₦airaland Forum

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has warned against the use of fireworks during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Command, ASP Yusuf Mariam, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police

ASP Mariam urged parents to prevail on their wards to restrain from using fireworks as all violators will be arrested

The statement read: “In our bid to ensure safety during the Christmas/New Year celebration, the FCT Police Command wishes to inform members of the public that the ban on the use of fireworks (popularly known as knock out) within the FCT is still effective, hence, residents should desist from using them.

“It is pertinent to note that, all Divisional Police Officers have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the ban on the use of fireworks within the FCT. We urge parents to prevail on their wards to restrain from using fireworks as all violators will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.

“While assuring residents of adequate security during the festive period, the Command is appealing to members of the public to promptly report all suspicious movements through our emergency lines: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653 and 08028940883”

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/11/you-will-be-arrested-if-caught-using.html

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/11/yahoo-yahoo-mompha-drags-efcc-to-court.html


The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been dragged before a High Court in Lagos State by popular internet celebrity, Ismaila Mustapha, also known as Mompha.

Mompha instituted a fundamental rights enforcement suit against EFCC for detaining him beyond the constitutionally stipulated days without charging him to court.

In the suit filed by his lawyers, Gboyega Oyewole (SAN), Ademola Adefolaju, Kolawole Salami and four others, the businessman is demanding the sum of N5m as damages from the anti-graft agency.

The self-acclaimed Bureau-De-Change operator also sought a court order directing the EFCC to release him unconditionally forthwith from its custody.

Mompha is seeking an order of perpetual injunction restraining EFCC or any person whatsoever acting for or on behalf of the agency from arresting and detaining him in relation to the subject of the suit without recourse to due process of law.

He is also seeking a court declaration that his continued and further detention by the EFCC on the basis of the remand order granted on October 22, 2019, by Court 6 of Ikeja Magistrate Court, Lagos, vide a form for request for remand pursuant to the Administration Of Criminal Justice Act and which elapsed and or expired on November 4, 2019, without being charged and arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction is unlawful, unjustifiable, unconstitutional and constitute gross violation of his fundamental rights to personal liberty and fair hearing as contained in section 35 (4) (5) and 36 of the 1999 constitution (as amended)

The lawyers also stated that on October 19, 2019, their client was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, and thereafter detained by the EFCC on account of alleged money laundering and other related offences. ”

They added that on the same day, he was transferred to the agency’s detention facility in Ikoyi, Lagos from Abuja, before obtaining a remand order from the Magistrate’ Court of Lagos for a period of 14 days and that since October 19, 2019, he has been held in detention beyond two days as stipulated by Sections 36 and 35 of the Constitution respectively.

The court is yet to fix a date for the hearing of the suit.


lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/11/bayelsakogi-elections-inec-under-fire.html


Barrister Olusegun Bamgbose, the National Coordinator Concerned Advocates for Good Governance, CAGG, has described the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC as a great disappointment following the conduct of the Bayelsa and Kogi governorship elections.

According to him, incidents of violence, snatching of ballot boxes shooting and killings that characterized the elections were obvious signs to make the electoral umpire cancel the election but they never did, possibly because they were compromised.

In a statement, the senior lawyer signed and made available to DAILY POST on Wednesday, he noted that Nigeria democracy has actually been demonized.

He said, “The Kogi Governorship election outcome is very unfortunate and disturbing. It’s evident from the circumstances surrounding the election that it was marred by malpractices, violence, intimidation and unscrupulous rigging. INEC is really a great disappointment.

“30 ad hoc staff were abducted and later released after APC achieved their aims. Woman leader burnt alive, ballot boxes were snatched.

“Thuggery everywhere. Police officers were chased away. These are obvious signs to make INEC cancel the election but they never did possibly because they were compromised.

“In Nigeria democracy has actually been demonized. This is quite unfortunate. The people have again been shortchanged.

“Governor Bello and others who feel they can use their power to suppress the masses should, however, know that the God of the masses will always fight for them.

“What happened in Kogi is a clear sign of political rascality. It’s an act of total executive recklessness. How many people in Kogi rejoiced that Governor Bello was returned as Governor.

“The SDP candidate, Natasha alleged that the Governor has ordered his assassination. These developments are not good for our democracy.

“It’s really disturbing our politicians don’t fear God any more. It’s really disheartening that our leaders are atheists.

“If things continue like this, what’s the guarantee that 2023 elections will be free, fair and transparent. INEC is a big disappointment.

“They have clearly shown that they don’t have the capacity and capability to organize free and fair elections in Nigeria. I’ll also want to add that President Buhari should look into this electoral recklessness.

“He couldn’t have been President today if Jega had accepted to compromise the Presidential elections of 2015.

“He is a beneficiary of free and fair election. He contested three times without success alleging he was rigged out but he is now beholding what he alleged.

“It’ll then be most unfortunate if he will look the other way in the face of total electoral bastardisation. APC will not continue to be in power forever.

“A time will certainly come when they will return to opposition. PDP boasted that they will remain in power as long as they want but what is happening today.

“Our INEC as is presently constituted can’t be trusted.”

lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said he won’t act like a coward for fear of death. According to him, he will continue to raise the alarm when things are not right in the country.

Obasanjo said these at the two-day interactive session of the Presidential Youth Mentorship Retreat held at the Youth Development Centre, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta.

The former army officer, who spoke at the event on Monday and Tuesday, said his major concern was to build leaders who would lead Africa to the Promised Land.

He said God had favoured him to live long after serving as Head of State and President of the country.

Obasanjo said the purpose of the retreat was to facilitate the release of the creative energies of young people.

He said African youths needed to interact with their leaders.

The ex-military ruler however advised the youths to made individual and collective sacrifices to make Africa a great continent.

Obasanjo said, “I ‘m not afraid of death at my age. God has favoured me and I appreciate God’s blessings on me over these years.

“My concern over the years is to build leaders of Africa. My greatest concern is tomorrow and that tomorrow begins today.”

Source: https://www.google.com/amp/s/punchng.com/im-not-afraid-of-death-says-obasanjo-2/amp/

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/11/sowore-may-be-knocked-down-by-vehicle.html



The Department of State Services, DSS, on Tuesday said it can’t release, Omoyele Sowore, convener of RevolutionNow Movement from its detention facility because he may be knocked down by a vehicle on his way out.

DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya made the disclosure while addressing journalists in Abuja.

Afunanya said, “We cannot just release Sowore and ask him to go because he may be knocked down by a vehicle at the gate.”

Pointing out that Sowore’s lawyer, Femi Falana, was yet to come forward and fetch him from their facility, Afunanya said the Senior lawyer had not been to the headquarters of the service since the activist was granted bail.

He maintained that the secret police was following administrative procedures by insisting that Sowore’s sureties come forward for proper documentation.

“We respect rules and orders of the court and there was never a time the Director-General said he would not release Sowore,” he said.

Sowore is currently held in custody of the secret police against court order.

A Federal High Court in Abuja had recently ordered the release of Sowore alongside Olawale Adebayo.

The DSS is yet to comply with the order and claimed that no surety had come to take Sowore on bail.

Few weeks ago, a group of protesters led by Deji Adeyanju alleged that they were given N1m to stop the protest demanding Sowore’s release.

