₦airaland Forum

By Adoga Gonna Samuel

A People's Democratic Party (PDP) group, under the auspices of Movement for National Redemption, has described as gross failure and huge disappointment, the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Movement which brings together like minds working towards a redeemed Country prides itself as comprising of patriotic citizens and staunch supporters of events, actions and policies that put the country at the front burner.

Speaking at the Atiku Presidential Campaign Office (APCO), Abuja, Coordinator of the Movement, Mr. Akpante Marshal, insisted that President Buhari had failed in all spheres, ranging from security, economic management, infrastructural development and employment generation. In his words, " the Buhari administration has, instead, excelled more in bringing disunity amongst ethnic groups."

According to the Group, other areas the President has failed included his inability to direct his appointees as reflected in the former Inspector General of Police's (IGP's) refusal to relocate to Benue against the President's own advice, the illegal suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and the killing of over 25,000 Nigerians comprising of both military and civilian, since assumption of duty.

While expressing regrets over the incendiary comments of Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State, the Group urged Nigerians to turn up in their numbers and vote Atiku Abubakar of the People's Democratic Party (PDP).

By Yemi Itodo

With about seven days to the Nigerian presidential election, the leadership of 'Igbo Delegate Assembly' has thrown its weight behind the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

This is coming barely one week after Ohaneze Nd'Igbo, the foremost Pan socio-cultural group in south east Nigeria, adopted Alhaji Abubakar as the sole candidate of the region.

Rising from a stakeholder's meeting in Abuja on Thursday, the Igbo Assembly, in a strong worded communiqué, affirmed its support of the Chief Nnia Nwodo led
Ohanaeze Ndigbo and its endorsement of Abubakar, as the Presidential ticket of choice for Ndigbo.

"The meeting joins Ohanaeze Ndigbo in endorsing the ATIKU-OBI ticket and
urges all Igbo Sons and Daughters, home and abroad to vote massively for
this choice on 16th February 2019.

"The meeting notes that the endorsement of the ATIKU-OBI ticket is because of their clear vision on restructuring and the strategy to make Nigeria work again, a move that has been welcomed and embraced by all ethnic nationalities across the country.

"The meeting strongly believes that a vote for ATIKU-OBI will bring Ndigbo
into the main stream of Nigerian politics.

"The meeting is convinced that presidential campaign train of ATIKU-OBI has garnered tremendous support across the length and breadth of Nigeria to actualize their mandate.

"It therefore believes that voting for ATIKU-OBI is a guarantee for the unity,
survival and progress of Nigeria and the future generation", the communiqué reads in part.

The Assembly also urged "all Igbos at home and in diaspora to disregard
and ignore the nefarious activities of a few disgruntled persons who have
been paid by desperate politicians to sabotage Igbo interests and make it
look as if Igbos are not united in this cause".

The Assembly which was presided by Chief Engr Tony Nwaorah, the President General and Chief Okougo Kenneth, Deputy President General, North East, was attended by 30 other stakeholders from each state of the north and south east.

By Yemi Itodo

Women in Cross River state, on Monday demanded for 50% affirmative action in the next government at all levels.

This position was made known during the visit of the wife of presidential candidate of the Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP), Dr (Mrs.) Jennifer Douglas Abubakar, to the state, in continuation of her series of town hall meetings to the south east and south south states.

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the PDP presidential candidate had, during the national women conference in Abuja, promised 70% for both women and youths in his government, when elected.

But while speaking on behalf of Cross River women on Monday, wife of the state Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Linda Ayade, said, though the women would pull out 50% of the total votes, it would be necessary that they get 50% inclusiveness when the government is formed.

"When we say this state is for PDP 100%, be assured that more than 50% of them are women. We are warriors and we want to assure you that we shall go out there and win the trophy.

"In Cross River, no woman no vote. We shall prove to Nigerians that Cross River state has political weight.

"As we pull our weight and pull 50% in Cross River, we also demand that in this state, the women affirmative be increased to 50%.

"We are going to pull 50%. We'll contribute 50%, we'll get 50%. We want some of you here to become commissioners, political office holders", Mrs. Ayade said.

On her part, Mrs. Abubakar said the beautiful programs and policies mapped out for Nigerian women by her husband would not be possible if the women did not mobilise massively for his victory.

She said, “Atiku will not do anything for you if you do not vote for him to get to Aso Rock.

“You have to work hard for him to be voted into office. Go and collect your PVCs.

"It is going to be a defining election. It is done. When the sun rises tomorrow, we will send Atiku to Aso Rock".

Mrs Abubakar, who was accompanied by Mrs Margaret Obi, wife of the PDP vice presidential candidate, told the mammoth crowd that, the Atiku and Obi team had a better policy on job creation, restructuring, education and other areas of concern in the country.

Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, former special adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo on National Assembly matters, said she had to return to PDP for the sake of Atiku Abubakar.

Her words, "I served Atiku as Adviser for 4 years. Even me as Adviser, I can make a good President, not to talk of a man who works 24 hours.

"We want human being to be president, not somebody who is not reachable or can not communicate".

In his brief remarks, Governor Ben Ayade assured Mrs. Abubakar of total support for the PDP candidates in the forthcoming elections, while urging the women to "come out on Friday to receive Alhaji Atiku Abubakar", who will be visiting the state for presidential campaign.

Mrs. Abubakar also visited the Obong of Calabar's palace, where the entire traditional council gave blessings to the aspiration of her husband.

