November 10, 2019

Press Statement

PDP Alleges Moves to Change Kano Guber Appeal Judges
…Alerts of Connivance With APC

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alerts of moves by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and agents of Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, to influence the change of already listed judges of the Kano state Governorship Election Appeals Panel.

The party further alerts of plots to replace the judges with pliable ones, who have been compromised and briefed to alter justice and do the bidding of the APC and Governor Ganduje.

The PDP invites Nigerians to note that the sitting of the panel, which was moved from Monday, November 11 to Tuesday November 12, 2019 due to the public holiday on Monday, had been adjourned indefinitely.

We have reports that this was due to pressure being mounted by the APC and agents of Governor Ganduje to alter the list of the judges.

Our party has also been reliably informed that the indefinite adjournment was to enable the replacement of the already announced judges with pliable officials who will manipulate the judicial process in favour of the APC.

Already, the supporters of Governor Ganduje are in jubilant mode, claiming that they have moved beyond the Court of Appeal, even when the panel is yet to commence sitting.

Nigerians will recall that similar scenario played out during the composition of the Kano Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, when the initial judges were changed after which the judgment went in favour of Ganduje and the APC to the chagrin of the people.

With the on-going plot by the APC, Ganduje’s supporters have been going about boasting that the Court of Appeal judges, that were already announced and expected the commence sitting on Tuesday, will be changed to suit the interest of the APC and Governor Ganduje.

The PDP cautions that any change in the already listed judges could trigger tension and crisis in the state, given the demand of the people for justice.

Our party therefore calls on the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, not to allow anybody to draw her into the arena by ensuring that the already constituted panel is not in anyway altered.

Nigerians, especially the people of Kano state, are watching!

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary

November 10, 2019

Press Statement

PDP: We’ll Overrun Bello, APC Across Kogi State
…Accuses Gov Bello Of Threats of Violence In Kogi Central

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says the threats of violence from the All Progressives Congress (APC) will never deter it from overrunning Governor Yahaya Bello and his party in all the senatorial zones of the state, including the Kogi Central in the November 16, governorship election.

The party’s position is predicated on reported threats by Yahaya Bello and the APC to unleash violence and disrupt our campaigns in Kogi Central senatorial zone, apparently distressed by the massive support our candidate, Engr. Musa Wada, is enjoying across the state.

The PDP also condemns the violent attack on the state secretariat of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) by APC thugs and urges the Police to bring the perpetrators of such heinous crimes to book.

As a party, we have on a good authority how Governor Bello and his agents have been threatening the lives of PDP leaders in Kogi Central, all in their failed bid to instill fear on the people and frustrate our campaigns in the area.

However, the PDP cautions Yahaya Bello and his party to note that nothing will stop our party and the peoples’ candidate, Engr. Musa Wada, from campaigning and consolidating our support in Kogi Central and across the state.

The people of Kogi state are on the move with the PDP in their readiness to confront and dismantle the machinations of Yahaya Bello and no amount of violence and death threat can change this resolve.

The PDP calls on the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, and the military hierarchy to note how Gov Bello is turning Kogi state into a theatre of war and making life unsafe in the state.

Our party draws the attention of security agencies to reports that APC and agents of Governor Yahaya Bello have a training ground for thugs in Kogi Central District, who would be later armed with dangerous weapons to perpetuate violence during the election.

There are also reports that the APC and agents of Yahaya Bello are sewing fake military, police and Civil Defence uniforms to be used by their thugs to cause mayhem during the election.

The PDP therefore charges the Inspector General of Police and the military hierarchy to immediately call Yahaya Bello and the APC to order as well as take urgent steps to ensure adequate security to safeguard lives and property in the electioneering time frame of the November 16 election in the state.

Furthermore, the PDP demands the immediate arrest of the former ADC to Governor Bello, who has refused to leave Kogi state after he has been transferred to Lagos state.

PDP’s demand is against the backdrop of reports that the former ADC is being used by Yahaya Bello to compromise the security architecture of the state and aid the APC to perpetuate violence and all sorts of manipulation in the electoral process.

Our party urges the IGP to immediately arrest and relocate the said former ADC as the people of Kogi state are ready to confront any irresponsible officer who is working against their interest in this election.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary

God bless Grace my daughter

#OperationExposeTheLiesOfAPC

Following the lies by the former Governor of Lagos State and Honorable Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola that “Nigerian roads are not that bad”, the leadership and accountability initiative has written to the honourable minister, inviting him to an all expense paid special tour of roads in Nigeria.

The honorable minister MUST honour this invitation, in order to prove to Nigerians how good our roads are.

See letter below

pappy2000:
This is alady that I go on my knees when she visit me that I promise to worship her for the rest of my life, I told her I am ready to give her 50k out of my salary'yet she said that is not enough that she wants to open a shop , I am just damn tired her delivery date is April yet last week she told me she went to see a doctor to plead with him to evacuate the pregnancy

What manner of man are you

November 8, 2019

Press Statement

Road Comment: Resign Now, Apologize to Nigerians, PDP Tells Fashola

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) charges the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, to resign immediately and apologize to Nigerians over his unpardonable comment that the terrible state of roads in the nation is being exaggerated.

The PDP describes the statement as unfortunate, especially coming from the Minister of Works, who ought to be apologetic for the decrepit state of roads across the country since the last four years he has been minister.

The party says the statement is a violent assault on the sensibility of over 200 million Nigerians and further demonstrates the disdain with which the Buhari administration holds our citizens who lost their lives and many more who daily undergo mental and physical torture using our dilapidated roads.

The PDP holds that the minister’s comment must be premeditated and reflects the official position of the Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration, which has no regard for Nigerians and only thrives in propaganda and false claims to cover its failures in governance.

Every Nigerian knows that most of the major roads across the country are in sorry state and that travelling on our roads has become traumatizing and one of the highest life threatening experiences in our country since the last four years.

The comment by the failed minister of works is therefore highly provocative and capable of invoking the anger of Nigerians, because it shows that either he has not been going through our roads and as such not in touch with reality or he has exposed himself as falsehearted official.

Our party is however not surprised at such comment from the minister because the Buhari administration, in which he serves, thrives only in propaganda, blame game, excuses and false performance claims because it has nothing to offer.

The minister's reprehensible claim is therefore a clear pointer that Nigerians should not expect any intervention on roads under the Buhari administration.

This is the same minister who boasted that any responsible government should fix power within six months, only for the Buhari administration, with him as minister supervising power, to turn around and wrecked the gains achieved by previous administrations.

The PDP invites Nigerians to note that such leadership failures characterized by reckless statements is always characteristic of governments that did not derive from the mandate of the people at the polls and therefore believe that it is not answerable to them.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary

popsy2:
I see

Good

PRESS STATEMENT (7-11-2019)

Unreserved Commitment Towards Peace and Unity is Necessary for Nigeria

Nigeria is a cosmopolitan country with great people and has been a key actor since it became a member of the United Nations in 1960, only eight days after its independence.

Every member state of the United Nation must work towards the ideals of the Charter of the United Nations and the universal values it was founded upon. These includes: peace, freedom, social progress, equal rights and human dignity.

A key foundation for a prosperous and peaceful nation is a non-negotiable adherence to the rule of law. If this key factor appears negotiable, then a nation needs to reverse the trend such that a government-built policy around the use of dialogue, conciliation, mediation and other alternative dispute resolution methods in the solution mix being used to arrest conflict and foster unity.

