₦airaland Forum

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Adeola Rahman Ipaye as the Deputy Chief of Staff and Laolu Akande as Senior Special Assistant (Media & Publicity) in the Presidency.

This was announced via a tweet from the President’s official Twitter handle where he stated that both appointees will work in the office of the Vice President, Yemi Osinbanjo

Ipaye served under the administration of All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftain Bola Tinubu during his tenure as Lagos Governor where on May 2001 he was appointed Special Assistant to Tinubu on Legal Affairs and in 2003 he became his Special Assistant on Legal Matters.

He served in that capacity for 4 years until he was appointed Special Adviser on Taxation and Revenue to Tinubu’s successor Babatunde Fashola in 2007. On May 2007, he was appointed Attorney General.

He obtained Bachelors and Masters degrees in Law from the University of Lagos before he began his law career at Oditah Adebiyi & Co. in Lagos as a research coordinator before he joined the services of the University of Lagos as assistant lecturer. He rose to the position of a senior lecturer on October 1999 and later became the sub-dean of the faculty of law on October 2000. See more: http://www.post-nigeria.com/buhari-appoints-tinubus-aide-as-deputy-chief-of-staff/

After much public pressure on the President to declare his assets publicly, his spokesperson, Garba Shehu has come out to confirm that both Buhari and his vice Prof. Yemi Osinbajo are in position of assets worth more than a billion naira.

Shehu who made this known, stated that the documents of the assets declaration would soon be made public after officials of the Code of conduct Bureau, CCB, conclude their verification.

He went ahead to state that prior to Buhari’s swearing in on May 29th, he had less than N30 million to his name.

Adding that he only operates one bank account, with the Union Bank, insisting that he had no foreign account, no factory, no enterprises, no registered company and no oil wells”.

The statement further added that “the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, who had been a successful lawyer before his foray into politics declared a bank balance of about N94 million and 900,000 United States Dollars in his bank accounts”. And added that he “had shares in Berger Paints, Union Bank and Skye Bank”. See other assets worth billions: http://www.post-nigeria.com/shock-as-buhari-osinbajo-finally-declare-billions-in-assets/

As President Muhammadu Buhari and 19 new State Governors mark their 100 days in office, aspirations and hopes continue to remain high on benefiting from the core dividends of their campaign promises, however the spotlight has remained strained on the Buhari, while the governors enjoyed relative calm.

POST NIGERIA after thorough investigation, has been able to provide a progress report for the governors and how their regions have benefited.

Marking 100 days in office has now been imprinted into Nigeria’s democratic culture with public officers being aware of the enormous challenges and expectations ahead of them. See full list: http://www.post-nigeria.com/100-days-how-your-governors-performed-and-some-funny-achievements/

A women and youth development advocate Mary Ikoku, has lambasted President Muhammadu Buhari for straying away in the composition of his latest appointments and succeeding in marginalizing women.

Ikoku made this declaration during an interview on Channels TV’s “Sunrise Daily” where she explained that women constitute about 50% of Nigeria’s population which must not be neglected in appointing positions and warned of imminent danger to Nigeria’s democracy if this trend continues.

She questioned his sensibilities towards gender equity and urging him to imbibe the spirit of democracy and gender balance in his administration.

“In the spirit of democracy, it would only make sense if we find the inclusion of women in this administration.
“In the days to come I would like to see a lot of involvement of the women, women make up 50% of the population and you can’t avoid these huge population in making appointment into positions, so I really expect to see more women in his administration.

“I am not satisfied with the appointments so far but I would say it’s rather too early in the day to say a final NO.

“Out of the 35 people being appointed and none yet is a woman, we’ve only gotten half representation (Amina Zakari, Acting chairman of INEC) and she has not been confirmed and it seems there is some written constitution that women would not be part of government in this administration.

“I am really concerned because if the only one that has gotten halfway in and has been so greatly objected, then this is signs of what to come and it’s disturbing.” See more: http://www.post-nigeria.com/buhari-running-nigeria-like-a-sole-administrator-bad-for-nigeria-expert-2/

The former Fovernor of Akwa Ibom State and current Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio narrowly escaped death on Monday, August 31 after his car was involved in an auto crash at City Gate, Airport Road in Abuja.

An eye witness narrated that Senator Akpabio was moving in a motorcade towards the City Gate when his vehicle ran into another car near the Bolingo Junction close to the Ship House.

“My wife and I were coming from the NNPC Mega Station and we stopped at the traffic light by Bolingo Hotel Junction.

“When the green light showed and we made to move, there was this siren blaring Mercedes Benz jeep that came from the town and almost crashed onto my car. I don’t know how we dodged but another that was behind the jeep hit the car behind me and tumbled on its side.

“I and my wife rushed out of our vehicle and helped the driver bring out his boss. When we brought him out, we found that it was former governor, Godswill Akpabio.

“At the time we brought him out, the siren was still blaring. We put him in the other vehicle and he was rushed to the National Hospital,” the witness told Premium Times.

All efforts by POST NIGERIA to reach the Public Relations Officer of the National Hospital, Tayo Haastrup proved abortive. See picture of his car: http://www.post-nigeria.com/akpabio-involved-in-auto-crash/

In an unprecedented visit, Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose paid an unannounced appearance at the State secretariat where he prevented civil servants who arrived late to work entry into their offices.

He also subjected them to heavy tongue lashing with several others prostrating before the Governor seeking for mercy.

Fayose was said to have arrived the State secretariat at around 8.00am on Monday, August 31, on a supervisory tour to monitor workers punctuality and absenteeism, where he prevented about 30 workers that arrived late entry into their office complex in a manner which many have described as dictatorial and undemocratic.

Fayose while addressing the workers said his administration would not tolerate lack of punctuality from civil servants adding that his Government can’t continue to pay salaries to those who choose to be absent from work.

He then directed the State Head of Service, Olugbenga Faseluka to institute a disciplinary Committee where punishable recommendations would be meted out to erring workers. See more photos: http://www.post-nigeria.com/photos-fayose-visits-secretariat-unleashes-harsh-treatment-on-civil-servants/

As Nigerians wait in anticipation to celebrate the accomplishments recorded 100 days into President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu has come out to controversially state that some claims in the All Progressives Congress, APC, manifesto were neither seen nor authorized by the President.

