₦airaland Forum

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/03/pdp-vs-apc-man-who-drank-gutter-water.html

TITOPE-BLOG

Aliyu Mohammed Sani, the man who swam and drank drainage water to celebrate President Muhammadu Buhari’s victory has dismissed rumour of his death.

Report went viral on Tuesday that Sani died after swimming in and drinking water from a drainage (gutter) to mark Buhari’s victory over Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Sani, a painter, also waved aside claims that he was taken to hospital over any form of complication.

Sani had vowed to jump into a gutter and drink the drainage water if President Buhari wins re-election.

Sani told Daily Trust on Wednesday that report about his death was a fabrication and fake news relayed on the social media.

Sani kept his promise after INEC announced that President has won the election.

The picture of Sani who did the ‘4+4’ sign after emerging from the gutter went viral.

However, on Tuesday, March 5, he was said to have died after battling with gastrointestinal bleeding in the hospital for days after his public stunt.

He said, “As I am talking to you now, I am on my way back to Bauchi after we finished a painting work somewhere outside Bauchi.

“It is true, I made the promise before the elections and I fulfilled it and I have no regrets.”

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TITOPE-BLOG

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Plateau State has commenced a refresher training for its ad-hoc officials to mitigate against hitches experienced during the Feb. 23 Presidential and National Assembly elections.

INEC’s Head of Voter Education and Publicity in Plateau, Mr. Osaretin Imahiyereobo, made this disclosure on Tuesday in Jos at a town hall meeting on Voter Education, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

The meeting was organised by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in collaboration with a private radio station to review the lessons learnt during the national elections and proffer solutions.

Imahiyereobo said the training was for confidence building for the staff as well as to acquire more requisite skills ahead of the March 9 Governorship and State House of Assembly elections.

“We received reports that many ad-hoc officials were intimidated at polling units to use manual polling which is zero voting.

“We want them to have the boldness and courage to coordinate the activities of their polling units because they are representatives of the INEC chairman,” he said.

He added that INEC guidelines must be adhered to including using the card reader machines, adding that where there were hitches, its technical officials would address such.

“All the card reader machines are working, but the ad-hoc officials may not be effective in using them hence the training. The use of the machine would prevent multiple voting,” he said.

The INEC official urged voters to be patient with the machines and cooperate with officials to enable them to conduct the forthcoming elections successfully.

Mr. Bulus Dabit, the Director of NOA in Plateau said that the Agency was worried about the number of invalid votes recorded during the last elections, saying voter education was critical to ensure votes counted.

“I want to commend voters in the last elections for being resilient and coming out en masse to exercise their franchise.

“We want to appeal to political parties and traditional leaders to educate electorates on how to vote accurately,” he said.

Narrating the challenges of the last elections, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Akeem Yusuf in Plateau stated that some INEC officials were overwhelmed with some of the challenges they encountered at their various polling units.

“Some challenges were what the officials can address but some of them were afraid to take appropriate measures, they need reorientation to address this issue,” he said.

NAN reports that participants at the town hall meeting included security agencies, faith-based organisations, civil society organisations and journalists among others.

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/03/march-9-election-inec-retrains-ad-hoc.html

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/03/no-living-nigerian-has-given-country.html

TITOPE-BLOG

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar, has hailed ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo for his contributions to Nigeria as a whole.

Atiku, while celebrating with Obasanjo as he clocks 82 today, described the ex-president as the “only living Nigerian that has given much to Nigeria”.

According to him, Obasanjo has given so much to Nigeria in “peacetime and at war”.

The former Vice President, on his Twitter page, wrote: “On his very happy 82nd birthday to you, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. No living Nigerian has given as much to Nigeria in peacetime and in war as you have.

“May almighty God grant you many more years in good health and continued service to Nigeria and the world at large.”

Recall that the former president had before the presidential election made a U-turn and endorsed Atiku Abubakar whom he earlier accused and condemned over corruption claims.

Obasanjo has, however, remained silent since the presidential result was announced with President Muhammadu Buhari re-elected.

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The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar, has hailed ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo for his contributions to Nigeria as a whole.

Atiku, while celebrating with Obasanjo as he clocks 82 today, described the ex-president as the “only living Nigerian that has given much to Nigeria”.

According to him, Obasanjo has given so much to Nigeria in “peacetime and at war”.

The former Vice President, on his Twitter page, wrote: “On his very happy 82nd birthday to you, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. No living Nigerian has given as much to Nigeria in peacetime and in war as you have.

“May almighty God grant you many more years in good health and continued service to Nigeria and the world at large.”

Recall that the former president had before the presidential election made a U-turn and endorsed Atiku Abubakar whom he earlier accused and condemned over corruption claims.

Obasanjo has, however, remained silent since the presidential result was announced with President Muhammadu Buhari re-elected.

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http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/02/alleged-n39bn-fraud-late-badehs-company.html

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, has fixed March 4, for the company of late Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, Iyalikam Nigeria Limited, to open its defence.

Iyalikam Nigeria Limited was standing trial along with Badeh on an amended 14-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, abuse of office and money laundering to the tune of N3.9 million.

EFCC spokesman, Tony Orilade, in a statement said the trial judge had at the last sitting of January 16, 2019 fixed February 26, 2019, for the continuation of the case, giving time for the prosecution and the defence to decide on the direction that they would want the Court to go with regards to the trial, following the death of Badeh on December 18, 2018.

At the resumed sitting, today, at the court presided by Justice Okon Abang, Samuel Zibiri, who held brief for S.T. Ologunorisa, SAN, lead counsel for the company, informed the court that the first defendant died intestate, and so it fell on the second defendant to open the defence.

He then reportedly requested for a “very short” adjournment to enable Iyalikam Nigeria Limited’s team to do the needful.

Prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, was said no to have raised any objections.

Justice Abang, thereafter, adjourned for the company to open its defence.

It will be recalled that the EFCC had closed its case against the late Badeh and the company, on October 23, 2018 after calling 21 witnesses, thus necessitating the need for the defence to open its case, before the unfortunate incident of his death.

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/02/how-buhari-atiku-performed-in-32-states.html

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, President Muhammadu Buhari, is currently leading the race in the presidential election conducted on Saturday.

Results obtained from States collation Centers by us showed that President Buhari is coasting to victory with a wide margin of votes as against his Peoples Democratic Party, PDP challenger, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

While Atiku has gained more votes, winning the incumbent President with wide margins in States in the South East and some in South-South, Buhari has gathered insurmountable strength in the North.

A total of 73 presidential candidates are participating in the election which began on Saturday.

In the result obtained so far by us, President Muhammadu Buhari garnered 12, 025, 131 while Atiku has polled 8,570,758.

See details of results as released by states:
Presidential Election
State Collation Result State APC PDP
Ekiti State presidential result EKITI 219,231 154,032
Ondo State presidential result ONDO 241,769 275,901
Gombe State presidential result GOMBE 402, 961 138, 484
Osun State presidential result OSUN 347,634 337,377
Kwara State presidential result KWARA 308,984 138,184
Nasarawa State presidential result NASARAWA 289,903 283,847
Oyo State presidential result OYO 365,229 366,640
Benue State presidential result BENUE 347,668 355,255
Adamawa State presidential result ADAMAWA 378,076 410,266
Kaduna State presidential result KADUNA 993,482 613,318
Imo State presidential result IMO 140,463 334,923
Plateau State presidential result PLATEAU 468,555 548,665
9 of 23 LGAs declared RIVERS 71,734 222,045
Yobe State presidential result YOBE 497,914 50,763
Kastina State presidential result KATSINA 1,232,133 308,256
Enugu State presidential result ENUGU 54,423 355,553
Lagos presidential result LAGOS 580,814 448,016
Kogi State presidential result KOGI 285,894 218,207
21 of 23 LGAs declared SOKOTO 445,275 328, 411
Anambra State presidential result ANAMBRA 31,452 487,550
FCT presidential result FCT 152,224 259,997
Kano State presidential result KANO 1,464,768 391,573
Ebonyi State presidential result EBONYI 90,726 258,573
11 of 27 LGAs declared BORNO 158,246 4,771
Akwa Ibom state presidential result AKWA IBOM 175,429 397,831
Ogun state presidential result OGUN 281,762 194,655
Jigawa state presidential result JIGAWA 794,738 289,895
Abia state presidential result ABIA 85,058 219,698
Niger state presidential result NIGER 612,371 218,052
Imo state presidential result IMO 140,463 334,923
Edo state presidential result EDO 267,842 275,691
Bauchi state presidential result BAUCHI 798,428 209,313
Cross River state presidential result CROSS RIVER 117,303 295,737



TOTAL 12,439,991 9,259,507

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/02/election-result-winner-of-nasarawa-west.html

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Sen. Abdullahi Adamu of All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of Nasarawa West Senatorial District election with 115,298 votes in the election held on Saturday.

