₦airaland Forum

The Nigerian authorities are continuing to fail thousands of women who fled Boko Haram controlled areas, almost a year after an Amnesty International investigation revealed patterns of abuse by the security forces, the organization said on International Women’s Day.

Many of these women still struggle to access food and other basic items in camps for internally displaced persons and are restricted from leaving. Those who speak up about their ordeal face harassment from government officials, particularly the Borno State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA.

The combination of movement restrictions and lack of assistance leaves them at increased risk of sexual exploitation by members of the security forces, present in and around the camps.

“It is unacceptable that women who survived the brutal reign of Boko Haram are still being denied their rights. We have long documented that women are being made to exchange sex for food and livelihood opportunities by members of the security forces just to survive and feed their children,” said Osai Ojigho, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria.

“Last year we issued a report which documented patterns of rape, starvation and arbitrary detention by the security forces, but the government and military shamefully dismissed the findings. A follow-up with the survivors shows they are on the verge of losing hope of ever getting justice, with previous promises of investigation leading nowhere. However, they will not give up.”

“We are also calling on the senate of National Assembly to fulfil its pledge to investigate concerns raised in our report “They Betrayed Us” so that survivors can get justice” said Osai Ojigho.

Recent investigation by Amnesty International shows that some of the women confined to camps in the Borno state capital of Maiduguri still have no access to adequate food assistance, and are battling with hunger and malnutrition.

In many cases, their situation is made more precarious by the ongoing detention of male family members; thousands of men were arbitrarily detained or subjected to enforced disappearance as they fled intensified fighting from late 2015 onwards. Many of these women do not know whether their husbands are dead or alive.

“The arbitrary detention by security forces of what may still amount to thousands of men is unlawful under international human rights law,” said Osai Ojigho.

“The failure by the authorities to provide a mechanism for family members of detainees to obtain information on the whereabouts and well being of their relatives, and the denial of information to those who approached the military for information, has caused mental suffering that constitutes ill-treatment under international human rights law.”

Amnesty International is also calling on authorities to investigate credible allegations of rampant corruption made by those affected at internally displaced persons camps.

There were protests at the Shettima Ali Monguno and Teachers Village camps in Maiduguri in February over lack of food, ill-treatment and corruption.

“The Boko Haram conflict forced thousands of women to live in squalid conditions in internally displaced persons camps. It is the responsibility of the Nigerian authorities to protect them and bring to justice all those suspected of exploiting them.”


https://dailynigerian.com/women-who-survived-boko-haram-still-face-abuse-neglect-amnesty/

A member of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Adamu Kwanate (APC, Nassarawo-Binyeri), slumped and died Wednesday after attending an election campaign rally.

The legislator was said to have collapsed at a political meeting.

This was five days after the member representing Mubi South in the house, Abdurrahman Abubakar ,died in Yola.

The Public Relations Officer of the house, Yahaya Daji , yesterday confirmed Kwanate’s death to our correspondent. He said the lawmaker was rushed to a hospital in Yola where he later died.

He said Kwanate had been battling an undisclosed health problem before his death.

He described the deceased as a hardworking legislator who enjoyed a cordial relationship with his colleagues and the staff of the house.

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/adamawa-lawmaker-slumps-dies-at-political-meeting.html

His impact on African and Kenyan Athletics is ever present.......RIP Sir....

Daniel Rudisha, a member of Kenya’s silver medal-winning relay quartet at the 1968 Mexico Olympics and father to 800m world record holder David Rudisha, has died, his family said on Thursday.

David said his 73-year-old father, a former teacher who retired to become an athletics coach, succumbed to cardiac arrest in a hospital in Nakuru, northwest of Nairobi, on Wednesday night after a long illness.

“Our beloved father sadly left us last night. He appeared to be recovering well after he was rushed to hospital for kidney failure last week,” the two-time Olympic and world champion told AFP.

Athletics Kenya said Rudisha would be remembered as a pioneer who helped lay a foundation for the current crop of athletes.

“Rudisha is among the first lot of athletes who represented the country, not for monetary gains but for the love of the game,” it said in a statement.

Fifty years ago, the elder Rudisha ran the anchor leg to earn Kenya’s first Olympic 4 x 400m relay silver medal, behind the world record-breaking United States.

Apart from coaching his son, Rudisha also mentored the careers of two-time world 800m champion Billy Konchellah and his late brother Patrick Konchellah, winner of the 1994 Commonwealth Games 800m in Victoria, Canada, and Stephen Ole Marai, a 1987 world championships 800m finalist.

(AFP)

Lalasticlala Seun

https://punchng.com/kenyan-athletics-pioneer-daniel-rudisha-dies/

"While we have no influence over who other parties might choose to endorse, we wish to make it unequivocally clear that we have we not entered any alliances or coalitions with the APC or any other party in Rivers State, neither have we made any decisions to dovetail parties or seek strategic alliances as we approach the state elections in a few days."

The leadership of the African Action Congress (AAC) has clarified its stand on the endorsement of its Rivers State governorship candidate by the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying it has "no alliances or coalition with the APC or any other parties in Rivers state".

At a meeting with APC supporters in Rivers State on Wednesday morning, Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Transportation and leader of the APCin Rivers State and the South-South, had pitched his tent with Awara Biokpomabo, the AAC governorship candidate in the state, saying: “This morning, the leadership of the party met and agreed that we would work with a party called African Action Congress (AAC), while we are still in court to reclaim our mandate.

“So, on Saturday (March 9), we will vote for AAC. You must go home and vote for AAC. There should be no excuse not to vote, because there will be security for everybody. You must prepare and make sure you win the governorship election."

However, in a denouncement conveyed in a press release signed byits Deputy National Chairman (Administration), Dr. Malcolm Fabiyi, AAC said: "We were made aware of the APC’s recent endorsement of the AAC’s Rivers State gubernatorial candidate in the forthcoming elections on the 9th of March. Rotimi Amaechi, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, has pitched his tent with Awara Biokpomabo, our governorship candidate in the African Action Congress (AAC).