Shehu made this disclosure in an article published in THISDAY newspaper on August 29, titled “UNDERSTANDING BUHARI IN 100 DAYS” and stated that Buhari’s performance should not judged in just 100 days in office, promising better days ahead of his administration.

“There is a certain document tagged ‘One Hundred Things Buhari Will Do in 100 Days’ and the other, ‘My Covenant with Nigerians.’

“Both pamphlets bore the authorized party logo but as the Director of Media and Communications in that campaign, I did not fund or authorize any of those.

“I can equally bet my last Kobo that Candidate Buhari did not see or authorize those publications,” Shehu said.

Historically, the 100 days in office is traced to the era of Franklin D. Roosevelt where he promised drastic initiatives within his first 100 days of office.

This has become a set standard of action that subsequent Presidents all over the world have been measured against. Although it has less significance, analysts believe that it is a template for measuring a President’s performance in line with its manifesto.

Buhari has gone from enjoying chants of “Sai Baba” to “Baba Go slow” having been criticized for his slow and sluggish pace in marshalling his campaign promise of “Change” which served as a springboard towards his ascension to power.

In the area of economic management, Shehu stated that Buhari release of bailout funds has been able to save the State Governments from collapse, insisting the body language of the President was an antidote for ensuring 24 hour power supply which many cities in Nigeria are currently enjoying.

He however did not state which particular States were beneficiaries of the 24 hours power supply.

“He didn’t put a Kobo to finance the power sector. Yet, reading his body language alone and knowing that there are things you cannot do and get away with under Buhari, electricity supply all over the countries has risen to unprecedented heights.

“Actually, some cities are on the verge of calling 24-hour, round the clock power supply. The country generates more power than can internally be taken by the deplorable distribution system we have on the ground, which points to the next challenge that the country faces.”

The Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Agency recently stated that the coordination achieved with other energy agencies during the ex-president’s administration was responsible for the current stability in power generation. See more: http://www.post-nigeria.com/100-days-in-office-buhari-clueless-of-apcs-manifesto-garba-shehu/

President Muhammadu Buhari has faulted those criticizing his lopsided appointments saying that the constitution gives him the prerogative to choose anyone he wishes to appoint.

Buhari spoke through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina on Friday evening, on the hue and cry trailing his appointments from Thursday which is believed to favour the northern part of the country.

Barely 90 days into his administration, the President approved the appointments of Babachir David Lawal as Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Abba Kyari as Chief of Staff to the President and Hameed Ibrahim Ali as Comptroller-General Nigerian Customs Service.

In reaction, Adesina said the President was aware of federal character and expressed the belief that they would be balanced by the time he made more appointments in September.

While saying appointments were Buhari’s prerogative, the Presidential Spokesman also said nobody can fault the fact that those named so far ‎were appointed on merits.

He assured all stakeholders that the President would keep to his promise of appointing the remaining aides and Ministers ‎in September.

“Nobody can fault the fact that the persons appointed were appointed on merits.

“In terms of the spread, the President has prerogative to appoint and he knows there is federal character. I am sure that there will be balance in the future. These are still early days. At the end of the day, we will have a balance.

“By the time more appointments are made, it will balance out. The President is trying to get the very best of Nigerians. The issue of key positions and no key positions should not be the issue. See more: http://www.post-nigeria.com/appointments-i-can-choose-whoever-i-want-buhari-brags/

Developmental Economist Katch Ononuju, has described President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent appointments as a dangerous trend that might undermine sixteen years of national cohesion.

Ononuju made this known in an interview with Post Nigeria, stating, “The imbalance in the appointments distorts previous administration’s federal character arrangement, which was drawn from the pull of 100 percent educated Nigerians.”

Buhari on Thursday through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina approved the appointments of Babachir David Lawal as Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Abba Kyari as Chief of Staff to the President and Hameed Ibrahim Ali (as Comptroller-General Nigerian Customs Service, NCS.

Others are Kure Martin Abeshi as Comptroller-General, Nigerian Immigration Service, Ita S.J. Enang as SSA to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Suleiman A. Kawu as SSA to the President on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives).

According to Ononuju, “Buhari is trying to undermine national cohesion with nepotism; which will eventually bring trouble to his administration.

“The best cannot be said to come from 19 states of the North, This will cause political problems in the South West, South East, South South.
“This is a very dangerous trend to the nation’s democracy,” Ononuju said.

According to Femi Fani-Kayode a former minister of Aviation and spokespersons of the campaign organization for former President Goodluck Jonathan said, “Nigeria for the next four years will have to live with the choice they made in the 2015 general elections. See more; http://www.post-nigeria.com/appointments-only-northern-nigeria-has-competent-people-expert/

Seven more nominees for ministerial positions in the Federal Cabinet of President Muhammadu Buhari, have fallen off, for failing a “corruption screening” POST NIGERIA can authoritatively reveal.

A source very close to the Presidency simply stated that they have been disqualified for failing “Buhari’s corruption screening.”

The source however failed to give names of the latest victims of Buhari’s screening, stating that no further investigations would be carried out against them, despite being found guilty of one crime or the other.

Post Nigeria gathered also, that some of the new state Governors under the All Progressives Congress, APC, had entered one or two negotiations with members of the party, at state level, promising one ministerial slot or the other when the time came.

However, these Governors now risk full-blown chaos in their states, as they can no longer guarantee the emergence of anybody for any position.

Last month, reports had gone viral that 33 ministerial nominees shortlisted by the President failed the corruption test.

It was revealed that the nominees were subjected to scrutiny by the Department of State Security Service, DSS, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the Force Criminal Investigations Department, FCID, and the Defence Intelligence Agency, DIA, for forensic screening.

When Post Nigeria tried to press our source for more details, he stressed that he could not tell us if former Governor of Lagos State, Raji Fashola, SAN, had scaled through or not.