Adamu, who is a former governor of the state, defeated his close rival, Alhaji Bala Ahmed Aliyu of PDP, who scored 85,615, to return to the Senate for a third term.

The returning officer, Prof. Ahmed Yakubu, made the declaration in Keffi on Monday.

He said that the total votes cast were 238,000, valid votes were 232,494 and the rejected votes was 5,506.

Speaking further, Yakubu said that the number of registered voters was 696,877 and accredited voters were 249,877.

“Sen. Abdullahi Adamu of APC scored 115,298 votes,Alhaji Bala Ahmed Aliyu of PDP scored 85,615 votes, while Dr. K’tso Nghargbu of APGA scored 28,857 votes.

“By the power conferred on me as the Returning Officer of this election, I, Prof. Ahmed Yakubu, certify that Sen. Abdullahi Adamu of APC having satisfied the requirements of law and secured the highest number of votes is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected,’’ the returning officer said.

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http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/02/adamawa-election-result-atiku-leads.html

The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar is in the lead of the presidential election in his Adamawa State upon the collation of results from 15 of the 21 LGAs of the state.

As at 9am on Monday, Atiku was leading President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who had led in the initial results.

Atiku polled a total of 292,440 votes to beat Buhari who got 279,264 votes in the 15 LGAs.

Atiku won in Numan, Demsa, Hong, Guyuk, Lamurde, Madagali and Mayo Belwa, while Buhari had higher votes in Mubi North, Shelleng, Girei, Yola North, Ganye, Yola South, Mubi South and Maiha.

Results from the remaining six LGAs of the state are being awaited.

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http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/02/2019-presidency-inec-reveals-only-thing.html

Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says “only an act of God” can stop the conduct of the rescheduled Presidential and National Assembly election slated for Saturday.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu stated this in Abuja while addressing a cross-section of the diplomatic community and international election monitoring groups in Nigeria, for the 2019 General Election.

The briefing, which was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in conjunction with INEC, is aimed at engaging with friends and partners of Nigeria on the rescheduled election.

Yakubu, who was represented by an INEC National Commissioner, Dr Mustapha Lecky, said that the commission had put in place everything possible to ensure the elections hold on Saturday.

The INEC boss said that the commission had no reason to feel that anything would stop the conduct of the election on Feb 23.

He said the commission has developed a six-point agenda of what needed to be done to ensure success of the election

He also said that the commission has completed the deployment of materials.

“We believe that as a prayerful nation the act of God has been assuaged and that things will go right, we have no reason to feel that anything will go wrong.

“We have received all the materials, they have been checked, audited people have been informed, party agents have gone there to check,” he said.

The official said that INEC had already taken responsibility for the postponement and that the body was committed to surpass achievement of previous elections in the country.

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/02/elections-inec-gives-timeline-of.html

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Jigawa State has confirmed that all the sensitivities materials will arrived at all the 27 local government areas of the state by 10pm today.

The confirmation was made by the Jigawa state Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Dr Muhammad Isah, while briefing newsmen at the commission’s headquarters in Dutse.

He explained that the commission has began the process of sorting out sensitive materials since yesterday, and was hoping to finish by 5pm.

Isah added that the commission will begin distribution of the sensitive materials by 7pm hoping to dispatched the items to all the 27 local government councils before 10pm of today, Wednesday.

He said in its effort to conduct free and fair election after the postponement of the election, the commission has involved all the relevant stallholders while sending the materials back to the CBN to ensure the safety of the materials at the Central Bank of Nigeria.

He however stated that the commission had recruited 20,000 ad hoc staff for the conduct of the election and had provided additional 325 card readers as a backup.

The REC added that the commission is committed to ensuring that the exercise is transparent , as it invited all relevant stakeholders to witness the exercise.


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http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/02/buhari-swears-in-8-permanent-secretaries.html

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday swore in eight new Federal Permanent Secretaries.

The president inaugurated the permanent secretaries shortly before the commencement of the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

The newly inaugurated permanent secretaries are: Dr. Bakari Wadinga (Adamawa), Dr. Mohammed Dikwa (Borno), Dr. (Mrs) Ajani Magdalene N. Olor (Delta), Umakhihe Ernest Afolabi (Edo), Mbaeri Maurice Nnamdi (Imo), Babatunde Lawal (Lagos), Mr. Festus Yusuf Narai Daudu (Nasarawa) and Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, (Osun).

The inauguration ceremony was made at the council chamber of the presidential villa, Abuja.

Until their appointments as permanent secretaries, they were directors in the civil service.

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday swore in eight new Federal Permanent Secretaries.

The president inaugurated the permanent secretaries shortly before the commencement of the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

The newly inaugurated permanent secretaries are: Dr. Bakari Wadinga (Adamawa), Dr. Mohammed Dikwa (Borno), Dr. (Mrs) Ajani Magdalene N. Olor (Delta), Umakhihe Ernest Afolabi (Edo), Mbaeri Maurice Nnamdi (Imo), Babatunde Lawal (Lagos), Mr. Festus Yusuf Narai Daudu (Nasarawa) and Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, (Osun).

The inauguration ceremony was made at the council chamber of the presidential villa, Abuja.

Until their appointments as permanent secretaries, they were directors in the civil service.

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday swore in eight new Federal Permanent Secretaries.

The president inaugurated the permanent secretaries shortly before the commencement of the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

The newly inaugurated permanent secretaries are: Dr. Bakari Wadinga (Adamawa), Dr. Mohammed Dikwa (Borno), Dr. (Mrs) Ajani Magdalene N. Olor (Delta), Umakhihe Ernest Afolabi (Edo), Mbaeri Maurice Nnamdi (Imo), Babatunde Lawal (Lagos), Mr. Festus Yusuf Narai Daudu (Nasarawa) and Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, (Osun).

The inauguration ceremony was made at the council chamber of the presidential villa, Abuja.

Until their appointments as permanent secretaries, they were directors in the civil service.

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http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/02/i-could-have-been-jailed-if-jonathan.html

Former Governor of Jigawa state and Peoples Democratic Party’s chieftain in the state, Alhaji Sule Lamido said that had it been PDP won the 2015 general elections, he would have been jailed.

Lamido stated this in a popular political program aired on Radio Freedom in Dutse title “ina gwanin wani.” He said that the former president, Goodluck Ebele Johnathan hds attempted to jail him after his victory.

He explained that this followed his endorsement by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to run for the presidency in 201s5 poll when he visited the state during the economic summit conveyed by his then administration.

He said EFCC had visited Jigawa state severally and investigated his administration but failed to prove any of the allegations raised against him.

Lamido said he was then labeled with series of accusations by Johnathan’s administration and anti-graft body which up till now have failed to find him guilty.

“People are waiting to see my name in corruption cases including, Dasukigate ,and 2015 campaign funds saga, “He noted.

He said the case was created deliberately by President Goodluck Johnathan, the former Director General of the State Security service, Ita Ekpengyong, Ibrahim Lamorde, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and his Chief of Staff, Minister of Defence and Minister of Justice and other top government officials with the aim of smearing his reputation and his political career.


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http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/02/nigeria-elections-atiku-warns-buhari.html

TITOPE-BLOG

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has warned President Muhammadu Buhari ahead of Saturday’s elections.

Abubakar warned that history would condemn Buhari if Saturday’s presidential election was not free and fair.

The former Vice President, who spoke on Tuesday in Abuja, also alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had equipped many of their members with unnamed devices that could slow down or quicken the Smart Card Readers during the presidential poll.

According to Abubakar, “So, if you are in the South-South, South-East and North-Central, you are likely to get your card readers to be slowed by those APC operatives.

“We have seen the machines; we have interviewed some of those who have gone on this training, and we have passed that information to the campaign council to pass to you.

“But if you are from the North-West or North-East the tendency is that they will use these machines to fast-track the reading of your card readers, so that many of their supporters can vote while disenfranchising the other three zones.”

Abubakar stated that Buhari must ensure the presidential poll was free, fair and credible, adding that if he does so and wins, “then the people will commend you for it but otherwise, history will condemn you for it but before history does that, we will condemn you for it.”


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http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/02/the-oyo-state-chapter-of-ruling-all.html

The Oyo State chapter of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has suspended a son of the former governor of Oyo state, Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, Mr. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala.

Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala who is the Chairman of Ogbomoso North Local Government area of the state was elected as Chairman of the council in the local government election held on Saturday 12th May 2018.

He contested under the platform of the ruling APC.

Apart from the party, four councillors in Ogbomoso Local government area where Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala is the chairman have also suspended him.

His suspension was contained in a letter dated Friday February 15th 2019 and signed by four councillors from the council.

Publicity Secretary of APC in the state, Dr. Abdulazeez Olatunde, who confirmed the suspension of the son of the ex-governor to us on Tuesday, added that the party took the right decision by suspending Alao-Akala because he has dumped the APC to join ADP.

Olatunde said, “Yes, we have suspended him. He crossed from the party and went to ADP. What do you want us to do?

He added that the councillors also took the right decision by suspending Alao-Akala.

He said, “Yes, they have to do that. Didn’t they impeach Ladoja? Was he not impeached? Was he not elected? The councillors are the ones like the house of Assembly in the state”.

The councillors who signed the letter suspending Alao-Akala in the letter obtained by us on Tuesday included; Hon. Adebowale Oladunmoni (Deputy Leader), Hon. Zakariyau Ayinde Kabiru, Hon. Adisa Raheem Kingsley and Hon. Busari Lamidi Adesina.

The four councillors in the letter, a copy which were sent to the office of the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Mr. Bimbo Kolade said, “Take notice that we the undersigned councillors in Ogbomoso Local Government Area hereby passed a resolution suspending you from the office as the executive chairman of Ogbomoso North Local Government for your gross misconduct”.

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/02/leah-sharibu-dapchi-parents-cry-out-to_19.html

Parents of Dapchi schoolgirls in sober, sorrow and agony mood, have again reechoed the need for the Federal Government to expedite action to ensure that Leah Sharibu, the only Christain girl still in Boko Haram’s enclave is released unharmed.

The parents through their chairman, Bashir Manzo made the appeal at a special prayer session organized to commemorate one year anniversary of the abduction of Dapchi schoolgirls, held at Leah’s family house in Dapchi town today, February 19, 2019.

Manzo told us that, though parents of Leah were absent at the prayer, they were represented by Helakuri, Leah’s aunt, saying Mrs Rabecca Sharibu travelled to Yola, Adamawa state to join her husband following recent rumour that their daughter was gruesomely killed by the terrorists.

He said that, the prayer brought together Muslim and Christian clerics wearing black and white mufflers while offeriing special supplications to the Almighty God for the safe release of Leah, the only Dapchi schoolgirl still in Boko Haram captivity.

“Apart from today’s prayer, we had observed three days fasting, with a view to seeking divine intervention for the release of our daughter (Leah).

“Despite assurances that Leah is alive and well, we are once again appealing to the Federal Government to rededicate its commitment to salvage our daughter from her captors”, the chairman appealed.

Recall that, on February 19, 2018, Boko Haram terrorist group abducted over 100 students of Government Girls Science and Technical College in Dapchi and were released a month later, leaving Leah Sharibu in captivity.

The abduction of the girls had generated global outrage as Nigeria and the world at large had not fully recovered from the kidnapping of over 200 Chibok school girls in neighbouring Borno state before the Dapchi girls were taken.




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http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/02/what-were-doing-to-officers-involved-in.html

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has said its officers involved in the incident that occurred along Ijebu Ode road on Sunday are being interrogated.

A video, which went viral on social media on Sunday, showed a supposed passenger of a commercial bus being allegedly shot dead by a customs officer, though, it was denied by NCS, saying it was an accidental discharge.

Giving further details, Mr Joseph Attah, the Public Relations Officer of the NCS, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday, explained that the Customs Assistant Comptroller General, Zone A had on Monday visited the Federal Operations Unit in the zone at Ikeja, Lagos to interrogate the officers involved.

He said that the investigation was to find out the immediate and remote causes of the unfortunate incident that led to the death of an innocent citizen.

According to him, the interrogation will also to reveal if a better handling of weapon would have averted the incident.

“The officers involved are being interrogated, we look at it holistically, including weapon handling skills.

“If the officers are found guilty, they will be punished appropriately, we will allow the investigation to take place first.

“We still stand our ground that it is not a passenger of the bus that was deliberately shot dead but the victim was hit by the accidental discharge.

“An audio is now trending from one of the passengers of the bus that the person that died is not one of them.

“We insist that the person that died was not a passenger but a good Samaritan who used to assist our officers, we described him as a friend of Customs,’’ he explained.

The spokesperson said that training of its personnel was a continuous process, adding that the Service often sought assistance from the military in this regard.

“Like we said that in our statement, it is painful and totally unnecessary to lose life in anti-smuggling operations.’’

He urged the general public to be wary of what was being posted on social media because some of those things could mislead them.

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/02/nigeria-elections-2019-well-remain-in.html

European Union’s Long Term Elections Observers led by Ms. Andreas Staeritz and Mr. Henrik Westerby, have said that they will remain in Nigeria until after the 2019 general elections, despite the postponement.

The fate of international election observers, who had flown into the country for the election billed for last Saturday and 2nd March had been a cause of worry to many as to whether they will dump the assignment and return to their countries.

Ms. Andreas Staeritz, who led her team of foreign observers to a meeting with the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Anambra State on Monday, said they will remain in the country to conclude the job before returning to their countries.

“We have already extended our stay in Nigeria until the elections are concluded in mid-March,” she said.

The PDP Presidential Campaign Council Chairman, Mr. Oseloka H. Obaze, State Party Chairman, Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu and the Campaign Council DG, Dr. Harry Oranezi had led members of their party to a meeting with the observers to discuss the consequences and expectations arising from the abrupt postponement of the general elections.

Meanwhile, the leadership of PDP in the State also met with the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for the state, Dr Nkwachukwu Orji to discuss issues of concerns about the forthcoming election.

The PDP, which was represented by party’s Presidential Campaign Council Chairman, Mr. Oseloka Obaze, State Party Chairman, Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu and the Campaign Council DG, Dr. Harry Oranezi, raised concern about the close of campaigns by the commission.

Obaze, who spoke for PDP conveyed the party’s concerns about the sanctity of election materials that has been deployed to the field and the non distribution of agent tags.

He said, “The umbrella suspension of campaigns is adversely affecting State Assembly candidates.

“We also need to inspect the sensitive materials for the elections, to be sure they have returned to the vault of the CBN, just like we inspected them when they arrived the state.”

In his reply, the REC promised to look into the issues raised, assuring that he would do the needful within the limit of his powers to ensure that they were addressed.



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http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/02/nigeria-election-tinubu-defends-buhari.html

The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday refuted the statement credited to President Muhammadu Buhari where he threatened that snatchers of ballot boxes will pay with their lives.

Tinubu, speaking with journalists in Abuja at the end of the APC caucus meeting said that the President was misinterpreted.

He 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.

“These are not his words; he is a law abiding person and he understands categorically and clearly what rule of law is and the lives of individual citizens that he is in that office to protect. Now, let me run this; he has been fighting Book Haram, kidnappers and all these before this election, did you hear him asking them to be shot and executed summarily?”

“By law we should continue to energise our people; it depends on our resources. Because the Electoral Act allows us to do that; and ask led us to stop campaigning only 24 hours before the actual election. And once you changed the date to Feb. 23, you have given us the opening to campaign and energise.

“If you a garden and you don’t nourish with water, the grass will remain dormant; we don’t want our party to remain dormant.

“This is ability of leadership to convert adversity to opportunity and prosperity and that’s it; that’s what we must do.”

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http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/02/nigeria-election-we-dont-need-hospital.html

Femi Anikulapo-Kuti, Nigerian musician and son of the late Afro-beat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has condemned the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, over the postponement of the presidential elections.

Kuti speaking at the New Africa Shrine, Ikeja, Lagos on Sunday while hosting Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) described the present leaders as ‘bunch of failures’

Femi, then called on young Nigeria to plan for a landslide victory against the corrupt establishment, adding that he is tired.

According to him, “Nigeria needs a government that will not give you excuses; a government that is ready to work immediately it is empowered; a man that is ready to go to the four corners of this country, not that he will be sweating: ‘Hey, I don tire, hospital today, hospital tomorrow.”

Kuti said: “This bunch of people, them yeye no be small. How can you just wake up and say you are not ready? What have you been doing for the past four years?

“This is not the time to plan. They are a bunch of failures.

“The youth must be ready so that there is a landslide in every corner. Nobody must steal again in this country; everybody must have equal opportunity to be successful; one man’s success is everybody’s success.”

