₦airaland Forum

Posted By: Onyedi Ojiabor


Fresh controversy appears to be trailing President Muhammadu Buhari’s request of the approval of the sum of N189,207,544,893.13 for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the conduct of 2019 elections.

This is coming as the Senate Committee on Appropriation on Wednesday resolved to give nod to the sum of N189.207 bn for the conduct of the elections as requested by the President.

President Buhari in a letter dated 19th September, 2018 requested for the holistic consideration and approval of INEC and security agencies budget for the 2019 elections.

The source of funding of the INEC’s 2019 election budget appears to be breeding discomfort among National Assembly members.
Many senators asked consistently that the source of funding of the INEC budget should be clarified.

While President Buhari said that the N189.207 billion should be sourced from the N500 billion the National Assembly inserted into the 2018 budget, the joint National Assembly committee on INEC recommended that the money should be pulled from the over N900 billion Service Wide Vote in the 2018 budget.

A memo entitled “Submission of harmonised report of INEC 2019 general election supplementary budget estimates submitted to the Appropriation commission by Chairman, Senate Committee on INEC, Senator Suleiman Nazif and his counterpart in the House of Representatives, Hon. Aishatu Jibril Dukku said:
“INEC was allocated the sum of N143,512,529,455 only as recommended by Mr. President for its 2019 general elections and indicated as amount needed for 2018.

“The balance of N45,695,015,438 billion was requested for appropriation under 2019 budget.
“However, the INEC presented the entire sum of N189,207,544,893.13 for the committee’s consideration.

“The committee after wide consultation with INEC decided on a budgetary allocation of the sum of N143,312,256,955.13 only.”

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje proposed at the meeting on Wednesday that the two letters by President Buhari should be combined “so that we give Mr. President what he wants.”

The proposal was unanimously carried.
Before the committee went into closed session to consider the seemingly knotty issue of the source of funding of the INEC budget, Goje announced that the committee resolved that N189,207,544, 893.13 as requested should be approved for INEC for the conduct of the 2019 elections.

On security budget for the election, Goje said that the committee also resolved to invite the National Security Adviser, Director General Department of State Services, Commandant Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Inspector General of Police, Comptroller General Nigeria Immigration Service and heads of other security agencies connected with the 2019 elections to appear before the committee to defend their budgets.

Goje emphasized that the N78,340,530535.00 for security agencies would be approved after the appearance of the heads of the agencies.

President Buhari in the letter entitled Re: Request for virement/supplementary budget said: “You recall that in my letter dated 11th July, 2018, I requested for the kind consideration of the National Assembly for a virement under the 2018 Appropriation Act.

“Part of this request was for the funding of the request made by the INEC and security agencies for the 2019 general elections.

“In that letter, I indicated that INEC and the security agencies had indicated that their total funding requirement for the 2019 elections would amount to N242,445,322,600.00.

“Of that amount, I have requested that N164,104,792,065,00 be accommodated in the 2018 budget, by way of virement within the 2018 Appropriation Act, whilst the balance of N78,340, 530,535.00, should be considered by the National Assembly as part of the 2019 budget.

“When the Hon. Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, appeared before the Joint Committee of the National Assembly, set up to consider my request, he was informed that the National Assembly would be willing to consider accommodating the total amount required for the funding of the 2019 elections as part of the virement of the 2018 Appropriation Act, provided there was a specific request made by me.

“In the light of the current realities, and in order to ensure that the 2019 general elections are not affected by any delays in the passage into law of the 2019 budget, I accept this kind suggestion.

“I therefore wish to formally request that the total amount of N242,445,322,600.00 requested by INEC and the security agencies be considered for inclusion in my virement request under the 2018 Appropriation Act.

”I look forward to your urgent consideration of this request to ensure that the 2019 general elections are properly conducted.”

The implication of what Senate Appropriation committee did yesterday was that the entire INEC budget request would be accommodated as demanded by President Buhari.

The only hiccup may be the source of funding of the budget.

By Musa Abdullahi Krishi



Senator Biodun Olujimi (PDP, Ekiti) has taken over the seat of erstwhile Minority Leader in the Senate, Godswill Akpabio.

Akpabio, who was the minority leader defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in August.

Olujimi had been the deputy minority whip.

Since Akpabio’s departure to the APC, his position became vacant, although the Senate had been on recess until its resumption yesterday.

At the resumption of plenary, Olujimi was seen occupying Akpabio’s seat, a development that gave credence to speculations that she was nominated to take over as minority leader.

However, there was no formal announcement confirming her as the new minority leader.

Posted by; Samuel Ogidan


Abuja – All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators on Tuesday agreed to put national issues above politics and stop the infighting.

This agreement was brokered on Tuesday, when the Senate dissolved into closed doors session shortly after the lawmakers resumed plenary.

The closed door meeting which lasted for 20 minutes, it was gathered, was used to address salient issues especially recent political disturbances in the Senate among the lawmakers.

A lawmaker, who spoke with INDEPENDENT on the outcome of the closed door meeting, disclosed that issues of threats and counter threats were dropped.

Recall that the APC senators and the National Chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole, have been threatening to impeach Saraki and his Deputy, Ike Ekweremadu on the excuse that the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) cannot head the National Assembly, where APC has the majority lawmakers.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the lawmaker said, “the Senate today (Tuesday) reconvened after about two months recess and immediately went into close session where all members had frank discussions about the future of the Eighth Senate as it goes into its last stage.

“The members agreed to give peace a chance and avoid allowing the Red Chamber of the Federal Legislature to degenerate into an arena of conflict over partisan and personal issues.”

