1. Malam Nasir El-rufa'i- Kaduna
2. Speaker Aminu Tambuwal- Sokoto
3. Abubakar Sani-Lulu Bello- Niger
4. Kashim Shettima- Borno
5. Sen. Jummai Alhassan- Taraba
6. Sen. Jibrilla Bindow- Adamawa
7. Akin Ambode- Lagos
8. Abdul Fatah Ahmed- Kwara
9. Barriester M.D Abubakar- Bauchi
10. Umar Ganduje - Kano
11. Aminu Bello Masari - Katsina
12. Ibrahim Geidam - Yobe
13. AbdulAzeez Yari Abubakar - Zamfara
14. Abiola Ajimobi - Oyo
15. Senator Ibikunle Amosun - Ogun
16. Chief Samuel Ortom - Benue
17. Rochas Okorocha - Imo
18. Tanko Almakura - Nassarawa


APC breaks the jinx in the history of our Nation...
First to unseat an incumbent president in Nigeria
First to elect Female governor in Nigeria
First to re-elect a sitting governor in Oyo state
And you think the change we call for is mere rhetorics?
This is a common sense revolution
PDP has been swept off by the wind of Change.
What a Tsunami of high magnitude.
Congratulations Nigeria. ‪#‎CHANGE‬!!!

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has slammed the PDP over its desperation to capture Lagos State at all cost, including using fake result sheets which were flown in from Abuja for Saturday’s
elections, warning that the people will resist any attempt to rob them of their votes.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the rigging plans are being led by President Goodluck Jonathan, who has already flown into Lagos where he has
held a meeting with his point men, including Musiliu Obanikoro, Jimi Agbaje and Gani Adams.

It said that before the meeting, eagle-eyed Nigerians who are appalled by the PDP’s rigging plans have widely circulated on the Social Media the details of the planned electoral malfeasance, including the airlifting from
Abuja to Lagos of a Black Kia Mohave SUV, with plate number DHQ 340, which was packed with election materials
(especially result sheets). ”The meeting in Lagos was aimed at devising a strategy to distributethe fake result
sheets that were packed into the SUV, which will be free to move around (because of its plate number) despite the
restriction on vehicular movement during the elections.

”It is sad that the same President, who conceded defeat in the presidential election and then followed up with a speech in which he said he would like his ‘legacy’ of free and fair elections to endure, is the one who is presiding over a desperate move to steal the people’s votes on Saturday. ”How can President Jonathan’s ‘legacy’ endure when one of
his last acts in office is a seeming vengeance mission to lead his party to capture Lagos, because the PDP sees the state as a cash cow that they can milk to death, with the party’s gravy train at the federal level having derailed?” the party queried.

”In their desperation over the Lagos election, they have shamelessly divided the people along ethnic, religious and regional lines, thus setting the stage for the condemnable hate speeches to which they have in turn latched on
to further whip up primordial sentiments. ”The PDP cannot now seek to benefit from the problems it caused in
the first instance. This party (PDP) and its leader, the President, have divided Nigerians in general and Lagos residents in particular more than any individual or group and at any time in history. If today things are being
said that should not have been said, it is the direct consequence of the PDP’s divisiveness,” APC added.

The party advised the President to desist from any vengeance mission that will only rubbish whatever is left of his so-called legacy of free and fair elections. It urged all APC members and supporters, and indeed all the good people of Lagos, to be extra vigilant on Saturday to thwart the evil machinations of the fallen behemoth called the PDP.

”Lagosians, please come out en masse on Saturday and vote in a peaceful manner for a candidate of your choice. Say no to coercion, defend your votes and repudiate all architects of divisiveness and rigging,” APC said.

Alhaji Lai
Mohammed
National Publicity
Secretary
All Progressives
Congress (APC)
Lagos, April 10th
2015
http://citizenconfidential.com/apc-exposes-pdps-rigging-plan-for-lagos/

Jimi Agbaje, you want to remove Lekki Toll Gate, Yet the Airport Toll Gate owned By FG Is milking Lagosians Dry.

The Airport Toll Gate generates N19b yearly yet the road to the airport is a sad story!!**

You also promised 150,000 housing units, yet Jonathan could only build 30,000 Nationally in 6years at a cost o N3 Trillion Naira. Where u wan see the money?Lagos budget is N467 billion yearly. **

You Promised to reduce taxes, Yet Jonathan set up tax review which suggested an upward increase in taxes(Moreover, Jaykay Pharmacy didn't even pay taxes?) **

You want to abolish Lastma, Kai, Lamata etc, Yet Ferma, Sure-P,Immigtation,all demanded money from people to get employment.Sure-P in Lagos recieved N27b what was the money used for?**

Yet The PDP led Federal Tax force' demanded and took N5000 for Application forms and and so took N35,000 for uniforms,yet they didn't employ one single soul.Shame!!!You want to pay Lagos Workers Minimum wage, as "Governor to be" did you ask the workers if they are not already enjoying N18,760.00 In Lagos. **

You said you will stop the Public Private Partnership used to build the Ikoyi Link Road.You must be out of your mind.Which project did the PDP execute in Lagos in 6 yrs, not one project.

Moreover, your PDP led Federal Government signed PPP agreement to build '2nd Niger bridge' for N129 Billion.

Jimi Agbaje, why are you promising what you know you cannot make happen just to win votes?

Jimi Agbaje, what do you really have for Lagosians?

Jimi Agbaje, Why are you trying to pit the Igbos against Lagosians?

The Igbos are Lagosians too!!Jimi Agbaje,PDP as a party has failed!!

Jimi Agbaje why are you trying to 'discontinue' the best performing state?A Government/State that has survived despite all the odds.

The attention of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) has been drawn to some unruly and unbecoming

comments purportedly in reaction to alleged comments by the paramount ruler of Lagos, Oba Rilwan

Akiolu and warn all those involved to desist from such unbecoming acts forthwith.

The institution of the oba is one the Yoruba race hold in high esteem, and the OPC as irredentist

defenders of Yoruba culture and heritage would therefore not tolerate anybody -irrespective of

their places of birth of conviction- to denigrate what their hosts (Yorubas) hold sacred.

While we accept that that institution should remain non-partisan, it must also be acknowledged that

the Palace of the Oba of Lagos has already claimed that the royal father was misrepresented in the

press and pleaded for understanding.

Be that as it may, the Yoruba’s accommodating and loving nature should not be misconstrued as

timidity. As hosts, we have given all our visitors enough space and opportunity to bloom and flourish

without molestations, and of all the tribes and visitors in Lagos, none has enjoyed the benevolence

of Lagos and indeed all of Yorubaland as much as the Igboman and nation.

The evidence of the claim above can be found in the fact that Yorubaland as a whole is the most

cosmopolitan area in Nigeria. We Yoruba have allowed other tribes to own businesses, properties

and even contest and hold political positions on Yoruba soil in a manner unreciprocated anywhere

else in Nigeria.

Using the same Lagos as an example, the fact that the likes of Pastor Ben. Akabueze and Joe

Igbokwe have become an integral part of the political frame work of Lagos State for years now is

proof enough that Lagos and indeed the Yoruba are excellent hosts. Akabueze has for the last ten

years been directing and coordinating the economic direction of the state from his enviable position

as the honorable commissioner for budget and planning while Igbokwe has held sways general

manager at LASIMRA and head, UFRU.

Others such as Ngozi Nwosu the popular actress from Imo State who got N6million for

overseas surgery, the late comrade Chima Ubani whose family got cash and a gift of 3bedroom

accommodation at Marwa Gardens as well as First Consultant Hospital that got N50 million as

compensation for involvement in the Ebola case are evidence that the Igbos are not despised in

Lagos.

Nowhere in Nigeria -east of the Niger- is the Yoruba or any other tribe accorded the kind of

gesture the Igbos have been enjoying in Lagos in the last 12 or so years since these bonafide Igbo

men entered into the Lagos political scene.

