₦airaland Forum

The Bishop of Living Faith Church worldwide, Dr
David Oyedepo, says those who criticise the fees
students of the church owned university, Covenant
University pays are simply ignorant, and must stop
forth with or face the full anger of God.
Oyedepo stated this in a telecast to a pre-Shiloh
2016 Convention gathering of the church monitored
via satellite in Jos on
Saturday.
He explained that the quality of education and the
facilities at Covenant University justifies the huge
sum the students pay as fees.
“The school fees has Gods approval and is in
accordance with the quality of facilities provided by
the university in meeting the educational needs of
the nation,” he said.
Explaining what will befall those who continue to
criticise the church and its university's fee, he gave
a testimony of how a critic was smitten with a
strange plague of chronic mouth odour until he
intervened and restored the man's condition after
he confessed.
Source: www.versatilereporters.com/2016/11/criticise-covenant-university-fees-and.html?m=1

One of Nigeria's top military officer in the fight
against Boko Haram, Muhammad Abu Ali is dead.
Ali who was before now greatly feared by the
Islamic Sect unfortunately fell for the bullets of
Boko Haram.
Ali led one of the army’s fiercest-ever battles with
Boko Haram, in February 2015, culminating in the
recapture of
Baga town in Borno state.
Army Spokesperson, Sank Usman who confirmed
the incident said he was killed in an encounter with
the insurgents on Friday.
“Yesterday at about 10.00pm suspected Boko
Haram terrorists attacked a 119 Battalion Nigerian
army location at
Mallam Fatori, northern Borno state. The troops
fought gallantly and repelled the attack, killing 14
Boko Haram terrorists,” he said.
“Unfortunately, we lost an officer and four soldiers,
while four other soldiers sustained various degrees
of injuries
during the encounter. One of those killed in action,
was Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Abu Ali, the
Commanding
Officer of 272 Task Force Tank Battalion.”
Sani Usman further revealed that the deceased was
was granted accelerated promotion from rank of
major to lieutenant-colonel in September 2015, for
his courageous performance in a series of the
army’s engagements with Boko Haram.

Source: www.versatilereporters.com/2016/11/soldier-who-recaptured-bama-town-killed.html?m=1

Following the recommendations of the Solomon
Edoja led disciplinary committee, the South-South
zonal Chapter of the All Progressives Congress
(APC) has announced the suspension of the Deputy
National Publicity Secretary of the party, Timi Frank
from the party.
The suspension was made known by the party's
National Vice Chairman, South-South, Ntufam
Hilliard Eta. He further announced that the zone will
recommend the expulsion of Frank from the party to
the National Executive Committee (NEC) in
accordance with the party constitution.
“I received the report of the disciplinary committee
setup to look into the allegations of embarrassing
utterances and anti-party activates by Mr Timi
Frank, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of
this party. Incidentally, he’s from Bayelsa in the
South South zone,” Eta said.
“In furtherance of satisfying the provision of the
constitution of the APC, I had to call for this
emergency meeting of the zone and after very
exhaustive deliberation, the zone has arrived at the
confirmation of the disciplinary committee’s report
that one, Mr Timi Frank be suspended from the
party forthwith in line with article 1 (d) and (f).
Having been accepted by this house, Mr Timi Frank
hereby stands suspended by this party.
“Number two, this zonal committee shall
recommend to the National Executive Committee
for the expulsion of Timi Frank from this party in line with Article 21 D, H (2 and 3) of our constitution. This is the resolution of the South South Zonal Executive Committee.
“The tenet of our party’s constitution stipulates that
petitions should be swiftly treated. Concerning what
the Chairman of the governor’s forum is doing, it is
not in conflict with the party maintaining discipline within
its ranks and file, it is not running at opposite
direction.
“We are attempting to grow our party, it does not
therefore mean that we’ll not be alive to our
responsibilities with regard to maintaining a
disciplined membership of the party.
“Despite Mr. Frank’s claim that the zonal executive
committee lacks the constitutional power to prosecute him,
Article 21 of the party’s constitution says the party
shall have power to discipline party members, the
power shall be exercise on behalf of the party by the respective executive committee of the party at all levels.
“Timi Frank is a member of the NEC, a member of
the ZEC and a member of Local Executive
Committee and State Executive Committee and World Executive Committee, any of these executive committees can look into petitions against any member including myself.
“This constitution is radically different from the
constitutions of parties that have preceded us. A lot
of Nigerians assume that all political parties have
the same constitution, ours is not the same as operated by
the PDP, APGA or any other party out there so you
must internalize the content of this constitution.I have heard him (Timi Frank) make some assertions but I know they are not in our constitution.”
Timi Frank is yet to react to the suspension.

Source: www.versatilereporters.com/2016/11/apc-suspension-hammer-finally-hits-timi.html?m=1

South Africa’s President, Jacob Zuma, will face a
no-confidence vote in parliament next week with his
presidency mired in crisis, after investigators documented allegations of government corruption.
The vote was called by the main opposition,
following a report by the country’s anti-corruption
watchdog calling for a judicial inquiry into
allegations of influence-peddling in the ANC
Government.
The report was finally released after the president
withdrew a court bid to delay its publication in the
face of mass public protests by thousands of
people who took to the streets to demand that he
should resign from office.
Police used stun grenades and water cannon to
disperse protesters in Pretoria carrying ‘Zuma must
go’ placards.
Mmusi Maimane, leader of the main opposition
Democratic Alliance (DA), told a news briefing in
Cape Town that the no- confidence debate and vote was scheduled for November 10.
“This motion should not be viewed as a partisan
motion – we do not see it as a DA motion,” he said.
“I know there are ANC MPs and cabinet ministers
who have had enough.
“They have an opportunity to actually do something
about their anger by Nov. 10.”
Zuma has survived his two previous no-confidence
votes this year, largely backed by the support of his
ANC (African National Congress) which controls about two-thirds of the Assembly.
However, there have been widening fissures in the
ruling party this year due to growing discontent with
the scandals that have plagued Zuma’s presidency and played a role in the ANC suffering its worst electoral losses
since the end of apartheid in municipal polls in
August.