It was equally learnt that the APC Caucus also extracted a promise from the Senate President that national interest will continue to take precedent over any other consideration in the activities of the Senate.

The Senators were said to have agreed not to allow external forces and influence to cause disaffection, disturbance or crisis within the legislature.

Meanwhile, the upper chamber of the National Assembly has expressed concern over rejection of bills by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Senate expressed this concern when the National Assembly resumed plenary session after 10 weeks holiday.

President of the Senate, Saraki, who presided over the plenary that lasted for about 30 minutes, read out the 15 bills passed by the National Assembly, but rejected by President Buhari.

The bills, which the President declined assent include; the electoral (amendment) bill, the advance free fraud and other related offences (amendment) bill and the Nigerian maritime administration and safety agency (amendment) bill.

Others include, the stamp duties (amendment) bill, Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB), industrial development (income tax relief) (amendment) bill, the National Institute of hospital and tourism (establishment) bill among others.

In the case of the electoral bill, President Buhari said, “my reasons for withholding assent to the Bill are due to some drafting issues that may affect the interpretation and application of the principal act. In addition, some of the proposed amendments may adversely affect the operation of elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

“I am declining assent to the Electoral Amendment Bill due to some drafting issues that remain unaddressed following the prior revision to the Bill. I invite the distinguished Senate to address these issues as quickly as possible so that I may grant President assent to the Electoral Amendment Bill.”

Giving reason to why he declined assent to the advance fee fraud and other related offences (amendment) bill, President Buhari said, “I am declining presidential assent to this Bill which would reduce the minimum punishment for the offences under the Advance Free Fraud and other Related Offences Act due to the prevalence of the offences, the need to deter the offences and the need to adequately punish offenders.

“I am also concerned that the amendment to the Principal Act have watered down the sentence by giving the court too much discretion in respect of the minimum sentence.”

Posted By: ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA


Less than twenty four hours after he threatened to leave the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has said Governor Ayo Fayose is not wanted in its fold.

The state APC Chairman, Mr. Paul Omotoso and party chairmen in all wards in Irepodun/Ifelodun local government, where the governor hails from and all wards in Ado-Ekiti, where he lives and has businesses that he is not welcomed in the party.

The party chieftains have told the governor to forget his plans to dump PDP to join APC “until he clears himself of several criminal cases hanging on his neck.”

The warning came on the heels of reports that Fayose had concluded plans to dump PDP following the emergence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the PDP presidential candidate as against Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal who was supported by Fayose.

In a statement on Tuesday by the APC Publicity Secretary, Mr. Ade Ajayi, said the party leaders advised the outgoing governor to conclude his court cases bordering on sundry alleged crimes before contemplating to join APC.

He said: “We want to prove to the world that APC will not provide sanctuary for criminal suspects, political prostitutes and lepers.

We will never admit such character to this party and we advise Fayose to play his politics of destruction somewhere else.

“Fayose’s criminal prosecution on 2005 poultry project fraud resumes on November 4, 2018. Fayose cannot turn Ekiti APC to a haven and sanctuary for criminal suspects and we advise him to forget any plan to smear Ekiti APC with criminal records.”

In a statement, Omotoso told Fayose that APC “is a political party bounded by common ideals of integrity, openness, discipline and commitment to common goal of progressive governance, which Fayose does not possess or believe as can be seen from his style of politics and governance”.

He added: “Fayose over the years abused, disrespected and openly denigrated President Muhammadu Buhari, the leader of our party who is also the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

“Fayose is coming to destroy our party and ensure President Buhari does not get a second term in 2019 and we won’t allow Fayose’s evil plan to materialise”.

Omotoso vowed that on no account would Fayose be admitted into the APC.

He advised Fayose to look elsewhere for a political party that he will destroy after destroying three national political parties when he found it difficult to control the parties.

“Fayose said many times that he would destroy APC. He destroyed Labour Party (LP), All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) People’s Progressive
Alliance (PPA) and at a time he also destroyed PDP before his current activities that led to the present sorry state of PDP in Ekiti State.

“APC is looking for builders and not destroyers in its fold. We will not accept this destroyer in our great party APC and we advise Fayose
to look elsewhere towards his promoters outside the state so that he can destroy the cohesion of the party in the backyards of those promoters.”

He warned all ward chairmen where Fayose lives and runs his businesses against accepting him to the party.

He added: “Our party is not a sanctuary for criminal suspects, political lepers and serial destroyers of the parties they once belonged.

“We hereby warn ward chairmen where Fayose lives or runs his business against admitting him to our great party.

“We hereby state clearly that no ward chairman must open talks with Fayose until such ward chairman clears with the party leadership at the state level.”

Meanwhile, an interest group in Ekiti PDP, Bring Back our Mandate (BBOM) has warned Fayose against negotiating what it called “the mandate given to Prof Kolapo Olusola by the Ekiti electorate with the ruling APC as a soft landing following his latest threat to leave the PDP.”

BBOM in a statement on Tuesday by its Coordinator, Gbenga Ogedengbe, said that the mandate given to Olusola by Ekiti PDP in the last governorship election in the state is not for sales and that the mandate of the people which he claimed was stolen by the APC will be retrieved at the election petition tribunal.

The statement read: “It is important to note that Fayose’s deputy, Prof. Kolapo Olusola Eleka, who doubled as the PDP candidate in July 18, 2018 Ekiti governorship election is currently seeking judicial redress at the Ekiti election petition tribunal holding in Abuja over series of alleged irregularities in the conduct of the poll which returned Dr Kayode Fayemi of the APC as the governor-elect.