Further speaking, Kuti urged Sowore to fulfil all his promises, adding that he is the type of president he would endorse.

“If I’m going to endorse somebody, Sowore is the type of person I will endorse.

“If there is a person I will endorse, I will endorse a young man that will lead a young generation to the future, to provide good schools, to provide good health care, good roads, electricity.

“This country needs this; do this now; every corner of this country. Roads must be fixed; a minimum of five great hospitals; all universities must be of international standards. Nothing less; no excuses.

“A government that will not give you excuses; a government that is ready to work immediately it is empowered; a man that is ready to go to the four corners of this country not that he will be sweating: ‘Hey, I don tire, hospital today hospital tomorrow’.


lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/02/nigeria-elections-amina-zakari-not-in.html

Mike Igini, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Akwa Ibom State, has said that Amina Zakari is no longer in charge of electoral operations and logistics at the Independent National Electorial Commission (INEC).

Speaking on Channels Television, Igini called for an end to criticism and complaints targeted at Zakari, following the postponement of the general elections on account of logistic challenges.

“I want to appeal to Nigerians that, this time, let us not just be name-calling without fact-checking some of the things people talk about. Amina Zakari is no longer the Chairperson of electoral operations.

“The person in charge of electoral operations today is Professor (Okechukwu) Ibeanu,” Igini said.

He also claimed that the issues concerning arrangements for NYSC members, and the welfare of ad hoc staff fell under him.

Mrs Zakari, who is the Chairman of the INEC Committee on Collation Centre for the general elections, has been the subject of controversy before now, with the opposition alleging that she is related to President Muhammadu Buhari.

In an interview last month, she insisted she was not related to the President and argued that she has always done her job professionally.

As unpredictable as the overall outcome of Saturday’s presidential election may seem, political permutations could at best give a hint on which of the two main contenders, Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), will take what states to cruise to victory on February 16.

There is no doubt that both the PDP and APC, have formidable political structures and are heavyweights in their respective camps across the three North-Central states of Niger, Kwara, and Nasarawa.

The PDP and APC have both produced two-term governors, several ministers, and many senators in the three states.

Interestingly, some of the main political gladiators in the three states have at one time or the other in the recent past either fallen in or out of favour with the federal government under Buhari.

Will these factors count in determining the outcome of the 2019 presidential poll across Niger, Kwara, and Nasarawa states?

The Main Political Gladiators

In Kwara, Senate President Bukola Saraki still controls and commands the loyalty of his late father’s (Senator Olusola Saraki) political dynasty, through which he rode to power as governor between 2003 and 2011 which has earned him the nickname of ‘Oloye’.

He also maintains sole leadership of his own sub-dynasty through which he once challenged his father’s political grasp of the state and prevailed.

In his capacity as the leader of the National Assembly, he has weathered many a storm under the Buhari government and equally overcame. As the Director-General of Atiku’s campaign, the effect of his influence on the outcome of forthcoming polls in Kwara cannot be underestimated.

On the other hand, the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, is a longtime political rival of Saraki in Kwara. However, he also runs a sound grassroots political structure of his own in Kwa,ra having run for governor of the state in the past. Mohammed as the spokesman of the APC-led Federal Government still remains relevant in the scheme of things.

the minister also enjoys the confidence and support of Lagos political giant and APC national leader, Bola Tinubu, having served as commissioner in his cabinet and stuck with him all through the days of Tinubu’s opposition politics.

The recent deployment of Tinubu’s former security aide to Kwara as Police Commissioner ahead of the presidential election is seen in some quarters as a reinforcement of Mohammed’s political arsenal for the fierce confrontation with Saraki’s camp during the elections.

In Niger state, former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida still remains relevant in the power play within and outside the state.

Babangida, a founding member of PDP, commands the loyalty of traditional rulers and institutions as well the loyalties of majority of the political elites in the State. His mere ‘blinking of the eye’ during elections in Niger says a lot.

Also, the immediate past governor of the state, Babangida Aliyu, a staunch PDP member who is currently at odds with the Buhari-led APC government over corruption charges has not totally lost his firm grasp of the PDP political machinery in the state.

However, the incumbent governor, Sani Bello, of the APC equally controls the party structures which delivered him for a second term bid. A staunch Buharist; the power of incumbency lies at his disposal and could be deployed in favour of his party’s presidential candidate on Saturday.

Similarly, the Minister of Solid Minerals, Bawa Bwari, enjoys the confidence of the powers that be at the Aso Villa. He knows the inner workings of PDP structures in Niger state, having served as a member of the House of Representative under the party for multiple times before his appointment into Buhari’s cabinet.

For Nasarawa, the key political gladiators in the state are remarkably different from those in Kwara and Niger state in terms of their loyalties.

The current governor, Tanko Al-Makura has been a strong Buharist. He first came to power as governor of Nasarawa under the Congress of Progressive Change (CPC), a party formed by Buhari to run for Presidency in 2011.

Al-Makura moved to the APC along with Buhari as founding members and still won a second term under the party platform; lending credence to the fact that his political machinery works irrespective of the party he belongs.

A former governor of the state under the PDP and current senator under APC, Abdullahi Adamu, in his own right, is not a political pushover in Nasarawa. He has consistently won elections and delivered his densely populated native Nasarawa West (Keffi district) to whoever has won the presidential election since 1999.

Recently, a Minister in Buhari’s cabinet was appointed a first class Emir in Nasarawa. That further consolidates the APC’s structures at the grassroots in the state ahead of the Saturday presidential election.

The only visible PDP strongman at present in Nasarawa state is the party’s governorship candidate, David Ombugadu, a Christian from the Akwanga district.

He is also one of the youngest members of the House of Representatives. That notwithstanding, he had won elections twice in the state before. It can be safely said that he understands what works and what doesn’t in the politics of Nasarawa. Can he bring this experience to bear on Atiku’s behalf this Saturday to ensure the PDP prevails over APC?

The Electorates

President Buhari won the votes of a large portion of Kwara electorates in 2015 when the top gladiators in the state; Saraki and Lai Mohammed teamed up to work towards the common goal of sacking President Goodluck Jonathan from office.

However, the synergy between the two no longer exists as Saraki has since dumped the APC for a return to the PDP. They are currently at daggers drawn; always seeking for ways to ‘slit each other’s throats’ politically.

But having had a better understanding of each other’s political strategy of previous battles, both men have evolved fresh campaign strategies to outwit the other and win the hearts of the electorates in the 2019 presidential poll for their respective principals, Atiku and Buhari.

While Saraki, in his capacity as Atiku’s campaign DG, has repeatedly said the PDP will play the politics of 2019 on issue-based campaigns away from personality attacks, the APC camp in Kwara rolled out the O’toge (Enough is Enough) mantra in a bid to influence the electorates into revolting against the Saraki political clout which boasts of the incumbent governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, Senator Rabiu Ibrahim, and ex-APC spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, and seasoned federal lawmaker, Abdulrazak Atunwa.

Lai Mohammed had boasted in Ilorin: “The easiest nut to crack will be the Kwara Central Senatorial District because the first revolution started from there.

“Cast your minds back to what happened in the last Local Government elections, you will see that the people of Kwara are ripe for change and we have no fear in any part of the state.

“When revolution comes, it comes in total and hence the slogan across nooks and crannies of Kwara today, ‘O to ge’ meaning ‘Enough is Enough’.

“What is happening today in Kwara is mass movement and that is why everywhere we go in the state we are warmly received, whereas the PDP are being received there with hostility,’’ he said.

But Nigerians, Kwarans inclusive, are wiser politically than in 2015 when the ‘Change’ mantra swept APC to power.

Mere electioneering chants may no longer be effectual in delivering any presidential candidate in 2019. A lot more hard work on the psyche of the electorates is required.

In Niger state, the electorates have always followed IBB’s lead. They are yet to vote against any candidate the ex-Head of State endorses. Though, his endorsement are not as open and flamboyant as Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s, yet Nigerlites have accurately almost always sensed his political focus and toed whatever line he has drawn.

Last February, IBB issued a statement urging Buhari to complete his first term and allow a new generation of leaders to take control of the affairs of the nation.

“In the fullness of our present realities, we need to cooperate with President Muhammadu Buhari to complete his term of office on May 29th, 2019 and collectively prepare the way for new generation leaders to assume the mantle of leadership of the country.

“While offering this advice, I speak as a stakeholder, former president, concerned Nigerian and a patriot who desires to see new paradigms in our shared commitment to get this country running.