"While we have no influence over who other parties might choose to endorse, we wish to make it unequivocally clear that we have we not entered any alliances or coalitions with the APC or any other party in Rivers State, neither have we made any decisions to dovetail parties or seek strategic alliances as we approach the state elections in a few days."

Fabiyi reassured the public that "the AAC, led by Omoyele Sowore, promised Nigerians a different style of governance at the national level; we also believe we can bring this new promise of transparency and progress to bear at the state level".

"We urge all PVC-bearing Nigerians to come out en masse on the 9th of March and vote for transformation and a true paradigm shift, the kind that only the African Action Congress can bring," he said.

http://saharareporters.com/2019/03/06/no-alliances-apc-%E2%80%94-sowores-party-aac-rejects-amaechis-rivers-endorsement

Governor El-Rufai of Kaduna State has been warned to bury his plan to demolish Dunamis church buildings and other Christian structures in the state.

The United Muslims for Peace and Good Governance, which gave this warning, said El-Rufai was starting a battle that may consume him.

The Kaduna State Urban Planning and Development Agency (KASUPDA) recently wrote to individuals, businesses and religious organisations in the state, asking them to provide title documents of their properties.

The development came few months after Dr. Paul Enenche, the Dunamis Senior Pastor spoke brutally against the killings in the state, particularly the abduction and murder of the paramount ruler of Adara Chiefdom, Agwom Adara, His Royal Highness, Maiwada Raphael Galadima

The governor, who was apparently angered by Enenche’s outburst, vowed to deal with him.

Few months after his comment, the governor ordered KASUPDA to go after the church.

Addressing newsmen on Wednesday, in Kaunda, the National President of the group, Kabiru Ibn Mohammed, said El-Rufai was only fighting a lost battle.

“Gentlemen of the press, we deem it necessary again to address you on the sad development going on in Kaduna State.

“You could recall that last December, we drew the attention of the Nigerian community through the fourth estate to Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s constant attacks on clergymen and fellow politicians in the country, with special focus on the governor’s threat to arrest and prosecute Pastor Paul Enenche of Dunamis for alleged hate speech.

“Apparently unable to ‘get’ Enenche as promised, El-Rufai has resorted to using the Kaduna State Urban Planning and Development Agency to harass Christians in Kaduna to provide their properties’ documents.

“This is too petty and undemocratic of a leader, to say the least.

“The governor has been displaying his utter disdain for Christians in Kaduna and has refused to listen to the wise counsel of his brothers in faith.

“The timing is sending a message that the governor is all out for a vendetta.

“As brothers in faith, we have constantly warned the governor to desist from his politics of bitterness.

“It is even more sad when lawful agencies allow themselves to be turned into political instruments of vendetta against perceived opposition figures.

“The case of El-Rufai in Kaduna is going out of hand and he must be called to order.

“We call on leadership of the All Progressives Congress, President Muhammadu Buhari and other Muslim leaders to call El-Rufai to others to stop what he’s doing.”


http://dailypost.ng/2019/03/06/muslim-youths-warn-el-rufai-plan-demolish-dunamis-buildings-others-kaduna/

Pascopele:
Football new rules by IFAB.

1)No rebounds from penalties: If it hits the post or the goalkeeper saves and it comes back out to the forward, the game will be stopped, there will be no second chance.

2)Substituted players can leave the field anywhere: This is to stop time-wasting, when a player is taken off they will no longer have to leave the field at the halfway line and can leave the pitch at the nearest point.

3)No attacking players in the wall:
This rule prohibits attacking players standing in the wall when a free-kick is being taken, a tactic increasingly employed in recent years.

4)Coaches will receive cards:
Currently, coaches only receive verbal warnings for misconduct, but the change will see them receiving yellows and reds as players do.

5)Accidental handball goal won't stand: Goals scored which have hit a player's hand, deliberate or not, will no longer stand.


New rules effective from June 1, 2019

Number 1 isn't there.....it is falsely reported,it was dropped November last year..
https://www.90min.com/posts/6311923-ifab-approves-several-new-law-changes-but-falsely-reported-penalty-rebound-rule-not-among-them


Thanks for number 3

COACHES WILL RECEIVE RED CARDS

Until now, coaches misdemeanors are corrected using simple reprimands or sendings-off.

For now,they can receive both yellow and red cards like players.

DEALING WITH ATTACKING PLAYERS IN THE DEFENSIVE WALL

This rule forbids attacking players from been in the defensive 'wall',when a free-kick is about to be taken.

SUBSTITUTED PLAYERS CAN LEAVE THE FIELD FROM ANYWHERE

When a player is substituted, he/she doesn't need to come off through the halfway line but instead can be permitted to leave from any point in the field.

HANDBALLS IN THE PENALTY AREA

From June 01,2019; goals scored that hits an opposing player's hands-voluntarily or involuntarily, will not count and will be disallowed.

Even goal-scoring opportunities that gets in contact with the hand, accidentally or otherwise will also be penalised.

There are a lot of footballer lovers on NL


Lalasticlala Seun Dominique gbera


http://www.theifab.com/news/133rd_annual_general_meeting

The International Football Association Board is the body saddled with the responsibility of determining the standard Laws of the Game governing football associations all over the world.

Founded in 1886, it acts as the custodian of the football game for international and national competitions. The IFAB comprises the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA), the Scottish Football Association (SFA), the Northern Ireland's Football Association (IFA), the Football Association of Wales (FAW), and the English Football Association (The FA).

The IFAB meets twice a year,the first known as the Annual General Meeting (AGM) is to decide changes to the game and; holds at the beginning of the year in Zurich (in a world cup year) or rotated amongst the other 4 associations. The second known as the Annual Business Meeting discusses its internal affairs.

FIFA has 4 votes and the other 4 associations with 1 each. Deliberations of IFAB must be approved with at least 6 votes and remains binding to football associations worldwide.