The DSS, however, said it will release Sowore if his sureties come forward for documentation.

lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/11/ogun-govt-demands-n2500-n5000-from-job.html

The Ogun State Government said applicants applying for the post of messenger, mortuary attendant, cook, health attendant and others at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, must pay the sum of N2,500 to complete the online application.

The government also said those applying for higher posts would pay the sum of N5,000 to complete same.

The job opportunity was posted Sunday on the official Ogun job portal launched in August by Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo – https://jobs.ogunstate.gov.ng/job/.

After applying, applicants are asked to follow a link to fill a form.

“This form attracts payment of Two Thousand, Five Hundred Naira (N2,500.00) only.” the job description said.

The job description reads in full:

“The Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu is taking applications from suitable, qualified candidates for the Post MESSENGER, CONHESS 01

“Requirement:
By direct appointment of a candidate possessing the First School Leaving Certificate.

“Apply for the job on the portal by clicking the apply button

“After applying, follow this link https://www.formpl.us/form/706476322 and fill the form. This form attracts payment of Two Thousand, Five Hundred Naira (N2,500.00) only.

“Make payment, submit and save generated receipt of submission. Your application is not complete if you do not make payment.

“Successful candidates would be contacted.”

For the senior cadre, the job description says: “After applying, follow this link https://www.formpl.us/form/706476322 and fill the form. This form attracts payment of Five Thousand Naira (N5,000.00) only.

“Make the payment, submit and save generated receipt of submission. Your application is not complete if you do not make payment.”

We reports that the link where the form is to be completed also demands N500 as processing fee.

But the demand for N2,500 and N5,000 for junior and senior cadres respectively has been generating reactions from youths across Ogun State.

Many have taken to the social media to condemn the development, saying “government is being insensitive to the plight of the many jobless youths in the state.”

It was argued in some quarters that qualified unemployed youths who may not have money to obtain the application form would be automatically disqualified.

“How will government charge jobless youths seeking jobs. It is even ridiculous that government is charging for posts of mortuary attendant, messenger, cook and so on. It is uncalled for. Where do you expect them to get that money from?” a civil servant told us anonymously.

A graduate of Mass Communication, Quadri Olatunji described the development as “daylight robbery”, asking the government to halt the payment immediately.

“This is daylight robbery! Where have we found ourselves in this state for God’s sake? This act is criminal to say the least and if the state government has any iota of integrity left, the payment should be halted immediately and money collected should be returned. May God save us in Ogun State,” Olatunji stated.

Speaking, the National Public Relations Officer of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Azeez Adeyemi on his part, did a comparison between the incumbent Gov Dapo Abiodun and his predecessor, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun.

Adeyemi said, “We must remember that yesterday in this same state, the last administration collected N12,500 from job seekers, extorting them of the little they have and in turn inflicting them with more poverty and at the end, he didn’t still employ them.

“The N2,500 and N5,000 mentioned aren’t the doings of the government from our engagement with the government, but for that same administrative purpose that the last administration extorted thousands of the poor graduates to the tune of N12,500.”

A resident of Abeokuta, Sulaimon Babatunde, berated the Ogun State Government for demanding money from unemployed youths; saying, ‘This is a bad idea. How can the government collect money from unemployed citizens before securing a job.? I can’t understand this government any more.”

Reacting, the Chief Press Secretary to Gov Abiodun, Kunle Somorin, said, “The job portal doesn’t charge anybody one dime. It’s free. You may ask OOUTH if anyone was charged and why. I know people who applied for SUBEB, Anchor Borrower Scheme, etc, including my relations. They were not charged.”

Our correspondent put a call through to OOUTH on a phone number that was gotten from its website -http://www.oouth.com/oouth/portal/contacts.html.

The officer who picked the call confirmed there was a recruitment exercise going on; telling our correspondent to visit the Ogun job portal to apply.

Asked if applicants are to pay for the recruitment exercise, he quipped, “once you get to Ogun job portal, you will see all the instructions there. Follow all the instructions.”

The Ogun State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Abduljabar Ayelaagbe, said he had begun a covert investigation into the matter.

A consultant to Gov Abiodun on media, Yinka Ogundimu last night appealed to our correspondent to give her tilL today to give a response.

Ogundimu is yet to revert back more than 12 hours after she was contacted.

The Ogun State Chairman of the Labour Party, Abayomi Arabambi told us that, “The management of OOUTH said that was their usual practice because the immediate administration of GOV AMOSUN directed them to generate IGR on their own, thus their usual practices but the present Government has stopped it.”

Arabambi’s comment is contrary to the instruction on the OOUTH site where the form is to be completed – https://www.formpl.us/form/706476322.

The information reads: “This form, attracts payment of Five Thousand Naira (N5,000.00) only for posts 1-20 while posts 21-38 attracts a payment of Two Thousand, Five Hundred Naira (N2,500.00) only. All applications carry an additional online processing fee of N500.”

we reported in September that applicants seeking employment into the same hospital were asked to pay a sum of N5,000 each for the application form, while those applying as Registrars were also mandated to pay additional N2,500 to obtain the residency handbook, making a total of N7,500.

Recently, it was reported that 29,000 applicants were battling for 1,500 teaching jobs in Ogun. The application.



lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

Reno Omokri, former aide to ex-president to Goodluck Jonathan has given reasons he has been silent on the outcome of Kogi election.

Omokri on Monday announced that his silence was as a result of the attitude of Nigerians towards him and the likes of Femi Fani-Kayode and Dino Melaye.

Describing Nigerians as being ungrateful, the former presidential spokesman further announced that henceforth he will stop criticizing President Muhammadu Buhari government and concentrate on evangelism.

According to him, Nigerians deserved the Buhari-led government.

Omokri on his Twitter page wrote:

Some say I am not speaking on Kogi elections. I‘ve tried. I sponsored buses for democracy to ferry Nigerians to vote. I fed them, I have talked and done.

It‘s now time for me to accept that Nigerians deserve the government they have. Let me focus on evangelism.

Do you now see why I have given up? I‘m one of the few who went into government without stealing, yet the same Nigerians I am fighting for will accuse me of stealing.

The same Nigerians accuse me of making money from Free Leah Saribu. Now, the latest one: I’m being paid by Apple.

I once thought General Buhari and APC were Nigeria’s problem. In deciding to wash my hands off Nigerian politics, I concluded that we ourselves are the problem. Christ already died for Nigerians, I would not join him to die, I will follow Him and live!

If Nigerians are grateful people, many people will be willing to die for Nigeria but suppose Femi Fani-Kayode and I are arrested today, who will put their property and money at risk to bail us out the way both of us have put our lives and liberty at risk for Nigeria?

Fourth and final- Nnamdi Kanu fought for Biafra, and Biafrans appreciate him. If you fight for Nigeria, will Nigerians appreciate you?

Ask GEJ, Dino Melaye and Shehu Sani. General Buhari, Yahaya Bello and El-rufai are looking at them and me and laughing. Would you blame them?

https://mobile.twitter.com/renoomokri/status/1196475933298954241

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/11/nigerians-are-ungrateful-deserve-buhari.html

The Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has again declared the State as a Christian State, adding that he owes no one any apology.