“While saying this also, I do not intend to deny President Buhari his inalienable right to vote and be voted for, but there comes a time in the life of a nation, when personal ambition should not override national interest,” he stated.

However, Atiku is of the same generation as Buhari so does not fit IBB’s specification in all ramifications.

But, as the military would say ‘Obey the last order until it is reversed’, Babangida has not rescinded his anti-Buhari second term remarks. It may count as a minus to Buhari and APC in Niger state on Saturday.

On his part, ex-governor Aliyu Babangida has repeatedly vowed to ensure PDP takes back the state from APC. However, the duo of incumbent Governor Bello and Minister Bwari could match the ex-governor squarely in the fight for the soul of Niger in 2019. But, it is doubtful if they can be as potent in challenging IBB’s political influence on the elites and masses of the state.

On a separate note, two APC senators from Niger state, David Umaru, and Sabi Abdullahi were denied party tickets for reelection. Both senators are influential in their constituencies.

They head two Senate Committees on Justice and Media and Publicity but they have remained largely silent in the face of the recent executive, legislative debacle. None of them has been reported in 2019 to have spoken enthusiastically about the APC or its presidential candidate.

In Nasarawa, the electorates are majorly divided along religious and ethnic lines. These two factors play a huge role on the outcome of elections in such an agrarian state.

While the APC and PDP have members across the divides in the state, the key political actors in the state may play up these sentiments on Saturday to ensure they deliver the state to their respective party presidential candidates .

But those parochial sentiments, may not be effective in swaying the votes in 2019 because of the harsh economic downturn in the country which has jolted more Nigerians from political lethargy.

Additionally, the influx of Internally Displaced Persons from Benue and Plateau States as a result of farmers/herders clashes may sway the direction the votes will go on Saturday in Nasarawa in an unprecedented fashion, particularly if INEC allows the IDPs to vote in their camps.

While PDP’s David Ombugadu remains popular among Nasarawa young Christian populations, whose sentiments lean towards Atiku, can he achieve a major breakthrough into the Muslim much older generation in the state who are sympathetic towards Buhari?

Senator Adamu had vowed to ensure that President Buhari wins with landslide victory, considering the support that the President is receiving day and night.

“APC government had done a lot in impacting positively on the lives of Nigerians, hence the need for us to vote President Buhari for second term,” he had said.

In all, while APC has PDP’s “Saraki element” and the “IBB factor” to combat in order to win over the electorates in Kwara and Niger for Buhari on Saturday, the PDP has the APC’s Al-Makura/Adamu combined force to resist so as to pave way for Atiku to win in Nasarawa.

While no political permutation is perfect, it may be safe to say Atiku will grab Kwara and Niger states but lose Nasarawa to Buhari; all things being equal. However, until the votes are cast and counted on Saturday, this submission remains an inconclusive analysis.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has said that he is resolute in his claim that Bauchi State Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar allegedly diverted public funds to the tune of N400 billion from May 2015 when he assumed office to date.

This was in direct response to a reply issued by the Bauchi State Governor to the effect that the total receipt from the federation account in the preceding three years is nowhere close to that figure.

However, the Speaker challenged the Governor to take the case to court if he is sure that the accusations were baseless.

In a statement to us by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Hassan Turaki, Dogara alleged that, “an additional 1300 workers were also falsely claimed to have been employed by Governor Abubakar in July 2015, making the figure a total of 2500 ghost workers and not 1200 as disclosed earlier.

“It would be recalled that before Governor Abubakar assumed office in May 2015, former Governor Isa Yuguda had employed thousands of political appointees, about 4000, which increased the monthly wage bill of the state to N2.6 billion but on assuming office, Abubakar sacked them all.

“This should have automatically translated into a drastic reduction of the monthly wage bill of Bauchi state since no new recruitment into the state civil service was carried out.

“However, the wage bill skyrocketed to about N7 billion excluding that of the 20 the local government areas.

“In the same vein, thousands of ghost workers were also added into the payroll of all the 20 Local Government Areas of the state which he (Governor Abubakar) uses to divert their monthly allocations that brings the total sum of money diverted within the period to N400 billion including three payments of Paris Club Refunds and two bailouts the state received from the federal government.

“This excludes the internally generated revenue of the state and LGAs which is not accounted for.”

Dogara cautioned civil servants to be careful not to allow themselves to be used to doctor documents and alter records and warned that “they will surely be called to account for any such action sooner rather than later as there are credible reports which indicated that the governor is desperately working to doctor and alter documents and records to cover up the monumental fraud and theft of public funds.”


lalasticlala,
Mynd44
Seun

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/02/2019-presidency-atiku-is-my-friend.html

The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has admitted that presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, is his friend.

However, in a long statement forwarded to us, Tinubu made it clear that he was backing APC’s candidate, President Muhammadu Buhari, to win Saturday’s election.

The former Lagos state Governor also went on to pick holes in Atiku’s economic plans for Nigeria, but praised the achievements of the incumbent government.

“The future is uncertain until we enter it. February 16 is Election Day and on that day Nigeria shall step into its future. How you vote on that day will determine whether we walk into the future in a manner that guides our subsequent steps toward the national greatness that calls to us or will we walk into it backwards as if feebly trying to reinvent the past.

“One road leads to a certain replay of the economic injustices of the past. It is a road well-worn with familiar pitfalls and setbacks built into the very nature of it. The other road provides the truest, brightest chance for us to enter into our hopeful future but only if we are brave enough to believe in our capacity to improve our nation.

“This election is more than a contest between two men, President Muhammadu Buhari and former VP Atiku Abubakar, for that one exalted chair. The election is nothing less than a historic encounter pitting one vision and version of our future against another.

“Since walking backwards has never appeared to me as an efficient or responsible way for a person to proceed, let alone for a nation to surmount the difficult obstacles that nations must overcome, I cannot find much good in the policies and programs announced by the PDP.
Former VP Atiku misappropriated his eight previous years in high office. His occupancy of high office was best characterized by low deeds. Self-enrichment occurred at lightning speed but social welfare moves slower than a dousing snail.

“Just a few weeks ago, Atiku offered his vision of the economy when he said that enriching his friends would be an appropriate objective of any government he led. At best, patronage is a regrettable and necessary reality of politics that should be severely curtailed. But Atiku goes in the opposite direction. He bypasses patronage to brazenly elevate the much greater evil of cronyism from the shadows to make it the central plank of his national economic policy.

“Look, I have made no attempts to hide my friendship with Atiku. We were friends before this election and hopefully we will be friends after February 16 when he goes into retirement. Despite our friendship, I must say the type of enrichment of friends he envisions does not recommend itself to me. It is unjust and impoverishes all but a handful of Nigerians. I want no part of such enrichment for my love of Nigeria and its people is far greater and deeper than my friendship with Atiku. For the good of Nigeria and even the good of Atiku himself, we do well to send him into retirement on Saturday.

“Here I must relate a comment a friend recently made that shows the wide difference between the two parties and their presidential candidates. My friend observed that if you make a deal with President Buhari, you can always be sure of his intention to follow through. Do the same with Atiku, he said, and prepare yourself for disappointment.
Atiku is not alone in his disregard for the common man. Such disregard is the true brand name of the PDP and its powerful, rich allies.

“Several weeks ago during a television interview, Atiku’s Chief Economic Advisor Chike Obi intimated a strong preference to discontinue the social welfare payments the Buhari government established for the poorest of the nation’s poor. Obi’s rationale was that the nation could not afford to offer even this modest safety net. While in Obi’s eyes a nation possessed of the abundant material wealth of Nigeria could ill afford to give its poorest citizens enough naira merely to survive, Obi’s boss was reveling that he would further enrich already wealthy cronies. Obi was completely wrong that the nation does not have sufficient resources while his boss was utterly wrong in how he would use that abundance to fatten the wallets of his friends while leaving the pockets of the masses lean and empty.

“Perhaps, we should also send Obi into retirement along with his boss come February 16. Perhaps together they might manage to discover the place where they might learn compassion for the common man.

“Just this week, Atedo Peterside, a banker prominent in PDP circles, published a bewildering lament professing he could not understand why, even in his latest polls, President Buhari maintained a marked lead over Atiku. In essence, Peterside was griping that the people are not wise enough to make up their own economic minds. They would be better off if they allowed him to substitute his judgment for theirs.

“Peterside’s article was written with the desperate yet arrogant frenzy of those who fear their unjust economic privilege is swiftly unraveling. They fiercely clutch to their position yet the castle they have built in the clouds is crumbling into dust then to vanish into vapor. The clock now tolls midnight on their system economic elitism.