Our attention has been drawn to the PDP flag bearer Mr Atiku Abubakar's continued mentioning of Dr Maina's name as a corrupt Nigerian, so as to score cheap political points.

We want to make it very clear that Maina has eminent respect for all the presidential candidates in this country. Hence, Mr Atiku Abubakar should respect himself and desist from further utterances that may be costly for his Campaign. We expect a Presidential Candidate to have a good sense of judgement, an in-depth knowledge of happenings in his country and not rely on media fabrications. Such a person should be knowledgeable and have good sense of reasoning before issuing statements against an individual he has never known or meet in his life.

With all sense of humility we want to further reiterate the fact that Dr Maina is an honest and very patriotic Nigerian. He exhibited that by the meritorious services he rendered to our country - Nigeria.

Your Excellency sir Atiku, you are to be respectfully informed that Dr Maina has never been under any prosecution, nor has he ever been convicted by any court of law in Nigeria or anywhere in the world for corruption or anything whatsoever. He has never been prevented from entering the United States of America. Infact he commands a lot of respect there, where the sanctity of rule of Law is Sacrosanct.


This statement of calling him corrupt, belittles and denigrates you as former Vice President of this country, who supposedly should have made your independent findings before jumping into dark conclusions. Maina is a peace loving person, else he would have come out with issues he may make public to Nigerians against you. Note that all this noise about Maina, Maina, Maina is about fear, least he gets an opportunity of meeting the President to hand over dosiers that may shake the country.

Sir, It will not be right for anyone in Nigeria or the United States to refer to your person as a thief, like you have been doing to Maina. You may take offence. In view of that, We advise that you seriously consider speaking with considerable restraint.

It will be unfair for us as an NGO to call you corrupt or a thief, just because of issues against you making rounds in the news, both here at home and in the United States.

Dr Maina still remains a civil servant in this country, because he was unconstitutionally disengaged as a "Deputy Director" within 24 hours, when he was on an approved leave by the former president. (Jonathan, Records are available) He got judgment for his reinstatement from a competent Court of jurisdiction, but he was denied justice. He is not a politician nor does he participate in any such organisations. Stop dragging his name into your political games.

Your continued personal attacks on his person, makes us (Nigerians) and other informed members of the international Community to think that your Administration if it becomes a reality, may be that in which anything goes and uncoordinated. Rather than facing the issues, you are busy calling names.

Maina's corruption fighting sins are unforgivable by the corrupt Pension crooks in Nigeria because
* He stopped the stealling of N4.125BN per Month at the Office of the Head of Service Pension,

* He stopped the daily stealling of N300m from the Police Pension Office,

* He stopped the monthly stealling of additional N1bn which goes to the Police Pension Office on a monthly basis.

* He blocked leakages in the system and recovered N2.93Trillion between 2011 to 2017.

*For causing the seizure of funds and assets worth #1.63 trillion from the pension thieves with membership from the execute, the legislature the judiciary, and the political class, meant that he stepped on some powerful toes which may have affected some person's close to you.

Kindly observe restraint as this kinds of vituberations does not speak well of a supposedly well informed Presidential Candidate.

Your Excellency, may also wish to note that, to date, MAINA won all the 5 cases he personally instituted against several federal government Agencies, for illegally sacking him, for continously harassing him unlawfully, with impunity and lawlessness. He was awarded damages.

Dr Maina is an honoree of the USA. You may not have been that opportuned, as you seem to be struggling with its lawful entry and exit at the moment.

He studied in the United States of America, created a viable system for the benefit of such a country of opportunity, equal justice and respect for human dignity (USA) and was honoured with the National Black Achievers Award. He was celebrated in the USA as far back as 2001, and still respected.

For the respect that Maina has for Elders as taught him from childhood, we were opportuned to ask that he forgives you and he agreed.

In conclusion, we make bold to say that
If this campaign of calumny against his person continues, We would have no option than to put pressure on him to advice his legal team to do the needful sir.

Hon. Nasiru Ibn Musa
LEGISLATIVE WATCH.

Edo: Atiku's wife charges women not to sell their votes

By Yemi Itodo

As Nigerians get set for another phase of elections in February 2019, electorate in Edo state have been advised not to be deceived into selling their votes for whatever costs.

Wife of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Dr (Mrs.) Jennifer Douglas Abubakar, gave the charge Monday in Benin, while addressing Edo women at a special town hall meeting.

Abubakar said, any woman who allows herself to be deceived by any politician would be inadvertently mortgaging the future of her children.

She urged the women not to be deterred by the smeared campaigns and name callings against the PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and his vice, Mr. Peter Obi, adding that, voting the duo would ensure that women and youths in the country were given their pride of place in governance through the allocation of certain percentage in the federal cabinet.

"We have the youth, the elderly and those civil servants who may not want to come out to vote, we need to mobilize them.

"Don't mind things they say about Atiku, don't mind the name calling against Peter Obi, we should not invest time and energy on frivolities. We should vote Atiku/Obi to secure the future of our children and guarantee the welfare of the women", she said.

Similarly, Mrs Margret Obi, wife of the PDP vice presidential candidate, said that there was need for Nigerians to vote for Atiku/Obi, as their ticket would ensure that the country embraces restructuring as well as ensure that security of lives and property was at the front burner of the Nation's policies.

Earlier in his welcome address, Chief Dan Orbih, Edo state PDP chairman, said that, with the turnout of electorate, he was optimistic that women in the State were well "Atikulated" to vote the party back to power, while urging them to rise in defence of their votes.

