AMCON: Beyond The Here and Now

It is 10 years since Nigeria was engulfed in a financial crisis of unprecedented proportion. The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) came in 2010 when the banking sector had undergone, for the first time, massive structural reforms, which involved bank consolidations, recapitalization and managerial changes at some banks, and portfolio clean-ups. These reforms provided a solution to the banking crisis that Nigeria experienced in the years preceding. In the end, the soundness in the banking sector was restored.

AMCON was established to fulfil the following objectives:Assist eligible financial institutions to efficiently dispose of eligible bank assets; manage efficiently and dispose of eligible bank’s assets acquired by it; and obtain the best achievable financial returns on eligible bank’s assets or other assets acquired by it.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/amcon-beyond-the-here-and-now/


Yari’s Outburst and North-West Security

The Governor of Zamfara State and Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), Abdulaziz Yari, is turning out to be the terrible child of the northern part of the country. Yari has not hidden his disdain for the state of parlous security in his state where bandits have made it a habit to kill, kidnap and maim innocent citizens at will. Not long ago, the governor publicly declared that he would relinquish his position as the chief security officer of the state, since he had no power over the security agencies that are deployed in the state to quell the killings. He called for reinforcement of security in Zamfara towards stopping the brigandage in the state by marauding bandits. Last week again, Yari was at his best. Speaking with State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the governor threw a bombshell, saying that bandits in his state were more equipped than the Nigerian security forces.

“They are in control of the kind of weapons that the security command in Zamfara does not have. In one armoury alone, they have over 500 AK 47 rifles. We saw it. “I can tell you that till date, we have not received up to 90 AK 47 rifles,” he said. Yari might be outspoken on security issues just as the Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El Rufai is on political matters. But the Zamfara State governor’s position, bizarre as it might sound, is symptomatic of the terrible security situation in the North- Western part of the country.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/yaris-outburst-and-north-west-security/




Elections: Free Choice, Not War
Violence, in whatever context and by any means, is condemnable. However, when it attends a civic action meant to mobilise citizens for development, it is reprehensible. Elections are at the heart of democracy. It is the modern means if recruiting leaders and putting the people at the centre of governance. In a multiparty setting, free choice marks the beauty of the system, with the electorate empowered to decide the party to run public affairs for a defined period.

When, then, violence disrupts the process from the party selection of candidates to actual voting and the post-election period, the society risks sinking into anarchy. Nigerian elections now epitomize all that could go wrong in electing leaders. In the process leading to the last election, the party primary system was turned more into a contest of raw power, than a test of strength, by aspirants and tendencies within the major political parties.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/elections-free-choice-not-war/





Trump, White Supremacy and The Christian Right
Trump, an equal opportunity racist, has once again demonstrated his draconian vise on individual rights and global democracy. The world has barely had time to exhale after the gruesome mass murder at a U.S. synagogue located in a calm, leafy Pittsburgh suburb. The wanton acts of depravity claimed the lives of eleven Jewish worshippers, several of whom were in their twilight years. As justification for his killing spree, the perpetrator cited Trump’s false and hateful anti-immigrant rhetoric, which had saturated the air waves. The world is yet again in the throes of collective grief and trauma as the miasma of human carnage permeates the ether. This latest orgy of violence took place in Christchurch, New Zealand claiming the lives of fifty innocent Muslim men, women and children, whilst they were at worship. Given the size of the country, the mosque massacre has a similar impact as 9/11 on the population. In his warped manifesto the assassin paid fealty to Donald Trump, appreciating him as a bulwark of white supremacy, noting however that he falls short as a leader.

Trump’s divisive and abhorrent rhetoric is deliberately programmed to whip up unbridled rage in damaged and hate imbued individuals. He is getting his ‘return on investment’ as the handiwork of his robotic and soulless acolytes is now on full display on the global stage. These events are most certainly harbingers of more acts of mass killings to come, as the white supremacy movement grows in influence and membership. Trump who is a self-identified ‘nationalist’ is yet to publicly distance himself from the ‘raison d’etre’ of the sub-culture. He has intractably refused to use the ‘WN’ words and yet again proves he shares common cause with the ideology. He has a pattern of overtly triggering buttons and tacitly approving of ensuing bloodshed, by under playing the monstrosity of actions of extremists, if they are white. In commonality with the legendary vampire ‘Count Dracula’ created by author Bram Stoker, and based on the life of Vlad111, Prince of Wallachia (modern Hungary), Trump causes life to be sucked out of innocent victims.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/trump-white-supremacy-and-the-christian-right/

At Next Level, We Will Increase Opportunities for Nigerians to Live Better Lives, Says VP Osinbajo

“At the Next Level, we will, of course, expand our social investment programmes; at the moment, the programme is the biggest of its kind anywhere in the African continent. It is a very important programme for us also because of the multiplier effect on agriculture and also in the distribution of the products and also those we employ as cooks.

“The same is true of our TraderMoni programme, a component of our Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), where we are giving money to the bottom of the trading pyramid in Nigeria.

REMARKS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PROF. YEMI OSINBAJO, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, AT THE 11TH BOLA TINUBU COLLOQUIUM THEMED: WORK FOR PEOPLE, AT THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE, ABUJA, ON THURSDAY, 28TH OF MARCH, 2019.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/at-next-level-we-will-increase-opportunities-for-nigerians-to-live-better-lives-says-vp-osinbajo/





FG Launches Micro Pension Plan for Informal Sector Employees

As part of the initiatives to bring financial inclusion to all working Nigerian, President Muhammdu Buhari has unveiled the Micro Pension Plan (MPP).

The Pension Plan was unveiled by the President on Thursday, March 28, 2019 at Aso Villa in Abuja.

During the unveiling, Buhari said those in the informal sector needed to be captured in the plan just like those in the formal sector.

According to the President, the Pension Plan was conceived so that operators in the informal sector would have something to fall back on when they retire from active service.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/fg-launches-micro-pension-plan-for-informal-sector-employees/





Collapsed Building: Akiolu, Adebutu, Others Donate Relief Materials to Victims

Oba Aremu Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos and Chief Kessington Adebutu, popularly known as Baba Ijebu, have donated the sum of N10 million each to support the treatment, rehabilitation and resettlement of the victims of the building which collapsed at Ita Faaji area of Lagos Island.

This was revealed by the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Jide Idris on Thursday, March 28, 2019.

While receiving the donors, the Commissioner on behalf of the State Government thanked Nigerians for responding swiftly to the government’s call for donations of blood, cash and other items for the victims of recently collapsed Ita Faaji building in Lagos.

Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/collapsed-building-akiolu-adebutu-others-donate-relief-materials-to-victims/



FG, ASUU Resume Renegotiation on 2009 Agreement

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has presented more than 20 demands as the duo resume fresh talks on the 2009 agreement.

This was made known by the chairman of the Federal Government re-negotiation team, Wale Babalakin in Abuja on Wednesday shortly after the meeting.

Speaking with Journalists, Babalakin noted that the ASUU team has presented more than 20 issues that were being looked into to ensure stability in the university’s system.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/fg-ASUU-resume-renegotiation-on-2009-agreement/




FG Acquires Device to Monitor and Detect Earth Movements

Following the recent earth tremors that occurred in Abuja and some other cities, the federal government said it has acquired and installed high sensitivity seismometers and tilet meters for monitoring and detecting earth movements and earthquake in parts of the country.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Bawa Bwari Abubakar on Thursday when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Power, Steel Development and Metallurgy, to defend his ministry’s 2019 budget.

During his presentation, Bwari noted that the effort was accelerated in response to the recent persistent earth tremors experienced in the country most especially around Abuja.

Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/fg-acquires-device-to-monitor-and-detect-earth-movements/

Which Minister Should Return with Buhari Come June?

The days of President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet ministers are numbered. For me, the return of some of them to their seats come June would amount to a disservice to Nigerians. But I won’t name names. Here though I wonder who among them would leave behind what Nigerians would remember them by. Yet, I don’t expect too much because, as I tell myself, even cabinet ministers are human after all. This disposition makes me imagine that I’m rather permissive, eager in fact to justify the other person’s shortcomings, easily dismissing what some may want to hold as flaws on the part of others. So, I don’t see public officials as miracle workers. For they don’t know all the answers, and they don’t have answers to every problem.

This is the reason I clap when any public official does one thing, only one thing, that makes a difference. Sometimes, some assess such an act on the part of a public official and say it amounts to nothing. But I see it differently. The little anyone does and for which he leaves a mark is something. Why? Many occupy the same office and do nothing worth remembering. I’ve clapped for not a few people on this page in the past. It’s because they do just that one thing that leaves a huge impression on me. Note that we read people differently, and different things impress us.

Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/which-minister-should-return-with-buhari-come-june/


As INEC Conducts Supplementary Elections in Five States

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will this Saturday conduct supplementary elections in five states of the federation. The states include Sokoto, Adamawa, Benue, Kano and Plateau states. That of Bauchi State has been cancelled. The elections come after governorship elections results in 22 of the 29 states’ in the March 9 elections were released. According to INEC, the results in the five states were inconclusive, owing mainly to either the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or the All Progressives Congress (APC) leading with margins considered to be below cancelled figures from troubled areas.

INEC had, in a statement by its National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Festus Okoye, said after a meeting of the senior management team of the electoral body, that the supplementary elections would hold March 23. He said that elections would also hold in polling units in all states where state Houses of Assembly polls were declared inconclusive and winners could not be declared. The result of the seventh state, Rivers, has not been released at all. With the elections scheduled in the five states this Saturday, both PDP and APC have been talking tough, laying claims to victories or expected victories in the elections.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/as-inec-conducts-supplementary-elections-in-five-states/



In Search of Autonomy for Government-owned Universities

In a shambles, Nigeria’s universities groan as they grapple with the federal and state governments’ stranglehold on their administration. If the authorities concerned will embrace university autonomy, writes Head Education Desk, IYABO LAWAL the public university system may flourish again.

In an address on his first day as the leader of his country in 1939, Sir Robert Menzies, the former prime minister of Australia – who is credited to be the father of university education and reform in Australia, asked: “What are we to look for in a true university? What causes should it serve?” Though he provided clues, successive Nigerian governments still find the answer elusive as they continue to ignore the benefits of university autonomy
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/in-search-of-autonomy-for-government-owned-universities/




Do Politicians Feel Our Pain?

She is an avid follower of my written opinions. My treatises on theology and ecclesiology make her skip for joy. Liberally, she scribbles uplifting comments on my inspirational and motivational writings. But, she hates my debates on Nigerian politics. And then one day with a phone call, Doyin drew the dagger.

