Muhammadu Buhari to his village in Daura after the election.

Momoh said Atiku, the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), could not stop Buhari as he (Abubakar) was only popular with the elite and not the masses.

Momoh, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said the Buhari administration had impacted on many ordinary Nigerians, and they would vote him in 2019.

He, however, said Buhari would lose some votes in the North because Atiku is from the region, but that the APC candidate would make up in other regions to win.

“I don’t think Atiku can defeat Buhari. No; he can’t, Buhari has done well in the delivery of his electoral promises and he will get the support of the people.

“Look at the war against insurgency, for instance, has he not done well? Is the situation in the Northeast as it used to be? Of course, there is relative security in the region and the people will want to vote for an administration that made that possible.

“Again, the school feeding programme, the conditional cash transfers and the other social programmes of the government, tens of thousands of Nigerians have benefited.

You don’t expect them not to vote Buhari.
“These are the real people that will vote, not the people on Facebook or Twitter. The people who are moving against the President now are the elite, not the people, and the reasons are obvious.

“Yes, Atiku is popular with the elite, but how many are they? So I don’t see him winning, though, he will get votes in the North as he is from that region and he is a Fulani and a Muslim like Buhari.

“However, the President will make up for lost votes in other regions like Southeast and South-South where he has delivered many projects to win,’’ he said.

The former minister said the achievements of the President’s fight against corruption and the power of incumbency would work in his favour.

To Momoh, it is an illusion for the PDP to believe the selection of former Governor Peter Obi of Anambra as Atiku’s running mate will deliver the region to the party.

He said the Igbo are politically sophisticated and it had never been easy predicting their direction in any election.

Momoh argued that Buhari picked running mates, the late Chuba Okadigbo and the late Ume Ezeoke, on two occasions for elections, but still lost in the Southeast.

The former minister said the region was open to both candidates in 2019, based on the large number of both APC and PDP members in the area.

He urged Nigerians to participate in the electoral process and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to vote leaders of their choice.

“The power to choose in 2019 belongs to the people. For that reason, I urge Nigerians to obtain their PVCs to participate in the process.

“It is only when we participate that we can vote people of our choice to help realise the development objectives of our nation,’’ Momoh said.

He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to do its best to deliver credible elections in 2019.

In an email message last night by Atiku’s Media Adviser Paul Ibe, the former Vice President said the 2019 election will be a referendum on the “failed” All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.

Ibe said: “This is a government that has failed on all fronts. Nigerians can no longer be hoodwinked by the Orwellian propaganda that is the signature of this administration.

“The 2019 presidential election will be determined by Nigerian voters and not by political soothsayers.

“Nigerians will make a determination whether to settle for incompetence versus competence; cluelessness versus knowhow; joblessness versus employment; restiveness versus engagement; divisiveness versus unity; nepotism versus merit and bigotry versus inclusiveness.

“It is instructive to say that since His Excellency Atiku Abubakar emerged as the presidential candidate of the PDP, the APC administration has gone into a panic mode.
“They need to be reminded that they cannot stop an idea whose time has come.

Nigerians are yearning for a competent and visionary leadership that will fix the mess that has been made of our economy, give jobs to the teeming unemployed, ensure security, heal the divisions in the land and get Nigeria working again. Atiku is well-wired to provide such leadership.”

Babatope said Atiku was an experienced politician and that he had the capacity, credentials and clout to win and return power to PDP.

“Atiku is the new face of the PDP. It is time for the party to win back power because I am confident Atiku will win.

“My confidence is based on his political experience from being the founder of the PDM with late Yar’adua to being the Vice-President where he did very well.

“He also has national appeal as he is a detribalised Nigerian with successful businesses all over. He is a bridge builder, a man with great capacity and passion to lead.

“Atiku is the next president. Our People want him. He will rescue Nigeria, I am so sure he will win,” he said.

Asked if the former vice-president did not have the ascribed qualities when he failed in his past attempts to be president, Babatope said everyone had his appointed time.

He noted that Buhari also failed in his past attempts under different parties to be president until 2015 when he emerged under APC.

Babatope said 2019 was the destined year for Atiku’s presidency and that Nigerians would be better for it.

He said the selection of former governor Peter Obi of Anambra State as Atiku’s running mate would improve the party’s victory margin in the election.

He added that the APC had failed Nigerians and that the PDP would return in 2019 “to restore hope”.

Babatope said though the South-West PDP was not in the zoning equation of the party for now, he believed the region would gain massively at the end of the day.

“We know how we do our things in the party to favour everybody. For now, we are preparing for the election, by the time we win, I am sure the South-West PDP will gain big from the power arrangement,” he said.

lalasticlala

Isaac Adewole, minister of health, had suspended Yusuf last year but President Muhammadu Buhari reinstated him in February.

His reinstatement triggered criticisms but the federal government had said the development did not stop his probe by the anti-graft agencies.

By Chinedu Asadu



The governing board of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has suspended Usman Yusuf, executive secretary of the scheme, indefinitely.

Iyantu Ifene, chairman of the board, announced Yusuf’s suspension at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday.

Speaking to TheCable over the phone, Ifene said Yusuf was suspended over allegations of financial infractions levelled against him.

She also said the executive secretary had “refused” to carry out the board’s decisions on critical issues.

Isaac Adewole, minister of health, had suspended Yusuf last year but President Muhammadu Buhari reinstated him in February.

His reinstatement triggered criticisms but the federal government had said the development did not stop his probe by the anti-graft agencies.

When he resumed, Yusuf asked to Nigerians to disregard the “misinformation in the media”, saying no amount of smear campaigns would deter him from bringing healthcare to the people.

“It is corruption that is fighting us and we will fight them back,” he had said.

“People should not be distracted by what they hear in the media. In fact, when I came in as the NHIS Executive Secretary, I realised that we can help our people especially the poor to access health care services.

“We are working for the people in order to make sure that they get what they deserve. So, we will never be deterred by the antics of corrupt interests.”

By Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja



The Independent National Electorate Commission (INEC) has said that only eight of the 90 registered political parties have submitted lists of their candidates for 2019 general elections as at close of work on Tuesday.

Speaking at a quarterly dialogue session of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room session with INEC, the chairman of the commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said that the electoral body expects a very busy time receiving submissions from other 82 parties between Wednesday and Thursday, the last day of the exercise.

He said that INEC would be provide updates on submissions from parties as at close of work Wednesday.

Yakubu who expressed worry over the last minute rush by political parties to file their lists of candidates, told the gathering that the amount approved by the National Assembly for the 2019 general elections was N189 billion.

Earlier, representative of the Inspector General of Police, Kenneth Ebiripson, addressed the session of the Situation Room, detailing security plans for 2019 elections.

He said that Police had mapped out three stages of intervention before, during and immediately after the 2019 polls.

He specifically said that the security agencies had plans to deal with aggrieved bad losers and those that might want to foment trouble during and after the 2019 general elections.

Adedayo Akinwale


The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday continued its bid to upstage the All Progressives Congress (APC) from power as it rallies its 39 allies in the Coalition of Political Parties (CUPP) to a meeting that would begin the process of selecting a consensus presidential candidate that would challenge President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2019 general elections.

The meeting, which was chaired by the Chairman of the CUPP Steering Committee, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, had in attendance the National Chairman of Social Democratic Party (SDP), Chief Olu Falae; the National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus; Reformed All Progressives Congress (R-APC) Chairman, Alhaji Buba Galadima; Leadership of National Intervention Movement, Alhaji Tafawa Belewa; former Cross River State governor, Senator Liyel Imoke; and all the chairmen of the coalescing parties.