The Governor spoke at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Holy Ghost Rally, which held at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium on Sunday.

He said, “But for God, the enemies would have taken over the state. I thank the Church for standing firm.

“They prayed for God’s will to be done and God’s will was done. But for your prayers, I won’t be here as Rivers State Governor.

“Anytime I have the opportunity, I repeat the declaration with authority and I owe nobody an apology. I am standing on solid authority. Rivers is a Christian state.”

Wike said he remained Governor due to God’s intervention.

He said God dislodged “forces of darkness” who were primed to rob him of his mandate.

He described himself as a living testimony of God’s blessing.

“Nigerians are aware of what happened on 9th March 2019. If anyone says he does not believe in God, that event of March 9 should make you believe God,” he added.

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/11/agian-gov-wike-declares-rivers.html

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/11/kogi-guber-forgive-yahaya-bello-aisha.html


The wife of the President of Nigeria, Aisha Buhari, has appealed to Kogi residents to forgive all that governor Yahaya Bello has done to them in the past four years.

Buhari made the appeal on Thursday during the All Progressives Congress (APC) rally held in the state, ahead of the governorship election slated to hold on November 16, 2019.

She assured the residents that salaries will be paid in the state following the President’s intervention

Aisha urged the citizens to forget Bello’s wrongdoings in the state, adding that they will not be disappointed if they vote for him.

“My husband used to emphasise on salaries, it took a while for the Kogi salary payment to get settled after a long time of verification.

“But this time vote for him for continuity of payment of salary on time.

“Bello has pledged to assure Kogi residents and civil servants of early payment of salary.

“I also commend the state for having the less number of out of school children in the country, according to the survey of UNICEF,“ she said.

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/11/sex-workers-to-be-prosecuted-in.html


The Shehu of Bama in Borno State, Kyari Ibn Umar El-Kanemi, has banned commercial sex workers from the state.

Mr Abba Shehu-Umar, the Personal Secretary to the emir disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Maiduguri

The emir lamented the increase in number of commercial sex workers, despite clamp down on illegal brothels and commercial sex workers at Galadima area of Maiduguri.

The emir warned that those found to be engaging in the act or other forms of criminality would be prosecuted, while their premises would be demolished in accordance with the state government’s policy on such illegal structures in Maiduguri.

The statement read in part: “My emirate would not condone illicit activities and other forms of criminality allegedly perpetrated by the sex workers.

“You may recall that these girls caused serious criminality in the suburb of the state capital, they engaged in open prostitution, child trafficking, drug abuse and other forms of criminality in the metropolis.

“The state government constituted a high powered committee to address the nefarious activities, which led to the demolishing of several hotels, brothels and hideouts in Maiduguri.

“Now that their chances in the state capital are narrowing, they are exploring other places in the local government councils.

“The trend cannot be accepted; I have instructed Village and Ward Heads to be vigilant and proactive as such attitude will not be condoned,” El-Kanemi was quoted as saying in the statement.

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/11/ekiti-election-senator-olujimi-reveals.html


Former Senate Minority Leader, Mrs Abiodun Olujimi of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Thursday, said her victory in the Appeal Court over Senate Spokesperson, Prince Dayo Adeyeye of All Progressives Congress, APC, was a product of God’s grace.



We reports that the Court of Appeal sitting in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday declared the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate, Senator Biodun Olujimi, winner of the Ekiti South Senatorial District poll.

Reacting, Olujimi, in a statement on Thursday, said it was God and courage of the judiciary that returned her as representative of Ekiti South Senatorial District.
“I have been speechless since yesterday morning when the Appeal Court, Ado Ekiti, sitting in Kaduna upheld the decision of the lower tribunal to the effect that I be returned as Senator, elected on the platform of the PDP in the last Senatorial election!
“It’s a mixed feeling of relief and unbelief. I am yet to fully grasp the import of God’s mercy and compassion,” she said.
According to her, the exercise was a great journey of soul searching and a great effort to unravel the mysteries surrounding the last Senatorial elections in Ekiti.
“Suffice it to say that I cannot fully gather my thoughts now, but will be brief and will do a comprehensive write up later.
“For me, it was sheer grace, uncommon grace that spoke for me and I will never take it for granted.”
Olujimi saluted the courage and tenacity of Prince Dayo Adeyeye, her opponent in the election debacle, saying he gave her a reason to rejoice.
“He gave me a strong reason to pursue my conviction with decency. Let me say that I know how it feels to be in his situation but I ask that he will understand that democracy is a bitter/sweet system which we all submitted to.

“I wish him luck as he moves on to plan for the future and ask that he doesn’t jettison the zeal to assist and give back to his constituency.
“We must work to make our constituents better. I will be willing to work with him on projects that will enhance the development of Ekiti South. Politics must bind rather than separate us.”
She thanked the people of Ekiti, especially the Ekiti South Senatorial district.

Olujimi also thanked the PDP party men and women, the party National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, the former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, governors of the PDP, among several others.
“I cannot finish without acknowledging the judiciary, particularly, those that were involved in the tribunal and the appeal.
“They renewed my hope in a better Nigeria where justice is compelled by transparency and fairness. I salute you all.

“I pray that you don’t relent in your quest to be fair even in the face of huge tension. Thank you for doing justice to the case.
“Lastly, I thank God for his mercies and grace. May his grace abide with us now and forever,” NAN quoted her as saying.

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/11/mr-governor-sanwo-olu-under-attack-as.html



Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has come under attack over the recent announcement of dropping ‘His excellency’ title.

Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday announced that he should no longer be addressed as ‘His Excellency.’

In a statement the Governor personally signed and made available to DAILY POST, he noted that only God should bear such titles.

He said that as a Governor, he is only a servant appointed by the people and as such should be called “Mr. Governor.”

This did not go down well with some Lagosians and Nigerians on social media, as they urged the governor to focus on fixing roads in the state.

Some Nigerians took to their Twitter pages lamenting the state of Lagos.

Here are some comments gathered by us from Twitter:

@Badmanisdimka “Babajide Sanwo-Olu dropping the “Your Excellency” title is Nice. So Mr Governor can we move to the part where all Roads are Reconstructed, Please Sir Lagosians are really suffering going out to make ends meet is not easy at all. Thank you in Advance Sir.”

@Sheddi_young “Whether na Bros Governor
or Uncle Governor or Mr Governor.Na work we wan see!

@Oluwabukunmi_ “While Seyi Makinde is repairing roads, printing free copies of past questions for schools and basically just working, your Pontius Pilate in Lagos is concerned with being called His Excellency or Mr Governor. Tragic.”

@drainzdrip “Lagosian have never complained about your stupid title Sanwo-Olu. Whether you call yourself “Excellency” or Mr Governor or Mr Go-slow,even Mr Pot-hole..Mr Man we just want good governance. You’re becoming the most useless Governor in the history of Lagos.”

@Nedusam01 “Nice one Mr Governor.But we need to feel the gradual impact. More hardwork needed sir.”

@B_Soye “Really?? Babajide. Titles shouldn’t be the main issue here, there’s the states governance that which has been neglected.

“Can someone serve this guy a ‘negligence of duties’ query. Worrying about name calling.”

