₦airaland Forum

Former Governor of Imo state and Senator representing Imo West Senatorial zone , Senator Rochas Okorocha on Thursday said Igbo leadership and responsibilities has fallen on the Senate Chief Whip and former Governor of Abia state, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and himself (Okorocha )

The former Imo governor made the statement on Thursday in Abia at the home of First Vice National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) South East, Dr Julius Anyim Nyerere

Okorocha whose meeting with Kalu was coincidental spoke strongly for the reunification of Igbo elites, adding that himself and Kalu have decided to work together. He also suggested they need to dramatize their love and peace so that subsequent generations can key in to it.

According to him , ” Dim Chukwuemeka Ojukwu is late , politicians like Jim Nwobodo, Arthur Nzeribe and many others are no longer active as they use to be . Many other great leaders are no more and that vacuum must be filled up .So the responsibilities have fallen on other people’s shoulders, and that shoulder is that of Dr Orji Uzor Kalu and myself. So it is important that we gather as brothers and discuss issues that will help the entire Igbo people. Because if a child knows what killed his father, he wouldn’t allow himself to die same way . ”

Speaking further he said , ” I am using this opportunity to tell my brother, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu that the dance we are dancing now is not for ourselves but to entertain the public and know if they will be happy. If I dance for you to give me money , that means something is wrong . So the dance now is not for us but to see if there will be a better future for Igbo people. We have decided to work together. We are learning on the job on how to work together. We have to make a shift from the normalcy.

“The political ideology inherited from our predecessors and political fore fathers are not really the best . We were taught to maintain political enemies for the rest of your life. That is why the likes of Jim Nwobodo and Alex Ekwueme never agreed until death , Mbakwe and Arthur Nzeribe never agreed until death and so we must carve out a niche so we don’t transfer this to subsequent generation of “Ndigbo”, that is why people like Orji Uzor Kalu and myself must profess love amongst ourselves and not only within us but within our enclave.

Continuing he said, “We should never allow division among ourselves. We must distinguish ourselves in character and at the same time know when to extend our hands of fellowship to our brothers who are not on the same political stand with us . This will help us to know when political war will end and when brotherhood will start . Because in life you need to know when to start and when to stop. We need to come together to make sure that Igbo people are no longer used as political spare tyres . I saw a protest yesterday in Abuja and Lagos and that protest is a pointer . We need to dramatize our love and peace so that subsequent generations can key in to it .” Okorocha said.

In his response, Kalu said he wants peace to return to the APC political family in the South East .

He noted that what he needs in life at the moment are limited , adding that he will be very happy to see the current governor of Imo state, Hope Uzodimma and Rochas Okorocha on the same page.

Kalu’s words: ” I am happy because Owelle has spoken so well, I want peace to return to APC in the Southeast, I am the highest politically elected office holder the Southeast by virtue of my office as the Chief Whip.

“In the Senate I am ranked number four and I have never taken it for granted. The only problem I am facing is resolve the issue between the Governor of Imo State (Hope Uzodinma) and the former Governor (Rochas Okorocha) ; for them to be on the same page , I will be fulfilled politically anyday both of them decide to work together. My dream is to have roundtable discussion with Governor Uzodimma, Yourself ( Okorocha), Senator Ken Nnamani , Hon Minister Ogbonnaya Onu, Senator Chris Ngige and Minister Geoffrey Onyeama and others. Once we achieve that, the sky will be our starting point. If we are unable to resolve the political issues in Imo State it will be difficult for us to move forward. ” He said

Kalu noted he is very courageous and not scared of speaking the truth, adding that he also want to see a larger Nigeria where every citizen will be comfortable and living in unity.


https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/08/06/igbo-responsibilities-have-fallen-on-orji-kalu-and-myself-okorocha/

Nigeria’s first indigenous vehicle manufacturing company, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing has signed a memorandum of understanding with Oilserv limited to boost local content.

This partnership is also aimed at creating employment, boosting the economy and projecting the IVM brand to the world.

This partnership whose inception began May 2020 was finally concluded today witnessed by the chairman/CEO Innoson Group Chief Innocent Chukwuma, the Chairman/GCEO Oilserv Engr. Emeka Okwuosa and members of staff of both companies.

Engr. Okwuosa emphasised that the partnership is to call the attention of Nigerians and the world to the premium quality product the IVM brand is offering as well as show his unwavering support to local enterprises.

While taking a tour at the innoson factory, Engr Okwuosa further re-established his faith in the IVM brand stating that the standard put in place in the production of the vehicles are world class.

He told the press that he wish he could convince the government to enforce a bill that mandates all establishments in the oil and gas industry to use locally made products like Innoson Vehicles. He equally encouraged Nigerians in both the public and private sector to patronize the IVM brand.

Giving his remarks, the Innoson Vehicle Boss, Chief Chukwuma gave the assurance that Innoson Vehicles will continue to employ international best practices in the production of its vehicles so that they can compare favorably in terms of durability, fuel economy and safety. He stated further that the company will go any length to make available whatever specification of products oilserv wants, emphasising that even if it is not available, the company will create the mould for it.

Oilserv Limited is a leading provider of integrated engineering, procurement, construction, installation & commissioning (EPCIC) services and complementary solutions across the asset and program life cycle within the onshore, offshore and subsea market segments of the oil and gas sector. Oilserv Limited was incorporated in 1992 and commenced operations in 1995 with Chairman/GCEO as Engnr. Dr. Emeka Okwuosa.

https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/08/05/innoson-oilserve-sign-mou-to-boost-local-content/

Chief Whip of the Senate and former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has said the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has not paid any dime to the contractors who built the roads he facilitated.

Kalu was reacting to the communique written by Senator Godswill Akpabio, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, where he reportedly mentioned ex’governors Emmanuel Uduaghan, James Ibori, Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and others relating to the NDDC contracts.

In a statement signed by Barrister Emeka Nwala of office of the Senate Chief Whip, Kalu said he believes the issues at stake in the NDDC has to do with missing funds and not works done, adding that he is becoming worried over his name being used indiscriminately to sell newspapers without verifications.



According to the Chief Whip , the road projects mentioned by the Minister are the interventions he facilitated for the communities as a private citizen before he became a senator.

Kalu said his name is mentioned because he used his letter headed paper to write a sympathetic letter to the NDDC in 2016 requesting and pleading with the body to rescue roads in Abia.

He also noted that his relationship with Senator Akpabio dates years back and long before he (Kalu) became a govenor, adding that he would still request for more road interventions for Abia State from Akpabio



His words: “I was Governor of Abia State between 1999 and 2007 and never held any public office until June 11, 2019 when I was sworn in as a senator. Between 2016 and 2018, during my tour to several communities, leaders and welfare unions of most communities pleaded for urgent intervention on some dilapidated roads. I wrote to the NDDC informing the body of the conditions of these roads and the need for their attention since Abia is an NDDC state.

“The NDDC in their consideration which I am very grateful to, awarded the roads to companies that duly tendered for the projects and not myself. Whatever link I have with the projects is because it was considered due to my intervention.”

The Senate Chief Whip also noted that the NDDC that awarded these projects were not any of the interim management in controversy but the fully constituted body of NDDC with its board.

Clarifying further, he said: “the roads I requested for intervention as mentioned by the Honourable Minister were repairs of Ezere-Acha-Ndiokoukwu Road ;Amaubiri-Eluama-Uru Ring Road, Lokpaukwu, Umuchieze; Ndi Oji Abam-Atan Road; the Okafia-Ozuitem-Bende road and Ozu-Amuru-Abam Road.

