₦airaland Forum

A female corps member, Ms. Paschaline Ifeoma, has gifted self a car to mark conclusion of the compulsory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, CAMPUS GIST reports.

CAMPUS GIST gathered that Ms. Ifeoma, a Batch 'B' corps member from Southeastern Imo State, who passed out July 17, served in the nation's capital, Abuja.

According to her, she wasn't just a corps member but a farmer, film maker, fish seller and office administrator - where she apparently made her money.

“I be ordinary corper who is a farmer, a film maker, a fish seller and an office admin!,” Ms. Ifeoma told CAMPUS GIST in a brief interview on Friday.

Ms. Ifeoma, who was however silent on how long it took her to raise money for the 2008 Mazda CX9, said she never depended on the monthly stipends from the federal government all through her service year.

The ex-corps member said she had plenty to eat and share - as she never lacked - including sharing palliatives to people during the coronavirus pandemic.

“See eh, in this my “CORPERship”, God didn’t let me suffer or beg for bread.. instead, I gave to many, put food on people’s table even during the pandemic!

“I only witnessed LIFTING UP where others saw a casting down...

“A lot of people asked, ‘YOU NA CORPER?’...

“Yes oo, I be ordinary corper who didn’t have to sit around waiting for the governments miserable 19,800 allowance before its increase to 33k!

“I’ve never seen a better yesterday... Thank you God for always!,” said Ms. Paschaline Ifeoma.

On her next phase of life, having concluded her service year, Ifeoma said, “NYSC pass out is not a next phase for me 'cos I witnessed a NEXT PHASE in my life with each breaking day and witnessing God’s amazing grace in all that concerns me.”

The visibly elated Ms. Ifeoma christened her brand new car, a Mazda CX9, 2008 model “Passy-B” - apparently coined out from (NYSC) Batch ‘B’.

“This RED baby is a gift from ME to ME on my POP and she shall be called "PASSY-B’,” she added.

https://campusgist.com.ng/2020/07/18/female-corps-member-ifeoma-gifts-self-a-car-as-pop-gift-photos/

Lalasticlala Seun Mynd44

A lecturer at the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Professor Alexander Ochuko Emoghene, is dead.

CAMPUS GIST gathered that Professor Emoghene died on Saturday morning after a brief illness.

A close friend of the professor, who craved anonymity, confirmed the report to CAMPUS GIST on Sunday.

Until his death, Emoghene was a professor in the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences.

He was also a two-time Head of the Department of Microbiology, in the same faculty.

Emoghene was billed to deliver a lecture at the UNIBEN regular inaugural lecture series in April but was postponed owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

He was yet to deliver same [lecture] until his demise.

Professor Emoghene studied at the University of Benin, in Edo state, graduating with a second class (upper division) degree (Hons) in Botany, in the year 1987.

He also obtained a Master of Science (MSc) in Microbiology from same UNIBEN, 1989 and later a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Plant Pathogenic Microbiology/Phytopathology, 1996.

From UNIBEN best lecturer to Pope adviser: Meet Nigerian appointed into pontifical academy

Pope has appointed Kokunre Agbontaen-Eghafona, a Nigerian professor, to the prestigious Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences.

Agbontaen-Eghafona was named as a member of the academy on Friday alongside two others including Mario Draghi, former European Central Bank chief, and Pedro Morandé Court, a professor emeritus at the Pontifical University of Chile.

The Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences was established by Pope John Paul II in 1994, to help “offer the Church those elements which she can use in the development of her social doctrine, and reflects on the application of that doctrine in contemporary society”.

The think tank holds regular international symposiums on subjects of social concern such as human trafficking, modern slavery and debt relief, and produces reports which the pope can use to guide him on non-religious issues.

FROM UNIBEN BEST LECTURER TO POPE ADVISER

A professor of cultural anthropology, Agbontaen-Eghafona was born on 1 October 1959 and studied at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) where she obtained her undergraduate degree and later a master of arts in history.

She also obtained a master of science in archaeology and anthropology from the University of Ibadan (UI).

