₦airaland Forum

Gunmen attacked a convoy carrying election materials in central Mali, triggering a shootout in which four soldiers and eight attackers were killed, a Defence Ministry spokesman said by telephone on Wednesday.
The spokesman said the attack occurred late on Tuesday on the road between Nampala and Coura in the south- central region of Segou, giving no further details.
The party of Malian presidential candidate Soumaila Cisse said on Monday that the poll would go to a run -off between Cisse and President Ibrahim Keita , a day after a vote that was heavily disrupted by suspected Islamist gunmen.
Cisse’s campaign manager , Tiebele Drame , made the announcement at the party’s headquarters in Bamako , the capital .
Keita ’s spokesman said the president was substantially in the lead according to provisional vote count, although he accepted that a run- off was possible.
Spiralling jihadist violence has become a key issue in the campaign , as attacks multiply and the death toll mounts across north and central Mali.
“The law forbids the proclamation of results by anyone except the Ministry of Territorial Administration ,” Drame told a news conference.
“However, I can tell you that we are going to a second round between Soumaila Cisse and Ibrahim Boubacar Keita .”
Mahamadou Camara , the spokesman for Keita , said , “According to our tally , IBK has come substantially ahead,” using the popular nickname for the president , taken from his initials .
The exact numbers of voters who were disenfranchised by violence is not known, but they could easily become a flashpoint if the vote is close .
Ministry of Territorial Administration figures showed that, of the roughly 23 ,000 polling stations that were meant to open , 4,632 were disrupted by “armed attacks or other violence,” of which 644 were unable to operate.
In most of Mali, the vote was peaceful and relatively well organised, with polls opening and closing on time. Most people who were enrolled and turned up were able to vote .
In the mud- walled medieval city of Timbuktu , once a flourishing tourist spot before Islamist militants made it too dangerous , witnesses said gunmen had intimidated voters , seized ballot boxes and in some cases set fire to them in the few polling stations that were attacked outside town .
NAN reports that Islamist militants took over northern cities like Timbuktu in 2012 on the back of a Tuareg rebellion, imposing Sharia law with harsh penalties like cutting off fingers for smoking , until France intervened a year later to push them back . The Islamist militants regard democracy as an un - Islamic Western imposition .
Since Keita came to power in the 2013 poll, Islamist violence has swept south into Mali’s fertile centre .
UN mission chief Mahamat Annadif on Friday urged whoever wins the poll to urgently address jihadist-stoked ethnic violence in Mali’s central “breadbasket. ”
The figures from the ministry showed that the central region of Mopti accounted for half of polling stations under attack.
Hamid Bore, 39, a teacher , was in charge of one such station in the village of Dembere .
The militants arrived just as polls opened at 8 a . m.( 0800 GMT) , he said .
At a news conference, the head of the European Union observer mission welcomed the decision to make public the number of polling stations that had not been able to function but urged it to publish more precise information about which ones exactly .
A second round would temporarily cool tensions.
Cisse’s campaign has repeatedly accused Keita of tampering with the electoral list to try to steal the election.
The UN is heaping pressure on all sides to accept the result — or at least contest it through legal channels — to avert a political crisis on top of the security woes the country is already facing .



http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/08/12-killed-as-gunmen-strike-convoy-with.html?m=1

Armed bandits have struck in another community in Southern Birnin-Gwari local government area of Kaduna State, killing five people.
DAILY POST reports that seven others were injured, while three of them are in critical condition.
The armed bandits had on Sunday evening killed three persons and abducted a woman nursing a baby, and many others.
The chairman, Birnin-Gwari Vanguards for Security and Good Governance, Ibrahim Abubakar Nagwari in a statement said that the merciless gunmen overran Kurigi village in Kakangi ward in Birnin-Gwari local government.
He added that due to remoteness of the area and the proximity to border with Zamfara State, the news of the killings was not available.
“The five people killed at Kurigi village were buried yesterday evening under heavy guards by security and vigilantes around 5.00pm on Monday.
“The armed bandits killed four people at once while the fifth person died on the way to Brinin Gwari general hospital,” Ibrahim said.
He called the attention of the federal government on the need to deploy more security forces to Birnin-Gwari to prevent influx of armed bandits escaping military onslaught in Zamfara State


http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/07/five-killed-others-injured-in-another.html?m=1

Nigeria’s Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, is at the EFCC office, multiple sources have told PREMIUM TIMES.
Mr Ekweremadu was said to have arrived at the anti-graft agency’s office in Abuja between 9-10:00 a.m.
“He is currently at the interrogation room,” a source told PREMIUM TIMES. Another EFCC staff also said Mr Ekweremadu is with anti-graft detectives, but could not say when he would be released.
“We have some questions for him bordering on corruption,” a source said. “But we do not know yet when he would be released, we will know this by 5:00 p.m.”
Mr Ekweremadu, the most-senior member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party in public office, was invited for questioning last week Tuesday.
The invitation became public hours after EFCC operatives laid a siege to the top lawmaker’s home at Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja.
Mr Ekweremadu has faced multiple allegations of sharp practices in recent years, including claims that he forged Senate standing rules which led to the controversial election of principal officers in June 2015.
He has also been accused of owning multiple properties abroad, some allegedly purchased using shell firms and political associates fronting for him.
Mr Ekweremadu strongly denied all allegations of corruption, alleging political persecution and daring anyone with evidence of sharp practices against him to come forward.
Mr Ekweremadu’s spokesperson, Uche Anichukwu, did not immediately have comments for PREMIUM TIMES about the development, saying he was “boarding” a flight.
Wilson Uwujaren, a spokesperson for the EFCC, said he would need some time to find out details of Mr Ekweremadu’s presence at the anti-graft office.