He said, "securing your vote is not only on election day, collecting your PVC and keeping it well is the first step to protecting your votes. If anyone comes to you that you should submit your PVC in the name of any enrollment or empowerment, please don't do that".

On his part, the governorship candidate of PDP in Edo, Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu, said the party has 2 House of Representatives candidates in Edo and many House of Assembly candidates, which makes PDP women-friendly.

"In APC, you will not see anything like that. When Buhari came recently, no woman was given opportunity to talk on the podium. That's what APC stands for", he added.

In their separate remarks, Hon. Omosede Igbinedion, Senator Chris Anyanwu, Chief Mrs Josephine Anenih and Hajia Hadizat Umoru, all charged the women on mobilisation of voters for the sole aim of returning PDP to power come February 16.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Abubakar had earlier visited the internally displaced persons camp (IDP) at Uhogua, Edo state, where she was received by the camp coordinator, Pastor Solomon Folorunsho and his overwhelmed camp members.

The camp was set up in 2012, when the people became displaced courtesy of the Boko Haram insurgencies in the North East.

Mrs. Abubakar promised to liaise with the camp coordinator to ensure that those school children amongst them stay back in schools steadily, especially the 26 students who just got admissions to study at the universities, while pledging total commitment to the welfare of the IDPs.

Gbagyi Youths have demand for the return of lands allegedly allocated in the federal capital territory by the trio of Senators Adamu Bello, Smart Adeyemi and Hon. Emmanuel Jime.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the National Coordinator of Gbagyi Youth Assembly, Comrade Yakubu Waziri, alleged that a huge portion of land at Katampe district was cornered and shared among the trio of Senator Adamu, Senator Adeyemi and Hon. Jime when they served as Hon. Minister, Senate committee chairman on FCT and House committee chairman on FCT respectively.

According to him, "It is even discovered that of recent Hon. Emmanuel Jime sold out plots of lands in Katampe district numbering about 40 whose value is in millions of Naira.

"As a group we frown at this development were public officers instead of serving for the development of the federal capital territory which is our ancestral home rather take into converting the land to themselves and either selling it to train their children abroad or for political purposes in their states of origin.

"We are ready to, under our leadership, curb this menace and use every legal means to retrieve all diverted lands within the FCT.

"For the trio of Senator Adamu, Senator Adeyemi and Hon. Jime we give them 14 days to return all lands diverted to themselves back to the federal capital development authority for onwards allocation to average Nigerians who are lacking accommodation within the FCT.

"We won't hesitate to take legal action against them if they don't heed to our warning and act accordingly." He stated.

By Yemi Itodo 


Lady Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi, wife of the first Nigeria's Head of State, late Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, on Wednesday, vowed to champion "the fight" for the mobilisation of women of Abia state for the success of the Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the February 16 election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. 


Aguiyi-Ironsi vowed to work with the wife of Abia state governor, Deaconess Nkechi Caroline Ikpeazu, to ensure all PDP candidates at various levels are delivered in the forthcoming general elections in Abia state. 


Speaking at the special town hall meeting organised for Abia women, the nonagenarian said, "I will lead this fight in Abia, and I promise you that you will never regret it. I will lead Abia women to vote for Atiku", assuring the PDP candidate of victory. 


In her remarks, wife of the PDP presidential candidate, Mrs. Jennifer Douglas Abubakar, assured Abia women of favourable positions in her husband's government, saying, out of the 70% positions promised for women and youths, about a half of the youths would still come from the female folks.


""I have known Atiku since 1986, I have been married to him for 21 years and I can tell you that he is a detribalized Nigerian. Atiku loves the Igbo people, I can attest to that", she said.


The women who took turns to assure Abubakar of victory, however, urged him to look inward in terms of women empowerments and appointments.


"The PDP government was the one that produced Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Dora Akunyili and I'm aware Atiku was part of the government then, we urge him to do more for women in his government to sustain the legacy of PDP, so we won't be relegated to the background as APC government is doing", a participant told Mrs. Abubakar. 


In a related development, traditional rulers in Abia state have called on the people of the state to remain peaceful during the general elections. 


This was, even as they vowed to ensure their subjects vote for a party  that would ensure that cows don't feed on their farm crops any longer. 


Speaking while receiving Mrs. Abubakar in Abia on Wednesday, the Second Deputy Chairman, Abia Council of Ndi-Eze, HRM Eze Elder S.A. Okorie, said, "Abia is a very peaceful state being controlled by the PDP. We also need a PDP President, a president that can stop cows from eating up all our crops in the farm".


On his part, HRM Eze Kalu Kalu Ogburu Enachioke of Abiriba, eaulogised the PDP presidential candidate, describing him as a detrabilised Nigerian who has his goodwill spread across the length and breadth of Nigeria. 


"Atiku came to my community in Abiriba in 1992 to donate to the less privileged, we are going to reciprocate it this time around, by mobilising for his election. Atiku is a destabilized Nigerian", he said. 

Mrs. Abubakar also visited home of first premier of eastern Nigeria, Late Michael Okpara, where the wife, Adanna and son, Uzodinma, reiterated that Abia would give the PDP candidate 100% votes come February 16.

By Gift Ogbeh

Vice presidential candidate of the Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Peter Obi, has charged women in Lagos state to vote massively for PDP, to enable them attain freedom from slavery. 

This was, even as Mr. Obi also slammed the All Progressives Congress (APC) led government for subjecting the populace to suffering, hunger and poverty. 