A statement by the spokesperson of the coalition, Mr. Ikenga Ugochinyere, revealed that the meeting was held at Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Center, Abuja where the decision was taken to start the process that would lead to the eventual selection of the consensus candidate for the major opposition parties in Nigeria.

According to him, “The CUPP chieftains pledged their readiness and commitment to forge a common front to chase out the incompetent APC led administration, and rescue the country from the gradual drift to the state of economic hopelessness and reign of impunity.”


Again, Buhari Promises Free, Fair Elections in 2019


Meanwhile Buhari has reassured Nigerians and the international community that the forthcoming general elections in 2019 will be free and fair, saying it would usher the country into another clime of maturity, peace and unity.

He gave the assurance when he received Letters of Credence from four ambassadors at the State House, including the Ambassador of the Peoples’ Republic of Japan, Yutaka Kikuta.

The president noted that the country’s political and electoral institutions had continued to evolve in strength, skill and experience after each election.

He said, “We are currently at the threshold of another general election and after five general elections in the country since 1999, we expect that the 2019 elections will be free and fair.

“The political system is good and if people work hard they will succeed.’’

According to him, the increase in number of political parties that will field candidates in 2019 elections indicates more democratic consciousness among Nigerians and willingness to serve the country.

Receiving Letter of Credence from the Ambassador of the Russian Federation, Alexey Shebarshin, the president noted that discussions on reviving the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, partnerships in agriculture and other bilateral interests in trade and economic development would be sustained.

He commended the country for always standing by Nigeria.

“We have opened discussions on the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, and we will continue,’’ he added.

The president told the Ambassador of Brazil, Richardo Guerra De Araujo, that the historical ties between both countries and the shared potential for growth would be further explored.

He stressed that this would be done with strong emphasis on economic and social development.

He noted that the number of Nigerians in Brazil had already provided a strong reason for deeper and richer discussions for both countries.

Receiving the Letter of Credence of the Ambassador of United Arab Emirates, Fahad Al Taffaq, Buhari assured him that Nigeria remained committed to strengthening the bilateral relationship that has existed between both countries for many years.

The president said the courtesies extended to Nigerians in the United Arab Emirates was commendable, and assured the envoy that his administration would continue to strengthen business and trade relations between both countries.

In his remarks, the Ambassador of Japan said his country remained grateful for Nigeria’s concern and support during the flooding that devastated the country.

He promised to work hard to further enhance relations in technology, agriculture and trade.

The Ambassadors of Russia, Brazil and United Arab Emirates assured the president that they would work hard to ensure improved relations in key sectors of the economy.

They all wished Nigeria the best in the forthcoming elections.

By John Owen Nwachukwu 



A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Rivers state, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze has alleged that Governor of the State, Nyesom Wike’s attempt to destroy the party became pronounced after his bid to become Governor Tambuwal’s vice failed.

Eze said that Senator Magnus Abe has been working hard to destroy the APC having been promised by Wike to take over as Governor in 2013.

He said that Wike was venting his frustration on the APC after he failed to install Tambuwal as the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who had allegedly promised to make him his vice.

According to Eze, in a statement he personally signed and forwarded to DAILY POST, on Tuesday, the recent court judgement nullified the indirect governorship primary that produced Tonye Cole as the party’s standard bearer and ceaseless peddling of falsehoods immersed with propaganda were handiwork of Abe and Wike “mainly targeted to ridicule Pastor Tonye Cole, the flag-bearer of APC in the 2019 general elections.”

He said that the plot was hatched by the duo to weaken APC in the state, ensure it has no candidate to fly its governorship flag next year and secure an effortless victory for Wike to continue as governor of the state.

“Sadly, Wike found solace in the political misfortune of Senator Magnus Abe whose political blunder have placed him in quagmire and awkward situation to be used as a destructive tool to achieve what is currently happening in Rivers State today,” he noted.

“The plot became more pronounced, important and a do-or-die project for the duo immediately Governor Wike’s scheme to become the vice presidential candidate of the PDP failed with the failure of the Sokoto’s state governor, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, to clinch the presidential ticket of the party then the plot for easy clinching of a second term for Wike and to pass the baton on to Magnus Abe in 2023 becomes deadly and imperative.

“This has resulted to the desperation by the duo and their misguided aides that cajoles up all sort of funny and falsehoods in order to ruin the person and personality of a world respected and renowned figure like Pastor Tonye Cole the divinely anointed next Governor of Rivers State come 2019.

“The devious plot will surely run into the rocks as the coming of Tonye Cole wasn’t man-made but divinely set up to rescue Rivers State from the hands of confused elements whose major aim is to loot the common patrimony of Rivers State with impunity and ensure insecurity as a means of governance.

“This notwithstanding, the fact remains that if this plot is not arrested now and those involved in the devious moves punished accordingly, it might snowball into a political crisis, which may affect the 2019 elections in the State.

Eze, a former Spokesperson of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party, nPDP, also condemned the protest by some persons allegedly identified as supporters of Senator Abe, on Friday, at the national secretariat of the party in Abuja.

He continued, “What is the essence of the protest after Senator Abe and his misguided group were celebrating the judgement that placed Rivers State as a laughing stock before the International community indicating that the so called judgement has no bearing or effect on with the State structure of the party or the election of Pastor Tonye Cole as the APC Flag-Bearer or any candidate of the party in the 2019 general elections.

“I note with happiness that not minding all these unwarranted distractions by Abe, the APC Rivers state Chairman, Ojukaye Amachree has presented candidates of the party with their certificate of return and INEC form CF1 for the 2019 general elections”, he said.

Eze commended the National Working Committee, NWC, for “appealing against Justice Chinwendu Nworgu unfortunate judgement to demonstrate that Wike and Abe evil partnership will not stand.

Eniola Akinkuotu, Abuja


A mild drama ensued outside the Tunde Idiagbon House , former head office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission when operatives of the EFCC attempted to bar a former Minister of Aviation , Chief Femi Fani - Kayode, from accompanying former Governor Ayodele Fayose into the premises .


Fani - Kayode, who obtained an LL. B from the School of Oriental and African Studies and a Masters degree from Cambridge University , noted that he was a lawyer and had practised in Nigeria .

After challenging the security officials with his credentials , he was allowed in.

While going in, Fani - Kayode joked with the EFCC operatives that he ought to be allowed unto the premises at any time having spent 90 non -consecutive days in the custody of the commission in 2016 .

“ I am a regular customer here . You should know me by now , ” he joked .

Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) , who has been representing Fayose in court since his recent case with the EFCC began, also took three lawyers from his chambers into the EFCC before leaving .

John Alechenu , Olusola Fabiyi and Eniola Akinkuotu



The Ekiti State Governor , Ayodele Fayose , whose tenure expired midnight on Monday , said earlier in the day that he would visit the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Tuesday (today ) with his bedclothes and pillowcase.

Fayose ’ s immunity ends along with his tenure and he has been invited to the headquarters of the EFCC where he will answer to allegations that he received about N 1 . 3 bn from the Office of the National Security Adviser through the then Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro .

Fayose said , “ I will be there on Tuesday. I am not begging for any bail. It is up to them . If they want me , they should just give me a bed. I have done by bed bedclothes, I have done my pillowcase , I have my English and Yoruba bibles . I am prepared for them . Nobody should worry about me . Only cowards die many times before their deaths . ”

Fayose spoke even as a source close to him has said that some governors and lawmakers who are members of the Peoples Democratic Party are expected to accompany him to the EFCC.