It is widely believed that despite the obvious mismanagement of funds Fashola was accused of, the media outcry is being fueled by his predecessor and political godfather Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Confirming the report, a political commentator and economist Katch Ononuju stressed that Buhari was not yet ready to appoint Ministers because people that were nominated for various ministerial posts had gone begging to have their names removed from the list being compiled.

“Prospective names nominated to be Ministers have gone to beg for the removal of their names. Why? Well, because it is very difficult to trust a Nigerian ‘big man’ without seeing him cutting corners now or in the past.
“So a lot of people will not want their names put on the ministerial list because if your name is put up, you become a target for investigation,” Ononuju told Post Nigeria. See more revelations: http://www.post-nigeria.com/exclusive-7-more-ministerial-nominees-fail-to-make-cut-over-corruption-claims/

The vacuum of a Deputy Governor in Borno State has given birth to political tussles from political interest groups lobbying for the position, barely weeks after the death of Zannah Mustapha.

Indications suggest that the former Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team, PRTT, Abdulrasheed Maina who was involved in the alleged N195 Billion police scam is now tipped to become the next Deputy Governor in the State.

This is coming just after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had invited one of Maina’s aids, Ann Igwe for questioning over how a biometric contract to streamline pension administration became a channel for stealing pension fund during Maina’s tenure.

The EFCC have been in a fierce battle with Maina over charges aimed at arresting him for financial crimes after being dismissed by the Head of Service of the federation for allegedly usurping pension funds and absconding from duty.

The fallout of this, led the Senate to summon him for questioning and investigation which he subsequently declined.

Against these barrages of alleged financial misappropriation during his stewardship as the Chairman of PRTT, the Biu Emirate political leaders and Youths Vanguard for promotion of Biu, have endorsed and tipped Maina as the best candidate for the Deputy Governorship post, citing his exemplary track record.

This was contained in a joint statement issued by the groups at the end of their meeting in Abuja, calling Governor Kashim Shettima to be meticulous in the choice of a successor to late Mustapha, hinting that a wrong choice could be disastrous to Borno’s socio-economic and political development.

The youth vanguard, originally a brain child of the late Mustapha was initiated while he paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Biu Alhaji Mustapha Aliyu, urging the creation of the youth group to serve as a local vigilante to complement the activities of the military in the fight against Boko Haram.


The group also spearheaded the youth campaign programmes of the APC, during the election campaigns for President Muhammadu Buhari and Kashim Shettima.

See those jostling for the position: http://www.post-nigeria.com/n195m-pension-scam-apc-backs-maina-for-borno-deputy-governor/

Against intense criticisms on President Muhammadu Buhari’s foreign trips, Nigeria is set to start reaping from its dividends as the United Nations, UN, Secretary General; Ban Ki-moon is expected to visit Nigeria on a 2-day working visit from August 23rd to 24th, to hold meetings with Buhari, State Governors and Business class.

The meeting is scheduled to focus on Pathways for Nigeria’s role in consolidating its sub-national governments and also lay a wreath to commemorate the 4th Anniversary of the terror attack on the United Nations house which took place on August 27, 2011.

Buhari embarked on a series of foreign trips immediately after being inaugurated into office, this action quite duly raised concerns and criticisms, leaving Nigerians to ponder on the direct benefits such trips would bring to their lives.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, in a bid to camouflage the perceived poor outing by the President during his visits, released a press statement dispelling any claims that Buhari’s visit were useless.
Against the barrage of criticisms, the visit by Ban Ki-moon is set to be the only dividends Nigerians have been presented as part of the give away from Buhari’s foreign trips.

His visit to Nigeria would involve a business dialogue with Nigeria’s Business class on the theme “The role of Nigerian Business and Economy in Implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and addressing Climate Change,” and also embark on a field visit to Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

He will also hold talks aimed at deepening Nigeria’s democracy with government officials and state governors on the theme “Democracy, Sustainable Development and Countering Violent Extremism,” at the end of his meeting, there will be a joint press conference between Buhari and Ban Ki-moon which would be followed by a dinner hosted in his honor. Read more: http://www.post-nigeria.com/ban-ki-moon-visits-nigeria-buhari-reaping-dividends-of-foreign-trips/

The Nigerian Army has revealed that its ongoing offensive attacks have succeeded in weeding out Boko Haram elements from major strongholds in parts of Borno State, adding that during the operation, a number of terrorists were killed, whilhttp://www.post-nigeria.com/army-loses-2-others-injured-as-troops-level-boko-haram-stronghold/e their weapons and equipments were confiscated and destroyed.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Army’s Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman who said that the Nigerian Air Force had been able to inflict heavy blows on terrorist camps within the local areas of Borno since last Monday.

“As part of the continued offensive operations against the Boko Haram terrorists, troops of 7 Brigade have today entered and cleared Gudumbali town, Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State.

“During the operation, quite a number of the terrorists were killed their weapons and equipment were destroyed. The troops are currently doing clearance operations in the general area.

“It should be recalled that the Nigerian Air Force has inflicted heavy damage on the terrorists camps within the general area last Monday.

“In a related development, troops of 5 Brigade Explosive Ordinance Devices (EOD) unit, while advancing towards Dikwa, ran into landmines buried by the terrorists between old Marte and Kerenoa junction in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State.”

Sani also hinted that unfortunately the Army also lost 2 of its men and others injured during the offensive attack.

He said those injured are currently receiving medical attention at the military hospital. He therefore reassured of the army’s commitment towards weeding out the boko haram elements from all their enclaves. See pictures of those injured:

President Muhammadu Buhari has sacked the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, David Parradang for undisclosed reasons.

His deputy, CG Martin Abeshi has been asked to take over with immediate effect.

The sack, Post Nigeria learnt might be connected to the result of the Federal Government‘s investigation into how a deadly terrorist, Ahmad al-Assir got the Nigerian Visa in Lebanon for a planned visit.

In a statement by an official of the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was disclosed that Buhari has directed the Ministry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the issuance of Visa to the wanted terrorist‎ who has been on the wanted list of several Governments.