Details shortly…


http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/07/breaking-deputy-senate-president.html?m=1

A section of the Benue House of Assembly, who endorsed the impeachment motion against Gov. Samuel Ortom, on Monday in Makurdi said he would be served impeachment notice within seven days.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 19 of the 30 legislators in the state assembly, had on July 24, impeached Speaker, Terkimbi Ikyange, for what they termed “highhandedness”.
However, in a swift reaction, Mr Terkimbi Ikyange, had described his impeachment as an act of illegality and said the impeachment did not follow due process since the House was on recess.
Addressing journalists on the outcome of their plenary on Monday, Ikyange said 10 of the legislators had met during plenary and agreed to commence impeachment process against the governor for gross financial misconduct.
He disclosed that the lawmakers were angered by the misappropriation of N54 billion from the state’s coffers.
According to him, the figure represents N22 billion embezzled from the security vote, while N32 billion is from local government funds.
He also said the lawmakers were not happy with the governor for owing workers in the state.
NAN reports that the identity of the members has not been known since journalists were not allowed access into the assembly complex.
NAN also reports that workers in the state are owed upwards of 13 months, while for some categories, it was 8 months.
Meanwhile, the legislators loyal to the governor, who have shifted their venue from the assembly complex to the Old Banquet Hall of the Benue, Government House, described the impeachment motion as illegal.
In his motion dismissing the impeachment motion, Majority Leader of the House, Mr Avine Agbum, said the presiding officer of the session (Ikyange) had been suspended by them.
He also said the members had not met the quorum to meet and moved for the suspension all members who attended the session.
The two legislative groups claim to be using the official Mace, the stamp of legislative authority.



http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/07/benue-assembly-members-to-serve.html?m=1

Operatives of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad in the Imo State Police Command have arrested one Garrick Slacks, a dismissed United States soldier, for allegedly defrauding Nigerians with fake promises to secure visas and other travelling documents to the US for them.
The suspect, who was arrested on Saturday, is currently in the custody of the state Police Command in Owerri.
The Police said the suspect was a serial fraudster who had used his position as a foreigner to defraud Nigerians, who are desperate to travel abroad, especially to the US.
“He is a serial and sophisticated fraudster. He was arrested this afternoon (Saturday) while he was hurriedly leaving Owerri for Port Harcourt.
“He is equally impersonating the US Army and Nigerian Army at the same time. His targets are mostly women. He would promise them marriage and tell them that he had the capacity to secure their visas and other travelling documents to America with his position as a colonel in the US Marine Army and as an American citizen.
“He has confessed to the crime and the forensic investigation we have done using his fingerprints revealed that he is a wanted man in California and he only ran to Nigeria in February to continue his heinous crimes.
“Just five days ago, he defrauded a young widow N500,000 with a fake promise that he would secure stay visa for the widow’s three children. He was about running away from Owerri before we tracked him. Could you imagine that the lady we used in tracking him, he had promised to marry her on meeting her for the first time this afternoon (Saturday).
“Exhibits recovered from the suspect, according to the police included a cash of over N2m, two pairs of military uniform, military fez cap, jungle boot, fake military identity card, fake driving licence and a car, which he used in making his fraud look real.
“All the exhibits we recovered from him are fake. The military identities which he used to make his fraudulent activities look genuine. He was even beating security men to this game until we nabbed him,” he said.
When interviewed, the suspect told newsmen that he was sorry for his actions and was ready to make amends if given the opportunity.
He admitted that he was dismissed from the US military in 2015 over his involvement in cocaine peddling.



http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/07/dismissed-us-soldier-arrested-in-owerri.html?m=1

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that the recent gale of defections that hit the All Progressives Congress (APC ) were due to the fact that the APC Federal Government has failed Nigerians.

He declared that the APC Federal Government runs on vindictiveness, intimidation and illegality, whilst denying Nigerians the dividends of democracy.
Addressing journalists after projects inspection on Saturday in Port Harcourt, Governor Wike stated that more high profiledefections are in the offing across the country.
He said: “Politics is all about alignments and re-alignments. We expected these defections, knowing that the ruling party at the National level has completely failed the people.

“It is not hidden that even when they had majority in the two chambers of the National Assembly, they never had it easy because their representatives knew the APC has nothing to offer the people.

“For me, I had expected these defections more than a year ago. More will happen across the country “.

He berated the APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole for his double-speak on Benue State Governor, Dr Samuel Ortom. He also decried the unfounded allegations by the APC National Campaign against the Benue State Governor on the killings by herdsmen in the state.

“APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole said in one breadth that Ortom is the best that they have. The following day because he had defected he said fielding Ortom would have been a calamity. This double-speak is laughable.

“I think it is unfair for the APC National Chairman to begin to do the work of the security and the Judiciary. For him to indict the aides of Ortom for Benue killings when the APC never took that position when he was in their party is most unfortunate. Now that the Benue State Governor has defected, they are throwing up these allegations. These are the people who claim they want to fight corruption, but they are always acting illegally.

“This is politics of vindictiveness. This is politics of vengeance. There is an extent to which you can push people. You can intimidate people, but not all the times. When you push people to the wall, they tell you ‘enough is enough ‘. That is what you are seeing today in Nigeria. ”

Governor Wike said that the PDP is working round the clock with all stakeholders to put an end to failed APC Federal Government in 2019.

He said the PDP is stronger and more vibrant, having been rebuilt over the last three years.

“What we are doing now is part of the preparedness towards 2019. If we are not prepared, people won’t come to the party. They know that the PDP is very serious and PDP is stronger.

“It is not easy for an opposition party to receive defectors of such magnitude. It shows that the party is doing quite a lot. We don’t need to make noise. But people are working on the ground. We don’t need to come on the pages of newspapers to outline what we are doing.The ruling party only believes in intimidation and harassments”, he said.

He noted that in Rivers State, the Failed APC Federal Government is using the EFCC to intimidate government officials, despite a subsisting court judgment on the matter. He said the State Government will not succumb to intimidation.

On the execution of projects, Governor Wike said that his administration will sustain projects delivery till the end of the first term.

He said that the time for political campaigns have been earmarked, pointing out that it will not affect projects execution.

Governor Wike inspected dualisation of the Elelenwo-Akpajo Road, the construction of Judges Quarters in Port Harcourt and the the ongoing construction of Mile One Market.