Sources close to our correspondent said Fayose , who is the chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, would be accompanied by a team of PDP stalwarts.

The source said , “ Fayose will be going to the EFCC with governors and lawmakers . It will be the same way Senate President Bukola Saraki was accompanied by his colleagues when he went to the Code of Conduct Tribunal. We will be there to give him all the encouragement he needs.

Also speaking at a farewell dinner hosted in honour of Fayose , a former minister of aviation , Chief Femi Fani -Kayode, said he and others would escort Fayose to the EFCC.

He said when he was also in the custody of the commission in 2016 , the governor visited him and gave him encouragement.
Fani - Kayode added , “When I was in the EFCC detention for 60 days and then another 30 days , he came to see me . They were shaking that a sitting governor could come to the EFCC and they came to bring me to see him from one of the underground cells and all he was saying was , ‘ Know that God is with you , God is alive . ’

“ As you stood by us when we went through challenges , so shall we stand by you from October 16 when we go to the EFCC to go and see them . Nothing can overcome you because God is with you . ”

While delivering his farewell speech , Fayose said he would be at the EFCC by 1 pm , adding that he would be going with his pillowcase , bedclothes and other effects.

He added , “ I will be there on Tuesday. I am not begging for any bail. It is up to them. If they want me , they should just give me a bed. I have my English and Yoruba bibles . I am prepared for them . Nobody should worry about me . Only cowards die many times before their deaths . ”

The governor said his persecution would be short -lived, adding that the PDP would return to power in the next presidential election .

Fayose said it was not the first time the anti - graft agency would be prosecuting him , adding that he would emerge victorious as he had in the past.

He said , “ Tell them at the Villa . My name is Ayo Fayose. My name is Peter the rock . Let me say to you that by the grace of God , I will be at the EFCC by 1 pm on Tuesday. I am not a coward, never . Let it be said to them that today is their own and tomorrow is our own . I am coming . ”

The governor said once he was released by the EFCC, he would intensify his criticism of the Buhari government , adding that, “ As soon as I leave the EFCC I will talk more than what I have said before . There is no way a Buhari will match an Atiku when you put the two of them side by side, comment by comment , clarity by clarity of tongue . ”


PDP accuses Presidency of ordering EFCC to detain Fayose indefinitely.

The Peoples Democratic Party has alleged that the Presidency has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to detain the ex - Governor of Ekiti State , Mr Ayodele Fayose , indefinitely.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday , the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP , Mr Kola Ologbondiyan , said information at the party ’ s disposal and all over the social media indicated that the Presidency had put the commission on alert to arrest the governor at midnight and detain him.

He said the alleged directive by the Presidency was not unconnected with the plot to use the EFCC and other security agencies to incarcerate the governor owing to his persistent criticism of the President Muhammadu Buhari -led All Progressives Congress government .

The statement read in part, “ This uncompromising stand of the ex - governor against the present administration was the reason Ekiti State was invaded and taken by force during the last governorship election .

“ By 12 midnight, the governor’ s residence is expected to be surrounded by armed men of the EFCC under the pretext that they had information of his plot to escape. This is to achieve their plan to humiliate the governor and portray him in a bad light to the public by dramatising his arrest.

“ Nigerians can recall that it was the governor who offered to submit himself to the EFCC despite the commission ’ s clear display of bias and partisanship as demonstrated in its various actions , especially its tweets and putting the governor on security watch - list . ”

It added , “The EFCC even unprofessionally showed its bias in deriding the governor , making light of a very serious matter by mocking him and asking him to come before his tenure elapsed, which the governor declined in line with the constitutional immunity . ”

He said it was obvious that Fayose was not planning to run away from the country.

“ It is now beyond dispute that Governor Fayose is not a scoundrel running away from justice . Whatever the EFCC, APC, and the Presidency ’ s spin -doctors may say , it is also clear to everyone that Fayose is not a coward; neither is he afraid of the EFCC, ” Ologbondiyan added .

He argued that since the EFCC said it had dusted up Fayose’ s files, it should be ready to take him to court once he appeared at the agency ’ s office on Tuesday.

Speaking to journalists , however, Fayose said he was ready for the commission .
He said , “ That is their stock in trade, I heard about the plot as well but I don’ t care what they do , the commission is not above the law. How can they say I want to run away and as such they want to come and invade my residence when I left Ado Ekiti on my own to come and see them; any way, I don’ t expect better than that from the commission.

“ I don’ t care how long they will decide to keep me but my voice will not go down , I represent the voice of the common people of Nigeria , I appreciate our party , the PDP , for their prompt reaction but this nonsense will come to an end one day.

“ I am aware of that operational order on my arrest , let them come, nobody can intimidate me , I don’ t need their soft landing, Nigeria belongs to all of us , they are not God and they should stop playing one. ”


We have no time for your games , EFCC replies Fayose

Meanwhile , the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has said it has no time to play games with Fayose .

The Spokesman for the EFCC, Mr Wilson Uwujaren , said this in a message while reacting to Fayose ’ s statement .

Fayose and the Peoples Democratic Party had alleged that the commission was planning to storm Fayose’ s home once his tenure expired at midnight.

However , the EFCC said , “The EFCC has no time for frivolity . Instead of this ’ mind game ’ Ayodele Fayose should conserve his energy as the commission is ready for him."


PDP should stop being ridiculous – APC

In its reaction , the All Progressives Congress on Monday dismissed as ridiculous the allegations by the Peoples Democratic Party that the President had ordered for the detention of Fayose.

National Publicity Secretary of the party , Mallam Lanre Issa -Onilu , spoke in a telephone interview with one of our correspondents in Abuja .

Issa - Onilu said , “ the PDP should stop being ridiculous. There are agencies of government that have the mandate over any issue that has to do with anti - corruption.

“ They have guidelines for their operations and whatever they choose to do with anybody that runs afoul of the law . It is going to be ridiculous to start linking the name of the President to the operations of an agency of government .

“ If Fayose has any issue with any agency of government , he has the responsibility to face the agency and sort out whatever issue he has with them without linking the President to it .

“ It is Fayose’ s stock in trade to throw in the President to any issue; he feels so important and thinks the President is aware of whatever is going on around Fayose . ”

The APC spokesman asked the governor to go to the EFCC to clear his name and stop dragging the office and person of the President into it .

“ Mind you , the APC as the ruling party does not trade in impunity, which is not our style . If he has any issue , he should go and face it ,” he said .

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission( EFCC) operatives are already trailing Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose to prevent his alleged escape bid.

Barely 24 hours to Fayose’s exit, the anti-graft agency’s operatives were yesterday at Akure airport, when the governor and his wife boarded a flight to Abuja.

Another set of operatives closed up on the governor immediately he landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The governor was also placed on surveillance as at the time of filing this report.

Already, three probe teams have been raised by EFCC on the issues against the governor, including a group on his pending trial, a panel on N4.685 billion National Security Adviser (ONSA) fraud; and the last team is working on alleged infractions during his second term in office.

According to findings, the EFCC may meet with the incoming governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, on some records, which the Ekiti State Government had withheld over the years.

But from preliminary findings, Fayose is likely to face trial in Ado-Ekiti, Ibadan, Lagos and Akure.

A top source in EFCC, who spoke in confidence, said: “We have mounted surveillance on Fayose in the last 72 hours and we are trailing him in order to keep his words to appear before our teams of investigators.

“We have tracked his movement from Akure Airport to Abuja, where he came to attend a send-forth dinner. We will keep tab on him until he reports to EFCC on October 16. Otherwise, we will effect his arrest.