Ahmad al-Assir, the fugitive Sunni Muslim cleric, who has been on the run for 2 years after clashing with the Lebanese army, was arrested on August 15 as he tried to travel through the Beirut airport to find his way to Nigeria. Read more about the deadly terrorist: http://www.post-nigeria.com/breaking-buhari-sacks-immigration-boss/

Senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Shehu Sani has boldly tagged the Governor Nasir Elrufai “insensitive” and “inexperienced” following the demolishing drive embarked upon in the state.

Sani speaking to Leadership Newspaper, explained that he was from a completely different paradigm of leadership, stating the people of Kaduna were more concerned with the provision of improved health services, education, security and skill acquisition.

“There is a clear idealogical difference between El-Rufai and me.
“He is of the right ultra conservative while I come from the left of the political divide.

“The right conservative political divide created the socio-economic rot that produced the beggars and dregs in the society; their own solution to it is to clear them from the streets and portray a semblance of sanity and normalcy.

“All they want is to pack them and put them in a truck and send them somewhere. Come to Kaduna and see if that has worked: the beggars are back to the streets; the hawkers are there; all those things you want to clear are there and it’s not working. We fundamentally differ on that.”

He further questioned the former FCT Minister’s policies accusing him of being too elitist.

“Now if you are an experienced and sensible administrator and you promised education, power and health, jobs, skill acquisition for youths how can you as an intelligent man say the first priority is demolition of houses; and all these houses were given by the previous government.
“Now all of them have gone to court and have gotten injunctions.

“You didn’t clear a fallow land between Kaduna and Zaria and say, ‘All of you, this is a place for you and take this as compensation, and all of you should move there.’



“Abuja of 2007 is not the same with Kaduna of 2015. In Abuja, you were dealing with rich and powerful people who had many houses and money. When you see a man with a house in Kaduna, it may be his last pension which he devoted to it.”

Sani boasted that he only stepped down his ambition to become Kaduna Governor on account of political pressure from chieftains of the All Progressives Congress, APC, who suggested to him that President Muhammadu Buhari had anointed Elrufai for the position.

“For the first time, let me tell you some background issues in the political divide in Kaduna. I never intended to contest for the Senate; I wanted to contest for the governorship and I opened offices in Zaria, Kaduna and Kafanchan, and later there was pressure on me that I should step down.
“Politicians came to meet me; that I should step down and allow El-Rufai to contest because they said he was the favourite of the President.

“If I had contested the governorship, there was no way that I wouldn’t have emerged; it’s not possible. So I sacrificed that and I contested the Senate and I won. Reports going on in the media are on the surface.”

Sani had already indicated interest to wage war against Elrufai on account of their ideological differences and his policy to evacuate Kaduna beggars and street traders without providing enabling palliatives. This to him represents a departure from his campaign promises. See more here: http://www.post-nigeria.com/shehu-sani-calls-buharis-stooge-el-rufai-insensitive/

The National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has defended embattled Osun Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, extolling his leadership virtues and crowning him as the most proactive State Governor in Nigeria saying he should be regarded as a model to others.

Mohammed during an interactive session with Vanguard Newspaper exonerated Aregbesola of any financial recklessness, stating that despite his inability to pay salaries, the APC still celebrates him for the giant strides he has recorded.

“Osun State is probably the most cosmopolitan State in the whole of Nigeria.

“We are very proud of our Governor, Rauf Aregbesola and we stand by him because he is one of the most proactive governors, he is one governor that has taken the reason for governance very seriously.

“Up to 2013 December, the average that was distributed between the three tiers of the federation was about N800 billion a month but as of May last year, N338 billion was what was distributed, so what you have is that most states have suffered more than 50 per cent decline in revenue accruing to them from the federation account.

“So, the fact that a state cannot pay salaries does not mean the governor has been guilty of embezzlement or misappropriation of funds, after all, there are some states that take derivation from oil that are still owing.”

Following Aregbesola’s inability to pay salaries of civil servants and pensioners for up to 8 months, Nigerians have continued to raise calls for his immediate removal on account of his gross incompetence and financial recklessness.
See more: http://www.post-nigeria.com/unpaid-salaries-aregbesola-still-our-hero-apc/

The Nigeria Army has successfully dealt a decisive blow on Boko haram elements fleeing Sambisa forest yesterday, during their continued aerial bombardment by the Nigerian Air force.

The acting Director of army public relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka in a press release, stated that some of the Boko haram elements were killed while others ran away, fleeing with 7 pick-up vans and motorcycles.

The Nigerian military were able to destroy their vehicles and weapons.

“Troops of 26 Task Force Brigade in Gwoza, Borno State, yesterday evening engaged Boko Haram terrorists fleeing Sambisa forest following continued aerial bombardment by the Nigerian Air Force.
“The fleeing terrorists in 7 Pick-up vans and some motorcycles mounted with assorted weapons such as Rocket Propelled Grenades and Anti-Aircraft Guns were decisively dealt with, killing quite a number of them.

“The troops also destroyed their vehicles, weapons and motorcycles.

“They also recovered a vehicle, 1 motorcycle and 2 AK47 riffles and large quantities of 7.62mm NATO and 12.7mm ammunitions.” See pictures of the girls and items: http://www.post-nigeria.com/chibok-girls-army-invades-sambisa-forest-deals-heavy-blow-on-boko-haram/

President Muhammadu Buhari has decided to extend his probe beyond the immediate past administration, to probe the former President, Olusengu Obasanjo by ordering the investigation into the sale of Nigeria Telecommunications Company, NITEL.

Buhari who gave the directive while receiving a briefing from officials of the Federal Ministry of Communications Technology led by its Permanent Secretary, Tunji Olaopa wanted to ensure that the country was not short-changed in the sale process.

The President was said to be deeply concerned about the transaction.

In 2006, Obasanjo sold NITEL to Transnational Corporation, otherwise known as Transcorp.

Analysts had stated that the sale of NITEL and its subsidiary MTEL to Transcorp owned by Obasanjo and his cronies buttresses the fact that the so called privatization of public corporations during his administration was a way of enriching very few individuals at the expense of majority and the society in general.