“We are not unaware of Governor Ayodele Fayose romance with the APC and his several unrealistic demands with the aim of paving way for a make believe excuse that would enable him save his face while he goes by the way of Akpabio.

“Fayose is afraid of being persecuted by APC attack dogs after leaving office. While wishing the outgoing Ekiti governor a safe trip to APC we are warning APC to avoid being fooled by Fayose as any promise to stop or frustrate the ongoing tribunal by Fayose is simply an empty promise.

“Fayose cannot give what he doesn’t have. The process of retrieving Eleka’s mandate from APC is beyond Fayose. Fayose can’t sell or negotiate with what does not belong to him.”

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The President of the Senate Dr Bukola Saraki has responded to the taunt by the All Progressives Congress (APC) over his (Saraki’s) performance at the just concluded Presidential Primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The APC spokesman, Yekini Nabena had in a statement issued on Tuesday, mocked Saraki’s performace saying that his “Presidential bid had crashed”.

However in a statement Issues by Yusuf Olaniyonu, Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs to the President of the Senate, Saraki said that the APC is always disturbed by the sound of his name.

Saraki however advised the APC and its leadership to stop focusing on developments in the opposition party and seek ways to solve the “civil war” that had been ignited in the party.

The statement by Saraki reads:
“We have noted the irresponsible statement issued by the APC spokesman, Yekinni Nabena.

“We know that he and the leadership of the APC are always incensed and disturbed at the mere hearing of the name, Saraki. It is also notable that Nabena and the APC are always concerned about the developments in the opposition party, the PDP.

“However, we believe that with the ‘civil war’ that Adams Oshiomhole and Yekinni Nabena have ignited in the APC and the very low level that they have dragged the party, in such manner that the ruling party is wallowing in confusion and disorganization, they have too much to pre-occupy them than to be poking their noses in what happens to Saraki or the PDP,” he said.

By Jaafar Jaafar


A Nigerian governor from one of the North West states has been caught on spy camera receiving kickbacks in hard currency for various projects executed by his administration.

The governor, who is gunning for his second term on the platform of ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, may likely be dropped due to the damning evidence of corruption against him.

In the three-episode clips seen by DAILY NIGERIAN reporter, the governor was shown on different dates receiving the bribe amounting to about 5 million dollars in total.

In one of the clips, this reporter watched how the governor, who appeared without a cap, took note of the names of contractors who paid the kickback and later tucked the bundles of dollar notes into his kaftan side pockets and trousers’ pockets.

In another video, appearing in babbarriga and a cap, this reporter watched how the governor collected nearly 3 million dollars, being 25 percent kickbacks for selling market stalls.

DAILY NIGERIAN graphics expert, who was also invited to a secret meeting to ascertain whether the videos were genuine, confirmed that they were not doctored.

A representative from a reputable international anti-corruption agency, who was also furnished with the clips for authentication, confirmed that it was genuine.

“Going by the analysis we made on conversation and the graphics, we concluded that the voice matched the subject matter’s voice and the images are unmistakably his,” the agency’s representative said.

Upon confirmation of the authenticity of the videos, DAILY NIGERIAN gathered that the clips would be taken to President Muhammadu Buhari for action.

“The clips will be shown to the president any moment. And I am sure he will take decisive action against the governor,” a security source told our reporter.


The High-Wire Decisions And Buhari’s Anti-Corruption War


Fight against insecurity and corruption are arguably two of the priority areas of the Buhari administration.

Mr Buhari had on several occasions described corruption an evil, which his administration must fight head-on.

Although the president’s anti-corruption war claimed a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, and former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, NIA, Ayodele Oke, the opposition party believes the ant-graft war majorly targets members of the opposition party.

DAILY NIGERIAN reliably gathered that President Muhammadu Buhari may weigh the option of asking the governor to “honourably” shelve his second term ambition to avoid “putting dent” on his anti-corruption war.

Sources said the Presidency may also consider the option of impeachment or substituting his name as APC governorship candidate if he refuses to voluntarily withdraw from the governorship race.

But in a bid to cover his tracks, sources told this newspaper that the devastated governor had summoned some of his top aides to find a way of launching a “comprehensive media campaign” to challenge the authenticity of the clips before surfacing in public domain.

Ismail Omipidan and Romanus Ugwu, Abuja



Senate Majority Leader, Ahmed Lawan, has assured the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and President Muhammadu Buhari, that the party’s senate caucus will impeach Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, when lawmakers reconvene.

Senator Lawan said this during the APC Presidential Convention, which held at the Eagle Square, in Abuja, at the weekend.

The national convention ratified Buhari’s candidacy as the flag-bearer of the ruling party in the 2019 presidential election.

There, Lawan said, the APC senate caucus intends ‘to force through lots of things.’

He, however, made a passionate appeal to the Presidency and the APC national leadership to intervene in the challenges some of the National Assembly members are facing; to scale the APC primaries in their respective states. He specifically asked for the national leadership’s mediation.

Said Lawan: “The senate wishes to assure you that we will remain in our caucus determined, focused and resolved to work with you.

“On July 15, this year, when we had unceremonious closure of the Senate and the National Assembly for the first time, we had the most cohesive, united and focused APC caucus in the Eighth senate.

We remain committed to you and the programmes of this administration. We remain loyal to our party, and we shall continue to support any programme of this administration.

“We thank Mr. President for supporting senators who have remained committed and loyal to this party.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank the chairman and leaders of the party, for supporting us at the most difficult times in the history of our primaries. I want to add that it is not yet uhuru for some of us. We believe that there are still some issues to be resolved in favour of some of our colleagues.