@Waleonlinee “Deliver good governance first , then we will look at this your title issue.your excellency, Mr governor!

@Dominic_Ebi “Oga if you want to be called Queen Elizabeth no wahala for as long as you start working. Lagos is in a mess and all we’ve seen from you is absolute nothing. Your local government chairmen are all sleeping and you’re doing nothing about them. Get to work man.”

@Dedonnse “Change of titles alone won’t get the job done. We once had “Chief Servant” and “Ogbeni” as governors, they all failed spectacularly. Having said that, could you please start working already?

@BuchyOgba “Good for you Sir. Performance is the main issue not titles.”

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/11/makinde-appoints-wife-to-head-state.html



Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has appointed his wife, Tamunominini Makinde, to head the Board of the Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (SACA).

The agency is responsible for the control of AIDS in the state.

Makinde while inaugurating the board on Tuesday noted that dealing with the scourge of AIDS “is of utmost importance to his administration.”

Governor Makinde stated that though there had been some progresses with regards to anti-retroviral medication, abstinence from sex remained the best way to control the spread of AIDS.

Apart from his wife who will chair the board, another member of the board included Dr. Lanre Abass who serves as Executive Secretary.

Makinde while speaking during the inauguration, said, “Health is one of the pillars which this administration is resting on, and dealing with the scourge of HIV in our society is of utmost importance to this administration.

“Some of you like Reverend Babatunde and Dr Titilayo [representing inter-religious body] are also very important to this advocacy because when you either stand on the pulpit or in front of the congregation in mosque when you are preaching, you can also put the word out there for people to know.

“There has been a lot of progress on the anti-retroviral medication but abstinence is the best way to control the spread of HIV/AIDS scourge.

“I don’t have any doubt in my mind that we have assembled the best hands to manage the affairs of Oyo State Agency for control of AIDS. I have taken time to reflect on what was the modus operandi in the past and I can say to you clearly that the State used to be supplied with medications that were just about to expire. They have brought some of them to me and, please, that era should be over and be over for good in Oyo State.

“Some people have even came to us and said we must probe activities of the past board and you all know the chairperson of that board. So, it’s a no-go-area for me. We want to be forward-looking. Whatever has happened in the past should be in the past. Let us draw the line and focus on our own result areas.

“I want to thank you for accepting to serve the people of Oyo State in this capacity and I also wish you a successful and impactful tenure”.

lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/11/elrufai-appoints-media-aide-others.html



Kaduna State Government, Tuesday evening, announced the appointment of
Ibraheem Shehu Musa, Special Assistant, Media and Publicity.

Shehu was a member of the Transition Committee and the APC Campaign Council during the last elections.

Recall that since Mr. Samuel Aruwan who acted in similar position was appointed Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, the position has been vacant.

In a statement signed by Special Adviser to the Governor (Media & Communication) Mr. Muyiwa Adekeye, he said two other women were among the new appointees.

He said, “Mrs. Stella Amako and Hajiya Zainab Shehu have been named Special Advisers to Governor Nasir El-Rufai, for Community Relations and Social Development, respectively.”

He said the appointments bring to five the number of women among the 11 special advisers in the current government.

According to him, “the new special advisers are among the 17 officials that were appointed today,(Tuesday). Most of the new appointees played active roles in the Kaduna APC 2019 Campaign Council and the Transition Committee or were officials in the Kaduna State APC state executive.”

The statement named the appointees as:

“Stella Amako, the new Special Adviser- Community Relations, served on the Transition Committee and the APC Campaign Council.

” Zainab Shehu, Special Adviser- Social Development. She was Director, Women in the APC Campaign Council

“Aliyu Haruna, Senior Special Assistant- Youths. He is a former member of the Kaduna State House of Assembly.”

Others are, “Ibrahim Ismail, Senior Special Assistant-Community Relations. He is a former member of the Kaduna State House of Assembly.

“Hafsat Aminu Ashiru, Senior Special Assistant -Administration, Office of the Deputy Governor

“Nazir Sanusi, the Special Assistant- ICT, was an aspirant to the Kaduna State House of Assembly.

“Mohammed Bello Shuaibu, Senior Special Assistant, Stakeholder Relations. Before this appointment, he was Secretary, Kaduna State APC.

“Yakubu Yatai, Special Assistant- Community Relations. He is currently State Publicity Secretary of the Kaduna State APC.

“Ashiru Zuntu, Special Assistant- Community Relations. He served in the first-term government.

“Rabi Musa Manchi, Special Assistant- Legal Matters was a member of the Campaign Council.

“Mahmud Mahmud Aminu, Special Assistant- Legal Matters

“Aminu Lawal Na-Anty, the new Special Assistant-Youths, was a member of the APC Campaign Council.

“Sonia Bature, Special Assistant- Environment. She was a Technical Assistant to the Commissioner of Local Government.”


lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

Bola Tinubu, National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for signing the Deep Offshore Act in London.

Tinubu also commended the president’s Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari for traveling to London to present the bill to Buhari for assent.

However, Tinubu said the signing of the bill was a pointer to the fact that Buhari was determined to reform the country’s economy.

A statement he signed titled “The Coming Prosperity,” reads: “WITH the action by the National Assembly to improve the outdated Deep Offshore Act through legislative amendment, Nigeria has turned an important corner. As stated in his insightful, forward-looking commentary published in ThisDay…Presidential Chief of Staff Abba Kyari rightfully asserted the financial provisions of the old law had outlived their stated purpose. Continuation with this outmoded financial regime enriched the oil companies while depriving Nigeria of a fair bargain.

“Billions of dollars that should have landed in our national coffers to fund public infrastructure and essential social services instead found residence in the balance sheets of the oil firms.

“This was no attempt to deprive the oil majors. We want the firms to make a just profit for their efforts; however, they have been receiving a surplus at the expense of our minimal developmental needs. This is not as things should be.

“The companies are Nigeria’s long-term business partners and we have no interest in denigrating them; all we seek is a fair, equitable relationship. The new amendments provide this.

“The amendments demonstrate the important progress to be made when the National Assembly and the Presidency work in harmony for the collective good. Efforts by past governments to amend the law got bogged in failure due to the intervention of special interests.

“This time, finally, the national interests were considered weightier than the special interests of a few. President Buhari and the National Assembly leadership should be commended for this singular achievement.

“Chief of Staff Kyari titled his commentary “Toward a New Deal for Nigeria.” This is appropriate and more than symbolic. The title recalls a challenging time in the history of the United States. That nation was in the throes of economic contraction.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu

“The people would vote to remove the austere, insensitive party that had governed the nation for over a decade simply by catering to the wealthy. The people voted for a compassionate, progressive government headed by a committed principled leader to steer the nation out of danger. No two historical situations are identical. But, there are important similarities between our circumstance and the challenges America faced during that period.

“Faced with steep economic challenges, the administration of Franklin Roosevelt dedicated itself to reforming the economy in order to bring prosperity to a hurt and struggling population.

“In so doing, he would reform, at times reinvent, the nation’s economic institutions and laws. This would change the relationship between the average citizen and the American government for the better. This was the essence of the New Deal.

“Such beneficial reform is what the Buhari government seeks but in a more complex and challenging environment. The American challenge was exclusively economic. The Nigerian challenge is multi-faceted.