“Boda mi, pastor niyin ooo. E jowo, e ma ko nipa politics mo. E fi politics s’ile”. My sister called to remind me that I am a pastor; and I must not write on politics. I didn’t have to ask her why she feels uncomfortable about political discussions. In Doyin’s subconscious, writing on politics makes you a politician. To her, it means you have become one of them who kill, steal, and destroy. It means you have become a liar, a manipulator, a pursuer of funny money in stashes, and a chaser of heisted silver and gold in batches. It was difficult to convince Doyin that I have not become a man who can kill a friend for a political position and slaughter a family member for sacrifices to the many gods of Nigerian politics to get power. I don’t know how she will feel if I tell her that I have not received one dollar from anyone for writing what I write, and that I do it pro bono publico until I pick up a replacement chore.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/do-politicians-feel-our-pain/




2019 Election and Judicial Activism

The famous French political philosopher, Alexis Tocqueville, in his classic: Democracy in America, wisely observes that in the United States no sooner does a political controversy arise than it transforms into a legal dispute.

In that disputatious society, the law court is an extension of the public square. Now that the US model of constitutional democracy has traveled across the world and reached Nigeria, we are in the Tocquevillian world where the hooded sages will be asked to determine the most important question of political Nigeria: who should govern?

It is official. Vice President Atiku Abubakar has filed a petition at the Presidential Election Tribunal, seeking to nullify the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) declaration of President Buhari as elected for another four years tenure.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/2019-election-and-judicial-activism/

BREAKING: Tribunal Declares PDP’s Adeleke Winner of Osun Election

The Osun State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abuja today declared Ademola Adeleke, the Peoples Democratic Party’s goververnorship candidate as the winner of the 2018 governorship election in the state.

It held that the All Progressives Congress and its candidate, Gboyega Oyetola, were not validly returned.

It also declared that the September 27, 2018 supplementary governorship election held in seven polling units was illegal.

Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/breaking-tribunal-declares-pdps-adeleke-winner-of-osun-election/



Twitter Users React as Charly Boy Admits Collecting 9-Figure Amount from Keyamo

A leader of Nigerian socio-political movement #OurMumuDonDo Movement has admitted to collecting millions of naira from Festus Keyamo, a spokesman for President Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign team.

The leader of the movement, Charles Oputa popularly known as Charly Boy made this known during an interview on Roots TV.

During the interview, Charly Boy revealed that Keyamo paid him money in nine figures in the run-up to the country’s presidential election in February.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/twitter-users-react-as-charly-boy-admits-collecting-9-figure-amount-from-keyamo/




Supplementary Election: INEC Distributes Sensitive Materials in Benue

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has distributed sensitive materials across the 23 local government areas of Benue in readiness for Saturday’s supplementary polls.

Mr Terkaa Andyarigeria, the INEC Public Relations Officer (PRO) in the state, disclosed this in a telephone interview with journalists in Makurdi.

The supplementary election is scheduled to hold on Saturday March 23, 2019 in 22 local government areas of the state.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/supplementary-election-inec-distributes-sensitive-materials-in-benue/



Governor Abdullahi Ganduje Commissions Kofo Waika Road in Kano

Governor Abdullahi Ganduje has commissioned the 1.1-kilometre Gidan Zakkah–Kofar Waika road in Kano metropolis, constructed by his administration and valued at about N 270 million.

The road was commissioned today (Friday), March 22, 2019.

The project, according to Ganduje, was conceived following the noticeable hardship faced by commuters within the densely populated area, particularly during the rainy season.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/governor-abdullahi-ganduje-commissions-kofo-waika-road-in-kano/



Delta State House of Assembly Passes FOI Bill

The Delta State House of Assembly on Thursday passed the state’s Freedom of Information Bill.

The Bill’s passage followed the consideration of the report of the Joint House Committee on the bill titled Delta State Freedom of Information Bill following a motion moved by majority leader Tim Owhefere.

The bill is meant to protect public records and information to the extent that is consistent with public interest and the protection of personal privacy; protect serving public officers from adverse consequences of disclosing certain kinds of official information without authorisation and establish procedures for the achievement of these purposes and related matters.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/delta-state-house-of-assembly-passes-foi-bill/

FG Says Open Defecation Would Be Outlawed By 2025

The Minister for Water Resources, Mr. Suleiman Adamu has disclosed that open defecation would be outlawed in Nigeria by 2025.

Suleiman stated this while speaking at an event to mark the World Water day organized by Procter and Gamble and Global Citizen in Abuja on Tuesday, March 19, 2019.

Speaking at the event, Suleiman noted that the Federal Government would also provide safe drinking water and ensure proper sanitation across the country.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/fg-says-open-defecation-would-be-outlawed-by-2025/



Two Sentenced to Death for Robbing Night Club in Ado Ekiti

An Ado-Ekiti High Court has sentenced two persons, Adedayo Oluwayemi 27 and Daramola Seyi 23, to death for robbing a night club in the state capital.

Justice John Adeyeye, who handed down the sentence, held that the duo was guilty of the two-count charge of armed robbery and conspiracy preferred against them.

The judge found them guilty of violating Section 516 of the Criminal Code Cap C16 Laws of Ekiti State 2012 and Section 1(2) (b) of Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act Laws of the Federation 2014.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/two-sentenced-to-death-for-robbing-night-club-in-ado-ekiti/




Polls: Usani Denies Working Against APC

The Minister of Niger Delta Usani Uguru Usani has denied reports in some quarters that he worked against his own party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the just concluded governorship election in Cross Rivers state.

Usani denied the reports during an interview with Journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, March 19, 2019.

According to him, the alleged misconception about working with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party was a cheap blackmail aimed at tarnishing his reputation by desperate politicians afraid of his rising political profile.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/polls-usani-denies-working-against-apc/




Kwara State Emir Passes On

The Emir of Patigi in Patigi local government area of Kwara state, Alhaji Ibrahim Chatta-Umar has been confirmed dead.

It was gathered that the Emir died in Abuja on Tuesday night after a brief illness.

The news of his death was confirmed in a message by Muritala Raheem, Personal Assistant to the Emir of Ilorin and the Chairman of the state’s Council of Emirs and Obas.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/kwara-state-emir-passes-on/

BREAKING: Court Orders INEC to Stop Collation, Announcement of Bauchi Governorship Result

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to stop further collation, conclusion and announcement of result of the governorship election in Bauchi State held on March 9, 2019.

The court gave the order following an ex parte application filed by the Governor of Bauchi State and candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Mohammed Abubakar.

Justice Inyang Ekwo held that the order would last till the determination of the suit brought before the court by the two plaintiffs.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/breaking-court-orders-inec-to-stop-collation-announcement-of-bauchi-governorship-result/


New Minimum Wage: FG Proposes VAT Increment to Fund Payment as Senate Approves N30,000

Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udo Udoma, on Tuesday (today) said that the Federal Government was considering increasing Value Added Tax to enable it fund the new national minimum wage of N30,000 as approved by the Senate.

Udoma stated this while appearing before the Senate Committee on Finance.

The Minister also told the panel headed by Senator John Owan-Enoh, that the Technical Advisory Committee on the minimum wage, will submit its report to President Muhammadu Buhari this week.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/new-minimum-wage-fg-proposes-vat-increment-to-fund-payment-as-senate-approves-n30000/



APC Plot on Replacing Oyo Governor-elect, Seyi Makinde

The Oyo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) told its members and supporters to start working towards taking back power from the governor-elect, Seyi Makinde, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the expanded meeting of the APC leaders drawn from the 33 local government areas of the state, it was revealed that the party would challenge the outcome of the governorship election in places where there were glaring irregularities.

The meeting was presided over by the Governor Abiola Ajimobi, at the Government House, Ibadan, on Monday.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/apc-plot-on-replacing-oyo-governor-elect-seyi-makinde/




FG to Seize N4.8bn Property from Shehu Yar’adua Foundation, 29 Other Firms

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has moved to seize plots of land and buildings valued at N4.8 billion from the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Foundation and 29 other firms.

ICPC spokesperson, Mrs. Rasheedat Okoduwa made this known during a press briefing in Abuja.

According to her, during the course of the investigation, the alleged owners of the properties disclaimed ownership.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/fg-to-seize-n4-8bn-property-from-shehu-yaradua-foundation-29-other-firms/



MASSOB Speaks On Post-Election Killings in Ebonyi, Kaduna, Taraba, Others by Herdsmen

Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) led by Uchenna Madu has condemned the incessant killings in Christian communities in some parts of the country immediately after the general elections.

The group condemned the killing in a statement signed by the National Director of Information of MASSOB, Samuel Edeson.

In a statement issued yesterday, the group regretted that the killings commenced immediately after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had announced President Muhammadu Buhari as the winner of the February 23 presidential election.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/massob-speaks-on-post-election-killings-in-ebonyi-kaduna-taraba-others-by-herdsmen/

Davido Hits 10 Million Followers on Instagram

Top Nigerian musician, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has made history by becoming the first Nigerian artiste to hit 10 million followers on social media network, Instagram.

The ‘Fia’ crooner did not hesitate to celebrate this achievement as he took to his page on Friday, March 15, to appreciate his millions of followers.

Taking to his Instagram handle, the singer noted that he would post every win for everyone to see.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/davido-hits-10-million-followers-on-instagram/


Twitter Users Wonder What The See Finish Placards in Lagos Mean

Several Nigerian Twitter users today reported seeing some scantily-clad young men standing along major roads in Lagos with placards that read, ‘Avoid the shame of “see finish”‘.

The men, some of them in only boxers or briefs, have been sighted in Ikeja and on the Third Mainland Bridge.

The trend #SeeFinish is currently one of the top trending topics as the Twitteratti muse over what it means and whether this is a marketing campaign or not.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/twitter-users-wonder-what-the-see-finish-placards-in-lagos-mean/




DMW Rapper Dremo Out With New Single Titled, Mirror

Nigerian music artiste, Aborimoh Femi Raymond popularly known as Dremo has dropped a sparkling new tune dubbed “Mirror.”

In the new hit, Dremo raps and asks question about the negative reality surrounding the country with reference to the recent collapsed building and other observations.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/dmw-rapper-dremo-out-with-new-single-titled-mirror/



Johnny Drille Out With Visuals to His Latest Single, Shine

Mavin Record star, Johnny Drille has dropped the video to his latest hit, “Shine.”

In the song, he sings that we should be appreciative of everything even during trials.

The video captures life as it happens on the streets of Lagos and reflects through various individuals in different fields as the inspirational song preaches hope, persistence, and belief that at the end of it all, the sun will eventually shine.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/johnny-drille-out-with-visuals-to-his-latest-single-shine/



Building Collapse: Things to Watch Out For When House Hunting – Architect

The National Secretary, Society of Landscape Architects of Nigeria (SLAN), Mr. Amos Alao has called on Nigerians to be cautious when buying or renting a building.