Obi was speaking on Tuesday, at the rally organised by member representing Ajeromi/Ifelodun federal constituency, Hon. Rita Orji, to sensistise the South-East, South-South and Arewa women groups in Lagos.

According to him, "the government of APC has killed the country", adding that, "Lagos is under slavery and it takes Jimi Agbaje (the PDP governorship candidate) to deliver the state". 

Obi urged the women to mobilise for the PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in the forthcoming election, assuring them of favourable engagements in the Atiku/Obi presidency. 

"It is only Atiku that can deliver us from poverty, he is a business man and he has many companies. This one, when he came, he had 160 cows and up till now, the cows have not increased", Obi told the women. 

On her part, wife of the PDP presidential candidate, Mrs. Jennifer Douglas Abubakar, posited that the key to unlocking the breakthrough of the nation lies with the women, saying only women can redeem the nation through massive mobilisations for the 2019 elections. 

She said, "It is true there is hunger, it is true that our children are dying, but it takes the women to redeem the county. 

"The women have said it enough, about the hunger and about the children dropping out of school, but we cannot say it more than the people who are ATIKULATING", stressing that a vote for PDP and all its candidates across the nation would bring about redemption and breakthrough.

http://dailypost.ng/2019/01/15/2019-obi-urges-lagos-women-vote-pdp-end-slavery/amp/

By Oriri Peter

As Idoma International Carnival enters day 2, a middle-aged man from Bayelsa state, Mr. Lucky Opiah has emerged the overall winner of the 2018 OGBUREKE TRADITIONAL WRESTLING, Lucky defeated Abdullahi Mohammed from Nasarawa state in the finals. 

Addressing newsmen after the program, one of the organizers, Mr. Henry Ipole, said the essence of the wrestling competition was not only to revive the dying cultural values of the people, but to also harness the potentials of the young ones. 

The winner for the senior category, Opiah, was presented with a flat screen 32 inch television set with N35,000 cash prize by the President of Idoma International Carnival, Prince Edwin Ochai courtesy of Polaris Bank, while Mohammed who came second got 50kg bag of rice with N25,000 cash price and 3rd place finalist, Johnson Onu got a live goat and N15,000 cash prize. 


Prizes were also presented to winners in other wrestling categories and traditional dancing competition accordingly.

The various winners extend their profound gratitude to the organizers for their effort, commitment over the years in ensuring that the culture of the Idoma people do not eludes and for their contributions towards the youth across the country.

IDOMA INTERNATIONAL CARNIVAL: LUCKY APIAH WINS OGBUREKE WRESTLING COMPETITION


As Idoma International Carnival enters day 2, a middle-aged man from Bayelsa state, Mr. Lucky Opiah has emerged the overall winner of the 2018 OGBUREKE TRADITIONAL WRESTLING, Lucky defeated Abdullahi Mohammed from Nasarawa state in the finals. 

Addressing newsmen after the program, one of the organizers, Mr. Henry Ipole, said the essence of the wrestling competition was not only to revive the dying cultural values of the people, but to also harness the potentials of the young ones. 

The winner for the senior category, Opiah, was presented with a flat screen 32 inch television set with N35,000 cash prize by the President of Idoma International Carnival, Prince Edwin Ochai courtesy of Polaris Bank, while Mohammed who came second got 50kg bag of rice with N25,000 cash price and 3rd place finalist, Johnson Onu got a live goat and N15,000 cash prize. 


Prizes were also presented to winners in other wrestling categories and traditional dancing competition accordingly.

The various winners extend their profound gratitude to the organizers for their effort, commitment over the years in ensuring that the culture of the Idoma people do not eludes and for their contributions towards the youth across the country.

By Oriri Onu Peter & Adoga Gonna Samuel, Otukpo, Benue State.

Deputy Governorship Candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Benue State, Ambassador Dickson Akoh has urged all men of conscience to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) before they become victims of the anti-democratic forces in the Party. He gave the advice at a grand reception in his honour and that of Chief Mike Okibe Onoja on Saturday, December 22, 2018 at the Norcross Primary School, Otukpo.

Dr. Akoh, who recently left the APC, said if he could run away from the Party, nobody could cohabit therein. He bemoaned the treatment meted out on him by his former Party, despite being its Chief Financier in Zone C and helping it to win its only seat for the State House of Assembly in the Senatorial Zone in the 2015 general election.

According to Dr. Akoh, the manipulation and bastardisation of the processes leading to the choice of a running mate to the governorship candidate of his former party forced him to leave the party. He wondered why the party took three months to resolve the deputy governorship impasse when it only took the Party four days to resolve that of the governorship. All these, he said, were aimed at denying him the slot for the fact that he was not malleable.

Continuing, Dr. Akoh, who is also the National Commandant of the Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN) extolled the leadership qualities of Late Reverend Father Moses Adasu, and pledged that the SDP would use the Commonwealth of the people for their common good. He promised to devote his official entitlements to the development of the State.

Also speaking, Senatorial Aspirant on the platform of the Party for the Benue North East, Senator Barnabas Gemade, urged Idoma people to rally behind the candidacy of Chief Mike Onoja for the Benue South seat, saying he was a trustworthy individual.

Governorship Candidate of the Party in the State, Dr. Stephen Hwande regretted the non-promotion of primary school teachers since 2006 and promised to place them on their appropriate ranks when voted into power. He also regretted the neglect of the Idoma-speaking areas of the State and it's industries and promised to revitalise them.

Highlight of the occasion was the reception of over 10,000 decampees by the State Chairman of the Party, Dr. John Enemari and Hon. Edo Egboja, member Benue State House of Assembly.