As for the likes of Bode George, Fani-Kayode, Musiliu Obanikoro and their party the PDP, their

outcry is the reaction of a person or group without shame and critical thinking (arojinle). Is it that

they have a case of memory dysfunction or are they just plain mischievous. Have they so quickly

forgotten that it is their party that started the politicization of the institution and monarchy with

the president’s visit to the same Oba of Lagos earlier this January as the forerunner to visits to

many other obas in Yorubaland. None of the PDP members complaining now saw any thing wrong with

the attempts to involve our obas in partisan politics until it backfired against them and their party.

This brings us to the warning we issued earlier, when Gani Adams in his treacherous, sycophantic

and reactionary move turned on the good people of Lagos unleashing violence and threat of violence

against the perceived enemies of his paymasters.

If Adams had not behaved like an omo ojuorolari, he should by now be defending the sacredness of

the stool of the Oba of Lagos or any other one in Yorubaland for that matter.

If Adams had not collected the billions he did, along with MASSOB and other ethnic groups, his

co-travellers would now be degenerating and abusing our hospitality the way no one can replicate in

their homelands.

In closing, we enjoin all members of the OPC and indeed the Yoruba nation to beware of the

enemies within like Gani Adams and with one voice condemn all fifth columnist within our fold. And

with the foregoing it is abundantly clear that Gani Adams who brought this odium upon us must quit

the OPC.

For: National Coordinating Council

Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC)

Com. Monsuru AKANDE

http://citizenconfidential.com/press-release-yoruba-institutions-are-not-meant-to-be-trampled-upon/

just look at what you posted

Can we Trust This Man? NO!!!

he governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, has said he will not discriminate against any tribe if he is voted into office.

Akinwunmi Ambode

Ambode said this less than a day after the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, reportedly threatened to place a curses on those who would not vote for Ambode on Saturday.

The governorship candidate said this while receiving 20 buses from a groip, Nigeria Progressive Ambassadors, in Lagos, according to a statement on Monday.

He said, “Every group in Lagos is safe in my hands as governor. I will not discriminate against any religious or ethnic group. It is our Lagos and we must build it together.”

Ambode added, “In my acceptance speech after the primaries, I made this note that I will be a governor for all and Lagos is safe in my hands. I want to build on the foundation of unity, peace, progress and development laid by my predecessor.

“I am your best choice for a Lagos that must continue to thrive. And though tongue and tribe may differ we stand in brotherhood in Lagos from the smallest ethnic groups to the major ones. We are all stakeholders.”

Speaking through the group’s General Secretary, Miss Vuakpor Ojo, the group, which is made of young persons, said it “strongly believe in the future of Lagos” and the country as a whole.

Ojo said, “We are a body of forward-thinking Nigerians, who are ready to partner with people, who have the ability to give an enabling future to this state and sustain its excellence.

“You are one of us, and this donation of 20 buses depicts our commitment to the cause to make a detribalised leader like you, who understands the cosmopolitan nature of Lagos, govern the state starting from May 29.“

http://saharareporters.com/2015/04/06/i-won%E2%80%99t-discriminate-against-any-tribe-%E2%80%93-ambode

Just take a look at what AMBODE have for LAGOSAINS.

The gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, has said he will not discriminate against any tribe if he is voted into office.

According to Punch, Ambode said this less than a day after the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, reportedly threatened to place a curse on those who would not vote for Ambode on Saturday.

The gubernatorial candidate disclosed this while receiving 20 buses from a group, Nigeria Progressive Ambassadors (NPA), in Lagos, according to a statement on Monday.

He said, “Every group in Lagos is safe in my hands as governor. I will not discriminate against any religious or ethnic group. It is our Lagos and we must build it together.”

Ambode added, “In my acceptance speech after the primaries, I made this note that I will be a governor for all and Lagos is safe in my hands. I want to build on the foundation of unity, peace, progress and development laid by my predecessor.

“I am your best choice for a Lagos that must continue to thrive. And though tongue and tribe may differ we stand in brotherhood in Lagos from the smallest ethnic groups to the major ones. We are all stakeholders.”

Speaking on behalf of the group, it’s General Secretary, Miss Vuakpor Ojo, said the group, which is made of young persons, “strongly believes in the future of Lagos” and the country as a whole.

Ojo said, “We are a body of forward-thinking Nigerians, who are ready to partner with people, who have the ability to give an enabling future to this state and sustain its excellence.

“You are one of us, and this donation of 20 buses depicts our commitment to the cause to make a detribalised leader like you, who understands the cosmopolitan nature of Lagos, govern the state starting from May 29″

Nasir El-Rufai, the former FCT Minister, who is also running for governor in Kaduna state under APC, took to social media to advice Lagosians ahead of the governorship election by stating 10 reasons why APC should remain in power.

READ MORE: http://www.naij.com/416186-i-will-be-a-governor-for-all-ambode.html

‎My attention has been drawn to a publication in a national newspaper where HRM Oba Riliwanu Akinolu was alleged to have threatened Igbos in Lagos to make them vote for Ambode. Last Sunday, all honorary Eze Ndigbos in Lagos paid a courtesy call to HRM Oba Akinolu. At the meeting the visitors praised the Oba for his fatherly support for and cooperation with Igbos in. Lagos. They assured him of their continued good neighborliness with other tribes in Lagos and support everything that’ll further strengthen that harmony. Oba Akiolu on his part acknowledged the enviable performance of Governor Fashola and his contribution to the growth of investments in Lagos. He gave the assurance that he is not disturbed or angry with South-East and South- South votes for President Jonathan as perceived by the Eze Ndigbos. The Obas thereafter called on the Igbos chiefs to show appreciation to Lagos State by supporting his candidate Mr. Ambode for continuity of excellence as they have earlier promised. He assured them of his continued support‎ and assistance where needed and the meeting ended with the traditional breaking of kolas, alligator pepper, and bitter kola and pouring of liberation on the ground. It was within this context that that the tradition of Lagos with regard to the lagoon came up. It was noted that whoever works against the throne and the interest and peaceful co-existence of Lagos would end up in the lagoon as per tradition. .Oba Akiolu stated further that the Igbo people have not betrayed the throne. Lagos has also not betrayed the Igbo people. Lagos has done so much to make the Igbos comfortable and to prosper. For this, we expect reciprocal respect and understanding. The Oba of Lagos prays that the Lagoon and the throne will continue to bless and protect all those who reside and visit Lagos. Oba Akiolu is the father of all irrespective of tribe, religion or political persuasion. In Lagos, we have an old traditional proverb that relates to the Lagoon. The Lagoon is unique to Lagos. The proverb stresses the need for unity and understanding when you do business in an environment and in this case when you live and do business in Lagos. Oba Akiolu prays for peace for the land of Lagos and prosperity for all its inhabitants.

Signed: Chief Lateef Aderibigbe Ajose, Opeluwa of Lagos

http://citizenconfidential.com/flash-the-palace-makes-further-clarification-on-the-statement-by-the-oba-of-lagos/

The All Progressives Congress says having failed to discredit a former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, through hate documentaries, which have been barred by a Lagos High Court, President Goodluck Jonathan has given money to groups to hold protests against Tinubu.

The party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, on Tuesday, said the groups are expected to carry placards calling for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to arrest Tinubu.

The APC said it was sure of the planned protests just as it had predicted the violent protests of the Odua Peoples Congress as well as the postponement of the elections.

The statement read, “During the forthcoming demonstrations, the protesters have been told to carry placards asking the EFCC to probe the allegations made against Tinubu in the deceitful, ill-intentioned and irresponsible ‘documentary’ that was sponsored by the same Jonathan administration.

“Such is the level of President Jonathan’s desperation for re-election that a man who is not on the ballot in the forthcoming elections has become a target of unprecedented mudslinging by his (President’s) administration.”

It said it was ironic that the same Jonathan who said his victory at the polls was not worth the blood of any Nigerian went ahead to sponsor the OPC to wreak havoc in Lagos on Monday.

The APC said the intention of the protests backfired as all-well meaning Nigerians have since condemned it. The party added that Jonathan’s electoral chances were declining due to acts of desperation.