The architect made this call during an interview with journalists in Lagos on Monday.

Speaking against the backdrop of the recent collapse buildings in Lagos state, Alao urged Nigerians to inspect a building before considering renting it as there are indices for recognising a faulty building.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/building-collapse-things-to-watch-out-for-when-house-hunting-architect/

FUOYE Dons Pass Vote of No Confidence in ASUU Zonal Chair

Aggrieved members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Ekiti State, yesterday passed vote of no confidence in their zonal chairman, Prof. Olu Olufayo, over alleged meddlesomeness in the affairs of FUOYE.

The lecturers, under the aegis of Forum of Concerned Academics (FCA), while vowing to defend the image of the institution, alleged that Olufayo had continually engaged in actions capable of destroying it.Led by the chairman, Prof. Sola Omotola, and spokesman, Dr. Wasiu Alli, the FCA told newsmen in Ado-Ekiti yesterday that the press conference organised by the zonal chairman was aimed at destroying the institution.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/fuoye-dons-pass-vote-of-no-confidence-in-ASUU-zonal-chair/



JAMB Fixes New Dates for 2019 Examinations

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has scheduled its 2019 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination to begin on April 11.
The board made this known on Wednesday in a statement by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dr. Fabian Benjamin.

According to Benjamin, the mock examination will hold on April 1, nationwide, contrary to its earlier announcement that the exercise will hold on March 23.

The JAMB spokesman said the change was due to certain circumstances beyond the board’s control. He, however, urged candidates, who had indicated interest in the mock examination at the point of registration and had since printed the notification slips, not to bother printing another one.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/jamb-fixes-new-date-for-2019-exams/




Lagos School Building Collapse: Rescue Efforts Continue as Death Toll Rises

Rescue efforts continued into the night at Itafaji, Lagos Island, where a three-storey building collapsed Wednesday morning.

A children’s school occupied the top floors of the building.

More than 100 people, mostly pupils of Ohen Nursery and Primary School, were trapped in the rubble, witnesses said.

At least 40 pupils, including 10 dead bodies, had been pulled out as at Wednesday afternoon, according to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/lagos-school-building-collapse-rescue-efforts-continue-as-death-toll-rises/




2019 Presidential Election Result, Clear Rape on Democracy — Arewa Youth

The President of Arewa Consultative Youth Forum , Yerima Shetimma, yesterday expressed displeasure over the outcome of 2019 general elections even as he accused the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC of playing the All Progressives Congress script.

Shetimma who spoke during a geo-political Mega rally in Lagos tagged, “#SaveOurDemocracy” said the kind of democracy playing out in the country was not what was envisaged, “we thought by now we would have gotten to another level, but from all indications, we are going backward as a country as far as election is concerned. “2019 elections was characterized with mass rigging and that is abuse on the sensitivity of Nigerians. It will go down in history as the worst as it clearly shows a rape on democracy. If you look very well, people came out en masse and voted for what they wanted. But from all indications, you can see that the second election recorded poor turnout which is a clear indication that Nigerians were not happy.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/2019-presidential-election-result-clear-rape-on-democracy-arewa-youth/



Senate Minimum Wage Panel Begins Sitting

Members of the senate committee on minimum wage bill held their first sitting on Wednesday with an assurance that they would submit their report by Tuesday next week.

The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, had appointed the Deputy Majority Whip, Senator Francis Alimikhena, as acting head of the panel, following the voluntary withdrawal of the chairman, Senator Olusola Adeyeye, on health grounds.

Alimikhena assured Nigerians that the committee would hasten the process of putting the report together and submit it at plenary next week Tuesday.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/senate-minimum-wage-panel-begins-sitting/

INEC to Present Certificate of Return to National Assembly Members on Thursday

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it will on Thursday 14th March 2019 present Certificates of Return to all successful candidates in the 2019 National Assembly Elections held on 23rd February 2019.

The commission made this known in a statement released on Monday, March 11, 2019.

According to the commission, the event for the presentation is slated to hold on the 14th of March 2019 at the Main Hall (African Hall) of the International Conference Centre, ICC, Abuja.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/inec-to-present-certificate-of-return-to-national-assembly-members-on-thursday/



PDP Chieftain Onitiri Condemns INEC’s Role in Saturday’s Election, Calls for Yakubu’s Resignation

Chief Sunbo Onitiri, the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Lagos Central senatorial district has condemned the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Saturday, March 9, governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections across the country.

The chieftain made this known in a statement issued in Lagos on Monday, March 11, 2019.

The chieftain also called on the INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu to honourably resign his position and apologise to the country for giving Nigerians the most “fraudulent, compromised and scandalous elections Nigeria ever had in the history of her democracy.”
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/pdp-chieftain-onitiri-condemns-inecs-role-in-saturdays-election-calls-for-yakubus-resignation/



Gunmen Kidnap Expatriate in Kano, Kill Driver

Some unknown gunmen have reportedly kidnapped a foreign national at a construction site at Dangi Roundabout, Zaria Road in Kano.

The incident took place on Tuesday morning.

It was gathered that the gunmen shot the Nigerian driver dead before abducting the expatriate at the spot from where he was taken to an unknown destination.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/gunmen-kidnap-expatriate-in-kano-kill-driver/




Onnoghen Misses CCT Hearing Due to HBP, Toothache
The suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, was on Tuesday (today) absent from proceedings of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, where he has been charged with six counts of non-declaration of assets.

His lawyer, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) told the court that the embattled CJN’s absence was as a result of a toothache that needed to be treated urgently.

Awomolo produced a medical report obtained by Onnoghen from the hospital where he was said to be receiving treatment to this effect.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/onnoghen-misses-cct-hearing-due-to-hbp-toothache/



Zidane Risks Reputation to Usher In New Era at Real Madrid

Zinedine Zidane stood for 29 minutes fielding questions but all of them really came down to two: Why now? And, what next?

In a packed auditorium in the belly of the Santiago Bernabeu on Monday night, Raul and Roberto Carlos took their seats in the front row while journalists squeezed up against the walls, an hour and a half after the official announcement.

Santiago Solari had been sacked as coach of Real Madrid and in his place Zidane would return, 284 days after he had left.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/zidane-risks-reputation-to-usher-in-new-era-at-real-madrid/

INEC Removes Okorocha’s Name from Senators-elect List

Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha is not listed by the Independent National Electoral Commission among the senators-elect that will receive their certificates of return on Thursday.

Okorocha won in the February 23 Imo West senatorial election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.

Investigations by our correspondent in Abuja on Monday revealed that the new senators would receive their certificates of return at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/inec-removes-okorochas-name-from-senators-elect-list/


No Boeing 737 Max 8 Currently Operates in Nigeria, Says NCAA
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has assured worried airline passengers that no Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft currently operate in the country.

This assurance was contained in a statement released on Tuesday, Sam Adurogboye, NCAA spokesman following Sunday’s Ethiopian Airlines ET302 plane crash.

“Presently, the accident aircraft type, Boeing 737 Max 8 is not in operation in the Country,” NCAA’s spokesman said.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/no-boeing-737-max-8-currently-operates-in-nigeria-says-ncaa/



Nigeria 2019: Notes From The Field

Whoever came up with the wise saying that Nigerian politics is dirty deserves an award for perspicacity. I have just returned from that dirtied, muddled up, confused, uncertain, unpredictable zone of Nigerian life and society with truck loads of stories in my head and enough impressions in my mind to last me another life-time. As you may be aware, I was Deputy Governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the just concluded 2019 general elections in Ogun State. It was quite an experience.

Before now, I had followed President Goodluck Jonathan to every nook and cranny of Nigeria during the 2015 Presidential campaign. I also served previously as a member of the Governing Council of Olabisi Onabanjo University (2003- 2007), member of the Board of Lagos State Security Trust Fund (2007 – 2011), and Official Presidential Spokesperson (2011 -2015). But I can tell you that the major lesson I have learnt in the last few months is that there is a serious difference between theory and practice in Nigerian politics.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/nigeria-2019-notes-from-the-field/



Reps Adjourn Plenary in Honour of Slain Oyo Lawmaker Olatoye Sugar

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, on Tuesday, adjourned plenary in hounour of the assassinated lawmaker representing Lagelu/Akinyele Federal Constituency, Oyo state, Temitope Olatoye, polpularly kniwn as Sugar, who died on Saturday during the state elections.

The House of Reps session which lasted less than 15 minutes was used for the offering of Christian and Islamic prayers for the deceased.
Read More at; https://newsbreakers.ng/reps-adjourn-plenary-in-honour-of-slain-oyo-lawmaker-olatoye-sugar/


Student Union Activities Suspended in LAUTECH

The management of Ladoke Akintola University, LAUTECH Ogbomoso has suspended student union activities in the institution due to internal conflict by the union.

The registrar of the institution, Kayode Ogunleye announced the suspension in a statement made available to journalists.

According to the statement, the unresolved conflict made the leaders lose their grip over students’ union affairs.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/student-union-activities-suspended-in-lautech/

Why I Lost the Governorship Election — Agbaje

The Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, Mr Jimi Agbaje, has attributed his defeat at the poll to the suppression of votes in areas where he was strong.

Agbaje said this during an exclusive interview with The PUNCH shortly after the result of the governorship election was announced.

The PDP candidate also lamented the low voter turnout in Lagos State which was less than 20 per cent of the total number of persons that collected Permanent Voter Cards.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/why-i-lost-the-governorship-election-agbaje/



APC’s Adelabu Congratulates PDP Oyo Governor-elect Makinde

The Oyo State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Adebayo Adelabu has congratulated Engineer Seyi Makinde for winning the election.

The People Democratic Party (PDP) candidate scored 515, 621 votes to defeat Adelabu who polled 357,982 votes.

Makinde trounced Adelabu with wide margin of 157,639 votes.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/apc-adelabu-congraytulates-pdp-oyo-governor-elect-seyi-makinds/




Ortom Edges Towards Victory in Benue

Gov Samuel Ortom of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), is edging towards victory with 317,730 votes from the results of the Governorship polls in 19 Local Government Areas of Benue.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the results were announced by different Collation Officers for the local government areas in Makurdi.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/ortom-edges-towards-victory-in-benue/



INEC Suspends Electoral Process in Rivers State

The Independent National Electoral Commission has suspended the electoral process in Rivers state for “widespread disruption of elections conducted on the 9th day of March 2019.”

The electoral body made this announcement this evening via a statement posted to their verified Twitter account, @inecnigeria.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/inec-suspends-electoral-process-in-rivers-state/



Nigeria’s Pius Adesanmi Reportedly Dies in Ethiopian Airlines Plane Crash

Pius Adesanmi, popular Nigerian professor and columnist based in Canada, is reportedly one of the 157 people who lost their lives in the Ethiopian Airlines plane that crashed in the early hours of Sunday.