“I want to also add that the number of senators of APC in the senate remains the largest. I want to call the attention of everyone here to the fact that democracy, as defined by people, remains government of the majority, where minority will always have their say.

“Those who cannot remember that there was a time in this country when nine was greater than 16, I want to remind them that we have come to that point again.

“Now, we have our chamber dominated and occupied by minority leaders. They remain minority leaders occupying our positions.

Those who refuse to follow the part of honour and integrity by exiting; we will send them out with ignominy.

“I want to assure everyone here that 2019 is going to be a walkover for Mr. President, by the grace of God. It will see APC winning more than 24 states.

“We will have a national assembly where vast majority of senators will be from the APC and in the House of Representatives.

“We want to have a National Assembly that will, at all times, work with Mr. President, day and night, to deliver to Nigerians what we have lost over the years.

“The leadership of the National Assembly has shown to us that they are not prepared to be loyal to this administration.

“On Tuesday, we will be going back to the National Assembly when our recess is over.
We intend to force through a lot of things and pass that budget for INEC and the security agencies for the 2019 election.

“If we cannot convince them, we intend to force through the foreign plan for this administration. Some people have taken our mandate and ran away with it. We intend to fight, defend and promote the interest of this party at all cost,” he assured.

Similarly, Deputy Speaker, Yusuff Lasun, in his remarks during the Presidential Convention, pledged the chambers loyalty to the presidency and the ruling party.

Although he was silent on the fate of Speaker Yakubu Dogara, when the House reconvenes, he, however, explicitly assured of the House’s loyalty to the party.

“President Buhari is our candidate in 2019 election. He has made us proud and that is why we are convinced that, by 2019, he is going to be re-elected.

“We are convinced that you are going to do us proud by continuing to deliver on those programmes.

“One of the beauties of the last three and a half years is that president Buhari has brought sanity into governance, and today, the fear of Buhari is the beginning of wisdom.

“We must find a way of strengthening the National Assembly…

Success Nwogu , Ilorin


The Kwara State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party , Alhaji Kola Shittu , on Sunday , said it was possible for the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, to emerge the Kwara Central senatorial candidate of the party .

Saraki had contested the PDP presidential ticket and came third with 317 votes in the primary that held in Port Harcourt, River State at the weekend .

Former Vice - President Atiku Abubakar emerged the PDP presidential candidate for the 2019 elections. He polled 1 , 532 votes to trounce other aspirants.

Sokoto State Governor , Aminu Tambuwal , came second with 693 votes while a former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwanso , garnered 158 votes to come fourth, behind Saraki who came third.

Our correspondent in Ilorin , the Kwara State capital , learnt that although a candidate for Kwara Central Senatorial district, whose name was not disclosed , had emerged through consensus means , arrangements could still be made for Saraki to become the PDP Kwara Central Senatorial District candidate and his name submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission before the period for submission of candidates closes on Monday .

It was further learnt that arrangement had been activated to fly back to Ilorin the Kwara PDP delegates who went to Port Harcourt for the party ’ s presidential primary.

It was further gathered that after the arrival of the delegates , Saraki would be formally presented as the party ’ s senatorial candidate for Kwara Central.

The state PDP chairman also confirmed in an interview with our correspondent that there was a procedure for Saraki to emerge as the candidate if he so wished.

Shittu said , “If he (Saraki) so wishes , there are procedures of doing that. We have affirmed somebody through consensus.

Since tomorrow is the last date for the submission of candidates , there is the possibility of him emerging this night ( Sunday). It is still possible . ”

Olalekan Adetayo , Abuja



The Federal Government on Sunday said it would soon address the agitation for the upward review of the national minimum wage in a manner that will make workers and all Nigerians smile .

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation , Mr. Boss Mustapha, made the promise in his remarks at the 22nd Choir Anniversary of the Christ Apostolic Church , Living Water DCC Headquarters , Abuja , tagged “ Bless the Lord , o my soul. ”

Mustapha, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary (General Services Office ), Office of the SGF , Mr. Olusegun Adekunle , said the present administration was sensitive to the plight and wishes of the masses .

Read also: Buhari begs losers of APC primaries not to abandon party
He said by the time the issue of the minimum wage would have been adequately addressed, the entire nation would be better for it .

He said , “While this administration is determined to bring our nation to self -sufficiency and self - reliance , it is also sensitive to the plight and wishes of the Nigerian masses .

“ I assure Nigerians that the recent agitation for upward review in the national minimum wage will soon be addressed in such a way that not only Nigerian workers will smile , but the entire nation will be better for it . ”

Mustapha also admitted that Nigeria needs prayers and support of churches at this time in the nation ’ s history more than any other time .

He said while the government was working hard to address the nation ’ s challenges , the church should continue to assist the government with prayers

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Olalekan Adetayo , Abuja



President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday said there was no truth in a claim that he asked the Kaduna State Governor , Nasir el - Rufai, to punish Senator Shehu Sani by initiating his recall from the Senate.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu , said this in a statement made available to journalists.

El - Rufai had, in a leaked memo, warned Buhari that there will be serious consequences if the senator representing Kaduna Central should win a return ticket to the Senate in 2019.

The governor claims in the memo that at a point , Buhari had directed him to recall Sani because of his many sins.

But Shehu said neither did the President receive the leaked memo, nor did he ask el - Rufai to deal with the senator.

He said Buhari would never usurp the role of party leaders by directing that a party member should be punished .

