Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State Of Biafra (MASSOB) has slammed the duo of the former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and ex- Governor of old Anambra state and Senator Jim Nwobodo for saying that the presidential candidate of the Labour Party and erstwhile governor of Anambra state ,Peter Obi will never become the president of Nigeria .
Recall that senator Ekweremadu and Nwobodo had reportedly said that Ndigbo will never vote for Peter Obi in the forthcoming 2023 presidential election.
The Biafra Separatist movement which condemned the statement described both Ekweremadu and Nwobodo as political slaves of Hausa / Fulani of northern oilgarchy .
In statement issued on Saturday by National Secretary of MASSOB, Comrade Ugwuoke Ibem Ugwuoke said that it is unfortunate that learned men like Senators Ekweremadu and Nwobodo would be used against their own people to say that the South east will not vote Peter Obi .
The statement reads , ” It’s very unfortunate that learned men Ike Ekweremadu and Jim Nwobodo will be used against their own people to say that South East will not vote for Mr Peter Obi.
Who even made them the spokespersons for Ndigbo? They are political slaves of Hausa/Fulani Northern Oligarchy.
“Ike Ekweremadu and Jim Nwobodo should be ashamed of themselves for been slaves who couldn’t even aspire to be the president even when it is the turn of Ndigbo to produce the president of Nigeria, they ran away and want to decide where Ndigbo will vote.
MASSOB observed that Ike Ekweremadu has forgotten so soon what happened to him few years ago in far away Germany, how angry Biafrans dealt with him. MASSOB is not surprised over Ike Ekweremadu’s action because we know that he can sale his brothers because of his greed for power, his aim is to return back to senate and the only way to get the ticket is to attack his Igbo brother.
Continuing , “MASSOB wish to warn all Igbo politicians that our non violence nature should not be taken for granted, it is time all political Betrayals in Igbo land will be paid back in their own coins.
Ike Ekweremadu has been in government power for over twenty years , still not satisfied . MASSOB will not allow greedy politicians in Igbo land to destroy the future of our next generation because of their selfish desires.
MASSOB will mobilize Igbo youths, market women/men, Town Unions and students etc to vote against bad leadership in entire Igbo land”. They submitted.
Minutes ago on channels tv an APC chieftain said that the vice presidential candidate picked by APC and Tinubu is kabiru Masari. There will be no substitution. It is final
Former Nigerian minister of Aviation, Femi Fani kayode has given reasons why he may dump the APC party in the not so distant future. He also used the twitter medium to plead with Nigerians to stop pestering him and criticising his every decision Below are his series of tweets
For those who believe that I should not support Jagaban today simply because of what I said about him in the past I say grow up & hear the following. No matter what transpired before, BAT is now the democratically-elected & legitimate candidate of the party to which I belong
Do you really expect me to turn my back on my party simply because he is our flag bearer? Do u expect me to fold my hands, remain silent & say nothing whilst u try to take him & our party to the cleaners & stop us from winning power at the center? Is that how politics works?
If that is ur expectation & wish you will wait forever. Hell will freeze over before I do that. Party loyalty is everything & unless & until I change parties I will remain faithful, loyal & true to all our flagbearers & candidates in the APC & write, speak & fight for them.
Leave me alone to make my choices just as u have made urs. Follow whoever you believe in all the way to the toilet & let me follow Jagaban to victory. If Jagaban or APC does something wrong tomorrow or fields a Muslim/Muslim ticket with a Muslim VP that I regard as being a danger to Christians I will leave them & fight against them. This much I assure you because I do not shy away from such things especially when it comes to matters touching and concerning my faith.
However if they field a Muslim/Christian ticket or a Muslim/Muslim ticket with a Muslim VP that is reasonable, moderate & trustworthy & that I am sure will protect the Christian and national interest I will support them with every fiber of my being. It is as simple as that. I make my choices & you can make yours after which we meet in the field.
don't care what choices you make so why should you care about mine? In any case if I am so inconsequential why should it bother you who I support & why do you keep coming to my wall & commenting on my opinions? Why should I continue to be an integral part of your strange..
& complicated little universe? Am I the only fmr Minister or former public office holder in politics? I left public office in 2007, which is 15 years ago, yet you still wait on every word I utter and watch everything I do and say. You want to know what I wear, what I eat..
what I think, who I spend my time with, what I drink, who I support, how many times I go to the bathroom in one day and so on and so forth. For this I say "thanks be to God" but I really do wonder why you are so obsessed with FFK? Is it that secretly you want to be like me?
.I do not know who you are or even of your existence yet you seek to know everything about me and what I think or believe on any and every issue. Is this not strange? Is there not more to it than meets the eye? Whichever way, whether you like it or not Jagaban WILL win.
After that you will cry, sulk and then come and beg us for support and help.
You will lobby us for this, that and the other.
I have seen it all before. You insult on the wall and beg for help in the inbox.
There is nothing new in this world or under the sun.