Source: www.versatilereporters.com/2016/11/south-africa-moves-to-impeach-president.html?m=1

INTRODUCTION

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) is a parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources established by law for the purpose of developing and promoting petroleum technology and for creating the human resource needs of the oil and gas industry through research and training of Nigerians.
To ensure a steadfast implementation of this mandate, PTDF is inviting applications from suitably qualified candidates for Overseas and in-country MSc and PhD Scholarships. Awards will be granted for studies in the 2017/2018 academic session in the United Kingdom , Germany, Brazil, France (through Campus France), Top Institutions in the United States of America as well as Federal Universities and Centres of Excellence in Nigeria.
For Institutions in the United Kingdom, click here
For Institutions in Germany, click here
For Institutions in Brazil, click here
For Institutions in France (through Campus France) and the United States of America, click here
Application forms can be accessed online here using an ATM (Interswitch, Master & Visa) card or through purchase of a scratch card from designated main branches of First Bank of Nigeria Plc in all the 36 States and FCT, upon payment of a NON-REFUNDABLE sum of N1,000 (One Thousand Naira Only). Instructions on how to access the form online is clearly stated on the backside of the cards.
Applicants may please note that only those who meet the requirements below shall be shortlisted and invited for a Computer Based Aptitude Test, in the case of MSc applicants, while oral interview will be conducted for PhD applicants (full time and Split-site) on dates to be announced later. Following the aptitude tests and interview, successful candidates will be selected and awarded the PTDF Scholarship.
CRITERIA FOR PTDF SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME
Applicants for OSS must be in possession of the following:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)(USA)
G.R.E (Graduate Record Examination) (USA)
GMAT –for Management related courses (USA)
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (UK

MSc.

A minimum of Second Class Upper (2.1) in an Oil and Gas related field OR a 2.2 with oil and gas industry experience;
National Youth Service (NYSC) certificate;
Applicants must be computer literate;
Possession of O/level with Credit in English Language; (At least C6 in WAEC/SSCE or C4 and above in NECO); and
Applicants must not be above 30 years of age.

PhD.
Scholarships will be offered for admission into the under listed courses (for overseas MSc). Candidates are advised to apply for admission into universities in the UK and France that offer these courses, while applying for the Petroleum Technology Development Fund Scholarship.
DOCUMENTS TO SCAN AND ATTACH TO THE APPLICATION FORM
Applicants are advised to scan the following documents and attach to their online application forms:

First Degree Certificate or Statement of Result;
NYSC discharge certificate;
WAEC/GCE/SSCE/NECO Results;
2 Recent Passport Photographs;
Local Government Identification Letter;
Masters’ Degree Certificate (PhD Applicants only); and
Admission Letter (PhD Applicants).


PLEASE NOTE THAT THE POSSESSION OF A VALID UNIVERSITY ADMISSION LETTER IS COMPULSORY FOR LSS (UNDERGRADUATES, MSC & PHD) APPLICANTS.

For the Split-Site PhD Programme, please click on this link (Split PhD)
LIST OF APPROVED COURSES FOR SPONSORSHIP
MSc.
Scholarships will be offered for admission into the under listed courses (for overseas MSc). Candidates are advised, to apply for admission into Universities in the UK, Germany, Brazil, France and the United States that offer these courses, while applying for the Petroleum Technology Development Fund Scholarship. The Local Scholarship Scheme applicants can apply to all Federal Universities and Centre of Excellence in courses relevant to the Oil & Gas Industry.
DOWNSREAM OPERATIONS: REFINING, TRANSPORTATION AND MARKETING
UPSTREAM EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OF CONVENTIONAL AND UNCONVENTIONAL ENERGY RESOURCES
GAS ENGINEERING INNOVATIONS
INNOVATIONS AND SOLUTIONS FOR NEW RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES
MULTIDISCIPLINARY ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
PhD.
The PhD research areas in addition to the afore-listed MSc program areas may also include any of the following related areas:
REFINING TECHNOLOGY
OIL EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION
GAS ENGINEERING
RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES
MULTIDISCIPLINARY ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
PLEASE NOTE THAT:

RECIPIENTS OF OTHER SCHOLARSHIP MUST NOT APPLY FOR THE PTDF SCHOLARSHIP.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DURATION OF THE PHD AWARD IS LIMITED TO A MAXIMUM OF THIRTY-SIX (36) MONTHS ONLY.
APPLICANTS WHO ALREADY POSSESS A MASTER’S DEGREE NEED NOT APPLY FOR MSC PROGRAMME, BUT ARE QUALIFIED TO APPLY FOR THE PHD.
THE PTDF AWARD WILL TAKE EFFECT FROM SEPTEMBER 2017
PhD APPLICANTS WHO WOULD HAVE ALREADY COMMENCED THEIR PROGRAMMES BY SEPTEMBER 2017 NEED NOT APPLY.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 31 NOVEMBER 2016.