At its 133rd AGM in Aberdeen,Scotland on the 2nd March,2019; football has a set of new rules to take effect from 1st June,2019;
Leagues yet to end before June 01, 2019; the set of rules will take effect from next season;

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on the governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, to ensure fairness in the composition of his cabinet.

Dr. Fayemi, who became governor after the July 14 2018 gubernatorial election, is yet to announce a cabinet.

The request was made by the Muslim rights organization in a statement released on Tuesday, 5th March, 2019.

The statement was signed by its Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

“We have full confidence in Dr. Fayemi.

“Though he is a Christian, he was fair to Muslims during his first term in office as governor of the state between 2010 and 2014,” MURIC said.

“He appointed Muslims into his cabinet and also approved use of hijab for female Muslim students in the state’s public schools. We expect him to continue the good work.

“But his successor, Ayodele Fayose, was a big disappointment, a square peg in a square hole. He was a bigoted Christian and a Muslim-haterprimus inter pareil. He ran an all-Christian administration.

“All 14 commissioners, all 14 permanent secretaries, all board chairmen (except the Muslim pilgrims board) were Christians.

“The secretary to the state government and even Fayose’s chief of staff were both Christians. He refused to make any amendments despite repeated complaints by the Muslims.

“Under Fayose’s watch, Muslims were brutally attacked inside mosques by sponsored masquerades. Under Fayose’s watch, mosques were pulled down in the state while Arabic schools were shut.

“Fayose’s four years were years of executive brigandage. He will go down in history as the worst governor Ekiti State ever had.

“Muslims in Ekiti State cannot just leave everything to chance after such a nightmarish four-year term under Fayose. Their Allah-given fundamental rights have been trampled upon for too long.

“They were denied the right to hold political posts, the right to participate in governance, the right to gainful employment and, by inference, the right to have access to economic means of survival.

“MURIC has a duty to speak up for such people. The Glorious Qur’an says, ‘Why should you not rise in the cause of Allah to defend men, women and children who are oppressed due to their weakness?

“The weak ones cry out, ‘Our Lord! rescue us from this city (Ekiti State?) whose people are oppressors; and raise for us from Thee one who will protect us, and send to us a helper!’ (Qur’an 4:75-76).

‘Ekiti Muslims have been oppressed, downpressed and repressed. They cried out at the time and MURIC echoed their cry in compliance with the above verse. We are now asking the incumbent to rise to the task.

“Having suffered under ‘Fir‘awn’ (Pharaoh) for four consecutive years, Ekiti Muslims need a ‘protector’ (Waliyy) and a ‘helper’ (Nasir) at this hour.

“We therefore look forward to Governor Fayemi to rise to the occasion. We have always maintained that the religion of our president or governor in Nigeria does not matter so long as there is good governance.

“Merit should be the yardstick. We will always support a good Christian or a good Muslim who is credible, transparent, diligent, who respects the rule of law and who is fair to all. Sentimentality is a luxury in which MURIC does not indulge.

“At present, both Governor Kayode Fayemi and his deputy are Christians. But we are very hopeful because the door is still open for several other appointments. We expect, in all fairness, that a Muslim will emerge as either chief of staff or secretary to the state government.

“This is apart from other cabinet and board appointments that should be fairly and proportionately shared between Christians and Muslims in the state. Once again, we reaffirm our reliance on Dr. Fayemi’s cool-headedness, his friendly mien and his gentlemanly disposition.

“As we draw the curtain, we reaffirm our full confidence in Governor Kayode Fayemi. This statement serves as a subtle reminder to the governor to give fair share to Muslims in his state as a right and as a form of redress for the misrule and tyranny suffered by them under Ayodele Fayose. In return, we charge Muslims in the state to cooperate fully with the incumbent,” he said.

http://dailypost.ng/2019/03/05/ekiti-islamic-group-makes-fresh-demand-gov-fayemi/

An Abuja Division of the Federal High Court on Monday terminated the charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the late former Chief of Defence Staff, Alex Badeh.

Mr Badeh was killed by gunmen last year when returning from his farm in Nasarawa State.

The court presided over by Okon Abang in its judgement found Iyalikam Nigeria Limited, the company which is standing trial with Mr Badeh, guilty of the charges.
It ordered that all properties of the company in line with the 10-count amended charge be forfeited to the federal government through the EFCC.

He also ordered that the Corporate Affairs Commission should be notified of the ruling.

“Having regard to the plea bargain and plea duly taken, I hereby find the defendant Iyalikam Nigeria limited guilty.

“The defendant is hereby wound up and this judgement shall be served on the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) for necessary action.
“All properties in line with the 10-count charge are hereby forfeited to the Federal Republic of Nigeria through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC).

“In view of the fact that the first defendant in the original charge is reported dead, all charges against the first defendant are hereby terminated,” Mr Abang said.
During the court session on Monday, the prosecution counsel, O A. Atolagbe, told the court that the matter was adjourned for the hearing of defence of the second defendant (Iyalikam Nig Ltd).

“This case was adjourned to today for the continuation of hearing, in particular to defence of the 2nd def, since the 1st def is deceased.
“However, there is a development, the 2nd defendant and the prosecution have met and they have been able to reach an agreement and we have filed a further amended charge dated March 1 and filed March 4.
“We also filed a plea bargain agreement dated March 4 pursuant to section 279 of ACJA, 2015.

According to Mr Atolagbe, “In view of the two processes, we urge my lord to make an order of amendment of the charge before the court stating further that there is a provision under ACJA section 216 which deals with amendment but section 218(2) which deals with the process if amendment and we have provided the note specified by section 218(2)at the end of the amended charge.”

The first defendant’s counsel, Akin Olujimi, and second defendant’s counsel, Samuel Ologunorisa, did not object to the application of the prosecution.
Mr Abang, then said, “Since there has not been objection to the prosecution application, the further amendment charge filed today is deemed properly filed and served.”

Following the short ruling, Mr Atolagbe said, “I further urge My Lord allow the charge to be read and plea bargain entered as in the plea bargain agreement.”
Responding, Mr Olujimi said, “It is most unnecessary to go over the reading of charges again, there is before the court a plea bargain agreement executed by the prosecution. It would have been a different situation if there was no plea bargain.”
Mr Ologunorisa told the court he shared the same view with Mr Olujimi.
Again, the prosecution reiterated that the amended 10-count charge be read to the court.