Keep on hating and insulting as much as you like but please allow me to make my choices. This is my lawful and constitutional right. It is also my duty and obligation before God and man. And when you come for help, despite your hateful, venomous and vicious rantings &.
ravings and in spite of your malevolent disposition, be rest assured that we will still do our best to help you and give you a better quality of life. That is why we are in politics and that is what civilised people, serious politicians and real men always do.
We pity and forgive the underdog and the most undeserving and we open our arms and show mercy even to the cruel when they see the light.
The Kogi State Governor and presidential aspirant in the just concluded presidential primary of the All Progressives Congress, Yahaya Bello, Wednesday, said he would run for the top office in a subsequent election.
This was as he noted that his shot at the 2023 presidency was only “testing the microphone.”
Bello, who garnered 47 votes in last week’s elections disclosed this to the State House Correspondents shortly after meeting the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).
According to him, he came to see the president on a thank-you visit for letting him participate in the highly contested exercise.
He noted that his recent attempt for the ticket was to “test the mic,” adding that his next attempt would be “supersonic.”
On the hunt for a running mate for Tinubu, he noted that competence should take precedence above other factors.
He said the Muslim-Muslim or Christian-Christian ticket, the major consideration for selection should be deliverability.
To his supporters, Bello appealed for continued assurance in his presidential bid saying “sometimes you win some and sometimes you lose.”
He urged them to support the current flag bearer in next year’s elections.
Presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress, Kingsley Moghalu, has resigned his membership from the party.
In a letter obtained by our correspondent which was addressed to the party chairman, Okey Nwosu, Moghalu stated infractions from the primary election as reason for leaving the party.
The former presidential candidate of Young Progressive Party in the 2019 election, was defeated at the just concluded primary election of ADC in Abeokuta.
While the winner, Dumebi Kachikwu, scored 977, Moghalu polled 589 votes to come distant second.
Moghalu’s resignation partly read, “I am writing to hand in my resignation from my membership of the African Democratic Congress, effective immediately.
“I have resigned because the process and conduct of the party’s presidential primary on June 8, 2022 at Abeokuta revealed a fundamental clash of values between me and your leadership of the party.
“Despite the circular you issued a few days prior to the primary committing the party to providing transportation and accommodation for delegates to and in Abeokuta, and which as we agreed would provide a level playing field for all the presidential aspirants, the party under your leadership failed to do so.
“Some aspirants, including myself, made donations to the ADC party account as requested by the party for this purpose.
“This failure, which appeared intentional, created room for massive abuses of the electoral process including delegate capture and financial inducement of delegates.”
Moghalu, who didn’t disclose his next political move, blamed his loss to “cash-and-carry politics”, revealing that his former party which he joined in 2021 is not a credible alternative.
He said, “This is only one of numerous inconsistencies and the absence of transparency and predictability in the management of the party that I had progressively complained about.
“As you are well aware, I have consistently resisted pressures to join the APC or the PDP precisely to avoid ‘cash-and-carry’ politics.
“For me to remain a member of the ADC therefore, after what thousands of party members participated in at Abeokuta, would be to endorse political corruption of a most obscene order.
“I joined the ADC in October 2021 with the best of intentions. Since then, I have put my entire team to work on growing and improving the party, including raising the party’s visibility on all media platforms, recruiting more than 10,000 new members to the party, and providing new offices for various state chapters of the party at my expense.
“It is deeply regrettable that other inducements appear to have played more important roles in determining the outcome of the primary than loyalty to the party.”
Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State on Saturday passed vote of no confidence on Professor George Obiozor, declaring that he would no longer recognize him as the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
Umahi who ran for the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress in the just concluded primary election of the APC, accused Obiozor of particanship, instead of making himself a rallying point during the struggle for the presidency of Igbo extraction.
He lamented that Obiozor failed to stand for the South East region when it mattered most, saying, “it is a very big shame, I have no confidence in him and he is no longer my President.”
Umahi chided delegates from other South East States who he said sold their votes to willing buyers instead of standing in defense of the calls for the Igbo Presidency.
He also expressed dissatisfaction with the political actors from the South East zone for not justifying the agitations against the marginalization of Ndigbo during the just concluded Presidential Primary.
Governor Umahi spoke on Saturday while addressing the mammoth crowd of supporters who staged a heroic welcome for him on arrival to Ebonyi State after the Presidential Primary in Abuja.
He, however, commended delegates, Stakeholders, and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Ebonyi State for their massive support of his candidature during the just concluded All Progressives Party, APC, Presidential Primary.
Umahi said: “First, let me say to Ebonyi people, you are wonderful people, the Presidential election was a great eyeopener to every son and daughter of Ebonyi State and with your support, we fought very gallantly.
“I had series of meetings with the party’s chairmen in the five states of the zone, in the company of its national vice chairman. I implored on the delegates that the issue was not about me but the mood of the Igbos in the nation.
“I implored that they should vote for any South East aspirant so that when the votes are counted, we would not be missing.
“We would have made a strong statement in the process, that the Igbos are eminently qualified with due capacity to lead the country,
“There was no sort of lobbying I did not receive, but I maintained that it was about bringing the marginalisation of the Igbos to the fore.