“President Buhari first had to tackle insecurity and the terrorism of Boko Haram. He then had to throttle corruption in official circles so that government could be responsive to the people’s needs instead of serving those who enriched themselves from government coffers.

“He had to grapple and make headway with these fundamental problems before shifting primary focus on economic reform. As the title of Chief of Staff Kyari’s composition indicate, we now move toward a New Deal for Nigeria.

“President Buhari is intent on reforming the economy that it may answer the needs of the majority of our people. Establishing the Economic Council of Advisers (EAC) was an innovative, bold step, assembling our nation’s top economic minds to shape economic programmes and policy. Along with his ministers and other officials, the EAC will offer the president their best professional advice on how to improve all aspects of the economy and government’s role in it.

“The amended Deep Offshore Act is not an isolated, solitary act. It is a harbinger.Just as the amended Act brings to the oil sector overdue reform that will benefit national development, the Buhari administration will take a critical look at all major segments of the economy.

“It will do so with an eye to reforming what needs to be reformed and improving what needs to be improved. Just as the oil sector has been made better, all other sectors of the economy will be strengthened.

“The end result will be an economy transformed into one that provides hope, opportunity and meaningful livelihoods for all.

“Indeed, we move toward a New Deal for Nigeria.”

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/11/tinubu-speaks-as-abba-kyari-takes-bill.html

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/11/ogun-politics-adc-chieftain-gboyega.html


A three-time governorship candidate in Ogun State, Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, appears to have buried his ambition to be governor of the Gateway State.

We gathered that Isiaka, on Monday evening, led leaders and members of his party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to meet with Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, allegedly for talks on how to perfect their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The former aspirant who has contested the governorship position under the African Democratic Congress for three consecutive unsuccessful attempts said he had confidence that the present administration will take Ogun State to a higher pedestal.

While explaining the reason behind his support visit to the governor, Isiaka also known as GNI in the political circles expressed optimism that something positive would happen between his group and the APC very soon.

“We came to see our Governor as a way of moving our relationship forward. We had interactions with our people all over the State and they mandated us to come and talk with our Governor. All the areas that needed clarification, we have gotten them. So we need to go back to them and within the next couple of days, the full outcome of this meeting will be made known to the public.

“We are very confident because the morning shows the night from what we have seen in five months. If we had not seen positive signs, we probably would not have graduated our relationship. I have come with the leadership of my political structure all across the State. This is to signify the fact that we are very confident and happy with the way government is going about putting the state on a greater scale,” he said.

The Imeko-born politician explained that there were positive developments between his group and the State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), adding that it was not for him to disclose because his team would be reporting back to their superiors.

“I am not here on behalf of the ADC, but I have come as a leader that led a political movement into the ADC a few months ago and so I have come here on the platform of that political movement. Majority of us are members of ADC, but I am not here to talk of ADC because the party has its procedures.”

Meanwhile, Gov Dapo Abiodun who confirmed receipt of Chief Gboyega Nasir Isiaka and team in his Oke-Mosan Office explained that the APC will be furthering its relationship with other parties in collective service to State.

“I received in my Oke-Mosan Office yesterday, (GNI), who led his political movement on a visit. Chief Isiaka is the leader of the Believe Movement and candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the last Ogun State governorship election.


We recalls that Isiaka, who was the anointed candidate of former Governor Gbenga Daniel, contested under the platform of the Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN) in 2011, after losing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket to Tunji Olurin. He lost the 2011 election to Sen. Ibikunle Amosun of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

It was the same scenario in 2015 when Isiaka, who contested under the platform of the PDP, lost again to Amosun of the APC.

His last outing in 2019 was under the ADC, but his performance was far below expectations as he lost to the incumbent Gov Abiodun of the APC.

However, the duo of Isiaka and Abiodun have continued to build a political relationship after the election to the surprise of many Ogun indigenes.

It will be recalled that Isiaka and his brother, Wasiu Isiaka were members of Abiodun’s transition committee, fuelling speculations that there might have been a political agreement between Abiodun and Isiaka prior to the governorship election.

It was also gathered from reliable sources that Isiaka has submitted to Abiodun, his list of nominees for appointment into his government.

lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/11/inec-set-to-create-additional-polling.html

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday said it would by the first quarter of 2020 take courageous decisions on the creation of additional polling units.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Festus Okoye, announced this at a dialogue session organised by the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (Situation Room), in Abuja.
The session was held with INEC Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) ahead of Bayelsa and Kogi states governorship elections.

Okoye said that the commission would consult critical stakeholders and take bold steps and decisions on ”the creation of additional polling units and alterations and or adjustment of constituencies.”

He said that the commission could no longer continue with the ad hoc procedure of creating Voting Points and Voting Point Settlements.

The current arrangements of voting points according to him is stop-gap measures to ease the voting process and create opportunities for people in new settlements not covered by previous polling units.

Okoye said that the commission would also work in collaboration with the National Assembly and the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation in effecting reforms to the electoral legal framework.

He urged Nigerians to have faith in the electoral process and work towards democratic consolidation.

Okoye noted that at the conclusion of the 2019 general elections, aggrieved parties and candidates filed and served the commission with 807 petitions.

He said that the number was, however, regarded by some people as huge and a sign of regression in the electoral process.

“However, as at the Oct. 25, the petitioners withdrew 190 petitions while 570 were dismissed, four are still pending while 42 of the petitions were determined in favour of the petitioners,” he said.

Okoye also urged civil society groups and organisations to train their observers well.

He said that observers must conform to the code of conduct and exhibit a high sense of patriotism in carrying out their observations.

Speaking on the Kogi and Bayelsa governorship elections, Okoye urged all political parties, their candidateselection and all the major stakeholders in the to respect and protect the right of the registered voters to free choice.

He said that voters must be allowed to go to the polling units unmolested, without fear, without intimidation and without being harmed.

“Our young men and women that have volunteered to serve as ad hoc must be allowed to serve without harassment, intimidation or threat of losing their lives.

“To this end, the commission will not accept or tolerate any form of harm on its ad hoc electoral personnel.

“We will on no account tolerate siege on its Collation Centres or the declaration and returns made under dubious circumstances,” Okoye said.

He said that the commission would move for greater clarity relating to the powers of its Collation/ Returning Officers.

He added that INEC had put in place better processes and procedures that would prevent the violation of the powers to make declarations and return under the provisions of the Electoral Act.

Okoye also urged all categories of ad hoc staff, including Collation and Returning Officers to pay close attention to their trainers.

“The sorting, collation, declaration and returns in election are simple and at the same time complex.

“Innocuous mistakes and alterations that may be overlooked in certain and normal circumstances sometimes lead to fatal consequences in the electoral process.

“Majority of our ad hoc staff performed creditably in the last general elections and other previous elections and we commend their commitment and patriotism.

“However, the commission has banned some ad hoc staff who abused the trust reposed on them during the 2019 general elections,” he said. (NAN)

lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/10/fuoye-killings-lawyer-sues-ig-demands.html



A human rights lawyer, Mr. Morakinyo Ogele, has dragged the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu to court over alleged shooting of two students of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti (FUOYE), by cops during a protest held in the town recently.