At the University of Benin, she lectured at the department of sociology and anthropology from 1992 to 2008 when she was made a professor.

She also served as the head of the department of sociology (2009-2013), director of part-time programs (2016) among other leadership roles.

Her profile at the academy states she won numerous awards as “best lecturer” and “excellent lecturer” at UNIBEN including: “Best Lecturer in Sociology and Anthropology, Faculty of Social Sciences, UNIBEN Award, 1999/2000; SOSSA (Social Science Students Association) Award for Excellent Lecturer – Students Relation and Exemplary Life Style in the Academia, June 2002; …

“Best Lecturer in Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Benin. Vice Chancellor’s Award 2006/2007; Best Lecturer in Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Benin. Vice Chancellor’s Award 2006/2007; SOSSA (Social Science Students Association) Award for Excellent Lecturer. September 2014.”

SDGs CHAMPION, CAMPAIGNER AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING

A sustainable development champion, she was responsible for sustainable development within the UN’s Sustainable Development Solutions Network from 2012 to 2017.

She says her current scientific activities include measures to combat trafficking in women and girls in Benin City, Nigeria, and counter-trafficking initiatives in Nigeria.

Some of her research works are include “examination of the role of the family in the trafficking of girls and women in the Benin society (2008/2009); prevailing perception of trafficking, prevention, and anti-trafficking activities among communities in Edo State (2012);

“Why Benin City? An assessment of Edo State and Benin City endemic areas in trafficking in persons (2012). trauma healing for victims of human trafficking: the need for a post-trafficking psycho-social package in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria (2016-2018), and transnational remittances from human trafficking and the changing socioeconomic status of women in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria (2016-2019).”

Agbontaen-Eghafona is a member of various prestigious societies including the Archaeological Association of Nigeria; Nigerian Field Society; International Society for Benin Studies; Nigerian National Museum Society; West African Archaeological Association; Society for International Relations Awareness; Ethics Committee of College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin.

President Muhammadu Buhari has finally reacted to the suspension of Mr. Ibrahim Magu, embattled Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Igbere TV had reported that Magu was arrested on Monday and has since been facing a presidential investigative panel over alleged corruption and insubordination. He has been detained since his arrest on Monday, at the police facility in Abuja.

On Friday, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, announced the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari to suspend Magu from his position to enable “unhindered investigation”.

IGBERE TV

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENCY STATEMENT ON THE SUSPENSION OF MR. IBRAHIM MAGU

A series of documented allegations were made against the Ag. Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Following a preliminary review of the allegations leveled against the Ag. Chairman and several other members of his staff, there were grounds for a detailed investigation to be conducted.

Hence, an investigative panel was constituted in compliance with the extant laws governing the convening of such a body.

As is the proper procedure, when allegations are made against the Chief Executive of an institution, and in this case an institution that ought to be seen as beyond reproach, the Chief Executive has to step down from his post and allow for a transparent and unhindered investigation.

The EFCC does not revolve around the personality of an individual, and as such cannot be seen through the prism of any individual.

Therefore, the suspension of Mr. Ibrahim Magu, allows the institution to continue carrying out its mandate without the cloud of investigation hanging over its head.

The EFCC has many good, hardworking men and women who are committed to its ideal and ensuring that the wealth of our country isn’t plundered and wherein there is an act of misappropriation such person(s) are brought to justice.

Meanwhile, Mr. Magu is being availed the opportunity to defend himself and answer the allegations against him. This is how it should be, as is the fact that under the Laws of Nigeria every citizen is presumed and remains innocent until proven guilty.

We must realize that the fight against corruption is not a static event, but a dynamic and ever evolving process, in which the EFCC is just one actor; and as we continue to work towards improving our democratic process so shall every institution of ours also embark on that journey of evolution.

What is however important is that there must be accountability and transparency and our people must realize that they would be held to account. This is the building block in the fight against corruption, the establishment of the concept of Accountability and the recognition of the Rule of Law.

Those who see Mr. Magu’s investigation, as a signal that the fight against corruption is failing, have unfortunately, missed the boat.