He was accompanied by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and Rivers State Executive Council.


http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/07/defections-are-due-to-failure-of-apc.html?m=1

Another Nigerian has been killed in South Africa, bringing the number of those killed since January 2016 to 121.
Mr Chibuzo Nwankwo, 42-year-old Enugu State indigene, was shot in the early hours ofFriday at a local bar in Kempton Park, Johannesburg, following a disagreement with an unknown person.
The Nigerian community in South Africa on Saturday confirmed the killing of Nwankwo.
The community said that Nwankwo`s death brings to 121 the number of Nigerians killed in South Africa since January 2016.
Mr Habib Miller, the Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Union in South Africa, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the telephone from Pretoria on Saturday.
“The deceased, a patron of the bar, got drunk and started harassing a female worker.
“Information available to the union said that Nwankwo was chased out by security personnel, but he kept on coming back; became very aggressive and rude before the ugly incident occurred,’’ he said.
Miller said that the South African police later intervened and arrested the murder suspect.
“A murder case has been opened and investigation has started. We call on Nigerians to be calm and allow the law to take its course,” Miller said.
He said the union was against any form of violence, adding that it would monitor the case to ensure that justice prevailed.


http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/07/another-nigerian-killed-in-south-africa.html?m=1

WHATSAPP users are being fooled by a new scam which offers Costa Coffee vouchers for free. Here’s what to look out for and how to avoid being tricked.
If you use WhatsApp there’s a fresh new scam to be aware of.
Users are being targeted by a fraud which attempts to access their personal details via the offer of free vouchers at Costa Coffee.
The issue has been highlighted by consumer group Which?, who are warning WhatsApp's millions of users not to be fooled by the fake freebie.
The message states that to celebrate Costa’s 50th birthday the chain is giving away a free £75 Gift Voucher.
The scam even includes a clever pressure sales tactics which shows a limited amount of these prizes are left.
Once someone clicks on the link they are then asked to fill in personal details so the voucher can be sent to them.
And to make things even worse it also then attempts to get WhatsApp fans to send the message to their friends and family.
Speaking to Which? a Costa Coffee spokesperson said: “Dear Customers, we’ve become aware of a scam using our name offering a £75 voucher to celebrate our 50th birthday.
“This is NOT a Costa offer.
“To get the voucher the scammers require you to share the message on Whatsapp and enter personal details. PLEASE DO NOT DO PROVIDE THIS INFORMATION – we believe it could be used for fraud purposes.”
WhatsApp scams have become increasingly common in recent months with free tickets to UK theme parks being touted across the platform.
A recent fake message to target f ans of the popular app claimed to have come from Legoland with it offering 5 free tickets to 500 families.
Once users click on the link they are taken to a website which gets them to answer questions before finally asking for personal details to be entered.
The shocking scam even includes fake Facebook posts from supposed winners of tickets and a countdown clock which appears to show tickets slowly being won.
Legoland has confirmed that this is not an official post or competition from them and has warned customers to be wary of the offer.
The news of the scams comes as WhatsApp is attempting to stop the spread of fake messages across its service.
The new functionality will allow a "suspicious link" to be detected when it is sent to a user.
Mashable insisted a company representative from WhatsApp had confirmed the feature was being tested.
They said: "To protect your privacy, these checks take place entirely on your device, and because of end-to-end encryption WhatsApp can’t see the content of your messages."
The vital security feature went out to beta testers of the service on Thursday.

http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/07/whatsapp-warning-your-details-are-at.html?m=1

The police in Lagos have arrested an herbalist , James Johnson, for the alleged abduction of a 17 - year - old girl in the Ajah area of Lagos State under false pretences of fortifying her against enemies .
Johnson, 22 , was apprehended along with his accomplice, 28- year - old Emmanuel Emmana, at a hotel they reportedly used as their hideout in the neighborhood.
approached the girl, Bilkis , at her mother ’s shop in Akinyemi Market , Ajah , while he was hawking herbs .
He was said to have told Bilkis that he had a vision that some enemies were going after her and that she needed prayers to fortify herself against any spiritual attacks.
The suspect reportedly asked her to buy coconut and salt for the prayer which she quickly bought around the market .
It was gathered that Johnson subsequently lured her to the hotel for the fortification. He was about to take her into the hotel when her neighbour, who was passing by , saw her and raised the alarm.
Our correspondent learnt that the case was reported to the police at the Elemoro division and Johnson was arrested on July 8 , 2018 . He led the operatives to apprehend Emmana.
Saturday PUNCH was told that a woman , whom the suspects had defrauded on the same spurious vision , was at the hotel that day on an appointment with the suspects .
Johnson, an indigene of Ondo State , said he had carried out five fraudulent operations in the Ajah area before luck ran out on him .
He said , “I started selling herbs in January 2018 . Emmana later joined me and we hawked together. We made people to believe that we have spiritual powers . We have defrauded five persons. There was a woman I collected N30 , 000 from in May 2018 . I took the woman to a village called Kosilu, Ogun State , to meet one man. I was planning to collect N 1 .5 m from her for special prayers , but she later discovered that it was a fraud.”
Emmana, a native of Calabar , Cross River State, said Johnson introduced him to the fraud, adding he only got N 9 ,500 share from the fraud proceeds .
One of the victims , who did not want her name in print, said she had an encounter with Johnson on July 6 , 2018 while parading himself as an alfa – an Islamic cleric . She stated that Johnson hoodwinked her into believing that she was plagued with spiritual problems, lamenting that he had sex with her after defrauding her of N 5 ,000 .
She said , “We met each other around 9 pm that day along the road. He told me some spiritual things about my life and asked me to see him at the hotel the following morning. I went there and he collected N5 , 000 from me for special prayers. He had sex with me as part of the cleansing and collected N1 ,000 when I was leaving. He said I owed him N 2,000 balance and asked me to come back on Sunday, July 8 . I didn’t meet him when I got to the hotel that day. I was waiting for him when some policemen brought him to the hotel. ”
The suspects were consequently arraigned before a Tinubu Magistrate’s Court on three counts bordering on fraud and abduction.
The police prosecutor, Sergeant Oluwafemi Adeleye , told the court that the offences contravened sections 130, 268 and 412 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State , Nigeria, 2015 .
The charges read in part , “That you , John Johnson and Emmanuel Emmana, on July 8 , 2018 , at about 10 am , at Ajah , Eti- Osa Local Government Area , Lagos, in the Lagos Magisterial District, did conspire to commit felony to with ; obtaining money under false pretences.
“That you on the same date time and place , in the aforementioned magisterial district , did abduct one Bilkis, 17 years old , to New Star Hotels , Ajah , where you told her to buy coconut and salt for prayers with the aim of having sex with her and obtaining money from her, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 268 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State , Nigeria, 2015 . ”
The defendants, however , pleaded not guilty before the presiding magistrate , Mrs . F . M. Dalley, who granted them bail in the sum of N50, 000 with two sureties each in the like sum .