Also, the party's senatorial candidate for Benue South, Chief Dr. Mike Okibe Onoja said for the past 20 years of democracy in Nigeria the Zone has nothing to show due to bad leadership. While assuring supporters of winning the election, he pledged to end rein of cabals when elected.

Four days after the Fulani militia attacked troops in Zamfara state, the whereabout of one sergeant Sunday Itodo, a mobile police officer is yet to be known. 


This was confirmed to our Correspondent Sunday evening by a family source,  Prince Yemi Itodo. 


Sergeant Itodo, a native of Otukpa in Benue state, was among the 1000-man troop deployed to Zamfara by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) November 9th, to "route-out armed bandits" terrorising the state.


According to the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) DCP Jimoh Moshood, the troop was ambushed at about 1600hrs, 29th November, 2018, by "Armed Bandits at Mahanga Forest in Birnin Mogaji LGA of Zamfara State", adding that, in the process, the troop "killed One Hundred and Four (104) Bandits, destroyed over Fifty (50) bandits hideouts in Three (3) Camps, recovered over Five Hundred (500) Cattle and Seventy Nine (79) Sheep from the Bandits, but unfortunately loss a Policeman during the attacks".

 

But in a chat with our correspondent in Abuja, Prince Itodo said it was confirmed to the family Sunday morning by an anonymous source at the operation, that Sergeant Itodo was shot during the attack and a colleague who attempted to rescue him to nearby bush path, was also shot.


The family, however, could not ascertain as at press time, if Sergeant Itodo was still alive or dead, as his cell phone has been permanently switched off. 


"The source told us this morning that my brother and all other officers shot were still under hostage in the forest, as efforts by both Nigeria Police and Army to recover bodies became fruitless. 


"We learnt that dozens of Nigeria Police were killed in the ambush and I'm sure the police authority has not come out clear on this, that's why they pegged the casualty to only one. 


"We were told that about 3 bodies were recovered immediately and brought to Abuja, but our brother was not amongst them. He is still being trapped in the forest with bullet wounds for days, without food, water nor medications. We pray nothing happens to him.


"We therefore call on the Inspector-General of Police to help us. He should please intensify to rescue our brother and hopefully alive too. We don't want to believe he is dead. He can't just abandon his young wife and 4 kids at this moment, my brother will not die, I only want the IGP to act fast", Itodo said, with tears.


Itodo said he has reached out to an Assistant Inspector-General of Police who was recently deployed to the war ravaged state to ascertain the status of his brother and possibly crave for urgent action.


"But we also want the federal government to do all within its powers to quickly salvage the situation and rescue our brother and any other person  in the same predicament with him", he added. 


Sergeant Itodo, a member of Mopol 15 Kwara, according to the family, has been in the Special Mobile Force of the federal government for almost 8 years and was among the foreign peace keeping mission in Somalia in 2013 and returned with award for gallantry. 


He has also been part of the Special forces fighting insurgency for many years in Borno, Kaduna, Sokoto, with his latest posting in Jos, before he was deployed to Zamfara 3 weeks ago.

Former deputy governor Eze Madumere criminal records busted….Not fit to handle any political position

The former Deputy Governor of IMO state, Eze Madumere was convicted in the 180th Court District Court,Houston for felony and theft of property, documents emanating from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office have shown, contrary to initial denials.

This development seems to confirm the position of the Imo State House of Assembly which accused Mr. Madumere of keeping his incarceration secret.


Document Showing his criminal record
It would be recalled that Prince Madumere’s Chief Press Secretary had, in July, denied that his Boss was never convicted, stating that it was the case of “calling a dog a bad name to hang it.” Supporters of the former Deputy Governor had also argued that it was one Uche Madumere that was convicted and that he bore no relationship with the former Deputy Governor.

The Nigerian Constitution bars an ex-convict from holding political positions in the country.

By Yemi Itodo

Foremost youth based organisation, Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN) was on Saturday, presented with the award of 'Most Endorsed Initiative in the 8th National Assembly', by the Nigeria Assembly News, a news platform for legislative activities across the country.

Presenting the award to PCN in Abuja, the project coordinator, Omoboye Adeboye, said the Bill for an Act to establish the Nigerian Peace Corps as passed by both chambers was the most popular and widely endorsed legislative piece in the entire 8th Assembly.

Adeboye thanked the leadership of the organisation for coming up with such a laudable and youth attractive initiative which became an indispensable Bill that received massive endorsement from both chambers of the National Assembly.

Deputy National Commandant of Peace Corps, Dr. Edet Ekpeyong, while receiving the award on behalf of the organisation, thanked members of the National Assembly for the resounding support accorded the Bill.

Though President Muhammad Buhari declined assent to the Bill, but Ekpeyong said he was optimistic that the dream of founding fathers of PCN and lawmakers who passed the Bill would soon come to reality.

In his reaction, National Commandant of Peace Corps, Amb. (Dr.) Dickson Akoh, said the award, like numerous others received this year, was dedicated to Nigerian youths and President Buhari.

Akoh, who is being tipped for deputy governorship by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue state, spoke to our reporter via telephone, that, he has never lost hope about the establishment of Nigerian Peace Corps, stressing that, the President was misled by those who sealed the PCN office.