The statement read , “The Presidency wishes to distance President Muhammadu Buhari from a letter currently in circulation, which alleges that the President had authorised a governor or anyone else for that matter to ‘ deal with traitors and disloyal members of APC , especially Senator Shehu Sani . ’

“ We wish to confirm that the President is not aware of any such letter , let alone authorising anyone to deal with any party member.

“ Given President Buhari ’ s record, it is inconceivable that he would usurp the role of party leaders and instruct anyone to punish a party member.

“ In the light of above , we appeal to the general public , especially members of the Press, to ignore false or unauthorised information intended to attribute to the President any action which is not in line with his character. ”

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By Abiodun Alade



There was a mild drama at the entrance of Adokie Amiesiekema stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers state where the peoples Democratic party, PDP is holding its convention to elect its presidential candidate for the 2019 election when music star, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido was teargassed by security operatives.

The security agents who were trying to control the crowd at the gate mistakenly fired teargas, not knowing that the music star was in the crowd.

Some party chieftains and security agents later went to appeal and usher him to the stadium with the crowd hailing him.

Davido whose uncle, Ademola Adeleke lost the Osun governorship election was among the entertainers that performed at the event.

cinoedhunter:
Which kind grammar be this na.... to be caught in... abi e never happen ?

Posted By: Damisi Ojo



Second republic senator, Chief Olorunnimbe Farukanmi on Saturday said the N50,000 minimum wage being agitated by Nigerian workers would have dire consequences on the nation’s economy.

The financial expert said even though labourers are entitled to their wages,but expressed the need for trade unions to consider and look at various sources of revenue accurable to their employers in order to asses the reality of the wages from which their salaries are paid.

The former lawmaker observed that the minimum wage in the country being paid by every employer of labour was expected to be N18,000, but the labour unions have been asking for N50,000 minimum,which he said would be 250 per cent increment.

Farukanmi, who is the Chairman, Elders Assembly of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in Ondo state said “It is evidently clear that some of the various levels of governments in existence are presently owing their workers over 10 months salary arrears.

“It means that if some local and state governments are unable to meet up the N18,000 especially as sources of revenue generation are dwindling,the proposed N50,000 per month demanded by the labour force,if acceded can never be met by these present government”

The APC stalwart said the negotiation on the demands of the labour unions for over N50,000 as the national minimum wage has been on for many years without any resolution.

According to him, the resources from crude oil sales represent the main sources of revenue from which the federation account generates majority of its resources.

The elder statesman warned that new minimum wage of N50,000 would cause another economic recession in the country,as it would lead to general increase in the prices of all commodities and food stuff.

He said” The labour Unions should ensure that this nation does not slip into recession again since every Nigerian is aware of the fact that Nigeria derives majority of its revenue from oil and gas,but with the large scale reduction in the prices of oil in the world market,the country’s revenue has reduced drastically.

Farukanmi believed this is a period when to provide an enabling environment for genuine investors and honest consumers to work together for the viability of the economy.

“At a time when the economy should be strengthened with a stable naira as against encouraging further inflation,to embark on a stable naira as against encouraging further inflation,to embark on a 250 per cent wage increase will be enormously detrimental to the successful growth of the economy” The APC stalwart stressed.

By Wale Elegbede


About 3000 delegates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State are currently voting to determine who will become the governorship candidate of the leading opposition party in the state ahead of the 2019 general elections.

The contenders are Jimi Agbaje who was the party’s candidate in 2015 and Adedeji Doherty who had been seeking the ticket since 2007 without success.

The delegates are casting their votes according to their local governments in the presence of monitoring officers from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The election is being conducted by the National Working Committee (NWC) panel chaired by Senator Victor Kassim Oyofo with other members including Chief (Mrs) Chidi Onyemelukwe (secretary); Alhaji Ibrahim Michika and Mr. Daisi Ogedengbe.

The primary election is taking place amidst heavy security at the Yard 156 event centre along Kudirat Abiola way Oregun Ikeja.

There is tension at the venue presently as mammoth crowd of members of the party struggled to gain entrance into the main venue.

Votings are still on ongoing.

John Adams, Minna



The political tension in Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State took a different dimension, on Wednesday night, following the abduction of the chairman of the council, Alhaji Abdullahi Maje, by gunmen.

Abdullahi Maje fell into the hands of the gunmen, said to be five in number, and suspected to be kidnappers, on his way home from a political meeting ahead of the House of Representatives primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC) slated for Thursday.

The gunmen, who were said to had trailed him from the venue of the meeting, blocked his official car he was driving in and forced him into another vehicle before whisking him to an unknown destination.

The kidnappers have not made any contact with family nor placed any ransom on him as at the time of filing this reports.

The kidnap of the local government boss came a few hours to the House of Representatives primary election of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the area.

In the last two days, tension had been high in the council as supporters of the two leading APC Aspirants for Suleja/Tafa/Gurara Federal constituency engaged one another in a bloody clash.

The incumbent, Alhaji Lado Abubakar, and Ado Abubakar, are two strong contenders for sole of the party ticket for House of Representatives.

When the two rival supporters came face to face, on Sunday, while on campaign tour of the area, three people were confirmed dead and not less than 15 people were injured while about 13 vehicles damaged in a clash between the two.

It was believed that the kidnap of the local government chairman could be linked to the primary election as he was suspected to be sympathetic to the aspiration of one of the aspirants.

Both the state party executive and the government have kept seal lips over the political tension in the area as neither the party officials nor the government officials were ready speak on the matter.

The Niger State Police Command has also refused to make any categorical statement on the matter.