“The setting of the Nation is well skewed against any contest for Igbo man, while every Zones has about eight States or more and South East has only five, how do you expect an Igbo man to win a contest under this kind of arrangement?
“Prof. Obiozor could not stand for Igbos when it mattered so much; it is a very big shame, I have no confidence in him and he is no longer my President.
“In the comity of South East, Ebonyi people are not regarded, I continue to say that Ebonyi will never be Biafra.
“I weep for our Leaders; we are now regarded as people that will sell anything for the sake of money, it is about equity, justice, and fairness upon which I continue to shout for the unity of this country.”
Umahi said he was no longer interested in South East agenda, but Ebonyi agenda only, assuring that he would fight publicly, anyone that fights against the interest of Ebonyi people.
“I am the Governor of Ebonyi State, the only agenda I have for South East now is Ebonyi Agenda, I continue to say that he who sells his brother, even the buyer will not trust him.
“Anyone that fights against the interest of Ebonyi people in the South East, I will fight the person Publicly, Ndigbo, get your PVC and bond together, you have seen that nobody wants you anymore, we have the fighting spirit and the spirit of our founding Fathers have been rekindled to fight for us.
“When Honourable people are needed in South East, they will come to Ebonyi State, everything is not money,” he concluded.
President Muhammadu Buhari has asked delegates at the presidential primary election of the All Progressives Congress APC to choose a know, fair-minded nationalist who believes in the unity of the country as their presidential candidate for 2023 general elections.
Delivering his speech at the convention in Abuja on Tuesday, the President said that the person must also possess the strength of character to move the country forward.
He added that the delegates and the by extension the party members must not allow the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to drag the country backwards.
“We must choose a knowledgeable, fair-minded nationalist with a very strong belief in the unity of our nation, Nigeria with a strength of character to steer the country forward.
“We should not allow the PDP to drag our country backwards.
“Let’s work collectively in the interest of our great party”, Buhari said.
A top-ranking source within the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has confirmed that the anti-graft agency is currently carrying out a covert investigation to observe delegates’ inducement and vote-buying at the ongoing presidential primary elections of the ruling All Progressives Congress.
The reliable source, who spoke with our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, said, “We’re currently at the APC convention ground on a covert operation. We’re monitoring activities, and watching keenly for incidents of delegates inducement, vote-buying, and other electoral or financial fraud activities that might take place”.
The source also confirmed to PUNCH Metro that the anti-graft agency is carrying out the covert operation in order to catch potential perpetrators unaware.
This is coming as reports of delegates’ inducement to the tune of about $40,000 by major contenders in the ongoing presidential primary elections is making the rounds.
Exactly 10 days ago, PUNCH Metro had reported that some officers of the EFCC stormed the Moshood Kashimawo Abiola International Stadium, Abuja, during the presidential primary elections of the major opposition, the Peoples Democratic Party.
The officers arrived at the venue around 4:40 pm.
The PUNCH had also reported that the operatives stormed the venue of the PDP’s presidential primary elections in Abuja following reports of alleged vote-buying and bribing of delegates at
The EFCC, corroborating PUNCH’s report, later released an official statement explaining that its operatives stormed the convention to monitor delegates’ inducement and financial malpractices.
“Our operatives were at the PDP presidential primary elections at the MKO Abiola Stadium to monitor the exercise, and most especially, to check delegates’ inducement and other financial malpractices”. The statement read in part.
When our correspondent reached out to the EFCC Public Relations Officer, Wilson Uwujaren, he refused to comment on the issue.
Frontline presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is projected to be ahead in the party’s presidential primaries slated for today and tomorrow in Abuja.
A number of factors make Tinubu the candidate to beat. The factors are: nationwide recognition, reach, structure, support, endorsements, mass appeal, track record as governor of Lagos State, rich experience in both the private and public sectors.
Tinubu, along with President Buhari, is a co-founder of the APC.
He has mentored politicians across the country, many of who became governors, senators, House of Representatives members, or were elected or appointed through his support.
Tinubu, as APC National Leader, has profound influence on the key structures of the party in many states.
He also has the backing of more governors than his rivals.
With governors having tremendous influence on the delegates – three per local government – Tinubu can feel confident about emerging his party’s torch-bearer and a potential face-off with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President candidate Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 presidential election.
The APC northern governors, in a communiqué at the end of their Abuja meeting on Saturday, advised President Muhammadu Buhari to restrict his search within the party for a successor to the southern states.
They said power shift to the South would be in the interest of building a stronger, more united and more progressive country.
In the South, the Southwest is the bastion of the APC.
Tinubu is the clear favourite in the geo-political zone. He is also being backed strongly by most of the states in the North.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo may get his votes from Ogun which is his home state and Nasarawa where he is believed to be backed by the state governor
Former Minister of Transportation Mr. Chibuike Rotmi Amaechi may get his votes from his home state, Rivers, and Plateau where he is being backed by the state governor.
Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi may get his votes from Ekiti, Jigawa where the governor is his friend. He may also get some votes from Kebbi because of his closeness to the state governor.