The students, Kehinde Dada, a 100 level student of the Department of Agriculture and Horticulture and Okonofua Joseph, a 300 level Biology Education student, were hit by bullets allegedly fired by the police and died.

The application was brought pursuant to Order 11 Rule 1 of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure Rules) 2009.

Policemen attached to the Ekiti State first lady, Mrs Bisi Fayemi , on September 10 during a protest organised by FUOYE’s students to express their grievances over epileptic power supply, allegedly shot the students when the protest snowballed into crisis owing to students’ violent action leading to attack on the convoy of the First Lady.

Mrs Fayemi was in Oye Ekiti for an empowerment programme, which coincided with the protest.

Joined in the suit are; The Nigeria Police Force(1st respondent), the Inspector General of Police(2nd), and the Police Commissioner, Ekiti Command(3rd).

In a suit number HAD/A09RFRM/2019 filed at the Ado Ekiti High court on October 30, 2019, the applicant urged the court to determine whether it is lawful for the officers of the respondents to allegedly kill the students in such a brutal manner.

He urged the court to also determine “whether it is lawful for the court to award damages against the respondents under the circumstance”.

In an eight – paragraph Written address attached to the application, the applicant described the shooting “as an abridgement of the rights of the deceased as enshrined in section 33 of the 1999 constitution and that such action amounted to extrajudicial killing”.

Ogele sought a declaration that the killing was a breach of the constitution and also demanded for an order directing the respondents to conduct a serious investigation within the Ekiti State Police Command and identify the officers responsible for the killings.

“An order directing the police to prosecute the officers. Akso, being sought is an order compelling the respondents to conduct compulsory psychiatric test on their officers for the safety of the Nigerian citizens and order directing the respondents to pay a sum of one billion naira (N1,000,000,000) as damages to the families of the students.

“The families of the students must be compensated because they were only exercising their constitutional rights of protest when they were murdered by the men of the respondents”, he said.

However, FUOYE , which had been closed down due to the crisis will reopen on November 11, 2019, for academic work.

lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/10/oyo-lawmakers-grant-makinde-access-to.html

Oyo State House of Assembly has granted the request of Governor Seyi Makinde to access the over N3bn 2019 Federal Government’s UBEC/Oyo SUBEB intervention counterpart funding.

The approval followed a request by the governor to access the fund as contained in a letter presented to the lawmakers on Thursday.

At the plenary presided over by Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin, the house heard that the money was to enhance teaching and promote environment conducive for learning.

“The funds will be used to construct classrooms and provide furniture in both public primary and secondary schools in the state,” the letter stated.

The funding, according to the arrangement, requires both the state and the Federal Government to contribute an equal amount of N1.519bn to raise a pool of fund of over N3bn to be accessed by the state.

NAN reports that prior to the approval, the lawmakers in their separate remarks, commended the governor for providing the necessary counterpart funding to access the intervention fund.

State lawmaker, Olawumi Oladeji (ADP/Ogbomoso North) and Ayotunde Fatokun ( PDP Akinyele 1), commended the plans of the state government.

They applauded the executive over the plan to provide furniture for schools through the counterpart funding,

They observed that schools across the state were in dire need of infrastructure.

Also, Minority Leader Asimiyu Alarape (APC/Atiba) and Mr Bamidele Adeola appreciated the governor for according education sector the special recognition it deserved.

Chief Whip Akeem Adediran, therefore, appealed to the executive to ensure that the fund was spent judiciously across schools in the three zones of the state.


lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/10/only-graduates-with-long-legs-get.html


Nigerian graduates who don’t have contacts with privilege and highly placed government executives are at the receiving end of unemployment challenge in Nigeria.

Director General of Rochas Foundation, Ucy Okorocha stated this at a press conference in Abuja, saying that it was a major challenge that must be addressed by the Federal government.

She said, effort of government and private entities in providing education must be rolled up in providing jobs for graduates, insisting that it was those with connection and what they called, “long-leg”, in the Nigeria parlance that normally secure jobs.

Explaining how it becomes very harrowing for the children of poorest of the poor to become graduates only to end up jobless, Miss Okorocha said the Federal government should expand the economy through productive policies to accommodate them.

“They don’t have the contact to secure the jobs as is the common practice in our country. It is for this reason that we kindly call on federal government of Nigeria to consider these graduates.

She lamented at the recent disclosure by the Federal Ministry of Education that over “ten million children have abandoned school for street trading for family survival.

“As you are aware, over 10 million children are out of school in Nigeria primarily due to poverty, instead of education and its benefits.

“They engage in street trading to help them and their family for survival. Recently, the Federal ministry of education had announced this ugly situation which it said was making frantic effort to address,” Ucy said.

lalasticlala, mynd44

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/10/why-i-sacked-oshiomholes-local-govt.html



Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has approved the removal of Mr. Yakubu Musa, erstwhile chairman of Etsako West Local Government over his alleged involvement in a N46m fraud in the council.

He subsequently swore-in Mr. Imonofi Osumah Inusa as the new Council boss.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, hails from Etsako West LGA.

Governor Obaseki, while swearing-in Osumah at Government House, in Benin City, yesterday, said that investigations by a panel constituted by the state government alleged that the former LG boss, Musa, was engaged in fraudulent activities and lacked the ability to supervise the staff of the Council.

He reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance for corruption and negligence of duty.

“With the permission and authorisation of the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), we dropped Yakubu Musa for engaging in corrupt activities.

“He was dropped based on the investigation conducted following reports and observations at the monthly Joint Account Allocation Committee meetings I preside over,” the Governor explained.

Obaseki maintained that no matter the developmental efforts by the state government, the local government must perform their duties before the state can be highly rated in terms of development.


lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/10/jega-reveals-what-inec-must-do-before.html




Former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Attahiru Jega, has called on the commission, to improve the electoral processes before the 2023 general elections.

Speaking on Wednesday at Tell Magazine’s 20 years of democracy conference in Abuja, Jega noted that if care was not taken, the prediction of US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) on the disintegration of Nigeria will come to pass.

The former INEC chairman also admitted that the country has witnessed some “reversals” in the progress it made during the 2015 elections.

“The CIA thought that 2015 was the do or die period for Nigeria, that there would not be a Nigeria in the way you know after the 2015 general election – that has come to pass, but I think if we do not take care, a lot of these predictions will come to pass that is why we need to do quite a lot, much more than we have ever done in order to protect the integrity of the electoral process before 2023,” he said.

Jega also added that there is “remarkable” trust deficit, by the electorate in the electoral process.

“The clearest evidence of this loss of trust and confidence is declining voter turnout in elections since 1999.

“For example, people have argued that in 2015 the generalised insecurity was a result of the activities of Boko Haram have been responsible for the low voter turnout regardless of the improvement in the electoral process.

“The postponement of elections both in 2015 and 2019 may be some explanations as to why there was voter turnout,” Jega added.



lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/10/police-nab-saidu-abubakar-over-kidnap.html


The Nigeria Police Force, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command has tracked down the main suspect in connection with the kidnap incident involving an exchange of bitcoins worth $15,000 ransom payment.

The bitcoin ransom option was the first of its kind in Nigeria.