However, a high ranking officer from the Suleja Area Command, when contacted, declined to confirm the incident unofficially, saying “You know I cannot talk to you officially. We have our mouthpiece in the command. Please go to him.”

He, therefore, directed our correspondent to the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, CSP Abubakar Mohammed, who refused to pick his calls after several attempts.

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BABATUNDE RAJI FASOLA : You may be wondering why his name is included in this list after all that has been said about the state of affairs between him and the king maker of Lagos State, the fact that there is no love lost between them.

But the truth is the man should be praised for the calmness and equanimity he displayed for solid eight years to manage the insufferable dictator that the kingmaker of Lagos has become. It’s the lack of tact, political savvy and maturity, especially in the face of frustration that led to his successor’s undoing.

There must be a self-satisfied smirk brightening up the face of the Minister of Power, Works and Housing. In retrospect, he is the chief winner.


VENERABLE FEMI TAIWO : Does the name ring a bell? He is a former chaplain of the Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, whose immediate sack and disgrace Ambode and his wife (Bolanle) oversaw.

Being a deeply religious country, many will believe it is the wrath of God being visited on the Lagos first family, a kind of comeuppance. The Venerable too may momentarily forget the “love your enemies and do good to those who hate you” injunction of the Bible and savour Ambode’s defeat.

Posted By: Augustine Ehikioya,




President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday met behind closed doors with eight governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The governors that met with the President included Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Rochas Okorocha (imo).
Other are Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara), Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Sani Bello (Niger).

Also at the meeting are Simon Lalong (Plateau), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo).

Most of the governors have issues with the primaries held in their states.
The meeting was still in progress at the time of filing this report.

Posted By: Okodili Ndidi,

Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, Wednesday called for the arrest and prosecution of Ahmed Gulak over his “ignoble” role in the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship that led to the cancellation of the exercise.

Gulak was the Chairman of the APC Governorship Primary Election Committee for Imo State but absconded after he rescheduled the primary which could not hold on the slated date, only to declare one of the governorship aspirants, Senator Hope Uzodinma as winner.

The Imo Governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, said, “We call for the arrest and prosecution of Alhaji Gulak because there is punishment for his anti-democratic action and his false claim of kidnap attempt. We must begin to tell men like Gulak and Senator Hope Uzodinma that it cannot be business as usual”.

According to the statement, “Alhaji Ahmed Gulak, former Political Adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan and of course, the Chairman of the disbanded Imo State Governorship Primary Election Committee had told the media on Tuesday, October 2, 2018 that he fled Owerri by 4am because agents of Governor Rochas Okorocha had attempted to kidnap him and three other members of the 12-member Committee. The media had reported what he told them.

“If you ask me, men like Alhaji Gulak can’t build a nation. They not only constitute serious threat to our promising democracy but also danger to this great nation. Giving men like him national assignment like the one he was sent to Imo State to do was just licensing him to blackmail the nation and put our democracy to ridicule. And there are certain lies or actions a man who had been the Political Adviser to a former President of the nation should have overgrown, no matter the temptation”.

The statement added that, “the childish tale of his attempted kidnap was just an afterthought. He knew he didn’t act well his part and was only trying to see how he could come out from the tight corner he had boxed himself into.

“The man called Alhaji Ahmed Gulak flew into Owerri by 12:45pm on Monday, October 1, 2018, being the day slated for the guber primary. And let him publish his flight documents to prove us right or wrong. They went straight to the Police Headquarters where they deposited all
the materials for the governorship primary.

“After that, the committee members entered into a lengthy meeting with the candidates, stakeholders, and Heads of Security Agencies in the State. The meeting lingered till 6:30pm. At the end of the meeting, he announced that the primary would now hold on Tuesday, October 2, 2018.

And reporters who were at the Police Headquarters waiting for the outcome of the meeting went and reported that the Imo primary would now hold on Tuesday, October 2, 2018. At the end, they went to their hotel to clean up and eat.

“With all these activities, the courtesy call he was to pay on the governor with members of his committee could not take place till. 8:45pm that Monday. The courtesy call lasted for about an hour. All said and done, they left the Government House for their hotel at about 9:55pm.

“They lodged at Rockview Hotel Owerri that shares fence with the Police Headquarters and the other end of the hotel, the Owerri Prison, with Soldiers on guard. The hotel is also close to the Government House Owerri with a team of Mobile Policemen on twenty-four hours duty.

So, the question patriotic Nigerians should ask Alhaji Gulak is that, if you left Government House by 9:55pm and you claimed you fled Owerri by 4am, and considering the location of Rockview Hotel where they lodged, then, when and where did the kidnap attempt take place?

“And why should he be kidnapped when the materials for the primary were kept at Police Headquarters. And of what value would have his kidnap served anybody since he didn’t have any material and the primary hadn’t been conducted.

“It is now left for Nigerians to ask him where he got the results for which he declared Senator Hope Uzodinma winner.

In fact, we do not subscribe to people talking about PDP when men like Gulak who left the party just few months ago act funny. It is a personal thing. It has
nothing to do with PDP. Some people live. Some others exist. Those who just exist do not have souls, and for them, anything goes”.

The Governor explained further that, “Ahmed Gulak and Hope Uzodinma had belonged to Alhaji Modu Sheriff’s faction of the PDP. That is the relationship between him and Hope Uzodinma. We also believe that those who sent him didn’t have this information. But even at that, a former
Political Adviser to a Former President should have lived above board.