“His answer to our economic challenges was to shrink and restrain government from being the active catalyst toward a diversified economy that assured broadly-shared prosperity through the just allocation of wealth and reward according to sweat and toil put forth by the Nigerian people. He proposed an economy that essentially was a free-for-all. If the past has taught anything, is that such an economic free-for-all is never free for most.

“It is merely a license for the powerful and wealthy to do as they might while the poor and modest endure what they must.

“Like Atiku, this PDP banker advocates an economy that gives free vent to the wealthy. The freedom enjoyed by the wealthy is paid for by a heavy tax on the wages and work of the average person. Essentially, the PDP seeks an economy that provides the welfare of riches to the powerful while telling the average man that there is not enough money to go around to build an economy that will ensure he can take care of his basic needs.

“They seek an unfair, unjust and unequal Nigeria. Their definition of Nigeria is a nation run by the greedy, for the profit of the rich, at the command of the mighty.

“In this, the PDP is involved neck-deep in the greatest political swindle of this generation. Their real slogan should be “more for the rich, nothing for the rest!”

“Only then will they be telling the plain truth about themselves.

“Our objective must be no less than to remake Nigeria into a great nation. This is a lofty goal but we should not be afraid of lofty aspirations. Only by reaching upward can we pull ourselves from where we are that we grow closer to what we should become.

“The world economy is in rapid flux. To progress we need to establish a new economic model suitable to this dynamic future. Our vision is the opposite of theirs.

“Unlike the PDP, we, the APC, are anchored to the proposition that every Nigerian is entitled to equal access and sufficient economic opportunity so that he may use his talents, skills and committed exertion to carve for himself and his loved ones the decent and good life every human being seeks.

“Yes, the rich and wealthy are entitled to the full enjoyment of the fruits of their exertions and enterprise. But so is the common man. The ordinary person is not to be shortchanged of the fair dividends of his honest sweat and diligent labor simply because he may be poor or because the powerful wealthy want more.

“We believe government can spur the economy toward full employment of labour and our national resources during those times the private sector is not strong enough to shoulder this responsibility alone. Government is the agent of the people to further reform our political economy such that the light of shared prosperity, social tolerance and collective purpose shall forever shine across our national landscape and never be extinguished.

“Because of the APC’s concerns for the struggles of the average person, we launched beneficial social welfare programs such as the school feeding program, Trader-Moni and N-Power.

“As such, we have made progress caring for our most needy and vulnerable through these and other innovative and unprecedented policies. These programs are of the type all great nations do for their citizens.

“However, the APC is not satisfied by what has been accomplished. What has been done is but the opening phase of a more ambitious undertaking. We have just begun to fight poverty and reform this economy on the scale required.

“Though we have helped millions, several million more need to end poverty’s stranglehold on their lives. We must expand the scope and reach of our social welfare programs to encompass those other people who have been denied access to the productive economy through no fault of their own.

“Additionally, we must put idle hands to work to build a modern infrastructure that will energize agricultural output in rural areas and foster labour-intensive industrialization in our growing cities.

“Our objective shall be more and decent jobs on the farms and in the factories. Like no Nigerian government before, I believe the second administration of President Buhari shall dedicate itself to changing the very structure of our economy for the better.

“We must amend our national economic architecture to unlock the full potential of our people and our land. To me, this is the core mandate of government for and of the people.

“Throughout the campaign, we have talked about taking Nigeria to the Next Level. To me, this Next Level is informed by forging a New Partnership between government and the governed in order to create a more just, more prosperous economy for all.

“The essence of this partnership is that government will provide each and every Nigerian either the modern public infrastructure or the targeted public assistance needed to build a better life for themselves and their loved ones.

“The beginning of this New Partnership are already taking shape. As stated before, we have initiated a first phase of social welfare programs.

“Additionally, the availability of fuel last December shows President Buhari has solved the perennial problem of year-end fuel crises that plagued all governments before his.

“The Southwest has always been at the vanguard of progressive governance in Nigeria. Today should be no exception to this historic role we have played. I ask the people of the Southwest to join the APC so that we attain the Next Level by implementing this bold and good NEW PARTNERSHIP built on the following pillars:

1. POWER:
We have made more progress in this area in 4 years than the PDP did in 16. Still, our work remains unfulfilled until we can bring light to all Nigerians when they need it, at costs they can well afford.

I believe the second Buhari administration will work to increase electricity generation, transmission and distribution by 5000 MW within the next 4 years.

Under the spirit of true federalism, greater latitude will be provided states in their efforts to build and attract investment for their own power generation initiatives.

We shall push to end the practice of billing people for electricity they never received. This practice is a vestige of the past that should not accompany us into the future. A person should only be charged for the power used.

2. INFRASTRUCTURE:
Government should put a national infrastructural plan into action. First, we must commit ourselves to a national highway system linking our major cities and towns, our centres of commerce, with each other.

Travel times and costs will dramatically reduce. Farmers will bring more food to market quicker and more cheaply, reducing food costs. Traffic safety will be enhanced. The private sector will save millions of dollars which can be redirected to investment and job creation. More importantly, thousands of lives will be saved.

And hundreds of thousands of young Nigerians will find jobs on these projects.

Water catchment and retention systems in strategic locations should also be built to end the destructive cycles of flood and drought affecting many areas.

3. INDUSTRIALIZATION:
A national industrial plan aimed at bringing labour-intensive light industries to our cities to provide meaningful employment for our growing urban population should be implemented. To increase our GDP and wisely position the economy for the future, we must increase the percentage that manufacturing contributes to that GDP.

We should focus on strategic industries such as textiles, food processing, automobiles, consumer appliance and machine assembly, communications and manufacture of goods important to the bulk of domestic consumers.

This will require bold and comprehensive tax reform to encourage business investment. We shall help strategic businesses by ensuring inexpensive access to the infrastructure required for their profitability.

We must work with the Central Bank to bring lower interest rates to this sector.

4. AGRICULTURE:
I believe the government will work with the states and private sector to develop low-tech but efficient irrigation systems to reclaim more land for cultivation.

Commodity boards should be established to provide minimum prices for strategic crops so that farmers will be assured a decent income for their hard labour.

We need a national strategic food reserve. This will enable government to moderate food prices to aid the average person when harvests are lean and to prevent wastage when harvests are plentiful.

5. HOUSING:
To provide adequate housing for more people, government should integrate under one roof the numerous residential housing and mortgage programs now existing.

This integrated recapitalized home mortgage institution will deepen the mortgage market by provide direct loans to homeowners and by guaranteeing qualified loans made by private banks.

5. SOCIAL SECURITY:
In the spirit of the social programs inaugurated during the president’s first term, I fully support efforts during his second term toward establishing a government-run social security system for the elderly. Such programs are central and humane aspects of the governments of all great nations. We shall be no exception to this good rule.

This system shall not be intended to abolish the private pension system. The two systems will complement each other so that no elderly person is left unattended during his or her waning years.

The plan I just outlined is a brave step into our proper future. I ask that you have the courage not to be tempted to return to the past as the PDP wishes.

“I believe Nigeria is better than this.

“If we act wisely yet boldly, no Nigerian should fear what tomorrow will bring.

“Election Day comes near. Let it be that dramatic moment where we showed the courage to vote for our larger, more excellent future instead of voting to recede into the shadows of the past as Atiku desires.

“Let us continue to fashion a Nigeria that serves all its people, not just Atiku and his band of revellers. In this, we must face the future not turn our back to it. Great possibilities await but we must grab them.

“Through this new partnership, let the Southwest once again rally around the banner of progressive governance for the benefit of all people, young and old, educated and not, the wealthy and the modest. This is the future we must enter. This is the future the APC champions. This is future you must choose on Election Day. Vote for yourselves by voting for President Buhari.

“In the exercise of our civic duty at this historic and important moment, I ask that you conduct yourself with utmost tolerance and in equal peace toward both political ally and political opponent. Let us show the world that we know the true meaning of democracy. On Election Day let not an angry hand be raised against any Nigerian. No matter our political differences, let us remember we are of one land and of the same national family. This election shall be free and fair and conducted without the arm of violence. For this is as Nigeria and our democratic exercise must be to achieve the excellent destination intended for us,” the full statement read.

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/02/2019-polls-youll-take-blame-praise.html

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has reminded the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the security agencies that they would bear both the blame and praise in the conduct of the 2019 general elections, admonishing them to exhibit the highest sense of patriotism and professionalism.
Ekweremadu gave the admonition while speaking with journalists at the Enugu West Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Mega rally held in Agwu, Enugu State, ahead of the Saturday election.