“There are three teams handling the allegations against the governor. There is a special team managing his suspended trial because he had immunity as a governor. We will resume his trial.

“Another team of detectives is in charge of N4.685 billion fraud in the Office of National Security Adviser( ONSA) in which Fayose was implicated. All we need to do is to take the statement of Fayose and arraign him in court.

“The third team takes charge of alleged infractions he committed in office during his second term. The Ekiti State Government has withheld some vital records in the last three years. We will meet with the incoming governor on these documents.

“The governor may face trial in some courts in Ado Ekiti, Ibadan, Lagos and Akure. If he comes around, he will be our first guest at the new EFCC complex.”

In his September 10, 2018 letter, Fayose said he was prepared to appear for interrogation on October 16.

The letter said: “Several and serial actions of your commission for some time now, including but not limited to freezing of my accounts and attempts to secure temporary forfeiture of my properties, are indicative of the commission’s desire to have me clarify some issues or answer some questions but for the immunity that I enjoy under Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution as sitting governor of Ekiti State.

“I wish to inform you that my term of office pursuant to which I enjoy immunity against investigation and prosecution under the above provision shall lapse by effusion of time on Monday, October 15, 2018.

“As a responsible citizen of our great country, who believes in the rule of law, I wish to inform you of my decision to make myself available in your office on Tuesday, 16th October, 2018 at 1pm to clarify issues or answer questions on issues within my knowledge.

“Kindly confirm the suitability of the above date or indicate by return, the commission’s convenient date.”

Although the EFCC’s September 13 letter to Fayose, written by the Director of Operations, Umar Mohammed, asked him to report on September 20, he stuck to the October 16 date.

lalasticlala

by Jamilah Nasir



Mathew Kukah, Catholic bishop of Sokoto diocese, has explained how he convinced ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo to reconcile with Atiku Abubabar, former vice-president.

Obasanjo had on Thursday played host to Kukah, Ahmad Gumi, a Kaduna-based Islamic cleric; and David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, and some top politicians and civil rights activists at his hill-top residence in Abeokuta, Ogun state.

The ex-president, during the occasion announced his endorsement of Abubakar as his preferred candidate for the 2019 presidential election, saying he has forgiven his former deputy.

Criticisms had trailed the visit, with many accusing the religious leaders of swimming in the mud of politics.

Oyedepo has since absolved himself of the criticisms, saying his presence during the meeting was that of a mediator.

Kukah followed suit in a wordy statement, to explain his role in the meeting. Both Oyedepo and Kukah said they received no financial tipping from any politician.

Kukah said he only went to Obasanjo’s residence to complete the reconciliation agenda which he had been pursuing for years.

He expressed delight that the meeting took place, saying he remained eternally grateful to God.

According to him, he had planned for the meeting to be between just the three of them, but his host requested the presence of other parties, a plan he says he was not comfortable with.

“I was not interested in the politics of reconciliation but the spiritual angle. Although trying to reconcile President Obasanjo and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar was something I had been working on intermittently in the last few years, nothing could have prepared me for the way things finally shaped up,” Kukah said.

“My focus all along had been with President Obasanjo and I had never brought Alhaji Abubakar into what I was doing. Quite fortuitously, a chance meeting changed the tide in favour of reconciliation.

“I am therefore very clear about the boundaries, the slippery slopes and the contexts. Unlike Shaikh Gumi and Rev. Oyedepo who were invited to this event, I am a central actor.”


Read the full statement below

I have deliberately made this explanatory note long because I think it is necessary that people make up their minds based on the facts, given my central role in the event. I note that Sheikh Gumi has already told his own side of the story. I feel obliged to state my own side so that Nigerians can have a clearer picture of my own involvement. Sadly, I personally did not read President Obasanjo’s statement until two days later on the Internet since I was not physically in the hall.

Although trying to reconcile President Obasanjo and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar was something I had been working on intermittently in the last few years, nothing could have prepared me for the way things finally shaped up. My focus all along had been with President Obasanjo and I had never brought Alhaji Abubakar into what I was doing. Quite fortuitously, a chance meeting changed the tide in favour of reconciliation.

Understandably, the pictures of the four of us (President Obasanjo, Alhaji Abubakar, Shaikh Gumi and I) literally lit up the social media and elicited divergent reactions from the general public. Although over 99% of the reactions that have come to me have been largely those of commendation, with people focusing, rightly, on the reconciliation, there have been others whose focus has been on an isolated development that had absolutely nothing to do with what I had in mind all these years, namely, the endorsement.

I must say that I am eternally grateful to God that this reconciliation finally happened. The focus of attention has been on the endorsement of Alhaji Abubakar by President Obasanjo, a development that I can call the third leg of the process which I initiated. I am not sure of President Obasanjo’s other interlocutors after we agreed to meet leading to the participation of other actors and so, I will only clear the air on what I can take full responsibility for.

Let me state first that I am a priest of the Catholic Church and by the grace of God, a Bishop. I have more than a passing knowledge of our discipline and doctrine in matters relating to the role of a Catholic priest in political engagement. My doctoral thesis was on Religion and Politics in
Nigeria. So, this is an area that I have written and spoken extensively about for over thirty years.

I am therefore very clear about the boundaries, the slippery slopes and the contexts. Unlike Shaikh Gumi and Rev. Oyedepo who were invited to this event, I am a central actor. So let me explain what really happened.

On Tuesday, October 9th, 2018 I had the honor of being the Guest Speaker for the annual Conference of the Four Square Gospel Church in Alagomeji, Lagos. (The Presidential Spokesman, Femi Adesina, a member of this Church, had first invited me some years back but I could not honour the invitation). President Obasanjo was the Chairman of the occasion. At the end of the lecture, he indicated that he would have to leave because he had a scheduled meeting.

I told him I needed to see him briefly and he obliged. I brought up again the issue of what he thought of his reconciliation with Alhaji Atiku. My last discussion with him this year was either January or February.

His response was still negative and he told me what he later told the media. I reminded him that I was not interested in the politics of reconciliation but the spiritual angle.

After all, I said to him, ‘as a Christian, this is an important thing for you to do’. He was quiet and then said he would speak with me later that evening on his final decision. We parted, he to his car and I returned to the Church to end the event.

At about 9pm the same Tuesday, he called to say that he had thought over the issues I had raised and finally decided to accept my suggestion and that yes, he would be happy to reconcile with Alhaji Abubakar.

When did he think we could meet then, I asked him? He said he would look at his diary and get back to me later. Then, just before 11pm the same Tuesday, I received another call from him saying his diary was full, that the earliest date for him was October 21st. I accepted happily and told him that I would try and reach Alhaji Abubakar either directly, or through his aides to convey the news.

My initial intention had been to return to Abuja that same evening from Lagos, but my hosts at the Four Square Gospel had suggested that I should get some rest. Next morning, Wednesday October 10th, after I had finished celebrating the Holy Mass, I received a call from President Obasanjo: ‘Bishop, listen, I have changed my mind’.

My heart nearly sank, but before I could ask why, he said: ‘Let us do it tomorrow if you can reach Atiku. I am going to deliver a lecture in Ife and will be back home before 1pm. So, tell him to come at 1pm’. I started frantic efforts to reach Alhaji Atiku without luck. I reached one of his aides, Paul Ibe, and asked him to please let him know I am trying to reach him. Finally, at about 1pm, I received a call from him. I told him what had happened with President Obasanjo. He agreed and said he would be in Abeokuta for 1pm on Thursday.