Senate President Ahmad Lawan is being backed by his state, Yobe and states in the Southeast.
Of all the contenders, Tinubu best fits President Muhammadu Buhari’s description of the candidate of his choice.
The President recommended a party man who must be formidable, who appeals to the electorate across the board.
Projection as at today.
Tinubu is projected to win Kano, Lagos, Oyo, Borno, Sokoto, Bauchi, Osun, Benue, Ondo, Edo, Katsina, Gombe, Niger, Kaduna, Zamfara and Adamawa states.
Osinbajo: Ogun and Nasarawa.
Yahaya Bello: Kogi
Amaechi: Rivers and Plateau
Lawan: Yobe, Kebbi (strong), Abia, Imo, Ebonyi, Anambra and Enugu.
Controversial columnist, Farooq Kperogi has reacted to the purported emergence of Senate President Ahmed Lawan as the consensus presidential candidate of the APC.
Naija News earlier reported that the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, had announced Lawan as the consensus presidential candidate of the ruling party.
The APC Chairman at the meeting said that he arrived at the choice of Lawan after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House, Abuja.
He, however, said other presidential aspirants will be allowed to contest the party’s presidential primary election at the Eagle Square, Abuja slated for June 6th to 8th.
It was gathered that the NWC members rejected the announcement of Lawan as the consensus candidate and insisted other aspirants must be given the chance to compete.
The announcement of Lawan as the consensus candidate of the party then led to a division among the NWC members.
Reacting to the development, Kperogi said the emergence of Lawan as the consensus candidate shows that the ruling APC would soon collapse.
He stated that the APC cannot win the 2023 presidential election following the emergence of Lawan as the party’s flagbearer.
Kperogi disclosed that the 2023 election would be between the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar and the Labor Party’s Peter Obi.
He said: “Several newspapers, including Tinubu’s paper, have reported APC chairman Adamu as saying that Ahmed Lawan is APC’s consensus candidate! If this decision holds, APC would officially be a dead party. The 2023 election would be between PDP’s Atiku Abubakar & Labor Party’s Peter Obi.”
The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), is on Sunday night, hosting some members of the All Progressives Congress national caucus for a dinner at the State House Banquet Hall.
The APC chieftains at the dinner include the party’s National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, former Chairmen, Bisi Akande, John Oyegun, the party’s Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore, and some APC Governors.
The meeting is part of continued consultations the President is having with various party stakeholders to elect a consensus candidate ahead of this week’s Presidential Primary elections.
In a meeting with APC presidential hopefuls at the State House on Saturday night, Buhari who asked aspirants to choose a formidable candidate from among themselves affirmed that he would discuss it with more party stakeholders.
He said “This is the second in the series and I still look forward to meeting with party stakeholders. These steps are being taken to ensure that the unity and cohesion of the party are sustained and to provide direction.”
Senior members of the Muhammadu Buhari presidency, infamously referred to as the Cabal, have reportedly sold the candidature of Senate President Ahmad Lawan to the president.
Naija News reports that this is coming a few days to the presidential primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
It was gathered President Buhari is expected to present Lawan to the critical stakeholders of the party as his preferred candidate for the party’s ticket.
According to multiple sources, the Aso Villa Cabal has secured the buy-in of the president for Lawan.
One of the sources, a former governor, told Daily Trust that: “Buhari’s nephew, Malam Mamman Daura, a former director-general of the Department of State Services (DSS), Lawal Daura, and the national chairman of the party, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, have succeeded in ramming Lawan down the throat of the president.”
However, the former governor warned that forcing Ahmad Lawan on the party would lead to disaster and implosion.
“Atiku Abubakar will be declared the president-elect by noon on the election day,” he said.
Another ally of President Buhari expressed shock over moves to draft Lawan as the ruling party’s presidential candidate.
“I just discussed the issue with one of the president’s aides. We should not allow this to happen. It is not good that after eight years, the president will be bringing another northerner as his successor. This is not good for us and the country.
“In 2007, Obasanjo brought a northerner when he was leaving because of the power-sharing formula between North and South. Anyone that is supporting the North to retain power beyond 2023 is an enemy of the country,” he said.
Reports had emerged that promoters of Lawan’s candidature had reached out to Buhari’s nephew, Malam Mamman Daura and the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babagana Kingibe.
According to Daily Trust, Tinubu’s recent outburst in Ogun State was as a result of getting information that Buhari may back a northerner for the ticket.
But an ally of Tinubu insisted that the former Lagos State governor would remain in the APC even if he does not get the ticket.
“Asiwaju is going to emerge as the APC flag-bearer. He was a fulcrum for the formation of the APC and has no intention to abandon the party to political contractors. He has a tremendous goodwill and empathy across the length and breadth of the country,” he said.
The Chief Whip of the Senate, Sen. Orji Kalu, says money cannot buy Nigeria’s president.
Kalu, in a statement he issued on Thursday in Abuja, said that it was only cohesion and consensus among the regions that could produce a president.
According to him, if you throw in money, majority of the electorate will collect the money but still vote according to their conscience.