The statement added, “Taking into consideration the sponsored protests by MASSOB and the OPC, the unprovoked and virulent attacks on the presidential candidate of the APC, Maj.Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), the sponsored documentary of lies as well as the planned demonstrations against Tinubu, and the inciting statements by First Lady Patience Jonathan, who has asked her supporters to stone APC members and supporters, there is undisputed evidence that President Jonathan himself is leading the campaign to make the elections violent and Nigeria ungovernable.”

Meanwhile, the Lagos State chapter of the APC says the destruction of its outdoor adverts by OPC members on Monday must not go unpunished.

The Lagos State Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, said during a press conference on Tuesday that the act of violence was capable of scaring away investors.

Igbokwe said it was disappointing that security agents could supervise such a protest. He, therefore, questioned the neutrality of security agencies on election day.

http://www.punchng.com/politics/jonathan-to-organise-anti-tinubu-protests-soon-apc/

Editor’s note: The last 4 years, there has been several Alarming and scandalous cases of Corruption in Nigeria, some perpetrators have been charged to court, some cases were never even investigated as many of the cases remain unsolved.

Story highlights:

– It is believed that Alhaji Maina misappropriated billions of naira worth of pension funds

– Nigeria’s parliament has discussed a report said to reveal that $6bn (£4bn) has been defrauded from the fuel subsidy fund in the past two years.

– The government had Charged Abacha to court on nine counts of stealing against Mohammed in February 2014.

This is a List of the Top 12. Hoping this would be a wake up call for the EFCC to take action.

N195 Billion Maina Pension Scam
It is believed that Alhaji Maina misappropriated billions of naira worth of pension funds, which he claimed to have recovered from pension thieves. The senate committee probing pension funds management accused him of mopping up pension funds from banks and depositing the money in his private accounts. According to the committee, this mopping of such funds had made it impossible to pay thousands of pensioners across the country for months. When he was summoned to appear and clear the air on the committee’s findings, Alhaji Maina instituted a N1.5bn case against the senate and the inspector general of police. Things came to a head last week when the senate passed a resolution asking the presidency to sack Alhaji Maina within two days or face its wrath. Although the presidency had initially insisted that only the head of service could sack Maina, it subsequently changed its tone and ordered that disciplinary action should be taken against him for absconding from his duty post without permission.
Punishment: None fled Nigeria.

Kerosene Subsidy Scam
The Former Governor of the Central bank and Now Emir of Kano Mr Sanusi’s had shown that the kerosene subsidy was eliminated in 2009 by a directive of the late president Umaru Yar’Adua. Further evidence, in the form of official data from across Nigeria, shows that nowhere in the country is kerosene sold at a subsidised rate. It is bought by the NNPC at N150, sold to marketers at N40-N50, but retails at N170-N250. Mr Sanusi estimates that $100m goes astray this way each month.
“The margin of 300-500 per cent over purchase price is economic rent, which never got to the man on the street. In dollar terms every vessel of kerosene imported by NNPC with federation money cost about $30m and it was sold at $10 or $11m generating rent of $20m per vessel to the syndicate,” he writes.
It was learnt that since the national assembly members concluded their investigations, no officials of the NNPC or the marketers have been sanctioned, thus emboldening them to continue to import kerosene and allocate to themselves and their cronies.
Apparently due to alleged pecuniary benefits, the NNPC has continued to import kerosene and allocate in questionable circumstances to individuals and groups at the ex-depot price of N40.90.

But rather than selling the product at the subsidised price of N50 per litre at filling stations, the beneficiaries of these allocations sell the product to middlemen at N95 or N100 per litre at the gates of the depots.

These middlemen, it was learnt, truck the product to the filling stations and sell between N130 and N150 per litre.

It was alleged that marketers give some of their allocations to some top PPMC officials to ensure that they turn blind eye to the scam.

The failure of the NNPC to implement a presidential directive removing subsidy from kerosene has fuelled suspicion among the stakeholders.

Punishment: None

$6bn Fuel Subsidy Scam
Nigeria’s parliament has discussed a report said to reveal that $6bn (£4bn) has been defrauded from the fuel subsidy fund in the past two years.
The debate, which was televised live, made official findings that have been widely leaked in recent days.
The fuel sector probe was set up in the wake of angry nationwide protests in January after the government tried to remove a fuel subsidy.

Nigeria is a major oil producer but has to import most of its fuel.

Notable members of the PDP or their families were involved in the scam like Mamman Ali and Mahmud Tukur

Punishment: Ongoing court cases, no convictions. House of reps report tainted by Farouk Lawan bribery setup

123bn Naira Fraud – Stephen Oronsaye
A damning report by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation has indicted a former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr. Stephen Oronsaye, over an alleged N123billion fraud perpetrated during his tenure, between 2009 and 2010.

The 169-page report, entitled “Special Audit of the Accounts of the Civil Pensions,” according to an online news medium, Premium Times, found Oronsaye guilty of allegedly presiding over the looting of the nation’s resources during his tenure.

The audit by the auditor-general arose from the work of a Special Audit Team constituted by the federal government in May 2011 to conduct a comprehensive examination of the accounts of the Civilian Pension Department domiciled in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

The audit, which covered the period 2005 to 2010, uncovered monumental financial irregularities, opaque transactions, irregular and abnormal running costs, and outright stealing and kick backs said to have reached its zenith during the 18 months that Oronsaye served as Head of Service.
But no action has been taken to bring all those indicted to book
Punishment: No action taken

Police Pension Fund Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned the ex-permanent secretary in the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, now a director in the Police Pension Office, Atiku Abubakar Kigo; the chief accountant, Mrs. Uzoma Cyril Attang, and four others before an Abuja high court on an 18-count charge of conspiracy, breach of trust and embezzlement of N32.8 billion police pension funds.

The six accused persons were docked before Justice Hussain Baba to whom the case was reassigned following a controversial judgement of the first trial judge, Justice Abubakar Talba: he gave a light sentence to one of the accused, John Yusuf, who pleaded guilty to a three-count charge.

But Attang, who was arraigned by the EFCC for the first time in connection with the alleged fraud, was granted N10million bail and two sureties in like sum.

Those who were re-arraigned include Esai Dangabar, Atiku Abubakar Kigo, Ahmed Inuwa Wada, Mrs Veronica Ulonma Onyegbula, Sani Habila Zira, Christian Madubuike, and John Yusuf who had been convicted.

Punishment: accused got a two years sentence or 750,000 fine. Paid 750,000
APC

Stella Oduah car purchase scandal
The committee set up by President Goodluck Jonathan to probe the N255m bulletproof car scandal in the aviation ministry has indicted the Minister, Ms. Stella Oduah.

It was gathered in Abuja that the report of the presidential committee tallied with some findings of the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation on the scandal.

In October, there were reports that with the approval of the minister, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority purchased two bulletproof BMW cars at an allegedly inflated rate of N255m.

The development sparked a countrywide controversy with many Nigerians and groups calling for her sacking.
Punishment: None

NNPC missing $20billion naira.
Even in a country where untold oil wealth disappears into the pockets of the elite, the oil corruption scheme he was investigating seemed outsize — and he threatened to lay it bare at a meeting with Nigeria’s top bankers.

The rabble-rouser was none other than the governor of the country’s central bank. Weeks later, however, he was out, fired by Nigeria’s president in an episode that has shaken the Nigerian economy, filled newspapers and airwaves here, and even inspired a rare street demonstration.

