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).

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.

Brazilians have taught Reno omokri the translation of the word Akara, meaning we count and buy

The FG today announced its suspension of operations with Twitter. Below are the comments of Americans on this development

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.”

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!”

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.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45guC-pQ_84

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.

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.

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani has accused the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu of running a cult in the agency.

Sani claimed that some selected EFCC officers known as “Magu boys” or Chairman squad” operated the anti-graft agency with much impunity.

The former lawmaker who is currently being prosecuted by the EFCC said the ”vicious and cruel” officers reported directly to Magu only.
Sani, in a post on his official Facebook page, expressed the belief that some of the marginalized and honest officers in EFCC would soon come out
According to Sani: “Contrary to the facade you see from the Outside, the EFCC has been run by an inside cult called “the Magu Boys” or “the Chairman Squad.’

“They are a select cream of vicious and cruel officers who operate exclusively and with impunity and only report directly to their boss.

“The inside cult is the dark and immoral aspect of the agency engaged in persecution, blackmail, frame-ups and cruelty. The cult has been the wheel behind the ordeal of their embattled Boss. Until they are rooted out from the agency also.

“I believe a lot of revelations will be coming out from other marginalized and honest officers in the so-called anti-corruption agency.”

A committee set up by the Presidency is currently probing Magu over allegations of corrupt practices.

This followed an indictment by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.

On Monday, Magu was picked up by security operatives said to be from the Department of State Services, DSS, and taken to the Presidential Villa, Abuja as part of the ongoing investigation.

But, EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, however, said Magu was invited for questioning.

A Bill that seeks to protect students in the nation’s tertiary institutions was passed for third reading in the Senate on Tuesday.

The Bill titled: “A Bill for an Act to prevent, prohibit and redress sexual harassment of students in tertiary educational institutions and for matters connected therewith, Bill, 2020” was sponsored by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie-Omo Agege (Delta Central) and co-sponsored by 105 other Senators.
Details shortly…

The immediate past National Vice Chairman ( North - West) , of the All Progressives Congress , Inuwa Abdulkadir , is dead .
He died in the early hours of Monday after a brief illness.

A friend and his colleague in the defunct Adams Oshiomhole - led APC National Working Committee , who was the Deputy National Chairman ( North ) , Senator Lawal Shuaibu , confirmed the incident in a text message to The PUNCH .
Details later …

A coalition of Igbo Groups, have lined up the Minister of Transport, Chibuike Amaechi, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, Governor David Nweze Umahi, and Peter Obi for 2023 presidency.

The coalition comprising World Igbo Youth Congress, Southeast Women Professionals and Igbo Students Union described the decision of Arewa Youths to form an alliance with Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide ahead of the 2023 general elections as a welcome development.

The Coalition said the development was an affirmative action that both groups will definitely present a consensus candidate in 2023.
It made its resolutions known after a meeting with the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide in Abakaliki Ebonyi State on Thursday.

This was made available to DAILY POST on Friday by Comrade Obinna Achionye, Deputy President General Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide.

According to him, the signatories to the resolutions are, Mazi Alex Okemiri, President, World Igbo Youth Congress; Dr Mrs Helen Ogbonnaya, leader, Southeast Women Professionals; and Comrade Chidi Ugwunjo, President, Igbo Students Union.

The Coalition emphasized that Igbo presidency in 2023 is the most equitable and Justifiable crusade that will make “Nigeria survive from disintegration and disaster that pose threats against her collective existence.”

The Coalition commended All Progressives Congress, APC Caretaker Committee Chairman and Yobe State Governor, Mai Buni, for zoning the party’s chairmanship position to the North.

The group said that the move is an indication that the presidency will be zoned to the South, “and we expect the PDP to also emulate the APC and zone the presidency to the South.

