₦airaland Forum

Ahead of the 2019 presidential election, a group known as Ndigbo National Assembly (NUA) has urged the leadership and elders of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to ensure the vice presidential candidate of the party emerges from the South-East geopolitical zone. The group said its plea was to foster balance, equity, fairness and justice.

A statement signed by National President of NAU, Dede Uzor A. Uzor also threatened that the PDP would pay dearly if they shortchange Ndigbo again.

Uzor’s reaction follows an alleged plot to zone the PDP Vice Presidential slot to South West zone which was reechoed by Governor Ayodele Fayose on Friday.
The group warned PDP to ‘technically and tactically’ avoid the temptation of imposing candidates on Nigerians without due process as repeat of such grievous mistake may cause the party this coming election.

“This is the time for PDP to correct all the anomalies they committed that caused them 2015 presidential election.

“In view of their apologies to Nigerians of 16 years of misrule, the party should put their house in order. They should not go back to their status quo,” they said.
The Group went ahead to mention names of those it considered as qualified for presidential or vice presidential candidates to include former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, former Central Bank Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo,Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Victor Umeh, Ohaneze Ndigbo President-General, Chief Nnia Nwodo, and Chief Festus Odimegwu, among others.

(c) http://www.suanusblog.com/2018/09/2019-pdp-will-pay-dearly-if-igbos-are.html

@SuanusBlog

After the recent election to fill a vacant seat at the Cross River State House of Assembly following the death of Hon.Stephen Ukpekpen, the member representing Obudu State Constituency who slumped and died in May during an early morning jogging session at Ikotenim, the Assembly village, another member of the state assembly is dead.

Suanu’s Blog gathered that Hon. Simon Nkoro, the member representing Ikom 11 State Constituency died on Sunday afternoon after a protracted illness.

It was further gathered that Hon.Nkoro who was a two time member of the Assembly was a member of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and served as Special Adviser to Senator Liyel Imoke during his first tenure before moving to the Assembly.

Meanwhile, the state Governor, Senator Ben Ayade in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Mr. Christian Ita described the death of Hon.Nkoro as shocking and painful.
“Hon Nkoro’s demise leaves a sour taste in m mouth and ache in my heart but then we cannot question God. Him and only Him has prerogative over life. He described Nkoro as a dedicated law maker, a consummate politician and a team player whose death is an immense loss to the people and government of the state,” the statement read.

May his soul rest in peace.

(c) http://www.suanusblog.com/2018/08/breaking-another-cross-river-state.html

@SuanusBlog

APC Slams Saraki With 9 Top Corruption Allegations On Why He Should Forget Vying For Presidency<br>

The ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has exposed top corrupt deals of Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, insisting that He would not pass integrity test to contest the 2019 presidential election.

The party stated this in a statement signed by the spokesman, Yekini Nabena while reacting to the reports that the Senate president was nursing presidential ambition in 2019.

Suanu's Blog recalls that Saraki in an interview with an international news organisation, Bloomberg, had revealed that he would take a shot at the presidential election next year.

According to the APC, “Saraki’s declaration brings to the fore our earlier call to anti-graft agencies to check the use of stolen public funds to finance elections in this country. ‘’We reiterate our position that the Nigerian electorate must have the opportunity to choose from candidates that can pass the integrity and anti-corruption test.&quot;

Some of the corruption allegations against Mr.Saraki as listed by the APC include:

1. The collapse of the Saraki family-owned Société Générale Bank.

2. Misappropriation of Kwara State funds

3. Disregard of government due process and conversion of state government assets into his and cronies when he served as two-term governor of Kwara State.

4. Gluttonous property acquisitions and hidden multi-billion dollar assets spread across the world as disclosed by the Panama Papers revelations.

5. The multi-million dollar white elephant Shonga Agricultural Project in Kwara State when Saraki served as two-term governor.

6. Falsification of Senate standing order

7. Saraki’s link to the N298m armoured Range Rover SUV seized by Nigeria Customs Service.

8. Saraki’s link to $19.5 billion Paris Club loan refund scandal.

9. Oversaw budget padding in the National Assembly.

Suanu's Blog recalls that Dr.Bukola Saraki who was a member of the APC had few weeks ago defected to the Peoples Democratic Party and He is working hard to contest for the presidency under the PDP.