SaharaReporters reports that three different family members, plus a close friend of Adesanmi’s and a Canadian official, confirmed the sad development

The Ethiopian Airlines flight, a Boeing 737-8, between Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, crashed in the early hours of Sunday, killing 149 passengers and eight crew members aboard.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/nigerias-pius-adesanmi-reportedly-dies-in-ethiopian-airlines-plane-crash/

Twitter Users Celebrate International Women’s Day

Nigerians on the micro-blogging site, Twitter have joined the rest of the world in heaping praises on women as the world celebrate the International Women’s Day on Friday, March 8, 2019.

It’s a day celebrated annually on March 8 as a focal point in the advocacy for women’s rights all over the world.

According to Twitter users, today is a day to celebrate all kinds of women, young and old, married and single.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/twitter-users-celebrate-international-womens-day/


Anambra Poll: NYSC Withdraws Corps Members from Crisis Area

The management of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has reportedly withdrawn corps members from crisis-prone areas in Anambra state for Saturday’s election.

It would be recalled that a female corps member was abducted in the state during the February 23 presidential National Assembly elections in the state.

The news of the withdrawal was confirmed by Dr. Nwachukwu Orji, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/anambra-poll-nysc-withdraws-corps-members-from-crisis-area/



Ex-Soldier Arrested for Car Theft in Delta

The Delta State Police Command has arrested an ex-soldier Daniel Efe who specialises in car theft in the state.

The Acting Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Delta Command, ASP Chucks Orisewezie, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, said Efe, a 32-year-old ex-soldier, was apprehended by a team of policemen.

He said the suspect was apprehended on Sapele-Benin Road in a Toyota Corolla car with fake registration number, PBT 214 AA.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/ex-soldier-arrested-for-car-theft-in-delta/



Police Deploy 15, 544 Personnel for Governorship Polls in Rivers

The Rivers Police Command is deploying 15,544 police personnel for the Governorship and State House of Assembly Elections billed for Saturday, March 9, 2019.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Usman Belel disclosed this during a news conference held in Port Harcourt on Thursday, February 7, 2019.

According to him, the deployment would be complemented by other security agencies to cover and protect the 23 local government areas.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/police-deploy-15-544-personnel-for-governorship-polls-in-rivers/


Gubernatorial Election: INEC to Replace Collation Officers in Kwara

The Kwara state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Garba Madami said the commission would change some collation officer in the state ahead of the election.

Garba disclosed this during a press briefing on the commission’s preparation for the elections in Ilorin, the state capital on Thursday, March 7, 2019.

He also disclosed that 373 candidates will participate in Saturday’s governorship and House of Assembly elections in Kwara state.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/gubernatorial-election-inec-to-replace-collation-officers-in-kwara/

Tribunal Grants PDP, Atiku Access to Electoral Materials

A three-man panel of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal led by Justice Abdul Aboki has granted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and its Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar access to all electoral materials used in the presidential elections.

Atiku had on Wednesday filed an ex-parte motion seeking an order granting them access to inspect the electoral materials used for February 23 polls.

The panel in its verdict however rejected other requests by the applicants seeking orders permitting them to photocopy and scan the electoral documents.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/tribunal-grants-pdp-atiku-access-to-electoral-materials/



March 9 Poll: Tinubu Urges Lagos APC Members to Deliver Votes
The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday urged party members in Lagos State to work diligently to deliver votes to the party on March 9 during the governorship and state assembly elections.

The elder statesman made this call during a meeting held at the party office on Acme Road in Ogba, Ikeja.

Speaking on the imperative of consistent and effective mobilization of voters for a successful poll, Tinubu urges members to deliver massive votes in their respective polling units to the party’s governorship candidate, Jide Sanwa-Olu and all assembly candidates.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/march-9-poll-tinubu-urges-lagos-apc-members-to-deliver-votes/




Gubernatorial Poll: Ambode Assures Lagosians Of Adequate Security

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has assured Lagosians of their safety during the governorship election slated to hold on Saturday, March 9, 2019.

The governor gave this assurance during a press briefing at the Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja on Wednesday, March 6, 2019.

Speaking with journalists, Ambode revealed adequate measures have been put in place to ensure a hitch-free exercise in the state.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/gubernatorial-poll-ambode-assures-lagosians-of-adequate-security/



Buhari Will Decide Next Senate President – Omo-Agege
The senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege had said that President Muhammadu Buhari will be actively involved in the process of selecting the next leadership of the Senate.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Warri on Wednesday, Omo-Agege said the President and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would avoid the 2015 mistake that led to the emergence of Sen. Bukola Saraki as the president of the Senate.

‘‘Anybody who is going to be Senate President, in the 9th Senate, must be somebody who is loyal to Mr President, the party and the constitution.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/buhari-will-decide-next-senate-president-omo-agege/


Tinubu Warns Lagos NURTW Leaders Against Interfering With Voting Process


Ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has warned the leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Lagos State chapter to desist from interfering in the voting process.

He gave the admonition during a meeting with the leadership of the union at a meeting in his Bourdillion, Ikoyi residence on Tuesday, an aide disclosed.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/tinubu-warns-lagos-nurtw-leaders-against-interfering-with-voting-process/

Presidential Committee Gives APC 48 Hours to Lift Okorocha’s Suspension

The Presidential Support Committee, PSC, South East Zone, has given the Adams Oshiomhole-led National Working Committee of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, 48 hours to lift the suspension of the Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, from the party.

The committee made this request during a news conference jointly addressed by the Director of Inter-Party Affairs, Robert Ngwu, National Legal Adviser Ejikeme Ugwu and Director of Political Matters, Comrade Maxwel Okoye, in Owerri

The committee noted that suspending a key stakeholder like Okorocha did not speak well of the NWC.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/presidential-committee-gives-apc-48-hours-to-lift-okorochas-suspension/




Election Petition: APC, PDP Set for Legal Battle

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is set for a legal duel with President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the outcome of the February 23 presidential election.

It was gathered that the PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar approached the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal (PEPT) for permission to inspect the materials used for the polls.

PDP has also inaugurated its legal team which will lead the party’s legal onslaught against Buhari and the APC.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/election-petition-apc-pdp-set-for-legal-battle/




Governorship Election: Delta APC Denies Plan to Disrupt Saturday’s Polls

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council in Delta has denied the allegations made by the opposition party that it is planning to use ex-militants to disrupt Saturday’s election in the state.

The party denied the allegation in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Ogheneluemu Imonina in Asaba on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the ruling party noted that the allegations were ludicrous, spurious, laced with lies and should be disregarded.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/governorship-election-delta-apc-denies-plan-to-disrupt-saturdays-polls/



INEC Begins Sorting of Sensitive Materials Ahead of Governorship Election in Kano

Following the collection of card readers and ballot papers from the Central bank of Nigeria, the Electoral Commission has started sorting sensitive electoral materials for distribution to 44 local government areas of Kano State.

This development was confirmed by INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mallam Garba Mohammed.

Speaking during a telephone interview, Mohammed said the non-sensitive materials has already been dispatched to the various local government as part of effort to ease challenges posed by logistics.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/inec-begins-sorting-of-sensitive-materials-ahead-of-governorship-election-in-kano/




Governorship Election: INEC Promise Uniform Timing Nationwide

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has promised uniform timing in the commencement of Saturday’s governorship and state Assembly elections nationwide.

The INEC National Commissioner in-charge of Enugu/Anambra/Benue States, Mr. Festus Okoye gave this assurance in Enugu on Tuesday, March 5, 2019.

Speaking with journalists on the readiness of the commission for the polls, Okoye said there would be full deployment of card readers nationwide.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/governorship-election-inec-promise-uniform-timing-nationwide/

Okonjo-Iweala Hits 1 million Twitter Followers, Appreciates Supporters

Nigeria’s former Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has hit one million followers on microblogging site, Twitter.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala who also sits on the board of the social media platform, on Monday acknowledged her followers while thanking them for their support and company.

“Last weekend, March 2, we hit an important milestone and I want to acknowledge and thank you all for it. We are now at 1 million followers gradually built up over four years,” she wrote in a tweet.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/okonjo-iweala-hits-1-million-twitter-followers-appreciates-supporters/



Wizkid Out With New Single Titled, Jah Bless Me

Nigerian pop artist Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, popularly known by his stage name, Wizkid has released a new single titled “Jah Bless Me.”

This is coming few hours after the singer returned to social media with a message on his Instagram handle which alerted his fans that he had new music on the way.

The new hit has, however, resurfaced on the Starboy Youtube page.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/wizkid-out-with-new-single-titled-jah-bless-me/


Atiku Praises Obasanjo as He Turns 82 Today

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for the 2019 presidential election, Atiku Abubakar, has praised his former boss, Olusegun Obasanjo, for his sacrifices to the nation as the former president celebrates his 82nd birthday today.

Atiku had served as Obasanjo’s deputy when the latter was president of Nigeria between 1999 and 2007. The decade that followed marked one of enmity between both men before they reconciled ahead of this year’s elections after Atiku emerged as the PDP presidential candidate.

In the spirit of their reconciliation, Atiku in a birthday message via his verified Twitter handle, (@atiku), said Obasanjo has contributed a lot more than any living Nigerian to the well-being of the nation.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/atiku-praises-obasanjo-as-he-turns-82-today/



Simi Releases Visuals to Her Latest Hit, Ayo

Ace Nigeria singer and songwriter Simisola Ogunleye popularly known as Simi has released the visuals to her latest single titled, Ayo.

“Ayo” which means joy finds Simi in her thankful state as she sings about all the blessings that has come her way.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/simi-releases-visuals-to-her-latest-hit-ayo/

BREAKING: Court Nullifies Kano PDP Governorship Primary

A federal high court sitting in Kano has ruled that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) did not hold any primary election in the state.

The judge, Lewis Allagoa gave this judgement on Monday where the candidature of Abba Yusuf, the governorship candidate of the PDP in the state. was declared null and void.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/breaking-court-nullifies-kano-pdp-governorship-primary/


Governorship Election: Igbo Group Calls On Nigerians to Vote Out Bad Leaders

Pan-Igbo socio-political group, Ndigbo Unity Forum, NUF has called on electorates to turn out en masse to vote out bad leaders during the governorship and state assembly election scheduled for Saturday, March 9.

The group made this call through its President, Comrade Augustine Chukwudum in Enugu on Monday, March 4, 2019.

Speaking with journalists, Augustine said Nigerians irrespective of political party divide must give red cards to non-performing public office at the state level.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/governorship-election-igbo-group-calls-on-nigerians-to-vote-out-bad-leaders/



Next Governor of Kwara Will Come from APC, Gbemi Saraki Says

Gbemisola Saraki, a former member of the Federal House of Assembly and sister to Senate President Bukola Saraki, has said she would ensure that her party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) produces the next governor of her home state, Kwara.