These methods can be equally applied to resolve the problems that have been existing between the Nigerian Shia Muslims as the Former United States of America’s Ambassador to Nigeria, John Campbell, has warned the federal government to tread cautiously in the way it is handling the case of the leader Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky.

As many devoted Nigerians are working towards that, we will like to use this medium to commend president Muhammadu Buhari for warning the police against excessive use of force and also call on the release of Shia Muslim leader in Nigeria Sheikh El-Zakzaky, allow him to get access to medical treatment outside the country where his own doctors will handle his issue as the court granted that. We also call on the release of Col.Sambo Dasuki (rtd), Omoyele Sowore and other Nigerian political prisoners.

We can recall that the United Nations through its, rapporteur has questioned the Nigerian government’s claim that the Shiites group, was responsible for the killing of a police officer and a journalist in July, as reported by Premium Times.

Agnes Callamard, who is the U.N. special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, expressed concern about Nigeria’s growing cases of extrajudicial killings, and said the allegation against the Shia Muslims was “very problematic” and did not “in any way meet international investigative standards.”
Speculation has been going on among Nigerians on how the Government swept the case of the Army officers that were involved in the killings of at least 300 Shia Muslims in Zaria as presented at the Kaduna Judicial Commission of Inquiry (JCI).

Nigeria does not need more violence, more atrocities and damages. The atrocities already committed by Boko Haram and Bandits are enough. Nigeria does not lack its own Peaceful and Effective Solutions, that can only be achieved through peace and unity as well as collective participation in all activities that will promote peace in the country.

Signed

Barrister B Hasan
Comrade Ekoja Godwin
DR. Abubakar Y. Abdallah

Movement For Peace And Unity

Under the Initiative For Conciliation And Right Protection

November 7, 2019

Press Statement

PDP Laments Balogun Market Fire
...Tasks Govt on Fire Emergency

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expresses concerns over the devastating fire incident that ravaged parts of the Balogun Market in Lagos State.

The party also expresses sadness over the losses encountered by Nigerians, particularly in the face of the prevailing economic challenges.

The PDP is however more disturbed by the manifest system deficiencies that led to the failure to promptly bring the fire under control and abate the losses.

The party tasks the authorities to live up to their billing by putting in place measures that will ensure more proactive fire emergency interventions in the country.

The PDP however called for an immediate investigation into the cause of the disaster as well as the apparent system failures that frustrated prompt intervention in such an emergency

The party deeply commiserates with victims of the inferno and urged the government as well as public-spirited groups and individuals to come to their aid.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary

Various Routes To Become A "Doctor" In Nigeria

Nigerians love titles, we love to be called big names such as chief, Alhaji, Alhaja, engineer, professor, senator, honorable, distinguished, etc. But the most sought after title by Nigerians is that of a "doctor".

The "Doctor" title and "Dr" prefix are seen as symbol of achievement and class.

READ FULL ARTICLE... http:///se4a329191104en_ng

The Effrontery! – How Mr. Osioke Ojior Has Chosen to Bite Off More Than He Can Chew

By Emeka Oparaugo, Corporate Journalist and Business Management Consultant

Enugu



The chickens have come home to roost, and this time, they are not taking any chances. We must speak up and ensure this recompense for evil doing and blasphemy takes its full course. We say “end corruption, end corruption” in Nigeria, and we think only of those in the seats of power. Many times it’s the reverse. Playing the victim card when you’re the orchestrator of malice, just because you’re not particularly in the limelight, is the worst kind of demonstration of wickedness.

In fact, let’s not do too much roundabout preambles. In the recent months, the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) has experienced a sack scandal that has left people – company employees and the general public – quite polarized on which side to stand for. On the one side is the NIBSS and Mr. Premier Oiwoh (the current MD/CEO) who, on instruction from the company’s directors, initiated a well-thought-out, well-executed repositioning exercise for the company (which, unfortunately, but necessarily, involved the laying off of persons who could not make the new mark of service delivery needed to move the company forward); and on the other side is a group of 23 laid off employees headed by Mr. Osioke Ojior, who, after being laid off and given enviable severance packages, made a complete U-turn to defame the reputation of Mr. Oiwoh, and the NIBSS, on claims of unfair treatment during lay-off process and incompetence in leadership and administration of the NIBSS. My purpose here is to make things very clear as one who has carefully gone through the series of events – Mr. Osioke Ojior is a greedy man who wishes to bite off more than he can chew, and woe to him, like curses, his chickens have come home to roost!

Mr. Osioke Ojior worked in the NIBSS for 5 years as the Chief Risk Officer (CRO), and through all five years, he failed to demonstrate the quality required of Chief Risk Officer of a financial market infrastructure such as NIBSS Plc. Since joining in 2014, successive members of the Board Audit & Risk Management Committee have questioned his capacity to run the risk management function of the Company; he has not been convincing in his performance as CRO to the point of the Committee stating categorically that risk management function is non-existent in the Company; His presentations has been described variously as being theoretical, abstract and not speaking to any incident or threat that the Company might be facing, and for two consecutive years, he was ranked as ‘Below Expectation’ in year-end performance appraisals for 2017 and 2018.

Mr. Ojior, some good time before the NIBSS began moves to lay staff off, had suggested himself the sacking of NIBSS staff for the sake of, in his words, “optimizing the workforce”. His very rationale was that activating severance at 20 years of service – which is when NIBSS stops gratuity payments – will help optimize workforce, and that the severance for any supervisory role (SBO, AM, DM, Mgr, and SM) at the bottom of the 2017-2018 performance rating will accelerate the workforce. Mind you, in those same years, he fell below said performance appraisal lines.

Come 3rd quarter, 2019, and the very retrenchment he proposed began, but his influence could not get near it because there was a new man at the hem, and he meant business. Typically, and quite expectedly, he falls below the appraisal line again after independent performance edits, and his name is included among those to be laid off. Once this happened, his ugly side which had been stewing all this while, jumped out, and got the better of him. He began a process aimed at corporate suicide for the NIBSS and Mr. Premier Oiwoh, but he miscalculated. He thought he’d take down the image of a company now repurposed to provide excellent service, but he ended up blasting himself in the foot.

He received, as is according to the company’s Human Resource policy (Article 3.7.1), the Nigerian Labour law, and the details of their employment contracts, salary in lieu of notice of termination of contract, his pension contribution in his Retirement Savings Account (RSA), and his share of the *N594,000,000.00 (Five Hundred and Ninety-Four Million Naira)* the company paid as gratuity under the Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC) with to the pension fund administrator of his choosing. His access to the National Health Insurance Programme for the unexpired period covered by the premium already paid by NIBSS was still maintained, and the policy for company cars – which only applies to retiring staff, not laid off staff – was, as a palliative, still offered to him.

This is the severance package for a grossly incompetent fellow who had been endured for 5 years, and had at one time, motioned for the laying off of people better than him at work? Really? Is this not a treatment more than fair? And what does this man do? He leads a charge based on false allegations and claims that cannot be proven to remove someone who’s offered this much kindness! He did not at least ask for his position back– if fear of what’s next is his concern. No. He went ahead to create noise on social media, writing to the National Assembly, and co-opting 22 other gullible sets of people.

Where does it end, I ask? Are you not the problem we have in this country? Does this in any way exemplify someone to defend? Someone that seeks justice? No. This is the mind of a true tyrant with violent mobocratic inclinations. It is greed, plain and simple.