“Do not also forget that a day before the Primary, Chief Hope Uzodinma who the Court had issued warrant of arrest against him for issuing billions of naira Dud cheque to a business partner had also claimed kidnap attempt against his person also by agents of the State Governor. They must be spirits to be escaping from these imaginary kidnap attempts. In fact, show me your friend, and I tell you who you are.

“Finally, Hope Uzodinma is not a member APC in Imo State. He claimed to have joined the party six months ago. Even at that, he does not have any support in any Local Government in Imo State. We shall be shocked to see him stand in his Local Government, Oru East, and we see
twenty APC members queuing behind him. He does not believe in the ballot box.

“He was one of those who in 2015 labeled Okorocha Alhaji in Government House, Okoro-Hausa and that he was planning with President Muhammadu Buhari to Islamize Igboland, all because of APC.

“And few years after, he has come to cause trouble in the Party and to reap where he didn’t sow. We do not think it is the right thing. No landlord vacates his house for an unfaithful and unreliable tenant”.

By AbdulAzeez Bello




Residents of Mpape area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja have reported a ‘volcanic eruption-like incident’ with some inflammable substances emitting smoke from the cliff of the hills in the area.

A Federal Government delegation comprising the Minister of Solid Mineral Abubakar Bawa Bwari and his FCT counterpart Muhammad Musa Bello and the Director General of the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) Alex Ndubuisi Nwegbu visited the area yesterday.

The residents had sent a distress call after the presence of ‘inflammable substances’ in the area, but the authorities have asked them to remain calm as government investigates the incident.

The incident is coming few weeks after an earth tremor that caused panic the area.

A resident told the NTA that they first noticed the incident around 5 pm yesterday.

The DG of NGSA urged the residents not to panic as “this is not the kind of environment where you see volcanic eruption.”

The minister of solid minerals said samples have been taken and they would be analysed so as to determine exactly what happened.

The FCT minister said the government would make sure the lives and property of the residents are not at risk at all. The authorities said the area would be cordoned off to carry out examinations.

Notchtrend:
Bishop Oyedepo, The General Overseer of Living Faith Curch (Winners Chapel) reveals this shocking revelation during a prayer session for the nation at 58.

He said politicians should repent and do what is right, if not they will fall for the sake of the nation.

The Man of God also reveals that God is ready turn Nigeria around for good.

Read what he says below,

“Those in leadership should not allow God to kick them into the forest and if they do not key into this warning of today so many of them will not live to see 2019.

No agent of the devil will cause problems for this nation anymore.

God has a plan for a dramatic turn around for Nigeria. The hidden treasure of any nation is in the hands of the believers.

Nigeria shall be healed and the wounds have been cured because Nigeria is not a private business of anybody but a God’s own nation”

For more details: http://notchtrend.com/many-politicians-will-not-live-to-see-2019-bishop-oyedepo/

chivera018:
just to impress a woman, he lost his life.

The partner, Mr. Kolawole has been arrested and detained at the Isheri Oshun Division over the death of Archibong and the police have since commenced an investigation into the cause of Archibong's death.

raumdeuter:
Ambode wants to bring 10million from Epe

be by open-secret balloting.
However, the scenario from the results being circulated showed that Option A4 was fully adopted, with voters queuing behind the photographs of their preferred candidates.

Ebri told the news conference that the distribution of electoral materials will commence by 1pm, to be followed by accreditation and voting, which will be conducted by the APC NWC appointed officials.

He said this was to ensure a free, fair and credible primary.

A statement in that regard urged Lagosians, particularly members of the APC, to disregard reports and footages of ongoing elections in some wards in the State as no State party official is empowered to accredit or conduct the Lagos State gubernatorial primaries.

The Committee also said all registered members of the party, with their membership slip, are entitled to participate and are therefore urged to peacefully proceed to their various wards for accreditation and voting.

https://theeagleonline.com.ng/breaking-we-are-yet-to-distribute-voting-materials-for-lagos-apc-primary-chairman/

By Abdullateef Aliyu,




Uncertainty still persists over the governorship primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos state.

Daily Trust reports that the party had postponed the primary twice. It was supposed to hold on Sunday before it was postponed to Tuesday ostensibly in anticipation of the fallout of the primaries of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The APC which had also twice postponed its primary is set for a stormy shadow election tomorrow between the incumbent Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and the former Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Babajide Sanwo-Olu who is the choice of party leadership in the state.

The National Leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu had endorsed Sanwo-Olu ahead of the primaries tomorrow.

As anxiety over the APC primaries lingers, the PDP is dilly-dallying on its election ostensibly to take advantage of the fallouts from the ruling party.

Many sources in the PDP had confirmed moves by the opposition to woo the embattled Ambode with the governorship ticket to actualize its goal of governing the state.

As at the time of filing this report, many party members are in the dark on the date for the conduct of the PDP governorship primaries.

Spokesman of the party, Mr. Taofik Gani told our correspondent there was “no information” yet on the primaries.

But a chieftain of the party and former Minister of Works, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe in a chat with Daily Trust said the primaries have been postponed indefinitely, saying, “We are not in a hurry at all”.
He confirmed that the party is biding its time to “harvest the mistakes of other parties”.

Asked if the party would hand the ticket to Ambode if he loses out from the APC primaries, he said the party’s ticket is open to him, as well as business mogul, Mr. Femi Otedola, who has been speculated to have gotten offer from the party to be its candidate in the 2019 governorship election.

Only two aspirants – Jimi Agbaje and Deji Doherty – have bought the form to vie for the party’s governorship ticket.

By Rotimi Agbana



Following his uncle’s defeat at the just concluded gubernatorial re-run election in Osun State, pop music star, Davido, has finally dropped his pride and bowed to defeat.