To go to the application portal straight, please click HERE

Source: http://www.versatilereporters.com/2016/11/20172018-ptdf-scholarship-scheme.html

While many thought the huge dust raised from the
outcome of the APC Gubernatorial Primary Election
has settled with several reconciliation efforts by the
party and its candidate, Rotimi Akeredolu, the heat
appears not really over. This is because the second
runner up in the party's governorship primaries, Dr
Olusegun Abraham, has denied supporting the candidature of Mr.Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN.
Abraham wondered how he could be rumoured to
be supporting his candidature when he is currently
seeking redress in court over the fraudulent
circumstances with which Akeredolu emerged as
the party's flag bearer.
In a statement by his media aide, Sayo Aluko,
Abraham said: “I urge my supporters and the
people to distance themselves from any information or attempt to confuse them and sway their conviction, by
wrongfully claiming that I am considering a move to
work with or support Rotimi Akeredolu.
“I, Olusegun Abraham, have not thrown my weight
behind Rotimi Akeredolu or any other person(s), I
remain solidly behind the people of Ondo State. I
strongly believe that justice will be secured soon.
“Any rumour stating such is a product of deliberate
deceit and a selfish attempt to confuse the people.
The matter seeking the reclamation of my mandate,
which is the mandate of the people is in Court, with
another hearing slated for the 10th of November,
2016. I am standing firm on getting justice, not only
for myself or the members of the APC in Ondo state, but also for the entire people of Ondo state who have earnestly
shown their desire for good governance by
embracing my candidature.”
Versatile Reporters recalls that Akeredolu had
recently claimed to have secured both the support
of the National Leader of APC, Bola Tinubu and his
preferred candidate, Olusegun Abraham ahead of
the November 26 crucial poll in Ondo State after
meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the
presidential villa.

Source: www.versatilereporters.com/2016/11/ondo-2016-abraham-denies-supporting.html?m=1

Wike again? where is lalasticlala self? come and defend your man oh

when will senate also suspend plenary for over 2000 innocent lives that have been wasted under the Wike administration in Rivers State?
Why did they not caution the governor over his consistent threats to inec officials, corps members and security agencies who are to conduct the remaining elections in the state?

so fayose left his state to Ondo state, this time just to incite Ondo people on a political radio programme?
I hear one person has died already. With today's suspended Appeal Court ruling and Fayose's incitement, I won't be surprise if more Ondo People die in PDP sponsored protests tomorrow.
I pity the poor without sense in Nigeria

new media branch of pdp. Believe their posts at your own peril. Check out, their posts are usually completely one sided.

Though Abdullahi Umar Ganduje is six years older than Rabiu Kwankwaso , he faithfully and conscientiously served the later between 1999-2003 and 2011-2015 as deputy governor. During the 2015 governorship election, Ganduje contested on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and won with 1,546,434 votes. He had continued to enjoy a juicy relationship with Kwankwaso not only because he served as his former deputy governor, but because he had previously occupied other key positions directly or indirectly linked to Kwankwaso including being his special adviser {political} when Kwankwaso served as the Hon.Minister of Defence between 2003-2007. To buttress the mutual support they both enjoyed, when many deputy governors were openly schemed out of succeeding their bosses, Kwankwaso gave Ganduje all the needed supports which first culminated into his been selected as the APCconsensus candidate On 28 November, 2014 and his eventual victory in the governorship election with a wide margin over his rival candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party {PDP}.
Although Kwankwaso also got his own direct political compensation by been elected as a senator representing Kano Central Senatorial district, his desire to continue to be the sole political godfather of the most populous state in Nigeria began to suffer a gradual set-back as news of a possible rift between the duo began to infiltrate the airwaves. While many saw this coming from similar cases of serious disagreements between former deputy governors now governors and their former ‘masters’; others expressed shock at the sad development considering the cordiality of the Kwankwaso/Ganduje political relationship.
The animosity took a different dimension when the state house of assembly ordered the removal of ‘Kwankwasiyya’ inscriptions, which was implemented by the police including a ban on a suspected mass wedding organised by the group, ordering of Ganduje to remove the red cap synonymous with the group or face prosecution and the recent threat by Gov.Ganduje in protest to probe the admistrationof his former boss. Recall that the Kwankwasiyya formed in 2011 is an influencial political pressure group with about 2.3million registered members loyal to Sen.Kwankwaso in Kano State .
The disharmony between Kwankwaso and Ganduje may be due to post-Kwankwaso era of composition of the state cabinet, image/influence supremacy battles, federal cabinet and board appointmems, and even the reckless and imposing behavioursof the supporters of both politicians.
As there appears no solutions in sight, the following are likely implications of the lose of love between Kwankwaso and Ganduje.
1. Violence : Kano state with a population of over 9 million has great potentials for violence which may lead to loss of lives and destruction of property. If the desperation by both politicians and their supporters are not controlled, any clash may produce bloody and deadly outcomes which will be vehement regrettable.

2. Underdevelopment of Kano State: As it is said that grasses bear the brunt of fighting elephants, if the political battle between Kwankwaso and Ganduje continues, it will be a major cause of distractions to the current administration in Kano state which may affect the chances of growth and development of the state. This particularly is due to the fact that funds are usually used in fighting political battles. Most of those funds may probably have been channelled into course of development if the battles were absent.


3. Political Persecution: Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. As a tool of ensuring victory in the battle, a power drunken incumbent Gov.Danguje has recently threatened to probe the administration of Kwankwaso. This is something he can do perfectly since he has first class knowledge of all that transpired under the kwankwaso days at the Kano Government House, and if he makes real that threat, kwankwaso’s political career may suffer a great set-back. Add this to the EFCC Vs Kwankwaso N10billion pension funds fraud case which the former governor narrowly escaped from using a restraining order from Justice Muhammed Yahaya of the Kano High Court.

4. Loss of the 2019 Party Ticket: No doubt, Gov.Ganduje will have overwhelming control over the Kano APC and its delegates in any primary election ahead of the 2019 general elections. And if the crises continue till then, Sen.Kwankwaso and all his loyalists who are currently occupying elective offices both within the state and in Abuja may be denied the party’s ticket for re-election. Even in the presence of money politics or buying of delegates, there is a huge possibility that loyalty to the incumbency power will still work in Gov.Ganduje’s favour.