Initially, I did not want to comment on this saga, but then, I did not know the full story. Now that I do, I feel so enraged at the effrontery of this man, Ojior, and that has led to this. And I suggest we all speak out against this kind of subversive blackmail. It is easy to get emotional and support the plight of the victim in cases like this, but then, if you can pause and take a minute to reassess things, you easily find that the persons claiming the victim are really the oppressors. Ever been wrongly accused of rape before? Now you get the picture. Let’s stop this man before he wreaks more havoc. Use your pens, use your words. Speak out.

Stop the blackmail, Osioke!

http://leaders.ng/the-effrontery-how-mr-osioke-ojior-has-chosen-to-bite-off-more-than-he-can-chew-opinion/

November 4, 2019

Press Statement

Kogi: PDP Adjusts Campaign Timetable, Commiserates With Hon. TJ Yusuf

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has adjusted its campaign timetable ahead of the November 16, Kogi State governorship election.

The PDP notes that its campaign in Kogi was suspended for two days to commiserate with the Director General of the Campaign Organisation, Hon. Tajudeen Yusuf, who lost his wife last Saturday.

The resumed campaign will now run from Wednesday 6th to Wednesday 13th November, 2019.

The rescheduled campaign timetable is as follows:-

* Wednesday, 6th November, 2019
Kogi and Lokoja LGAs

* Thursday, 7th November, 2019
Kabba-Bunu and Ijumu LGAs

* Friday, 8th November, 2019
Mopa-Amuro, Yagba East and Yagba West LGAs

* Saturday, 9th November, 2019
Central Zonal Rally (Okene and Ajaokuta)

*Monday, 11th November, 2019
Door To Door campaign (Kogi West)

* Tuesday, November 12th, 2019
Stakeholders' consultation, voters sensitisation and campaigns across the state.

* Wednesday, November, 13th, 2019
Grand Finale in Ayingba.

The PDP enjoins all party faithful, supporters and lovers of democracy to continue to come out in their numbers; as massively exhibited in all PDP rallies so far.

The PDP acknowledges the support of the people of Kogi state in standing with the party in the collective determination to flush out the draconian, tactless, visionless rudderless and anti-people government in Kogi state.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary

November 4, 2019

Press Statement

PDP Cautions INEC Over Deployment Of Extra RECs, National Commissioners to Kogi, Bayelsa States

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) notes the deployment of extra national commissioners as well as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), from other states, to Kogi and Bayelsa for the November 16 governorship elections in the two states.

It is instructive to let the INEC hierarchy to know that the PDP already has a due diligence report on each of the commissioners.

Our party recognises that while some are of clean records in their previous responsibilities, there are others who are known to be of questionable character and fared far below expectations in their responsibility.

The PDP cautions the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to note that the deployment of officials with known integrity issues is capable of triggering crisis and jeopardizing the credibility of the electoral process.

It is also important to state that Kogi and Bayelsa elections present an opportunity for INEC to show that it has become committed to free, fair and credible election without being influenced or manipulated.

The PDP therefore invites the INEC Chairman to rescue whatever is left of the commission's image with these elections by allowing the will of the people to prevail

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary

oxide8:
These iPhones will just be intimating people. What!!!!
My friend got it and the camera was maaadhhhh
I need to upgrade my iphone abeg

MONEY IS GOOD

Wow this is a great one from Apple. I can't wait this get mine

LordKO:
@OP

It's obvious that you married another man's wife/the wrong woman. A true wife's invaluableness (to her husband, a sane husband of course) lies in the attributes of selflessness, meekness and sweetness - unfortunately she possesses only sweetness which isn't enough to guarantee you peace of mind. And a virtuous woman knows the difference between dressing classy and dressing slutty. So, I support your decision.

Ignore anyone who'll tell you that insecurity is worrying you.

Good!

He has to take drastic decision on the woman!

If it was those days when men were men, the woman would have relocated to her father's house. All these emotionally weak men that the society is breeding these days sef

[s]

donstan18:
This is insecurity at its peak since you're yet to catch her.

Or maybe, just maybe, you have very good reason to think and feel the way you are feeling because there are some flirty activities that is expected of a married Nigerian to quit or reduce.


But in my opinion bruv, I'll advice you to reduce the way you stalk her phone and life and focus on how to train your kids, before you die of HBP, because you never complained of her inability to contribute on the welfare of your kids, you are just uncomfortable with her Slaying life . Stop stalking her so that you don't find out what you've been longing to see. If possible; Start slaying too.

Not all women are ready to turn to an old mgbeke because of marriage, some like looking good and you should be happy you have one because they are few.

[/s]

Samolaogun:
So I got married to my wife 10 years ago. She was 24 at the time and now we are blessed with 2 kids. My wife has always been one of those self centred all about her looks type of person but I just ignored it and saw the good side of it. After two kids and at 34 my wife still looks very good, I guess that’s one of the perks of marrying young.

But one thing I noticed is that when she was pregnant with our first son all she ever talked about from day one was getting back in shape and losing weight, she was never excited about being a mother or bringing life into the world. Well She’s maintained her shape and when you look at her you will think she’s 25/26. I’m grateful for that however

Now the downside of this is that she gets a lot of Male attention which she entertains and I’m not comfortable with. On her instagram she’s following a lot of males which I’m not comfortable with.

I addressed it to her and she complains I’m being paranoid that they are school friends. When she goes out with her friends she’s always over dressing and looking seductive almost like a single lady looking for toasters.

She’s that over friendly type of woman, always on her phone, likes to do too much shakara and it’s just starting to irritate me. I checked her phone last week and theres one guy that keeps on addressing her as ‘love’. I’ve not addressed it to her yet because I’m waiting to catch her red handed so she will not be able to come up with any flimsy excuse.

One day when her and her friends came to my house to meet up for a birthday party, they all dressed like a bunch of ashewos. The following day we got into a huge argument because I warned her to never try that again.

She is still stubborn and she hasn’t changed. Im fed up of her attitude I’m thinking of separating from this woman before she gives me high blood pressure. She’s not a homely wife at all. All she wanna do is go out, to even attend to the kids effectively is now becoming a problem. I’m tired.

You have to be a man! You must stamp your authority over her or continue to wail.

My advice for you is to give her ultimatum to adjust or ship out! 24hrs ultimatum is best!


BTW as for the chats, I blame you. You didn't stamp your authority from the onset and now it is biting you.

The solution? Regulate her social media activities or ban her completely from social media. If she refused, then Ship her out. Let her go before you die of HBP... After all, you already have kids!

Judiciary on the march to golgotha

BY SEHINDE OMONIYI

These are peculiar times for the citizens of Nigeria. After 20 years of presidential democracy, the constitutional obligation which mandates the electorate to choose their political leaders through the ballot box is fast losing its value. Instead, five or seven judges sitting over heaps of documented evidence of election malfeasance, exposed to diverse influences are the persons who determine rulers in Nigeria.

This new power to enthrone or dethrone a candidate through the law court is due in large part, to the gross failure of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to discharge its mandate.

This sad development attained its apogee when INEC failed woefully in its conduct of the 2019 general elections. Roundly condemned by every election monitoring group as lacking in integrity and value, only those who were favoured by INEC’s ineptitude or manipulated the law courts are smiling in their gains.

This unconventional role of deciding, who becomes the occupant of a political office by the judiciary, has exposed the underbelly of the Nigerian judiciary, placing on this arm of government a heavier burden it was not designed to shoulder.