Source:http://www.suanusblog.com/2018/08/apc-slams-saraki-with-9-top-corruption.html?m=1

@SuanusBlog

The wild jubilation among members of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Rivers State that they were cruising home to victory in Saturday's by-Election in Portharcourt State Constituency 3 has been cut short as the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has suspended the exercise.

The Commission in a statement Saturday evening said its action was due to widespread electoral malpractices and violence that characterised the election.

Rivers People were expecting the official announcement of the results before the sudden u-turn by INEC.

Both the PDP and APC were yet to react to the INEC decision.

Source: http://www.suanusblog.com/2018/08/inec-sabotages-apc-s-alleged-victory.html

@SuanusBlog

A renowned lawyer and former lawmaker from Ogoni in Rivers State, Senator Cyrus Nunieh is dead.

The sad event occurred after the 88 year old Elder statesman married a young lady identified as Rosemary Ijeoma last year which went viral on the internet.

Suanu's Blog recalls that the wedding took place at the Presidential Hotel in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

His former wife had died in 1991.

Speaking on why he decided to marry again at old age, Senator Nunieh had said;
“I cannot continue to stay alone. I love her and she loves me. We understand each other and she is also intelligent. In marriage, there are advantages somewhere and disadvantages in other areas.
“There is no limitation in age. Some may say you are old; you may soon die. But some were dead even before they were born. Some were one year or two years old and they die. Death is not always dependent upon a man’s age.
“You know that rose is the best of all flowers and we have two Marys in the Bible; we have Mary, the mother of Jesus and Mary Magdalene.
“She too (Rosemary) is a believer of the Bible. But why are you particular about her age? She is not an infant. She is a very charming woman.”

Unfortunately, death has cut him off from enjoying his new wife.

The late Senator until his death was the President of Bori State Movement.

It may interest you to know that Senator Nunieh was the first lawyer in Ogoniland.

May his soul rest in peace.

(c)
http://www.suanusblog.com/2018/08/obituary-senator-cyrus-nunieh-is-dead.html?m=1

@SuanusBlog

A new parralel secretariat of the All Progressives Congress, APC scheduled for commissioning today in Rivers State has been destroyed by unknown persons.

The new secretariat positioned opposite Areta Farm Estate on the ever busy Aba Road axis of Portharcourt, was to serve as the operational base of APC members loyal to the Senator representing Rivers South-East, Senator Magnus Abe.

The Abe Group who are in court challenging the ward, local and state congresses held by the APC in Rivers State had taken the new action to set up its own state secretariat.

This planned move was however condemned by Hon.Ojukaye Flag Amachree who is the current Chairman of the APC in Rivers State.
Suanu's Blog recalls that Hon.Ojukaye had vowed to seal-off and pull down the structure on Thursday.

A report reaching Suanu's Blog indicate that some thugs alleged to be loyal to Hon.Amachree stormed the factional secretariat, pulled down the APC flags outside and destroyed some fittings in the building in the early hours of Saturday.

The Rivers State Chapter of the APC has been engrossed in crises with members divided in loyalty between Transportation Minister, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and Senator Abe who is a governorship aspirant under the APC.

Source:http://www.suanusblog.com/2018/08/new-factional-apc-secretariat-in-rivers.html?m=1

@SuanusBlog

The crises rocking the Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC has taken a dangerous dimension as a new factional state secretariat is set to be unveiled.

Suanu’s Blog gathered that the new secretariat is different from an earlier one at the ever busy Aba Road axis of Port-Harcourt by the State Chairman, Hon.Ojukaye Flag Amachree.

The about to be launched secretariat is established by a faction of the Rivers State APC loyal to the Senator representing Rivers South-East, Senator Magnus Abe. This latest move by the Abe loyalists is coming while the case they instituted at a High Court in Port-Harcourt against the party is still ongoing.

Suanu’s Blog gathered that the new secretariat has be furnished and finished for commissioning this Saturday.

However, state chairman of the APC, Hon.Amachree has vowed to ensure that the illegality is napped in the bud. According to him, the party will seal-off any property hosting any parallel ‘state secretariat’ named after the party.