She further stated that she would work hard to ensure that the governorship candidate of the APC in the state, AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, emerged the winner of Saturday, March 9 election.

Gbemisola’s brother, Bukola Saraki, who lost his Senate re-election bid, belongs to rival Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state. The current governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, also belongs to the PDP.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/next-governor-of-kwara-will-come-from-apc-gbemi-saraki-says/



PDP Holds Expanded Caucus Meeting Today

Following the declaration of President Muhammadu Buhari as the winner of the February 23 presidential election and the decision of the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar to challenge the result in court, the main opposition party has summoned its expanded national caucus meeting for Monday.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary Kola Ologbondiyan disclosed this in a statement tagged ‘special announcement’ in Abuja yesterday. The meeting is scheduled to start at 12noon.

The statement also noted that the meeting will take place at the Party’s National Secretariat in Wadata Plaza.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/pdp-holds-expanded-caucus-meeting-today/




Oshiomhole is a Joker…I Have Also Sacked Him, Okorocha Speaks on Suspension

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has revealed that President Muhammadu Buhari has nothing to do with the alleged “act of lawlessness” in the All Progressives Congress (APC) being championed by its national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole.

He also revealed that President Buhari was too decent to be part of the lawlessness in the party by the Oshiomhole led-National Working Committee (NWC) of the governing party.

He, however, accused Oshiomhole of being high-handed, adding that his move was a total disregard for the party’s constitution.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/oshiomhole-is-a-joker-i-have-also-sacked-him-okorocha-speaks-on-suspension/

52-Year-Old Man Arrested for Impregnating, Murder Attempt of Teenage Niece

The Ekiti State command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested a 52-year-old man, Dennis Agya Kiyeye, for allegedly impregnating his 15-year-old niece and attempting to murder her.

It was gathered that Dennis defiled and impregnated the girl at Ilupeju village in Gboyin Local Government area of Ekiti State.

According to the NSCDC boss, the suspect, Kiyeye confessed that his niece has been living with him since 2013 after the demise of her mother in Benue state.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/52-year-old-man-arrested-for-impregnating-murder-attempt-of-teenage-niece/



Lagos State Task Force Officers Accused of Extorting N70,000 from Corps’ Member

Officials of the Lagos State Task Force on Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit has been accused of extorting the sum of N70,000 from a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

The complainant identified as Zack Aminu was arrested by the task force officials for allegedly passing through the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) dedicated lane.

It was, however, gathered that Aminu’s car was impounded and driven to the task force office in Ikorodu on Tuesday, February 26, 2019.
Read more at;https://newsbreakers.ng/lagos-state-task-force-officers-accused-of-extorting-n70000-from-corps-member/



Court Jails Ex-Air Force Chief for 21 Years Over Money Laundering

Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court, Abuja has sentenced Air Vice Marshall Tony Omenyi (rtd) to a 21-year jail term following his complicity in money laundering.

He was found guilty on the amended three-count charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on money laundering involving a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) arms contract preferred against him.

EFCC alleged that the convict was involved in the illegal diversion of funds for the purchase of arms by the military.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/court-jails-ex-air-force-chief-for-21-years-over-money-laundering/




Oshiomhole Hits Back at Atiku, Says He’s Not Destined to be President

The National Chairman of the All Progress Congress (APC) Mr. Adams Oshiomhole has said the ruling party is looking forward to meeting Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in court over the outcome of last Saturday’s presidential election.

Oshiomhole made this known while speaking with journalists in Abuja on Thursday, February 28, 2019.

He also stated that Atiku was never destined to be President.

Speaking with the journalist, he said; “from day one, Atiku made up his mind that unless he wins, the election is not free and fair that it is only free and fair if he returned as the candidate.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/oshiomhole-hits-back-at-atiku-says-hes-not-destined-to-be-president/

Election Results: Agbakoba Advises Atiku Against Going to Tribunal

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Olisa Agbakoba, has advised the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in last Saturday’s election, Atiku Abubakar, against going to the tribunal over his loss.

Agbakoba advised that Atiku and his party should, instead, accept the verdict in good faith

On Wednseday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that Atiku had lost the presidential election to incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress in a keenly fought contest.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/election-results-agbakoba-advises-atiku-against-going-to-tribunal/



I Did not Lose, Akpabio Rejects Akwa Ibom Senatorial Result

Former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has vowed to challenge his loss of the Ikot-Ekpene Senatorial District of Akwa Ibom state in the February 23 National Assembly elections.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, on Tuesday, had declared that Dr. Chris Ekpenyong of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won the senatorial district election.

According to the result declared by the INEC Returning Officer, Prof. Peter Ogbang, Ekpenyong scored 118,215 votes while Akpabio of the All Progressives Congress, who is the incumbent senator, secured 83,158 votes.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/i-did-not-lose-akpabio-rejects-akwa-ibom-senatorial-result/



Election: I Wish Those Who Won Well, Saraki Reacts to Loss

The President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, has stated that he is wishing the candidates who emerged from last Saturday’s elections the best of luck.

The Senate President, who lost his bid to return to the Senate on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), however, noted that inadequacies such as multiple voting, over-voting and other discrepancies were reported in the presidential and National Assembly elections in Kwara State.

Saraki had on Monday denied congratulating the winner of the Kwara Central Senatorial District poll, Dr Ibrahim Oloriegbe of the All Progressives Congress.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/election-i-wish-those-who-won-well-saraki-reacts-to-loss/



Poll: INEC Presents Certificate of Return to Buhari, Osinbajo

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has presented President Muhammadu Buhari and his Vice, Yemi Osinbajo their Certificates of Return.

The certificates were issued to them at the International Conference Center, ICC, in Abuja by the Chairman of INEC, Mahmood Yakubu on Wednesday, February 27, 2019.

This follows the official announcement of results from 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by the commission.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/poll-inec-presents-certificate-of-return-to-buhari-osinbajo/


Gov. Yahaya Bello Describes Buhari’s Victory as a Watershed Moment

Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello of Kogi state has commended the people of the state for re-electing President Muhammadu Buhari into office.

The governor gave this commendation during a state-wide radio broadcast on Wednesday, February 27, 2019.

Speaking during the broadcast, Yahaya described Buhari’s second term bid as a “watershed moment” adding that the voice of the people is the voice of God.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/gov-yahaya-bello-describes-buharis-victory-as-a-watershed-moment/

Election: Twitter Users Reveal Discrepancies in INEC’s Nasarawa State Figures

One of the top trending topics on Twitter Nigeria currently is the hashtag, #INECNumbersDontAddUp.

Some Nigerians on the social media platform are using this hashtag to tweet about some discrepancies noticed in the presidential elections result figures announced so far by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Their grievances is especially with the figures from Nasarawa state where it was noted that the total number of votes from the state recorded for the two major parties (All Progressives Congress and Peoples Democratic Party) is more than the number of valid votes recorded by INEC.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/election-twitter-users-reveal-discrepancies-in-inecs-nasarawa-state-figures/


Poll Results Update: Buhari Wins 10 States, Atiku Wins 8

The announcement of last Saturday’s presidential results continued today at the National Collation Centre, Abuja.

So far, the results from 18 states have been announced.

Of the 18 states, President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress won in 10 states, namely: Ekiti, Osun, Kwara, Nasarawa, Kogi, Gombe, Yobe, Niger, Jigawa, and Kaduna states.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/poll-results-update-buhari-leads-in-10-states-atiku-in-8/


Senator Oluremi Tinubu Commends Lagos Central Senatorial Zone for Victory

Senator Oluremi Tinubu has commended the people of Lagos Central senatorial district for electing her to represent the district in the National Assembly for the next four years.

Mrs. Tinubu gave this commendation in a statement made available to News Men on Monday, February 26, 2019, in Lagos.

Reiterating her promise, Oluremi said she is ready and willing to put in the work necessary to get Lagos Central and Nigeria moving forward.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/senator-oluremi-tinubu-commends-lagos-central-senatorial-zone-for-victory/



Election Results: UN, AU, ECOWAS Call On Political Parties to Exercise Restraint

The United Nations, African Union and ECOWAS have called on political parties to exercise restraint as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announce the results of the Presidential and National Assembly elections.

The union made this call through an official statement issued by the ECOWAS Commission and made available to News Men on Tuesday, February 26, 2019.

According to the statement, the commission urged candidates to continue to exercise patience for the complete results.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/election-results-un-au-ecowas-call-on-political-parties-to-exercise-restraint/



Poll: Jimi Agbaje Speaks On Presidential and National Assembly Election

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Lagos State, Jimi Agbaje, has called on security agencies and relevant authorities to ensure perpetrators of violence in last Saturday’s election are punished.

Agbaje made this call during a press briefing in Lagos on Monday, February 25, 2019.

Speaking with newsmen, Agbaje noted that the mayhem was a deliberate attempt by the ruling All Progressives party to deprive members of the PDP to exercise their civic rights.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/poll-jimi-agbaje-speaks-on-presidential-and-national-assembly-election/

Yakubu Insists INEC Has not Cancelled Election in any Part of Nigeria

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated that it has not cancelled elections anywhere in the country.

INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, stated this during a media briefing at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja on Sunday.

He made this assertion while responding to a question on the state of elections in Imo, Lagos, and Anambra states, where electoral malpractices and violence were recorded.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/yakubu-insists-inec-has-not-cancelled-election-in-any-part-of-nigeria/


DSS Denies Arresting PDP Spokeman, Buba Galadima

The Department of State Services (DSS) has refuted a claim by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that its operatives arrested the PDP Campaign Council spokesman, Buba Galadima on Sunday.

The party, through its official twitter handle @OfficialPDPNig had raised the alarm Sunday evening.

“The attention of the @OfficialPDPNig has been drawn to the arrest of a pro-democracy activist, Buba Galadima, by the Department of State Services,” the tweet read.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/dss-denies-arresting-pdp-spokeman-buba-galadima/



RECs, Observers, Security Operatives, Others Decry Slow Collation of Results
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Bayelsa yesterday said the snail speed collation of results of the presidential and National Assembly elections was largely due to the difficult terrain of the state.

The Head of Voter Education and Publicity Department, Wilfred Ifogah, told reporters in Yenagoa that the commission was also conducting supplementary polls for 39 units in Ogbia and Sagbama local councils of the state.

He said voting in the fresh elections commenced at 12:00p.m. and ended at 6:00p.m.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/recs-observers-security-operatives-others-decry-slow-collation-of-results/


Polls: Offset in Senate as Saraki, Akpabio Set to Lose Seats

Senate President Bukola Saraki has lost the Kwara Central senatorial district according to results trickling in from the state, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria.