On September 11, 2019; the laughing stock which the judiciary in Nigeria has been reduced in recent times got elevated a notch higher. In what could best be described as now infamous feed of drama of the absurd, judges made frantic efforts to substantiate a glaring case of falsehood made under an oath by a candidate contrary to the rules guiding the process.

Furthermore, on the same judgement of the Appeal Court Panel, it would appear that to contest any electoral office, no form of academic qualification is required rather; all that is required is a sworn affidavit claiming whatever academic qualification pleases the candidate. This can only be travesty of the law that we know.

Fortunately, there remaineth one more opportunity for the Nigerian judiciary to save itself from further ridicule. And that onus to prove to Nigerians and the whole world that all hope is not lost with the judiciary, rests on the seven-man Supreme Court Judges that will sit for another 60 days to determine the appeal of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Atiku/Obi against the September 11 judgement.

In accordance with its laid down procedures and tradition traceable to the inception of the country’s democracy, the most senior members of the Supreme Court Justices would be expected to be appointed into the panel, deliberate on the petition, towing the line of what constitutes rational law and make pronouncements that will not only ensure that justice is done but seen to have been done.

By resisting every form of intimidation and inducement from different quarters, the judges much more than ensuring that justice is done, need to know that they owe it to posterity to restore the dignity of the legal practice in Nigeria.

This trial at the Supreme Court will again put to test the accountability function of the courts. At the core of this will ultimately be to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process which has been sorely battered.

The seven judges, whose selection must be guided by existing precedence, should be reminded that, they represent the last hope of restoring lost confidence by Nigerians on the electoral process. They must equally bear in mind that the judiciary in a democratic setting must prevent those in position of power from “tilting the playing field” and “drawing up ladder”, using their power to manipulate the electoral contest.

Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad spoke the heart of most Nigerians who have been concerned with the fading light of the judiciary, when he assured at the Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Lagos thus:

“The judiciary is facing very critical challenges but, we will not lose the mantra of integrity, equity and honesty on which our judiciary system was built.”

The top judicial officer whose predecessor was shoved aside two weeks before the general election, vowed to Nigerians and to his professional colleagues that, “I will hold on to that (integrity, equity and honesty) even till the last moment of my breath. We will not look at any face or feeling before taking our decisions. If there is any deity, that deity is God. We will never be subservient to anybody no matter how highly placed.”

And suddenly, here comes the day of the testing of Justice Tanko’s faith. Will the Chief Justice of Nigeria match his words with conduct or will he remember that like the President, Muhammadu Buhari, he also had a certain issue with a certificate gone AWOL.

Once again, the Nigerian judiciary is pitched against the world. Will these judges etch their names in gold by passing a fair, just and equitable verdict? In a time not more than 60 days, they will read out their judgement, the world will know and posterity will bear them record.

Omoniyi is a socio-political Writer based in Abuja.

Atiku: I Want to Be Instrument for Rule of Law Restoration, Democracy

September 21, 2019
Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the February 23 Presidential election, Atiku Abubakar yesterday said he was heading to the Supreme Court to challenge the unfavourable verdict of the Presidential Election Tribunal in order to rid Nigeria of the forces of fascism.

Former Vice President Atiku had sued President Muhammadu Buhari, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), challenging the declaration of Buhari as the winner of the presidential election.

However, the Presidential Election Tribunal, in a unanimous judgement on September 11, dismissed Atiku’s petition as lacking in merit.

Specifically, Justice Garba, who read the lead judgment resolved all the issues raised in the suit against the petitioners (Atiku and PDP), and held that none of the grounds upon which the petition was anchored was proved.

In a statement he signed personally yesterday, Atiku said he was also inspired to challenge the verdict at the Supreme Court in his drive to be an instrument for the full restoration of the rule of law and democracy in Nigeria.

The former vice president declared: “Nothing good comes easy, and hard is the task to rid Nigeria of the forces of fascism, and to be an instrument for the full restoration of the rule of law and democracy in Nigeria, your support makes the struggle worthwhile.

“If I do not play my part in making it possible for other orphaned children, indigent youths and the less privileged, to replicate and even surpass my path to significance, I would have failed my Maker. If I do not ensure that the ladder I climbed remains accessible to those at the bottom, middle and top tiers of society, I would not have fulfilled my purpose.

“And only by ensuring that democracy is not just done, but seen to be done, can Nigeria and Nigerians have a sense that our dear land is indeed a land where Unity, Faith, Peace and Progress reside.

“It is for these and other patriotic reasons, that I am pursuing this judicial route: To ensure that the votes of Nigerians count and are counted.

More in Home

Boko Haram: Yobe Governor Appeals for Resettlement of Victims


Police Uncover Fake Hospital in Edo, Nab Killer of 3 Policemen


Boko Haram Members Arrested


Group Protests Serial Killings of Plateau Traditional Rulers


Probe Root Causes of Tiv/Jukun Crisis, Group Tells FG
“I owe so much to this great land of Nigeria that took me from the streets of Jada, where I sold firewood, to the heights I have attained, by God’s benevolence, in the civil service, in corporate Nigeria, and in public service.

“Yes, those who do not want this as Nigeria’s reality, will use every trick in the book to undermine, discourage, misinform and mislead, but with God’s help and the support of Nigerians, we will ensure that Nigeria makes a course correction away from tyranny and towards democracy.

“We must return to being Africa’s bastion of democracy, where the rights to Freedom of Speech and Freedom after the Speech, are guaranteed. We must stand together to pursue this just cause all the way, so that our judiciary are not afraid to do their jobs and have to be wary of blackmail, intimidation, and victimisation.

“I urge all Nigerians to continue their support for this recourse to constitutional order via the courts. Even if there is little or nothing you can do to ensure that justice is done in Nigeria, just believe that it will happen. Let us never underestimate the effect of our belief in Nigeria.

“I say to all concerned, that we will all die and give account of our lives to our Creator.”

Atiku noted the immense outpouring of goodwill from ordinary Nigerians in every nook and cranny of the country and from all regions, religions and relationships, adding, “Once again I thank you all for your support. I also thank the governors elected on the platform of my party, the Peoples Democratic Party, as well as the National Executive Committee, for their unanimous and unambiguous support for the judicial phase of this struggle, especially after it was announced that we would go on to appeal.”

September 21, 2019

Press Statement

UN Rapporteur: Accept the Truth, Seek Help, PDP Counsels Buhari

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) counsels President Muhammadu Buhari to show humility and accept the bitter truth that poverty, internal conflicts, bloodletting, banditry, kidnapping, insurgency, abuse of human rights and general national insecurity have escalated under his divisive, vindictive and repressive administration.

The party says instead of embarking on ego trip and picking a fight with the United Nation (UN) Rapporteur, Agnes Callamard, for highlighting the grave security issues in our country, which are already in the international domain, the Buhari Presidency should be seeking for help, seeing that is has no solution to the festering problem.

If anything, the UN Rapporteur report only reinforces the positions of credible international bodies including the United States Department of State, Amnesty International (AI) and Transparency International (TI) which also reported cases of arbitrary and extra-judicial killings, illegal arrests, arbitrary detention, torture, festering violence, reported disappearances and abuse of human rights under the Buhari administration.

Moreover, the PDP holds that the UN report is a vindication of its stance as well as that of millions of Nigerians that the ineptitude and repressive tendencies of the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration under President Buhari are emboldening acts on violence and fuelling impunity, division and intolerance in the polity.