“The earliest Nigerians and presidential aspirants understand that no amount of money can buy the president of the country, the better for everyone.
“If money can buy the office of the president of Nigeria, late MKO Abiola could have bought it with extra change. If money can buy the president, former President Goodluck Jonathan could have bought the presidential seat in 2015,” Kalu said.
He, however, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to consider picking Ahmad Lawan as a consensus candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Kalu described Lawan as having the potential to stabilise and secure Nigeria.
“I urge President Muhammadu Buhari to consider giving Nigeria a man who can give the entire country a sense of belonging; fix our economy, secure all parts of the country, take education very seriously and protect his legacy.
“The man Nigerians can trust is Senator Ahmad Lawan.
“Picking Ahmad Lawan as the consensus candidate of the APC will heal and stabilise the country as it is the closest to equity, justice and fairness.
June 02, (THEWILL) – The All Progressives Congress (APC), has set up 18 sub-committees ahead of the party’s special convention/presidential primary scheduled to hold between June 6th and 8th.
A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Felix Morka, said the Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, would Chair the budget committee, while the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed would be the co-chair.
Morka added that the Finance and Logistics committee would be chaired by Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, while Accreditation and Decoration committee would be chaired by Dapo Abiodun, Governor of Ogun State.
He noted that the Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, Security and Compliance, while the former Minister of Interior, Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd) would be a Co-Chair:
5. Election Planning – H.E. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu (Governor of Kebbi State); Co-Chair: H.E. Hope Uzodinma (Governor of Imo State).
6. Transportation – H.E. (Dr.) Abdullahi Umar Ganduje (Governor of Kano State); Deputy: Dr. Ramatu Tijani Aliyu (Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory).
7. Accommodation – H.E. Babagana Umara Zulum (Governor of Borno State); Co-Chair: H.E. Gboyega Oyetola (Governor of Osun State)
8. Media and Publicity- H.E. Abdullahi Sule (Governor of Nasarawa State).
9. Medicals – Dr. Chris Ngige (Minister of Labour and Employment); Co-Chair: Prof. Isaac Folorunso Adewole (former Minister of Health).
10. Legal: Abubakar Malami SAN, (Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice).
11. Venue and Site Servicing: H.E. Bello Muhammad Matawalle (Governor of Zamfara State); Co-Chair: Mohammed Musa Bello (Minister of the Federal Capital Territory).
12. Election Appeal – H.E. Mai Mala Buni, Governor of Yobe State
13. Hospitality and Welfare – H.E. Simon Lalong (Governor of Plateau State); Co-Chair: Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq (Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development).
14. Protocols – H.E. Aminu Bello Masari (Governor of Katsina State)
15. Digital Communications – H.E. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Governor of Kwara State).
16. Pre-Convention/Management/ Rapporteur – H.E. Mallam Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai (Governor of Kaduna State); Deputy: Dame Pauline Tallen (Minister of Women Affairs).
17. Presidential Screening Appeal – H.E. Abubakar Sani Bello (Governor of Niger State); Co-Chair: Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase (Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives).
18. Accreditation of Diplomats – H.E. Ovie Omo-Agege (Deputy President of the Senate); Co-Chair: Geoffrey Onyeama (Minister for Foreign Affairs).
According to Reno omokri the election of Atiku will mean there will be no more ASUU strike because his administration will make education their number one priority
The Governor of Jigawa State, Badaru Abubakar, has been cleared by the ruling All Progressives Congress to contest in the presidential primary of the party slated for June 6, 2022.
Badaru was cleared on Monday by the John Odigie-led presidential screening committee of the APC.
According to the governor’s media aide, Badaru was cleared the verification of his membership and financial statuses as well as his academic credentials, and other requirements for a presidential candidate as stipulated in the Nigerian Constitution.
A United Nations SDG Ambassador and Global vice Chairman, Advocacy For Good Governance and Social Justice Network, Amb. Hussaini Haruna Coomassie has expressed shock and concern over the shameful display of lust for money by Nigerian delegates who have sold their soul and conscience to the highest bidder, forgetting the fact that whoever they bring on board will be there for-better-for-worst, for the next four consecutive years.
Dr. Coomassie made this known while answering questions from journalists in his Abuja residence after watching some of the viral videos posted by some netizens about politicians and delegates either collecting or refunding money they have collected.
He explained that those who should serve as checks to the politicians are now being used to elect fraudulent characters to represent a whole nation for four years.
He called on Nigerians to disappoint both the delegates and the politicians with their PVCs on election day, that they (the electorates) are the final deciders to election and definitely not the delegates.
“The electorates are the final deciders to election in the world and not the delegates. Politicians can spend all they want, but won’t win any election if the people didn’t see them worthy of it,” he concluded.
Despite being railroaded into the presidential race by some members of the Cabal and a section of the Northern elite, President Muhammadu Buhari has refused to buy into the agenda of former president Goodluck Jonathan contesting for the presidency.
According to sources close to the former president, Dr Jonathan had told those drafting him into the race that he would only join the race if president Buhari endorses the move. However, unfortunately for those behind the move, president Buhari has refused to support the move.