http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/07/herbalist-abducts-17-year-old-seeking.html?m=1

The 23 members of Ekiti State House of Assembly on Friday passed vote of confidence on Governor Ayodele Fayose, and dissociated themselves from the alleged plot to impeach the Governor.
Armed policemen allegedly caused a stir when they laid siege on the Assembly premises on Wednesday night to pave way for the three lawmakers of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) to reconvene the plenary, a week after the members have gone on recess.
The move was condemned by Speaker Kolawole Oluwawole at a press briefing on Friday, when he alleged that the Assembly clerk’s signature was forged in a letter purportedly written to request for police cover.
But the chairman, House Committee on information, Samuel Omotoso who spoke with newsmen on behalf of the 23 members at the government house, said they came on a solidarity visit to governor Fayose.
He also expressed displeasure at the siege on the Assembly by the security agents, saying that the members are solidly behind the Governor.
Omotoso said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers were fully in support of the move by the party to retrieve Olusola’s mandate which was allegedly stolen from him.
He said, “we are here on solidarity visit to the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Ayodele Fayose and to show our displeasure to the stealing of the mandate freely given to Prof kolapo Olusola. We also want to use this medium to register our displeasure to the illegality being perpetrated by security agencies threatening to make the state ungovernable.
“As you can see, we are 23 members and 21 is present here. Mrs Titi Owolabi is not here because she is bereaved, and one of us travels oversea. We are 26 members; three are on the other side. We are united and irrevocably committed to the cause of Fayose.
“We are solidly behind him and our party the PDP. We support the decision of the party to go to court to retrieve the stolen mandate and also to tell the whole world that if 23 members are on the same page, we want to see how they want to use three members to perpetrate illegality in the state.
“The tenure of this Governor runs out on October 16 and by the grace of God, he will complete his tenure. We are elected members by our constituents and we will do all the needful to make sure that the interest of our people will be protected. We are very loyal to the cause of our Governor. We are solidly behind him and he will triumph over all his enemies,” he said.



http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/07/impeachment-we-are-very-loyal-fayose.html?m=1

CAC Pastor Dupes Church Members In Akure Ondo State With Fake Job Offers After Collecting Money Pastor James Abiodun Adeniyi Lands In Police Cell

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Operatives in Ondo State Command have arrested one Pastor James Abiodun Adeniyi, for allegedly defrauding his church members.

Adeniyi, who is the founder and officiating pastor of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Freedom City International, located at No 7, Gbogi Street, Akure, was arrested after complaints from members of the public.

The NSCDC Sector Commandant, Mr. Awili Pedro, said the clergy was arrested after complaints from some members of the church who he allegedly duped to the tune of N1.7 million.

Pedro said that the suspect allegedly defrauded an unsuspecting member of his church of N1.7 million by deceiving her to procure passport and visa for her son.

The commander said that Adeniyi also allegedly duped some unsuspecting unemployed youths in his church, by collecting money from them, while promising to help them with employment.

He said the youth, numbering 10, paid between N400,000 and N500,000 into the pastor’s account, but never secured the promised job. Pedro said that trouble started for the suspect when one of the suspects demanded the refund of her money. The pastor failed to pay back, claiming not to be involved in the deal.

Pedro said: “The pastor introduced his accomplice, Olamilekan Omole, to the church, who then connived with the pastor to defraud the unsuspecting victims.

The pastor had been dragged to court by the church youths, who were scammed by Adeniyi, demanding the refund of the money if he could not fulfil his promises.” One of the victims, Mrs. Folashade Olukini, explained that she paid N1.7 million for the procurement of American visa for her son but the pastor and his agent failed to procure the visa.

She said the agent had been on the run and refused to pick his calls for the past two months. Olukini said she had to hold the clergy responsible. She said: “Our pastor guaranteed that the agent was his Personal Assistant.

I started attending his church this year. He introduced his Personal Assistant as a travelling agent who could help to procure American visa. I approached them for my son’s visa. The pastor advised me not to pay until there was directive from God. He called me in February to go on with the arrangement.

I paid for the procurement of the visa by transferring the money into Olamilekan’s account twice, while they assured me the visa would be ready before end of April. “After I had transferred the money to the PA, he stopped picking my call. He disappeared and his phone number stopped going through. I approached the pastor, but said he knew nothing about it.

He promised to get across to the agent but there was no news. I demanded the refund of the money while the pastor claimed to be unaware of what transpired between me and the agent.” Another member of the church, Solomon Dauda, said he had to drag the pastor to court for defrauding him and his family over visa procurement issue.

Adeniyi, however, did not deny the allegations and expressed his readiness to refund the money. According to him, he introduced the victim to Omole, but said the agent had taken to his heels and couldn’t be located.

Adeniyi promised to pay back the money if released from NSCDC custody. He said: “I have agreed to pay back the money. The money was paid into Omole’s account but I promised to pay back the money. They need to give some me a little time.” The NSCDC commandant, however, said the suspect would be handed over to the police.


http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/07/cac-pastor-dupes-church-members-with.html?m=1

Abdulfatah Ahmed, governor of Kwara state, says he might quit the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He gave the hint when he played host to stakeholders in Kwara central senatorial district on Thursday.