“The contractors have completed and delivered these roads long time ago except Abam-Atani road which I learnt from the contractors was slowed down due to rain but still ongoing.

“Meanwhile, it would interest Nigerians to know that the contractors who built these roads have not been paid any dime. It has not been easy with the contractors but because it’s a community project they have only but kept hope alive on the NDDC.”

Further speaking, he said: “I am so much concerned about roads because I understand the economic importance of good roads, that’s why I built several roads when I was governor. Even as a senator, it would interest you to know that my major constituency projects are road constructions, reconstructions and rehabilitations. We have put in plans to finish 19 roads in Abia North before end of 2021.

“As a community leader, I do not intend to stop my interventions on roads in NDDC states because all the states need good roads. Good roads help to drive the economy. Therefore, I believe the NDDC forensic audit should focus on the missing funds and not works done. They should focus on paying contractors that delivered their jobs and not using my name indiscriminately to sell newspapers. The Honourable Minister, Senator Godswill Akpabio, is my good old friend. We have been friends even before I became a governor. I hope he doesn’t expect me to stop seeking for road interventions in our communities . It is his civic responsibility to support the communities and I am very confident he will oblige our future requests especially in areas of good roads.”

https://www.sunnewsonline.com/kalu-replies-akpabio-on-nddc-road-contracts/

More pictures

More photos has emerged on the visit of the General Overseer of Mountain of Holy Ghost Intervention and Deliverance Ministry, Prophet Chukwuemeka Odumeje who on Saturday stormed Camp Neya, Igbere Abia State, the countryhome of the Chief Whip of the Senate and former Governor of Abia state, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu

The controversial Onitsha based prophet arrived Kalu’s hometown at exactly 2pm .
Odumeje accompanied by his members on sighting Kalu entertained him with his dramatic moves and slangs
He expressed happiness for getting access to Kalu after several attempts .

More details soon...



https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/07/29/pakistan-man-accused-of-insulting-muslim-prophet-muhammadshot-dead-at-court-trial/

The General Overseer of Mountain of Holy Ghost Intervention and Deliverance Ministry, Prophet Chukwuemeka Odumeje on Saturday stormed Camp Neya, Igbere Abia State, the countryhome of the Chief Whip of the Senate and former Governor of Abia state, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu

The controversial Onitsha based prophet arrived Kalu’s hometown at exactly 2pm .

Odumeje accompanied by his members on sighting Kalu entertained him with his dramatic moves and slangs

He expressed happiness for getting access to Kalu after several attempts .

More details soon

https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/08/01/breaking-prophet-odumeje-storms-orji-kalus-camp-neya/

Minority leader of the Abia State House of Assembly,Honorable Chijioke Chukwu on Monday led members of the Abia State House of Assembly, to welcome the Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu to Abia State.

Hon. Chijioke who represents Bende North State Constituency, led the members welcome and pay due respect to Senator Kalu , who has been away from the state for 9 Months due to his unjust incarceration at the Kuje Custodial centre.

Hon. Chijioke speaking to newsmen described Senator Orji Kalu as the political leader in not just Abia State; but the Southeast. He said that the return of Senator Orji Kalu had rekindled the Hope of the Igbos in Nigeria.

Other notable members of the Abia State House of Assembly include: Hon. Michael Ukoha, Minority Whip (Arochukwu), Hon.Barr. Emeka Okoroafor (Isuikwuato), Hon. Chibuzor Okogbuo former member (Bende South) amongst others.


Hon. Chijioke Chukwu Minority Leader Abia House of Assembly.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Members of the Abia State House of Assembly.
Senator Kalu who is visiting the South East for the first time since he was released from Kuje custodial centre on June 2nd, arrived Sam Mbakwe Airport Owerri in a private jet at exactly 1:32pm.

Accompanied by his retinue of aides, friends and associates, Kalu was warmly welcomed at the airport by a number of supporters numbering about 3,000.

The Chief Whip of the Senate in a dramatic move to avoid the crowd headed straight to his country home where he was given an unprecedented welcome.

Orji Uzor Kalu, ex-Governor of Abia State and current Senator representing Abia North district in the Red Chamber, has stated that the six months he was incarcerated in Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, has rather spurred his desire to work for the people of Abia North in particular and Abia State in general.

Kalu, who is also the Majority Chief Whip of Nigeria Senate, stated this on his first visit to his country home after his jail experience, reiterated that rather than diminish his quest to serve his people, his incarceration serves as a source of motivation to take his constituency to greater heights.

https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/07/28/photos-hon-chijioke-chukwu-leads-abia-house-to-welcome-senator-orji-kalu/

More pictures

In what could be best described as ‘triumphant entry’, Senate Chief Whip and former Governor of Abia state, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu on Monday received an extraordinary rumbustious welcome in Abia state


Orji Kalu’s triumphant entry to Abia
Senator Kalu who is visiting the South East for the first time since he was released from Kuje custodial centre on June 2nd, arrived Sam Mbakwe Airport Owerri in a private jet at exactly 1:32pm


Kalu greeting thousands of supporters on arrival
Accompanied by his retinue of aides, friends and associates, Kalu was warmly welcomed at the airport by a number of supporters numbering about 3,000.

The Chief Whip of the Senate in a dramatic move to avoid the crowd headed straight to his country home where he was given an unprecedented welcome.

Each community his convoy passed greeted Kalu with 21 gun salute . See photo

https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/07/28/photos-kalus-unprecedented-tumultuous-welcome-in-abia/

Chief Whip of the Senate and former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has made his first entrance to the Southeast almost two months After his release from the Kuje custodial centre.

Senator Kalu arrived the Domestic wing of the Sam Mbakwe Airport, Owerri at exactly ,1:32pm via a private jet . Senator Orji Kalu’s last visit to the Southeast east was in October 2019.

The former governor with retinue of his aides arrived the airport in company of friends and associates .

The Chief Whip was received by representatives of the Imo State government, Abia state bipartisan party leaders, members of Abia state House of Assembly, leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youths, leadership of different social cultural groups among others.

Thousands of supporters wearing branded facemasks were outside the airport to welcome the Senator.

However, according to reports , office of the Chief Whip of the Senate had issued a directive appealing to well wishers and supporters to respect the COVID-19 regulations and avoid gatherings to celebrate his homecoming.

Meanwhile, All Progressives Congress (APC) Abia state chapter, in a statement signed by the publicity secretary Comrade Benedict Godson
has welcomed the former Governor to the state . The statement reads as follows “Today, our leader makes triumphant entry into Abia, as journey towards reclaiming our state begins

In our part of the world, we so much believe in destiny. It’s so real that when it starts manifesting, we can’t help but say it’s God’s doing.

It’s written in the sky and it’s obvious in the minds of men that Senator Orji Uzor-Kalu is a man destined to do great things.

The Bible, our holy book in Numbers 23:8 also made it clear that any man whom God has blessed, no man can curse such a man.

So today, after the much failed efforts made to curse q man whom God has already blessed, that man is coming in to take his rightful place as our leader.

He’s the APC leader in the South East of Nigeria, he’s Abia State political leader no matter the party you belong and he’s the man whom everybody give the respect as Abia Original leader.

Many people not just those in APC have been calling upon him to come and take what rightfully belongs to him and they’ll not be disappointed because he’s coming.

For us in APC, today is the beginning of us reclaiming a state that we sincerely know we can do better and make better for our people.