A People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Dr. Umar Ardo, was in September 2019 forced to pay $15,000 in bitcoin to get his daughter, Ms Aisha Umar, freed.

Ardo is a cousin to former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.

His daughter was kidnapped at a supermarket in Asokoro, Abuja and released after she had spent about 30 hours at a forest close to Gwarinpa District.

Abubakari, who is currently in the Police custody, has made a useful confession that is helping to crack what is regarded as a new trend in kidnapping cases.

Confirming the development, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Bala Ciroma, said the suspect was part of a syndicate.

“Sequel to the ongoing investigation into a reported kidnap incident at Asokoro on 14th September 2019, Police detectives from the Command Anti-Kidnapping Squad have arrested one Saadu Abubakari ‘m’ 23 years in connection with the incident”, he said.

“The suspect was arrested around Apo after the phone number used for the criminal act was traced to him. The Command is making concerted effort to arrest other persons involved in the criminal act,” Ciroma

added.

Police sources, however, informed PRNigeria that Abubakar, a commercial motorcycle rider (Okada), admitted to owning the sim card which was registered in February 2018.

But Abubakari, a Kano indigene, claimed he was tricked by a certain female suspect who acted to have lost her way, contacts and desperate for a new sim card to make calls.

He further claimed that the female suspect negotiated to buy his sim card for N1000 with which the kidnap for ransom deal was made, insisting he is innocent.

Meanwhile, the Police are working to unravel the case which they say “sets a precedent in the kidnapping cases because of the bitcoin demand “.

An intelligence officer said that the security arm was monitoring the situation and that so far, more than $9000 has been withdrawn from the bitcoin ransom.

lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/10/2020-akpabio-reacts-as-senate-rejects.html



The Senate Committee on Niger Delta has rejected the 2020 budget of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs headed by a former Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio.

Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta asked that the budget be re-represented, citing the omission of major ongoing projects in its capital appropriation.

Nwaoboshi (Delta North) pointed out that there were abandoned projects in the nine oil-producing states while other senators also noted that there was a need to increase the ministry’s capital budget.

According to Nwaoboshi, “There is no state, I dare to say, there is no local government where there are no abandoned projects in the Niger Delta.

“We cannot continue like that. With all the abandoned projects in the Niger Delta, we are talking about new projects; these new projects are designed to fail.

“Honourable Minister, we need to look at this budget again and we expect you to do your cleanup because the documents we needed were not supplied to us. The proliferation of abandoned projects cannot continue.”

The Delta-born lawmaker went on to note that President Muhammadu Buhari had not inaugurated any completed project executed by the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs in the last four years.

Also speaking Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe noted that the Ministry’s budget is an “uncommon budget.”

“When a budget is designed to fail, it is uncommon,” Abaribe said.

“I will suggest that the budget should be taken back for reworking, taking into cognizance all the projects that were pointed out and we give them another day to come and defend the budget.”

For Senator Rochas Okorocha, the budget was not different from the ministry’s budget of two or three years ago.

“This type of budget doesn’t produce anything feasible,” Okorocha said, adding: “You have to do your projects and complete them so you don’t sound like the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

“One of the worst establishments is NDDC known for funny activities because of the way it is set up.”

Senator Sandy Onor Ojang, representing Cross River Central, lamented a situation where capital components of yearly budgets would not be released to ministries.

He said: “We are faced again with the vanity of having a budget and almost through the budget year, there are no capital releases. It calls for concern and deep worry.”

Ojang decried a situation where the capital outlay is even lower than other costs.

“To speak of a situation where nothing is released for capital is a tragedy,” he said.

Reacting, Akpabio said the ministry’s budget was not rejected.

He called on the lawmakers to join him in appealing to the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning to increase the capital component of the ministry’s budget.

Akpabio told reporters, “The budget was not rejected. The Senators feel that major projects that are already in the Niger Delta ought to be completed.

“I agree with them but unfortunately, we are working under a very tight envelope.

“The ministry was allocated about N23 billion; 60 per cent of it will go to already existing projects in the region and 40 per cent will go to probably new projects.

“So if you look at it very well, it is not possible for you to capture all projects with that amount and it is not even going to be possible to complete even 10 kilometers of road in the region.

“So, I think instead of saying that the budget was rejected, I think that the distinguished Senators should collectively make an appeal to the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning to improve upon the envelope to expand it a little, so it can capture at least substantially most of the yearnings and aspirations of the good people of the Niger Delta.”

lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/10/buhari-govs-matawalle-fayemi-yahaya.html


Buhari, Govs Matawalle, Fayemi, Yahaya, others arrive Russia, to meet President Putin Wednesday

President Muhamamdu Buhari, Monday arrived at the Sochi International Airport, Russia, for a three-day inaugural Russia-Africa Summit and Economic Forum, which will focus on peace, security and development.

A statement sent to us on Monday and signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said “The President’s plane touched the tarmac at 11.25pm (local time), and he was received by the Mayor of the City of Sochi, Anatoliy Nikolayevich Pakhomov and state officials.”

It said “The Economic Forum and Summit will hold on 23rd and 24th October, 2019, respectively, with four plenaries that will be attended by more than thirty African Heads of State and government that have confirmed participation, including the Chairman of the African Union and President of Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

“The summit will be co-chaired by President Vladimir Putin, who will present a keynote address at the opening on Wednesday, and the African Union Chairman.

“President Buhari and Russian President will meet at the Nigeria and Russian bilateral meeting on Wednesday, 23rd and the Nigerian leader will make a statement at the summit on Thursday, October 24th, 2019.

“Other participants at the summit that will showcase Russian interest and investment potential in Africa include businessmen, experts, investors, leaders of major sub-regional associations and organisations.

“An African Business Forum, which will bring together African and Russian business leaders, will be held during the event to enhance Russian investments in Africa, and promote African business interest in the host country. About 250 Nigerian business interests will be participating in the forum.

“It is important that this meeting is taking place at this time,’’ says Garba Shehu.
“All the big nations are picking stronger interest in Africa. We now have US-Africa Summit, India-Africa Summit, China-Africa Summit and Japan-Africa Summit, so Russia has signified its interest on political, cultural and economic partnership.

“Nigeria has had an excellent relationship with Russia over the years. We will not forget how the country assisted us in keeping Nigeria as one during the civil war when some our traditional allies deserted us.

“They have also stood behind us in the fight against terrorism, Boko Haram and ISWA, and Russia has demonstrated its capacity in gas production, a resource which Nigeria has a huge potential of utilising,’’ he added.

Shehu said the summit will look into issues of sustainable energy, mines and steel, infrastructure development in Africa, nuclear energy and trade and investment.

On security, the Senior Special Assistant said the meeting will come up with proposals for a new security architecture that will be heavily driven by new technology.

President Buhari was accompanied by Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State and Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State.

Others on the trip were: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, Minister of Trade and Investment, Adeniyi Adebayo, Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Olamilekan Adegbite and Minister of State, Petroleum, Timipre Sylva.

lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/10/apc-national-leader-asiwaju-bola-ahmed.html


APC National Leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu bag Honorary Doctorate Degree-Public Administration (Honoris Causa) by Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State

Congratulation to Jagaban



lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/10/what-sarakis-appointment-will-do-to.html


A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Comrade Timi Frank, has expressed support for the reconciliation panel headed by the former Senate President, Bukola Saraki in Bayelsa State.