I got back to my hosts, the Four Square Gospel Church to tell them about the change in my travelling plans especially as I had no car to take me to Abeokuta. I didn’t want to ask President Obasanjo’s people to send me a vehicle because I believed I needed a leeway of independence and trust.

My hosts were exceedingly gracious in making a vehicle available, a driver and an aide to take me to Abeokuta. Earlier that morning, President Obasanjo had called me a second time and told me that he wanted Alhaji Abubakar to come with the Chairman of the PDP, and two or three others. He also told me he had also invited both Shaikh Gumi and Rev. Oyedepo. This was welcome news- Rev. Oyedepo is a kinsman of his, and the presence of Shaikh Gumi made sense.

I was a bit nervous, seeing that the circle was getting larger for something I thought was between three of us.I arrived Abeokuta about 12.15pm ahead of both President Obasanjo and Alhaji Abubakar and his team. Alhaji Abubakar and his team arrived, and then I saw more and more people coming in.

I saw familiar faces of different people who turned out to be the leaders of Afenifere. All these years, whenever I brought up this matter of reconciliation, my idea has always been for the three of us to sit down together. I still believed that the meeting would be between the two of them and the three religious leaders.

When President Obasanjo appeared, I walked up to him and said I wanted to know the protocol for the meeting. He suggested that we would meet in a hall and that I should say a few words about how we got here. I declined because it seemed again that at this point, we were in small forest of politics and I had no wish to be caught in it.
I was happy that what I wanted to achieve had been achieved, namely, getting these two men to put the past behind them. My personal preoccupation was a pastoral one, and not a political one. I was uncomfortable with this and I decided to make my position clear. I offered a different proposal to help us sift the moral grain from the chaff of politics via a three-step process so as to insulate the three of us from the political fallout.

I proposed that the first step would be for he and Alhaji Abubakar to sit down behind closed doors, sort out their issues and then the next step would be for both Sheikh Gumi and I to go in and listen to the two of them as Rev. Oyedepo had not arrived.

After that, I said, they could continue with the third phase which from what I could see was high wire politics and I had no wish to be caught in the web. After they both finished their brief meeting, Sheikh Gumi and I went in and sat down with the two of them.

We had some small briefing and then both of us spoke briefly on what they had done, encouraging them to ensure that this reconciliation holds. I even said jokingly that I am a Catholic priest and our marriage vows are indissoluble! After that, we prayed and then took what has now become the famous photograph behind closed doors.

At this point, I felt that my spiritual duties had been achieved and I was prepared to maintain my independence. Sheikh Gumi and I shook hands and although I was hungry and food was being laid out, I skipped lunch. I quietly let myself out by the side door, got into the Four Square Gospel car and we drove off to Lagos.

Despite the dread of Lagos traffic and the disruption of flights at the Airport in Lagos, I had declined the offer of a seat in the Aircrafts which had flown them to Abeokuta. Although flying with them was the best (and most convenient) assurance I had of getting to Abuja in time for a speaking engagement at an event with the Sultan and Cardinal Onaiyekan for 9am the next day, it was necessary to ensure that I took no favours from any of the two parties.

I was not in Abeokuta to endorse Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party. I perfectly understand the feelings of many of my friends and members of the opposition who believe that I travelled with Alhaji Abubakar and his team to attend his endorsement by President Obasanjo, but I reiterate that this was not the case. All the bills for my travel were settled by the Four Square Gospel hosts for the earlier dated programme who had bought my tickets, booked accommodation for me and took care to get me to the airport for my flight to Abuja and Sokoto.

I am a strong believer in a peaceful and united Nigeria, ideals for which I have striven and served my entire adult life as a thinker and a priest. My instincts for reconciliation and peace were sharpened during my involvement and experience with the Oputa Panel.

When the Generals refused to respond to the invitation of Oputa Panel, I personally undertook to visit both General Babangida and Buhari (he was not at home) at a time that today’s latter day Buharists were asking the Panel to compel them to come or risk being blacked out of national life.

Objective-minded people will remember that back in 2001, when the Christian community and many of President Buhari’s opponents claimed that General Buhari had said that Muslims should vote only for Muslims, many people in the Christian community were disappointed that I wrote a long article to explain the context of what he had said after speaking with the General. His party, the ANPP later used part of my article for their 2003 campaigns! My faith and experience have taught me to learn to suspend judgment till I have heard both sides of a story, no matter what.

I hope that this clarification helps to allay the concerns of those who may have seen all of these in a different light. Many minds will remain set no matter the reasonableness of my comments here, and this is to be expected- one can not please everyone. This is why it is often best to seek to please only one’s own conscience, and here, mine is very clear.

I have been involved in a few behind-the-scene shuttle diplomacy for years, largely on my own initiative, taking advantage of my knowledge of those engaged in the conflict or at the invitation of third parties. Some have succeeded and some have not. As priest, it is not in my place to publicise what we have achieved.

I am the Convener of the National Peace Committee. This alone is enough to place a moral boundary which I am bound to respect. The NPC able to accomplish much because of trust and that is not what I can treat lightly. When it became clear that both President Obasanjo and Abubakar were on the verge of making peace, I alerted the Chairman of the NPC, General Abdusalam.

Since I happen to be in Lagos, I drove to the Ikoyi home of Chief Emeka Anyaoku and alerted him. I spoke to my Metropolitan, the Archbishop of Kaduna, Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso. All in all, everyone believed this was a very good move if we could achieve it. None of us imagined the third phase of this meeting.

Both theoretically and practically, I have come to know that peace making is a very risky business and often a thankless job. I recall listening to the late Kofi Anan speak about his on two different occasions.

Anyone involved in peace making from domestic quarrels to larger battles, must be ready for the good, the bad and the ugly. In the end, we must wear the shoes of the long distance runner, believing and trusting that the truth never ever sinks to the bottom of the sea. The truth will always have a stubborn way of defying the hostile elements and popping up at the right time, no matter how long it takes.

I perfectly understand that with Alhaji Abubakar having just picked up the Presidential ticket of his Party, without providing this context, definitely, I can appreciate why many people will have a lot of anxieties. They will definitely be right to question my neutrality. However, I have far too many friends across party lines for me to openly endorse one candidate or party against the other.

It will be against the principles of the Code of Canon Law of the Catholic Church which regulates our public life in the political space. The President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference has signed a statement to the effect that no altar of the Catholic Church must ever be open to any politician, something we have all taken seriously. I therefore hope that this clarification helps those whose minds are open.

I am thankful to God and quite pleased that this reconciliation took place and that I was a small instrument in making it happen. However, I am sorry that it has been given a different colouration and doubts to many people. Its timing was purely fortuitous and purely circumstantial not a contrivance.

Personally, I will never relent in the very urgent task of making peace and reconciliation across the spectrum of our country.

Fred Itua, Abuja and David Onwuchekwa, Nnewi



Chairman of the South East Senate Caucus, Enyinnaya Abaribe and senator representing Edo Central, Clifford Ordia, as well as the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) have thrown their weight behind the candidacy of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, and his choice of running mate, Peter Obi, ahead of the 2019 general election.

Atiku announced a former governor of Anambra State, Obi, as his running mate, last week. The announcement has generated mixed reactions, with South East governors, in the forefront of opposition to Obi’s nomination.

The governors argued that they were not consulted before Atiku made Obi’s nomination public.

However, Abaribe, has described Obi’s selection as a right step in the right direction and has described Obi as an embodiment of discipline and positive attributes in good governance.