The bankers were going to have to open their books, the governor, Lamido Sanusi, warned them at the recent meeting. He wanted to see where the money was going — $20 billion from oil sales that, mysteriously, was not making its way to the treasury, in a country that could soon be declared Africa’s biggest economy and already attracts the most direct foreign investment on the continent, according to the United Nations.
Punishment: [/b]Whistle blower was fired. The FG ordered an Audit of the NNPC. Audit report later indicts NNPC, corporation to refund $1.48billion

[b]$15 million in Private Jet Arm Scandal
A private jet that conveyed $9.3 million cash from Nigeria to South Africa for an alleged arms deal between the two countries, had Nigerian crew members, and passengers from Israel and Austria.
Punishment: government claims involvement in scandal. No further explanations to individuals on board. Blames US for black market arms deal


Crude Oil Theft Scandal
According to President Goodluck Jonathan, 300,000-400,000 barrels of oil per day, or more than 10% of all Nigeria’s production, is being lost at a cost to the state and oil companies of around £1bn a month – more than is spent on education and the health of the nation’s 168 million people. Not only is Nigerian oil theft helping to keep the world price of oil high, it is causing corruption and social disorder, says the president.

Punishment: None, ex militant given contract worth billions to secure waterways. Rather than a decrease in oil theft, a marked increase is seen.

Ekiti Gate
The audio recordings depict the meeting as being attended by the eventual “winner” of the election, Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti; Senator Iyiola Omisore; a man identified as Honorable Abdulkareem; the Minister for Police Affairs Caleb Olubolade; and Senator Musiliu Obanikoro who was at the time the Minister of State for Defence. Mr. Chris Uba came to Ekiti with huge stash cash and soldiers from the East to carry out the assignment.

The 37-minute recording details the conversation between these men as they bribed Brigadier General Momoh with a promotion for his assistance in carrying out election fraud in Ekiti. In it, Obanikoro is clearly heard informing the group of men, “[I] am not here for a tea party, am on special assignment by the President.”

SaharaReporters further received credible intelligence that President Goodluck Jonathan had instructed the Chief of Defense Staff, Alex Badeh, to use the army in arresting and intimidating opposition politicians before and during the election. The audio recording provides exact details of the plot, with the collaborators almost degenerating into physical combat.

Mohammed Abacha N446 Billion case.
The government had Charged Abacha to court on nine counts of stealing against Mohammed in February 2014.

It had accused him of unlawfully receiving about N446.3bn allegedly stolen from its coffers between 1995 and 1998.

But on Wednesday, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke, asked Justice Mamman Kolo of the FCT High Court to strike out the charges on the grounds of “fresh facts” that just emerged concerning the case.

He was silent on whether new charges would be filed against Mohammed or not.

Efforts to arraign Mohammed on two previous occasions were unsuccessful because of his repeated absence from court.

But he was present in court on Wednesday when a private prosecuting counsel, Daniel Enwelum, informed the court of Adoke’s instruction to discontinue the case.

Applying to court for the withdrawal of the case, Enwelum said, “I have been instructed by the AGF and Minister of Justice to withdraw the charges as presently filed before this court, because there are fresh facts and documents available to him.
Punishment: None

N7Billion Bribe to Christian Religious Leaders.

On the 4th of February, The Director-General, Buhari Presidential Campaign organisation, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, Accused some church leaders of taking N7 billion as bribe from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to campaign against the presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd).

Governor Amaechi, at APC’s governorship campaign rally, in Emohua Local Government Area, Rivers State, said already, the religious leaders were allegedly distributing leaflets all over that Buhari had plans to Islamize the country if elected.

Amaechi called on the pastors to return the alleged bribe collected from the PDP.

By the 19th of February, A Borno-based Pastor, Kallamu Musa-Dikwa, said that the money that was given to pastors by the President was actually N7bn and not N6bn as alleged by Amaechi.

The PDP has since denied this.

READ MORE: http://www.naij.com/402850-top-12-corruption-cases.html

PRESS STATEMENT BY THE NATIONAL COORDINATING
COUNCIL OF THE OODUA PEOPLES CONGRESS (OPC) ON THE RECENT
VIOLENT PROTESTS BY GANI ADAMS CALLING FOR JEGA’S
REMOVAL. GANI ADAMS HAS BETRAYED US AND THE YORUBA PEOPLE

We, the members of the National Coordinating
Council of the Oodua People’s Congress, OPC, the highest
ruling body of the organization, wish to disassociate
ourselves from the shameful, destructive, violent and
reactionary activities of the Gani Adam-led team which
occurred in Lagos today. What was witnessed today in Lagos
was the highest level of political violence sponsored and
funded by certain elements in the Jonathan government.
Gani Adams is on his own and does not enjoy the support of a
large size of our membership spread across the country. He
is working for the sponsors of violence against our people
who want the March 28 elections not to hold. Unleashing
terror on innocent citizens and killing them is not the way
of democracy. It is not our idea of a people-oriented advocacy.
Gani Adams is on dubious project. He is using the Pipleline
contract from the Jonathan government as a ploy or excuse to
recruit people to work for Jonathan and PDP in the South
West. Gani Adams is acting against Yoruba interest. The
compromises he has made amounts to selling the Yoruba to the
present government for a piece of Pipeline contract to line
his pockets. OPC is not about Pipleline contracts or any
other contracts for that matter. The Yoruba interest is
beyond contracts. We seek justice and fairness from the
current government.
We, members of the National Coordinating Council of the Odua
People’s Congress, OPC, call all true Yoruba leaders, sons
and daughters to stand with us in totally condemning Gani
and his anti-democratic tendencies. We must renounce him and
remind him he cannot sell the Yoruba race to Jonathan and
PDP on the cheap. He also has no authority to speak on
behalf of the Yoruba people. We pity those who rely on him
to win votes. They will be sorely disappointed. Their
investment is a bad one already. We reject today and always
any attempt to use our organization and its members for
narrow and selfish partisan purporses.
We must remind them that the Yoruba people cannot be
hoodwinked by sweeteners. No one should expect them to kow
tow to an individual who is a Lilliputian in the political
development and history of the Yoruba nation. The Yorubas
are a politically sophisticated persons and will simply
ignore political opportunists like Gani Adams. We renounce
him and his activities which are against the larger Yoruba
interest. We renounce all other Yoruba sons and daughters
who are playing roles inimical to the welfare and interest
the larger Yoruba nation.
We call on our people to be vigilant politically at this
time. Nigeria needs a new leadership, a new direction and a
country that works.Comrade Shina Akinpelu

See more at: http://citizenconfidential.com/flash-gani-adams-has-betrayed-us-and-the-yoruba-people/#sthash.lzXhTXmr.dpuf

Wife of the President, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, has said she is not ready to feed her husband, President Goodluck Jonathan, in prison.

The President’s wife spoke in Ado Ekiti, on Monday, during the rally of the women’s wing of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Making a reference to the All Progressives Congress, she asked, “What did they forget in Aso rock? If you vote PDP and Jonathan, it would be better for you. If you vote APC, you will go to prison. How can you jail somebody for 300 years? I’m not ready to carry food to my husband inside prison oh!”

She openly admitted that the Office of the First Lady, which she occupies, is illegal.

She, however, said there was nothing wrong in a woman supporting her husband in office.

She said, “They said there is no Office of the First Lady. Already, we know that there is no Office of the First Lady but there is wife of the President.

“As (the) wife of the President, if you are good, people will love you. You will have a Non-Governmental Organisation through which you will touch people’s lives. That is why I brought Women for Change Initiative.”

While she was talking, women – both old and young – fought to have their share of the leftover of rice distributed by Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, during the last Christmas festival, packaged in small bags.

The women were still struggling over the rice packaged in small bags when attention was diverted to another struggle for buckets presented by Senator Gbemi Saraki in commemoration of the October 16 inauguration of Fayose.

In the struggle, which almost resulted in a stampede, many of the women got injured.

Shoes, headgears, wigs and bags littered the floor while a woman was heard complaining to a friend that she lost her bangle.

Security men had a hectic time controlling the surging women who engaged in a brawl.

Mrs. Jonathan described APC as a poison, saying, “If you drink APC, you will die.”

Accusing the party of having to change name several times, she said, “Since my father was born, they have been around changing from one name to another. Very soon they would answer Ebola. The name can’t change you; it is only performance that can change you. If you like change it 100 times.

“Nigerian women shine your eyes, don’t go for analogue, go for digital. PDP is digital, APC is analogue.