Obasanjo sold NITEL at a ridiculous price of $750million.
Investors International of London Limited , ILL, had, in 2001, emerged as preferred bidder when it offered $1.3billion for 51% of NITEL (MTEL not inclusive) but was denied the purchase on account of delayed payment, a rule that Transcorp also broke but escaped sanction.



While ILL offered $1.3billion for 51% of the Federal Government’ share in NITEL (MTEL not inclusive), Transcorp bought 75% of the Federal Government’s share both in NITEL and its subsidiary for the paltry sum of $750million. See more: http://www.post-nigeria.com/buhari-finally-moves-to-probe-obasanjo/

President Buhari has sacked Mustapha Chike-Obi, Managing Director of the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, replacing him with Ahmed Lawan Kuru.

Buhari also appointed Kola Ayeye, Eberechukwu Uneze and Aminu Ismail as the new Executive Directors of the corporation. They will form the executive management team of the body.

‎The new M.D of Amcon, Kuru was the Group Managing Director of Enterprise Bank Limited on till his appointment. Read more about the new AMCON boss: http://www.post-nigeria.com/breaking-buhari-sacks-amcon-boss-appoints-replacement/

A Data and Information Analyst, Babajide Ogunsanwo, has ascribed the failure rate recorded in the recently released West African Examination Council, WAEC, results to inadequate funding from the Federal Government, while stressing the need for more private sector participation in educational development.

Ogunsanwo speaking during an interview on Channels TV revealed that only N20 billion was budgeted for capital expenditure in the 2015 budget which according to him is equivalent to N1.8 per student. This to him does not represent “a Nigerian dream but a tragedy.”

“We still require a lot of investment in education from the Federal Government, this year’s budget for the Ministry of Education is about 492billion, but you would be shocked that only N20billion has been budgeted for capital expenditure, this is optimally low.
“We have a country where 21 million students are in primary school, you have another 9 million students in secondary school, and you have another 800, 000 that go through the tertiary institutions and you are budgeting only N20billion for capital project?

“In very simple terms the capital budget for education by the Federal Government is equivalent to only N1.8 per student.”

The West African Examination Council, WAEC, on August 10, released the May/June 2015 West African Senior School Certificate Examination¸WASSCE, results, after withholding the results of students in 13 states indebted to the Council.

See: Why WAEC is under attack for results

The results released by WAEC recorded 61.32% failure rate in Mathematics and English in addition, 1,295,915 candidates, representing 78.81% obtained credit and above in three subjects, while 1,376,743 candidates, representing 86.40% obtained credit and above in two subjects.

However, 616,370 candidates, representing 38.68%, obtained credit in five subjects and above, including English Language and Mathematics.


Reacting to these bleak statistics, Ogunsanwo insisted that not all the successful candidates can be admitted into a tertiary institution on account of the limited capacity in access to tertiary education in Nigeria.

“More than half of the students even if they did pass WAEC would not be able get into any tertiary institution in Nigeria. Between 2010 and 2013 6.2million student did WAEC, on the second hand, only 2.7million got into tertiary institution during that period. See more: http://www.post-nigeria.com/waec-failure-nigeria-spends-n1-8-per-student-in-a-year-analyst/

The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has maintained that one of the reasons why the new admission policy was reversed is because the Northern part of the country is still educationally backward.

In a statement by the JAMB Registrar, Professor Dibu Ojerinde during an interview with Daily Trust it was stated that more attention in terms of admission is given to the North because of the gap in educational development.

Ojerinde explained that the 2015 admission policy was initiated to “give institutions 100% of candidates they need so that other institutions that haven’t got enough candidates would also get.”

The policy was immediately rejected and protests were made by students and parents in Lagos to that effect to ensure the policy was reversed by JAMB.

However, the Registrar lamented that there are not enough students from the North including Bayelsa and Ebonyi States in the South, in Nigerian institutions.

“All the states in northern Nigeria are regarded as disadvantaged as well as Bayelsa and Ebonyi states in the South, because there are not enough students from these states in our institutions.
“So, we give them preference to be able to bridge the gap between the advantaged and disadvantaged states.”

He added “Nigeria is not the first country to bridge the gap, even in United States of America; the minorities have their quota in institutions that are being funded by the state.”

Meanwhile, the reversed policy was meant to ensure that candidates, who do not meet the requirement of their choice of institutions, are posted to other institutions to give them the chance of securing an admission without necessarily waiting for another year for admission. Read more: http://www.post-nigeria.com/we-reversed-admission-policy-because-the-north-is-backward-jamb/

Adamawa State Governor, Umaru Jibrilla Bindow, has clearly denied all ties to the chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Atiku Abubakar, in respect to the appointment of Fatima Atiku Abubakar (daughter of Atiku) as one of the 22 commissioners sent to the state house of assembly for clearance.

This is coming days after Bindow nominated Fatima and two other close associates of Atiku as commissioners in his cabinet as well as close aides of the former governor Murtala Nyako.

The two associates of Atiku are Ibrahim Mijinyawa, a former gubernatorial aspirant of the APC, Umar Daware and Ahmed Sajoh a former director under Nyako’s administration.

Following wide condemnation and criticism, Bindow during a parley with journalist at the government house in Yola, dispelled speculations that he is doing the bidding of certain political godfathers which suggest that he is carrying out actions which are unfavorable to the people of Adamawa.

He reiterated his commitment to serve his people irrespective of negative allegations being perpetrated by his adversaries plotting to cause confusion and anarchy.

“I don’t have any Godfather, I don’t have anybody that I will say I must get clearance from before working for the people. Nobody can make me work against the interest of the people of Adamawa”
Debunking the allegations further, Bindow hinted that his political adversaries are only bent on tarnishing his reputation and sabotaging his administration. Adding that his administration is focused on delivering the dividends of democracy to his people. Read here: http://www.post-nigeria.com/adamawa-governor-disowns-godfather-atiku/

A Lagos based lawyer and human rights civil advocate, Ebun Adegboruwa has redirected President Muhammadu Buhari, to focus more on sanitizing some of the law enforcement agencies responsible for trying corrupt officials, rather than hunting for saints and angels to appoint ministers.