In anticipation of president Buhari’s endorsement, the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) has twice shifted the screening of the party’s presidential aspirants, even two days before the party’s primaries. It was the plan of the party apparatchiks that president Buhari would give his nod before jetting out to attend the African Union Summit in Malabo, Equitorial Guinea.
Though the president is expected back tomorrow, the delay over the screening, which was meant to accommodate Jonathan, is fueling suspense and apprehension among the presidential aspirants and their supporters.
Sources at the Villa, however, said that it is unlikely the president could be persuaded to buy in into the Jonathan project. The president, it was gathered, would find it incongruous to lift up the hands of Jonathan as his successor, having repeatedly blamed his government of ineptitude and monumental corruption that has caused the current economic downturn.
As part of the Jonathan project, a Bayelsa Federal High court today ruled that the former president is eligible to contest the 2023 presidential election.
There have been at least two bomb blasts within Maiduguri, capital of Borno state, within the last 10 minutes.
A resident told TheCable that the first blast occurred at Gunge, a resident area, around 6pm. According to a security source, the other blast happened around a place where cars are sold in the state capital.
It is unclear if Boko Haram insurgents are behind the attacks which happened 24 hours after the convoy of Babagana Zulum, the governor, was attacked in Kukawa local government area of the state.
Boko Haram has continued to operate in different parts of the north-east, especially in Borno state despite the claim of the government that the sect has been defeated.
Reacting to the attack on his convoy, Zulum had said he would mobilise hunters to protect the people if the military is unable to secure them. “We have over 1,181 soldiers in Baga; 72 officers, 107 solders, 400 soldiers in mile 4 and 1,900 soldiers in Monguno. I see no reason why Boko Haram will stop operate in Baga town,” he had said.
“The troops have been in mile 4 for over one year, there is complete sabotage, the problem is not with President Buhari, or General Burutai but the command and control structures. There is need to look into command structure.
“We have over 80,000 IDPs in Monguno, they cannot continue to depend on NGOs and others for food, we have created opportunity for them to go back to their communities and continue with their business and farming activities.
“After Sallah, we will go back to Kukawa. We we will give time to the military; but if they will not clear Baga, we will mobilise our hunters and vigilantes to recapture Baga… we can’t continue like this. People have take their destiny in their hands.”
By Dumebi Emmanuel • Lagos, Nigeria• July 21, 2020•
Sahara Reporters Publisher and Presidential Candidate, Omoyele Sowore has opened up on how he clashed with Late billionaire businessman and President Buhari’s ally, Isa Funtua in a DSS detention Facility.
Sowore, who was arrested last year by officials of the Department of State Security, DSS, recalled on Monday how he clashed with Funtua who had visited him in the company of Vanguard publisher, Sam Amuka, Presidential Spokesman, Garba Shehu and Thisday publisher, Nduka Obaigbena to ‘negotiate’ terms for his release.
Sowore disclosed this via his social media page. He wrote: “After spending two weeks in DSS detention 2019, one afternoon I was called downstairs early, upon reaching the office of the two senior officers saddled with my detention I was accompanied to the office of the Director Operations, a few minutes later there was this towering figure in white dress arriving with a delegation, It was Isa Funtua (now late) accompanied by Vanguard publisher Sam Amuka, Buhari’s spokesman, Garba Shehu and Nduka Obaigbena, owner of THISDAY and ARISEtv, I was meeting all these men for the first time in my life.”
“They said they had come discuss my freedom from detention while I thanked them for their kind intervention, I made it clear that it was wrong to come meet with me in detention without first consulting with my lawyer, Femi Falana, we already in court challenging my unjust detention, but Isa Funtua, haughty and condescending, was dismissive, he started berating my lawyer claiming he’s only “grandstanding” and to me he stated with a note of finality, “you can’t defeat the government.” I was enraged, and told him, “well you are about the find out that the people can defeat any government no matter how powerful you guys think you’re.” As we argued back and forth, Nduka intervened and took me to an anteroom in the office of the DO and pleaded that I shouldn’t argue with the old man that I should just play along and get released.”
“I repeated to him that I’d considered the consequences of my actions and I am not interested in negotiating my liberty with anyone. I asked him why he didn’t think it was necessary to contact my attorneys before embarking on such a mission, he said he will get to Femi Falana and that’s was the end of my encounter with the team!”
“You Can’t Defeat The Gov’t”-My DSS detention encounter with Isa Funtua - the man who once described himself as the @mbuhari “Cabal” pic.twitter.com/bARyXUVXOf
The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio has linked contracts awarded by the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, to members of the National Assembly, saying that majority of the contracts awarded were handled by the lawmakers.
He made the disclosure while answering questions at the ongoing probe by the House of Representatives committee.
According to Akpabio: “Most of the contracts at NDDC are handled by members of the National Assembly.”
The House of Representatives is currently investigating NDDC over alleged fraud, mismanagement of funds, among others.
The family of Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, the Spokesperson of the Coalition of United Political Parties, CUPP, has raised an alarm over a strange illness he allegedly contracted while in detention of the Nigeria Police Force.