“I humbly urge the court to let the charge be read in the open court by the registrar.”

When the judge asked if there is a section that supports that, Mr Atolagbe said: “Section 478 of ACJA, 2015 states that there must be a call to plea hence, what is left is for the charge to be read and a plea entered by the court.”
In his ruling, Mr Abang said, “Having heard the learned senior counsel representing the defendant and the prosecution counsel, it is hereby ordered as prayed that the further amended charge be read in open court and a plea entered.”

The amended 10-count charge was read and the plea was accordingly taken.

After that Mr Atolagbe told the court that, “In view of the plea of guilty entered by the court, I urge my lord to enter judgement based on the content of plea bargain agreement for the avoidance of doubt, I particularly urge my lord to order as part of the sentence the final forfeiture of all the properties affected by count 1 to 10 in the further amended charge, the defendant convicted and wound up base on the plea bargain agreement and section 19 of the money laundering Act.”

In his response, Mr Olujimi said, “I don’t think I can be heard again on this amended charge but will only urge your lordship to make an order terminating the proceedings against the first defendant, who is now deceased.”

“On the part of the second defendant, we abide by the plea bargain agreement duly executed by the parties,” Mr Ologunorisa said.

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/317397-breaking-court-terminates-charges-against-alex-badeh.html

An FCT High Court in Apo is set to deliver judgment in a suit seeking the disqualification of Adamawa State Governor, Mohammed Jibrilla Bindow, from the forthcoming governorship election, over alleged certificate forgery.

Justice Olukayode Adeniyi had fixed March 1 for the judgment after counsels to all parties in the suit argued and adopted their respective briefs for and against the suit.

However, when the matter came up on Friday, Justice Adeniyi apologized to the parties that the judgment was not ready.

He said he had earlier sent the court registrar to communicate the development to the parties.

Justice Adeniyi thereafter fixed judgment for today (Monday).

A group, Incorporated Trustees of Kingdom Human Rights Foundation International, had alleged that Bindow supplied false information to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in his INEC Form CF 001.

This, he allegedly did by purporting to have sat for the West African Examination Council (WAEC), in June, 1983, and possessed General Certificate of Education (GCE) issued by the examination body.

But the plaintiff accused the governor of falsely declaring his educational qualification and date of birth for the purpose of nomination/election into the office of Governor of Adamawa State for the 2019 general elections.

http://dailypost.ng/2019/03/04/waec-certificate-court-set-deliver-judgment-gov-bindows-alleged-forgery-case/

Perhaps,the real reason Atiku is been told to calm down...... and accept the outcome,who knows?

Anyhow anyhow..... Nigeria wins...but our economic team should create a shock-absorber so that we can do better than we are doing....

Lalasticlala

AFTER recording one of the worst weeks in the year, following the announcement of the winner of the presidential election last week, investment bankers have noted the high possibility of the market sustaining the negative trend this week.

They, however, reiterated that bargain hunting could engender positive moves during the week.

The bourse maintained bearish sentiment from the previous week despite the release of some impressive financials and attractive proposed dividends.

During the week, Dangote Cement Plc and Africa Prudential Plc released their respective 2018 year end results, which showed 11.87 percent and 91.10 percent revenue and post tax profit respectively for Dangote Cement and 35.28 percent and 13.89 percent gross earning and profit after tax growth respectively for African Prudential.

Despite this, the major equities gauge, the All Share Index, ASI, slid by by 2.12 percent to close at 31,827.24 points, a development operators attributed partly to the effect of the outcome of presidential election on one hand and profit taking on the other hand.

Similarly, the equities capitalisation fell by N257 billion or 2.12 percent to close at N11.869 trillion on Friday.

Reacting, analysts at Lagos based investment firm, Vetiva Capital Management said: “Given the reaction of investors to the election results last week, we highlight the possibility of negative sentiment trickling down into the market this week.

That said, we expect bargain hunting to drive positive trading as investors take up undervalued stock leading to a mixed session at week start.”

Mr. Chinenye Anyanwu, Managing Director/CEO, Dependable Securities, doubted the possibility of early return to the green zone without change of governance style by the incumbent president, Muhammadu Buhari.

Like Vetiva, he said that the market could find reprieve in the release of 2018 financial statements and the fact that the market has reached a level it would correct itself.

“The sell-off will continue until a positive sign comes from the government of the day; if there is a positive sign from the government of the day, investors will react accordingly. Not until there is such a thing, the stock market will continue to slide,” Anyanwu said.

Making a prognosis into the week, analysts at Meristem Securities stated that investor sentiment towards the banking sector, which was bearish last week could be reversed as investors take advantage of relatively cheap valuations on some of the banks, as well as positive earnings results.

Lalasticlala Seun Dominique

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/03/equities-outlook-still-bleak-as-investors-lose-n257bn/

https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/03/04/equities-market-declines-further-despite-high-trading-volume/amp/

https://www.sunnewsonline.com/post-election-investors-wealth-dips-by-n250bn-as-trading-closes-in-red/

National President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore Socio-cultural Association, Bello Abdullahi Bodejo has said that even Fulani cows are happy over the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari in last Saturday’s election. In this interview with WILLY EYA, he gave reasons why the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lost.

What is your reaction to the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari in last Saturday’s election?

The game is finished and we are already in the Next Level. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has done a good job. As for me, since the last two weeks, I knew that President Buhari would win the election. He campaigned all over the country and the masses like him. Even if he did not go round and stayed in Abuja, he would still have won the election because of the love of people for him. It was obvious that the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar was going to lose the election to Buhari. In my last interview with the Sun, I told you that Buhari would win the election. Since last two weeks, we had prepared cows that we want to use to celebrate the victory of Baba Buhari. What we are waiting for now is the governorship and House of Assembly elections. Some governors are good and they are supposed to come back but the people should vote out some governors who did not work. All those governors who are trying to create anti-grazing laws should lose their elections. Some of them are enemies of the country and the Fulani. We are praying that such people should lose the election. A governor like Samuel Ortom must lose this election like the way Atiku lost.