According to Wahab Oba, chief press secretary to the governor, the stakeholders prevailed on Ahmed and Senate President Bukola Saraki to immediately dump the APC.

Ahmed, who agreed with them that the party has not met the expectations of the people of Kwara, recalled how stakeholders in the ruling APC in the state built the party in 2014.

He expressed disappointed over the “failure” of the government at national level to address insecurity, economy and unemployment challenges confronting the nation.

More to follow…


http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/07/breaking-i-may-dump-apc-says-kwara.html?m=1

Saraki and Speaker Yakubu Dogara are delaying their defection to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to guard their positions and make a big impact when they quit the ruling party, sources told Daily Trust last night. 

Some henchmen of Saraki and Dogara defectedfrom the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the PDP yesterday.

In the Senate, 14 senators left APC. While 12 joined the PDP, two others joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Senators that joined the PDP are: Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (Kano); Rafiu Ibrahim (Kwara); Shaba Lafiagi (Kwara); Bayero Nafada (Gombe); Ubale Shittu (Jigawa); Dino Melaye (Kogi); Abdullahi Danbaba (Sokoto); Isa Hamma Misau (Bauchi); Suleiman Nazif (Bauchi); Suleiman Hunkuyi (Kaduna); Barnabas Gemade (Benue) and Lanre Tejuoso (Ogun).


Monsurat Sumonu (Oyo) and Abdulaziz Nyako (Adamawa) opted for the ADC.


With this, the APC has slim majority with 53 senators, while the PDP has 50. ADC and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) have two senators each, bringing the total to 107 senators. Two seat are vacant in Bauchi and Katsina states following the demise of Senators Ali Wakili and Mustapha Bukar respectively.

One of the senators initially listed among defectors to PDP, Adesoji Rilwan Akanbi (Oyo State), later told journalists that he remains a bonafidemember of the APC.


"I Knew Nothing About...

"I Knew Nothing About Football, But I Bet And Won Big"

secure.calch.gdn

Click here

    

MenuHomeAbout UsContact us



MenuHomeLocal NewsPoliticsEntertainmentMusic Mp3FinanceReligionFootballWweFashionHealthEducationTechCrimesWorld News

Free virus protection

National science teachers association

Why Saraki, Dogara ‘remained’ in APC

by Michael Baiyeri on July 25, 2018 in Politics




Saraki and Speaker Yakubu Dogara are delaying their defection to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to guard their positions and make a big impact when they quit the ruling party, sources told Daily Trust last night. 

Some henchmen of Saraki and Dogara defectedfrom the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the PDP yesterday.

In the Senate, 14 senators left APC. While 12 joined the PDP, two others joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Senators that joined the PDP are: Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (Kano); Rafiu Ibrahim (Kwara); Shaba Lafiagi (Kwara); Bayero Nafada (Gombe); Ubale Shittu (Jigawa); Dino Melaye (Kogi); Abdullahi Danbaba (Sokoto); Isa Hamma Misau (Bauchi); Suleiman Nazif (Bauchi); Suleiman Hunkuyi (Kaduna); Barnabas Gemade (Benue) and Lanre Tejuoso (Ogun).


Monsurat Sumonu (Oyo) and Abdulaziz Nyako (Adamawa) opted for the ADC.


With this, the APC has slim majority with 53 senators, while the PDP has 50. ADC and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) have two senators each, bringing the total to 107 senators. Two seat are vacant in Bauchi and Katsina states following the demise of Senators Ali Wakili and Mustapha Bukar respectively.

One of the senators initially listed among defectors to PDP, Adesoji Rilwan Akanbi (Oyo State), later told journalists that he remains a bonafidemember of the APC.

In the House of Representatives, 37 lawmakers of the APC left the party, with 32 joining the PDP, and four from Oyo State joining the ADC.

Some of the 32 defectors to the PDP included Ahmed Rufai Chanchangi (Kaduna), Razak Atunwa (Kwara), Aliyu Sani Madaki (Kano), Hassan Saleh (Benue), Mark Gbillah (Benue), Aliyu Hamman Pategi (Kwara), Aminu Shagari (Sokoto), Abdussamad Dasuki (Sokoto), Emmanuel Oker-Jev (Benue), Nasiru Sule Garo (Kano).

Others were Zakari Mohammed (Kwara), Hassan Omale (Benue), Funke Adedoyin (Kwara), Tope Olayuonu (Kwara), Dickson Takghir (Benue), Bode Ayorinde (Ondo), among others.

The four lawmakers who defected to the ADC were Taiwo Akintola (Oyo), Olufemi Samson (Oyo), Sunday Adepoju (Oyo) and Wole Olasupo (Oyo).

In the House of Reps now, the composition of the Green Chamber stands at APC, 192; PDP, 156; APGA, 5; ADC, 4; Accord, 1; SDP, 1; and a vacant seat over a deceased member.

Meanwhile, House Leader Femi Gbajabiamila told journalists that the defectedmembers were in desperate search for tickets for the 2019 general election.


Saraki, Dogara ‘bidding time’


All the lawmakers from Kwara State and a few loyalists to Dogara from Bauchi State have joined the PDP, the two leaders are delaying their defection to create a bigger impact.

One of the sources said, “For now, Saraki and Dogara are closely watching how the events of yesterday would be responded to by the Presidency, other power brokers and Nigerians. However, I want to assure you that many PDP legislators would defect to APC soon.

“But one thing is certain, the two principal officers are already out of the APC, I can assure you that in the coming days, they would move to the PDP alongside some governors, more senators and Rep members just the way we would receive some, so it is not yet over,” he said.

He said for now, it is certain that Governors Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara) and Samuel Ortom (Benue) would defect to the PDP but expressed doubts on where Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto) stands.