Ebun during an interview with Vanguard Newspaper insisted that Buhari lacks the powers to jail any minister guilty of corruption, except in accordance with rules and regulations guiding law enforcement agencies which according to him lacks potency and have been abandoned.

“The President cannot on his own grab a minister who has stolen money and lock him up, it’s not possible. You have to use the law and the law is abandoned.”
“We should not just think the battle against corruption is to get people and hand them over to EFCC and draft charges against them. We do not know how much money have been recovered.

“In fighting corruption, the judiciary too has to be lifted up with a massive restructuring because it is a law (EFCC act, Criminal Code, ICPC law) that you will use in charging those corrupt”

Buhari during his campaign tour to the United Kingdom addressed the prestigious Chatham House, and stated unequivocally that nobody should confuse his stand on corruption, adding that corrupt persons would not be appointed into his administration.

“On corruption, there will be no confusion as to where I stand. Corruption will have no place and the corrupt will not be appointed into my administration.”

He also reiterated his commitment during his visit with President Barak Obama of the United States of America, USA, where he attributed the delay in appointing ministers to ongoing measures to ensure that those appointed would be free from the stain of corruption, adding that the ministers would be appointed by September.

This delay could however be attributed to desperate plans to avoid making blunders.

“When cabinet ministers are appointed in September, it will be some months after I took the oath of office. It is worth noting that Obama himself did not have his full Cabinet in place for several months after first taking office; the United States did not cease to function in the interim.


Against this backdrop, Nigerians have expressed widespread dissatisfaction over the continued delay in appointing ministers which has succeeded in crippling the economy and inflicted untold hardship on the citizens. Read more here: http://www.post-nigeria.com/ministers-stop-looking-for-angels-focus-on-making-institutions-stronger-ebun/

As Nigerians joined the world to celebrate United Nations Youth Day, Nigerian youth have asked President Muhammadu Buhari to fulfill his campaign promises on the provision of employment and the payment of a monthly stipend of N5000 to over 25 million unemployed youths.

Speaking to African Independent Television, AIT, on Wednesday, some of the youth lamented that the rate of unemployment was increasing in geometrical progression as a result, “the idle hands have become the devil’s workshop.”

During Buhari’s electioneering campaign rally in Kano and other places, he promised to create three million jobs yearly to solve the problem of unemployment.

In addition, his then running mate, and now Vice-President Prof Yemi Osibanjo, at a campaign rally in Akure, also pledged 20,000 jobs yearly totaling 720,000.

Buhari also vowed to create a Social Welfare Program of at least N5000 that would cater for the 25 million poorest and most vulnerable citizens.

The President was scheduled to receive a contingent of young Nigerians currently performing a year of service under the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, scheme.

While delivering an address at the State House in Abuja during the commemoration of the International Youth Day 2015, the President stressed that the Youths are architects of change.

“As part of the commemoration of International Youth Day, I’d like to throw this challenge to Nigerians at home and abroad.
“I can assure you, my young compatriots that you have written your names in history and you will be remembered as true heroes of our democracy and as architects of change. see more here: http://www.post-nigeria.com/world-youth-day-nigerian-youth-task-buhari-on-n5000-monthly-allowance/

Former Akwa Ibom Governor, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has ascribed the lingering crisis of unpaid workers’ salaries by most State Governments to the failure on the part of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, to sensitize and educate Governors of the impending glut in international oil prices.

This lack of communication he said, was responsible for the lack of preparedness by most States that depend mainly on Federal Government’s allocations.

Akpabio stated this during an interview on AIT’s “Focus Nigeria” where he hinted that Nigeria is at the verge of experiencing a major economic crisis if the international prices of oil continue to slide and Nigeria continues to remain a mono economy.

“If there was proper sensitization and openness on the part of the NNPC, most of the states would not have been in this mess.
“If there was proper communication even the governors would have gone back to rejig their expenditures and budgets.

“We have more problems than all this politicking, we have a major economic crisis coming, if the oil price continues to slide, and we continue to remain a mono economy depending on oil, then we have a problem.

“There was a time oil prices was about $140 and it came down to about $90 when we came in as Governors, so by 2012 when the crisis started, we didn’t see it coming because there was lack of communication from the Ministry of Petroleum.

“Even the Governors were worried because we didn’t get any information on it.”

Most State Governors have been accused of financial recklessness and fiscal irresponsibility on account of their inability to meet the statutory responsibility of paying salaries of their workers.



This crisis led to the approval of $2.1 billion by President Muhammadu Buhari to serve as an intervention package to help bankrupt States.

Zamfara Governor and Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Abdulaziz Yari, has also accused his colleagues of fiscal recklessness,warning them of an imminent disaster.

Akpabio also questioned the rationale for the creation of the Excess Crude Account, ECA, by Former president Olusegun Obasanjo, tagging it “illegal”. See more here: http://www.post-nigeria.com/oil-revenue-nnpc-deceived-us-akpabio/

In a swift move to avert further denting of his image, Senate President Bukola Saraki has blasted Sahara reporters whose latest preoccupation appears to be peddling false reportage against him and his family.

This is coming days after the reports of alleged dual citizenship, signature forgery and role in the NNPC subsidy scandal were made public.

Since Saraki emerged as senate president, Sahara reporters has carried several reports, painting the senate president as traitor and power hungry politician.

The leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, had intended to root out Saraki and and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, but changed its mind following the recent vove of confidence passed on the leadership of the senate.

In a confrontational discuss on Twitter, between the publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyeye Sowore, and the Special Adviser to Saraki, Bankole Omishore, more questions were asked with little or no answers given.

Bankole who dared Sowore to make public his citizenship status, stated that Sahara Reporters is only interested in bringing down Saraki with antagonism.

In response to this, Sowore stated that he would not back down till Saraki made public evidence of his Nigerian citizenship status, adding that he is ready to upload his passport if Saraki does same.