According to a statement by the family, the mysterious infection has led to the loss of his voice despite medical attention.
The family, in a statement signed by Engr. Obinna Ike and sent to DAILY POST, said the illness was first noticed while he was in the custody of the Nigeria Police, following his illegal arrest on the alleged instigation of Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila.
The family says that it is very strange that every passing day since his release from the dehumanizing and crowded cell, the Spokesperson’s has been having increased challenges which have defied all medical attention.
The statement said “the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Inspector General of Police and Federal Government have an explanation to make as to what is happening to Ikenga who they knew the court barred them from arresting but they still illegally and forcefully arrested him which means there was likely a motive for that unlawful action.”
The statement added that “based on medical advice the opposition Spokesperson has been barred from all public communications and indeed stopped from speaking at all even privately pending when his doctors can diagnose based on a new series of tests after initial tests gave negative results.”
“It is the hope of the family that progress will be made in the ongoing therapy to repair the voice. “He will, however, as he continues to be observed by the doctors be allowed to use text messaging and other means of communication that are not audio in the days ahead.
“It is important to add at this point that Ikenga is still stable, strong, hopeful and medically fit apart from the strange voice loss which he is battling since his release and which as a family we needed to update the public.” the statement said.
Femi Fani Kayode is one of the most reputable politicians in Nigeria. He took to his verified Facebook page to defend Joy Nunieh, amid the ongoing criticism she's receiving on social media.
I have known Joy Nunieh for many years. She is a very tough cookie and exceptionally intelligent. She is NOT crazy, wayward or flippant.
She is a beautiful, righteous and principled lady, who is a brilliant lawyer and who has always had the courage of her convictions. She is also a real fighter.
...I appeal to both her and my old friend and brother Godswill Akpabio, who I have always liked & who I have immense respect for despite our political differences, to sheath their swords. The only people that benefit from this public spat are those that hate & seek to mock...
..the people of the Niger Delta & those that have nothing but contempt & disdain for the Nigerian people generally. The matter has already hit the int. airwaves & it is scandalous. When you marry it to the Hushpuppy mess & the Magu meltdown it puts our country & people in..
..a very precarious situation in the int. community. Whatever the issues are between the Minister &the former NDDC MD, let them be ironed out behind closed doors quietly & let whoever may have done any wrong be sanctioned by the President &if necessary the security agencies.
..That is how these things are done at such high levels. It must not degenerate into a no holds barred market place 'bolekaja' slugfest where anything goes. And whatever the case, peoples private lives, how many husbands they have had, the challenges they may have had in.
...marriage and issues of sexual molestation in the office should not be part of this. To take it to that shameful level is simply sordid and well beneath both parties who I know very well. There ought to be some limitations, decency and decorum in this.
...There must be certain lines and boundaries that must never be crossed. Both Godswill and Joy are just too good for this show of shame. Again I appeal to them both: SHEATH YOUR SWORDS before the matter gets to a point of no return, someone takes advantage of it and
...something frightful, untoward and regrettable happens. May God grant you both the wisdom to accept my humble counsel and may He watch over, lead and guide you both..
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari over his love for Igbos. The group, in a statement on Sunday, signed by its President-General, Osita Isiguzoro and its secretary-general, Okwu Nnwabuike, praised President Buhari over Projects carried out by the government in the East.
The Statement read; “Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has described the allegations against President Muhammadu Buhari as Igbo Hater as the handiwork of Mischief Makers and fifth Columnists, that had serially squandered the Goodwill of Igbo people over a decade now through Continuous Offensive Decisions done in error without Proper Consultative approval from the Igbo people.”
“OYC Commend President Muhammadu Buhari for his love for Igbo Populace, which he demonstrated through Projects sited in the Southeast Geo-Political Zone irrespective of the political decisions taken against him in 2015 and 2019, Igbos appeal to Buhari to relax some strict business policies affecting negatively Igbo traders and business owners.”
“Igbo Youths chronically state that in 2003 and 2007, General Muhammadu Buhari As ANPP Presidential Candidate Nominated Igbo Prominent Sons, Late Chuba Okadigbo and Edwin Ume-Ezeoke as running Mates in a contest where there was no Igbo as PDP Presidential Candidate or the running mate, but Igbo Elders in PDP influenced the Igbo electorate that Southeast was PDP and will never be in Opposition, Which influenced Igbo Votes against President Muhammadu Buhari in 2003 and 2007, thereafter those Circle of Elders gained through appointments and Contracts, While there was skeletal Projects sited in the Southeast and Igbos Suffered Bad Roads and other infrastructural problems.”
“OYC regretted the episode of events of 2015 and 2019, where Ohanaeze Ndigbo erroneously rejected President Muhammadu Buhari’s letter thrice to have an audience with Apex Igbo Organisation, rather without Proper Consultative dialogue and Approval from Igbos over the Buhari’s Letter, in a Contest where Igbos was not the PDP Presidential Candidates, these Few Circle of Elders Considered only their Percunairy Interests ahead of Igbo Welfare and Collective interests.”