There is no better indication that the fight is real and active than the will to investigate allegations in an open and transparent manner against those who have been charged to be custodians of this very system.

Under this President and Government, this is our mantra and guiding principle. There are no sacred cows, and for those who think they have a halo over their heads, their days are also numbered.
Mr. Magu was not immune – and regardless of the obvious embarrassment that potential acts of wrongdoing by him, given the office he held, may appear for the government.

No other administration in the history of Nigeria would have moved to bring into the light and public domain such an allegation.

Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 11, 2020

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, has ordered the immediate withdrawal of all police operatives serving at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), a signal exclusively obtained by Igbere TV has revealed.

The directive addressed to the Assistant Inspector General (AIG), Police Mobile Force (PMF), PMF Squadrons one to 79, Force Secretary and Commissioners of Police of all the state commands and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) also directed that the exact number withdrawn be replaced with new operatives.

According to the order, only staff of EFCC should be allowed access into the premises, while withdrawn police personnel from PMF 21, 44, 45, 46 and 50 must report to the Force Headquarters by 8am on Monday.

Igbere TV gathered that security officials at the official and private residence of the embattled acting chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, have been withdrawn and all vehicles in the official house in Maitama, Abuja driven away.

Magu was arrested on Monday and has since been facing a presidential investigative panel over alleged corruption and insubordination. He has been detained since his arrest on Monday, at the police facility in Abuja.

On Friday, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, announced the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari to suspend Magu from his position to enable “unhindered investigation”.

Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has opposed Federal Government’s decision that Nigerian students won’t partake in this year’s examinations of the West African Examination Council (WAEC) in order to protect the students from contracting COVID-19.

In a statement he personally signed on Friday and made available to Campus Gist, Atiku, Founder of American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, in Adamawa state, said not taking part in the examinations will put Nigeria at more risk.

Campus Gist recalls that the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, had on Wednesday declared that Nigerian students won't participate in this year’s WAEC examination already scheduled by the exam body for August to September.

The Federal Government specifically told Nigerian states that have already fixed dates for the resumption of students for the purpose of the WAEC exams to have a rethink and cancel it.

But Atiku in the statement on Thursday said cancelling the senior secondary school examination abruptly was not in the nation’s best interest, as it will further create chaos in the public education system and cause setback for the youths.

The Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate in the 2019 presidential election, therefore, urged the Buhari-led administration to take into account that the lives they are trying to save will be further put at risk by its actions.

The statement reads, “As a parent and investor in the education sector, I wish to register the fact that the Nigerian government’s policy of unilaterally cancelling the West African Senior School Certificate Examination, held annually by the West African Examinations Council, is not in Nigeria’s best interest.

“At a time of the global COVID19 pandemic, it is understandable that an abundance of caution be put in place to save lives. However, caution, without consultation, and thoughtful action, may be counter productive.

“1.5 million Nigerian youths write the West African Senior School Certificate Examination annually. To abruptly cancel this examination is to set back our nation’s youth, and place them behind their contemporaries in other West African nations. This is perilous, because Foreign Direct Investments and other economic indicators, are tied to the educational indexes of nations.

“Already, Nigeria lags behind other African nations in crucial indices, like school enrolment, pass rates, and out of school children. This action, will further create chaos in the public education system and exacerbate an already bad situation.

“Rather than cancellation, there are better ways to protect the health of Nigerians and prevent the pandemic from escalating. We could mobilise all available public and private infrastructures including primary schools, stadia, and cinemas, for the examinations. In the alternative, the Federal Government can prevail on WAEC to have a staggered examinations with a different set of questions for each shift. Doing so will allow WAEC Nigeria implement social distancing and achieve the goal of carrying out the examinations. A win-win scenario.