The triumphant entry of Senator Orji Uzor-Kalu today into Abia is a mark of a new beginning because the breeze of change will take over from today in Abia.

We welcome him and we urge him to take his rightful place as we all will always follow where he leads.”

https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/07/27/breaking-orji-kalu-arrives-southeast-months-after-release/

Teenager Qamar Gul and her younger brother fought a battle with an insurgent group who stormed their village

A 40-strong group of Taliban fighters were looking for Qamar Gul’s father.

An Afghan girl shot dead three Taliban fighters after they killed her parents because they supported the government, local officials have said.

The incident happened last week when a group of 40 insurgents stormed the village of Geriveh, in central Ghor province, where 16-year-old Qamar Gul was living with her parents and brother.

Officials said the fighters, who were looking for Gul’s father, knocked on the door at 1am on 17 July.

“The insurgents came to their doorstep and her mother went to see who was knocking,” said Mohamed Aref Aber, a spokesman for the provincial governor. “When she saw that they were armed, she refused to open the door.”

Aber said Gul’s mother was immediately shot dead by the attackers, who then entered the house and shot at her father.

According to Aber, Qamar Gul witnessed the death of her parents, picked up her father’s rifle and shot and killed three insurgents. She then started a one-hour battle with the Taliban alongside her 12-year-old brother, Habibullah, he added.

Several other Taliban fighters reportedly joined the attack, but some villagers and pro-government militia men expelled them after a gunfight.

Afghan officials have taken Qamar Gul and her younger brother to a safe place in the provincial capital.

“They were in shock in the first two days and could not talk too much, but are in a good condition now,” Aber said. “They are saying: ‘This was our right, because we did not need to live without our parents.’ They don’t have many relatives other than a half-brother who lives in the same village.”

“When I saw them that night, they were shocked but were feeling honoured,” said Mohammad Rafiq Alam, the district governor.

Since the incident, a photograph of Qamar Gul wearing a headscarf and holding a machine gun across her lap has gone viral on social media.

“We know parents are irreplaceable, but your revenge will give you relative peace,” one user wrote in a Facebook post. “They received two titles at one night: heroes and orphans,” another posted. “She is a symbol of bravery and resistance,” said another.

At least 100,000 Afghans are estimated to have died in conflict since 2001 when the US ousted the Taliban from power.

The Taliban regularly kill villagers whom they suspect of being informers for the government or security forces. In recent months the militants have also stepped up their attacks against security forces, despite having agreed to peace talks with Kabul.


https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/07/22/afghan-girl-shot-dead-taliban-fighters-who-killed-her-parents/

The Minister for Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, Tuesday accused the suspended management of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) of awarding about 332 different contracts worth about N4.448 billion in one day, two days after he left office as minister in 2019.

Ngige who disclosed this in a presentation before the House of Representatives adhoc committee investigating arbitrary breach of presidential directives also said the suspended NSITF management committed about 74 different infractions for which they were suspended.

The minister told the Committee that the circular from the Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF) Office which he was accused of breaching talks about serious misconduct.

He maintained that some of the suspended officials will face disciplinary action and assured that the management Committee will be given fair hearing as:”suspension is not dismissal”.

Ngige also told the Committee that the suspension of the management had a presidential approval via letter REF:SGF/OP/1.S.3/T/163 dated 19 May 2020.

The former Anambra Governor listed some of the infractions committed by the management to include extra-budgetary spending, making payment for unapproved expenditure, over spending on administrative issues, irregular direct payment from the Employees Compensation Act, irregularities in staff group assurance policy and making payment for assurance policy without a policy cover.

He said: “the interesting thing is that both the Auditor General’s special periodic check report has been treated with levity especially in areas where the MD and the 3 Executive Directors had queries for bypassing issues of payments not authorized to themselves by extant circulars and their conditions of services .

“In 2018, I put up an Implementation Committee from the Ministry to implement both the Auditor Generals special periodic check and the report of the Administrative panel of Enquiry, headed by the then Permanent Secretary – Mrs. Ibukun Odusote.

“By the time she was redeployed from the Ministry of Labour and Employment in November 2018 to Ministry of Environment, my instructions on the implementation for the 2 reports on NSITF to the best of my knowledge did not receive attention from the NSITF Management.

“All attempts and directives to NSITF even at the Ministry Top Management with Parastatals to get the NSITF respond was futile, till we went for the General Election and I exited as Minister 29 May 2019 of course they celebrated the exit but all these were captured in my handover notes to the prospective “new Minister of Labour and Employment.

“To make matters worse, when I came back in 2019 August, reappointed as Minister of Labour and Employment, right from the 2020 Budget defence and their 2019 Budget performance I realised that instead of making amends from the earlier Auditor General’s report, matters have worsened therefore sought the help of the Auditor General of the Federation and the DG Public Procurement as there was a bazaar of NSITF contract documents being hawked at Wuse and Maitama Abuja for “prospective contractors” on payment of 25% of contract paper value.

“Even though the MD and ED Finance and Investment dodged and did not present a well articulated Budget 2020, the 2019 performance, the latter raised Red flags for all – starting with the 2 Committees of NASS on Labour, Employment and Productivity and the Auditors in the Ministry. Meanwhile the Special Periodic Check of 2018/2019 undertaken by the Auditors from AuFG later raised even worse infraction than the earlier ones in 2012 – 2017.

“Immediately these red flags were raised instructed them to halt all procurements for 2019 and payments of 2018/2019 that had not been done, pending the report of these checks. I brought this situation immediately to the attention of Mr. President because the MD and EDs claim they are “well connected politicians” and as such nothing will touch them hence, they ignored my directives during the Covid-19 and they went on to start payments for all forms of phoney contracts – some executed and some unexecuted.”

“The 2018/2019 Special Periodic Check/requested from the AuGF had thrown up more of these queries which they could not answer. A quick check revealed extra Budgetary expenditure as against the approved estimate of N1,019,360,520.90.
Payment of unapproved allowances – N118,779,632.40.

“Payment for vouchers not presented for Audit inspection (capital vouchers N300,898,994.30), Payment vouchers not posted to the cashbook – N884,701,789.72”.

Meanwhile, the Minister clashed with a member of the Committee, James Faleke (APC, Lagos) when he asked him to recuse himself from the sitting, alleging that Faleke has a ‘damaged reputation.”

However, the issue was resolved following intervention by the Chairman of the Committee, Miriam Onuoha and other members.

Faleke had in his contribution to a motion that informed the investigation alleged that the suspension of NSITF management was to allow the Minister have access to the budget of the agency in which he inserted about N2 billion projects and single handedly got his wife who work in the office of the Head of Service to sign a letter granting him permission to hire insurance brokers for the fund.


https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/07/22/nsitf-sacked-management-awarded-n4-4bn-contracts-in-one-day-ngige/

President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum ( AYCF) Shettima Yerima who recently declared that the North will support Senator Orji Kalu for 2023 Presidency, has received the backing of the former Governor past Governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Abdulazeez Yari.

The immediate past Governor of the Northeast State, declared that the presidency will shift to the South come 2023. He said that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would ensure power shifts to the South after the tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Addressing reporters yesterday, the former Governor said “As we have seen the nature of how our presidency will look like, it has to go to the South. The chairmanship may likely as well come to the North in preparation for that.”

Yari insisted that he was one of the Northern leaders canvassing for power shift in 2023, adding, “Of course, that is how things are supposed to be.”