“With this development and after deliberating on the issues extensively in line with Igbo interests, we present Chibuike Amaechi (Rivers) Dr Ogbonnaya Onu (Ebonyi), Governor David Nweze Umahi (Ebonyi) and Mr Peter Obi (Anambra) PDP and others,” to run in the election.

- The management of NSITF has lambasted the minister of labour and employment, Chris Ngige, over the suspension of its MD, Somefun
- Charles Akpan, the deputy director in the ministry, on Thursday, July 2, said Somefun was suspended on Thursday, July 2, by Buhari
- NSITF, however, noted that none of its staff was suspended by the president

Hours after it was reported that the managing director of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Adebayo Somefun and three directors and eight other senior staff, the management of the agency has reacted.

Vanguard reports that the management of NSITF denied the report that President Muhammadu Buhari approved Somefun's suspension and eleven other staff.

Legit.ng gathered that a statement signed by Charles Akpan, the deputy director in the ministry of labour and employment, on Thursday, July 2, had said that President Buhari approved the indefinite suspension of Somefun and other senior management staff of the fund for alleged financial infractions.

The statement further said that the affected officials were to appear before an Investigative panel to give information on what they know about the purported financial infractions.

But the management of NSITF in a statement issued on the night of Thursday, July 2, said that President Buhari did not suspend any management staff and accused the minister of labour and employment, Senator Chris Ngige, of overreaching himself.

The statement read: “The Management of NSITF read the press release published by some media outfits that the President has suspended the management of NSITF and announced same.

“We wish to state that President Muhammadu Buhari has not suspended the management of NSITF and did not make such an announcement. The person mentioned in the media report is not the staff of the president.

“For clarity, we need to mention that we received a letter from the Hon minister of labour and employment Sen Chris Ngige stating that he is doing a procurement audit on NSITF and that management is suspended.

“We note that the minister’s action is against President Buhari’s directive through the secretary to the government of the federation that stated clearly that no minister should suspend or sack any head of an agency appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari.

NSITF added that ministers should follow procedures by going through the governing board of the agency that would now make recommendations to the SGF to act if there is a need, adding that President Buhari will not be part of any illegality and lack of due process.

“Meanwhile, the management of NSITF is open to any form of investigation by the appropriate agency as there is nothing that the management will hide or is hiding.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had previously reported that President Buhari approved the indefinite
suspension of the managing director/chief executive of the NSITF, Adebayo Somefun.


It was reported that the president also approved the suspension of four directors of the agency.

Comrade Godwin Erahon, a former Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo state, has warned the state Governor Godwin Obaseki, his Deputy Philip Shaibu to be wary of the fate of candidate of the Action Alliance (AA) political party in Imo state over the recent Supreme Court verdict.

Erhahon said Obaseki is surrounded by swindlers who are urging him and his Deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu, to continue to pursue their gubernatorial ambition on the “wonky, expired and empty platform of the PDP.”

Erahon, in a statement issued in Benin, the state capital, said the June 26th 2020 Supreme Court judgment in the case involving Chief Uche Nwosu of AA party, who participated in the party primary election of two different political parties in Imo State ought to have made Obaseki to have a rethink because of the illegality of the action.

He said: “The apex court crafted the judgment so explicitly as if it was meant for the duo of the governor and his deputy to understand what fate awaits them in the state.”

According to the former chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in the state said, “The Supreme court nullified Uche Nwosu nomination in AA on the account that he had contested for nomination under APC.

“As if to explain itself further to the outgoing Governor, the Supreme Court elaborated on how the relevant law nullifies the PDP candidacy for their understanding when it elaborated thus:
‘The spirit of the law forbids anyone to contest for nomination under two or more parties in same election or even start the process of being nominated by procuring the nomination form.’ How does Gov Obaseki hope to escape the last clause?

He noted: “The clause has rendered the expired PDP governorship ticket a counterfeit. Obaseki procured APC nomination form, filled and returned same and to crown it up, attended APC screening which he failed. By the clause under reference, the Supreme Court seems to have told Obaseki to stop wasting his time and resources.