“I urge this administration to take into account that the lives they are trying to save will be further put at risk, because if this policy is not reversed, tens of thousands, and possibly hundreds of thousands of Nigerians, will breach social distancing rules to cross over to neighbouring West African nations to write their WASSCE, rather than miss a year.”

https://campusgist.com.ng/2020/07/10/waec-cancellation-puts-nigeria-at-more-risk-atiku-opposes-fg/

Lalasticlala Seun Mynd44

By Campus Gist, Benin City

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has flagged off the construction of a 28-executive-room international hostel at the University of Benin, Campus Gist reports.

This was disclosed by the Institution’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Benedicta Ehanire, Ph.D, in a statement made available to Campus Gist, in Benin City, on Friday.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Lilian Salami, who supervised the ground-breaking ceremony of the hostel complex, said the proposed edifice is symbolic, as it marks the first of many major projects to be executed during her tenure.

Campus Gist reports that the hostel project is expected to be completed within 42 weeks.

Established as an intervention agency under the TETFund ACT 2011, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) is charged with the responsibility of managing, disbursing and monitoring the education tax to public tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

To enable the TETFund achieve the said objectives, TETFund ACT, 2011 imposes a 2 percent (2%) Education Tax on the assessable profit of all registered companies in Nigeria. The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) is empowered by the Act to assess and collect Education Tax. The Fund administers the tax imposed by the Act and disburses the amount to tertiary educational institutions at Federal and State levels.

It also monitors the projects executed with the funds allocated to the beneficiaries.

https://campusgist.com.ng/2020/07/10/tetfund-flags-off-construction-of-international-hostel-at-uniben/

Lalasticlala Seun Mynd44

NextGovernor:
Ambrose Alli University Renovation
Civil Service Complex
Link road between Edo and Delta
Ogbemudia Stadium (Night tournaments go on here)


He isn't making noise doesn't mean he isn't working. Those who aren't in Edo will just be making noise that he should upload his 4 years achievement. Politics is local. We in Edo know he is working. Those shouting show pictures are not from Edo.

Go and face your state and leave Edo State.

The Special Assistant on Students Matter to Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State, Comrade Sheriff Emeka Eboh Zadok, is dead.

Campus Gist reports that Comrade Zadok died after a brief illness on Tuesday, July 7, 2020.

He died at the Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka, in Anambra state.

He was appointed Special Assistant to Governor Obiano on Students' Matters in the year 2017.

Zadok was a known student leader and a frontline member of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

Campus Gist recalls that Zadok, in 2016, vied for the National President position of NANS but lost to the immediate past president, Aruna Kadiri.

Zadok was a participatory member of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Association of South-East Youth Community Leaders (ASEYC) and Nigeria's Representative at the West African Student's Union (WASU).

He is survived by his immediate family and lovely wife. Comrade Zadok is from Abia State and was President, Umuobasi Youth Association.

In a statement made available to Campus Gist by the Anambra Stakeholders Forum and NANS Zone 'B' stakeholders, they resolved to give the late students' leader a befitting burial.

They also ordered that a condolence register be opened at his immediate constituency, NANS Zone 'B' Transport Welfare Office at UNIZIK bus stand temporary site Awka, Anambra State from the 10th to 21st of July, 2020.

The statement announced the formation of a Central Planning Committee and subcommittees to handle all preparations for his burial. The committee has Comrade Chika Nzelu as Chairman and Comrade Chuks Obele as Secretary.

A tentative burial date of July 22 was announced, while the central planning committee is to liaise with the immediate family of the deceased and also carry the family along in every planning/preparation of his funeral rites.

No official statement yet from the Anambra state government, condoling with the bereaved family, as at the time of filing this report.

....Declares Student-Lecturer Romantic Relationship Immoral

The Senate, on Tuesday, ruled out “mutual consent” as defence by randy lecturers, while passing the Sexual Harassment Bill meant to checkmate sexual harassment in the nation's higher institutions.

Campus Gist reports that the bill christened: “An Act to Prevent, Prohibit and Redress Sexual Harassment of Students in Tertiary Educational Institutions”, seeks to stop sexual abuse of female students.

It was sponsored by Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege (APC, Delta Central) and co-sponsored by 105 other Senators.