5. Defection of Kwankwaso: Having contested the APC presidential election in 2014 and surprisingly trailing behind General Buhari with 974 votes, Kwankwaso may not have given up on his presidential ambition yet. Add this to the obvious crises rocking the ruling APC and the inability of its leadership and President Buhari to address all the tensing issues and appease aggrieved members, the fight from his former deputy at home, the perceived persecution of some APC chieftains like Dr.Saraki, suspected victimization of some APC stalwarts like Tinubu, the slow performance of President Buhari and the obvious anger of some Nigerians at the APC-led federal government, and the political gimmicks of some APC leaders like former vice president Atiku Abubakar, Kwankwaso may simply consider it politically save and wise to move into another political party to pursue and secure his political interests.

6. Impeachment of President Buhari: The travails of senate president, Bukola Saraki, the unholy cordial relationship between APC Senators loyal to Saraki and all PDP Senators and the call by some Nigerians and groups for the impeachment of President Buhari over what they called “constitutional breaches” may come true if the Kwankwaso/Ganduje rift continues. Recall that Sen.Kwankwaso was among other APC Senators that supported the emergence of Senator Saraki against the decision of the party. With the cordial relationship between Gov.Ganduje (now Kwankwaso’s political enemy) and President Buhari, Sen.Kwankwaso may simply fall into any move to impeach the president if spearheaded by other senators of the red chamber as another way of getting back at Gov.Ganduje.


7. APC’s Defeat In Kano State In 2019: Both Kwankwaso and Ganduje are great political figures that can pull large crowd in Kano State due to its population advantage and their influences. An imminent division in the Kano APC or the defection of Sen.Kwankwaso may have great implication on APC’s chances of winning overwhelmingly in the state in 2019. Recall that APC’s victory in northern populous states like Kano greatly assisted the party in taking over the presidency from the PDP in 2015. Add this to the fact that the current crises rocking the PDP doesn’t seem to have affected the fortunes of the party in the southern part of the country which appears as its stronghold. Using the 2015 results in Kano State, if Kwankwaso and Ganduje separate political platform, andthe PDP bounce back in unity, the APC’s chances of winning the state may severely dwindle.
The above implications are multifaceted and can affect Gov.Ganduje, Sen.Kwankwaso, the APC, President Buhari, other elected politicians from Kano State and the good people of Kano State, therefore it is pertinent that the two leaders urgently sheathe their swords and push forward a united front in the interest of all and sundry. Most importantly, political watchers expect President Buhari and the national leadership of the APC to take urgent steps at ending the avoidable feud between Sen.Kwankwaso and Gov.Ganduje before it is too late when other desperate politicians or party may have capitalised on it.

Comrade. Suanu Prince Pyagbara
A Political Analyst writes from Port-Harcourt
Twitter: @princely_suanu
31/10/2016
Source: http://www.versatilereporters.com/2016/10/top-seven-implications-of.html

Kaani, a community in Rivers State was thrown into pandemonium on Wednesday 26th October 2016 following the beheading of a man simply known as Bogialo by another man, Suanu Aa-bie who claimed to be a mad man.
Speaking to Versatile Reporters, Konwi Destiny Tamnyegia, an eyewitness from the community said the event was shocking, unfortunate and sad. He explained that the victim and culprit were both from the same community. The exact intention behind the incident was unclear as other respondents who spoke with Versatile Reporters claimed the murder was either for ritual purpose or out of sheer wickedness.
Although the District Police Officer of Bori, the area within which the community is located confirmed the incident to our correspondent, he however regretted that before the intervention of his men, youths of the community have already taken the laws into their hands by catching, beating, torturing and finally setting the culprit ablaze.
Pictures of the incident obtained by Versatile Reporters are shown below.

Source: http://www.versatilereporters.com/2016/10/acclaimed-mad-man-beheads-man-in-rivers.html

NIGER DELTA DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
INVITATION OF APPLICATIONS FROM YOUTHS OF THE NIGER DELTA REGION FOR TRAINING AS LOTTERY BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, in its bid to further enhance capacity building of youths and promote Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Niger Delta region is set to select eligible applicants for training in
the Lottery Business. The training will equip interested youths and enable them to set up and run their own lottery
businesses in accordance with the National Lottery Regulatory Commission’s guidelines.

REQUIREMENTS
Interested applicants must:
1. Possess a minimum of a University
Degree or its equivalent;
2. Be indigenes of the Niger Delta;
3. Be between the ages of 21 and 35 years;
4. Be computer literate;
5. Have a passion for the lottery business;
and
6. Have a very good character.
EXAMINATION:
An online examination on General knowledge will be conducted for selected applicants.
Only successful applicants will be invited for final selection.
REGISTRATIONS BEGINS ON THE 24th OCTOBER, 2016
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Applications must be submitted online,
along with relevant credentials from 24th
October to 31st October, 2016.

Source: www.versatilereporters.com/2016/10/apply-for-nddc-training-in-lottery.html?m=1

President Buhari is currently in a closed door
meeting with governors elected on the platform of
the APC.
The closed-door meeting is being held at the Aso
Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The governors in attendance are the chairman of
the Progressive Governors Forum, Rochas
Okorocha of Imo State and the governors of
Adamawa, Plateau, Kogi, Kaduna, Edo, Ogun, Kano,
Kebbi and Benue States.
Other APC governors are expected to join the
meeting later.
Details later...