He, however, refused to be specific about the geo-political zone in the South that should have the ticket, saying, “I don’t want to make an offensive statement. APC leaders will decide.

“As a leader, I do not want to talk and be offending some of our members and leaders.”

Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, had on Saturday denied he was planning to run for President in 2023.

Lawan was reacting to speculations that he could run for the highest office in the land, after President Muhammadu Buhari’s second term elapses.

Recall that Yerima who also hails from the same Northeast region with ex Gov.Yari had in a recent interview disclosed that the North would consider Senator Kalu, if power is ceded to the South in 2023. He described Kalu as someone the north trusts and the Northern elders will give him their full support

There have been calls from different quarters for a power shift to the South in the 2023 presidential election, particularly to the Southeast geopolitical zone.

Various interest groups including the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has declared its full support for Igbo Presidency ahead of the 2023 presidential election.


https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/07/20/2023yerima-who-backed-kalu-for-president-gets-support-from-ex-gov-yari/

Buba Galadima, a former ally of President Muhammadu Buhari, says the removal of Ibrahim Magu, suspended acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is a mere propaganda.

Buhari appointed Mohammaded Umar, former director of operations at the EFCC, as acting head of the commission after suspending Magu.

In an interview with The Sun, Galadima said Magu’s replacement is simply a case of “use and dump”.

He alleged that Magu had been doing the bidding of some powerful elements in the incumbent administration but had stepped on some toes which led to his suspension.

“His suspension was long overdue. Magu should have been long suspended from office but why it took Buhari’s administration five years to remove him may be a surprise to many Nigerians, but for me, it is not,” he said.

“Magu remained that long in office because he has been doing the bidding of some powerful elements in Buhari’s administration.

“But obviously he had stepped on some toes, and that’s why they’ve now decided to do away with him.”

He said the ongoing probe is a propaganda, alleging that nothing fruitful will come out of it.

“I believe Magu has offended a powerful cabal in Buhari’s administration, and that’s why they decided to remove him,” he said.

“I am not trying to defend Magu, I have never been his admirer but Nigerians should not be deceived that Magu was sacked because of Buhari’s administration’s commitment to the anti-corruption war. Magu is just being made a scapegoat to create the impression that Buhari is fighting corruption.

“Go and mark my words, nothing will come out of Magu’s case. It’s just like they want to entertain us, it is all part of propaganda to create impression that this administration is fighting corruption.”

https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/07/18/magu-sacked-for-touching-the-wrong-person-says-galadima/

President of the Nigerian Senate, Ahmed Lawan, has begun underground moves to contest the 2023 Presidential election on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress.

According to Sahara Reporters, top sources within the APC disclosed that this ambition was one of the reasons why Lawan nominated Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State as Chairman of the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Committee of the party.

It was gathered that Buni’s nomination had put Lawan in a strong position as one of the major contenders for the presidential ticket of the APC should the party decide to make the contest for its ticket open to candidates from every zone of the country.

SaharaReporters claimed it was reliably informed that consultations were ongoing among major stakeholders in the party to make Lawan’s goal to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in office a reality.

“Lawan is making moves for presidency in 2023 and this may be his first ambition in that direction.

“He is a proponent of North-East producing the next President and that is his agenda if the zoning favours the region.

“Though there are divergent views in the party as many are pushing for it to be zoned to the South,” the source said.

Meanwhile , when contacted by THE NIGERIA DAILY, Media Adviser to the Senate President, Ola Awoniyi, said talks of his principal eyeing the President’s position in 2023 was mere speculation.

Leadership of the APC declined to comment on the issue when contacted by our correspondent.


https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/07/17/2023-senate-president-lawan-begins-underground-moves-to-contest-for-president/

The National Inter-Faith Religious Organizations for Peace (NIFROP) has tasked Nigerians to intensify prayers for the Service Chiefs and troops to defeat remnants of terrorists, bandits and all other criminal elements and their sponsors in the country.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Bishop Sunday Garuba, on Tuesday, the inter-faith group said Nigerians must unite in prayer at this critical period to finally put an end to

“agents of darkness bent on the disintegration of Nigeria”.

According to Bishop Garuba, the recently launched Operation Sahel Sanity by the Nigerian Army is another testament of the current administration’s commitment to securing the lives and properties of citizens.

While acknowledging the giant strides recorded by the military in recent times, NIFROP, however, admitted that the battle is far from over yet, calling on Nigerians to rally behind the troops as they edge towards victory.

It added that the “time is now for Nigerians to come together in one loud voice in prayers and to fast for Gods intervention in the country and to put to shame all the plans of those that have sold their souls to the devil”.

The statement reads: “The National Inter-Faith Religious Organizations for Peace calls on all Nigerians from all walks of life to pray for President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian Army in their efforts towards addressing the threats posed by the Boko Haram insurgents in North-East Nigeria, as well as the activities of armed bandits in North West Nigeria.

The National Inter-Faith Religious Organizations for Peace notes the various efforts of the Nigerian Army in the war against Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria and wishes to state that indeed giant strides have been recorded due to the unalloyed commitment by the troops despite the avalanche of conspiracies against it.

We wish to state that President Muhammadu Buhari is indeed a rare gift to Nigeria from God since he assumed leadership of the country in 2015. His commitment to securing the lives and properties of Nigerians has never been in doubt. This much has been evident in the proactive ways the Nigerian Army has been executing the war against terrorism which is a departure from the past where the morale of the troop was at its lowest ebb.

The book of Deuteronomy 20:4 states that “For the Lord, your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” This biblical verse applies to the recently launched Operation Sahel Sanity by the Nigerian Army to combat armed attacks, cattle rustling, kidnapping and other criminal activities in North West Nigeria and its environs.

It is indeed a statement of the fact that the Nigerian troops need our prayers and supplications in this critical point of our existence. This informs the need for our prayers for God in his infinite mercies to continue to go ahead of our troops to give them resounding victory against our adversaries.

It is our firm belief that Nigeria, as a country, has overcome the spirit of Boko Haram and will defeat even ISIS and the demons that call themselves bandits. “Alif-Lam-Mim. The Romans have been vanquished in adna al-Ard, but they, after their vanquishing, shall be the victors within a few years. To God belongs the decision, in the past and the future, and on that day, the believers shall rejoice with the victory of God. He gives victory whomever He will; and He is the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful. It is the promise of God; God does not fail His promise (Quran 30:1-6)

The holy books of the Bible and the Koran are explicit in Gods promises to deliver us from the snare of our enemies. The National Inter-Faith Religious Organizations for Peace wishes to call on all Nigerians from all faiths to see the success of our military in their various endeavours as a collective one that requires our prayers and support.

We are calling on all Nigerians to embark on a special fasting programme for the Muhammadu Buhari administration and our troops involved in military operations across the country to defeat terrorist, militants, bandits and all other vectors and sponsors of criminality in Nigeria.

We must understand that the agents of darkness are bent on the disintegration of Nigeria through the sponsorship of acts of criminalities across the country as evident in the spate of insecurity in the country.

The book of Ephesians 6:12 states that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil.

https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/07/15/insurgency-banditry-intensify-prayers-for-military-troops-nigerians-urged/

A frontline politician and Nigerian Professor of Sociology, Yemi Olarewanju has stated that to bring closure to the Nigerian civil war, the next president of Nigeria should come from the South-Eastern part of the country

Speaking with newsmen on Sunday night in Lagos, Professor Olarewanju, stated that “Fifty years after the civil war; fifty years after the Igbos rightly or wrongly believed they have been marginalised and persecuted in Nigeria, it is morally incumbent on the rest of Nigeria to make concessions to them for the land to be healed and the negative perception addressed”

He however emphasised that other geo-political zones in the country will be needing a detribalized Nigerian of Igbo-extraction to occupy that position and has identified Senator Orji Uzor Kalu as a man that meets that requirement.