In his reaction, Flag-Amachree said, “Anybody who is a member of APC can hoist the party’s flag in front of his house. But where anybody puts a signboard that such a property is the APC State Secretariat, that person is inviting trouble. That person has crossed the red line and we shall respond accordingly”.

Speaking further, the APC Chairman said, “We will inform security agencies in the state, after two or three days, we will pull down whatever signpost put there and then, seal-off the building.

“At no time did Magnus Abe dispute that Congresses did not hold in Rivers State. But his argument has been that he was not carried along.

“There was no parallel state congress and so there is no parallel state executive of APC to warrant anybody to open any other state secretariat. I was duly elected by party delegates, and duly sworn into office as the Rivers State Chairman of APC. I have my documents to that effect. As such, nobody can wake up and claim to be Rivers State Chairman of APC much more opening another state secretariat. Such a person would be inviting trouble.

Abe, who is a frontline governorship candidate in Rivers State under the APC has been having a running battle with the party in the State over the Congresses held in May in which the present executives for Ward, Local Government and State were elected. Abe’s anger which has informed his ongoing legal battle against the party is that his supporters were disenfranchised.

Source: http://www.suanusblog.com/2018/08/apc-crises-intensify-as-faction-sets-up.html?m=1

@SuanusBlog

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has given conditions that must be met before achieving genuine peace and reconciliation. The Group in a statement by its Deputy leader, Mr. Uche Mefor and head of directorate of state, Mr. Chika Edoziem gave the conditions to Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the South East governors.
The conditions given include that:
1. Ohanaeze Ndigbo should lead Igbo governors in the public de-proscription of IPOB in the South East.
2. Ohanaeze Ndigbo must prevail on the Federal Government to de-proscribe IPOB.
3. An unreserved apology must be tendered to IPOB over the complicity of lgbo governors and Ohanaeze Ndigbo in instigating ‘Operation Python Dance’ that resulted in the death of hundreds of IPOB activists.
4. Ohanaeze Ndigbo should also tell us the whereabouts of our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, his parents, Eze I. O Kanu and Ugoeze Sally N. Kanu and they should apologize to the Afaraukwu Ibeku community for their complicity in the invasion of the palace of their traditional ruler.
5. Again, the Federal Government should set up a high powered delegation to meet with IPOB High Command in Europe to negotiate terms for final status settlement.
It is unclear if the affected persons and groups will grant all the above demands of the Pro-Biafra Group.

Source:http://www.suanusblog.com/2018/08/ipob-gives-5-conditions-for-peace-to.html

@SuanusBlog

As the travails of the deputy senate president, Ike Ekweremadu in the hands of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, continues over illegally acquired property, some Bishops have trooped around him to pray for him.

The Bishops, Suanu’s Blog gathered were led by the Archbishop of the Enugu Anglican Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace, Most Reverend Emmanuel Chukwuma.

Suanu’s Blog recalls that ArchBishop Chukwuma is an unrepentant critic of President Muhammadu Buhari who had previously declared that God will not give victory to the President in 2019.

He had also condemned the anti-corruption war of the Buhari government, the government’s insincerity in the handling of the murderous fulani herdsmen that have killed and destroyed many communities and the continuous stay of the service chiefs.

“I can tell you that God will not allow him,” ArchBishop Chukwuma had boasted when speaking on Buhari’s reelection bid.

But will God answer these prayers over Ekweremadu?

Source: http://www.suanusblog.com/2018/08/bishops-gather-to-pray-for-deputy_4.html?m=1

Nigeria's Minister of Women Affairs, Aisha Alhassan has announced her resignation from the Buhari-led federal government.

In an acknowledgment letter dated 27 July, 2018 , President Buhari thanked her for her contributions and wished her well in her future endeavours.

Mrs.Alhassan said her resignation was to enable her contest for the 2019 governorship election in Taraba State.

Suanu's Blog recalls that Alhassan popularly called Mama Taraba had contested the governor seat of the state in 2015 and narrowly lost out to Darius Ishaku of the PDP.

Mrs.Alhassan is a known close ally of PDP presidential hopeful and former Vice president, Atiku Abubakar.

She had vowed to dump Buhari to support Atiku if He (Atiku) declares to contest the 2019 presidential election.