The PDP, which is the main opposition party has rejected the result of the election, claiming that the process was compromised; what is your reaction to that?

They made so much noise; many of them like Buba Galadinma carried so much propaganda but they were not on ground. However, if they have issues with the election, they should go to court. I advise them to join Buhari’s government and not waste their time. If you saw their campaigns, you would think that they were going to win the election but it is few people among them that deceived them to think that they have been accepted by Nigerians. One thing is that if you are a presidential candidate, you should not take any tribe for granted. If a tribe like the Fulani rejects you, you should know that you are finished. Whatever you are doing in the country, if you are not with the Fulani, it would not succeed.

The reason is that if the Fulani say yes to you, it means yes. Atiku lost the election but if he wants to go to court, he can do that; after all, the lawyers are there and they will be happy to get briefs from the PDP. It is a very clear election that they conducted and everybody saw it. Before, Buhari could not win Nasarrawa but this time he won it because of his popularity. Look at the campaign of Atiku; he said he would sell the NNPC if he is elected; how can he say that? Is it his personal property? He also said he wants to do anti-grazing law. Which kind of leader is that? You will sell NNPC and ban the Fulani from grazing. You said the Fulani are killing people and you want to win election.

Now that President Buhari has won a second term in office, what should be your advice to him?

This time, President Buhari has to check the people around him very well. Not all of them are giving him good advice. I believe that by now, he already knows those who like Nigeria and those do not like Nigeria. It is now that the real change will come. I believe that Baba will bring a lot of change to Nigeria. Even the cows in the bush are now happy and will know that very soon, change will reach them. Today (Wednesday), when I wanted to harvest milk from my cow, I noticed that it was double what I used to get. Through that, I know that something good is coming to the country. So, even the cows are happy and feeling that change has come. Before now, after every Before now, after every election, you used to have all manner of crises but since Buhari won, you can see that everywhere is calm. Everybody is very happy; some are dancing and killing animals to do sacrifice. We, the Fulani are praying for him and that he should remember us. The Fulani are really suffering; they are killing the Fulani everywhere but we cannot leave President Buhari. We believe in him. He is our son, father and grandfather. I urge him to remove all the people around him who are enemies of his administration. During the campaigns, many people including Atiku were trying to poison the minds of the Fulani that Buhari did not do anything for us. We understood that Buhari entered government at a time that everything had spoilt in the country. I believe that Buhari is going to do a lot now. So many people tried to use money to buy us but we believe in Buhari. We are praying that Buhari will listen to the leadership of the Fulani.

You are already talking about what Buhari should do for the Fulani but many accuse him of not carrying other Nigerians along. Don’t you think he should be more inclusive?

When President Olusegun Obasanjo was in power, what happened? Did he carry everybody along? During his time, were it not only Yoruba people that were ruling the country? The national leader of APC, Bola Tinubu, is he not from Osun State. Is Prof Yemi Osinbajo not from Ogun State? Former governor of Lagos State, Fashola has three ministries; many of them are in this administration. If your people are given positions in the government, rather than complain about Buhari, you should complain about those of your people in government who are not doing anything. You cannot blame Buhari because one thing about him is that if he believes in you, he believes in you. You do not expect him to go to the village to research on who is helping his people or not. I know that in his second term, he will carry out some changes in his cabinet because some of them are not doing well. He will carry out changes to ensure unity in the country. He knows everybody including those who are trying to spoil his government. You know Buhari is very intelligent and he follows the procedure gradually.

You are one of the leaders of the Fulani people and you should know their history.The question is why is Buhari so popular among your people?

The reason why he is popular, I will tell you. In the North, if you are an elder and you make your gates open, interacting and eating with everybody, people will like you. For some people, the moment they have opportunities, they will buy an SUV with tinted glasses, cover the plate number and make the fence of their house so high so that nobody can enter there. They will put like three guards in their house. They will lock their house and make sure that they do not have anything to do with the people. But if you know Buhari’s life, it is not like that. He is a ‘Sarkin Fulani’ person. For the Fulani, if you carry them along, they will believe you and follow you. Buhari does not care about the riches of this world. He believes in acquiring what only God gives him. He does not believe in acquiring unnecessary wealth. He lives the life of a common man and rearing cows like every Fulani man. How many Generals have you seen that will go to the village and stay with his people? You cannot see anybody who was a military president and relocate to the village to stay. Before he became civilian president in 2015, if you go to his house in Kaduna, I visited him once and when I saw him I was saying is this person the Buhari that everybody is talking about. I went to his house and he was in one simple parlour and I greeted him, and after we finished, he saw me and another person I took to his house to the gate. I do not think any General can do that kind of thing in the country. His colleagues, before you can see them, you will have to go through so many uniformed men with guns.

For him, he can go to the mosque and greet everybody. He will sit down with everybody and do everything. So, all of us who joined him now can die with him. He may not give you money but he will show you love and do things that our unborn generation will come and benefit from. See when he was the chairman of PTF, he made sure that he established a good plan that will benefit everybody. He did not make the plan for himself but for the entire country. Right from that time, he started how to fight the problems of the Fulani people through the establishment of grazing reserves. They are very few like him. If you can get somebody like him in Yoruba land and Igbo land, Nigeria will be good. Now that he is in power, he has been trying his best to ensure that Nigeria is better.

Now that he has won another term, what do you think he will do to end the farmer/herders clashes?

Like I said before, if Buhari appoints you as a Minister, he wants you to perform in that ministry. We believe that in his second term, the farmer/herders clashes will end. The Minister of Agriculture wanted to start the cattle colony and grazing reserve and people started to shout like they wanted to give the whole Nigeria to the Fulani. If he wants to sign anything with regards to the cattle colony or grazing reserve, people will begin to shout as if he wants to give the whole Nigeria to the Fulani. But I believe that this time, Buhari will end the farmer/herders clashes.