In a statement released in Abuja, yesterday, Abaribe said with Obi’s choice, as Atiku’s running mate, the party has wrapped up victory in 2019.

“Mr Obi’s widely acknowledged good track record in infrastructural development and economic reforms as governor of Anambra State, remains an eloquent testimony of what service delivery and good governance is all about.

“The ticket of the duo; of former vice president Atiku Abubakar and Mr. Obi, represents the finest choice available and one that reflects the high pitch push by Nigerians; for total economic and political reforms.

“The present hopeless situation of fear, despondency and hunger in the land, which is occasioned by a seemingly rudderless and clueless government requires experienced and steady hands in the saddle. Of course, the Atiku/Obi ticket presents that radical choice capable of pulling the country out of her present horrendous predicament,” he said.

On his part, senator Ordia reiterated that PDP will win next year’s presidential election and called on Nigerians, at all levels, to vote massively for the PDP.

“PDP is already coasting home to victory even before the elections. Everyone can see that the current government has nothing to campaign with. With Atiku and Obi, we are certain that if the elections are free and fair, the PDP will win.

“The victory of the PDP will not only end with the presidential elections. PDP will win more governorship seats and have the majority in both chambers of the National Assembly. Nigerians must be vigilant and ensure that their mandate is not stolen in 2019.”

Also, news of Obi’s emergence as Atiku’s running mate received resounding acceptance; even among pro-Biafra groups.
In line with this, the Uchenna Madu-led MASSOB has congratulated Obi, although, he said MASSOB did not believe in the Nigerian project nor does it believe in being partisan in Nigerian politics.

“We acknowledge the acceptance of Mr. Peter Obi by millions of Nigerians, through the eruption of joyous celebration which greeted his selection as a vice presidential candidate.

“MASSOB, as a major stakeholder in Igbo affairs, shall not derail in any national interest that will benefit Ndigbo in Nigeria. We’re still consulting and discussing with our Diaspora groups, and other pro-Biafra groups, concerning our final position on next year’s general elections,” Madu declared.

He said MASSOB had earlier declared that President Muhammadu Buhari would be the last president of Nigeria “and, we still believe that 2019 political crisis and our demand for referendum will usher in Biafra, Oduduwa and Arewa nations.”

By Yusha’u A. Ibrahim (Kano), Lami Sadiq (Jos), Victor Edozie (Port Harcourt), Kabiru R. Anwar (Yola), Nurudeen Oyewole (Lagos), Jude Aguguo Owuamanam (Owerri), Jeremiah Oke (Ibadan), Hassan Ibrahim (Lafia) & Iniabasi Umo



While the 2019 presidential battle will dominate the country’s political fort, governorship battles across states will provide interesting scenarios Nigerians will not want to miss.


Kano

In Kano, the battle for the seat of governor is largely between Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who is seeking for a second term, and his predecessor, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, who is actually not vying for the seat but wants to uproot the incumbent and replace him with his son in-law, all in an effort to prove his domineering influence in Kano politics.

While Ganduje is the gubernatorial candidate for the ruling APC, Kwankwaso, on the other hand, has anointed his son in-law, Abba Yusuf as the flag-bearer of the PDP to challenge Ganduje in the 2019 general elections.

However, other PDP gubernatorial aspirants are challenging the primary election that produced Yusuf, and the issue is still hanging on the neck of the national leadership of the party. It was gathered that the PDP national leadership is working hard to convince other spirants to accept Yusuf, a Kwankwasiyya anointed candidate as PDP flag-bearer at a time the Senator Mas’ud El-Jibril Doguwa-led led faction of the party has produced Malam Sagir Takai as its candidate.

But despite the internal wrangling within the PDP, Daily Trust on Sunday observe that the governorship race in Kano is purely a battle between Ganduje and Kwankwaso. While the former is putting more efforts to return for a second term, the latter is out to fight him.

According to political analysts, Kwankwaso purposely joined the PDP to achieve two things: Get the presidential ticket of the party and win and at the same time hijack the party in Kano in order to dislodge Ganduje. And now that he has lost out in the race for the presidency, he is all out to win the second race in Kano by proxy, not minding the consequences, because that is the only way he would remain politically relevant beyond 2019.

But happenings in the state suggest that unless the PDP is able to address the rancour among its members in the state, Governor Ganduje would most likely have an easy ride in the race come 2019.

Although many of Ganduje’s supporters considered Kwankwaso’s defection from the APC as a huge relief to the governor and his political associates, analysts argue that the anticipated political rumble between the two gladiators would provide an interesting scenario to watch.


Adamawa

Governorship candidates that will shake the terrain in Adamawa State include that of the PDP and former acting governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri; the ADC candidate, Senator Abdulaziz Nyako and Emmanuel Bello of the SDP.

With the emergence of Adamawa Governor Muhammadu Jibrilla as the flag-bearer of the APC following an election that is still generating controversy, the political atmosphere remains uncertain as his opponents within the APC had already threatened to support one of the opposition parties should the APC national party fail to cancel the election.

Incumbency is the major factor that can help Jibrilla in the general elections.
Fintiri, the former acting governor nick-named ATM, is popular with civil servants for paying the controversial two months salaries of striking workers withheld by his predecessor due to a no-work-no-pay policy in 2014 and is expected to pull more crowd than the incumbent governor.

Senator Abdulaziz, the son of former Governor Murtala Nyako, is counting on the goodwill of his father who enjoys grassroots support in the state. A retired commander and serving senator, Abdulaziz, has expended the membership base of the ADC since his defection from the APC.

Emmanuel Bello, the SDP candidate, may be one of the candidates to beat if Christians decide to give him block votes, being the only Christian among the four contending parties.


Lagos

The 2019 governorship election in Lagos State is no doubt shaping up to be a fierce contest between political gladiators, especially from the APC that already has Babajide Sanwo-Olu as its gubernatorial candidate and the main opposition party, the PDP that has Jimi Agbaje as its candidate.

If anything, the political manoeuvring and power-play that heralded the emergence of both candidates from their respective parties have thus prepared the ground for a possible fierce contest in the general elections.

For instance, Sanwo-Olu’s emergence as against the much-expected Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode had created a gulf of sorts among party members.

Ambode had a running battle with his godfather, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu (who incidentally is also Sanwo-Olu’s godfather), as well as party stalwarts. Although Ambode conceded defeat in a state-wide broadcast after the primary election, there are fears that some of his supporters who felt cheated might revolt during the general elections.

The Lagos State chapter of the PDP had largely operated without much rancour till the ticket was eventually given to Agbaje, instead of his main challenger, Deji Doherty.

Coupled with this is the perceived bad blood between the party’s leader in Lagos State and former PDP deputy chairman, South, Chief Olabode George and Agbaje.

Both personalities enjoyed a cozy relationship ahead of the 2015 governorship election, which Agbaje narrowly lost to Ambode. Their relationship became strained when Agbaje also aspired to become the party’s national chairman when George had thought it would be a smooth sail for him.


Nasarawa

The battle for the 2019 governorship election in Nasarawa State would be the toughest contest in recent past because political permutations and interest, coupled with the struggle for power shift to the northern part of the state, would come together to make it very interesting.

All the major candidates come for the northern zone as 11 contestants from different political parties will slug it out for the single seat. However, the real contest will be between APC’s Abdullahi Adamu Sule, the anointed candidate of Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura and Labaran Maku of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Maku served as minister of information during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan
PDP’s candidate, Rep. Emmanuel David Ombugadu is also seen as a force to reckon with because of the political manoeuvring taking place in the state.