According to Professor Olarewanju, “The current Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate, Dr Orji-Uzor Kalu has acceptance in all the geo-political zones of country and is widely perceived as a bridge between Northern and Southern Nigeria. He is an astute Business man with interests in shipping, aviation, oil and gas, publishing and the banking industry. His track record is there for all to see”.

“He is quite different from most of the people parading themselves around as political leaders in the country. Most of our leaders became rich by dipping their hands into Government coffers unlike this man that was already rich before joining politics”

He further stated that, “You cannot talk about Nigeria’s return to democracy without mentioning the name Orji-Uzor Kalu since you cannot talk about our democracy without the formation of the PDP”

“I attended several meetings in his residence in Lagos during the formation of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in 1998. I saw a man who was committed to the unity of Nigeria. He did not just commit his time and effort but his resources to the formation of PDP and the emergence of a South-Westerner as President”.

“The N5 million for the registration of the party was provided by him. He gave Gen Olusegun Obasanjo N100 million naira to fund his presidential campaign and also made the first N500 million donation to the party”

“He was funding most of the activities of the PDP at the formation stage. Everybody that came for meetings in his residence in Ikoyi collected transport money from him at every gathering. It was only Atiku Abubakar and Yomi Edu that never took money from him”

Asked if the Senator’s recent conviction would not count against him, he responded that his recent acquittal by the Supreme court actually counts in his favour.

He reminded Nigerians of various leaders who went to prison in the past and later became Presidents. He mentioned former President Olusegun Obasanjo and incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari as some of the people that went to prison in the past.

In his words “Even Joseph went from Prison to the Palace in the Bible. I bet a lot of people in and outside the corridors of power in Egypt at that time believed the false accusation levelled against him by Potiphar’s wife before his conviction”

“Orji Uzor Kalu was already a billionaire before he became Governor of Abia state so I wonder how they say he stole their money”

“Joining politics was a set-back for his business. He lost his airline, banking license etc to politics. In fact, he would have been richer if he did not join the murky waters of Nigerian politics”

“Nigeria has done great disservice to this man. To think that they jailed him for some political reasons based on some funny calculation for 2023 is the greatest injustice that could be done to any man”.

“But I would like to thank the 7 justices of the Supreme court of Nigeria that saw the injustice meted to him by the High Court and found the courage to nullify his conviction”

“Governance is about managing human resources as well as the economy so we need people that are business oriented to come and run the affairs of this great nation”

“We need someone that has a track record of growing businesses from scratch and not people who became businessmen by stealing money from the government”

“I think Nigerians should ask this man to come and run the affairs of the country. The people from the Eastern part of the country should compel him to throw his hat into the ring and come and rescue this great nation.”

Concluding, the Professor of Sociology stated that “In 1998, Nigerians agreed that with the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, there was a need to heal the wound in the land by ceding Presidency to the South-West. We should as a nation do the same for the South East. They have not tasted power since the return to democracy in 1999. It would be morally wrong for any other zone to contest against them in 2023”


https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/07/13/presidency-should-be-ceded-to-the-south-east-to-heal-civil-war-wounds-olarewanju/

A Nigerian Cleric , Prophet Joshua Arogun has revealed that a major conspiracy by three influential Nigerians led to the jailing of the former Governor of Abia state and current Chief Whip of the Senate , Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.

He added that one of them is dead, the second is facing national and international embarrassment and the third will suffer worse fate

Joshua , who is the General Overseer of Light of the World International Church, made the revelations on Sunday during the church’s ministration service in Lagos

His words, “During one of our monthly intensive prayers for Nigeria in 2019, I received a shocking message on the political situations of the country. I saw three very powerful Nigerians who were conspiring heavily to make sure that a former governor from the South East was jailed. I told my wife about it and we both prayed and sought for a clearer interpretation of the revelation. I got the three names and tried my best to reach out to the three of them after I received another very clear and fearful message of the harm that would befall them if they don’t retrace their steps . But I was ignored. One of them told Pastor Emmanuel (referring to a fellow pastor in the church ) that he doesn’t believe in prophecy, our religion and the message; the second person totally ignored the message. I told them that the person they want to disgrace is a man of grace from birth and the consequences of their trial will be so heavy on them .

Speaking further , he said ” After many months in the 2019, I heard that former governor Orji Kalu was sentenced to jail . Today, one of the conspirators is dead, the second person is facing national and international embarrassment and the third person who is even here in Lagos with us is going to suffer worse fate .

“There is this thing about grace and it is given from above. Sometimes when you touch a wrong person with overflowing grace , it would backfire. They want to destroy him because of his destiny to be President. But anyone planning evil on him will suffer the same fate as others . ” Prophet Joshua said

The Popular cleric also told the congregation that his greatest duty is to reveal the message as received adding that it is up to the people involved to do the right thing.

” I have never met any of them but the message would definitely get to them. Nigerian politicians are yet to understand that it is God that gives power not humans or godfathers. If God says it is you, then it is you . Nobody can stop it . When they try to stop it they end up pushing you closer to your destiny ” He also said

THE NIGERIA DAILY recalls that Prophet Joshua was in the news in 2014 when he controversially predicted Buhari’s victory in the 2015 general election.

His words then , ” For the upcoming 2015 election, God told me that Buhari would win ; . And God told me a lot of things about Buhari. It is He that anointed him to be the president and there is no questions about that. No one can change it . The people can hate him: the people can reject him but God has ordained him, and there is something about God. When He says that you would be this, no man can change it. He does what pleases Him.

Similarly in March 1,2020, Prophet Joshua had stated that a former governor who was imprisoned and was serving his jail terms would be released and become the President of Nigeria after Buhari. Many believed he was referring to ex Governor Orji Uzor Kalu who was at the time serving his 12 years jail terms .

However, in a twist of fate and in credence to the prophesy just like that of Buhari, the Supreme Court on May 8 nullified the judgment that sentenced Kalu to 12 years imprisonment and Kalu was set free.


https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/07/12/breaking-prophet-joshua-names-three-nigerias-to-suffer-for-orji-kalus-sake/

National President of Arewa Youth Consultative Forum ( AYCF) ,Alhaji Shettima Yerima, has pleaded with the northern power brokers to consider supporting a candidate of Igbo extraction for the 2023 election for peace and stability sake in the country .

This is even as he declared support for former Governor of Abia state, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu as the North’s most preferred presidential candidate , revealing that International Community and many Consultative forums in the north are also rooting for Kalu .

THE NIGERIA DAILY recalls that Yerima is a member of the coalition that wanted Igbo people sent packing from the North in 2017.
He is also a member of the coalition that established Operation Shege Ka Fasa, the northern version of the regional security outfit that was raised by the South-West, Amotekun

In an exclusive interview granted to THE NIGERIA DAILY on Thursday night in Abuja , Yerima also defended the North saying that political pundits and opinion builders are not always right in their description and perception of the North.

According to the Arewa leader , “ those thinking that we don’t like the Igbo and the North will not support them for 2023 presidency are totally wrong . The whole country cannot function without its part and the South East is part of the whole .