Saraki who is seeking re-election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) scored 68,994 votes in the four local governments of Kwara Central Senatorial District.

The winner, Dr. Oloriegbe of the All Progressives Congress (APC) however polled a total of 123,808 votes.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/polls-offset-in-senate-as-saraki-akpabio-set-to-lose-seats/



INEC Shifts Collation to 11 am Today as PDP, APC Bicker over Winner

The Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) has again postponed the collation of the results of Saturday’s elections until 11:00 a.m. today (Monday).

At the formal opening of the collation centre in Abuja, on Sunday, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said he was adjourning the exercise because no state collation officer had arrived in Abuja with the results of the presidential election.

Agents from the various political parties, election observers and journalists were present at the collation centre .
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/inec-shifts-collation-to-11-am-today-as-pdp-apc-bicker-over-winner/

Polls: Buhari Urges Nigerians to Disregard Violence Rumours

President Muhammadu Buhari has called on Nigerians to disregard rumours of violence but troop out en masse to perform their civic duty during the Presidential and National Assembly election scheduled for Saturday, February 23.

The President made this call during a nationwide broadcast in the early hours on Friday, February 22, 2019.

Speaking during the broadcast, the President noted Nigerians have a date with history tomorrow adding Nigerian should not be discouraged from exercising their duties as a citizen.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/polls-buhari-urges-nigerians-to-disregard-violence-rumours/



Benin Monarch Tasks Electorate to Vote Their Conscience

The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has called on all eligible voters in Edo State to come out en mass and vote for candidates of their choice in tomorrow’s rescheduled elections.

The monarch made this call through his Chief Secretary, Mr. Desmond Agbama in Benin on Thursday.

The monarch urged the electorate not to be discouraged by the postponement of last week’s election but should renew their zeal to participate in the exercise, which is their civic responsibility to the nation.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/benin-monarch-tasks-electorate-to-vote-their-conscience/


Election: Osinbajo Takes Presidential Campaign to Ilorin

Kwarans, on Thursday, trooped out to welcome the Vice President Prof. Yemi Osibanjo with excitement as he walks the streets of Ilorin with some All Progressive Congress (APC) chieftain.

The Vice President Osinbajo’s visit to Ilorin, the Kwara State capital. The reception was tumultuous as residents and All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters were shouting the party’s slogan, O to gee (enough is enough) during the visit.

The Vice President was first received by the Information and Culture & Tourism Minister Lai Mohammed, Kwara APC governorship candidate Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, a Kwara APC chieftain Lukman Olayiwola Mustapha and other party chieftains.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/election-osinbajo-takes-presidential-campaign-to-ilorin/



Ogun PDP Suspends Abati, Sowunmi, Others

The crisis rocking the Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has deepened with the State Working Committee (SWC) of the party suspending thirty-nine members for various anti-party activities.

The PDP faction loyal to a member of House of Representatives, Oladipupo Adebutu, suspended a deputy governorship candidate to Buruji Kashamu, Reuben Abati; spokesperson of Atiku Abubakar Campaign Organisation, Segun Sowunmi; and 37 candidates of the party loyal to Kashamu for anti-party activities.

The suspension was announced in a statement issued by Sikirulahi Ogundele in Abeokuta on Thursday, February 21, 2019.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/ogun-pdp-suspends-abati-sowunmi-others/



Police Arrest 28 Suspected Criminals in Cross River
The Cross River State Police Command has arrested 28 suspected criminals over unlawful possession of firearms, kidnapping and others.

This was made known by the state Commissioner of Police, CP Austin Agbonlahor during a news briefing in Calabar.

While parading the suspects, Austin gave the breakdown of the suspected criminals, adding that the suspects were arrested for various offences.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/police-arrest-28-suspected-criminals-in-cross-river/

Emiliano Sala Tragedy Sparks Nantes-Cardiff City Legal Dispute

The tragedy of the plane crash that killed Argentine footballer Emiliano Sala has now entered an ugly aftermath as Premier League club Cardiff City and French side Nantes threaten to go to court over his £15 million ($19 million) transfer fee.

Sala, who was buried at the age of 28 in the Argentine village of Progreso on Saturday, never played a game for Cardiff. The plane carrying the striker and pilot David Ibbotson came down in the English Channel en route to the Welsh capital on January 21, two days after he completed his transfer from Nantes.

Cardiff have so far refused to pay the first instalment of the club record fee, believed to be £5 million, as they await the results of an Air Accidents Investigations Bureau (AAIB) investigation into the causes of the crash.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/emiliano-sala-tragedy-sparks-nantes-cardiff-city-legal-dispute/



UCL: Three Things We Learned from Schalke 2 Manchester City 3

Manchester City staged a fine fightback from 2-1 and a man down to beat Schalke 3-2 in Germany on Wednesday and take a huge step towards the Champions League quarter-finals.

The Premier League leaders had to work harder than imagined against a Schalke side languishing 14th in the Bundesliga as two Nabil Bentaleb penalties gave the hosts a 2-1 half-time lead after Sergio Aguero’s early opener.

Nicolas Otamendi was then sent off to leave Pep Guardiola’s men down to 10 men, but former Schalke favourite Leroy Sane’s brilliant free-kick levelled for City before Raheem Sterling completed the comeback in stoppage time.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/ucl-three-things-we-learned-from-schalke-2-manchester-city-3/




Allegri’s Decisions Under Spotlight after Juventus UCL Defeat to Atletico Madrid

Juventus coach, Massimiliano Allegri, was typically unruffled after his team were outplayed in their 2-0 defeat by Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday, saying “these things happen”.

Allegri’s decisions came under scan after his team were swept aside by the streetwise Spaniards in the second half of their round of 16 first leg, leaving Juventus hope of winning the competition hanging by a thread.

Unbeaten in Serie A this season, Juventus have lost three of their seven Champions League matches and now face a huge task to overturn the deficit in Turin on March 12.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/allegris-decisions-under-spotlight-after-juventus-ucl-defeat-to-atletico-madrid/


I am not Worried about Sack, Chelsea Coach Sarri Insists

Maurizio Sarri insists he isn’t worried about being sacked as Chelsea manager despite his troubled side’s lacklustre FA Cup surrender against Manchester United.

Sarri faces a fight to save his job after FA Cup holders Chelsea crashed to a 2-0 fifth round defeat at Stamford Bridge on Monday.

Ander Herrera headed United into the lead from Paul Pogba’s cross in the 31st minute.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/i-am-not-worried-about-sack-chelsea-coach-sarri-insists/




UCL: Three Things We Learned from Liverpool vs Bayern Munich

Liverpool were forced to settle for a 0-0 draw against Bayern Munich in the Champions League last-16 first leg on Tuesday.

Here are three things we learned from a hard-fought Anfield stalemate:
Klopp frustrated by Bayern again

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was back in conflict with Bayern after spending seven years jousting with the German giants when he in charge at Borussia Dortmund.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/ucl-three-things-we-learned-from-liverpool-vs-bayern-munich/

Eighth Lawmaker Leaves UK Labour Party over Brexit, Anti-Semitism

An eighth Labour MP quit the party on Wednesday in protest against leader Jeremy Corbyn, joining a mounting rebellion sparked by rows over anti-Semitism and Brexit.

Joan Ryan told BBC radio that Corbyn had “introduced or allowed to happen in our party this scourge of anti-Semitism. It has completely infected the party”.

“The other huge problem is that I think Jeremy Corbyn is aiding and abetting a hard Brexit,” she said.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/eighth-lawmaker-leaves-uk-labour-party-over-brexit-anti-semitism/



Amosun Loyalists Disrupt TraderMoni Disbursement in Ogun

Pandemonium broke out on Tuesday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, when some men, suspected to be loyalists of Governor Ibikunle Amosun, invaded Lafenwa Market, venue of the disbursement of TraderMoni and disrupted the programme.

The men, led by the Chairman, Abeokuta North-West Local Council Development Area, Monsuru Shorunke, also took away the Iyaloja of the market, Mrs Ramotalai Olatunji, but returned her few minutes later.

TraderMoni is a Federal Government intervention programme for petty traders under the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/amosun-loyalists-disrupt-tradermoni-disbursement-in-ogun/




Polls Shift: FG Reads Riot Act to INEC

The federal government of Nigeria has once again read the riot act to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and warned the electoral body against postponing the election again.

The riot act was read by President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday, February 20, 2019.

The minister of foreign affairs, Mathew Onyeama, said the government demands 100% assurance from the commission that the Presidential and the National Assembly elections scheduled for February 23, 2019 is sacrosanct.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/polls-shift-fg-reads-riot-act-to-inec/


Election: CSO Cautions Politicians Against Ploy to Intimidate INEC Commissioners

A Civil Society Group has cautioned the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party against the ploy to intimidate INEC commissioners ahead of the election.

The group gave this directive in Abuja on Wednesday through its Executive Director, Mr. Frank Tietie who doubles as a human right lawyer.

This was in reaction to a statement by the APC national chairman who alleged that there was a partnership between INEC RECs and PDP.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/election-cso-cautions-politicians-against-ploy-to-intimidate-inec-commissioners/



Uganda’s Ruling Party Endorses 74-year-old Museveni for Sixth Term

Uganda’s ruling party, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) has endorsed President Yoweri Museveni, 74, for a potential sixth term in office.

NRM on Wednesday resolved to present Museveni as its candidate in the 2021 elections so that he can “continue leading the movement and the state in 2021 and beyond to eliminate bottlenecks to transformation.”

The resolution was adopted at a retreat for top party officials chaired by Museveni.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/ugandas-ruling-party-endorses-74-year-old-museveni-for-sixth-term/

Ballot Box Snatchers: Aisha Buhari’s Tweet Raises More Controversy

A tweet by the wife of the President, Aisha Buhari commenting on the controversial ‘death threat’ statement by President Muhammadu Buhari about ballot box snatchers, has sparked even more controversy among Nigerians on Twitter.

The First Lady had in a tweet from her verified Twitter account, quoted a video clip of President Buhari at the APC Caucus meeting on Monday where he said aspiring ballot box snatchers in the February 23 and March 9 elections will pay with their lives as he has ordered the security agencies to be “ruthless”.

Aisha Buhari quoted the video clip with “#ThisIsGMB taking Nigeria to the #NextLevel” accompanied with Thumbs Up emojis.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/ballot-box-snatchers-aisha-buharis-tweet-raises-more-controversy/



Twitter Users React to Buhari’s Controversial Statement on Ballot Box Snatchers



Some Twitter users and prominent Nigerians have criticised President Muhammadu Buhari for declaring that death awaits ballot box snatchers during the February 23 Presidential and National Assembly elections.