Source: www.versatilereporters.com/2016/10/just-inpresident-buhari-in-closed-door.html?m=1

1. Abia N3.01 billlion, 2. Adamawa N3.14 billion, 3. Cross River N2.04 billion, 4. Ekiti N2.16 billion, 5. Edo N2.54 billion, 6. Kaduna N4.23 billion, 7. Kano N5.2 billion, 8. Lagos N7.92 billion 9. Rivers N9.05 billion 10. Zamfara, N2.58 billion. 11. Delta N7.39 billion, 12. Anambra N3.43 billion, 13. Akwa Ibom N8. 52 14. Benue N3.37 billion, 15. Borno N3.9 billion, 16. Ebonyi N2.99 billion, 17. Enugu N3.34 billion, 18. Gombe N2.61 billion, 19. Nassarawa N2.92 billion, 20. Imo N2.97 billion. 21. Kogi N3.39 billion. 22. Yobe N3.29 billion, 23. Taraba N2.89 billion, 24. Sokoto N3.62 billion, 25. Plateau N2.31 billion, 26. Oyo N3.53 billion, 27. Osun N868.9 million, 28. Ondo N4.18 billion, 29. Ogun N2.16 billion, 30. Niger N3.49 billion 31. Katsina N4 billion, 32. Bayelsa N7.6 billion, 33. Bauchi N3.52 billion, 34. Jigawa N3.82 billion, 35. Kebbi N3.36 billion 36. Kwara N2.77 billion.
Source: www.versatilereporters.com
Let's All Pray For The State Of Osun Their Recession Has Long Existed Before That Of Nigeria.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, (SERAP) has reacted to the bribery allegation of Justice Inyang Okoro against the Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.
SERAP's reaction was contained in an open letter sent to justice Mahmud Mohammed, Chief Justice of Nigeria in his capacity as the Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC).
The group is seeking explanations on what “he and the NJC knew or had reason to know regarding the report to them on 1st February, 2016 by Justice John Inyang Okoro,
Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria on the alleged visit by Mr Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Transportation to the
official residence of Justice Okoro to allegedly discuss election Appeals in respect of Rivers State,
Akwa Ibom State and Abia State.”
In the letter signed by its executive director
Adetokunbo Mumuni, SERAP posed the following
seven (7) questions:
1. Is it correct to suggest that Justice Okoro reported to you and the NJC on 1st February, 2016 his alleged meeting at his official residence with Mr Rotimi Amaechi?
Was Justice Okoro’s report documented by your
Lordship and the NJC? If so, Nigerians would like to
hear from your Lordship and the NJC whether
Justice Okoro’s report was ever discussed, and
what action, if any, was taken by your Lordship and
the NJC to respond to the
allegations raised in his report?”
2. Is it fair to suggest that your Lordship and the
NJC knew, or had reason to know, that the alleged
visit by Mr Amaechi to Justice Okoro’s official
residence would constitute a case of political
interference in the judicial system and a corruption
offence under Nigerian laws and the UN Convention
against Corruption to which Nigeria is a state
party?”
3. After the alleged visit was brought to the
attention of your Lordship and the NJC, did your
Lordship and the NJC take any step to promptly and
thoroughly investigate the matter further?
4. Would your Lordship and the NJC agree that the
alleged visit to Justice Okoro’s official residence to
discuss election Appeals has seriously undermined
the public trust and confidence in the judiciary, and
the image of the judiciary as the last hope of the
common man?”
5. Is it correct to suggest that it is part of the
inherent and implicit constitutional duties of the
NJC to ensure that the judiciary as a whole does
not lay itself
open to the risk of political interference,
manipulation and coercion to act in a certain way?
Is it also correct to suggest that such duties require
the NJC to promptly and thoroughly investigate
allegations of political interference in the judicial
system, that is, when those in political power
allegedly use their influence to force or induce
judges to act and rule according to their interests
and not in accordance with the application of
the law?”
6. Would your Lordship and the NJC accept that the
alleged visit by Mr Amaechi to the official residence
of Justice Okoro to allegedly discuss election
Appeals was motivated, facilitated and encouraged
by the apparent failure by the NJC to ensure, as
part of its inherent and
implicit constitutional duties: (1) that system was in
place to ensure prompt and thorough investigation
of allegations of political interference in the judicial
system and where there is prima facie evidence, to
refer such allegations to appropriate anti corruption
commissions and agencies for further investigation
and possible prosecution, in strict accordance with
the
standards of national laws and international law
including the UN Convention against Corruption; (2)
that any such system was operating in a
continuous and effective manner?”
7. Would your Lordship and the NJC proceed to
establish a system to ensure prompt and thorough
investigation of allegations of political interference
in the judicial system, and then ensure that through
such system the alleged visit of Mr Amaechi to
Justice Okoro’s official residence is promptly and
thoroughly investigated by the NJC, and where there is prima facie evidence of political interference, that the
matter is promptly referred to appropriate anti
corruption commissions and agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution?”
The letter ended by saying that “Nigerians are
eagerly awaiting clarifications from your Lordship
and the NJC on the issues raised above.”
Recall that Justice Okoro had implicated Amaechi,
Onu, Pastor Ukpong and Umana in his recent letter
to the CJN.

Source: www.versatilereporters.com/2016/10/justice-okoro-vs-amaechi-serap-raises-7.html?m=1

As the bribery allegations continue to be controversial, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has risen in defence of its leader, the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, on the recent bribe saga, saying the minister cannot offer bribe to any judge in the country to buy justice.

The party which claimed that the minister has fear of God, dismissed the allegations that Amaechi had met the two Supreme Court Judges to seek favour for APC governorship candidates in Rivers State and Akwa Ibom State as bias and baseless.

In separate letters to the Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice, Inyang Okoro and Justice Sylvester Ngwuta, Judge of the Supreme Court had accused Amaechi of instigating their ordeal because they refused to avert justice in his favour.
Speaking yesterday in Port Harcourt, the APC State
Secretary, Chief Emeka Beke stated that Amaechi was a true worshipper of God and cannot intend to buy justice with money.

Beke who said he has known Amaechi for over 15 years said that the dignity of the minister cannot be questioned, stressing that the allegations were dubious tales aimed at diverting the attention of the public from the real issue at hand.

He urged the Judges to allow Amaechi to concentrate in his national assignment, noting that the duo concocted the accusation to muddle the issues of their arrest and the ongoing investigation by the DSS.