“Notwithstanding the fact that the North still need another term after President Buhari; the right, honourable and just thing to do is to support South East achieve their presidential goal in 2023. It will help to stabilize the country. The country need healing and greater unity and the best thing to do is to give total support to the people of the South East .

“The South-West has had their complete tenure through President Olusegun Obasanjo, South-South had had a tenure through President Goodluck Jonathan and South-East has not gotten it in the new dispensation.

Speaking further, he noted that “South East being among the three regional power blocks and geopolitical structures to which the British relinquished power at independence in 1960 need a seat at the Centre

“So to have another president in 2023 that is not Igbo would be unjust, inequitable and unfair. With the presidency having by national consensus rotated between the north and the southwest, 2023 should be the turn of the Igbos. There is no just, fair and equitable reason to delay the rotation of the presidency to the southeast by another presidential election in 2023.” He said


The Arewa Leader said that every Nigerian is entitled to his ambition, adding that doing the right thing is his utmost concern .

” We are talking of doing the right thing here . We shouldn’t just be buried in our ambition, we should also consider posterity, stability and unity of this country . When you talk of ally , you talk about those who have been with us since inception. You talk about those that the North considers as loyal brothers . Don’t think that the North will look the other way when the chips are down . As long as I know, many Consultative forums in the North are rooting for Former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu. He is detribalized enough to have the trust of entire Nigerians . He has the wherewithal and capacity to turn the economy of this country around. I can assure you that he is the most preferred candidate of the North from the entire south. Even as a devout Christian, we know how he accommodated muslims in his state when he was governor. We knew how he built several mosques for them . Even the international community are rooting for him, so the North is not the only people in this.

https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/07/10/2023-yerima-says-president-of-igbo-extraction-will-stabilize-nigeria/

Facing a groundswell of public outcry over a Chairman of anti corruption agency swimming in corruption, the Senate is set to unveil competing proposals to tackle the issue, THE NIGERIA DAILY reports.

A prominent senator from the north revealed that the government is embarrassed by the level of weighty allegations against the acting Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC) which led to his suspension by President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday.

To support and address systemic corruption and excessive use of force in the economic and financial Crimes enforcement, THE NIGERIA DAILY was told that both the ruling and opposition parties of All Progressives Congress (APC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have jointly agreed to propose a bill that would prevent police officers from heading any anti corruption agency in Nigeria.

The two bills, one drafted by APC senators and the other, PDP senators share some common ground: both call for reform on the appointment of chairman of anti corruption agencies , professional investigations on allegations before raids , more training for law enforcement officials and incentives for law enforcement officers to wear body cameras. The bills would also make media trial a crime.

The source also added that the Senate want anti corruption agencies headed by reputable individuals from the judiciary and private sectors. It added that aside its headship , police officers are allowed to work as members of the organization.

https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/07/09/breaking-senate-to-pass-bill-forbidding-police-officers-as-head-of-anti-corruption-agencies/

Damaging reports from different foreign intelligence agencies on acting Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, ( EFCC) Ibrahim Magu forced President Muhammadu Buhari to suspend the EFCC Chief on Tuesday, THE NIGERIA DAILY authoritatively reports .

The leading reports were from the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA ) of the Federal Government of the United States ; the Secret Intelligence Service(SIS) of the United Kingdom; Canadian Security Intelligence Service(CSIS) – the main intelligence agency in Canada and Mossad of the national intelligence agency of Israel.

According to a competent source from the presidency, the memo from the Attorney General of the Federation, Justice Abubakar Malami, was a mere fronting and soft landing for Magu as reports from a particular foreign intelligence agency specifically requested for Magu’s extradition for trial.

To avoid national embarrassment to the Federal Government , Justice Malami was recruited to blow whistle on the EFCC Boss before a presidential action followed suit.

THE NIGERIA DAILY also gathered that President Buhari was embarrassed by the amount of figures involved in the allegations on Magu. It is so huge that the government’s reputation would be damaged nationally and internationally if made known.

The source also revealed that for over two weeks, Magu has been privately visiting and pleading with Baba Gana Kingibe ( GCON), Mamman Daura and Ahmad Lawan to intervene on his behalf and rescue him .

Kingibe , a former Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1993 to 1995, Minister of Internal Affairs from 1995 to 1997, Minister of Power and Steel from 1997 to 1998; and Secretary to the Government of the Federation from 2007 to 2008 is known to be among the powerful cabal in Buhari’s government. Whereas Daura , Buhari’s nephew is the head of the cabal . Lawan is the Senate President and Magu believed Lawan to have the ears of the president.

THE NIGERIA DAILY discovered that several top influential Nigerians who felt embarrassed with the way the EFCC conducted their activities kept eye on Magu . Some of them who are highly connected to foreign intelligence agencies wrote to these agencies on a tip off of Magu’s relooting and piling of foreign currencies abroad . The presidential source who refused to mention names told this newspaper that Magu’s saintly posture and allegiance to some politicians must have infuriated these people and they went extra mile to expose Magu .

“If he is not shielded, the source told THE NIGERIA DAILY, ” He might spend several years in jail . The evidences are internationally ratified and you know what that means . The President want to be remembered for standing firm on his fight against corruption only to be discover he was betrayed by the man he gave the mandate to do the fight . He( Magu) and his co-conspirators have been penned down and heads will start to roll sooner than later .” The source revealed

During Magu’s stint as EFCC boss, he wielded so much powers and touched the untouchables. On November 22, 2017 , Magu and his boys were involved in a showdown for over 13 hours when the EFCC operatives stormed the home of the former Director General of the Department of State Services, Ekpenyong Ita, to effect his arrest. Magu also ransacked houses of justices of Supreme Courts and Federal Court of Appeals with reckless abandon. On some cases where the judges was granted freedom following court orders, Magu mercilessly rearrested them and detained them at will . Magu attempted to revoke the immunity of a sitting governor when he ordered his men to arrest Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State when he was still serving as governor. Magu also revisited the fraud allegations on the former Governor of Abia state (1999-2007) ,Orji Uzor Kalu and prosecuted him until he was sentenced to 12 years jail term on December 4, 2019 . Kalu spent 6 months in the jail before regaining freedom following a supreme court’s nullification of the high court ruling.

However, following Magu’s suspension, the Director of operations of the EFCC , Umar Mohammed has taken over the affairs of the EFCC.

Recall that THE NIGERIA DAILY reported how President Muhammadu Buhari approved the suspension of the acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, from office on Tuesday. The suspension followed the investigation of allegations of gross misconduct against him on Monday.

The EFCC boss appeared before a presidential probe panel headed by retired Justice Ayo Salami, who is investigating the allegations against him on Monday.
Meanwhile, the Presidency in reaction to the probe of Magu, declared that it shows that nobody under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is above scrutiny. “A monitored report suggests that the investigation of the EFCC boss was to reinforce that this administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, adding that the holder of such office must be above suspicion.
A monitored report states that the interrogation of Magu is to give him the opportunity to clear himself of the weighty allegations against him.”

https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/07/09/exclusive-how-damaging-reports-from-foreign-intelligence-agencies-compelled-buhari-to-suspend-magu/

Former Deputy Senate President and Senator representing Enugu West Senatorial district, Mr Ike Ekweremadu has concluded plans to dump his political party , the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of 2023 Enugu governorship tussle

THE NIGERIA DAILY gathered from a source close to the former deputy Senate President that Ekweremadu has renewed his high-level negotiations with the top echelon of the APC from the South East.