Fayose at the event took a swipe at former President Olusegun Obasanjo, saying his tacit support for the APC presidential candidate, Maj. Gen. Muhamadu Buhari (retd.), would get him nowhere.

“After Jonathan, the North can have their own eight years. Whether they like it or not, whether that our baba, you know him, whether he tore his card or not, whether he ate the card or not, Buhari is going nowhere,” he declared.

“Goodluck is our own. He is coming back. I am carrying the madate of a people who believe in me. If they do elections here 20 times, I will win,” he boasted.

Mrs. Jonathan said it was time for the women to pay back her husband for appointing several women into positions of authority.

“This is the time to say thank you so that he will do more. Those people when they were there, they said we didn’t have brains. Jonathan came and lifted us from where we were lying helplessly.”

She urged the women to collect their Permanent Voter Cards and vote massively for the president.

“PDP is not a party that tells lies. Whatever we promise to do, we do. We are not a propagandist party. Ekiti women, your mother is here and I will not tell you lies, but the truth.

“Nigerian women shine your eyes o! Vote with what you have seen, who you already know and who has performed. If anyone is telling you change, they are deceiving you.

“These were people that when they were there before Goodluck Jonathan, they did not count you women as anything. But today, PDP has wiped away our tears. Jonathan has wiped off our tears. He has fulfilled his promise of giving women 35 per cent participation. He gave 16 seats to women out of 42 slots in his cabinet. He is a performer.”

Earlier, over 100 wives of Ekiti monarchs welcomed the President’s wife to the palace of the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, where seven of them prayed for her while she knelt down in their midst.

Speaking through the wife of the Ewi, Mrs. Abosede Adejugbe, the wives of the monarchs appealed to the President’s wife to extend the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme to Ekiti State fully.

She assured her of total support in the coming general election.

The wife of the Ewi also called on six other ‘oloris’ in addition to herself to pray for Mrs. Jonathan, describing seven as a powerful number.

http://www.punchng.com/politics/im-not-ready-to-feed-jonathan-in-prison-patience/

Is this how Agbaje will be doing to Lagosian if he later become the Governor?

That is what Jonathan and Obanikoro Planned to do since when the #OneMillionMarchForBuhari held in lagos. they just want to counter the crowd that March for Buhari that day and they should know that they can't win the presidential Election talk less of in LAGOS. #SaiBaba.

After a night of entertainment at the Eko Hotel on Sunday night, President Gooduck Jonathan met with a select group of social media people and unemployed youth to finalize plans on how to attack Bola Tinubu, the former Governor of Lagos and APC National leader. The President approved the plan to mobilize street protests against Tinubu on Wednesday across Lagos and ensuring that that is fed into the social media platforms. He summarily approved the sum of N100 million naira. A visibly angry Jonathan complained about the bashing he continues to receive from the social media blaming the APC social media machine for his negative image. For the first time, the president is funding directly his social media plan but this one directed at fighting an individual, Tinubu, not to address national issues. We reliable gathered that Jonathan wanted street protests against Tinubu which can be fed into the social media in a desperate effort to tarnish Tinubu;s image. -

See more at: http://citizenconfidential.com/exposed-jonathan-releases-n100-million-naira-to-social-media-to-fight-tinubu/#sthash.JAxumKDU.dpuf

The Federal Government today had a closed door meeting with parents and relatives of abducted Chibok school girls, where it tabled plans to get the girls released from Boko Haram captivity.

Recall that over 200 girls were abducted from Government Secondary School, Chibok, on April 14, 2014 by the Islamic fundamentalist group, Boko Haram.

In a press statement made available to Punch by the Special Adviser to Minister of State for Power (Hon. Mohammed Wakil), Olawale Rasheed, it was disclosed that, at the meeting in Maiduguri this morning, the federal government, through its representative, told the parents how far it had gone in securing the release of the school girls from captivity.

It will be recalled that in a just concluded interview on Africa Independent Television (AIT), President Goodluck Jonathan revealed that the abducted chibok girls are alive.

The President said that Boko Haram insurgents have not killed the over 200 schoolgirls abducted from Government Secondary School Chibok, Borno state.

Meanwhile, There are strong indications that the United Kingdom is trying to keep information about the over 200 Chibok school girls.These indications came to light when a UK-based group, Security in Africa, through its founder, Ben Oguntala, decided to write the British Ministry of Defence to request for information on the kidnapped girls.

READ MORE: http://www.naij.com/396682-fg-in-closed-door-meeting-with-chibok-girls-parents.html

THE All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Organisation (APCPCO) has accused President Jonathan of turning churches into campaign grounds in a bid to win the 2015 election.

The Director of Media and Publicity the organization, Malam Garba Shehu, said it was improper for the president to turn worship centres into platforms for making official statements or announcing government policies.

Shehu, according to The Nation noted that the strategy defied the norms of government practices, stressing that the president was deliberately doing so “in the belief that the manipulation of religious sentiments would cover up the multitudes of his epic failures.”

According to him, using worship centres as platforms for making major official statements could create precedents that the country could not handle in future.

The campaign spokesperson added that if predecessor presidents did not use the mosques or churches to make official statements of public importance, it was wrong for Jonathan to start something that was already sending the wrong message.

The organisation asked the people of the Southwest to ignore the promises of the president to implement the report of the National Conference, saying it was incapable of protecting their interests.

Shehu said: “It is necessary to state that all points of the Yoruba agenda that could have favoured the Southwest, in­cluding regional autonomy, restructuring, devolution of power and parliamentary system, could not sail through at the conference.

“These people knew that though they deceived Nigerians, particularly the Yoruba people, with the ostensible reason, but the real reason for the endorsement was because of their personal economy. Some of them have had their personal finances transformed by way of juicy, but dubious security contracts and handsome cash largesse by the government of Dr. Jonathan at the expense of Nigerian people.

“We consider it asinine that any group can predicate its support for Dr. Jonathan on his promise to respect any agreement. The antecedents of Dr. Jonathan speak eloquently of a serial promise-breaker, unreliable keeper of gentlemanly agreement and unabashed turncoat.

It would be recalled that the governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, recenty stated that the South-west geopolitical zone would not vote for the APC presidential candidate Muhammadu Buhari, because that would place the APC national leader, Senator Bola Tinubu, as the leader of the Yoruba race.




http://www.naij.com/396409-stop-campaigning-in-churches-apc-tells-jonathan.html

While the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) other members were probably sleeping or engaging in meetings aimed at curtailing the rising profile of the opposition candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, one of their top men was romancing them. Our source revealed that the loquacious director of media and publicity of the President Goodluck Jonathan campaign, Fani Kayode was sighted sneaking into Bola Tinubu’s mansion in Bourdillion, Ikoyi, Lagos State last night. According to a source, Fani-Kayode was at Tinubu’s house to apologize for the video where the opposition leader is currently being maligned on the new private mouth piece of PDP, the Africa Independent Television (AIT). The source revealed that he pleaded with Tinubu not go ahead with the court case and claim billions as he was merely doing his job. Abusidiqu had also been reliably informed that Fani-Kayode had told one of the media managers of the APC presidential campaign when they met at a programme a few days ago that he should be forgiven for his role in the PDP campaign. He reportedly told the top APC chieftain that despite what seems to be personal attack on the APC and its principal officers, he was only doing so to justify his appointment. During the short visit to Tinubu’s residence, he was noted to have acknowledged that his party may lose the election to APC but he had no choice but to sell the president using propaganda tools. He promised to talk to the presidency to stop the airing of the defamatory video. Our source however refused to tell this newspaper what Tinubu replied him -

See more at: http://citizenconfidential.com/exposed-fani-kayode-sneaks-into-tinubus-house-at-midnight-to-beg-for-mercy/#sthash.pe46JOoV.dpuf

Founder of Social Media Week Lagos and owner of Storm Group, Obi Asika, has confirmed his appointment as President Goodluck Jonathan’s Senior Special Assistant on Social Media.