The bill proposes up to 14 years jail term, with a minimum of 5 years, without an option of fine for any educator who commits sexual offences in tertiary institutions.

The bill was passed following the consideration of a report of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters presented by the Chairman, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele Opeyemi (APC, Ekiti Central).

In his presentation, Senator Bamidele said sexual harassment has been made an offence by removing mutual consent as a defence in prosecution of sexual harassment cases.

The bill, he said, seeks to maintain the relationship that exists between educators and students with the aim of making tertiary institutions conducive centres of learning.

According to Campus Gist, Senator Bamidele maintained that it was immoral and illegal for an educator or a lecturer to keep or maintain sexual relationship with a student.

“This bill seeks to tame the hydra-headed monster in the name of sexual harassment which has become a pandemic in our tertiary institutions.”

In his remark, the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, said the bill is an important and landmark legislation that the ninth Senate has passed.

“We have to protect our daughters, sisters, mothers from sexual predators. From the recommendations, we wanted a fair means of offence that somebody is accused of.

“We want tertiary institutions to be safe and peaceful learning environment for everyone,” he said.

The bill will be transmitted to the House of Representatives for concurrence and then sent to the president, Muhammadu Buhari for assent.

*The sexual offences identified in the Sexual Harassment Bill include;

•sexual intercourse with a student

•demands for sex from a student or a prospective student

•intimidating or creating a hostile or offensive environment for the student by soliciting for sex or making sexual advances

•grabbing, hugging, kissing, rubbing, stroking, touching, pinching the breasts or hair or lips or hips or buttocks or any other sensual part of the body of a student

•sending by hand or courier or electronic or any other means naked or sexually explicit pictures or videos or sex related objects to a student

•whistling or winking at a student or screaming, exclaiming, joking or making sexually complimentary or uncomplimentary remarks about a student’s physique or stalking a student

If signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari, sex offenders in Nigeria's higher institutions risk 14-years jail term, with a minimum of 5 years, without an option of fine.

https://campusgist.com.ng/2020/07/08/sex-for-marks-senate-rules-out-mutual-consent-from-sexual-harassment-bill/

Lalasticlala Seun Mynd44

Two “key suspects” have been arrested in connection with the rape and gruesome murder of 100 level Microbiology student of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Miss Vera Uwaila Omozuwa.

This was disclosed by the Edo state police commissioner, Mr. Johnson Babatunde Kokumo, when he played host to the UNIBEN Vice Chancellor, Prof. Lilian Salami at the Force headquarters, in Benin city on Monday.

In a statement made available to Campus Gist, the police chief assured that efforts were being made by the Force to bring all the culprits to justice.

Miss Omozuwa, 22, was raped and murdered right inside a Redeemed Christian Church in Benin city, on May 27, 2020 during her study hours.

Her death had stirred reactions from activists and notable figures, especially Nigerians on social media, seeking for justice and demanding a stop to rape in Nigeria.

Students of the University of Benin, friends of the deceased and members of the public had equally protested Omozuwa‘s death by taking to the streets of Benin city.

The University, in a statement, said it shares in the pain of the family of the victim. While commiserating with the bereaved family on the loss of their dear daughter, the vce chancellor prayed God to grant her soul peaceful rest.

A statement endorsed by the Public Relations Officer of UNIBEN, Benedicta Ehanire, Ph.D, noted that losing a child at this time compounds the hardship brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.

A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna, presided over by Justice Z.B Abubakar has rejected an application filed by former Governor of Kaduna State, Ramalan Yero, seeking a return of his International Passport.  

Igbere TV recalls that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had seized Yero’s passport during the course of its investigations into the former governor’s dealings.

The ex-governor, in an earlier application made through his counsel, Yunus Ustaz, urged the court to release his International Passport which will expire by September, 2020. 

Counsel to the EFCC, J. A Ojobane, in his argument, urged the court not to consider the application saying that there was no justification for granting the prayers of the defendant.

He reminded the court the submission of the Passport in question was part of the conditions upon which bail was granted the defendant. 