According to him, “If you remember, some APC governors led by Abdulaziz Yari and Kashim Shettima had met with Tambuwal in Sokoto. They actually cautioned him against moving to the PDP because he would not get what he wants, which is the presidential ticket; I think he agreed.” 

Another source said there is a marked difference between the defections of nPDP in 2015 and what happened yesterday.

“All those that defectedyesterday were much stronger and influential politically in 2015. With the exception of Saraki, many of them have lost out in their states,” he said.

A source in PDP told Daily Trust in a telephone interview that Saraki and Dogara will leave very soon. 

“It won’t be long at all. Saraki and Dogara are principal officers in the National ‎Assembly so they don’t want to rock the boat yet. The two officers are like shepherd. ‎They can’t stay behind when the flock is gone. So the defection is going to be holistic; they are already half-way into the PDP, there is no two ways about it,” he said

http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/07/why-saraki-dogara-remained-in-apc.html?m=1

The Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris was at the presidential villa in Abuja three times on Tuesday, DAILY POST reports.
Idris was summoned by the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari to meet President Muhammadu Buhari.
He also met with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in what was a marathon meeting.
This was consequent upon the Police siege at the official residences of the Senate President , Bukola Saraki and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu.
DAILY POST gathered that at the first meeting that held before noon, Idris was asked to explain the conduct of his men.
The IGP then requested to speak with his officers and report back to the presidency.
He returned to Aso Rock twice in the day, as the presidency scrambled defence of the siege that triggered condemnations from Nigerians, the opposition and even members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
As Idris was shuttling the Force Headquarters and the seat of power, word got out to the media that he was close to being sacked.
But the IGP, who spoke through his media adviser, Bala Ibrahim said he was never summoned by the president to the State House.
Ibrahim claimed that the head of the Nigeria Police only visited the the President and Vice President for routine discussions.
“Nobody summoned the IG. He was just there three times today to make some consultations. There are even some days that IG visits Villa more than 3 times.
“You know Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is a professor of Law, so there are certain decisions on policing that require some consultations in order to avoid violating the law,” Ibrahim told Daily Nigerian.
However, the Presidency has condemned what it described as “the orchestrated campaign against President Muhammadu Buhari” each time a Very Important Person (VIP) is invited by the law enforcement agencies.
Presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, stated that the law of the land is intended for all, not for the poor or those at the lowest rungs of the social ladder.
Meanwhile, an APC official told DAILY POST Tuesday night that the whole situation was embarrassing.
The chieftain, who played a key role in the party’s national convention in June, said: “Some of us are angry and embarrassed”.
“People are saying the executive is using its power to victimise the other arms – the executive and judiciary – and this is what we witnessed. You can’t be invading people’s houses in a democracy, it would attract condemnation whether you’re right or wrong.
“How could an agency write a letter asking someone to appear same day at 10am. Even people like you and I can’t be invited like that, let alone a National Assembly leader…he’s even a lawyer (Senator Ike Ekweremadu).
“Everybody has its value, we should be welcoming more members and not lose those with us. We insisted on reconciliation but some people were going to tell the president something else. Look at the mess we are in.
“Since morning, I have not picked some calls because I don’t even know what to say. There will be more defections and you can see that events are gradually unfolding in some states. Honestly, this matter has degenerated,” he lamented.

http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/07/how-ig-of-police-visited-aso-rock.html?m=1

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Tuesday disclosed that bribes totaling N402bn were paid to judges, police, customs officers, public utilities officers, teachers/lecturers, doctors, etc. in 2016.
The largest public sectors to receive these bribes were the police, judges and magistrates, and customs officers.
Director, Real Sector and Household Statistics, NBS, Dr. Isiaka Olarenwaju, said this at the Stakeholders Summit on Corruption in Nigeria in Abuja on Tuesday.
The summit was themed Evidence Based Interventions for Collective Impact and centered on mobilizing youth to fight corruption in any and all spheres of society.
According to Olarenwaju, the National Corruption Survey which reported as from August 2017, almost a third of Nigerian citizens pay bribes when in contact with public officials.
“Out of 100 individuals only 20 would refuse to pay bribes,” he said.
“Nigeria has experienced this menace for a long time but is now tackling it head on.”
Assistant Director, Education Department, Independent Corrupt Practiced Commission, Azuka Ogugua, hampered on the need for educational reform to sensitize youths on anti-corruption.
“No nation can rise above the level of our educational standard,” she said.
“ICPC is applying renewed vigor to proactive corruption prevention and anti-corruption education in the strong belief that therein lies sustainable gains in the anticorruption crusade.
“We are working towards the prevention of corruption via system study.”
She also implored Nigerians play their own parts by using the ICPC hotline to report any cases of corrupt acts, processes and procedures.


http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/07/judges-police-others-receive-n402bn.html?m=1

There was mild drama in the Senate on Tuesday as the Senate Leader, Ahmed Lawan, tried to stop the mass defection of some lawmakers from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

PREMIUM TIMES reported how 15 senators left the ruling party, Majority announced they were joining the main opposition party, PDP.

They said they made the decision to decamp after due consultation with their constituentsand stakeholders in their constituencies.

Shortly after the letter of the first 14 lawmakers was read by the Senate President, Mr Lawan stood up to oppose the defection. He said disagreement in the APC does not translate to factionalisation of the party, which is the basis upon which a lawmaker could abandon his party.

The chamber was then thrown into a rowdy session as the newly-defected lawmakers disagreed with his statement and tried to stop him from talking.

However, after a few moment, Mr Lawan continued. He said it is true the APC has its own internal challenges and members have internal disagreements.

He, however, demanded that the announcement of defections be “contained” so as to let leaders of the party address the issue.

“We all know how so much efforts by so many stakeholders to address the issues that bedevil this party and disagreements do not translate to factionalisation.

“I feel our senators of the APC stock will not have to move to another other party. I also believe that because the issues are under serious discussion by the major leaders and stakeholders of this party, I will ask Mr President that, that announcement be quarantined – contained; and give us leaders of the party an opportunity to use all avenues to address.