Today, Nigeria is becoming one of the most insecure places to live. Citizens can no longer move freely around their country as marauders, kidnappers, insurgents and bandits take over the highways, pillage communities, kill and take citizens captive at will.

By fighting persons or organization that tell us the truth instead of seeking solutions, the Buhari Presidency is doing a great disservice to Nigerians especially those in communities being ravaged by insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and ethnic clashes.

The PDP holds that at the moment, what ought to be paramount to the Buhari Presidency should not be the sentiments of regime image but the welfare and security of vulnerable Nigerians.

President Buhari should therefore caution his handlers on their unguarded statements on grave national issues.

He should immediately accept responsibility for his failures and seek help since he has not demonstrated the capacity to effectively led a nation as complex as Nigeria at the moment.

The truth can be bitter, but in its acceptance lies the solution.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary

September 20, 2019

Press Statement

PDP Congratulates Govs. Okowa, Ikpeazu On Tribunal Judgments

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) hails the upholding of the elections of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State and Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia state by the governorship elections petition tribunals in the two states.

The party says the verdicts place as seal on the acceptance of the governors as demonstrated in their landslide victory at the March 2019 governorship elections in both states.

The PDP said the report of celebrations in the states at the breaking of the news of the verdict is a testimony that indeed justice was upheld in the rulings.

The party notes that just like other governors elected on the platform of the PDP, Governor Okowa and Governor Ikpeazu stand out in their commitments towards developing their states, particularly the massive infrastructural projects in key sectors including, manufacturing, agriculture, oil and gas, power, road infrastructure, education among others despite prevailing challenges.

The PDP urges the governors not to relent but continue in their commitment in delivering on their mandates for the good of all, in line with the manifesto of the PDP.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary

Breaking News

Buhari, APC desperate to subjugate the Supreme Court...NJC in secret recruiting of new judges

In what may be another desperate move by President Buhari and the APC to emasculate the judiciary, the President has ordered the Justice Tanko Mohammed-led National Judicial Council (NJC) to urgently recruit new judges for the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Information available to us indicates that the National Judicial Council (NJC) is currently interviewing judges who will be appointed into the Supreme Court.

According to the information, the interview commenced on Thursday September 19, 2019 and is expected to end on Tuesday September 24, 2019.

This hush approach is in anticipation of the PDP and Atiku/Obi appealing last week ruling of the five-man Presidential Election Petition Panel on the outcome of the 2019 Presidential Election. The President had written to the NJC to recruit additional five judges to the Supreme Court.

In a letter made public on June 9, 2019 by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu; the President wrote: *”Pursuant to the provisions of Section 230(2) A&B of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), I am pleased to request that you initiate in earnest the process of appointing additional five Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria to make the full complement of 21 Justices as provided by the aforementioned provisions of the Constitution.*

”This is in line with the Government’s Agenda of repositioning the Judiciary in general and Supreme Court in particular for greater efficiency, with a view to reducing the backlogs of appeals pending at the Supreme Court.”

Acting on the President’s letter, the NJC had slated October 16 to begin process for the recruitment exercise. However, in view of the anticipated PDP appeal of the judgement of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, the NJC has fast forward the recruitment process in order to include the new judges as members of the panel that will look into the PDP and Atiku/Obi’s appeal.

It is of utmost importance to note that the legal process for the recruitment of the Supreme Court justices is clearly outlined, as follows:-

1. Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) shall cause an advertisement on the newspapers, inviting interested lawyers who have attained 15 years post call in practice at the bar to apply

2. Shortlisted names shall be forwarded by the FJSC to the National Judicial Council (NJC)

3. The NJC shall interview the shortlisted lawyers/judges

4. The NJC shall forward names of those it has selected to the President

5. The President if satisfied with the names, shall forward same to the Senate for confirmation and if confirmed, these judges/lawyers will now be appointed as judges of the Supreme Court.

*Notes*

It may interest Nigerians to note that what is going on is a negation of the set out rules rather, the President by fiat has forward a letter to the NJC, ordering the commission to recruit five additional lawyers thus circumventing the statutory role of the FJSC in the matter.

It is obvious that President Buhari and his party, the APC are not comfortable with some existing justices of the Supreme Court to adjudicate on the PDP and Atiku/Obi’s appeal, hence the desperate move to subjugate justices of the Supreme Court.

*Need to Review the Onnoghen Saga*

Nigerians may recall that it was this same reason of subjugating the judiciary for personal gains that made President Buhari to hurriedly initiate the removal of former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen two weeks before the commencement of the 2019 general elections.

President Buhari, while shopping for a pliable judge to oversee the election petition tribunal, used his former aide to petition Justice Walter Onnoghen at the Code of Conduct Tribunal on allegation of false assets declaration.

Such actions as these were methods adopted by President Muhammadu Buhari and his party, the APC to blatantly rig the 2019 Presidential Election even before the commencement of the election.

It’s time to #RescueNigeria

Now we all know what Sisi Yemmie, Deyemi Okanlawon and Ufuoma McDermott, posts were all about, teasing with those heart-warming videos! They were recently unveiled as the new judges for the sixth edition of Cussons Baby Moments! The trio were announced as judges at a press briefing which held at the PZ headquarters recently, and let’s just say we are excited for what the competition has in store for participants this season!

The theme for this season is ‘Sharing Magic Memories’; Cussons Baby recognises that there will always be those special moments we share with our children and urges parents to share them with Cussons Baby and get rewarded for sharing what you love! A few changes that have been made to the competition that will ensure a smoother experience for participants and promises even more rewards.


For the first time ever, multiple entries will be allowed on a weekly basis throughout the entry period. Participants who do not make the week’s cut can try again the next week.

Weekly winners will emerge every week and rewarded instantly, Sounds good, yes?

200 entrants will be selected every week for the next five weeks, totalling 1000 participants at the end of entries.

To enter for the competition, participants are required to:

• Buy any Cussons Baby Gift Pack.
• Then take a creative photo of your baby with the Cussons Baby Pack in view.
• Visit www.cussonsbaby.com.ng to get on the Photo Uploader App, fill in the required details and upload the picture of your baby on the app.
• Get loved ones to vote for your baby’s picture when voting begins and your baby could become the Cussons Baby of the Year 2019!!!

* Remember guys, entry closes on Saturday, the 19th of October 2019!

The competition is only open to babies within the ages of 0 – 24 months. Entrants are advised to familiarize themselves with the terms and conditions of this Competition available on the website entry page.

The winner of the competition will be awarded at the grand finale and will receive a cash prize of N1, 000, 000. The second-runners up will win N750, 000 and the third-runners up will win N500, 000. All three will also be awarded with a year’s supply of Cussons Baby products.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2UyHJzpQ6z/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2UxgagJWMu/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2VCVEAnlz9/

The Cussons Baby Moments train will be touring select cities: Port Harcourt Mall (September 21); Jabi Lake Mall, Abuja (September 28); and Ikeja City Mall, Lagos (October 5). There will be fun family games with loads of prizes to be won, and you can also enter your baby for the competition at these activations!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xl7yB9aXwbs

Highlights from the event

For more info, please follow @cussonsbabyng on all social media platforms. You can also check out the hashtag #CBM6 #SharingMagicMemories on Instagram and Twitter.

Impersonation: Ex-Lagos PDP Chairman Reported To The Police.

The immediate past Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State may have ran into another troubled water as he has been reported to the police for impersonation, which is a criminal offense under the law.

Our medium obtained exclusive information and a copy of petition to the police force from a source who does not want to be named, that the embattled ex chairman may end up in jail if any of the executive members with legal and constitutional powers decided to approach the court, as their is strong evidence against him.