The source told THE NIGERIA DAILY that Ekweremadu’s defection to the APC has nothing to do with disagreement with his own party, the PDP, but solely on his desire to pursue his governorship ambition in 2023.

It will be recalled that Ekweremadu is one of the longest serving senators in the national assembly having represented his senatorial zone for 16 years and still counting.

During his re-election in 2019, Ekweremadu has promised his constituents he would not be seeking another term in the Senate come 2023.

He was first elected to the senate in 2003. In 2015 he attempted to run for Governor but the then Governor, Sullivan Chime denied him the ticket insisting it was the turn of another zone . This prompted Ekweremadu to renegotiate his way back to the Senate.

THE NIGERIA DAILY learnt that Enugu PDP has insisted on following the zoning arrangements of the 1999. Enugu East produced Governor between 1999-2007 , followed by Enugu West (2007-2015) and now Enugu North (2015-date ) The tenure of Enugu North is expected to elapse by 2023 . But Ekweremadu’s close aide told THE NIGERIA DAILY that since all zones have benefited from the zoning arrangements , it doesn’t matter which zone produces the next governor .

Meanwhile, Enugu East which has former governors Chimaraoke Nnamani and Jim Nwobodo has made it clear that they are leaving no stone unturned in producing the next governor and the incumbent governor, Rt. Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is strongly in support of Enugu East, this Newspaper still learnt.

With Ekweremadu leaving no stone unturned on his interest to occupy the Lion Building ( Enugu State Government House ) and without the support of the incumbent governor, his alternate vehicle to achieve his long time dream is through the APC.

This Newspaper has confirmed that Ekweremadu has activated all his governorship structures and is on the verge of concluding all necessary measures before he finally announced his defection to the APC.

https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/07/08/exclusive-ike-ekweremadu-to-run-for-governor-on-apc-ticket/

National Leader of All Progressives Congress, (APC) Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu is mounting pressure on retired Justice Ayo Salami, Chairman of the presidential probe panel to exonerate Ibrahim Magu, the suspended acting Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on the allegations leveled against him . THE NIGERIA DAILY reports.

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday approved the suspension of Magu, from office.

THE NIGERIA DAILY earlier reported that Magu was suspended to allow for probe into allegations against him.

The suspension came a day after he was invited to face the Rtd Justice Ayo Salami led probe panel, on various allegations against him, which borders on misconduct and financial irregularities.

The latest development is that Justice Salami , a long time ally of the strongman of Lagos Politics, Bola Tinubu , is being pressured by the latter to exonerate the suspended EFCC Boss.

Justice Salami, a native of Kwara state was
nine years ago controversially removed as President of the Court of Appeal by President Goodluck Jonathan’s government.

He was suspended following his alleged disclosure to the media of an attempt by the then Chief Justice of Nigeria, Aloysius Katsina-Alu, to influence the decision of the Appeal Court, in a Sokoto governorship election matter pending before the court at the time.

Based on the recommendations of a Justice Ibrahim Auta-led panel which investigated petitions against Messrs. Salami and Katsina-Alu respectively, the former was found guilty. Mr. Salami was accused of lying on oath against the then CJN and asked to apologise to Mr. Katsina-Alu within seven days. The panel’s recommendation was received by the NJC on August 9, 2011.

Mr. Salami approached the Federal High Court to challenge the recommendations of the panel

While that matter was pending in court, the NJC held an emergency meeting on August 18, and suspended Mr. Salami. He was immediately replaced with an acting appeal court president, Dalhatu Adamu.

The removal it was later revealed was connected with the discovery of unholy alliances with Bola Tinubu who was then preparing for a party merger ahead of 2015 general elections. Despite Justice Salami’s removal , his relationship with Tinubu has been smooth and untappered.

With the appointment of Justice Salami to head the president’s probe panel , Tinubu has switched back to the former court of appeal President for help on Magu .

THE NIGERIA DAILY learnt from reliable sources in the EFCC how Tinubu fights political battles by proxy using the EFCC Chief .

A source noted that “should Tinubu lose Magu as he lost the former APC national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, he would be driving closer to end of his political career, hence the need to save Magu at all cost from dismissal ”

The source revealed that aside Justice Salami, Tinubu has equally reached out to some of President Buhari’s men and made a strong case for Magu

Another reliable source revealed how a member of the probe panel complained of Salami’s body language which is geared towards exonerating Magu by all means. The source stated that mouth watering promises were made to some of the panel members, adding that it has been confirmed not to be unconnected with Tinubu

THE NIGERIA DAILY also gathered that Magu’s suspension despite its lawfulness was a rude shock to the panel and Tinubu as there was no such recommendation from the panel to the president.

Salami on the advice of Tinubu had instructed a member of the panel , Femi Odekunle to make a bold statement through the media exonerating Magu before the panel submits it’s report.

Femi Odekunle another loyal ally of Tinubu, whose son THE NIGERIA DAILY reported to be a staff of the EFCC and working closely with Magu went all out and accused Malami of waging a grudge war against Magu.

According to him, “the suspended EFCC chief is a victim of a power-play at the presidency.”

But in a deceptive turn around , the presidential panel disclaimed the statement, saying Odekunle only spoke for himself.

However, the Presidency has in reaction to the probe of Magu, declared that it shows that nobody under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is above scrutiny.

” A monitored report suggests that the investigation of the EFCC boss was to reinforce that this administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, adding that the holder of such office must be above suspicion.

“A monitored report states that the interrogation of Magu is to give him the opportunity to clear himself of the weighty allegations against him.”

THE NIGERIA DAILY recalls that The Department of State Services (DSS), on Monday said that contrary to claims in the media that the EFCC boss was arrested, he was only invited by a presidential panel that was set up to review the activities of the EFCC.

According to the DSS, he was served the invitation to the panel, while on his way to the Force Headquarters, Abuja for a meeting, so he was neither arrested nor forced to honour the invitation.

In 2016, the senate declined to confirm the appointment of Magu over a Department of State Services (DSS) report which indicted him of corruption.


https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/07/08/exclusive-tinubu-mounts-pressure-on-justice-salami-to-exonerate-magu/

Chief Whip of the Senate and member of the Edo 2020 APC campaign council   , Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has arrived the APC national secretariat,Abuja venue for the inauguration of the 49-member National Campaign Council led by Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano state for the Sept. 19, governorship poll in Edo.

Senator Kalu arrived the APC headquarters in company of the Chairman of the camapign council Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje.

The council has four state governors, the Deputy Senate President, two former National Chairmen among others as members.

Recall that Mr. Osagie Ize-Iyamu on June 22 emerged as the party flag bearer for Sept. 19 Edo governorship election.

https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/07/06/breaking-edo-2020-senator-orji-kalu-governor-ganduje-arrive-apc-national-secretariat/

Chief Whip of the Senate and former Governor of Abia State ,Senator Orji Uzor Kalu on Wednesday presented his first Bill since his assumption of office.

The bill according to Senator Kalu, seeks to amend the Administration of Criminal Justice Act , 2015 (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (SB .465).

The bill was read by clerk of the Senate Mr. Nelson Ayewoh and was passed for second reading after a voice vote presided by over the President of the Senate , Ahmed Lawan.

Speaking in a telephone conversation on the motive of the bill S.A. to Senator Kalu, Barrister Emeka Nwala, said the bill is aimed at strengthening the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA). He explained further that that the bill seeks to amend the administration of criminal justice Act 2015 sections contradicting the principles of fair hearing and court jurisdiction as provided in the Constitution.