With the defection of Atiku to PDP and his declaration of interest to contest for the presidency in 2019, many political observers are of the opinion that Mrs.Alhassan will most likely defect to PDP. But doing this means that she has to give up on her governorship ambition to the incumbent governor who is most likely to seek re-election.

Will she do that?

Source: http://www.suanusblog.com/2018/08/finally-mama-taraba-dumps-buharis.html

@SuanusBlog

In the euphoria of the unending defections that have so far being in the interest of the party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is currently holding a welcome dinner for former members of the ruling APC who defected to the PDP.

Suanu's Blog gathered that the event is holding at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.

Many of the recent defectors are at the occasion alongside other chieftains of the party.

Source: http://www.suanusblog.com/2018/08/pdp-hosts-welcome-dinner-for-apc.html

@SuanusBlog


A young lady from Rivers State identified as Nengi Rachel Fubara has died in India, Suanu’s Blog reports.
Nengi’s ordeal has got public sympathy some months ago following her cry for N12million to finance her cancer surgery in India.

Although help didn’t come from the Rivers State Government, the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC and other top government agencies, Nengi through public donations from ordinary Nigerians was able to travel to India for the operation. A report reaching Suanu’s Blog indicate that she has passed on.

While soliciting for funds by members of the public on GufundMe, Nengi had written;
"Hi! My name is Rachel Nengi Fubara. I’m a vibrant and ambitious, 27 year old female. I’m a graduate of Genetics & Biotechnology from the University of Calabar, Nigeria and a fashion designer. In 2018, I was diagnosed with acute Angiosarcoma (cancer of the lining of the blood vessel), a cancerous tumor, very close to my groin. Further evaluation showed that the groin mass is sitting on the femoral vessels.
It all began during my service year when I noticed a painless lump on my groin area, I went to different hospitals and was prescribed compression tights to worn at all times with hopes that the swelling will reduce or disappear. I wore this tights for almost two years (2015 – 2016) all to no avail. The swelling only got bigger and painful. I underwent a surgery in January 2018, to remove this mass. Upon conducting a biopsy to test this growth, results came back as a cancerous growth. Since then, my family has been trying to raise funds to send me to India for further medical treatment which includes another operation and chemotherapy. Walking as become difficult because of the tumor and the tumor is getting bigger.
Like most of us, I have goals and dreams, one of which is to further my education by obtaining a Masters degree and kick-start my clothing design & making business. However, all of these dreams have been put on hold to be whole again.
I need your financial assistance to fund my transportation and medical bills. Whatever donation I receive will be greatly appreciated. Thank you and God bless you!
Donate what you can, nothing is too small”.

She had made the plea for about two years and if help had come her way earlier enough, perhaps the life of this aspiring young lady would have been saved.
May her soul rest in peace.

Source: http://www.suanusblog.com/2018/07/sad-cancer-patient-nengi-rachel-fubara.html

@SuanusBlog

The Benue State Governor, Dr.Samuel Ortom has given no fewer than seven (7) reasons justifying his exit from the All Progressives Congress, APC to the PDP.
The reasons given by Gov.Ortom are summarized below;
1. The Lack of internal democracy within the ranks of the APC in Benue state
2. The hijack of every structure of the party by “a powerful individual “
3. Federal Government’s alleged complicity in the ongoing killings in the country including Benue state.
4. The need to fight against the return of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.
5. Senator George Akume’s inordinate ambition to become senate president that has made him to sacrifice anyone or anybody or even his people to achieve his ambition.
6. The grand conspiracy against Him (Ortom) from APC forces from within and outside the state
7. The APC administration’s failure to deliver on its campaign promises of security, economic rejuvenation and fight against corruption.
These reasons were given by the Special Adviser to Gov.Ortom on Media and ICT, Tahav Agerzua.
Gov.Ortom who announced his defection to the PDP on Tuesday is believed to have been promised automatic reelection ticket on the platform of the party in Benue State. It is however unclear if he can still win the election on a different political platform in 2019.