Critical stakeholders are doubting his capability to withstand the political might of the APC candidate; hence they are scheming to convince him leave the ticket for his former boss and runner-up in the contest, Solomon Ewuga.

Engr. Sule of the APC is a businessman and industrialist. The support he has from Al-Makura and the one he is expecting to get from Alhaji Aliko Dangote, makes him the candidate with enough resources to foot any financial challenge during the election.

But the crisis confronting the APC government in the state might affect its chances, coupled with grumbling by the organised labour over unpaid entitlements, especially at the local government level.

Labaran Maku vied for the seat in 2015 but lost to Al-Makura. He is believed to be a lone ranger as party leader and the only candidate from his party without the backing of anyone. He is said to be banking on his resources, friends outside the state and his former boss, ex-president Goodluck Jonathan. He is also counting on his ethnicity and religion.

But sources said this strategy may not work for him this time around because the PDP had already featured his kinsman, Ombugadu as its candidate. Ombugadu is a member of the House Representatives for Wamba/Akwanga Nasarawa Eggon constituency. He first won election under the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and later defected to the PDP. He is the youngest candidate among all the governorship contestants.

It was reliably gathered that there are silent moves by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to pick one of the heavyweights that lost out in the APC.


Akwa Ibom State

The 2019 governorship contest in Akwa Ibom State is what every politically minded person in the state will look out for. This is because it is the first time the PDP, which has been the ruling party in the state since 1999, will be fighting with all its might to retain its place in government.

In fact, unlike what happened in the past, the ranks of the PDP seem to deplete by the day with many more defectors to the APC. Senator Godswill Akpabio is now in the APC and many of his kinsmen, supporters and well-wishers believe that when it comes to politics in Akwa Ibom, he is always right, and he gets whatever he wants. The party is also depending on the use of federal might to win the polls if other options fail.

Already, the outcome of the gubernatorial, senatorial, House of Representatives and state House of Assembly primaries has foretold what is to come. At the APC gubernatorial primary, Mr Nsima Ekere, managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), emerged winner. He will contend with Governor Udom Emmanuel of the PDP.

The electorate are divided over who to cast their votes for as it is believed that the APC is not better than the PDP. Many are of the opinion that the PDP primaries were relatively peaceful while that of the APC were plagued with irregularities.


Rivers

In Rivers, it promises to be a fight-to-finish between the incumbent Governor Nyesom Wike and the Minister of Transportation Chibuike Amaechi. Governor Wike is seeking a re-election while Amaechi is sponsoring a candidate, Arch. Tonye Cole, who is the APC flag-bearer.

The two political gladiators are engaged in a fierce battle over who controls the soul of Rivers State. While Wike claims that Rivers belongs to the PDP, Amaechi thinks otherwise. Wike is relying on the numerous projects he has carried out in the state to speak for him in the forthcoming elections, but Amaechi seems not to see anything good in his administration. He has boasted time without number that the APC would win the 2019 elections.

But the crisis rocking the APC over who flies its governorship ticket may pose a setback to the party in 2019. The emergence of Tonye Cole does not go down well with some major stakeholders of the party, especially Senator Magnus Abe, who was produced as flag-bearer by a faction led by Peter Odike.

Although the present crisis in the party seems to give Wike an advantage ahead of the 2019 polls, both gladiators are set to test their political strength.


Oyo

There is a twist in Oyo State as two political parties are waxing stronger because the popularity of the APC and PDP are dwindling by the day.
The fortunes of African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Action Democratic Party (ADP) are becoming visible.

However, the emergence of a 48-year-old former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Chief Bayo Adelabu as the governorship candidate of the APC, coupled with the conflict resolution mechanism adopted by Governor Abiola Ajimobi after the governorship primary, may strengthen the party ahead of the general elections.

Many stalwarts of the PDP in the state have defected to the ADC, with the former governor of the state, Senator Rashidi Ladoja. The ADC is now a new bride, and political observers believe it is formidable enough to dislodge the ruling party in the state.

However, the party is yet to decide on its gubernatorial candidate due to alleged moves by its leader to impose his favourite candidate on the 12 aspirants who have obtained governorship forms for the election.

The second bride is the ADP, which has a former governor of the state, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala as its governorship flag-bearer, and a member of the House of Representatives, Olatoye Temitope Sugar as senatorial candidate. The party is capable of slogging it out with other political parties in 2019.

Going by the calibre of personalities coming forward across the major political parties in the state, it is becoming interesting to know that the race to succeed the incumbent governor will shake the state in 2019.


Imo

All eyes will definitely be on Imo State over who occupies the Douglas House in 2019. It will also be interesting to know how the drama, intrigues and the tension that have pervaded the possible emergence of a governorship candidate for the party would play out.

There have been a lot of permutations and conjectures over what would be the fate of the APC in Imo after all the acrimonies that have greeted an internal matter as simple as choosing a candidate. Political watchers of Imo politics are of the opinion that the ruling party may lose the governorship seat if Governor Rochas Okorocha has his way.

Political lobbying and horse-trading is currently going on in Abuja over who will fly the party’s flag between Hope Uzodinma and Ugwumba Uche Nwosu in 2019.
However, it is not certain that Okorocha would have his son-in-law as successor.

What political analysts say is certain is that Uzodinma will not be the candidate in 2019, given the much-contested unwritten zoning agreement in the state. However, in politics, everything, they say, is possible.


Plateau

Since the emergence of Senator Jeremiah Useni as the PDP candidate for the gubernatorial election in Plateau State, it has become obvious that the election would be one to watch out for. At 75, Senator Useni, a retired General, would face a younger Governor Simon Bako Lalong of the APC at the polls.

Although Alex Ladan of the Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN) and Margret Inusa of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) have both been affirmed as governorship candidates of their parties, the tug of war would likely be between Lalong and Useni.

Useni, popularly referred to as one of the ‘Langtang generals’, served as military governor and minister in the 1980s and 1990s.

He was at a point regarded as the most powerful person next to the then military head of state, the late General Sani Abacha. He has had his eyes on Plateau’s seat of power since 2015 but opted for the Senate when the then Governor Jonah David Jang’s body language favoured the late Gyang Pwajok.

With age not by his side and a zoning arrangement threatening to revert the baton of power to the central zone after 2019, the old soldier is expected to pull out all tricks left on his sleeve.

Although with the resources and clout to match Lalong, many, however, accuse Useni of being docile in the Senate due to old age and illness. They say he may not muster the strength to defeat a younger and vibrant Lalong who already has the power of incumbency.

Lalong is one of the performing APC governors. He is one of the few who pay workers’ salaries promptly. He has succeeded in operating an inclusive government and revived ailing industries in the state. And being a lawyer and one-time legislator, the governor has strengthened the state’s judicial system.

He may be facing security challenges presently, which opposition parties could capitalise on, but taking Lalong for granted can be a costly mistake. The governor is best described as humble, which is why the opposition cast him aside as unchallenging. But his humility has proven to be his greatest strength, and it is what endears him to the people.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the placement of travelling restrictions on 50 high-profile Nigerians.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the party gave the rejection in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, on Saturday in Abuja.

Ologbondiyan described the restriction as a ‘draconian step’ clearly targeted at members of the opposition parties, business community, religious leaders, former political leaders and traditional rulers, perceived to be averse to President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election bid.

He added that the ‘decree’ was a direct clampdown on the country’s democratic order and an overthrow of rights of citizenry as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“We hope this is not a ploy to harm certain eminent Nigerians on the claims of resisting travel restrictions.