Lalasticlala Mynd44 Seun

https://www.sunnewsonline.com/buharis-victory-even-our-cows-are-happy-bodejo-national-president-miyetti-allah/

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that the commission has no issues with the result of Saturday’s National Assembly polls in Abia North Senatorial District.
Mr Bamidele Oyetunji, the Public Relations Officer of the commission in Umuahia, the Abia capital, said this in an interview with newsmen on Friday.

Bamidele said that the commission only had problem with the results of the National Assembly polls in Abia South Senatorial District, which were still awaiting declaration.

The clarification was coming on the heels of the agitation by Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against the declaration of Chief Orji Kalu, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, as the winner of the election in Abia north.

Kalu, who polled 31,201 votes was declared the winner ahead of the two other frontline contenders, including Ohuabunwa and Chief David Onuoha, the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, who scored 20,801 votes and 11,410 votes, respectively.

Ohuabunwa had alleged in a statement issued in Umuahia that the Returning Officer for the election, Dr. Charles Anumudu, did not declare anybody winner of the poll.

He claimed that the number of canceled votes, totalling 76,889, was higher than the margin of lead, put at 10,402 votes.

He said that the difference between the margin of victory and canceled votes was 66,487.

He therefore urged INEC to order for a rerun in the areas, where the election was cancelled.

But according to Oyetunji, “the commission has no problem with the result of the polls in Abia north.”

Also, the Head, Voter Education and Publicity Unit of the commission, Mr Achibie Chigozie, said that Ohuabunwa knew where to direct his greviances.


https://m.guardian.ng/news/kalu-inec-says-it-has-no-issues-with-abia-north-result/

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, a former military Head of State, Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar, and other members of the National Peace Committee are currently in a meeting with Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, The PUNCH understands.

Our correspondent learnt that the members of the committee ended their meeting with the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, around 8pm and headed to the Presidential Villa where another meeting began with Osinbajo.

The meeting, it was learnt, is aimed at toning down the war of words between the APC and the PDP following the announcement of the result of the Presidential election.

While Atiku has rejected the result describing it as a sham, the APC, most especially its National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, has been lambasting Atiku, describing him as a sore loser.

The peace committee, it was learnt, was asking both parties to abide by the accord they signed during the build up to the elections.

https://punchng.com/breaking-osinbajo-meets-kukah-abdusalami-in-aso-villa/

Wiked Wike again.....


A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt Thursday declared the Accord Party governorship candidate in Rivers State, Dumo Lulu Briggs, unfit to contest in the March 9 governorship election.

According to the presiding judge, Justice Emmanuel Obile, Lulu Briggs did not participate in the primaries conducted on October 4, 2018.

The judge said Briggs was a governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the time of conducting the primary.

Obile, therefore, declared Briggs’ candidacy as null, void and unconstitutional.

The court, thereafter, ordered INEC to replace his name with the plantiff, Precious Baridoo as the candidate of the party.

Details later.

https://m.guardian.ng/news/court-declares-lulu-briggs-governorship-candidacy-void/

Plateau State chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Damishi Sango, has accused the state governor, Simon Lalong and the Residence Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mallam Hussaini Halilu Pai of stoking a crisis that would likely cause loss of lives in the state.
Sango said the two should be held responsible for any break down of law and order in the state, alleging that they were deliberately holding back on announcing the result of last Saturday’s National Assembly election to thwart the will of the electorate.

Also worried by the development, chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), North chapter in the state, Rev. Canon Nenman Isa Gowon, observed that the delay in announcing the Senatorial and House of Representatives election results had started generating anxiety in the state.

Gowon, while addressing newsmen in Jos yesterday, said the association’s concerns were based on the fact that the delayed announcement of the result had sent a signal of the possibility of tampering with it while urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to, as a matter of urgency, announce the result unaltered.

In the same vein, Mohammed Bashiru Mohammed and Mr. Ahmed Hassan, all of Concerned Citizens of Nigeria, Plateau State chapter, expressed dismay that four days after the election was conducted peacefully, INEC had not announced the winner.

The PDP chairman, who made the allegation while addressing a world press conference yesterday, said that Pai was being pressured by Governor Simon Lalong.

He said the election of Saturday, February 23, 2019 was relatively peaceful with an impressive turnout of voters despite the earlier inexcusable postponement by INEC, adding, “Plateau people clearly spoke their minds by vesting their trust in PDP by voting overwhelmingly for the party.”

He, however, regretted that four days after the elections, INEC was yet to turn in the final results and declare the winners across the three senatorial zones of the state, stressing: “In the Southern zone, INEC declared the election inconclusive after cancelling the results of some units in Qua’an Pan and Wase LGAs.

“There was intense pressure on the Returning Officer to declare the result in favour of APC. In the Central zone, INEC again declared the election inconclusive. As a matter of fact, INEC and stakeholders alongside agents of the parties entered into a formal agreement for a re-run to be conducted in some units in Kanam.

“But very surprisingly, INEC summoned the Returning Officers under heavy military intimidation and ordered them to announce the result of the election in favour of APC. In the Northern zone, we received reports from INEC officers on ground and our agents that PDP won the election. INEC then picked Tudun Wada-Kabong ward, a stronghold of PDP in Jos North LGA and withheld the results of all the 65 units with a total voter population of about 92,000.”

Sango further claimed that INEC instructed the Returning Officers not to announce the results, pointing out that it was evident that the wholesome cancellation of units across the state was deliberately targeted at disenfranchising the people and weakening PDP.

He added: “It is glaring to everyone that the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Alhaji Hussaini Halilu Pai, had compromised his position as an umpire. Consequently, he has set the whole of Plateau on tension, which is a recipe for monumental crisis.

The PDP and its stakeholders have been working tirelessly to calm frayed nerves. But this cannot go on for too long.

“We are therefore alerting the nation and the world to hold the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Pai, responsible for any breakdown of law and order. We can only appeal to him to douse this rising tension by immediately releasing the results. We know from where the pressure is coming. Governor Lalong is the source.