Source: http://www.suanusblog.com/2018/07/govsamuel-ortom-gives-7-reasons-why-he.html

@Suanu's Blog

A family of eight has reportedly lost their lives.
Suanu’s Blog gathered that the victims were Cameroonians who fled their country due to the crises there and were refugees in Nigeria’s Cross River State, which shares a boundary with Cameroon.
Although the sad incident might have occurred some days ago, their decomposing bodies were however discovered in their room in Ikom, Cross River State on Saturday, July 28th.
Preliminary investigations reveal that the family might have died from generator fumes.
Their bodies have been evacuated for further investigations.
May their souls rest in peace

Source: http://www.suanusblog.com/2018/07/graphic-entire-family-of-8-killed-by.html

Governor Samuel Ortom has made another historic move again as the first APC Governor to announce his defection from the APC to the PDP.

This came after series of drama which began with claims of being given a "red card", becoming partyless, looking for a party that will accept and adopt him, having a closed door meeting with PDP Governors and leaders, having a similar meeting with Comrade Oshiomhole who currently heads the APC and claiming He is still a member of the party to his eventual exit which was preceded by an impeachment of the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, and his replacement with a PDP leadership.

Gov.Ortom did not defect alone as he left with almost all the elected and appointed persons in the state including party executives from unit to state levels, federal, state and local lawmakers, council chairmen and other stalwarts of the party.

This was surely a heavy blow at the face of the APC in the Middle Belt State.

The defection came few hours after about 13 senators and 37 federal house of reps members also dumped the APC for the PDP.

Apart from Gov.Ortom, other governors expected to defect days ahead include Abdulfatai Ahmed of Kwara State and Gov.Tambuwal of Sokoto State.

Gov.Ortom had few months to the 2015 General Elections also defected from the PDP to the APC to contest the governorship primary election of the party after he was schemed out of the contest by his former now new party. This came despite serving as a Minister under the PDP presidency.

But what informed Gov.Ortom's decision to defect?
He traced his defection to someone giving him a red card out of the APC.
And Who was that referee that gave a sitting Governor a red card and succeeded in pushing him out of the APC?
Undoubtedly, he is Senataor George Akume, a former governor of Benue State and the only senator from the state still under the APC platform. Senator Akume is the kingmaker in Benue politics especially in the APC. The irreconcilable differences between him and Gov.Ortom caused his (Ortom's) exit from the APC.

It is alleged that Senator Akume is already rooting behind another candidature against Gov.Ortom.

How all these will play out will be revealed in 2019.

But was Gov.Ortom's defection in pursuit of his political greed or in the interest of the Benue People?

Emphatically, I believe it was purely a heightened demonstration of political greed.

Announcing his defection, Gov.Ortom had said "I'm too young to quit politics". This baffles me at the definition of a youth nowadays especially in an era when younger Nigerians are saying they too deserve to run for elective offices.

Be it as it may be, I think Gov.Ortom is really stretching his luck within a very short time. If He thinks, He can achieve a quick win like he did in 2015 after defecting from the PDP to APC, then He may just need to give a thought to some levels of fateful pessimism. As he may have a tough battle with leaders of the PDP who he has lambasted vehemently during his days in the APC. Will they completely hand over their structures, loyalty and party ticket to him on a plate of gold? What if He is tricked out of getting the PDP governorship ticket, will he still remain in the party or redefect? I think Nigerians are yet to see the final destinations of these "political prostitutes".

For me, Gov.Ortom missed out on the right time for him to have dumped the APC. Benue State has probably recorded the highest number of deaths under his tenure than ever before since creation. These deaths were hugely caused by suspected Fulani Herdsmen. While Gov.Ortom cried of helplessness, the killings continued and the Leader of his now former party did nothing enough to save Ortom's people. If Gov.Ortom was not more concerned about politics than his peoples' lives and property, that was the right time for him to have dumped the APC. But he didn't until he was allegedly given a "red card". This politics defined by advancement of greed and selfish agenda must be condemned intoto. For me there is nothing moral about the defection of Gov.Ortom to the PDP but in exercising his constitutional right of association, I cant help but wish him well. However, Benue People must be more concerned about their welfare and safety before and after the 2019 elections than falling for the greedy political schemes of any politician.

Source: http://www.suanusblog.com/2018/07/govortoms-defection-definition-of.html?m=1

@SuanusBlog

After the defection of Gov.Samuel Ortom of Benue State few days ago, his Kwara State counterpart Abdulfatah Ahmed, has revealed plans to also dump the ruling party.