“The whole world can now see how fascism is fast taking over our democracy and judicial system and how the Buhari administration, by fiat, has directly ordered that citizens be secretly trailed.

“Their movements and financial transactions are restricted by government agencies, without recourse to due process of the law,” he said.

Ologbondiyan said that the Presidency had gone into panic mode since the popular emergence of Atiku Abubakar as PDP presidential candidate and the spontaneous jubilation his emergence evoked across the country.

He said that the party maintained that the resort to total clampdown on the opposition and PDP supporters would be totally unacceptable.

“What this means is that all Nigerians, particularly opposition members, members of the business community and religious leaders have become endangered and stand the risk of state violence under the APC administration,” he said.

Ologbondiyan alerted the international community to take note should any harm befall any opposition leader, key members of the business community and religious leaders across the country, as Nigerians march towards the 2019 general elections.

NAN recalls that Buhari had mandated the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to implement the Executive Order 6 (EO6) in full force following the instant judicial affirmation of the constitutionality and legality of the order.

According to a statement issued by Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President, Media and Publicity, a number of enforcement procedures were currently in place.

Shehu disclosed that the Nigeria Immigration Service and other security agencies had placed no fewer than 50 high profile persons directly affected by EO6 on watch-list.

They are to be restricted from leaving the country pending the determination of their cases.

He added that EO6 was specifically directed to relevant law enforcement agencies to ensure that all assets within a minimum value of N50 million or equivalent, subject to investigation or litigation are protected from dissipation by employing all available lawful means, pending the final determination of any corruption-related matter.

“The Buhari administration reassures all well-meaning and patriotic Nigerians of its commitment to the fight against corruption, in accordance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the general principles of the Rule of Law.

“Accordingly, this administration will uphold the rule of law in all its actions and the right of citizens would be protected as guaranteed by the Constitution,” he said. (NAN)

By Temidayo Akinsuyi


Balarabe Musa, the first civilian Governor of Kaduna state on Thursday said former president Olusegun Obasanjo’s endorsement of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar for the 2019 presidential election will amount to nothing because he (Obasanjo) is no longer relevant in the scheme of things.

Speaking in a chat with Daily Independent, Nusa said it is unfortunate that Atiku who wants to take over the Presidency in 2019 is already associating himself with failures who have messed up the country like Obasanjo.

Ndubuisi Orji , James Ojo



The House of Representatives yesterday, said it has discovered N21 billion and $104.46 million undeclared revenue in two separate accounts outside the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

The chairman, Ad-hoc Committee investigating the management, implementation and level of compliance with the Treasury Single Account (TSA) , Abubakar Danburam, stated this while briefing journalists in Abuja.

Consequently, Danburam said the Managing Director of Heritage Bank, Ifie Sekibo, and his counterpart in Aso Savings, Hassan Usman, have been summoned to appear before the committee over the discovery.

He said the secretariat of the ad-hoc committee has been directed to write the affected bank chiefs to appear on a date to be announced later, failure of which arrest warrant will be issued against them.

“Today, we are supposed to meet with Heritage Bank and Aso Savings with regard to the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

As you can see, none of their management or staff is here. Our independent investigations have revealed that contrary to what Heritage Bank submitted to us, they also have two undisclosed accounts in the TSA.

“The one with Nigerian Export and Import (NEXIM) Bank has $104 million, while a second one with Nigerian Maritime Administration Safety Agency (NIMASA) has $46,000. Yet, there is another N21 billion, which also forms part of our enquiry. We want to know why they did not reveal those accounts to this Committee.

“We hereby give the Managing Directors of Heritage Bank and Aso Savings the opportunity to appear before this committee at a date to be announced later. If they fail, we will then issue a warrant of arrest against them.”

Meanwhile, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has discovered the sum of N9.8 billion secretly kept in Aso Savings.

Investigations by the commission revealed that the amount was the proceeds from the sale of Federal Government properties in the Federal Capital Territory between 2010 and 2014.

Spokesperson of the Commission, Mrs Rasheedat Okoduwa, disclosed that the discovery was made while investigating allegations contained in a petition against the activities of the Ad-hoc Committee set up in 2005 on the sales.

Investigators, according to her unearthed that the money which was deposited in Aso Savings and Loans Plc was not remitted to the federal treasury by the financial institution rather, it was used it.

The management of the bank she explained confirmed received the money, but that the bank is currently experiencing paucity of funds, therefore it is willing to swap some of its properties located in Abuja and Lagos in exchange for the unremitted funds.

“But the Commission is committed to the recovery of the full value of the unremitted N9.8 Billion by taking the properties offered in lieu for government, subject to satisfactory valuation by the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing.

“Upon conclusion of investigation, anyone found in breach of the law will be brought to book accordingly,” she added.

Apart from the discovery of the unremitting fund, investigation of the Ad-hoc committee’s work also uncovered that some persons who were allocated government properties made only part payments.

On this, ICPC stated that it had recovered N20, 662,250 from the affected persons in bank drafts which it handed over to the Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee between December 2017 and May 2018.

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Hajiya Ireti Kingibe, former wife of one-time Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babagana Kingibe, has denied that her husband abandoned MKO Abiola at the height of the struggle to validate the result of the June 12 election.

After Buhari posthumously conferred the GCFR honour on MKO Abiola, Kingibe was widely criticised as undeserving of a similar honour because he allegedly abandoned Abiola when it mattered most.

But speaking in the current edition of The Interview magazine , Ireti Kingibe said that it was, in fact, Abiola who left her former husband in the cold.

In her first major interview 25 years after former military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, annulled the election, Ireti Kingibe said: “Whether Kingibe deserves national honors or not, if you are giving it to June 12, then he was part of it. But saying that he betrayed Abiola (I have nothing to gain from telling the truth), was unfair.

“Maybe a lot of people didn't see what he went through himself. He also did not care to make it public. Everybody says Kingibe betrayed Abiola, how? Nobody tells us. At least I haven't been told.

“In case, you want to know, it was a decision — and you can verify with Abiola's widows — it was a decision that they made collectively that not just Kingibe but remember they had Jakande and so many people from the Abiola/Kingibe camp in the government.

“They were under the misguided notion that Abacha was going to hand over to them. And really, as I have said over and over again, Kingibe is no longer my husband and I am under no obligation to say anything good about him. But I also do not believe in telling lies. And as I have said to many people in the past, they are all guilty of bad judgement and not bad will.”

Continuing, she said Abiola wasn’t comfortable enough around Kingibe but only had him as running mate because he needed Kingie to win votes.

“In truth, Baba Kingibe only went to see Abiola and found out that Abiola had left the country. And when Abiola called from abroad, it was me he got,” she said.

“Those days we had landlines. Baba (Kingibe) was not at home. I picked up the phone and he (Abiola) said to me in Yoruba that I should tell my husband that a bird does not tell another bird that a stone is coming. So, when Baba came back, I said Abiola called and this is the message he left for you.

“Baba said to me, ‘did he call to apologize?’ I said no, he did not call to apologize. He just gave an explanation or a rationalization for his action and this is what he said. He said ‘no, no! You didn't understand his Yoruba well.’ I said you can go and find out from anybody.”

Ireti Kingibe said Abiola ignored her husband’s advice to land in Kano because of the perception that was fast gaining ground that he was “a Yoruba president”.

She portrayed her husband as “a hostage” of the government of the former military head of state, General Sani Abacha, saying he was miserable throughout and only gained his freedom after Abacha’s death.

Saying she shared the family’s dilemma at the time with Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, she added, that, “It was either Kingibe would stay in Abacha’s government or Abacha was going to bury him alive.”