Beke said, “They are just trying to destroy the political image of Amaechi because they see that he is growing politically. We want to call on the good people of Nigeria that Amaechi has the fear of God and cannot use bribe a judge to buy justice. He is a true child of God and has integrity.

“The allegations made by Justice Inyang Okoro and Justice Sylvester Ngwuta against the Minister of Transportation, Hon. Amaechi, are baseless and concocted. It is aimed to demean the minister of transportation.

source: www.versatilereporters.com/2016/10/amaechi-cant-bribe-judgeshe-is-true.html?m=1

The over 900 years old palace of the Oba of Benin
is located in the heart of Benin, the Edo State
capital. It is adjacent to the Airport Road. The
palace attracts thousands of visitors yearly even
though the visitors are restricted to certain areas.
The chiefs in the palace know the various societies
they belong to and their functions.
Only the Oba understands the language of the
palace societies.
Visitors are forbidden to do certain things in the
palace, such as taking sand from the palace. The
duties of some chiefs are to ensure that nobody
enters the palace to
take sand. Stories abound of what happened to
people who attempted to take sand from the
palace.
There are some places in the palace where women
are not allowed to urinate. A story is told of how an
expectant mother security officer almost died for
urinating indiscriminately. She was said to have
vomited until sacrifices were made to atone for her
“sin”.
Pointing of fingers
It is forbidden to point fingers at either the Oba or
his chiefs in the palace. It is said that the Oba does
not point fingers at anyone as well, except in a bid
to bless or
curse an individual.
Whistling
The Bini ethnic nationality believe that whistling is a
communication medium between mortals and
spirits as well as the dead. There are several deities
within the
Oba’s palace and the belief is that no one is sure of
which deity is roused during whistling.
Open umbrella during festivals
Only the Oba is allowed to be covered with an
umbrella during festivities or when he is going out.
All guests, chiefs and visitors are to bear any harsh
weather.
Wearing black clothes
Anybody wearing black is not allowed to enter the
Oba’s palace. Such a person is sent away because
such attires indicate mourning in many cultures.
Palace sources say it is a taboo for the Oba to
mourn, no matter the circumstance. He is not
allowed to see black clothes.
Women not allowed at Ehengbuda Shrine
Women are not allowed to go near the Ehengbuda
Shrine. Historians say Oba Ehemugba was born a
haemophrodyte and that after powerful witch
doctors
worked on him, the female parts were removed. He
was later paraded naked around the community.
Any female
– girl or woman – who enters the area immediately
becomes infertile. To avoid barrenness among
Benin girls and women, a ban is placed on females
from,entering the shrine’s vicinity.
Male visitors not allowed into royal harem
Male visitors are not allowed to enter the royal
harem where the Oba’s wives stay. Male relatives
of the Oba’s wives are also disallowed from
entering or extending
hands for greetings.
Carrying Banga (palm oil fruits) around the palace
It is a taboo to carry palm oil fruits on the head in
or around the palace. Even vehicles carrying palm
oil fruits are not allowed to pass through the streets
near the Oba’s palace. The presence of palm oil
fruits around the palace is said to be an indication
that the land wants blood.
Dogs not allowed within the palace
Any dog that strays with the palace vicinity is killed
or dies naturally.
I hope these will guide you appropriately whenever
you find yourself at the palace of the revered Oba of
Benin.

Source: www.versatilereporters.com/2016/10/things-you-mustn-do-at-oba-of-benin.html?m=1

Information reaching Versatile Reporters , though unconfirmed has it that Justice Okon Abang  has ordered INEC to recognise the Sheriff-led PDP Ondo Governorship Candidate Jimoh Ibrahim with immediate effect .
He said this is based on an earlier court order to which there is no appeal.
Recall that Jimoh Ibrahim had gone to court seeking his name to be accepted by INEC as the authentic PDP governorship candidate in Ondo State.
Details Later.

Source: www.versatilereporters.com/2016/10/court-declares-jimoh-ibrahim-authentic.html?m=1

The Nigerian Senate today passed the amendment to the law establishing the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
By this amendment, the law now extends the validity of the result of the board’s examination from one year to three years.
This will surely reduce the financial burden faced by students and parents who previously saw the idea of paying huge sums of money to procure Jamb forms yearly as exploitative

Source: www.versatilereporters.com/2016/10/senate-extends-jamb-validity-period-to.html?m=1

The Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai on Wednesday presented a budget proposal of N215.9 billion for the 2017 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly.
Details of the budget are as follows;
1. N130.3 billion representing 60 per cent of the budget, stands for capital expenditure.

2. N85.5 billion representing 40 per cent of the estimate, stands for recurrent expenditure.

3. Opening balance for the 2017 budget stands at N15.8 billion

4.  N15.2 billion is expected from Internally Generated Revenue

4. N34.9 billion is expected from statutory allocation.

5. N9.4 billion would be generated from Value Added Tax

6. N6.6 billion is expected from internal loans and credit

7. N55.9 billion loan is expected from external sources.

8. N35.3 billion expected to be generated as internal grants and another N7.1 billion grant from external sources.

According to the Governor, the budget is targeted at;

1. Completing the Zaria water project

2. Massive rebuilding and equipping of schools.

3.  Rehabilitation, maintenance and rebuilding of township roads.

4. Commencement of the first phase of Kaduna Light Rail project to link Rigachikun with Refinery, and provide infrastructure in mining sites and rural
areas.

5. Creation of  “a green economic zone,
an Agro-Industrial Park along Abuja road”.

6. Expansion of post-harvest price support for farmers and the Anchor Borrowers
Programme which targets six crops the state has comparative advantage.

7. Conversion of the Doka Hospital located on Kaduna-Abuja Expressway into a Trauma Centre and implement an Emergency Nutrition Intervention Programme to reduce malnutrition and hunger.