Gov.Ahmed gave the hint on Thursday when stakeholders in Kwara central senatorial district visited Him at the Government House.

A statement by Wahab Oba, chief press secretary to the governor, said the stakeholders prevailed on Ahmed and Senate President Bukola Saraki to immediately dump the APC.

Ahmed lamented that despite efforts the state channelled into the formation of APC in 2014, the party “has not met the expectations” of the people of Kwara.

He expressed disappointment over the “failure” of the government at national level to address insecurity, economy and unemployment challenges confronting the nation.

“We formed APC together in 2014 with the hope to meet the needs and aspirations of the people in critical areas of our national life,” he said.

He said the leadership of the APC had failed to intervene in critical issues affecting the party and its members, alleging that injustice within the party is unbearable.

Ahmed while thanking the people for their support promised to defect to a new political party that will “meet the aspirations” of the people of the state.

Meanwhile, Senate President Bukola Saraki was yet to announce his official defection from the APC.

Source: http://www.suanusblog.com/2018/07/another-apc-governor-perfect-moves-to.html?m=1

@SuanusBlog

Supporters of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has dumped his political group, Kwankwasyya.

Suanu's Blog gathered that the decision was due to the decision of their grand patron to defect from the PDP to the APC.

The event happened at Ringim Local Government area of Jigawa State Wednesday evening.

The angry supporters burnt their red cap, which is the symbol of the group and other signages.

They reaffirmed their supports to APC led administrations at the local, state and federal levels.

Source:http://www.suanusblog.com/2018/07/defection-senator-kwankwasos-supporters.html?m=1

@SuanusBlog

National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Adams Oshiomhole has visited the former Governor of Kano State, Engr.Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Oshiomhole was accompanied by three APC Governors of Kebbi, Jigawa and Zamfara States.

The visit Friday night, Suanu's Blog gathered was aimed at pleading with Kwankwaso who is currently a Senator against dumping the party for the PDP.

Kwankwaso is believed to be nursing a presidential ambition in 2019 and is seriously been wooed by the PDP.
Suanu's Blog recalls that Senator Kwankwaso had contested the presidential primary election of the APP in 2014 and had the second highest votes after Mr.Buhari who won the contest.

It is unclear if Senator Kwankwaso will give up on his presidential ambition and remain in the APC to support the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari.

It may interest you to know that Senator Kwankwaso has been having a long political battle with his former deputy now governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Suanu's Blog recalls that Oshiomhole had earlier met with Gov.Ortom of Benue State against defecting to PDP. However, after accepting to remain in the APC, Gov.Ortom appears to have changed his mind as he reiterated his resolve to dump the party on Friday.


Source: http://www.suanusblog.com/2018/07/oshiomhole-3-apc-governors-beg-senator.html?m=1

@SuanusBlog

A former captain of the Super Eagles, Joseph Yobo is set to establish a sports academy in Lagos State, reports Suanu’s Blog.
The academy is to be known as the Joseph Yobo Sports Academy.

In a bid to actualize the plan, the former Everton Player has commenced consultations with top personalities including the British High Commissioner, Paul Arkwright and Gov.Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State.
Yobo on Wednesday visited Mr.Arkwright in his office and had earlier also paid a courtesy visit on the Lagos State Governor at the Government House.

Suanu’s Blog gathered that the academy is geared towards sports and human capital development in Nigeria.

Both Ambode and Arkwright expressed happiness with the project, describing it as inspiring. They also thanked Yobo for giving back to the Nigerian society.

Meanwhile, some indigenes of Rivers State have criticized the decision of Yobo to site the project in Lagos State against Rivers State where he hails from.

It may interest you to know that Yobo who is a chief in his Ogoni axis of Rivers State was in May 2016 appointed by Gov.Nyesom Wike as His Senior Special Assistant on Sports Development.

Source>>>http://www.suanusblog.com/2018/07/photonews-ex-super-eagles-captain.html?m=1

@SuanusBlog

The Governor-Elect of Ekiti State, Dr.Kayode Fayemi has received his certificate of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

Fayemi's deputy, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi, has also received his Certificate of Return at the ceremony which held Wednesday at the state INEC headquarters along new Iyin Road in Ado-Ekiti.