Buhari, on Monday, February 18, 2019, said those who are planning to snatch ballot boxes should be ready to pay with their lives.

The President made the statement while speaking at the caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to review the poll delay and discuss other plans by the party ahead of Saturday election.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/twitter-users-react-to-buharis-controversial-statement-on-ballot-box-snatchers/



Polls Shift: INEC Lifts Ban on Political Campaigns

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has approved the resumption of political campaign by parties and candidates across the country consequent upon the postponement of election by one week.

INEC announced the resumption of campaign yesterday (Monday) through a statement by its National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education, Mr. Festus Okoye.

According to Okoye, the decision was taken at the commission’s meeting on Monday, February 18, 2019, after it reviewed its preparations for the rescheduled election.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/polls-shift-inec-lifts-ban-on-political-campaigns/


Ballot Box Snatchers: Tinubu Says Buhari was Misinterpreted

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday said President Buhari was being misinterpreted over his comments on ballot box snatchers.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja at the end of the APC caucus meeting, Tinubu said that the President at the meeting only reinforced that those involved in ballot box snatching will be doing it at the risk of their life.

According to him, “I was in that meeting; the president was just reinforcing the fact that if you are out there snatching ballot boxes, and causing destructions, you are at risk of your own life. Whatever happens to you; no president will give an order that his own citizens should be shot summarily, No! No, its okay, emotions are running high these days. Any individual including myself can be misinterpreted.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/ballot-box-snatchers-tinubu-says-buhari-was-misinterpreted/



Ballot Box Snatchers’ Death Order is a License to Kill, PDP Condemns Buhari’s Statement

The main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned President Muhammadu Buhari’s order to the military and police to be ruthless with ballot box snatchers during the forthcoming Presidential elections.

PDP spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan in a statement on Monday said this order by the president is “a direct call for Jungle Justice.”

“We do hope that this call by President Buhari is not a camouflage for the fake soldiers mobilized by the APC to shoot at innocent Nigerians, snatch ballot boxes and execute their rigging plans on the election day,” Ologbondiyan said further.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/ballot-box-snatchers-death-order-is-a-license-to-kill-pdp-condemns-buharis-statement/

INEC Must Not Take Nigerians For Granted, Buhari Berates Commission over Postponed Polls

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday, further expressed his displeasure at the postponed general elections; saying that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must not take Nigerians for granted.

Buhari said this at the All Progressives Congress National Caucus meeting holding in Abuja.

Buhari said, “The constitution and laws protected INEC but they must not take us for granted.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/inec-must-not-take-nigerians-for-granted-buhari-berates-commission-over-postponed-polls/



Election Postponement: PDP Insists on Reopening Campaign

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it is set to reopen its campaign following the postponement of the presidential and National Assembly elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The party made this known in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, and Director, Media & Publicity, PDP Presidential Campaign Organization Kola Ologbondiyan, on Sunday evening.

This is in reaction to the Commission’s directive that no political party is allowed to reopen campaigns.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/election-postponement-pdp-insists-on-reopening-campaign/




Police Arrest Three INEC Staff With Over 10, 000 PVCs in Abia

The Abia State Police Command have apprehended three officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission with over 10, 000 Permanent Voter Cards.

According to reports, the suspects were arrested while trying to move the PVCs illegally to a location where they were supposed to be used to rig elections in favour of some politicians in last Saturday’s postponed election.

One of the suspects identified as Stella was apprehended at a checkpoint at INEC head office in Umuahia, Abia’s state capital.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/police-arrest-three-inec-staff-with-over-10-000-pvcs-in-abia/


Rescheduled Poll: NAMA Assures Airspace Would Remain Open

The Management of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has declared that the country’s airspace shall remain open to flight operations during the rescheduled presidential and other general elections.

This was made known in a statement signed by the General Manager, Public Affairs, NAMA, Khalid Emele on Sunday, February 17, 2019.

The agency also attributed the latest position to the confusion that confronted flight operations during the postponed presidential election initially scheduled to hold on Saturday, February 16, 2019.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/rescheduled-poll-nama-assures-airspace-would-remain-open/



Economy as Epicenter of Elections Brouhaha in 2019

Barely 24 hours to the kick off of 2019 general elections, which were botched at the last minute, the National Bureau of Statistics said the country’s yearly inflation dropped to 11.37 per cent in January, down from the seven-month high it reached in December, at 11.44 per cent.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has had a running battle taming inflation numbers in nearly two years, with a mix of interest rate hike and foreign exchange management. By analysts’ estimates, the efforts have been largely successful.

However, the ongoing electioneering may have something contrary for the assessed monetary policy successes by reason of the alleged monetisation of voters’ interests, long standing investors’ confidence crisis and ensuing economic management issues.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/economy-as-epicenter-of-elections-brouhaha-in-2019/

Saraki Describes Saturday as A Day Of Destiny

The Director General of the Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign and the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki has described tomorrow, Saturday, February 16, as a day with destiny.

Saraki made this assertion while speaking at the Kwara Central Youth town hall meeting in Ilorin on Thursday, February 14, 2019.

Speaking at the town hall meeting, Saraki said the administration of the Party’s Presidential Candidate Atiku Abubakar will be youth driven.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/saraki-describes-saturday-as-a-day-of-destiny/


Valentine’s Day at Election Period, a Divine Arrangement – Contest Organiser

The celebration of Saint Valentine’s Day two days to the conduct of the 2019 general elections is a divine arrangement that love will continue to exist among Nigerians.

The organiser of Miss Valentine Africa contest, Dickson Buffalo, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Lagos.

Buffalo said that Nigerians would be privileged and be guided by the spirit of love to choose their rightful leaders at the polls on Feb.16 and March 2 .
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/valentines-day-at-election-period-a-divine-arrangement-contest-organiser/


Election: FG Orders 48 Hours Closure of Land and Sea Borders

As Nigerians go to the polls on Saturday (tomorrow) to elect the President and members of the National Assembly, the federal government has ordered that all land and sea borders be closed.

This was made known in a statement issued by the service public relation officer, Sunday James and signed by the Comptroller General of Immigration, Muhammad Babandede.

According to the statement, the borders will be effectively closed by 12 noon on Friday, February 15 and opened on Sunday, February 17, 2019, by 12 noon.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/election-fg-orders-48-hours-closure-of-land-and-sea-borders/



BREAKING: Onnoghen Appears in CCT for Trial, Pleads Not Guilty

Embattled Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen today made his first public appearance since he was suspended by President Muhammadu Buhari on January 25.

Justice Onnoghen arrived at the Code of Conduct Tribunal at about 9:40 am to face trial for allegations bordering on non-declaration of assets.

The tribunal chairman Danladi Umar had on Wednesday ordered the inspector-general of police Mohammed Adamu to arrest Onnoghen after failing to appear before the tribunal since the commencement of his trial in January.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/breaking-onnoghen-appears-in-cct-for-trial-pleads-not-guilty/



2019 Poll: Number of PVCs Exceeds Total Registered Voters in Oyo

The number of Permanent Voter Cards in Oyo State is 28,539 higher than the number of registered voters in the state.

While the aggregate of available PVCs is 2,962,646, the number of registered voters stands at 2,934,107.

This was gathered in a statistics secured by Newsmen from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s office in Ibadan, the state capital.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/2019-poll-number-of-pvcs-exceeds-total-registered-voters-in-oyo/

Okonjo-Iweala Denounces Fake Biafra Propaganda Using Her Name

Former Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy and Current chair of the GAVI Board, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has debunked a story emanating from Biafra propagandists using her name for credence.

Writing via her Twitter account, the Twitter Board member said, “DISCLAIMER: My attention has been drawn to a fake news making the rounds claiming I made a statement on Biafra. It is false and mischievous. Please disregard it. Thank you.”

Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/okonjo-iweala-denounces-fake-biafra-propaganda-using-her-name/



Nigerian Youngster Folarin Balogun Signs Professional Contract With Arsenal

Nigerian youngster Folarin Balogun has signed his first professional contract with Premier League side, Arsenal.

Signing the new deal on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 the 17-year-old player pledged his long term future to Arsenal.

In a report on the Arsenal website, Balogun stated the reason for signing his new deal and his ambition for the rest of the season.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/nigerian-youngster-folarin-balogun-signs-professional-contract-with-arsenal/




Lagos Police Debunks Raiding Rumours ahead of Election

The Lagos State Police Command has debunked a story circulating on social media that it will carry out raiding operations in the state on Thursday and Friday ahead of Saturday’s presidential elections.

The Police Spokesman for the command, CSP Chike Oti, said on Thursday that such information on raiding did not come from the Police Command in Lagos and should be disregarded as untrue by Lagos residents.

“The attention of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Zubairu Muazu has been drawn to the news making the rounds on the social media to the effect that the Command will carry out a general raid, on Thursday, Feb. 14 and Friday, Feb. 15, 2019.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/lagos-police-debunks-raiding-rumours-ahead-of-election/



AGF Malami Urges INEC to Postpone Election in Zamfara

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN) has written to the Independent National Electoral Commission to postpone the elections in Zamfara state so as to enable the All Progressive Congress field candidates in the exercise in the state.

He also urged INEC to postpone the National Assembly, governorship and state assembly elections in the state to enable APC to catch up with other parties.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/agf-malami-urges-inec-to-postpone-election-in-zamfara/



NESG Forecasts 3.2% GDP Growth in 2019

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group, NESG, has said that the nation’s real Gross Domestic Product, GDP, will grow by 3.2 per cent in 2019.

NESG in its 2019 Nigeria Economic Outlook report titled: “Steering Nigeria through the Inclusive Growth Pathway: What Strategy Should the Government Adopt?”, stated that the growth will be driven by information, communication and technology and agriculture sectors.

The annual report highlights economic forecasts for the nation. It also offers short and medium-term forecasts on the main socio-economic factors, while exploring the pitfalls and improvements experienced in 2018.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/nesg-forecasts-3-2-gdp-growth-in-2019/

Basketmouth Decries Dwindling Status of Stand-Up Comedy

A-list comedian and actor, Bright Okpocha, popularly known as Basketmouth, has raised alarm on the dwindling status of stand-up comedy in Nigeria.

The humour merchant joined a panel of communication experts at Viacom International Media Networks Africa’s (VIMN Africa) forum at Social Media Week Lagos to discuss the future of content in Africa.