While responding to a fan yet to come to terms with the allegations that the election was rigged, the ‘Assurance’ hit-maker who condemned INEC’s announcement for a re-run election after declaring the initial election inconclusive due to irregularities and discrepancies in the results insinuated that he has decided to accept defeat as he leaves everything to God because he believes only Him can explain why his uncle lost to his opponent, Senator Gboyega Oyetola.

“God knows best, I best believe He will come through soon”, he responded, suggesting he had given in to defeat.

Also, commenting on Davido’s post, Chioma, his celebrated girlfriend, hinted that Senator Ademola Adeleke may be taking his political ambition a notch higher by contesting for the presidential seat in the 2019 general elections.

“Coming through for the Presidency, Omo baba olowo ways, 30billion gang”, she wrote.

Davido however revealed that he’s back to his music-making business as he announced the release of new music collaboration with popular afro-pop music singer, Kizz Daniel.

“Dropping some music with Kizz Daniel, such an evergreen record”, he said.

lalasticlala

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s bid to seek reelection under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has received a boost as the Lagos State Civil Servants have thrown their weights behind him.

The endorsement by civil servants is coming on the heels of many political rallies being organized in the state by Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko Vanguard to demonstrate their support and demanded that the scheduled governorship primary of All Progressives Congress (APC) reschedule to hold on Tuesday be made free and fair to allow the people’s will triumph.

The civil servants who who spoke with Journalists in Lagos hinged their support on the lofty reforms the governor has carried out in the civil service.

According to Mr. Balogun Hakeem, a director in the state’s civil service, ” We want to support him in the APC Primary election because we the civil servants want him to be re-elected so that we can continue to attend training both in Nigeria and outside the country. Governor Ambode led government has spent so much on training and retraining of civil servants.

” As you know, civil servants receive their salaries as and when due in the state. At a time when other states could not pay the salary of their staff, the governor ensured that we are paid. We want to appreciate him by supporting his re-election stating with the primary,” he said.

Another civil servant, Mrs Kike Ajayi said in the area of commerce, the governor has made impact, saying it is on record that about 8,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and businesses had accessed approximately N6 billion since inception of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF).

According to her, more than 15,000 jobs had been created by the Fund in the last two years, adding that the initiative of the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode led administration through which N25 billion was earmarked to be disbursed over a period of four years to provide entrepreneurs, artisans, traders and others with capital to boost their businesses, had reduced unemployment and increasing wealth among the people.

She said the governor had done well in the area of infrastructural development.

The Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives members on Sunday endorsed Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu as its candidate in the party’s governorship primary in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the APC governorship primary in the state is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 1.

NAN reports that 16 members of the house of representatives from Lagos, led by Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, were in attendance at a briefing called to endorse the aspirant.

Speaking on behalf of the lawmakers, Gbajabiamila urged party members to vote for Sanwo-Olu in the primary election.

“Sanwo-olu has rich pedigree, intimidating credentials. We have sat down and decided on Sanwo-Olu.

‘We have given him our support for tomorrow because he has the best potential to take Lagos to higher levels.

“Members of the house look at things dispassionately, deliberate and take decisions.

“We endorsed Ambode in the past when he was the sole aspirant and was performing well. But politics is dynamic.

“Today, we believe in Sanwo-Olu and we encourage our members to vote for him,” Gbajabiamila said.

He, however, urged party members to remain united, no matter the outcome of the primary.

In his response, Sanwo-Olu urged APC members in Lagos to come out and vote.

“A vote for me will be a vote to taking Lagos to a higher level.

“We will bring back the glory to Lagos,” he said.

On allegations of arrest in America levelled against him by Gov. Akinwumi Ambode at a briefing earlier in Lagos, Sanwo-Olu said he would not respond to that.

“The party will handle that. I am focused on my campaign and not joining issues with anyone,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu, Ambode’s challenger in the primary, had earlier received endorsement of the party’s Governor’s Advisory Council in the state.

He had also been endorsed by 36 of the 40 members of the state House of Assembly.
A third aspirant, Dr Femi Hamzat, a former commissioner in the state had also stepped down to support Sanwo-Olu.(NAN)

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National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has disassociated itself from the purported report of endorsing Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the Governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State in 2019.

The party shifted its governorship primary election to Monday.

The association made its position known following a report that a coalition of youth associations and student groups, under the auspices of Sanwo-Olu Youths and Students’ Campaign Organisation. on Saturday expressed support for the aspirant.

In a statement in Abuja on Sunday, the President of NANS, Mr Danielson Akpan, said: “NANS feels embarrassed by this act of impersonation as this goes to show the level of desperation of the characters involved in the act.’’

According to him, no man worth his onions will tow the part of bringing to disrepute the image of an independent organisation like NANS in order to score cheap political popularity and mislead the public.

“The attention of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has been drawn to a purported endorsement of Hon. Jide Sanwo-Olu as the flag-bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the party’s primary scheduled to hold tomorrow.

“We read this report in the media on https:///xBuuzeoCs9 and https:///UKgF7IMzHw with rude shock.

“NANS as an association is aware that primaries are on-going in various political parties and as a pressure group that is committed to the overall development of the country at large is studying the situation.

“NANS will make its decision known based on the interest of its members, which is majorly educational development and rightfully direct them in fulfilling their civic responsibility,’’ Akpan said.

He urged organisations and members of the public to be wary of individuals impersonating the Office of the President or any other officers of NANS to extort or defraud, especially at this political period.
He also called on the security agencies to help curtail the activities of such fraudsters.