Prior to this, the wife of Saraki, had blocked sahara reporters handle from twitter followers, a reaction which signaled strong discontent over a report where they referred to Senator Dino Melaye (a close confidant of Saraki) as a body guard when he was spotted with her at the EFCC questioning last month.

See tweets of confrontations between sahara reporters and saraki: http://www.post-nigeria.com/saraki-blasts-sahara-reporters-demands-unequivocal-apology/

N/Eastern Nigeria has been brought to its knees owing to the inglorious activities of Boko Haram insurgents, who have continued to unleash mayhem on Nigerians since 2009.

Before the ungodly activities of the deadly sect in the region, the economy of the N/East consisting of 6 States namely Adamawa, Borno, Bauchi, Yobe, Taraba and Gombe was a beehive of agricultural endeavor.

The people of region who are typically farmers in all aspect including fishing and cattle rearing also grow millet, sorghum, and other vegetables and fruits. These food items were transported and distributed across the length and breadth of the country, which automatically made the region a hot spot for food production.

Boko Haram, since inception has destroyed unquantifiable lives and properties in the region and beyond, grinding economic and social activities to a halt, as they have also instilled fear in the mind Nigerians.

Over the years, owing to the incessant attacks on its inhabitants, resident, particularly in Yobe, Adamawa and Borno states fled their homes, with thousands left thousands dead, thus leaving agricultural activities in the region inactive.

The security challenges have in turn affected food production and consequently raised prices.

The challenge confronting President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration involves reviving the economy of the region as an antidote to reducing poverty, the restiveness of the youth and illiteracy, all attributed as major factors fueling insecurity and the socio-economic gridlock in the region.

For economic activities to be restored, Government must work out a realistic economic and societal renewal plan that will essentially transform lives and create meaningful livelihoods for the populace that appears to exist on the fringes and is excluded from mainstream decent existence.



There are several critical areas to look at in rebuilding the zone and unless the Buhari administration addresses these issues no meaningful progress can be made.

Security
For any economy to strive there must be security of life and property. The first step to be taken is to ensure sustainable peace is returned in the region but for this to happen; the military has to redouble its offensives against insurgents.

It’s imperative that Government and indigenes remain alert to eliminate the trend of porous borders that allow the trooping into the country of all sorts as a result of the sparse topography in the region.

Education and rehabilitation of victims
Renowned economist, Katch Ononuju has told Post Nigeria that the N/East harbors the highest concentration of children without average education.

He believes that rebuilding the region will be a mission impossible, noted that Buhari must first identify the root cause of the problem to be able to tackle it and “only then can the region be rejuvenated.”
He however reiterated that the issue of education must be addressed holistically to dissuade the children from becoming religious fanatics.

The North has a high percentage of Nigeria’s 10.5 million out-of-school children with insurgency compounding the problem. The near absence of formal education is in fact, believed to be a remote cause. If qualitative education is impacted, youths who idle about as potential tools for sinister activities would be gainfully employed and positioned to the disadvantage of terrorism.

Education must be given priority. All schools destroyed by the group must be rebuilt to even higher standards. In additions, victims of the insurgency scattered all over the country in Internally Displaced Persons, IDP, camps, should be rehabilitated with the view of integrating them into the society.
Open road networks to the urban cities

The provision of access roads is a necessity for agriculture to thrive. Many farmers get discouraged at the instance of the stress they will have to undergo to get farm produce to various markets. Read more here: http://www.post-nigeria.com/how-buhari-should-revive-the-economy-of-the-neast/

The die is yet to be cast in the crisis bedeviling the National Assembly as 2019 political ambitions have been attributed as the major factor which fuelling the simmering fracas, with a game plan being masked by big wigs within the All Progressives Congress, APC, portending further crisis ahead for the 8th National Assembly.

It can be recalled that prior to the 2015 general election which ushered President Muhammadu Buhari into office, there were speculations of an agreement reached with the APC leader Bola Ahmed Tinubu led faction of the party for a possible power shift to the S/West after Buhari’s first term in office.

Against this backdrop, there have been heightened plots to limit the political influence of the highly influential former Lagos Governor in order to quash any further plans to perfect a possible power shift to the S/West region in 2019.

In the build up to the National Assembly inauguration, there was strong opposition towards Tinubu’s preferred candidates as many opined they were being planted to accomplish his aims and aspirations.

This internal grumbling was able to divide its party members against its leadership, an action which gave birth to the “Like Minds Group” in the Senate and also a pro Dogara group in the House of Representatives. These groups were bent on going head to head with the party leaders, an action which stirred controversy on the floors of both Houses.

Following unresolved disagreements, on June 9, 2015, Senator Bukola Saraki and Honorable Yakubu Dogara in an unprecedented move went against their party’s decision to clinch the positions of the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. An action which culminated in the virtual fiasco at the National Assembly.


Examining these events, the Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Alhassan Ado Doguwa has explained that the primary motivation for members of the APC who went against the party was simply to map out their plans for the 2019 general election.

These actions were allegedly aimed at stemming the tide of the growing dominance of their party leader, who had favored Ahmed Lawan and Femi Gbajabiamila for the various positions.

Doguwa blasted Dogara for allowing himself to be influenced by political big wigs outside the APC, adding that his action instigated the rift. He stated that the much talked about independence of the judiciary was only a smokescreen to advance his ambition.

“Dogara was supported by factors external to the National Assembly even when they knew he was defying the position of the party but he continued”
“With due respect to the Honorable Speaker, I feel that his continued argument on the....http://www.post-nigeria.com/tinubus-ambition-caused-mass-crisis-chief-whip-lashes-out/

Following the compliance of deposit banks with the directive given by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to make public names of chronic debtors, questions have been asked about the conspicuous absence of President Muhammadu Buhari’s name from the list having borrowed N22.7 million to buy the All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential Form.

The apex bank had, on April 22, 2015, ordered the deposit money banks to publish the names of debtors’ from August 1.

Buhari had on October 16, 2014 at the APC National headquarters Abuja declared he picked both an expression of interest and a presidential nomination form worth N27.5m with a bank loan.

He explained that the presidential expression of interest form was N2.5m while the presidential nomination form was N25.5m, making a total of N27.5m.