The captivating discussion, which was themed ‘Music, Content and Consumer Experiences…Changing The African Narrative’, was moderated by MTV Base VJ, Folu Storms and featured MTV Base Africa (ROA) Senior Channel Manager, Viacom International Media Networks Africa, Solafunmi Oyeneye; Founder and Principal Consultant, Peaceville Entertainment Group, Ernest Audu; CEO and Chief Creative Officer at X3M Ideas Limited and X3M Music, Steve Babaeko and Publisher of Nigerian Entertainment Today, founder of BlackHouse Media and ID Africa, Ayeni Adekunle.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/basketmouth-decries-dwindling-status-of-stand-up-comedy/


Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Bags 2019’s Everett M. Rogers Award

Renowned writer, author, feminist, and a cultural critic, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has added another feather to her cap as she bagged the 2019 Everett M Rogers Award from the University of Southern California.

The writer made this known on her Instagram page on Wednesday, February 13, 2019.

Taking to her Insagram page, she wrote; “Perhaps a sign of the times in which we live that I am desperately drawn to what is meaningful, what is human, what is beautiful.”
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/chimamanda-ngozi-adichie-bags-2019s-everett-m-rogers-award/


Sefiya Out With Mind Sex Official Video

Nigerian singer and model Sefiya Ibrahim popularly known as Sefiya has released her first single for the year titled “Mind Sex.”

This is coming after the singer rounded up 2018 on a high note with her last single “Your Money” featuring Wizkid and Wande Coal at their respective concerts.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/sefiya-out-with-mind-sex-official-video/



Avril Lavigne Drops New Hit, Dumb Blonde Featuring Nicki Minaj

Avril Lavigne unveiled the third single from her upcoming ‘Head Above Water’ album, titled “Dumb Blonde” and featuring Nicki Minaj.

The joint album is expected to drop on Friday, February 15, 2019.

On the track, both stars prove to be total girl bosses as they drop lyrics that are feminist-leaning.

Taking to her Instagram handle, Avril wrote; “The concept and idea for #DumbBlonde came to me through a situation I experienced and I brought it to @BonnieMcKee and #MitchAllan, who helped me bring it to life. I had this fu**ing loser in my life who was threatened by my strength, confidence and independence as a woman. I was belittled and made to feel bad for who I was: A leader, someone with a vision and opinions, someone who has strength, desire, passion and goals. Never let anyone put you down for being who you are. Stand up. Fight, Be you, Love, Be genuine, Kind.”
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/avril-lavigne-drops-new-hit-titled-dumb-blonde-featuring-nicki-minaj/



National Peace Accord Signing: Buhari Calls For Peace among Presidential Candidates

President Muhammadu Buhari has called on all presidential candidates to accept whatever may be the outcome of the polls.

Buhari made this call on Wednesday at the 2nd signing ceremony of the 2019 National Peace Accord by the Presidential candidates held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

Speaking at the event, Buhari also called on INEC and all Security Agencies to ensure strict adherence to their constitutional roles.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/national-peace-accord-signing-buhari-calls-for-peace-among-presidential-candidates/

UN Peacekeeping: Nigeria Re-elected to United Nations Committee Chair

Prof. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, the permanent representative of Nigeria to the United Nations, UN, has been re-elected chair of the United Nations Special Committee on Peacekeeping, known as C-34.

Muhammad-Bande was re-elected by acclamation at the United Nations Headquarters in New York during opening of the 2019 Session.

It was gathered that the Nigerian envoy was re-elected while he was in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia attending the on-going African Union Summit
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/un-peacekeeping-nigeria-re-elected-to-united-nations-committee-chair/



UN Rights Expert Raises Alarm over Threat to Judicial Independence in Nigeria

A United Nations-appointed independent rights expert, Diego Garcia-Sayán on Monday warned that dismissal of Nigeria’s Chief Justice, Walter Onnoghen, and “threats, pressures and interferences” made against the lawyers defending him, may constitute a grave attack on judicial independence from the State.

Garcia-Sayán, who is the independent UN Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, made these comments in a statement released ahead of Saturday’s general elections in Nigeria.

Speaking on the decision to suspend Onnoghen on January 25 suspension of Onnoghen by President Muhammadu Buhari, Garcia-Sayán said; “International human rights standards provide that judges may be dismissed only on serious grounds of misconduct or incompetence.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/un-rights-expert-raises-alarm-over-threat-to-judicial-independence-in-nigeria/



NOUN Appoints Former Army Spokesman Sani Usman as Faculty Member

The past spokesperson of the Nigerian Army has been appointed a faculty member at the National Open University Business School.

Brigadier General Sani Usman’s appointment follows his recent retirement from the Nigerian Army after serving in the Military for 35 years.

NOUN, in a statement issued by the Coordinator of NOUN Business School, Prof. Samalia Mande, said the former Army spokesperson was appointed because of his wealth of experience.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/noun-appoints-former-army-spokesman-sani-usman-as-faculty-member/




Belgore Denies N450m Money Laundering Allegation

Dele Belgore (SAN), the Kwara State campaign Coordinator for former President Goodluck Jonathan, on Monday, debunked the allegation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that he laundered the sum of N450m in 2015.

Belgore was prosecuted before the Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly benefiting N450m alongside a former Minister of National Planning, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, on a 9-count amended charge.

However, while testifying in his own defence on Monday, Belgore admitted being invited by the bank manager on March 26, 2015, to take delivery of the N450m cash, but he said he ended up leaving the bank without the money.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/belgore-denies-n450m-money-laundering-allegation/



2019 Election: Kaduna Students Debunk Endorsing Governor El-Rufai’s Re-Election Bid

The National Association of Kaduna State Students (NAKASS) has distanced itself from the purported endorsement of the Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai’s re-election bid.

The union made this known in a statement jointly signed by its Secretary-General, Comrade Ahmed Usman and its Public Relation Officer, Comrade Reuben Musa.

The group maintained that as the constituted umbrella for all Kaduna State students saddled with the responsibilities of advocacy and engagements on students matters and affairs with members within Nigeria and the diaspora, the leaders would not allow the body to be dragged into partisan politics.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/2019-election-kaduna-students-debunk-endorsing-governor-el-rufais-re-election-bid/

2019 Agreement: ASUU Issues Fresh Threat

Barely few days after the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, suspended their strike, the union has issued a fresh threat following the federal government failure to disburse the N25bn agreed upon.

The warning was issued by the National President of ASUU, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi on Monday, February 11, 2019.

Taking to the body’s official handle, Biodun warned that if the Federal Government fail to disburse the N25bn agreed upon for revitalization of public universities, the “struggle continues.”
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/2019-agreement-ASUU-issues-fresh-threat/



JAMB Says It is Fully Prepared for 2019 UTME

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on Monday, February 11, 2019, said that it is fully prepared for the 2019 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The board made the announcement in its weekly bulletin of the Office of the Registrar in Abuja.

The board also noted that the preparation was concluded following its consideration of all items on the checklist for the forthcoming examination.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/jamb-says-it-is-fully-prepared-for-2019-utme/



NYSC Speaks On Death of Corps Member During Shi’ites Protest

The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, has debunked reports that a serving corps member, Mustapha Ingawa, was killed during a protest by members of Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) (also known as Shi’ites) over the continued detention of their leader, Ibraheem El-Zakzaky.

The NYSC made this known in a statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations of the Scheme, Mrs Adenike Aderemi on Sunday, February 10, 2019.

The statement was in reaction to the reports on the social media that corps members protested the extra-judicial killing of Ingawa, during a Shi’ite demonstration in Abuja.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/nysc-speaks-on-death-of-corps-member-during-shiites-protest/



Grammy: Seun Kuti Delivers Thrilling Performance

Afrobeats artist Seun Kuti pulled a thrilling performance at the premiere ceremony of the 61st Grammy Awards.

Seun, the youngest son of the legendary Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, failed to snag a win in the ‘World Music Award’ category in which he was nominated.

He, however, was the only Nigerian artist to perform at this year’s ceremony hosted by Shaggy where 70 categories of Grammy Awards were presented.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/grammy-seun-kuti-delivers-thrilling-performance/



Grammys: Organisers Explain Why Drake’s Acceptance Speech was Cut Off

The Recording Academy, the organisation in charge of the annual Grammy awards has given an explanation to why Canadian rapper, Drake was cut off mid-speech while he made a surprise appearance to accept his Best Rap Song award.

The rapper who was not expected to be at the award ceremony shocked the audience when he appeared from under the stage to accept the trophy he won for his smash hit, ‘God’s Plan’.

He went on to make an even shocking speech, shading award establishments like the Grammys.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/grammys-organisers-explain-why-drakes-acceptance-speech-was-cut-off/

Jeff Bezos Exposes National Enquirer Blackmail Ploy over Intimate Photos

Amazon CEO, Jeff Bezos, in a tell-all blog post on Friday, revealed how the publisher of US tabloid, National Enquirer attempted to extort him by threatening to release his intimate photos.

The post by Bezos on the blogging platform Medium revealed what he said were the full text of emails his representatives got from executives at AMI, the publisher of the National Enquirer.

Bezos, the billionaire founder of online retail outlet, Amazon alleged that AMI threatened to release compromising photos of him which he had exchanged with his alleged mistress.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/jeff-bezos-exposes-national-enquirer-blackmail-ploy-over-intimate-photos/


Ariana Grande Drops Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored Music Video

American songstress Ariana Grande has just released a new song titled “Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored.”

The new album and video were dropped today, Friday, February 8, 2019.

For her new music visual, Grande enlists the help of a few fellow celebrities. There is “Riverdale” star, Charles Melton as well as social media superstar, Ariel Yasmine who plays the “girlfriend”. Serving a star-studded video is not the only thing Grande gives fans though as there is also a plot twist at the end of the music video.
Read more at; https://newsbreakers.ng/ariana-grande-drops-break-up-with-your-girlfriend-im-bored-music-video/


D’Banj And 2Baba Team Up for New Music Video, Baecation

Music icons D’Banjand 2Baba have teamed up for a new song, together with a new music video, titled “Baecation.”

The duo has been spotted on several occasions together with their wives and befittingly they jointly put out this love tune dedicated to their wives.
Read more at: https://newsbreakers.ng/dbanj-and-2baba-team-up-for-new-music-video-baecation/


Olamide Drops New Hit, Woske

Nigerian hip hop singer and rapper, Olamide Adedeji a.k.a. Baddo has released his first song for the year titled ‘Woske.’

Olamide who had a successful 2018 with series of club bangers like, ‘Science student‘, ‘Motigbana’ and ‘Poverty die’ dropped the new song on Friday, February 8.
Read more at: https://newsbreakers.ng/olamide-drops-new-hit-woske/



Kizz Daniel Releases Visuals for Madu Featuring Beverly Osu

Nigerian recording artist, Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe, popularly known as Kizz Daniel, has shared the visuals to his highly-anticipated single “Madu” featuring provocative visual actress, Beverly Osu.

This is coming weeks after the singer hinted his fan about his latest album.
Read more at: https://newsbreakers.ng/kizz-daniel-releases-visuals-for-madu-featuring-beverly-osu/