“Whatever happens today was the direct Consequences of the Rogue Operations of these Igbo Political Musketeers masquerading as Elders Manipulating Ohanaeze Ndigbo platform for their individual Interests ahead of Igboland, irrespective of the recklessness and Adult delinquencies exhibited by Nwodo and Co-travellers, President Muhammadu Buhari’s Government through Harmonious Relationship between Southeast Governors, had attracted Monumental Projects sited in the Southeast, like Commencement of Work on Second Niger Bridge, Erosion Control Sites, Construction Works in most Major Expressways in the Southeast, and Upgrading of Enugu international Airport, Approval for a New Abakiliki International Airport, Approval of Free Trade Zone for Abia Enyimba Economic City but Igbos still expect railways across the Southeast.” “PDP Offered Igbo Elders and Politicians Juicy Appointments and Contracts which never translated into Meaningful Projects for the South East for 16 years, irrespective of APC alleged hatred against Igbos, there’s ongoing developmental Projects in the Southeast, Buhari loves Igbos for he gave Igbos the opportunity twice to Form his Government in line with the 1960s Existing Political alliance between North and East but the real Enemies of Igbos.
These few circles of elders had successfully squandered these opportunities and today sued President Muhammadu Buhari in a 50bn lawsuit for alleged lopsided appointments, in order to cover their recklessness and adult delinquencies towards 2015/2019 political decisions that had brought pains and disaster for common Igbo traders, Youths and artisans.”
There is a developing fear of a likely cover-up in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the ongoing investigation of its suspended chairman, Ibrahim Magu, as some unknown people allegedly broke into the new office of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and destroyed computers containing certain vital and sensitive documents that could help in the investigation.
This development, THISDAY gathered, followed the appearance of some officials of the NFIU before the Justice Ayo Salami panel, investigating Magu Thursday, to clarify certain grey areas especially, as relating to some accounts suspected to have been used to move money.
But the NFIU officials told the panel that by their operational protocols and procedure, they don’t go about with such documents. The officials however, advised members of the panel to visit their office Friday morning to sight the documents requested for.
Unfortunately, for them, before the panel members got to the NFIU office this morning, it was gathered that some unknown people had broken into their office, went straight to the room, where the documents were stored in the computers and destroyed them all.
It is worthy of mention that the NFIU was the agency that investigated all the allegations of financial malfeasance against Magu, in addition to the fact that the agency was only recently severed from the EFCC.
However, following the development, THISDAY sources, hinted that the Director-General of NFIU, Mr. Modibbo Hamman-Tukur, met with President Muhammadu Buhari immediately after to report the incident, a situation sources believed informed the decision by President Buhari to approve Magu’s suspension.
Meanwhile, the burgling of the NFIU office is the latest twist to the Magu trial and is already being investigated, sources added.
- The chairman of APC in Oshiomhole's ward, Stephen Oshawo, has explained why the ex-governor of Edo state was suspended - Oshiomhole was suspended in November 2019, over alleged anti-party activities - Oshawo said he was unfairly treated, despite being a chairman during Oshiomhole’s tenure as governor of the state
Some weeks after the dissolution National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ward 10 chairman of the party in the Etsako West local government area of Edo state, Stephen Oshawo, has explained why he suspended the former national chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole.
Premium Times reports that Oshiomhole was controversially suspended by his ward in Edo state in November 2019, for alleged anti-party activities.
Legit.ng gathered that the decision was upheld by different courts and contributed to the crisis that rocked the party before the final dissolution of the NWC at the party’s emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting presided by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Oshawo, at an award ceremony in Benin City, the capital of Edo state, on Thursday, July 9, lamented how he was unfairly treated despite being a chairman during Oshiomhole’s rule as governor of the state.
The former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole. Credit: Twitter/Adams Oshiomhole. He said the former governor did not pay his pensions for eight months when he was governor of the state, adding that the condition was reversed in a month after Godwin Obaseki assumed office as a state governor.
“You know, this government (Obaseki’s government) believes in development and the masses. The truth is that, when the former government (Oshiomhole) was in power as the governor of the state, I was an insider, I was the chairman of ward 10. I suffered many things and nobody knew me or recognised me.
“As a chairman to the governor of the state, I couldn’t receive my gratuity as a pensioner and as a chairman to Oshiomhole when he was still the governor of the state, I was not able to get my pension for eight months, but when Godwin Obaseki came in, it didn’t take him up to a month, he paid my gratuity and not only me but all the pensioners in Edo state.
This Day also noted that Oshawo who denied facing any threat from his home, further stated: “I just came back from home yesterday because of this award. I have been at home for more than a week now. When comrade Goodluck called me yesterday to say this was going to happen in Benin, that is why I came and if not, I would have been at home by now. Nobody drove me from my home. I stayed in my home, I worked in my home.”
“I believe in God and I don’t know if anybody is threatening me but the pressure is political. I don’t have any personal pressure from any quarters but I don’t know my enemies and I don’t know if somebody is planning. You know when David killed Goliath, people were singing that David killed 10,000 while Saul killed 1,000," he said.
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