Suanu's Blog recalls that Dr.Fayemi defeated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Prof. Kolapo Olusola-Eleka and 33 other candidates to win Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

He polled 197,459 votes while Olusola garnered 178, 121.

Source: http://www.suanusblog.com/2018/07/ekiti-governor-elect-deputy-get.html

In what appears to have been a perfect preparation of whichever outcome the Ekiti Governorship Election brings, an alleged flight ticket of Gov.Ayo Fayose to Paris, in France through Cotonou is currently trending online and has attracted the attention of Presidential Aide, Lauretta Onochie.
In a mocking tweet on Sunday, the vocal Presidential Aide said:
“Did Gov.Fayose know PDP was going to lose Ekiti?
Premonition perhaps, running from the law, definitely.
It’s easier to learn French than serve term in jail.
#FayoseDontRun
#FayoseCompleteYourTerm” she tweeted.

Source: http://www.suanusblog.com/2018/07/presidency-mocks-govfayose-as-his.html

@SuanusBlog

The member representing Tai, Eleme, Oyigbo Federal Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives, Hon.Dr.Barry Mpigi has dumped the All Progressives Congress, APC for the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Rivers State, describing the APC as dead.

Mpigi, whose official defection may not be shocking to political observers in the state has been having a long romance with the PDP and Gov.Wike in Rivers State.

Suanu's Blog had earlier reported that he was the only APC member who actively participated in the recent local government election in Rivers State despite an outright boycott of the exercise by the state chapter of the APC.

He had continued to have a more than cordial relationship with Gov.Wike which had sparked defection rumour long before now.

Suanu's Blog can authoritative report that the former strong ally of Senator Magnus Abe who is a front line APC Governorship Aspirant in Rivers State is plotting to contest the 2019 General Election under the PDP platform for Rivers South-East Senatorial District, a position currently occupied by Mr.Abe.

Hon.Mpigi who officially dumped the APC at his ward in Koroma, in Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State on Saturday was before then a member of the Reformed APC, a splinter group from the mainstream, APC.

The defection was witnessed by key members of the PDP including the local government Chairman, Dr.Jacobson Nbina, Commissioner of Works, Rt.Hon.Dum Deekor, Hon Matthew Nenubari Dike, member representing Tai at the Rivers State House of Assembly, former Nigerian Ambassador to South-Korea and Administrator of Greater Port-Harcourt City Development Authority, Amb.Desmond Akawor, and other top PDP Leaders from Eleme, Gokana and Oyigbo local government areas.

Mpigi who expressed joy at his return to his real political home, apologised to those he might have offended while he sojourned in APC and vowed to deliver the local government Areas he represents for the PDP.

"Let me state it very clear that what you're seeing here today, the membership card of PDP is a clear indicate that I'm done and have nothing to do with the dead APC.
To some of my friends here who have always been believing I will return back home to this family, it has happened today and we are about to do it in the way we used to do it.
Within a period of one week from today I will invite you all and others from my constituency and by extension Rivers Southeast to gather but for those of you who are here today I just want to say thank you.
I want to assure you all that the 93 units in Eleme, 91 units in Tai and 109 units in Oyigbo will deliver a block vote to PDP. I want to formerly apologize to some of my friends whom I may have offended during my staying on the other side, I want to let everyone know that as I have moved into PDP today, no other party can build or stand any other party secretariat in this ward, we're in charge here and will deliver all the pulling units.
His excellency Chief Barr Nyesom Wike has asked me to get 10 motorcycles to donate to all our ward chairmen in order to help them go about and preach the good works of PDP to our supporters across the wards and right after now I will deliver the bikes to them all. The governor said I can not come in without mobilizing the party leaders, we are starting from Tai today and definitely we will go round Eleme, Oyigbo and by extension we will go to the entire senatorial zone" Mpigi said.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State APC was yet to react to the defection of Hon.Mpigi and his description of the APC as dead.

Source:http://www.suanusblog.com/2018/07/apc-lawmaker-defects-to-pdp-in-rivers.html?m=1

Ten Reasons Why APC May Win Ekiti Governorship Election:
https://www.nairaland.com/4611383/ten-reasons-why-apc-may

And how come this one didn't make front page underpins the nairaland politics.