He said: “I believe that the INEC will be able to conduct a free and fair elections if they follow the rules. They have said that several times. But they also have to understand that, as the President would say, the world is also watching us. At the end of the day, it is the INEC that will be on trial. It is their chairman that will be on trial. If anything goes wrong, he will be held responsible. If it goes well, he will take all the credit.

“We have come a long way as a country. We have tried to freshen up our electoral processes through some legislative efforts. We have amended the constitution severally in order to get the best practices. But no matter the quantum of laws we have made, the important thing is for INEC to live up to expectations to get their people to do the correct thing whether you are ad hoc staff or you are a permanent staff of INEC. Ultimately they will answer for their conduct”.

The lawmaker said it was also up to the security agencies to live up to their several promises of neutrality, professional conduct, and protection of INEC, electoral materials and voters.

“We have heard their promises. We will give them benefit of doubt. But they must have to remember that in 2015, some people allegedly compromised their positions and many of them lost their jobs. To compromise yourself because of one politician that choses to be fraudulent is not worth it. Then, you would have compromised your career and family.

“They (security agents) must realise that there will be a day or days after the elections. Whatever you do, you will also answer for your conduct.

“Importantly too, I believe that the best judge of human conduct is your conscience. I appeal to them to be conscientious and professional because we are going to tell the story after Saturday in terms of who did what and eventually blames will come and praises will as well”, he added.

He tipped the PDP to record a landslide victory in Enugu, but called for vigilance.

“Because Enugu is basically PDP we are not expecting any problem. We just expect that people will move very early to the polling stations, stay there for the arrival of the voting materials, crosscheck the materials to ensure that all necessary materials are there, and then commence the process of accreditation and voting.

“After voting they should remain there and wait until the end and of course to watch the votes collated and results announced before they leave. They will not only take copies, but also take pictures of the results and be able to circulate as widely as possible. With that I am sure that they will be able have control of what happens. Eternal vigilance”, he concluded.

The mega rally turned a carnival as popular Nigerian musical artistes, including Davido, Flavour, Zoro, Quincy, Nigga Raw, among others thrilled the mammoth crowd and dignitaries such the Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwunayi.

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/02/elections-two-presidential-candidates.html


Presidential candidates of the Peoples Coalition Party, PCP, and the All Grass Alliance, AGA, Nicolas Felix and Chuks Nwachukwu, have endorsed the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, ahead of Saturday’s presidential election.

They announced their endorsement of Abubakar while addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday.

The candidates explained that Abubakar has demonstrated sufficient willingness to address the challenges facing the nation, and as result they have resolved to work with him.

Speaking, Felix stated that Atiku, if elected, would bring the nation back on her feet because the former Vice President has what it takes to make a positive difference in the lives of Nigerians if elected.

He said: “I have been able to identify amongst my fellow presidential candidates a man of undeniable political and business exploits whose track records and ideals align vividly to what we believe in, ‘To Make Nigeria Work Again.

“Therefore, considering specific political parameters involved in our fight against nepotism, injustice, abuse of the rule of law, as well as economic decline, we must take a stand in the general election.

“Today as Presidential candidates we are joining the team of progressive to do the needful for the development of Nigeria as a Nation

“After careful consideration and several meetings among some Presidential candidates, I Dr. Nicolas Felix the Presidential candidate of Peoples Coalition Party, PCP, together with Barrister Chucks Nwachuku the Presidential Candidate of All Grassroot Alliance (AGA) are officially and enthusiastically declaring our support for the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

“On this note, we are urging all our supporters and millions of youths across the country on February 16th 2019 as they go to the polls, to vote for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.”

Also speaking, Barrister Nwachukwu stated that the current anti-corruption fight have been subjected to democratic infractions in the past four years.

“As has been the case throughout our history, in the name of fighting corruption; we have been served in the past four years, like prisoners in our land, the odious meal of destruction of our institutions through nepotism and inflection of institutional culture to achieve narrow, malicious ends,” he said.

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/02/2019-election-73-political-parties.html

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says 73 political parties have fielded candidates for elective offices during the forthcoming general election in Bauchi state.

INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, said this on Tuesday in Bauchi while addressing a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the commission.

Abdullahi said 31 political parties fielded candidates for governorship election, while 44 fielded candidates for the senatorial election.

According to him, 140 parties fielded candidates for the House of Representatives poll, while 368 fielded candidates for the State House of Assembly poll.

Abdullahi said the commission had distributed over 90 per cent of the Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs), printed for the electorate in the state.

“Only 32,972 PVCs are yet to be collected,’’ he said.

Abdullahi said the commission had received all necessary materials for the poll and had sent them to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for safe keeping.

He said ad hoc staff had been recruited and trained in line with the Electoral Act adding that they would soon be posted across the 212 polling areas and units in the state.

“In spite of fracas here and there, electioneering campaigns have been peaceful in the state.

“I urge you to sustain the peaceful atmosphere that prevails in the state,” he said.

The state Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Aliyu Janga, said the police and sister security agencies have perfected arrangements to ensure adequate security during the poll.

Janga announced that the restrictions order on movement on election days would be enforced and warned government and party officials against violating the order.

He equally warned party officials and faithful against cutting corners urging them to play the games according to the rules.

Janga observed that politics is not a do or die affair as INEC has improved the electoral process making it more transparent.

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/02/former-pdp-chairman-arrested-in-kaduna.html



Former Kaduna State Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Chairman, Yaro Makama Rigachikun, has been arrested.

Although, details are still sketchy, but it was alleged that security operatives whisked him away a couple of hours ago and took him to an undisclosed location.

Confirming the arrest when contacted, the Kaduna PDP PRO, Alberah Catoh, said that he was picked up about three hours ago before the publication.

The arrest came a day after the PDP in Kaduna raised the alarm that its top leaders in the state have been penciled down for arrests.

Although, at the time of filing this report, reasons behind his arrest remain unknown, but sources said it might not be unconnected to comments he made at a recent campaign function.

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/02/breaking-alliance-for-democracy-party.html

Arsenal playmaker, Mesut Ozil has paid tribute to Cardiff City star, Emiliano Sala, after his body was found in the wreckage of a plane which crashed in the English Channel.

We had reported that a body recovered from the wreckage of a plane in the English Channel, was identified as that of Sala, according to a statement from the Dorset police on Thursday.

The plane, which was carrying the 28-year-old Argentine footballer and pilot David Ibbotson, 59, went missing from radar near Guernsey two weeks ago.

Cardiff released a statement offering their “most heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the family of Emiliano.”

Ozil has now taken to his Twitter page to bid farewell to Sala.

He wrote: “No words to describe how sad this is. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and also to the family of the pilot. #RIPsala.”

On his part, Manchester City striker, Sergio Aguero tweeted: “Rest in peace, Emiliano. My condolences to his friends and family.”

Also, Manchester United legend, Wayne Rooney tweeted: “Rest in peace, Emiliano Sala. Thoughts are with friends and family.”

On his part, Paris Saint-Germain forward, Kylian Mbappé posted on Instagram: “RIP EMI,” alongside, Sala’s shirt.

Also, Argentina legend, Diego Maradona posted on Instagram: “I am very sorry for this sad news. Many of us kept a light of hope for you, Emiliano. I send a big hug to your family and friends, and I thank the Argentines for the respect of colleagues and fans from all over the world. See you, Emiliano! #RecenPorSala #PrayForSala.”

Arsenal striker, Alexandre Lacazette wrote: “RIP Emiliano Sala.”

Similarly, Manchester United defender, Luke Shaw tweeted: “This is truly sad news, rest in peace Emiliano Sala #RIPSala.”

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/02/breaking-court-discharges-ladoja-in.html

The Federal High Court in Lagos has declared former Governor of Oyo State, Rasheed Ladoja and a former Commissioner for Finance, Waheed Akanbi, not guilty in the N4.7 billion fraud allegations levelled against them by the EFCC.

At the hearing of the case on Friday, Justice Mohammed Idris stated that the prosecution was not consistent with the amount of money missing from the sale of the Oyo State Government’s shares.

The court, thereafter, found them not guilty of all the 11 counts.

Details shortly…

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/02/2019-full-text-of-military-declarations.html

The Military has given a detailed breakdown of its role and responsibilities in the 2019 general election.

It has also reiterated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will carry out its constitutional duties with zero tolerance to unprofessional conduct, adding that no military personnel are expected to fraternize with any political parties and associations.