In the petition written by a leader of the party, Otunba Segun Adewale popularly known as Aeroland, he said that it is criminal for Adegbola Dominic to be going from one local government to another and be introducing himself as the chairman of the party, against the letter issued on the 30th March 2019 by the National Secretary Ibrahim Tsuari, affirming that he was no longer the Chairman.

He stressed further that aside creating confusion for members of the party, the peace process instituted by the National leadership will not be easy to achieve since he is still parading himself criminally as the Chairman.

Amongst other things, the petition stated that police should act based on the following:

On the 30th March, 2019, the National Leadership of the PDP through a communique issued to the general public, members of the PDP in Lagos and Nigeria, affirmed that Adegboola Dominic is no longer the Chairman of the party because his three months acting chairmanship has expired since December 2018, but instead of heeding and quietly quitting his seat, he continued to parade himself as the State Chairman of the party.

On the 19th of August 2019, Adegbola Dominic went to Alimosho local government, where some party members were having elders forum meeting, and introduced and declared himself as the State Chairman, he has also been going round to other local governments claiming to be the State Chairman, this is even against the Section 47(6) of the PDP constitution.

It is necessary to place police on alert for the following reasons:

- To call him for questioning and demand for any proof that he is the State Chairman.

- To avert any possible situation where there will be financial extortion, loss of money by members to him fraudulently.

- To avert further crisis which may lead to civil disturbance or confusion in the party and in the State.

There has been no response from Adegbola Dominic as at the time of filing this report.

The alleged sexual scandal that was flying the social media spaces recently between Uyo Local Government Chairman Elder. Imoh Okon and a certain Mr. Emmanuel Effiong who accused the Council boss of having carnal knowledge of his wife.

While political naysayers and surface writers have chosen to dwell on hearsays, I personally underwent an indepth investigation on the issue which has now become of concern to the families of those involved, friends and Uyo Local Government Area as a whole.

The conclusive facts behind the trending story is that The said Emmanuel Effiong talked his wife Veronica, into putting up a defaming story that Elder Imoh Okon had an affair with her, to enable him use that as an avenue to extort money from the Chairman.

His wife who knew the consequence of this action declined even when she was physically and verbally abused by her husband to oblige until it exacerbated to a point the husband almost strangled her to death.

She escaped this grip from her husband and made her way to the State Police Command, Ikot Akpan Abia, where she gave her report on assault and threat to life with a written statement in the police station.

On getting her statement, the Police invited the Uyo Council Chairman who was unaware of the development but because his name came in from the ladies statement. Coupled with Elder. Imoh Okon status as a public servant it was now necessary for the Chairman to be invited for the case and in his statement, stressed that he was alien to the information reported by the woman and left.

With this development, the case became a matter between the Police and Emmanuel Effiong.However, political naysayers have misled the public with a myriad of wrong information and accusation on the person of Elder. Imoh Okon.

They are alleging that the Chairman has paid people to speak and write in his favour whereas, they are the ones who have been paid to malign the name and reputation of Uyo Council Boss which is not necessary.

Others are alleging that Emmanuel Effiong was forced to write an apology letter to the Chairman. It should be noted that journalists were with Mr. Effiong at the station when he wrote and signed the said apology letter in the presence of his Lawyer and Church member, Barr Ime; could they have all been paid not to mention that the man was forced to write?

When he was asked to tender as evidence what he has against the Chairman, the man had nothing to say or tender. He was not forced to sign any apology as alleged by some unbecoming writers.

The Chairman only told him squarely to within 7 days retrace his steps or face him in court, he was not there when the said apology letter was signed.

The question to be asked is: has Emmanuel Effiong any proof for allegation of this weight? Does his allegation have any merit? When he was with the Police, did he confess that he is sorry about the mistake he made? Where is the source of his allegation? Was he present at the scene of the acclaimed adultery or did he have any hidden camera capturing the event? Who reported this case first?

The man, the wife or the chairman?
And what was the report?

These facts should be packaged and presented at the court.
As a matter of fact, has Emmanuel Effiong finished submitting his apology letter to the chairman’s wife which he accepted to meet and apologise to? At what point did he then change his mind that he is not sorry again, as alleged by some persons?

The painting of Imoh Okon as one who goes after peoples wife without mentioning the names of the women or bringing out pictures to back up the said claims is outrageous and unacceptable as the Chairman’s good-looking, decent, hardworking, disciplined, lucrative and career-driven wife, has never complained that her husband cheats on her, neither is he interested in the relationship between Effiong and his wife because he never married her for him.

The Police is doing its duty by investigating a man who's intention was to dupe a Public officer and holding down for defaming and invoking occultic means like the use of white hankerchief stated in his apology letter.

Time will tell the truth.

Bittered minded fellows can look for other things to attack the chairman, not to go under the guise of what they are presently perpetrating when the interview clips with Effiong says it all and are evidences to buttress this truth.

Imoh Okon has been resolute and undaunted in his “No” since the beginning of this charge. His insistence stems from the fact that his hands are clean and nothing more pretentious.

Public officers were not put in public offices to be maligned and disgraced. If such is the case, they must not go unpunished. But in this case, there is no proof whatsoever to buttress that Imoh Okon did the boisterous act he’s being accused of.

It is obvious that there is more to the story than meets the eye. Emmanuel Effiong was sponsored to blackmail Hon. Imoh Okon and his principals, sensing the tight corner he is now, have changed his Lawyer for another Barr. Mohammed whom they feel will do their bidding.
By the time the stiff hands of the judiciary grip Emmanuel Effiong at his midriff, he’ll cough out his sponsors and those who sent him on such outrageous errand.

Members of the public should be well informed and keep their ears glued to the Police report in the final analysis.
https://headlinenews365.com/alleged-sex-scandal-of-uyo-council-boss-what-you-were-not-told-opinion/

Few days ago, Akwa lbom people and Nigerians were shocked to their marrows over a story that went viral on different social media handles which revealed the criminal antecedents of the former Vice President of Nigerian Bar Association(NBA) Ikeja Branch, Barr. Monday Ubani now better described as erstwhile activist, publicly told the world his romance with former a Senator who lost on his bid to secure his return ticket to the 8th Assembly, Sen. Godswill Akpabio. Its a shocker and It beats my imagination to hear that even those that should be the custodians of truth, these self-styled activists have transmogrified themselves to oracles of falsehood, lies and deceit. They have been dignified as inventors of evil and deceit. It shows how decayed our society and those who in daily basis deceived Nigerians that they are defending their interest on radio and television, and one of such reprobate character is Barr. Ubani, whose name now synonymous with lack of principle, corruption and association with corrupt politicians, his desperation to get rich quickly, standing surtie as a lawyer to a client and transferring client's property illegally to prevent Efcc from investigation. This is the true face and character of Ubani, a shameless self-style erstwhile activist and the tragedy of a decadent society.

Ubani of recent has been alleged to have boasted that he will use his connections with some renowned Lawyers and judges in Abuja to secure Akpabio's triumph in the ongoing Tribunal case against his opponent, Sen. Christopher Ekpenyong that we in lkot Ekpene senatorial district voted for as our senator when Akpabio suddenly abandoned us and jumped to his new party without telling us because he thinks that we are his property and he owns us. This useless hungry bread and butter activist we used to watch on television planning to buy judges even when it has become so glaring clear that Akpabio will never return to the 9th National Assembly. Of course, he has to boast in order to put food on his table, having lost trust and integrity based on his involvement in shady deals. He is now depending and subscribing to manipulation to remain in the "business".