“The governor has been blackmailed by some elements in the state who want him to give them certain positions in exchange for them to support his re-election. Lalong wants a second tenure at the expense of the blood and peace of Plateau. Plateau people will accept nothing less than justice.”

However, a meeting earlier scheduled to hold yesterday to deliberate on the issue of cancellation of Kabong/Tudun Wada Ward could not hold because the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Pai, was summoned to Abuja Headquarters of INEC immediately after leaving Jos North Collation Centre where the issue could not be resolved on Tuesday.

A local government collation agent of PDP for Jos North, Samuel Umar, who delivered the REC’s message, said he could not take any question. In the message, the REC disclosed that it was resolved that verification of results from Tudun Wada/ Kabong were supposed to be conducted, while the verification was now to be conducted by the police.

“As we speak, all our presiding officers, election officials involved in the conduct of the National Assembly elections in Tudun Wada/Kabong Ward are with the police assisting them with the investigations and verification of the results,” Umar explained.

He said the REC had directed him to seek their patience and cooperation until the outcome of the verification exercise pending his return from Abuja, even as he assured that the matter at stake would be peacefully resolved and hopefully the results of the elections would be announced.

The main bone of contention is the 30,000 votes removed from the presidential election results from the ward which PDP claims is its stronghold.

https://m.guardian.ng/politics/lalong-rec-accused-of-stoking-looming-bloodshed-in-plateau/

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, on Tuesday said he had fulfilled his promise to send his former boss, George Akume, into retirement.

Akume, who was the All Progressives Congress’ senatorial candidate for Benue North-West, lost to his Peoples Democratic Party’s opponent, Orker Jev.

Ortom spoke during a press conference held at the Government House, Makurdi.

The governor boasted that everything he said politically concerning Akume had come to pass.

He said, “Tell me one thing I told you before that has never come to pass. Anything l tell you must come to pass because I don’t just say it. I speak from the inspiration of God.

“I told you that I would send Akume into retirement. You can now see it happening.

“People who play God should know that their end will be disastrous. I have read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation and I know that anyone that compares himself to God can never survive.

“God is real. Psalm 24 said the earth and its fullness thereof belong to God.

“So, when people begin to play God, they are taking the position of God. Their end will be disastrous because you cannot share the glory of God.”

Ortom said he was sure of victory in the forthcoming governorship election.

“There is no hurdle to scale over my governorship election in the state,” he said.

https://punchng.com/i-have-fulfilled-my-promise-to-retire-akume-says-ortom/

The market capitalisation of listed equities on Tuesday shed N85 billion in six hours of trading to what traders attributed to profit taking as a result of the presidential poll.

Specifically, the market capitalisation, which opened at N12.194 trillion, shed N85 billion or 0.69 per cent to close at N12.109 trillion.

Also, the All-Share Index lost 226.30 points or 0.69 per cent to close at 32,473.82, compared with 32,700.12 recorded on Monday.

Ambrose Omordion, the Chief Operating Officer, InvestData Ltd., attributed the market pullback to profit taking embarked by some smart investors.
Mr Omordion said the smart money that pushed the market up with expectations that the opposition would win the presidential election were leaving the market.

He said some investors who entered the market in anticipation that the opposition economic policy and reforms would support market growth were taking profit ahead of earnings season.

“This pullback may not last as a result of 2019 dividend declaration season as dividend yield of financial service stocks are high and attractive due to low prices,” Mr Omordion stated.

Nestle dominated the losers’ chart, dropping by N70 to close at N1,510 per share.
Union Bank of Nigeria trailed with a loss of 60k to close at N6.65, while FBN Holdings was down by 30k to close at N8 per share.

Conversely, Guinness led the gainers’ table during the day, gaining N2.05 to close at N67.15 per share.

Dangote Flour followed with a gain of N1 to close at N12.05, while Oando gained 65k to close at N7.25 per share.

Air Services added 60k to close at N7.05, while Africa Prudential increased by 44k to close at N4.84 per share.
A breakdown of the activity chart indicates that the volume of shares traded rose by 46.57 per cent with an exchange of 322.18 million shares worth N2.43 billion in 4,066 deals.

This was against 219.81 million shares valued at N5.55 billion transacted in 2,999 deals on Monday.
Sunu Assurances recorded the highest volume of activity, trading 50.81 million shares worth N10.16 million.

Access Bank traded 32.30 million shares valued at N203.09 million, while Diamond Bank sold 28.60 million shares worth N70.10 million.

United Bank for Africa accounted for 19.02 million shares valued at N153.66 million, while Guaranty Trust Bank sold 17.77 million shares worth N677.66 million.

(NAN)

Lalasticlala Seun Dominique

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/business/316428-presidential-election-result-nigeria-stock-market-loses-n85bn-in-six-hDominique

A report reaching Daily Sun said there is an ongoing attack on Maro, a community in Kajuru local government area of Kaduna State.

A witness told Daily Sun that the armed men numbering about 200 stormed the area, moving from one community to the other attacking and burning everything in sight.

“I’m not sure who they are because we don’t see their face as most of us were not in our houses when they arrived, but we can see flames emanating from our houses,” the witness told Daily Sun via telephone at about 10:00am.

“As at now, I cannot give you any figure because these assailants are still much around.”

Security authorities are yet to confirm this development as Daily Sun still awaits a response to short messages sent to their mobile lines.

However, Kaduna Police spokesman DSP Yakubu Sabo promised to get back to Daily Sun.

More details later..


https://www.sunnewsonline.com/just-in-our-houses-churches-razed-in-maro-kajuru-survivor/

It seems some people already know the incoming CBN Gov




....hmmm

As the clock ticks away for the tenure of the Central Bank Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, speculations are rife that a woman top banker, Mrs Aishah Ahmad, one of his deputies, and any among eight others may be his likely successor if he’s not re-appointed, although the position has a tradition of rotating between the north and the south.