Recall that the Supreme Court, in an unanimous judgement on May 8th 2020, faulted a section of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) which sentenced the former Governor to 12 years imprisonment for fraud and money laundering on December 5 last year.

The section relied upon by the President of the Court of Appeal grants leave to a trial judge, who had been elevated to the Court of Appeal, to return to the lower court to conclude a case.

Senator Orji Kalu spent 6 months in incarceration at the Kuje Custodial Centre, Abuja after he was sentenced by Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court in Lagos.

However, the apex court, in a unanimous judgment by the Justice Amina Augie-led seven-man panel, held that the Federal High Court in Lagos acted without jurisdiction when it tried and convicted Kalu, his firm – Slok Nigeria Limited.

The Supreme court panel later quashed the judgment, the panel held that Justice Mohammed Idris, who conducted the trial and sentenced Kalu, was no longer a judge of the Federal High Court as at the time he delivered the judgment, adding that having been elevated to the Court of Appeal, Justice Idris, lacked the powers to return to sit as a High Court Judge.

Details later...

https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/07/01/just-in-senator-orji-kalu-presents-his-first-bill-seeks-to-amend-acj-act/

Former Governor of Abia state and Chief Whip of the Senate Senator Orji  Uzor Kalu is set to build mega fish farms in Anambra and Enugu states respectively. 


The announcement was made known by the Senate Chief Whip on his Facebook page on Saturday during his visit to Shabu integrated farms Limited located in Keffi, Nasarawa state.  


Kalu's post says , "During a farm  tour of Shabu Integrated Farms Limited owned by my colleague, former governor of Nassarawa State and Senator representing  Nassarawa West senatorial zone , Senator Abdullahi Adamu. 


"I also condoled with him on the demise of his son in-law. My intense  passion for agriculture is similar to that of my colleague and it was an  opportunity to have a personal experience of  his fish farm in preparation for the opening of a large  fish farm in  Aguleri and Enugu. - OUK"


https://twitter.com/OUKtweets/status/1276911280520138754?s=19

More pictures

Chief Whip of the Senate and former Governor of Abia State Senator Orji Uzor Kalu on Saturday led a powerful delegation to the residence of the  former Governor of Nassarawa State and Senator Representing Nasarawa West, Senator Abdullahi Adamu.

The visit according to reports was to also  condole with the former Governor on the demise of his son in-law. 

Addressing  Senator Adamu's household,  Senator Kalu said "We are here to pray and console with you on the loss of your son in-law . We share in your pains and we want you to see it as will of God . "

Senator Kalu' company to the former governor's  residence includes Spokesman of the House of Representatives, and member representing Bende Federal Constituency,Honourable Benjamin Kalu ; All Progressives Congress Board of  Trustees member, Alhaji Mustapha Habeeb; former Chief of Staff to Ex-Gov Theodore Orji, Honourable Mascot Uzor Kalu ; Chief Obinna Metuh among others.


https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/06/27/breaking-senate-chief-whip-leads-powerful-delegation-to-ex-nassarawa-governor/

A serving PDP Senator in the 9th  national assembly has revealed that Governor Obaseki will emerge the winner of the PDP Governorship  primaries scheduled to hold tomorrow 25th June following his secret deal with Edo party Stakeholders.

The Serving Senator who does not want his name on print stated that necessary  arrangements has been put in place to ensure that Governor Obaseki emerges victorious at the primaries.

Giving further details, the serving Senator revealed that Gov Obaseki had already appeased majority of the state party leaders with political appointments. He said these appointees were given letter of appointments backdated to April 1, 2020 adding that three months salaries of over N600,000 monthly with enumerations was paid to the appointees last week.

He  further disclosed that based on this strategy by the Governor most of the delegates have vowed to vote massively for the Governor at tommorow’s primaries.

” I can confirm to you that Obaseki will emerge  as the Governorship of our party tomorrow. This is something we all know. Our party have capitalised on the APC crisis both at the state and national levels” 

Speaking on the recent  decision of Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike to pull out of efforts to help the embattled Edo state governor, Godwin Obaseki secure the party’s guber ticket; the Senator dismissed it as insinuations that Wike’s decision would further worsen the party’s crisis.

He stated that PDP is not the property of the Rivers State Governor, that Gov wike was like every other Governor and party stakeholder and as such has no power to dictate what goes on in Edo State.

” If a sitting Governor decides to go to the primaries let him go. Wike is not the owner of PDP. Let us wait till tomorrow, Wike is not from Edo , Wike is just one person in PDP like any other person. That he is a Governor in a state does not give him position to dictate to other states.He is my personal friend and I have respect for him as an individual, He is not the financier of the PDP” 

“As I speak to you the crisis has being resolved and they are making agreements on terms of settlement and they are reconciling all issues. In fact if it’s the Wike I know forget about his outbursts there is no way he will not be interested in what is happening in PDP.

“With current arrangements of settlement Wike must be involved directly or indirectly. I know Edo Politics and I understand the principal actors. I am not a new man in Edo Politics forget about what you read on the newspapers”

“We already know the outcome of tomorrow’s PDP  primaries in Edo, I know the game and I know what is happening in Edo and I can confirm to you that Obaseki is going to win tomorrow’s primaries” 

Justice Emmanuel Obile of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has struck out an application by a Governorship aspirant of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihiama seeking to stop Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki from participating in the party primaries scheduled for Thursday.

The Nigeria Daily recalls that Justice Obile struck out the suit after all the parties in the matter agreed to resolve their issues.

Edo State Peoples Democratic Party Governorship aspirant, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihiama had asked for an out-of-court settlement in his suit to stop Governor Godwin Obaseki from participating in the primaries of the party.

Ogbeide-Ihiama made the application through his Lawyer, Ferdinand Ogbeh SAN, to settle out of court when the matter was heard before Justice Obile of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt.

The PDP governorship aspirant had asked the court to restrain Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki from contesting the party primaries after vowing not to step down for him.

In a related development, The Edo state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has amicably resolved the crisis that erupted on who emerges as the governorship candidate of the party in the gubernatorial election scheduled  for September 19.

Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, one of the PDP aspirants had filed the suit seeking exclusion of Governor Godwin Obaseki from contesting in the PDP primary election rescheduled to hold on Thursday, June 25.

Ogbeide-Ihama had prayed the court to disqualify Obaseki who joined the PDP last week, arguing that only aspirants who purchased the party’s nomination forms and were screened within the stipulated time should be allowed to contest in the primary.

However, speaking with our correspondent, a member of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) who does not want his name in print said the matter has been amicably resolved.

He said the case by Ogbeide-Ihama will be discontinued in court today and all stakeholders, including Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers have all agreed to deliver Governor Obaseki.

“The Edo matter has been resolved amicably. The litigation in Port Harcourt will be discontinued this morning”. 

“All parties agreed to work together to deliver Governor Obaseki at the primaries on Thursday in Benin”.

https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/06/24/edo-pdp-primaries-pdp-senator-reveals-obasekis-secret-deal-with-stakeholders/

Rising from the NARD eNEC today, the ongoing total and indefinite strike action has been suspended and work resumes effectively on Monday 22/06/020 from 8:00 am.

The Nigeria Daily gathered that the Voting pattern is thus :

Suspension of strike – 47
Continuation of strike – 28

The Nigeria Daily has it in strong authority for a communique to the effect of the suspension to be released soonest

Read more

https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/06/20/breaking-doctors-suspends-strike-to-resume-work-on-monday/