“Mr President, very seriously speaking, this matter should be stepped down until we exhaust…

In his response, Mr Saraki made reference to the absence of the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, at plenary due to the siege laid by security operatives at his Abuja residence.

“Your point of explanation is noted. I’m sure that you have seen the seat beside you is absent. As we speak now, the deputy senate president cannot get out of his house, he’s under siege,” he said, saying he escaped a similar experience.

“This is not something that has started today, it will not end today. People have gone and come back, but these kind of actions do not allow for what you are speaking. You have been here for many years and as such – DSP – as we are speaking cannot come out of his house,” he said.

He thereafter announced that another senator, Abdulazeez Nyako, added his name to the listof defectors.

Mr Saraki said he noted the Senate leader’s stance, but could not prevent lawmakers from leaving the APC.

“I don’t believe it should come to this level where people are kept under siege for something at the end of the day is personal to them. So it is noted,” he added



http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/07/how-senate-leader-failed-to-stop-mass.html?m=1

News Coming In From Kano State Has It That 22 APC State House Of Assembly Members Have Defected To PDP Including The Speaker.

Senate President, Bukola Saraki is expected to defect to PDP in 24hours

http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/07/22-apc-house-of-assembly-members.html?m=1

The Reformed- All Progressives Congress on Sunday berated the Buhari administration, saying it is not a promise keeper .

It said , “This government is never a promise keeper and some of the promises contained in the manifestos of the APC have been jettisoned .

“The President, who has held himself in the inner sanctuary of the Presidential Villa is all of a sudden , opening his doors to one meeting or the other all in the name of re- election .

“Just to make the point that it is too late in the day; the train has left the station . Leopardscannot change their spots no matter how much one tries to tame them. ”

The R- APC urged its members to remain steadfast and resolute in defending their rights and taking the appropriate action in defence of democracy .

It stated, “This democracy must survive on ethical grounds and not on lawlessness and exclusion. It must provide a level playing field for all participants . Those who prevented some persons from visiting their states in the name of politics have suddenly realised that they need the services and support of those persons.

“They are now pleading; ready to submit to all demands . Who does not know that won’ t work because examples have shown that political agreements are often observed in the breach . ”

The group told its members nationwide that it was still maintaining its stand against the APC “and no amount of carrots , intimidation and harassment can dissuade us in our shared commitment to rescue this democracy .”

However, there were indications that the APC on Sunday met with the leaders of the R- APC , including Alhaji Buba Galadima .

A top member of the APC , who confided in one of our correspondents in Abuja , said the APC delegates led by the National Chairman, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole , met Galadima at the residence of a former governor of Kano State , Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso , very early on Sunday.

The aggrieved members of the APC had after the national convention of the party formed a faction they called R- APC . They had alleged marginalisation and injustice by the APC against them .

But Oshiomhole had in an interview with journalists said there was no faction in the APC

http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/07/apc-govt-not-promise-keeper-r-apc.html?m=1

FORMER chairman of the new Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP), Alhaji Kawu Baraje, has described as desperation, move by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to woo the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and other aggrieved members of the party.
Reacting to media reports on plan by presidency to offer the Senate President and others juicy positions to stop them from defecting to other political parties, Baraje said though, he was not aware of such offer, but expressed surprise that such offer would be coming after three years in office of the present administration of the APC under President Muhammadu Buhari.
He said that the juicy positions being promised Saraki and others were rather too late, describing the present time as “eve of the 2019 general elections.”
“As far as I know, there is no juicy position that can replace the kind of embarrassment, debasement and horrifying experiences many of us have suffered and gone through in the hands of some few mischievous members of the APC, it’s quite unfortunate,” he added.

http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/07/saraki-supporters-have-decided-to-dump.html?m=1

British Government has frowned at the alleged vote-buying, which marred the recent Ekiti State governorship election.
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Arkwright, described vote-buying as a form of electoral misconduct like rigging and ballot stuffing.
He stated this while addressing journalists shortly after a meeting with the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, in Abuja on Friday.
He said, “I was there in Ekiti to monitor elections and I heard a lot of reports of alleged vote buying and we are convinced that some vote buying went on. I condemn it. Vote buying is illegal; it is against the law, it is just as vote rigging, it is just as bad as ballot stuffing.
“We cannot make a distinction when all these activities are illegal so I condemn that. What are we going to do about it? Well we just had a meeting with the chairman of INEC, we have been talking about public awareness and how the political parties themselves can take responsibility for condemning this action and not continuing it.
“We do hope that 2019 will be free, fair, credible and of course, peaceful elections.”
The British envoy, however, commended INEC for the conduct of elections in recent times, saying the UK government had faith in INEC and its leadership.
He added, “I think the election process itself went well, the materials were there, the security forces kept their distance and did manage to keep a peaceful election and we are seeing progress in how INEC is carrying out each election. So, we have confidence in INEC and the chairman.

http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/07/british-government-mocks-nigeria.html?m=1

The supremacy tussle between heavyweight music divas, Tiwa Savage and Yemi Alade has gotten messier than expected as both singers have ceased to follow each other on social media.
The cold war recently began when Yemi Alade rated herself equal to Tiwa Savage, Wizkid, Davido, Olamide and other A’list music acts ruling the Nigerian music scene during a radio interview.
To worsen matters, Yemi Alade refused to defend Tiwa when the Radio Presenter simply known as Misi, said unlike Yemi who is a good singer, Tiwa only shouts.
Obviously pained by Yemi Alade’s betrayal by refusing to defend her, Tiwa wasted no time in reacting to the development. To prove Misi wrong, she shared a video of herself singing beautifully on social media and made allusions to Misi begging for financial assistance from her, an accusation Misi has since denied.


link: http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/07/tiwa-savage-yemi-alade-supremacy-tussle.html?m=1

Citing security reasons, embattled Sen. Dino Melaye (APC-Kogi West), has suspended the inauguration of his constituency projects.
He also on Friday announced he had put on hold, the planned thanksgiving service to thank God for surviving alleged attacks.
Melaye said this in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Gideon Ayodele, and made available to newsmen in Lokoja.
He said the tour of his constituency and inauguration of projects which commenced on July 18, was marred by violence.
“You would recall that several weeks ago I announced plan to tour my Kogi West senatorial district and as well use the opportunity to commission numerous projects I facilitated for my constituents in different locations.
“The inauguration of projects started on Wednesday, July 18, despite the unwarranted arson on two schools in Lokoja Local Government area, which can only be the handiwork of my political enemies.
“It has become necessary to put out this statement in the face of Thursday’s unprovoked Police assault on my entourage while returning from Yagba Federal Constituency where I went to commission my constiuency projects,” he said.
Melaye added that all the programmes were expected to culminate in a Grand Finale/Thanksgiving Service on Saturday in his hometown, Aiyetoro-Gbede.