The other eminent Nigerians being thought fit for the job include Professor Soji Adelaja, Mohammed Dikwa, Bismarck Rewane, Umaru Abdul Mutallab , Obadiah Mailafia, Bello Maccido, Adesola Adeduntan and Herbert Wigwe.

What makes the position of an apex bank governor tick is its direct implication on the economy as he is expected to advise the president on both fiscal and monetary policies from time to time. Aside this, the CBN Act, 2007, states that the Governor is expected to formulate, for the approval of the Board, general rules and any subsequent amendments thereto, providing for:

•The safe keeping of the common seal of the bank

•The safe keeping of the assets of the bank and of valuables entrusted to the bank

•The safe keeping of stocks of unissued or redeemed currency and the preparation, safe custody and destruction of plates and paper for the printing of currency notes and disc for the minting of coins

•The protection of bank notes and coins in transit

•The conditions under which any Zonal Controller, Branch Controller or Currency Officer may be appointed; and

•The conditions governing discounts and advances

•The exercise of dual control and general security throughout the bank; and

•Such additional arrangement which may be made to ensure the efficient working of the bank, through proper observance of security and the accuracy of the accounts of the bank.

As a result of these, an online platform, North East Star, is of the opinion that professional background, regional consideration and international exposure come to play in determining who becomes the CBN governor.

“Given the extreme market reactions to changes on who heads the central bank in some emerging markets, the professional background of the central bank governor must suggest that he or she has the experience to devise and run an effective monetary policy for the country.

“And going by the federal character provisions in any federal appointment in Nigeria. A critical look at the table shows that all the past CBN governors and their tenure suggests that regional consideration plays an active role in the appointment of the central bank governor. One thing is very clear: the position has a tradition of alternating between the north and the south (Prof. Charles Soludo from the South, then Sanusi L. Sanusi from the north, then Mr. Emefiele from the south).

“Again, President Buhari and his government will like to see someone with international exposure and expertise as the next CBN czar. The next CBN governor will be someone who knows how the Breton Woods institutions operates, who has some training from Harvard or Cambridge, someone whom the international financial world can respect,” it adds.

In its February 15 edition, an online medium, www.newsonbanks.com, stated that President Muhammadu Buhari was considering Mrs Ahmad as the substantive governor when Emefiele’s term expires in June.

The news outlet , quoting ‘a highly dependable source from the presidency’ states that “it is not yet clear if there are strong economic reasons for this, considering Emefiele’s sterling performance in stabilising the Naira in the winds of the economic turbulence, hellish recession and sluggish recovery that have plagued President Buhari’s years in office.”

The CBN Governor’s tenure expires in the first week of June and the elected President would be sworn in on May 29, “So the President is being pressured to submit her name to the Senate immediately before or after the election and ensure that it is considered and approved before the end of May,” the presidency source said.Aishah Ahmad, 42, is the youngest member of the CBN Board and oversees the Financial Systems Stability Directorate of the apex bank. She replaced Dr Sarah Alade who retired in March 2017. If this Senate approves her nomination, she will be the youngest and the first female CBN Governor in Nigeria and the first female to hold the position in Africa.

Aishah Ahmad, 42, is the youngest member of the CBN Board and oversees the Financial Systems Stability Directorate of the apex bank. She replaced Dr Sarah Alade who retired in March 2017. If this Senate approves her nomination, she will be the youngest and the first female CBN Governor in Nigeria and the first female to hold the position in Africa.

However, aside Mrs Ahmad, an in-depth research and investigation conducted by North East Star revealed that eight others are currently being scrutinized and assessed for the job. These include Professor Soji Adelaja,an economist and John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor at Michigan State University (MSU), USA; Mohammed Kyari Dikwa, a holder of phd in Accounting and Finance, whose success in coordinating the TSA and the blockage of billions for the government through PICA was said to have endeared him to the President; Bismarck Rewane, a financial analyst and the Managing Director of Financial Derivatives Company; Umaru Abdul Mutallab, former CEO of UBA and ex-Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria and Obadiah Mailafia, a former CBN deputy governor in charge of monetary policy, foreign exchange operations, investment management, research, statistics, and cooperation with international institutions. The rest are Bello Maccido, the Chairman of FBN Merchant Bank; Adesola Adeduntan, Managing Director/CEO ,First Bank of Nigeria Limited and Herbert Wigwe, Group Managing Director/CEO , Access Bank Plc.

https://www.sunnewsonline.com/top-female-banker-8-others-jostle-for-emefieles-job/

Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi has debunked the insinuation that South East Governors influence results to help President Muhammadu Buhari achieve 25 per cent of votes in states in the zone.

Umahi made the declaration on Monday in Abakaliki while addressing newsmen, noting that the insinuation was unfounded and blamed such on fake news purveyors in the social media.

“Why do we need to negotiate for the sex of a child when the child has been given birth to? “The fact is that the president remains the boss of all governors and any reasonable governor must respect the president, party differences apart.

“You gain nothing by castigating him and such castigation does not stop him from being the president. “You should rather make him your friend and see how you can get something for your people. “The bible tells us that when the ways of a man is pleasing unto God, it keeps his enemies to be at peace with him,” he said.

The governor noted that those who lived for themselves end up heating the system as they collected their salaries at the end of the month, fed freely among others. “I am in a hurry to change the story, narratives of Ebonyi people so whatever vehicle of peace that I need to join to achieve this, I will join.

“Our people are good in social media but will never go to get their voter cards and will be announcing results,” he said. He enjoined journalists to vote in the elections to enshrine good governance despite their election monitoring schedules. “I expect 90 per cent success in the elections of March 9 and I want you to ask me question on this, that day. “All the prophecies made on this election failed and you (journalists) were the ones propagating these prophecies. “People will just wake up and declare: thus says the lord and this is unfortunate,” he said.

Umahi commended INEC for ensuring a hitch free election but urged it to ensure the efficiency of the card reader which recorded several hitches on Saturday. (NAN)

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/02/south-east-governors-did-not-influence-results-to-favour-buhari-umahi/