Bye Bye Reno Omokri! Welcome Obi Asika!
Obi Asika. Photo credit: Techloy.com



Asika who confirmed his appointment via an open letter he addressed to participants at the Social Media Week (SMW) Lagos 2015, revealed the position has been elevated to cabinet level in the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

The letter was published on the website of the SMW. See below:

Dear Social Media Week Lagos Community,

I am humbled to inform you of my appointment as Senior Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Social Media. I would like to thank President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR for entrusting me with this responsibility and I pledge to give my best to the job and as always, to promote Nigeria and her people. It is worthy of note that this is the first appointment at cabinet level on the African continent for the sector and speaks to the innovation driven by the President and his administration.

To ensure the independence of Social Media Week Lagos, I have since the appointment, resigned my position as Chairman of Social Media Week Lagos & recused myself from the programming. I am confident that the team, led by Ngozi Odita, is more than strong enough to produce world-class events year after year. In this regard I am excited about all of the events and speakers and wish everybody well.

I would like to thank all those with whom I have worked over the years across multiple industries and brands for their messages of support. As we move forward there will be more announcements from my office concerning Government policies and plans for the social media space.

I ask my friends, family, associates and all Nigerians for their support and prayers.

May God Bless Nigeria.

Thank You.

Obi Asika
Founder
Social Media Week Lagos



Meanwhile, a New York law firm Daniel Szalkiewicz & Associates has been engaged by Reno Omokri, the outgoing special assistant to the president on new media, to serve a Cease and Desist Notice on Omoyele Sowore and saharareporters.com.

READ MORE: http://www.naij.com/392121-bye-bye-reno-omokri-welcome-obi-asika.html

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, has stated that he is fit, healthy and well to lead Nigeria if elected on March 28. Buhari made the disclosure during his appearance at the Chatham House, London. The former Head of State who stood for more than one hour to address and answer questions, also said that he takes full responsibility for whatever happened under his watch as a military dictator in Nigeria between 1983 to 1985. Here are some of the words of Buhari culled from the official Twitter handle of Chatham House, Africa, @ChathamHouse National Assembly members will remain relevant in their constituencies, so I do not want to touch salaries now!: @ThisIsBuhari #CHAfrica Change is coming democratically for Africa. Multi party democracy is the best form of government: Gen. #Buhari #CHAfrica #Buhari on his age: I have been declared fit @ThisIsBuhari #CHAfrica - See more at:

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/02/i-am-fit-healthy-and-well-to-lead-nigeria-buhari/#sthash.xi6ls0ej.dpuf

The ongoing war between former president, Olusegun Obasanjo and President Goodluck Jonathan took a remarkable dimension yesterday during the 90th birthday celebration of ex leader, Shehu Shagari in Sokoto as obasanjo avoided the president.
What Obasanjo Did To Jonathan At Shagari's Birthday.

It was gathered that Obasanjo arrived when President Goodluck Jonathan was inside Shehu Shagari’s house but refused to come out of his vehicle until Goodluck Jonathan had finished and left.

Those present could not stop laughing as the former president was repeatedly poking his tongue at them from inside his vehicle.

Also present at the event were, former head of interim government, Ernest Shonekon as well as ex heads of state, Generals Yakubu Gowon, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar.

Obasanjo and Jonathan have been at loggerheads following the former’s constant attacks on his government.

It will be realled that President Goodluck Jonathan and the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), have congratulated the former president, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, on his 90th birthday.

READ MORE: http://www.naij.com/392223-what-obasanjo-did-to-jonathan-at-shagaris-birthday.html

GEJ PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS :

* In 2008 when Obasanjo picked you to be
Yaradua's running mate who were the people that first kicked against your candidacy?
The Ijaws did. Their reason was that the 2 years as governor in Bayelsa you did ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. Till date, your era is still termed the worst in Bayelsa.


* Why did Obasanjo find it difficult to sell you to
his allies and PDP as Yaradua's running mate?
You Jonathan had a case with EFCC has
documents proved you embezzled N9,000,000,000 (NINE BILLION NAIRA) while your wife Patience laundered $4,000,000 (FOUR MILLION DOLLARS) all these within two years.

* Ebele, who was your biggest opposition in
becoming Yaradua's running mate?
The answer is EDWIN CLARK. The man who today is your mouth piece and who is pretending loves you the most.

* Azikiwe, amongst other tricks, what did you do to gather public sympathy?
You Mr Deceitful sent people to blow up part of
your house in Bayelsa to make it look like it was your political opponents. The SSS released a report which you guys later hid to debunk your dubious claim.

* Jonathan, when Yaradua made you to be in
charge of negotiations with the Niger Delta
Militants, who were those who objected and what was their reasons?
Asari, Tompolo, and Boyloaf. Their reason being that you are not sincere in the Niger Delta course but only after your pocket.
SHOULD I GO ON?

* What was your agreement with PDP regarding a 2nd term.
You promised and even swore you will go for a
SINGLE TERM

*Why did you jail James Ibori and forced Aoandoka to go underground?
To revenge their utmost loyalty to the late Yaradua
.
* Did you fulfill your agreement to Tinubu and
others even when they had to betray their party at that last minute in order to canvass for you.
ABSOLUTELY NO.

* How did you try to mock and tarnish Obasanjo?
You didn't only remove all his loyalist from your
government, you also made sure you made his
enemies your closest allies. You don't need me to start calling names right?

* Who is Jonathan's BIGGEEST Northern Ally?
Alli Modu Sherrif. The CHIEF SPONSOR OF BOKO HARAM.

AWAY FROM POLITICS.
* You promised Nigerians incentives in order to
remove subsidy. Things like stable power, metro buses (in Lagos and Abuja), full road rehabilitation etc.
MR LIAR WHERE ARE THEY.

* Obasanjo's government brought GSM amongst other things, Yaradua's short time in government brought RULE OF LAW. Jonathan what has yours brought?
NOTHING EXCEPT INCREASE IN CORRUPTION.

* Never in the history of Nigeria has all institutions witnessed as much strike as yours.

*Jonathan WHERE ARE THE CHIBOK GIRLS.

* Jonathan what in Heaven's name do you need FIVE presidential jet for even with the high rate of poverty in the land.

* Ebele, the ONLY Nigerian president that tried all means to DIVIDE Nigeria along Religion and Ethnic line.

* The ONLY AFRICAN PRESIDENT THAT OPENLY CELEBRATES CRIMINALS AND EX CONVICTS.
Kashamu, Alameisia (or whatever), Bode George.

* Jonathan will rather gallivant with Nollywood
stars than have a session with those brains who are truly making Nigerians proud both Home and Abroad. Or better Still, compose a comforting message to the people of North East.
Nigeria as at today HAS NO GOVERNMENT.
We provide our water - borehole.
We provide our light - generator/ inverter
We provide our security - high fence/ cctv
We provide our education - private school.
We produce fuel yet pay the most in the world.
We have no motorable federal road.
A BIG SHAME NIGERIA HAS NO NATIONAL
CARRIER.
HIGH Uneployment in the land.
High rate of Corruption (the CLOWN wants to curb corruption with technology).
JONATHAN YOU ARE A FAILURE!!! Even if WE give you 10 terms ( 40 YEARS). YOU WILL STILL NOT TAKE US TO THE PROMISE LAND.
FELLOW NIGERIANS : Share these on your
Facebook, Twitter, Instergram, BBM, Whatsapp,
And every blog and forum you know.

this is a very nice write up.. love this well!!! #sai Buhari

A coalition of Niger Delta ex-militant leaders have rejected any planned shift in election dates after the initial dates, February 14 and February 28, were moved to March 28 and April 11.

They have also declared that the March 28 and April 11 dates for the elections should remain “non-negotiable”.

“We insist that elections must hold on March 28 and April 11 2015 as currently announced. We reject any further cancellation, postponement or rescheduling.

“We inform that it is the failure to hold transparent, credible, free and fair elections on March 28 and April 11 2015 that may lead to chaos, insecurity and problems in the Niger Delta,” a statement by the ex-militants reads on The Nation.