The Acting Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General John Agim, in a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, pointed out that while it is pertinent to state that military personnel have the right to perform their civic duty to vote as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, they must approach their polling units in mufti, devoid of any military force.

According to him, “In a few days’ time the nation will be conducting the Presidential election and elections into other key political offices in the country. It is on this note that the Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to re-affirm its neutrality, impartiality and strict adherence to professional code of conduct before, during and after the general election.

“Therefore, we would like to reiterate that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will carry out its constitutional duties with zero tolerance to unprofessional conduct. No military personnel are expected to fraternize with any political parties and associations.

“While it is pertinent to state that military personnel have the right to perform their civic duty to vote as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, they must approach their polling units in mufti, devoid of any military accoutrement. Any military personnel who is not on essential duty that is found on military uniform on election day will be arrested and face the full wrath of military justice system.

“Let me emphatically state that the Defence Headquarters has warned that all Officers, Soldiers, Ratings, Airmen and Women of the Nigerian Armed Forces must remain neutral and exhibit exceptional professionalism before, during and after the upcoming elections. To this end, with the exception of those on essential duties, no military personnel should be found wearing uniform on the elections’ days.

“Also, I want to re-assure the general public that the on-going Exercise EGWU EKE III (Exercise PYTHON DANCE III) and other similar exercises in various parts of the nation are not targeted at any particular set of people or groups nor is it aimed at manipulating the electoral process. The exercises are to ensure that all eligible citizens, irrespective of their religion or political inclinations, are given the opportunity to carry out their civic right to vote and be voted for in a peaceful environment devoid of violence and intimidation by criminal elements.

“These actions became necessary in view of threats from some unpatriotic individuals and dissident groups to stop people in some parts of the country from casting their votes on elections days.

“Let the public be re-assured that no persons or group of person have the right to deny or intimidate eligible voters from performing their constitutional obligations. Therefore, all efforts of the military are to assist other security agencies to ensure that no Nigerian is disenfranchised.

“The Defence Headquarters wishes to sound a note of warning to any persons or group of person that tries to constitute themselves into nuisance and disturb public peace on election days. Anyone found disrupting public peace will be dealt with in accordance with the laws of the land.

“Furthermore, all military Commanders have been tasked to ensure adequate security in their Areas of Responsibility. They have also been further directed to ensure the adherence to code of conduct and rules of engagement in the discharge of their duties.

“These assigned tasks include arrest of anyone in military uniform who is not on essential duty on those days. Likewise, any civilian caught in military uniform will be treated as a terrorist. Already the military is inundated with the allegations of illegal importation of military equipment and uniforms into the country which is being investigated.

“Similarly, there is credible intelligence report that some people are planning to scuttle free and fair election in some parts of the country. The Defence Headquarters wishes to warn such group of people to desist from such unpatriotic act. We would like to caution that anyone caught, be they serving or retired military personnel, or civilians, no matter how highly placed will be arrested and treated in accordance with the extant laws of the land. The Armed Forces of Nigeria is prepared to support the civil authority in ensuring the conduct of free, fair and credible elections by providing security support services when requested by appropriate civil authorities in line with our constitutional roles.

“While the Armed Forces continue to rely on the cooperation and understanding of the media and Nigerians towards sustenance of peace and security in our nation, members of the public are enjoined to report any suspicious person, movement or activities before, during and after the elections to security agencies for prompt actions.”

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/02/2019-full-text-of-military-declarations.html

The Military has given a detailed breakdown of its role and responsibilities in the 2019 general election.

It has also reiterated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will carry out its constitutional duties with zero tolerance to unprofessional conduct, adding that no military personnel are expected to fraternize with any political parties and associations.

The Acting Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General John Agim, in a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, pointed out that while it is pertinent to state that military personnel have the right to perform their civic duty to vote as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, they must approach their polling units in mufti, devoid of any military force.

According to him, “In a few days’ time the nation will be conducting the Presidential election and elections into other key political offices in the country. It is on this note that the Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to re-affirm its neutrality, impartiality and strict adherence to professional code of conduct before, during and after the general election.

“Therefore, we would like to reiterate that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will carry out its constitutional duties with zero tolerance to unprofessional conduct. No military personnel are expected to fraternize with any political parties and associations.

“While it is pertinent to state that military personnel have the right to perform their civic duty to vote as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, they must approach their polling units in mufti, devoid of any military accoutrement. Any military personnel who is not on essential duty that is found on military uniform on election day will be arrested and face the full wrath of military justice system.

“Let me emphatically state that the Defence Headquarters has warned that all Officers, Soldiers, Ratings, Airmen and Women of the Nigerian Armed Forces must remain neutral and exhibit exceptional professionalism before, during and after the upcoming elections. To this end, with the exception of those on essential duties, no military personnel should be found wearing uniform on the elections’ days.

“Also, I want to re-assure the general public that the on-going Exercise EGWU EKE III (Exercise PYTHON DANCE III) and other similar exercises in various parts of the nation are not targeted at any particular set of people or groups nor is it aimed at manipulating the electoral process. The exercises are to ensure that all eligible citizens, irrespective of their religion or political inclinations, are given the opportunity to carry out their civic right to vote and be voted for in a peaceful environment devoid of violence and intimidation by criminal elements.

“These actions became necessary in view of threats from some unpatriotic individuals and dissident groups to stop people in some parts of the country from casting their votes on elections days.

“Let the public be re-assured that no persons or group of person have the right to deny or intimidate eligible voters from performing their constitutional obligations. Therefore, all efforts of the military are to assist other security agencies to ensure that no Nigerian is disenfranchised.

“The Defence Headquarters wishes to sound a note of warning to any persons or group of person that tries to constitute themselves into nuisance and disturb public peace on election days. Anyone found disrupting public peace will be dealt with in accordance with the laws of the land.

“Furthermore, all military Commanders have been tasked to ensure adequate security in their Areas of Responsibility. They have also been further directed to ensure the adherence to code of conduct and rules of engagement in the discharge of their duties.

“These assigned tasks include arrest of anyone in military uniform who is not on essential duty on those days. Likewise, any civilian caught in military uniform will be treated as a terrorist. Already the military is inundated with the allegations of illegal importation of military equipment and uniforms into the country which is being investigated.

“Similarly, there is credible intelligence report that some people are planning to scuttle free and fair election in some parts of the country. The Defence Headquarters wishes to warn such group of people to desist from such unpatriotic act. We would like to caution that anyone caught, be they serving or retired military personnel, or civilians, no matter how highly placed will be arrested and treated in accordance with the extant laws of the land. The Armed Forces of Nigeria is prepared to support the civil authority in ensuring the conduct of free, fair and credible elections by providing security support services when requested by appropriate civil authorities in line with our constitutional roles.

“While the Armed Forces continue to rely on the cooperation and understanding of the media and Nigerians towards sustenance of peace and security in our nation, members of the public are enjoined to report any suspicious person, movement or activities before, during and after the elections to security agencies for prompt actions.”

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/02/elections-why-there-is-civil-war.html

Former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, has warned politicians against making inciting statements that could lead to violence.

Jonathan expressed worry over the fear expressed at different quarters concerning the coming elections, on whether it would be peaceful, free and fair.

He, therefore, warned politicians to desist from playing roles capable of plunging the country into civil war, adding that anyone who loves Nigeria will not lend support to any threat to the peace of the country.

The former President said this at a peace conference with the theme: ‘Peaceful elections and national development,” organised by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, on Thursday, in Abuja.

Jonathan said: “We must do everything to avoid conflict because it is always difficult to erase these feelings.

“If people feel INEC and similar bodies are fair to all, it will make citizens behave better but if you do otherwise, it will be a recipe for crisis.

“We are convinced that anyone, either in government or outside government, who truly loves Nigeria will not want to play the role of the villain by lending his support to any action that instigates crises.”

“As the ongoing democratic process unfolds, with the rest of the world watching with keen interest, we are also mindful of the worries of Nigerians on whether it would end peacefully.

“Our political leaders must realise that the greatest and most enduring legacy to leave behind is that of peace and development.

“These breed of politicians often ignore the fact that to be patriotic is to love your country and be prepared to live and die for her honour, reputation, freedom, progress and the ascendancy of the common good.

“You can restore destroyed infrastructure almost to its former state or even better, but you cannot easily repair people’s psyche, reconcile aggrieved persons and restore hope in a nation, once they are damaged in destructive leadership struggles.

“We experienced the civil war that ended since 1970 but up to date, the feelings are still in even children who were not born at that time because of the stories they get told and that is why we must do everything to avoid conflict because it is always difficult to erase these feelings.”