Link: http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/07/melaye-suspends-inauguration-of-projects.html?m=1

The Zamfara State Police command confirmed on Friday that two persons were killed by unknown gunmen in Bungudu local government area of the state.
Three other persons were injured in the attack.
The Command’s spokesman, Muhammad Shehu, said the incident occurred on Thursday evening at Karakai market.
He said: “There were sporadic gun shots by unknown gunmen at the market. We recorded the death of two persons while three others were injured.
“During the attack, the police team at the market could not exchange fire with the attackers to avoid further loss of lives and property.
“However, the attackers used the crowd as human shield to escape from the scene.
“Normalcy has been restored with patrol teams keeping vigilance in the affected environs.
“Investigation has commenced with a view to fishing out and arresting the perpetrators of the attack.”


Link: http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/07/gunmen-kill-two-in-zamfara-mark.html?m=1

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has declared that he is leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC) for good.
He told members of OnTiv Professionals Association in Abuja that he would not return to the party for any reason.
Ortom spoke a few hours after emerging from a peace meeting with the APC national chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole where he said he had not dumped the party and had expressed hope of a peaceful resolution of the crisis in the party.

link:

http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/07/i-am-leaving-apc-for-good-no-going-back.html?m=1

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps will need N310 m to feed and administer drugs to dogs that will be deployed in states for the 2019 elections.
The Nigeria Police Force will also require N 7 m to feed 50 horses that would be used for patrol during the elections which will take place between February 16 and March 2, 2019 .
The information is contained in the 2018 virement proposal sent to the National Assembly for the 2019 general election by President Muhammadu Buhari .
The total police budget for the elections stands at N30 . 5 bn ; the Office of the National Security Adviser , N4. 2bn ; the Department of State Services, N 12 .2 bn; NSCDC , N 3 .5 bn and the Nigeria Immigration Service , N2. 6 bn .



link: http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/07/2019-polls-police-civil-defence-demand.html?m=1

Jubilations in Kabba as H Solomon Dele Owoniyi has been ann New Obaro of Kabba.
Recall that the former Obaro of Kabb Folorunsho Olobayo died 2yrs a ancestors after a protracted illness. He was and spent 30 years seven months on the throne.
Oba Olobayo, a highly educated man and a profound charismatic leader ascended th forefathers in October 17, 1985.
His reign witnessed tremendous developments as th ancient town of Kabba went through various p and aesthetic transformations.
Congratulations Kabba
Congratulations Oweland
Congratulation Okun Land
Details later

http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/07/oba-solomon-dele-owoniyi-confirmed-as.html?m=1

And buhari is underrated abi? Pls go for brain surgery....

PEEVED by the armed police men protest in Maiduguri, capital of Borno state, Members of the House of Representatives, on Wednesday demanded for the removal of the Inspector General of Police, Idris Ibrahim and asked the Federal Government to look for a competent replacement.
To this end, the House resolved to set up an adhoc committee to dig deeper into the matter and report back to the House within two weeks.
This was sequel to a motion under matters of public importance, promoted by Rep Kingsley Ogundu Chinda, PDP, Rivers.

Details soon…

link: http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/07/breaking-reps-demand-removal-of-igp.html?m=1

Former Governor of Kano state, Rabiu Kwankwaso and some other notable members of the new Peoples Democratic Party, nPDP, may have dumped the All Progressives Congress, APC, party, reports making the rounds claim.
Kwankwaso’s spokesperson, Binta Spikin who took to her Facebook page to hint corroboration of the reports said of a brilliant political move that is about to take place in the country.
According to her, “Keep a date. Today at 2pm, you will witness the most brilliant political move of our time; Well-done all.”
Many of Kwankwaso’s supporters have equally taken to the social media to announce that their leader will officially announce his defection Wednesday afternoon.
Muazu Magaji who was hi Senior Special Assistant on Projects while he was still the Governor of the state took the lead to announce that his former boss had dumped the APC.
According to him, “Rabiu Kwankwaso dumps APC.”
“There is massive jubilation across Kano and the rest of Nigeria as the former governor of Kano state, Rabiu Kwankwaso dumps APC, reveals to PDP, other parties how to dislodge Buhari from the Villa in 2019.”
Details soon…


link: http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/07/kwankwaso-other-npdp-members-allegedly.html?m=1

08104005657

The Police Command in Plateau has confirmed the killing of 11 persons in attacks on Razat, Ruku, Nyarr, Kura and Gana - Ropp villages of Gashish District in Barkin Ladi Local Government .

Also hit were Daffo and Kuba communities in Bokkos Local Government .

Mr Terna Tyopev , the command’s spokesman, told the News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) on Sunday in Jos that many other villages were hit by the gunmen suspected to be herdsmen .

“The gunmen invaded the villages on Saturday and killed several people. Based on the number of corpses recovered and buried, we can confirm 11 killed ,” he said .

He said , however , that more people might have died because many families had buried their dead relatives before the Policemen arrived ,” he said .

Tyopev said that some dead bodies had been deposited at the Jos University Teaching Hospital ( JUTH ) mortuary, adding that security had been beefed up in affected villages to restore peace .

Click to read full story: http://www.thengtimes.com/2018/06/police-confirm-11-persons-killed-in.html?m=1