El-Rufai explains that before the presentation of the budget, all the major stakeholders  including the private sector, civil society and the general public were consulted.

The speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly  Aminu Shagali, while receiving the budget said the House would fast track the passage of the document, commending  the state government for initiaing laudable policies that would move the state forward.
He said that the administration has
demonstrated the capacity to make Kaduna great gain, adding that the legislature would support it to promote security, peace and unity in the state.

Source:
www.versatilereporters.com/2016/10/kaduna-govt-budgets-n215b-for-2017.html?m=1

With the controversies that have trailed the raiding of the homes of some Supreme Court and Federal Court Judges and the arrest of some, many had lambasted the DSS for embarking on such 'illegal' and unfortunate action.
However, it is believed that with this evidence that the DSS actually secured a search warrant before embarking on the operation, many Nigerians will shift grounds to supporting the anti-corruption assistance role of the security agency, except those who have been clamouring '#BringBackOurCorruption'

Source: www.versatilereporters.com/2016/10/photo-dss-search-warrant-on-judges.html?m=1

Unconfirmed reports reaching Versatile Reporters
indicate that Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State
sneaked into Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital
in the late hours of Sunday, 9th October 2016 to
meet with the state governor, Nyesom Wike, some
PDP chieftains and Judges, including a Judge of
the Federal High Court, the Chief Judge of Rivers
State and few other Judges of the Rivers State High
Court.
The source who pleaded not to be mentioned
revealed that Governor Fayose was flown into the
State discreetly following an invitation by Governor
Wike to meet with him and some Judges of the
State Judiciary.
It was also revealed that some Judges of the
Rivers State High Court were said to be involved in
some corrupt practices. "Governor Fayose came in
at night. The Governor (Wike) didn't want to speak
with him on phone so he told him to come. The CJ
and some Judges met with them. I know it is about
the petition against some Rivers State Judges to
the NJC. They want Fayose to help them talk to
some people in NJC" the source revealed.
According to the source, those who were also at the
meeting included the Chief Judge of Rivers State,
Justice Enebeli, Justice George Omereji, Justice
Margaret Okpara, Justice Amadi and Justice
Suzette Nyesom Wike (The Governor's Wife).
Narrating how the $2million DSS had claimed was
at the residence of the Portharcourt Judge was
evacuated by Gov.Fayose, another source said: "we
escorted two boxes to the airport for him. The
boxes were well wrapped with masking tapes. You
can't even peep"
Recall that Gov.Wike had in company of some of
aides and party men confronted men of the DSS
over attempts to raid the home and arrest the said
corrupt Portharcourt Judge believed to be Justice
Lima.

Source: www.versatilereporters.com/2016/10/arrest-of-judges-governor-ayodele.html?m=1

Following their successful clearance from the State
House of Assembly, the Rivers State Governor, Barr
Nyesom Wike will on Monday 10th October 2016
swear in twenty Caretaker Committee Chairmen at
the Executive Chamber of the Rivers State
Government House by 10am.
Those to be sworn in are;
1. Daniel E.O Daniel --- Abua/Odual
2. Hon.Justice O. Eke -- Ahoada East
3. Mr. Agri Ezekiel Friday -- Ahoada West
4. Hon. Tonye Alalibo -- Akuku-Toru
5. Engr. Kagbang Ofiks C. -- Andoni
6. Hon. Simon Hart -- Bonny
7. OBarilomate A. Ollor -- Eleme
8. John Wokoma -- Emohua
9. Gift Anyalebechi -- Etche
10. Louis Alawa -- Gokana
11. Hon. Samuel Nwanosike -- Ikwerre
12. Baridah Nsaanee A. -- Khana
13. Prince Collins Onunwor -- Obio/Akpor
14. Titus Wakama -- Ogu-Bolo
15. Jackbara Bipingoka E. -- Okrika
16. Nwaiwu Christian Chisom -- Omuma
17. Barr.Osi Olisa -- ONELGA
18. Gbali K. Chisom -- Oyigbo
19. Chiokwa Christian -- Port Harcourt
10. Nkue Uelor Bob -- Tai
The Chairmen are expected to be seated by
9:30am.
Recall that Gov.Wike has been running the local
government areas of the state with care taker
committees after sacking the elected chairman
following his swearing in as the state governor in
2015.
The case of the sacked Chairmen is still pending at
various courts.

Source: www.versatilereporters.com/2016/10/govwike-to-swear-in-new-ctc-chairmen.html?m=1