Yero had on the June, 22,  2020 through his counsel, Ustaz Yunus, applied that the court grant his application for the release of his International Passport for renewal as it will soon expire. 

It would be recalled that the defendant was re-arraigned on November 28, 2018 following his involvement in the former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison Madueke's  bribery and money laundering saga.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), on Wednesday set up a Reconciliation Committee to address the crisis rocking the Edo state chapter of the party.

The high-level committee, announced up by the National Working Committee (NWC), has Senate President Ahmad Lawan as chairman, and nine other members.

A statement sent to Igbere TV by Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, APC National Publicity Secretary, said the development is in line with the resolution of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) at its November 22, 2019 meeting.

The Reconciliation Committee has the first (interim) APC National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande as Vice Chairman; and Sen. John Enoh as Secretary.

Members are: Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives; Sen. Umaru Tanko Al-Makura; Sen. Kashim Shettima; Sharon Ikeazor, Minister of State for Environment; Alh. Nasiru Aliko Koki; Sen. Khairat Gwadabe-Abdulrazak; Sen. Binta Garba.

“The Committee is empowered to address grievances of party members and resolve existing conflicts, all with a view to fostering unity and oneness within the party.

“The committee members will be informed of the date for inauguration”, a statement sent to Igbere TV Wednesday night in Abuja read.

IBADAN — Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has reacted to his victory at the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

The apex court had on Wednesday affirmed Makinde as winner of the Oyo state 2019 governorship election.

This brings to an end, the legal tussle between Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress party.

Reacting in a statement sent to Igbere TV by Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, the governor dedicated his victory to the people of Oyo state.

He thanked market men, women, artisans, civil servants and different pressure groups for standing with the Governor.

According to the statement, “the unanimous judgement of the apex court has justified the real intent of the teeming people of the State in redefining their fates by voting a virtuous humanist in Governor Makinde.

“From what is obtainable at present, it is abundant clear to the inhabitants of the State that there could be a true people-oriented government through which the myriad of people yearnings can be met without inflicting hardship on the common people”.

The government, therefore, enjoined the people to “heighten their commitments in ensuring the success of the ruling government and having many more of populist programmes toward cushioning the social and economic agonies afflicted on them by the last administration of APC.”

Embattled President of the United States, Donald Trump has asked Americans to pray for him over impeachment moves against him.

Trump, a real estate billionaire, made the plea in a short tweet sighted by Igbere TV on his verified Twitter handle, @realDonaldTrump.

The American president, who is seeking reelection next year, said he was wrongly accused, adding that he never did anything wrong.

“Can you believe that I will be impeached today by the Radical Left, Do Nothing Democrats, AND I DID NOTHING WRONG! A terrible Thing. Read the Transcripts. This should never happen to another President again. Say a PRAYER!”, he wrote.

Trump faces impeachment with a vote in the House of Representatives on Wednesday. If the vote goes through, he faces becoming the third US leader ever to be impeached.

Speaker of the Democratic-led House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, had announced on Tuesday that the body will vote on impeaching Trump over allegations he attempted to force Ukraine into investigating a main 2020 re-election rival, Joe Biden.

He is also accused of obstructing Congress by refusing to cooperate with the impeachment investigation, barring staff from testifying and holding back documentary evidence.

The two articles of impeachment are certain to pass in the House where Democrats hold a firm majority. That will send the case to the Senate, where a trial of Trump is expected to open in January, and his acquittal is equally expected, given the Republicans’ control there.

On Tuesday, Trump sent Pelosi an angry six-page letter in which he told the House Speaker that “history will judge you harshly,” while accusing her of “declaring open war on American democracy.”

Earlier, a judge of the U.S Supreme Court, Jeanine Pirro, rebuked the FBI, accusing the agency of treasonable offences, insisting that the agency intends bringing Trump down.

“FISA court issues ‘strong rebuke’ ie, TRASHES FBI for warrant errors against @realDonaldTrump. NOT errors -they were intentional, illegal, lawless and treasonous efforts to bring down the man WE PUT IN THE OVAL. LOCK THEM UP,” she tweeted.