“You could recall in the entire contest, I have always tried to personally pay for the nomination form at least. But N27.5m is not small.
“Thank God, I have a personal relationship with the chairman of my bank. I called him and told him that the forms are coming and so, whether my accounts are in red or green or black, you must honour this, otherwise, I will lose the nomination.

“I was about to go to Kaduna today and told the chairman and he said, ‘you better pick the form’ and he kept a straight face. That means that there is no excuse.

“I thank God that we have gotten to this stage and all speculations will now cease and now, in the best tradition of democracy, people can now follow their choice candidate into the arena,” Buhari had said.



Before the last general election, Buhari had tactically revealed his assets “I have at least one million Naira in my bank, having paid N5.5 million to pick my form from my party.

“I have around 150 cattle because I am never comfortable without cows. I have a house each in Kaduna, Kano, and Daura which I borrowed money to build. I never had a foreign account since I finished my courses in the USA, India and the UK. I never owned any property outside Nigeria, never.”

Investigations however reveal that Buhari had obtained the loan from Jaiz Bank, Kaduna state.

In the wake of the CBN directive to publish names of debtors, the bank has on August 1, 2015 published names of it debtors with Buhari name missing.

An on line Media Activist, Endurance Johnson took to social media to quiz: “I didn’t see President Buhari’s name amongst the bank debtors published…..has he paid the 27million Naira he borrowed to buy APC’s presidential nomination form?”

Read more here: http://www.post-nigeria.com/chronic-debtors-buharis-name-missing/

Barely days after the Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders, CACOL, urged President Muhammadu Buhari not to consider Babatunde Fashola, Lagos Governor for a ministerial appointment, a damning revelation has shown that in 2014 he approved the whooping sum of N78 million for the upgrade of his personal website.

This is according to a document published by the State’s Public Procurement Agency, PPA.

The report also confirmed that the contract was awarded to a company named “Info Access Plus Limited” whose responsibility was to upgrade Fashola’s personal website (tundefashola.com)

This alleged contract leaves a huge dent on Buhari’s close associate’s reputation with several whispers painting him as an odds on bet for a ministerial slot.

Fashola is already awash with controversy over a N500bn debt left behind for his successor, an allegation which the CACOL has insisted should be investigated. The group has also insisted that until these numerous issues are settled, Buhari should not consider appointing Fashola as a Minister.

“Feelers have it that his name is prominent on the list of the president’s nominees for key offices in your administration.

“It is gratifying that you have promised at various fora that your appointments would be purely based on merit and that tested technocrats, with impeccable records, would be given their rightful places in your administration, as a way of ensuring good governance to the people of Nigeria.

“It is against this background that our organisation is appealing to you to please take the pains to dig deep into Mr. Babatunde Fashola’s record of performance as well as that of financial propriety on the part of his government while in office.”



Following these revelations, another civic technology organization, BudgiT also called for serious investigations to be made into Fashola’s finances and expenditure, raising questions about fraudulent activities such as spending N330 Million on the residence of his Deputy Governor, Sarah Sosan.

BudgiT has also demanded that details of the contracts and should be made public

See copy of the website contact documents: http://www.post-nigeria.com/ministerial-appointments-fashola-and-the-burden-of-n78-million-website/

The delay in announcing Ministers by President Muhammadu Buhari has been put down as due to intensive internal consultations with leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in a bid to fashion out a sharing formula on the selection of those to fill the sought after “juicy” positions.

This is according to All Progressives Congress, APC, honcho, Solomon Edojah.

Powerful party members continue to push for their own nominees and Buhari who has already been criticized for his sluggish and slow pace revealed on July 20, he would be forming his cabinet by September and remains unperturbed even with the Nickname “Baba go slow”.

This was contained in an article he authored titled, “Nigeria committed to good governance and fighting terror,” published by the Washington Post.

“Already there are voices saying these changes are taking too long even though only six weeks have passed since my inauguration. I hear such calls, but this task cannot and should not be rushed.
“When cabinet Ministers are appointed in September, it will be some months after I took the oath of office. It is worth noting that Obama himself did not have his full Cabinet in place for several months after first taking office; the United States did not cease to function in the interim.

“In Nigeria’s case, it would neither be prudent nor serve the interests of sound government to have made these appointments immediately on my elevation to the presidency; instead, Nigeria must first put new rules of conduct and good governance in place.”

Edojah, during an interview on AIT’s “Democracy in session” confirmed that the delay in appointing Ministers can be attributed to ongoing consultations with key leaders of the APC.

He said they are determined to do all things properly following internal grumbling and calls for inclusiveness with Members that decamped.

Edojah added that Nigerians should be patient with Buhari, assuring that the common man would soon start getting enjoying the dividends from his campaign promises.

“The President is a member of the APC and he is consulting with the party (in appointing Minister) and he is the leader of the party and what we are saying is that all best hands can be found within the APC.
“The ministers would come and by the time they come, they would Nigerians and not expatriates. Read more: http://www.post-nigeria.com/buhari-will-not-name-ministers-without-party-consultations-edojah/

As the leadership crisis in the National Assembly nears its end, the leadership of the All Progressives congress, APC, has admitted to losing the battle and possibly the war, as well over 81 Senators passed a vote of confidence on Senate President Bukola Saraki and his Deputy Ike Ekweremadu.

Ekweremadu, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, wrestled the Deputy Senate President position from the APC, on account of the party’s failure to reconcile the conflicting interests between Saraki and senator Lawan who both itched for the position.Chief Solomon Edojah, Chieftain of the APC has however confirmed that Ekweremadu must be fused into the plans and manifesto of the APC Government, since he already took a position originally designed for an APC member. Read more here: http://www.post-nigeria.com/we-will-force-ekweremadu-to-do-our-bidding-apc/





On June 9, Saraki outsmarted the APC to become the Senate President, an action which created a vacuum for Ekweremadu to also triumph over Ali Ndume who did not get the numerical strength to pull it off, since most members of the APC absconded to attend the alleged reconciliatory meeting with President Buhari.