In the 10-point declaration issued on Tuesday, the ex-militants’ leaders said processes leading to the elections must be “credible, free and fair”.

The statement was signed by 11 ex-militants, including General Boni (Burutu LGA), Smart Amola (Warri South-West), Francis Muturu (aka Gen Aboy), Friday Edema (aka Ijagun 1), Alfred Aniretan (aka Field Marshal), and Sunday Amoma (aka Capone).

Others who signed were Gen King Jerry, Gen Saturday Emmanuel, Gen Isie Ologbo, Commander Peter Asule (aka Gen Atseluwa, Warri-South), and Commander Mike Edesemi (aka Gen Blackman).

The group insisted that the Independent National Electoral Commission and its chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega must be “genuinely” independent and allowed to conduct the elections without interference from the federal government or the Nigeria army.

Dissociating themselves from pronouncements from some groups in the region that war would break out if any particular candidate loses, the group stated “We assure and promise that the Niger Delta will be peaceful and accept the result of transparent, credible, free, and fair elections that will occur on March 28 and April 11″.

They condemned “statements or plans that convey the Niger Delta as being undemocratic or supporting one particular candidate exclusively”, noting that people of the region could freely express their rights to associate with any party or candidate of their choice.

Warning that deploying the army to intimidate or harass people of the region “prior to, during and after the elections” would be resisted and might lead to a breakdown of law and order, the ex-militants concluded:“We individually and collectively on behalf of our communities and people solemnly sign this declaration and also put the country on notice that these demands are the only conditions for peace in the Niger Delta”.

It will be recalled that another coalition of ex-militants who had threatened to plunge the country into war if President Goodluck Jonathan is not re-elected by May 29, have dropped these earlier declared threats.

READ MORE: http://www.naij.com/391509-ex-militants-warn-against-another-poll-shift.html

Professor Wole Soyinka has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission for a proper investigation of the alleged Ekiti rigging tape that was leaked by a Nigerian army officer, Captain Sagir Koli.

Soyinka said this in a statement reacting to a front page advert in The Punch sponsored by Ekiti state governor, Ayodele Fayose, in which the governor discredited the authenticity of the tape based on a report by the US that the Ekiti governorship poll was transparent.

The playwright said the issue was too weighty to be dismissed without being investigated.

He said since Fayose had referenced the US report, the federal government could also call on the US to assist in investigating the tape.

Soyinka said no one would lose anything by investigating the tape since it was the job of law enforcement agencies to investigate matters of state.

He said, “For those who have nothing to hide, disrobing lies and forgeries and reinforcing truth is regarded as part and parcel of the obligations we owe democracy. The audio could well be one of such forgeries. We are daily inundated with allegations, evasions, distortions, image plundering and image laundering, all under the permissive canopy of electoral proceeding.

“Once in a while, however, we encounter exposure of an exceptional dimension that appears to strike at the very root of democracy, questions the validity of an entire electoral system and even erodes confidence in the integrity of the state. Such an event need not be regarded as a repudiation of the formal mechanics put in place by an electioneering agency such as INEC, but nonetheless extends the scope of its responsibilities, including its projection of looming hazards of future electoral exercises.

“This is why, in the absence of a Constitutional Court or its equivalent, one is left with no other course than to call on INEC to also take formal charge of the recorded incident of this alleged conspiracy to pervert the course of democracy. For those ‘who have nothing to hide,’ it is a call that deserves unstinting support. They should not hesitate to assist in calling on the same US expertise to assist us in exposing a forgery.

“We are speaking here of a development that implicates not only products, beneficiaries or would-be constitutional guardians of the electoral process – that is, an elected governor, a governorship aspirant, but also state agencies – the military, two serving ministers – that is, members of the Executive arm of government, one of them in charge of the nation’s defence portfolio – and others.

“In addition to the logical role of the police, the nation’s electoral commission should undertake an independent investigation and make its findings known to the nation. Is this perhaps something INEC can undertake while the nation waits out its suspended electoral sentence? It only requires repudiation – or validation – of the findings of an already advanced forensic enquiry.”

It will be recalled that Professor Wole Soyinka has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to lift the military blockade on Nigeria’s opposition party leaders following accusations that the federal government is using the military and police to threaten the opposition.

READ MORE: http://www.naij.com/391344-ekiti-rigging-tape-should-be-investigated-soyinka.html

Professor Wole Soyinka has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission for a proper investigation of the alleged Ekiti rigging tape that was leaked by a Nigerian army officer, Captain Sagir Koli.

Soyinka said this in a statement reacting to a front page advert in The Punch sponsored by Ekiti state governor, Ayodele Fayose, in which the governor discredited the authenticity of the tape based on a report by the US that the Ekiti governorship poll was transparent.

The playwright said the issue was too weighty to be dismissed without being investigated.

He said since Fayose had referenced the US report, the federal government could also call on the US to assist in investigating the tape.

Soyinka said no one would lose anything by investigating the tape since it was the job of law enforcement agencies to investigate matters of state.

He said, “For those who have nothing to hide, disrobing lies and forgeries and reinforcing truth is regarded as part and parcel of the obligations we owe democracy. The audio could well be one of such forgeries. We are daily inundated with allegations, evasions, distortions, image plundering and image laundering, all under the permissive canopy of electoral proceeding.

“Once in a while, however, we encounter exposure of an exceptional dimension that appears to strike at the very root of democracy, questions the validity of an entire electoral system and even erodes confidence in the integrity of the state. Such an event need not be regarded as a repudiation of the formal mechanics put in place by an electioneering agency such as INEC, but nonetheless extends the scope of its responsibilities, including its projection of looming hazards of future electoral exercises.

“This is why, in the absence of a Constitutional Court or its equivalent, one is left with no other course than to call on INEC to also take formal charge of the recorded incident of this alleged conspiracy to pervert the course of democracy. For those ‘who have nothing to hide,’ it is a call that deserves unstinting support. They should not hesitate to assist in calling on the same US expertise to assist us in exposing a forgery.

“We are speaking here of a development that implicates not only products, beneficiaries or would-be constitutional guardians of the electoral process – that is, an elected governor, a governorship aspirant, but also state agencies – the military, two serving ministers – that is, members of the Executive arm of government, one of them in charge of the nation’s defence portfolio – and others.

“In addition to the logical role of the police, the nation’s electoral commission should undertake an independent investigation and make its findings known to the nation. Is this perhaps something INEC can undertake while the nation waits out its suspended electoral sentence? It only requires repudiation – or validation – of the findings of an already advanced forensic enquiry.”

It will be recalled that Professor Wole Soyinka has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to lift the military blockade on Nigeria’s opposition party leaders following accusations that the federal government is using the military and police to threaten the opposition.

READ MORE: http://www.naij.com/391344-ekiti-rigging-tape-should-be-investigated-soyinka.html

Sequel to the pervasive imbalance surrounding the purported capture of Abubakar Shekau by Nigerian Army and allegations of blackmail and propaganda which no one in the Presidency have reacted to. An ideological group of convern Nigerians have responded and warned Nigerians to resist any plot by government or individual to cause stir and chaos in the country that could threatened the rescheduled coming elections.

 

Read the press statement;

 

 

Faking Shekau To Implicate Buhari Is Cowardice, An Height of Foolishness – Group

The public should resist the plot…..

24th February, 2015.

 

It is not a scare. It is rather a sense of loss or defeat and puerile on the part of Presidency to have thought of this without considering the security implication.

So as a matter of urgency, Nigerians need to remind the Presidency that Boko haram issue is a matter of National security that cannot be dumped on political disguise.

Our attention has been drawn to the spurious and widely circulated blood feud so we want the issue treated that the “Presidency and the PDP” have perfected plans and arrangements to fake the capture and arrest of the leader of the Boko Haram terrorist group, Abubakar Shekau. The widespread information ordinarily should have been ignored but owing to the treacherous and malicious activities of PDP and Presidency in the past no one would want to undermine their desperation  to hold on to power.