"I'm happy that Nigerians, including the lawmakers appreciate the importance of Peace Corps of Nigeria. That alone supersedes what some few individuals think they can do to us. They thought they have won by sealing off our office, despite several court orders, or by misleading the presidency and telling lies against us, but God has vindicated us as the organisation turns out to be enjoying public endorsement. I'm sure very soon Mr. President will discover this and revisit the Bill", Akoh added.

Other recipients of the award include, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Yusuf Buratai, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Jaiz Bank, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Senators and members of the House of Representatives.

By Oriri Peter

In a bid to curb the poor service delivery by fashion centres in Nigeria particularly Abuja, Mima Midas Designs has lunched its Fashion Collection, Runway and Exhibitions in the Nation’s capital.

The centre which is located at Area 10 was launched on Tuesday, October 30, 2018 during a press briefing in Abuja.

Speaking at the launch of the beauty house, its promoter and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mrs. Maryam Abdul, said the establishment of the centre had become necessary in order to provide unique services to the populace.

According to her, Midas Designs, though incorporated on May 7, 2013 was only able to commence business activities in May 2016 due to economic challenges of the Nation.



In her words, the motto of the enterprise “Be Impossible Not to Be Noticed”, implied that “when you put on an outfit of Mima Midas, you will look differently towards your guests, clients and business associates”.


Mrs. Abdul noted that apart from having a training school with duration of three Months, the fashion house had decided to choose Israel Chukwuyem (Chuks D General), a comedian, and Ayda Gola, an actress, as its brand ambassadors. These ambassadors who pledged to create awareness on the activities of Mima Midas Designs, were unveiled thereafter.

Finally, Mrs. Abdul invites the general public to come and be part of its maiden Fashion Run Way unveiling, Collection and Exhibitions bid to take place at Nigerian Air Force Centre, (NAF) Jahi, Abuja on December 2, 2018 at 1pm.

The Surveyor General of the Federation, Surv. Ebisintei B. Awudu has urged survey and mapping professionals in Nigeria to brace up for relevance with the acquisition and production of relevant geospatial information which could be effectively deployed to tackle environmental, economic and security challenges.

He made the charge at a three-day national conference, workshop and annual general meeting of the Nigerian Cartographic Association (NCA) currently taking place in Abuja, the Nation's capital. The event also coincides with the celebration of the forty years of existence of the Association.

In his speech, President of the Association, Prof. Andrew A. Obafemi regretted that in spite of the numerous contributions of cartographers at various levels and shades of responsibility in Nigeria, they had yet to be adequately recognised and accorded their rightful place.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has frowned at the discordant tunes emanating from South East leaders over the choice of Peter Obi as running mate to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

The Association, in a statement issued by its President, Comrade Obande Gideon Obande, said it expected a mature approach to handling the issue, rather than the resort to heating up the polity recalling that it was similar disunity that led the geopolitical zone to produce five senate presidents within an eight year period.

While attesting to the unimpeachable character of Peter Obi, as reflected in his eight year stewardship of Anambra State, the Students' Body called on the leadership of the party to see to an amicable resolution of the issue at stake.

The Association also congratulated all those who emerged as candidates of the various parties in the recently conducted parties' primaries. It also commended the former vice president for choosing Obi as his running mate.

NANS mourns Deceased UniBen Student, Pledges to Assess Health Facilities on Campuses


The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has described the death of Mr. Austin Okafor, a 300Level student of the University of Benin, as a huge loss to the Association.

The association, in a press release by its National President, Comrade Obande Gideon Obande, describes the death of Mr Okafor as both painful and shameful, being a consequence of the neglect of the health sector.

While commiserating with the family of the deceased, the Association pledged to embark on a fact-finding mission to unravel the remote cause of his death and prevent future occurrence.

"We sympathise with the entire student community and the management of UniBen and by this constitute a committee that will tour all health facilities on our campuses and report to the National secretariat on the steps to be taken to ensure that ugly events as this is prevented from my reoccurring," the statement reads.

The president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Obande Gideon Obande has task the Federal Government to immediately release the Paris fund meant for Benue State Government and other affected States, Comrade Obande condemned FG for withholding the Paris fund earlier released to the State government, Comrade Obande noted that the fund is a refund meant to get to all the states believing that it will go a long way in alleviating the economic pressure on the masses.

He asserted that the seizure of the Paris fund meant for Benue state and few other states have rather increased the burden on the state and painted the Federal government in the light of displaying preference for the welfare of some citizens over others.

In the light of equity and fairness, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), demands that the Federal Government releases the withheld funds of Benue and other states to lighten the burden on the workers, pensioners and students within the affected states as this delay is amounting to the breach of the right of citizens on the affected States and a deviation from the true tenets of democracy.

We believe that the welfare of citizens surpasses any form of interest and rather than withhold the portion meant for the affected states, a committee be set up by the presidency to rather monitor and report on the usage of the Paris fund across the 36 States.

In the discharge of our duties, we must be guided by the constitution to ensure that we do not undermine other institutions of democracy as this will destroy our nascent democracy.

Nigerian students wish to sue for equity and demand that all affected states are given their own trench within the next 10 working days or face mass action from Nigerian Students.

By Yemi Itodo

Frontline contestant of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial primaries for Benue South, Rt. Hon. Joseph Ojobo has appreciated the leadership of the party and the delegates, for their wonderful support during the senatorial convention.

Ojobo, a 2-term member of the Benue House of Assembly, early hours of today, pulled a total of 264 votes, against his closest rival and former Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro who pulled 214 votes, while former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Chief Mike Okibe Onoja went home with 159 votes.