“So also does it sound a warning to Obaseki’s supporters that they are about bury themselves along with a dead body because they are blinded by temporary pecuniary sentiment.

“Whoever is being deceived by his neighbour may survive but whoever deceives himself is on a suicide mission. Let’s watch and see where desperation, cantankerousness and sadism are leading Governor Obaseki to. Like the Benin elders would say “hasty wrestling and fatal fall go together,” he stated.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied insinuations that its Caretaker Committee has released any form of zoning arrangement for the proposed Extra-Ordinary National Convention.

In a statement issued by the party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Yekini Nabena, the committee pointed out that it will notify party members if there is a need for such an arrangement.

Titled “Purported zoning arrangement for planned APC National Convention is fake”, the statement read:
‘A purported zoning arrangement for the planned National Convention of the APC which has gone viral in the social media is fake.

‘Party members, supporters, stakeholders and indeed the general public are advised to disregard the fake news. The inaugural meeting of the Caretaker/Extra-Ordinary National Convention Planning Committee (CEONCPC) which held at the APC National Secretariat on Monday did not discuss or issue the fake zoning arrangement for the planned National Convention.

‘If and when a zoning arrangement is made for the planned National Convention, it will be officially communicated and publicised. Below are highlights of Monday’s Inaugural meeting of the Committee: The meeting unanimously adopted a six-point working document aimed at repositioning the party.

‘Members also renewed their commitment to work as a family in the interest of the party and appealed to all leaders and members to give full cooperation to the Committee in the discharge of its duties/mandate.

‘The meeting also approved the composition of the following Committees: Edo State Governorship National Campaign Council Consultation/Reconciliation Committees for Edo and Ondo States ahead of the forthcoming governorship elections.’

Madam Florence can't close her store for a day in honor of her late Husband, Sen Abiola Ajimobi but want Gov. Seyi Makinde to cut his trip short because of her late husband.

Anyway, she can't pay workers full salary if they are absent for a day. AJ footstepClown face

Ahmed Kurfi, a top member of the defunct Congress for Progressives Change (CPC), the party on whose platform President Muhammadu Buhari contested the 2011 presidential election, has made explosive revelations.

Kurfi told Sun Newspaper that it was Col. Sambo Dasuki, a former National Security Adviser (NSA), who introduced Buhari to the then ACN leader, Bola Tinubu, prior to the poll.

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) and Congress for Progressives Change (CPC), were the parties that formed the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), appointed Dasuki as NSA on June 22, 2012.

Kurfi revealed that he; Dasuki: Adamu Adamu, incumbent Minister of Education; Kabir Yusuf, Daily Trust publisher; and Wada Maida, ex-Chief Executive of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), visited Tinubu in Lagos before the 2011 general elections.

Kurfi disclosed that he was central to the negotiation of CPC and ACN which later became APC.

“I was the one who led the team that went to negotiate with Bola Tinubu,” the former CPC stalwart said.

He stated that APC was a coalition of various interests that came together to form a political party for the purpose of power.

The politician said looking deeply, Nigerians would find that the APC “is not a political party because all sorts of various political interests have come in”.

Kurfi stated that there exists a long-standing ‘grudge’ between Buhari and Dasuki and that it was purely over ‘military matter’.

He declared that Dasuki introduced them to Tinubu “because they were in exile together when Abacha was after them. Also, Sambo helped Tinubu’s mother when he was Military Assistant to Babangida”.

Kurfi, ex-CPC Director of Research and Strategy, added that “Babangida also assisted Buhari with money for his elections.”

He explained that this was during the campaign for Buhari in the ANPP and that Dasuki initiated the meeting.

Kurfi said the he “was the one who made the arrangements and when we fly to Lagos. Sambo will make the necessary arrangements. But you know the military; it’s just like what Adamu Ciroma said in one of his many interviews”.