Following series of events involving the Shiites in Nigeria and the recent clash between its members and the army which led to the arrest of some of its
members and their leader, Ibrahim El-
Zakzaky, the Kaduna State Government after considering the report
of its panel set up to look into the activities of the group has taken the bold decision to ban the group.
Here is a statement to that effect from the state
government:
Kaduna declares Islamic Movement in Nigeria
unlawful society
The Kaduna State Government has issued an
Order declaring the Islamic Movement in
Nigeria (IMN) an unlawful society. This action
is taken in the exercise of the government’s
duty to preserve peace and security in the
state, and to ensure that all persons and
organisations are guided by lawful conduct
and with due allegiance to the Nigerian state
and its Constitution. The Kaduna state
executive council approved the making of this
order following deliberations at its meeting of
Thursday, 06 October 2016.
The Order, which has been signed by the
Governor, draws on powers vested by the
Constitution and the laws of Kaduna State.
Section 45 (1) of the Constitution categorically
vests in the Governor the powers to take such
measures and actions as are necessary for the
promotion and protection of:
1. public safety, public order, public morality
or public health; or
2. the rights and freedom of all persons in
Kaduna State.
Section 97A of the Penal Code (Cap 110, Laws
of Kaduna State, 1991) empowers the
Governor to declare as an unlawful society
any organisation whose activities are
dangerous to the security and good
governance of the state.
The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the
Zaria Clashes of 12-14 December 2015 found
that the IMN is not a registered organisation,
that it has a paramilitary wing and that its
members do not recognise or respect the laws
of the country and the duly constituted
authorities that have the responsibility to
secure and administer the country.
The Declaration Order noted that since the
regrettable events in Zaria which resulted in
the loss of 347 lives, the IMN “has overtly
continued with unlawful processions,
obstruction of public highways, unauthorized
occupation of public facilities including
schools without regard to the rights of other
citizens and the public peace and order of the
State”.
The Order noted that “these acts, if allowed to
go unchecked will constitute danger to the
peace, tranquillity, harmonious coexistence
and good governance of Kaduna State”.
The Declaration Order, which comes into
effect on Friday, 7 October 2016, provides for
the prosecution of persons that may be in
breach of its provisions under the laws of
Kaduna State:
“Whoever manages, or is a member of the said
Society
under any appellation or mutation with the
propensity
of causing the breakdown of law and order, or
operates in a manner dangerous to the good
governance of the State shall, from commencement
of
this order, be prosecuted in accordance with the
Laws
of Kaduna State.”
Sections 97A and 97B of the Penal Code
prescribe a penalty of imprisonment for seven
years or a fine or both for any person
convicted for belonging to an unlawful
society.
The Kaduna State Government reaffirms its
vigorous commitment to upholding the right
of citizens to practice the religion of their
choice. These are rights fully protected by
Sections 38 and 40 of the Constitution.
Such rights to freedom of thought and
worship must however be exercised in ways
that do not infringe on the rights of others,
and should not subject other people to distress
and inconvenience.

From: www.versatilereporters.com/2016/10/finally-kaduna-government-bans-shiite.html?m=1

Ahead of the unscheduled conclusive part of the legi
slative rerun elections in Rivers State, the APC Candidate for Rivers South-East senatorial district, Distinguished Senator Magnus Ngei Abe has intensified his campaign in order to emerge victorious. This time he was at Barako, a community in his own Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State. At the event hundreds of PDP members in the area dumped the Party for the APC. Some of the defectors who spoke with Versatile Reporters said they were dumping the PDP because of its deceits, violence and oppressions. Highlight of the event was the destruction of all PDP materials they had before including clothes with the image of Governor Wike.
This event is coming few days after the governor vi
sited Bodo, a city within the same LGA accusing the
APC candidate of embezzling billions of funds meant for the contruction of a major road in the area while he served under the Amaechi administration in the state.
Recall that INEC has been unable to conduct elections in Rivers State following the wave of violence and bloodshed that has greeted previous attempts.

Source: www.versatilereporters.com/2016/10/rivers-rerun-hundreds-defect-from-pdp.html?m=1

Scientists have warned that Sub-Saharan Africa and
South East Asia are most at risk of bat viruses
infecting humans and causing new and deadly
diseases.
They also warned that as the globe warms, there
would be melting ice caps, rising sea levels and extreme
weather, which may cause new and old diseases to
spread in places once thought safe.
They said melting permafrost might release
‘zombie pathogens’ frozen in ice for centuries, while
warming temperatures could allow disease-spreading insects roam far.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO),
approximately 60 to 75 per cent of emerging infectious
diseases is so-called ‘zoonotic events’, where
animal diseases infect people. Bats, in particular, are
known carriers of many zoonotic viruses.
A panel of scientists and public health experts convened by WHO prioritised the top five to 10
emerging pathogens likely to cause severe
outbreaks in the near future, and for which little or no medical countermeasures exist.
According to the WHO, the initial list of disease
priorities needing urgent Research and Development
(R&) comprise: Crimean Congo haemorrhagic
fever, Ebola virus disease, Marburg, Lassa fever, Middle
East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), Severe Acute
Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), coronavirus
diseases, Nipah and Rift Valley fever.
Three others were designated ‘serious’, requiring
R& action by the WHO as soon as possible. These are:
Chikungunya, severe fever with thrombocytopaenia
syndrome, and Zika.
The WHO panel said other diseases with epidemic
potentials, such as Human Immuno-deficiency
Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
(AIDS), Tuberculosis, Malaria, Avian influenza and Dengue, were not included in the list because there are
major disease control and research networks for these,
and an existing pipeline for improved interventions.
Scientists at the University College London (UCL),
the Zoological Society of London and Edinburgh
University mapped out the highest-risk areas, using a variety of factors including large numbers of bat viruses
found locally, increasing population pressure, and hunting of bats as bush meat.
The research, using data published between 1900
and 2013, found that West Africa, the epicentre of the
recent Ebola outbreak, is at highest risk for zoonotic bat
viruses. The wider Sub-Saharan African region and
South East Asia were also found to be hotspots.



Culled From: www.versatilereporters.com/2016/10/scientists-warn-of-new-disease-called.html?m=1

This is a campaign poster of Olusola Oke, former APC governorship aspirant that defected to Alliance For Democracy (AD).
What do you deduce from the poster?

Anybody who knows PDP or Ize Iyamu should advise him to gather all the millions of his protesting supporters including all the villages in Edo state and go to the tribunal. Time is going oh. All these sponsored propaganda won't help him.
At least the whole world saw people voting in Edo State and results announced at the units

My prayer is that they should continue protesting until its more than 21 days after the election without doing nothing else. Then let's how the protest will help them finally.
Politicians must stop using ordinary people to achieve their desperate and greedy goals.
Those that voted for Obaseki were they from Kenya?
This is a democracy for crying out loud.
Everyone has supporters
But the one with the highest supporters win
And you can only know who has highest supporters through the ballot.
This Edo People have shown us.
PDP should stop this nuisance
Let's watch how long Ize-Iyamu can continue to pay them to protest.