Ubani also promised to incite the public against the Akwa Ibom Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC, Mike Igini, a man who made it possible for all the Akwa lbom people to see ballot papers for the first time after 1999 that our people see as our liberator from the manipulation of Akpabio and his devious group all these years. Sounds preposterous, or better still, as a fairy tale.

Ubani's recent reply to a story wherein it was revealed to have been the brain behind a certain doctored audio and video confirmed everything and even more reaveling.

The fake activist boasted and very proud of being a friend to Akpabio, very shameful. He tried fooling himself by laying curses to win sympathy and pity. There's nothing he can do to wash himself from this mess. We now know him as one of those who have been deceiving Nigerians all these years pretending to be a human rights activists.

I saw him on channels tv few days ago and immediately turned off to another channel. No Nigerian regards him as a genuine activist anymore but a fake , deceitful bread and butter activist out to con Nigerians. Now, it shows how battered his cognitive capacity has been. Ubani is not better than a native doctor with his fake curses he rained in his useless reply. He even cried like a guilty thief, cursing his family and generations unborn. He confirmed what was initially an allegation that he is a lawyer to Akpabio . So why raining curses upon himself? Truth is, Ubani has been unmasked and can no longer deceive and fool Nigerians anymore and can do anything to remain relevant. Ubani's conscience is already sold to corrupt politicians because of his desperation to make money and not reasoning well.

He actually confirmed he knew and has knowledge of the audio recording, only that he did not "procure" nor "circulate" it himself which is besides the issue. The sins of knowing and doing are basically the same. what is the difference between giving robbers information to rob a person and the actual robbery? No difference. The person with the information is a partner in crime. He plays his part and leaves the rest to those in charge. This is exactly what Ubani did in this case. Nobody said he is a member of media team but that he advised that the audio tape should be put the on social media.

He further confirmed his boastful claim of Akpabio's victory when he said in his replies " they know they are going to lose the case at the Tribunal". This is to say that he is guilty of collecting so much millions of Naira from Akpabio in his claim to be working with judges in Abuja to secure his win at the Tribunal. Why is he so sure when Akpabio himself is not even sure of his victory? Is this not taking paracetamol for another man's headache? Evidences provided so far shows that he is not going anywhere. Even the presidency knows this which warranted his recent nomination and subsequent screening as a minister. People have failed to read the handwriting on the wall.

Again, Ubani claimed that he has not been paid legal fees apart from transportation and accommodation bills. Is his service to Akpabio pro bono(free) as lawyers call it ? Will Ubani who stood surtie for an alleged corrupt fugitive declared wanted by EFCC for which he was later detained for 30 days represents Akpabio in election matter pro bono ? He loves money more than his life and would do anything for money. As a reminder to the general public, Ubani is just on bail and sooner or later he will be arrested again since the fugitive Olejeme has not reported to Efcc.

Moreover, Ubani has proudly affirmed that Akpabio who has over N108bn corruption charges is his best and bosom friend. What manner of activist is Ubani who is happy to brag about his association with people like Uche Ogar, Godswill Akpabio, individuals whose actions of looting public treasury has caused extreme poverty on Nigerians and so on?

As an Akwa lbomite who had in time past watched this character called Ubani on television, it was difficult to believe what I initially read on social media until I read his useless response on vanguard. Nigeria is finished, l was thinking that Barr. Ubani has at least an iota of integrity not until I read the nonsense he considered as his reply to a factual piece. Crying, quoting of Bible portions and issuing of curses by, I can now say that Ubani is nothing but shameless false activist.

I didn't expect anything less because Ubani has lost public trust, relevance and significance. But crying will not save his face, Nigerian should note this new deceitful tactics to that Ubani put out to enrich himself.


Imaikop Udosen is political activist and writes in from Ika LGA
https://headlinenews365.com/ubani-and-smear-campaign-an-open-embrace-of-corrupt-politicians-political-analyst/

By Zikeyi John

Christianity in Nigeria, on the evidence of filled church pews and mega-crusades, each heaving with millions of worshippers at any given time, appear to be in rude health. The perception of the faith being in robust health finds expression in statements such as “the Devil is a liar”, “the gates of Hell shall not prevail” and “the Kingdom of Christ is marching on”. That church leaders in Nigeria have grown in influence, often provoking the type of adulation reserved for pop stars, is taken as confirmation of the belief that, indeed, “the Kingdom of Christ is marching on”.

But looked at very closely, Christianity in Nigeria is everything but in rude health. It is actually ailing and may find itself in the Intensive Care Unit sooner than later. The signs of ill-health are bold, but are confused, sometimes wilfully, with something else.

There is a need to make a clarification. This writer has no intention to scare. What this piece seeks to do is show that the trumpeted robust health of Christianity in the country is actually a prelude to the erosion of its status and influence, a development that will be marked by huge reduction in the country’s Christian population and by extension a sharp dip in Christian influence on socio-political affairs.

There is a temptation to view this as alarmist. After all, the pews are still filled for services; crusades continue to draw more worshippers and church coffers brimming with seed and tithes. Church leaders have also become some of the country’s most influential celebrities.

Take a step back and you may begin to see that the bullish claim that “the Kingdom of Christ is marching on” is made by rote and certainly not founded proper analysis or introspection.

First, as a religion, Christianity is endangered and looks more likely to lose its influence as time goes on. According to a recent report by the Pew Research Centre, the US fact tank, 9.5 per cent of the world’s Muslim population by 2060 will be Nigerians. Four years ago, according to the fact tank, Nigeria was home to 5.1 per cent of the global Muslim population. It is, therefore, projected that the Muslim population in Nigeria would have leapt from a little over 90million (50 per cent) in 2015 to 283.1million (60.5 per cent) by 2060. The number of Christians in the country, 86.6million as at 2015 (48.1 per cent of local population), is expected to rise to 174.2million (37.2 per cent of local population) by 2060. As at 2015, Nigeria had 3.8 per cent of the global Christian population. This figure, according to the US fact tank, will climb to 5.7 per cent by 2060. In any language, this spells a reduction in the local Christian population from 48.1 per cent to 37.2 per cent and a steady march of Islam around the world, including in Nigeria.  By that projection, there would be 108millon more Muslims than Christians in 2060 with dire consequences for Christians in the political space.

Islam has remained the world’s fastest growing religion and is expected to continue growing in the number of adherents and, naturally, in influence. Its encouragement of polygamy puts it an advantage, locally and globally, at having far more adherents in the near future. Between 2010 and 2015, it was estimated that 31 per cent of babies born all over the world were of Muslim parentage. The projection is that by 2035, children born to Muslim parents will comfortably outnumber those born to Christians worldwide.

The projected reduction in local Christian population portends, as earlier stated, the diminution in the influence of Christianity in the country’s socio-political sphere. With religion a huge determinant in national politics, Islam will be at massive advantage. It is currently enjoying that and stands to continue doing so by the time the next elections come around. In view of this, the idea that a Christian president is a possibility by 2023, when Nigerians vote next, is a little more than implausible. This is especially so on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) which, from all indications, appears to be religiously insensitive.