Frank said the political experience and influence of the former Kwara State Governor had begun to yield good fruits within the rank and file in the state’s ruling party.

In a statement made available to us in Abuja on Monday, the Bayelsa born political activist said the state has been a traditional PDP state since 1999 and nothing should be allowed to destroy the legacy.

He also appealed to those who are aggrieved as a result of the outcome of the primary election to give Bukola Saraki-led reconciliation panel a chance.

Frank expressed confidence that Senator Saraki will look at all issues and aggrieved parties dispassionately and make necessary recommendations for peace to reign.

While appealing to those who are considering leaving the PDP in the state to give Saraki panel a chance, Frank said for the sake of the party and the development of the state, they should look beyond the individuals involved in the disagreement but the larger interest of the state.

He also appealed to governor Seriaki Dickson to show commitment to whatever recommendation make by the Saraki-led panel so as to allow peace, saying going to an election as a divided house might be dangerous to the party.

“As a stakeholder in the state, I appeal to Governor Seriaki Dickson to work with the Saraki-led reconciliation committee and meet all the conditions that might have been recommended to bring about the necessary peace to stop the ongoing defection within the PDP.

“I still believe that victory is possible for the PDP in the coming governorship election if the governor and all other stakeholders will make sacrifices and give each other a sense of belonging.

“I also appeal to all the aggrieved parties to give Saraki a chance to amicably resolve their grievances because the former Senate President is known for always delivering on any assignment given to him by his party (PDP).

“The party members and Bayelsans should not forget the sacrifices and efforts of the likes of former President Goodluck Jonathan by ensuring their full support for the candidate of the PDP who is a traditional party in Bayelsa.”

He, however, appealed to all the governors, National Assembly members and other national leaders to mobilise support for the party in Bayelsa to avoid a defeat.



lalasticlala, mynd44, seun

The management of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, on Monday, announced the date for online registration of prospective 2019 batch C corps members.

The scheme also announced the closing date for online registration of prospective 2019 corps members

The registration exercise will commence on Monday, October 21 till November 1, 2019.

This was confirmed in a statement on Monday on the NYSC official Twitter account.

Prospective corps members have been advised to register on the website www.Nysc.org.ng

The statement read: “PUBLIC NOTICE: This is to inform 2019 Batch ‘C’ Prospective Corps Members that Online Registration commences Monday, 21st October to Friday 1st November 2019.

“Visit registration portal www.Nysc.org.ng”


http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/10/nysc-announces-date-for-batch-c-2019.html

http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/10/train-carrying-football-fans-catches.html



A train carrying hundreds of football fans over the weekend caught fire at the Bellevue train station in Berlin, Germany.

The incident was said to have taken place on Saturday night (Oct.19).

According to Mirror UK, the incident happened while special train service was taking supporters of SC Freiburg from the far south-west of the country back home after the Bundesliga game with the capital’s FC Union Berlin.

The home team won the match 2-0 at Stadion An der Alten Försterei.

Confirming the incident, spokesman for the fire service told Mirror UK that one carriage burned “to full extent”.

“Shortly after the start of the return journey, a fire developed in one of the wagons

“All passengers have left the train,” wrote a spokesman for SC Freiburg.





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http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/10/oyo-gov-makinde-reveals-why-he-will.html


Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, has vowed to step on toes in a bid to make the state great and set it on a path of sustainable development.

Makinde said his administration will not shy away from taking hard decisions that will be beneficial to the state.

The governor stated this while performing two functions in his office and was contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa.

He said, “I have seen people come to me and said I should not do some certain things or take certain decisions because of second term. Those that are interested in second term should wait, at least till 2022. For now, we should do the job the people have committed to our hands and do things that will place Oyo State on the path of greatness.”

The governor, while receiving the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State, Mr. Musa Wada, cautioned politicians against the crave for a second term.

“The people are the sole determinants of the fate of the politicians. Fresh term, second term are all linked to what we have for the people.

“During the first term, you make promises to the people and once you start ticking those boxes, the people can always decide that they want you to come in first and later say they want you to continue,” Makinde said.

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http://www.titopeblog.com/2019/10/fayemi-signs-six-new-bills-into-law.html



Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, on Wednesday, signed six new bills into law to commemorate his one year in office, saying stiffer penalties now await convicted Gender-Based Violence offenders in the state

Speaking after signing the six bills into law in his office, the governor observed that it was a collective responsibility of all Ekiti people to contribute towards building a virile state that would be the pride of

all.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bills that were signed into law included; Ekiti State (Transition) Law 2019; Ekiti State Gender-Based Violence (Prohibition) Law 2019; Ekiti Kete Fiscal Responsibility Law 2019 and Ekiti State Board of Internal Revenue Law 2019.

Other bills were College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti Law 2019 and Ekiti State College of Health Sciences and Technology Law 2019.

On Ekiti State Gender-Based Violence (Prohibition) law 2019, Fayemi said that the re-enacted Gender-based prohibition legislation improved on the earlier 2013 law in light of the inadequacy of the earlier law.

One of the bills, which has now become law is the Ekiti State Transition Law 2019.

According to the governor, the bill was hinged on “the difficulty experienced by our incoming administration in the event of power transfer, which is often better left imagined.

”That is what informed the decision to set in specific terms, expectation of incoming and outgoing government during transition,” he said.

On the Ekiti state Fiscal Responsibility Law 2019, he said that the law represents a key finance instrument in regulating the behavior of government with regards to public finance management, fiscal responsibility and transparency.

Fayemi said, “I have no doubt in my mind that the new set of legislations that I have just signed will also enhance our restoration agenda and make meaningful impact in the life of our people.”

Fayemi stated that with the cooperation of all arms of government, a stronger state aimed at enhancing the values restoration agenda of his government and making life more meaningful to the people would be built.

He added that since his government was building from the rubbles of the immediate past, he was counting on their support to actualize that collective dream of repositioning the state for greater heights.

The governor said the set of legislation being signed into law would enhance good governance.

He commended the state legislature for living up to their constitutional responsibility of legislation, representation, appropriation and oversight.

According to him, the three arms of government as we all know are to complement one another for good governance, peace and harmony

”I am glad that our lawmakers are living up to their constitutional responsibility, legislation, representation, appropriation and oversight.

”These they must continue to carry out with the larger interest of Ekiti people at the back of their minds.

“The effectiveness and efficiency of our lawmakers excite me, what they have done within four months in office can only be made possible where there is peace and harmony among the rank and file of the assembly.

“This has further shown their readiness, dedication and

commitment to serve Ekiti people,” he said.

Fayemi thanked members of the State House of Assembly for being great partners in his administration’s efforts to reposition the state, saying ”they have done a lot to impact on the people towards achieving a stronger Ekiti of our dreams.”

Earlier, Speaker of the Assembly, Mr Funminiyi Afuye, who was accompanied by his deputy and other principal officers of the legislature, commended Gov Fayemi’s administration for working for the best interest of the people of the state.

Afuye said the bills signed into law by the governor would impact positively on the lives of the people, adding that Fayemi had kept faith with his electioneering promises to reclaim the land of Ekiti and restore its values.

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