Trump on his part, fingered his rival in the 2016 polls, Mrs (Hilary) Clinton in the moves to remove him from office, saying, however, that he was not moved by the development.

“So, if Comey(FBI Director) & the top people in the FBI were dirty cops and cheated on the FISA Court, wouldn’t all of these phony cases have to be overturned or dismissed? They went after me with the Fake Dossier, paid for by Crooked Hillary & the DNC, which they illegally presented to FISA.

“They want to Impeach me (I’m not worried!), and yet they were all breaking the law in so many ways. How can they do that and yet impeach a very successful (Economy Plus) President of the United States, who has done nothing wrong? These people are Crazy!”

The Federal House of Representatives on Tuesday said the early passing and signing of the 2020 Appropriation Bill of N10.594 trillion, is a promise made, promise kept.

Igbere TV had reported that President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, December 18, 2019 signed the bill into law, following its passage by the ninth National Assembly.

The development has paved way for the return of Nigeria to a January–December budget cycle, as earlier promised by the Parliament. It is the first time since 1999 that the appropriation bill is signed in December preceeding a new year.

In a statement sent to Igbere TV via mail in Abuja, Reps Spokesperson, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, said late passage of budgets in the past contributed negatively to Nigeria’s development, adding that the economy also suffered.

According to him, in a bid to help government operate efficiently in project funding, execution and in meeting up with other expectations of Nigerians in good time, the House made efforts to return the country to a January–December fiscal calendar.

While thanking both chambers of the ninth Assembly for their inputs, Hon. Kalu expressed gratitude to President Buhari for assenting to the budget especially on his birthday, saying it is the best birthday gift to Nigerians.

Full Statement,

Over the years, the epileptic budget calendar has helped in the underdevelopment of our nation. It is clear that delays in the passage of and assent to the annual Appropriations Bills, to a very large extent has affected, in the negative region, the economy of our dear nation. This has been so because businesses are not able to plan effectively, government has not been able to operate efficiently in project funding, project execution and in meeting up with other implementation expectations of Nigerians in good time.

The House of Representatives, in its Legislative Agenda, Section 2.15, page 72 on National Budget Reforms, pledged to succeed in developing a budget framework that adheres to best practices which provides, among other things, proper timing of the budget calendar and cycle, comprehensive review of the Nigerian budgeting and planning process.

To achieve this, early presentation, passage and assent to the Appropriation Bill are needed in aligning the budget to the January- December fiscal year.

Our constitutional democracy since the 4th Republic has operated in illegality against the purport of Sections 81 and 82 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Altered). Today, true to our pledge in the Legislative Agenda, the budget has been constitutionally aligned to the January–December calendar, thanks to the leadership of the House and various Committees for working assiduously for the achievement of this great milestone.

We commend His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria not only for early presentation of the 2020 budget estimates to the National Assembly, but also for the timely assent to the Appropriations Bill, 2020 today, Tuesday 17th December, 2019. Mr. President, this is the best birthday gift you have given to Nigerians. We wish you happy 77th birthday, long life and prosperity.

We commend the leadership of the various MDAs for early defence of their budget estimates. This is the spirit of the Joint Task Project for Nation Building that the 9th Assembly represents. Although we are three arms of government, we remain one government; where the success of one arm is the success of all.

That is why today we celebrate this product of patriotism and nationhood.

The leadership of both Senate and the House of Representatives ably led by Senator (Dr.) Ahmad Lawan, President of the Senate and the Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of the House of Representatives are highly commended for standing with the people of Nigeria in ensuring the achievement of this feat.

We are proud of the Committees of both the Senate and the House of Representatives for working together on this. This is a confirmation that the 9th Assembly is the people’s parliament where the interest of the citizens is the only driving force in the exercise of our duties.

We encourage Nigerians to support this relationship between the legislature and the Executive for the growth or our nation. We are assuring Nigerians that this relationship shall not be detrimental to the expectations of our constitutional mandates with regards to checks and balances, while upholding the principles of separation of powers. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.