 I project that by 2023, Islam in Nigeria would have disappeared into the horizon that Christianity would require a pair of binoculars to catch a glimpse of it. That projection is based on what I think leaders of the Christian faith in the country place the accent on: Lush life-on the sweat of millions of Christians they claim to lead. The country’s Pentecostal landscape, which currently stands as the face of Christianity, is teeming with preachers, who seem to think that ownership of private jets, gleaming cathedrals, establishment of educational institutions their members cannot afford and, most sadly, using their privileged position to obtain patronage from the same people oppressing Christians are the equivalent of providing leadership. The hollow prosperity theology, which teaches that financial well-being of adherents is directly linked to seed sowing and tithing, is bereft of Christianity’s transcendental goal, which teaches believers that that there is more to life than the satisfaction of immediate material needs of hunger and poverty.

Rather than this noble goal, it has commodified Christ and showing its exponents in the same light as the grasping political elite. The commodification of Christianity has had the eminently unfortunate effect of sowing disunity among Christians, who are supposed to speak with one voice against the dangers to their spiritual and material well-being. The Pentecostal explosion has seen those who lost their jobs or excommunicated from other churches announce themselves as “General Overseers” and begin a scramble for relevance. This category, desperate to thrive, targets members of the mainline churches by calumniating their doctrines. And when they begin to thrive, the newly-minted General Overseers fish for members in older evangelical ministries, leaving a long trail of bad blood.

Less important, if at all, to the leaders of the faith in Nigeria is the need to address societal problems through adequate mobilization of Christians to demand social justice. A view, which I agree with, is that the church has aligned itself with the oppressors of the masses. Politicians, sadly including people of other religious persuasions, are routinely permitted to use Christian gatherings for speaking and photo opportunities in pursuit of their political agenda, while private sector criminals, such as bankers, are given front-row seats in Christian gatherings. These steps of the church make it less credible as a moral voice in achieving the desired socio-political and economic liberation in Nigeria.

There is no need sugar-coating Christianity’s outlook in Nigeria. Despite the long and loud claim that “the Kingdom of Christ is marching on”, the faith is in a bad place. For Christianity to regain its fast-dissipating influence, its leaders need to act and very fast, too. First, there must be robust and consistent prophetic denunciation of the oppressive mechanism. The prophetic stance of the church obligates her to confront and challenge the systems of corruption and injustice, which exploit and deprive Christians by criticizing and judging them by Christian standards.

In addition, the church needs to understand the context in which it operates in Nigeria and to encourage its members to participate actively and fully in the political process, being not ashamed to use their faith as bargaining chips for 2023.

Very importantly, the conversion of the ordinary man must run along with the aforesaid. The church’s mission in Nigeria goes beyond commitment to philanthropic activism, protesting against social injustice and mobilizing people for active participation in social transformation. While the church seeks socio-political and economic liberation, it must be relentless in seeking the spiritual liberation of the people. Conversion will fight depletion in Christian ranks as well as ensure that social change bears lasting fruits.

Zikeyi John sent this article from Abraka, Delta State and can be reached throughzikeyijohn@yahoo.com

TonyeBarcanista:
Being a philanderer doesn't translate to being a rapist

Yes but he is not a saint

I don't know what to believe again but the Pastor too like woman

Linda Nneji, Dallas Texas, USA

The past leadership of our dear State Imo was, no doubt, one laced with lies and deceit whereby what was sold to the people and the World in general were either outright lies or half-truths. These lies and/or half-truths were laced in almost all the activities of the then Government as well as all the policies that they came-up with. Most often than not, we saw a complete white washing of Government activities and a terrible illusion that all was well with our State. We had a leadership which talks before thinking and this very unfortunate habit most often than not led to the quagmire of whether to fulfill that which was promised out of flippancy or to do that which is right and realizable. Sadly, in most cases, the Government indulged in outright deceit instead of reversals of that which is not actually realizable. The resultant effect of this is the gross institutional and infrastructural decay witnessed in the State today.

One of such widely advertised policies is the alleged “free Education” policy of the past administration. While the word “free” in one of its definitions means “without cost or payment”, the said ‘free education’ in Imo State was such that payments were being collected from pupils and students alike. These payments were collected in the guise of registration, acceptance fees, clearance fees etc, most of which ran into hundreds of thousands in the case of Tertiary Institutions. Some even suggested that the name “free tuition” would have been appropriate but how can there be a claim of “free tuition” even when fees sometimes outrageous were severally collected from the beneficiaries of the said “free Education”. Apart from this, certain percentage of the salaries of Civil Servants were constantly deducted to support the said “free Education” policy hence, “robbing Peter to Paul”. In the State tertiary Institutions also, we witnessed a situation whereby majority of the admissions were given to those from outside the State thereby short-changing the Education-loving Citizens of our dear State simply because those non-indigenes are paying tuitions.

It is also pertinent to note that, when these wrongs became public knowledge, the head of various State Tertiary Institutions were replaced with those who can connive with the Government to cover-up the lies and deceits of the Government. We also witnessed a situation whereby less qualified people were used to flood the teaching Profession in the State especially the Secondary and Primary schools under the guise of “youth-must-work”; all in the bid to cut cost. However, these terrible lies and deceits began to manifest in the poor outing of our States in external examinations, rampant loss of accreditations, slashing of worker’s salaries and the flourishing of private Institutions in the State. At the tertiary level, most Imo indigenes sought admissions in Federal Institutions and State Institutions outside our dear State. The later no doubt led to very serious capital flight. Also, if not for the intervention of the Federal Government through TETFUND, UBEC, etc and the palliative assistance of some Federal Representatives in the State, the infrastructural decay in the Education sector would have been massive.

Today, we have a new Government in our dear State and the question of the said “free Education” to be or not to be has arisen. For the truthful, there was no free Education and it is time for us to come out clean and truly define what we currently have in the State in terms of Education. For the illusioned, there is ‘free education’ and that should be allowed to stay. Also, for the compromised, any attempt to either properly define what we presently have in the State as free Education and to take appropriate measures towards revitalizing the Education sector, is an opportunity to blackmail and cast aspersions on the present Government. Whatever be the case, the truth remains that our people got tired of where we were. We yearned for transparency and truthfulness in the handling of our affairs and that was why we collectively made a strong statement. We did not want our State to be an object of ridicule anymore just as we want our State to take her pride place in the comity of States.

In line with this, if a review of the said “free Education” proves that it is not in the best interest of our growth and progress as a State, the present administration should be supported to scrap it towards inventing measures that would ensure the revival of the Education sector. Yes, our first point of call at liberation and resurrection is telling ourselves the truth. The Education policy of the present Government which is no doubt a clear roadmap towards a better and qualitative Education in the State are such that need revenues to be achieved and the Government needs our collective support in this regard. Being active participants in the rebuilding of our dear State means living up to our own responsibilities towards helping the Government succeed in building a brighter future for our Children and laying a strong foundation for generations to come. We must make those sacrifices needed for a greater and better State.
Be that as it may, the Government of the day being a sensitive and pro-people Government is expected to take cognizance of the realities facing us as a Nation today as well as its attendant consequences in the life of an average Nigerian. Hence, whatever reversals there may be, the alternatives should be such that the average Citizen can afford and cope with. In line with this, the Government should also come-up with a reputable scholarship board whereby her exceptional Students would have a shot at free Education courtesy of the State. Individuals and organizations can also come in in this regard towards making sure that bright talents in and around their neighbourhood have a shot at free Education thereby helping the Government to achieve her commendable goals for the Education sector in our dear State
.
Indeed, a greater Imo is possible if we support and do the right things for the good of her State and her people. May God bless our dear State and her present Leadership.