“He (Ciroma) said they say Buhari is unforgiving and said why should he not forgive? He overthrew a democratically elected government and put Shagari in detention; so if you are removed by the same people you used to overthrow Shagari why should you complain?”
Kurfi recalled that Dasuki was with them during campaigns around the country.

He described Dasuki as someone with “a lot of networks. If you want a detribalized Nigerian that is Sambo. You will see him so comfortable with every Nigerian regardless of your tribe, religion or whatever.”

- An All Progressives Congress youth group has alleged plans by some opposition governors to destabilise the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari
- The youth group said the governors are collaborating with some disgruntled politicians within the ruling party
- According to the group, the disgruntled politicians are also planting seeds of discord within the military

The APC Youth Solidarity Network (APCYSN) on Friday, June 26, vowed to resist any attempt by some governors in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to truncate Nigeria's democracy and take over power from President Muhammadu Buhari.

The group said there is an ongoing plot to trigger a mutiny in the ranks of the military to give advantage to Boko Haram terrorists and rubbish the efforts of the service chiefs.

In a statement signed by APCYSN's coordinator, Danesi Momoh, the youth group alleged that while the federal government is battling and winning the fight against the deadly coronavirus pandemic, the disgruntled politicians are planting seeds of tribal discord within the military.

Momoh said his group had intercepted hate messages sent to poison the minds of young officers from the south, so as to encourage them not to obey orders from their superiors.

The group, however, strongly warned: "these unpatriotic elements to stay away from this cause of action because it is not in the interest of the country".

It added that such open invitation to overthrow the current government is a serious issue which should not be toyed with.

While commending President Muhammadu Buhari for his handling of insecurity, COVID-19 and APC crisis, the group passed a vote of confidence on the service chiefs and others involved in securing the lives of Nigerians.

He, however, said the group is not alarmed because its members know that these are temporary setbacks which are normal on the path to greater nationhood that can be overcome with the right counter-strategies.

He also alleged that the PDP governors who are working with some APC leaders who have not been favoured in the recent power tussle within the party want to heat the polity.

He said they aim to create an atmosphere of chaos and political cataclysm for the overthrow of the current administration and have indicated that they are not averse to a military coup since it has become clear that they cannot make any headway in 2023.

Momoh added: "We strongly advise these unpatriotic elements to stay away from this cause of action because it is not in the interest of the country."

The crisis in the All Progressives Congress is set to take a new twist after the party moved its National Executive Committee meeting slated for Thursday to the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The meeting, which was initially scheduled for March 17, 2020, will now hold at the Villa to enable President Muhammadu Buhari and other party leaders take final decision on the challenges facing the party.

Sources within the APC hinted that Buhari may have endorsed Victor Giadom, who could be announced as the new National Chairman of the party on that day despite the forces against him in the group.

The sources said Adams Oshiomhole had lost the backing of party leaders following his leadership tussle with Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, which led to the exit of the latter and his supporters from the APC.

Giadom, who is said to have won the backing of President Buhari, has been at the centre of the crisis, parading himself as the new Acting National Chairman despite a court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Friday restraining him from doing so.

Giadom was subsequently suspended by the state's chapter of the party over alleged acts of gross infractions of the APC constitution.
But despite the hurdles before him, Giadom is said to have found favour before Buhari and may emerge the party's new chairman on Thursday if things go as planned.

Recall that the whole crisis within the party started after Oshiomhole was suspended as a member of the APC by the party in Edo State.

A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Jabi then ordered his removal from the party, a ruling backed by an appellate court.

He has since been making frantic moves to reclaim his position in the party to no avail so far.

A former governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, a deputy chairman of the APC, who should have stepped into Oshiomhole's shoes, is currently on a life support machine in a Lagos hospital after being infected with Coronavirus.

This has further fuelled the crisis in the party and paved the way for Giadom and others to jostle for the top position in the APC.