Addressing newsmen in Makurdi Friday, Ojobo attributed his success at the poll to the grace of God upon his life and the love from his people.

He saluted the courage, dedication and resilience of the delegates who defied rains and other inconveniences to ensure he emerged, promising he would not let the people down.

Though the congress was declared inconclusive, as elections into 3, out of the 9 local government areas of the senatorial district had not been held; but Ojobo said he was optimistic he would clear the entire delegate election with surprised lead, having scooped 6 local government areas.

He said, "I'm very much on ground, I'm a grassroots person and I have everything going for me as a young man. I have spent over 30 years of my life in Okpokwu, so I hold Okpokwu as much as I hold my local government of origin.

"And I'm young, Otukpo local government area is like a municipal area which is populated with young people, these young people will always stand with one of their own.

"My victory is absolutely an act of God and unflinching love from the people. The least I shall do is to work hard to justify the confidence reposed on me".

Hon. Ojobo while expressing confidence in the electoral process, specifically thanked the immediate past President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, for playing "an exceptional leadership role in the whole process", stressing that, "his neutrality and sincerity of heart in having a democratically elected successor is already in the public knowledge and commendable".

By Lois Otse Adams

There is no people without a culture, but some are more prominent and are recognized in the global setting following the importance given to them. Therefore, the Organisers of Afemai Carnival have set the pace to shoot the Afemai culture to global limelight.

The carnival is aimed at having a blend of socio-cultural activities in diversities within the District and uniting the people of Afemai by bringing together both sons and daughters living at home, in cities and abroad.

Starting early, teams and groups have been created in major cities of Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Benin City, Calabar, Delta, Kano, Sokoto and Auchi, the Host City.

Coordinators have been assigned to each Local Government and Supervisors to each Clan. These are the officials who will furnish other teams the day to day activities and stages of the plan.

Afemai Land consists of 6 local government areas and 33 clans. Therefore, the people, ranging from royal heads, local government chairmen, art Directors, lecturers, women, youths and those in political settings have embraced this epoch event that is billed to hold December 26, 2018 at the Auchi Polytechnic Sports Arena, the biggest field in Afemai. The field was carefully chosen to accommodate guests.

Afemai all over are warming up for this unusual event to hold to celebrate the unity of the people. Afemai have been united, the event is to celebrate our unity and to become a role model to other people.

In addition, the Afemai World Congress, Social Clubs, and other socio -cultural Clubs of the Land have endorsed the carnival; they are working tirelessly to making sure that Afemai culture has a place on the global scale. Following this, the Afemai World Congress, which comprises Afemai people worldwide, have taken it upon itself to participate and to support its own.

The event is to attract other parts of the Nation and the world at large. Therefore, the Ministry of Information and Culture, through the Culture and Carnival unit, have pledged its supprt to giving the carnival a national face and international recognition.

Other individuals have been working with the organizers in marketing the event which in turn will increase the internally generated revenue of the District and the State in general.

The unveiling of the carnival, decoration of carnival ambassadors and announcement of Patrons and Matrons will hold in Abuja on October 6, 2018. Further unveilings would take place in Lagos, Benin City and Auchi, Edo State.

The Entertainment and Events Units of the organizing committee are set to beautify the streets of Auchi and other major street in neighbouring villages to present the true image of the Land to guests coming in and out of the City.

Carnival pre-activities will start a week to the official date. This is to entertain those who are coming home early to celebrate with their families; there would be side attractions and festivities to behold.

The CONVENER, Ms. Patience Sheilu Agebu, has urged Afemai people to take the carnival as their own brainchild, adding that there shall be no dull moment for guests and indigenes of the state.

According to the Chief Press Secretary Ms. Lois Otse Adams noted that the carnival brands, such as t-shirts, face caps, etc, have been on distribution.

There is no place like home. Therefore, Afemais, let's beautify our home together and crave to reside home early to enjoy the latter part of our lives with our families.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged state governors to ensure they offset salary arrears owed workers in the various states.

The charge is coming on the heels of recent revelation that the final tranche of the Paris Club refunds have been made to the states.

President of the Association, Comrade Obande Gideon Obande, who made this charge in a press statement, Thursday, said "state governors must prioritise the welfare of the people beyond any infrastructural plan."

While commending Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state for setting up a committee to monitor effective disbursement of the funds received, the Students' Union requested that a close attention be given to ameliorating the plight of primary school teachers in the state.

It would be recalled that Governor Ortom had a few days ago, acknowledged receipt of N14.9 billion naira.

Source: NANS Lauds Governor Ortom’s Decision To Offset Salary Arrears, Urges Other Governors To Emulate Him http://naijavoicenews.com/?p=2201

Gone are the days when Imolites will whisper to themselves and wonder if any good leader can come out of Imo State, as a result of the negligence on the part of leaders elected by the people and for the people.

The case is different now as there is a popular saying that "seeing is believing". Hence, after testing Senator Samdaddy with several political positions and seeing his impressive records, there is a new tune and belief among Imolites.

Also, having been assured by Imo State PDP Chairman that the party will not impose any candidate on Imolites in 2019 under his watch, Imolites are gladly rushing to INEC offices in the state to get their Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) to vote the candidate of their choice, who is no other person but the Distinguished Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu (Samdaddy) of the PDP; believing that they will break off from all developmental limitations with him. We make bold to assert that there is no match for him in the gubernatorial race.

#ItShallEndInPraise

COUNT DOWN TO ABIA PRIMARY ELECTION: 18 DAYS TO GO

As the day for Abia/Umuahia primaries draws near, we must look out for integrity, character, managerial, acumen, transparency, accountability, vision, tenacity and action.