Also, the recent statement credited to President Goodluck Jonathan and his cronies online that Boko haram will be wiped out of Nigeria in six weeks is another calculated attempt by the PDP led government to measure their success even though it is apparently clear that PDP is the main sponsor of the sect.

 

One thing that is not certain is why the Presidency will want to implicate an innocent General Muhammadu Buhari as the brain behind boko haram or how best can he convince Nigerians that Buhari is culpable of all the activities of Boko haram which the public is abruptly not unaware of that Jonathan is boko haram and boko haram is Presidency.

We have many reasons to believe the Presidency and PDP is playing with souls of Nigerians by deliberating identifying with boko haram, shielding them this long to cause despair on Nigerians and strategically waited for a time like this to score political point.

This is no utter ruse, Mr President had once claim Boko haram is in his cabinet. The interpretation to this is simple, he knows Boko haram and has refused to arrest them not even the ones in his cabinet.

Sometimes ago, the authorities have earlier reported that Shekau had been killed. Which Shekau are they holding now? An exhumed Shekau or a cloned Shekau? We have always suspected that the reason for postponing the elections was to enable PDP, facing large scale defeat, to gain more time to perfect blackmail, character assassination and dark propaganda. This, we have come openly today to charge and alert all Nigerians to be wary of anti Democratic plot of Mr President. We will not stand and watch anyone throw our country into another chaos marred by political sentiments. The understanding of 2015 is succinctly clear to us, postpone elections to appease more people and send General Buhari to jail. Such attempt will not stand well with Nigerians.

 

The elections are mischievously pursed by the Presidency and PDP. Its consequence will be grave and damning. Nigerians are not unaware of President Jonathan desperation to hold on to power beyond May 29, as evidently portrayed in the last 2months.

 

This allegation, were it not so serious, should not have been honoured with a response, but the gravity of the situation and the desperation of PDP to hang on to power at will should alert the public about the possibility of such a plan. Nigerians are not fools.

An insurgency that has defied solution for the best part of 5 years is now reportedly being contained with elections slated for 28th March and 11th April.

We hereby warned and charged Nigerians to reject any distort of real fact and further deceit from the Presidency.

The 2015 elections should go as planned without delay. Our country is at a very critical stage, the heat is on and all of us must come out to defend her unity.

 

Thank you

 

Signed:

Usman Danjuma

National President, Movement For Advancement of Nigeria (MAN)

Dr Enitan Badru was until recently, a commissioner in Lagos State when he resigned to contest the Lagos Island 1 Constituency seat in the House of Representatives on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, (APC). In this interview, he speaks on his inspiration for the contest, his plans for the constituency and assesses the opposition to his party’s dominance of the polity by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Excerpts: BY Gbenga Oke What propelled your aspiration for this contest? The principal reason why I am going to the House is because I feel many things are not right. Take domestic violence for an example, there is so much domestic violence in this country and I have not heard a legislator talk about it. There is so much child abuse all over this country and I have not heard any legislation on it and coming from the ministry of youths and social development of Lagos State where I served as commissioner, my eyes were opened to a lot of these things. Some buses should be built having people with disability in mind, right now they aren’t making life difficult for these people. These are so many things to deal with and these are the major reasons I am going to the House. What is your political experience? •Badru: I believe Jega means well I have been in it for some time. During the 1993 elections, I was a member of the Social Democratic Party, (SDP), I have been a local government chairman, party chairman at the local government level, I was a national delegate during the Abiola/Kingibe nomination convention, I was in the PRIMOSE group. So I have been in it for some time. What is your view on the postponement of the elections? Well, I believe Jega means well and he has always been saying it and also said it at the National Assembly that he is ready for the elections and he is prepared to conduct the elections but he is not the one to guard the materials to where they are going to be used and we must agree these are very sensitive materials. Sensitive materials It is just like the Governor of Central Bank trying to transport money from one state to the other or a branch manager trying to transfer money from his branch to the head office and the police say they cannot offer him security. If he is not a mad man, will he agree for the money to be taken? That on its own is a recipe for chaos. Jega is ready for the elections but the security apparatus in the country are not ready to provide security, so the buck stops at the table of the Commander-in-Chief. Do you agree with insinuations that the postponement was a PDP agenda to weaken the opposition? I can tell you that what they have seen in the APC is a moving train and I can tell you that God is a wonderful God if you keep praying and if you have faith. Babangida said something, he said the first fundamental mistake Jonathan made was to fight Rotimi Amaechi , he said he should have found a way to manage him. They fought Amaechi to standstill until Amaechi withdrew and that one drew a battle line and APC saw that and they offered themselves. So whether you like or not, that was where it started from and they started going round to talk to the disgruntled governors and APC was able to capture five. That was the game changer. How many states gave Jonathan the biggest votes he had in 2011, Lagos, Rivers. These states we are talking about are gone to the opposition today. Phantom votes Right now the reverse will be the case. Secondly, those phantom votes in the South-East and South-South will be divided; it will not be 100 percent like what we had in 2011 elections. This time around, it cannot be so. First, it is a card reader and secondly it is PVC. Nobody will use hand to write anything, the card reader will tell you how many people were accredited and how many voted. So the rigging machine will not work and that is why they are clamoring that the card reader should not be used but Jega has said the card reader will be used. I can tell you that APC is a moving train and nobody can stop. Also, the postponement got a lot of independents angry. And it is unfortunate that President Jonathan is feigning ignorance of the shift, you are the chief security officer. That means you are saying you are not in control, he is incriminating himself. So they have run out of lies and they see a moving train coming, they are scared. Whether they postpone it or not, the day the election holds, PDP will lose. Look at Obasanjo now, he is sending a message. Obasanjo could be a mad man but he is sending a message. Tearing the card is nothing but he is trying to send a message, they say the words of our elders are the words of wisdom. This government has failed in several ways. The last time they asked graduates to come and write the Nigeria Immigration test, you swindled them by collecting money from them and nobody has said anything about it till today. And you say you don’t know about it and you have not sanctioned anybody, the employment they did not get, some people died and the minister is still there campaigning for this failed government. For how long will this continue and unfortunately, their hate campaign against Buhari is backfiring. So it’s a moving train and not even PDP can stop it.

See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/02/why-pdp-is-afraid-of-pvc-badru-apc-rep-candidate/#sthash.ROvM890A.dpuf

Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has finally spoken up about the Kidnap of one of his aide, Mr. Freddy Ndigbara.

Speaking in the state capital, Governor Amaechi said on Monday, February 23, that the abduction of his Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ndigbara was politically motivated.

Gov. Amaechi, who spoke through the Chief of Staff, Government House, Chief Tony Okocha, emphasized that the shameful act had political undertone.

The governor stated that Ndigbara and one of the political leaders in Kaani, Mr. Celestine Akpobari, ability to convert over 5,000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC may has been the reason for his kidnap.

Sighting nothing wrong with what Mr. Celestine and Mr. Ndigbara did, Governor Amaechi said the country was in a political setting where the electorates are being wooed from one political party to another.

He said, “Of course, Freddy Ndigbara’s abduction is politically motivated. We are aware that Ndigbara, in league with the Celestine Akpobari, was able to convert over 5,000 PDP members to APC.

“There is nothing wrong or extraordinary in what he (Ndigbara) did because we are in a political setting where the in-thing now is to win political converts. Winning new convert was what Freddie did before he was kidnapped.”

The governor, however, appealed to his aide’s abductors to release him unconditionally, insisting that Ndigbara meant no harm to anybody as an APC member.

It would be recalled that, Mr. Freddy Ndigbara, who also anchors Amaechi’s programmes within and outside Government House, Port Harcourt, was kidnapped by unknown gunmen, who stormed a rally of the All Progressives Congress in Kaani Ward Six, Khana Local Government Area.

The hoodlums had come in a red Toyota Highlander, shot into the air, before going for their target (Ndigbara) and forced him into a waiting vehicle.

http://www.naij.com/390505-finally-gov-amaechi-speaks-about-his-abducted-aide.html