The time to decide the fate of Ikwuano is at hand and they cannot afford to gamble with this opportunity to decide the fate of her community for the next four years.

Ikwuano Umuahia Federal constituency go for a leader with a heart for the people! Go for Mrs Action, Integrity, hard work in the person of Mrs Ijeoma Faridah Wada as House of Reps member for a better Ikwuano Federal constituency come 2019.

Choose wisely! Vote wisely!

#IJEWADATouchingLives
#IjeomaFaridahWada4HouseofReps

The choice before us is clear, and without gainsay this choice is in favour of Senator Samdaddy.

As we all know that many Imolites are already queueing behind our Distinguished Senator, let's confirm our collective endorsement of Senator Samuel Anyanwu Nnaemeka by casting our votes for this man of the people.

Senator Samdaddy is the most credible and very reliable candidate for this Imo 2019 election: acceptable by majority irrespective of political affiliations, as we all know that he is a man that will be used of God like the Biblical Moses to liberate Imolites from the shackles of underdevelopment after the 8 years evil rules under Gov. Rochas Okorocha led APC.

The time to correct the mistakes of the past is now, let's get it right this time by electing Senator Samdaddy as the next governor of Imo State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to bring back the dividends of democracy to the good people of Imo State.

#ItShallEndInPraise.

Sixtus Ihenuge

The Senate President of Nigeria, Dr. Bukola Saraki, in a consultative visit to the members of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Imo State, to make his presidential aspiration known, confessed that the governorship ambition of Senator Samuel Anyanwu is his project.

He said that his aim is not only to unseat the APC government at the national level but in states like Imo where they have failed woefully.

Dr. Saraki advised the Imo PDP delegates and the entire Imolites to align with the Divine Mandate for the emergence of good governance.

Senator Saraki eulogized Samdaddy for his dedication, transparency and ceaseless sacrifices to the growth of the party. He opined that, "Samdaddy, if elected Governor would perform credibly.

"Samdaddy is dedicated to work, sacrifices great deal to the party and will perform credibly as a governor".

In conclusion, the PDP National leader added that with Samdaddy as Imo Sate Governor, and him as the President, the dream for a better Nigeria will become a reality.

"I have all it takes to ensure a better Nigeria and it takes all that Samdaddy has to reposition Imo State"

#GrowNigeria
#ItShallEndInPraise

The top contender for the forth coming gubernatorial election in Imo State under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu, has proven his capability and high level of competency to the people of Imo State beyond any iota of doubt.

Senator Samdaddy as popularly known is a visionary leader and a virtuous aspirant that believes in deductive reasoning and has also made it known to the populace through the various positions he has held that he is a man that believes in integration and not differentiation. His decisions are always eschewed from sentiment and segregation. His intention to contest for the gubernatorial election came at a time that Imolites need him for a rescue mission.

He is a leader by birth who has not lost any election, he knows how to induce smiles on the faces of the youths and also carry the people along.

Your vote for Senator Samdaddy will bring dividends of democracy to all Imolites.

#ItShallEndInPraise.

Wife of the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Mrs. Ijeoma Farida Wada has pledged to tackle the many challenges of women, children and the vulnerable if voted in at the 2019 general elections. The House of Representatives aspirant who is fast gaining grounds has expressed utmost commitment to better the lots of your her Constituents.

Mrs. Wada a front contender for Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Abia State on the platform of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) has vowed to bring unemployment rate to barest minimum if elected as the next member representing the constituency at the green chamber.

As a humanitarian, she has also pledged to reinstate hope to the less privilege and promote girl child educate across the State.

On this note, we ask our timing supporters to continue their campaign in ensuring that Her Excellency emerges the flag bearer of the party after the primary elections.

By Oriri Peter

In view of the commencement of the sale of nomination forms by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a front line contender for the Benue State governorship seat, Comrade Ogenyi is billed to pick his nomination and expression of interest forms.

In a statement made available to Naija Voice News by his media team, Comrade Ogenyi is to collect his forms on Monday, September 10, 2018. The statement also invites all teeming supporters of Ogenyi to the National Secretariat of the Party on the said date.

The statement also expressed the hope that the renowned activist will emerge victorious in the primary election of the Party and thus enjoined all residents of the State to enable the realisation of his ambition.

It would be recalled that Comrade Ogenyi had, only last week, expressed his reservations over the hike in the price of nomination forms of the party, stressing that it was antithetical to youth participation in politics.

An indigene of Igumale in Ado Local Government Area, Comrade Ogenyi is currently the spokesperson of the Good Governance Ambassadors of Nigeria (GOGAN), a support group mobilising for the reelection of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Reps 2019: Hon Dave Onah Purchases Nomination Form, Advocate Direct Primaries

By Oriri Peter

A House of Representatives hopeful for Oju/Obi Federal Constituency, Hon. Dave Onah, today, bought the expression of interest/nomination form to represent the Constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Hon Onah while addressing newsmen at the National Secretariat of the Party in Abuja expressed his hope of emerging victorious during the primary.

Hon. Onah also called on his teeming supporters to remain steadfast and continue to campaign for total transformation of the constituency, promising to bring the needed change to the electorate.

Regretting that people of the Constituency had suffered neglect and poor representation, the political Juggernaut pledged to assuage the misgivings of the people, if elected.

While pledging to put an end to issues of unemployment ravaging the land, he vowed to bring dividends of democracy to all.