@SuanusBlog


The good people of Ekiti State will be going to poll on saturday to elect a new governor.

The contest may be between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and the main opposition, All Progressives Congress, APC.

Suanu's Blog therefore highlights 10 reasons why the PDP May emerge victorious.


1. The Popularity Of Fayose; That the Ekiti State Governor is very popular among his people is a fact that can't be disputed. He is a man loved and cherished by his people. Fayose understands the needs of his people and knows how best to please them. If the troops of supporters behind him is converted into votes, then the party will emerge victorious.

2. The Resolve of PDP to retain the state: As the PDP plans to retain the presidency in 2019, the party is also making conscious efforts to ensure that she doesn't lose any state currently under its umbrella. This is why the party will put all resources at its disposal to ensure that the APC doesn't snatch the state from them.

3. The Propaganda of Fayemi Bringing Herdsmen to the state; Some persons in Ekiti have already bought over the propaganda that the candidate of the APC intends to halt the state anti-Open grazing law and allow Herdsmen from President Buhari's tribe to cause mayhem in the state. Although Fayemi has denied this continually, some persons in the state still believes that He (Fayemi) can do anything to please Buhari including the Herdsmen debacle .

4. The Bad Policies of Fayemi's First Tenure: Some persons are of the opinion that if Fayemi is given a chance to return, he will bring back some of the alleged harsh and anti-people policies that characterised his first tenure. Those against this are seriously rooting behind the PDP and its candidate.

5. The Stomach Infrastructure of the Fayose Govt: Ordinary citizens of Ekiti State are so endeared to Gov.Fayose chiefly because of its usual stomach infrastructure drive that have seen them receiving tablets of rice, money and other items. As a way of appreciating those kind gestures, many people in Ekiti State will massively vote for Fayose's anointed candidate who has also vowed to continue with all the policies of his current boss.

6. Constant Criticism of the Buhari Government: Many Nigerians and the good people of Ekiti State are so proud of the courage of Gov.Ayodele Fayose to constantly criticise the bad policies of the Buhari Government. Fayose is seen as the defender of the masses. This has increased his national fame and support base even in his state. Because of this, many Nigerians even outside Ekiti State are already calling on Ekiti People to reward Fayose's bravery and doggedness by voting for his candidate in Saturday's election.

7. Infrastructural Development in Ekiti State: The government of Fayose has recorded some giant strides in the development of infrastructure. The most recent is the commissioned flyover that excited former President Goodluck Jonathan.

8. The failure of the Buhari Govt: The perceived poor performance of the Buhari Government has greatly affected its goodwill across the country even in Ekiti State. Some people now see the possibility of APC taking over Ekiti State as a taboo that mustn't be allowed to happen.

9. Mobing Up Sentiments; Fayose's constant attack on the government has earned him massive sympathy about expected vengeance plot against Him. Very recent is the "drama" between him and the police yesterday in the state. As expected, that event has attracted more sympathies to him and his party and some persons have allegedly vowed to now vote for the PDP as a way of fighting back the APC-led federal government who they accuse of being behind the Governor's latest ordeal.

10. The Resolve of the people to defend their votes: Using so-called federal might to rig the Ekiti governorship election may meet a stiff resistance as the people, especially members of the PDP have been charged to defend their votes even with their lives. If the people keep to this and vote with their lives even on the line, they may eventually fight Prof.Olusola into emerging as the next governor provided they have the decisive majority.

How all these will play out will hopefully be revealed after Saturday's most crucial election.

What is important is for Ekiti People to be peaceful and law abiding.

(c) http://www.suanusblog.com/2018/07/10-reasons-why-pdp-may-win-governorship.html?m=1

@SuanusBlog

The Ekiti State governorship election is scheduled to hold this Saturday. Although there are many other political parties participating in the crucial poll, political observers agree with ease that it is certainly a big battle between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and the main opposition, All Progressives Congress, APC. Interestingly, Gov.Fayose is not contesting yet he has over-shadowed the candidate of the PDP who enjoys his ‘episcopal anointing’ and is his current deputy, Prof.Olusola Eleka.

The election is very important to the APC a much as it is to the PDP. For the APC, it is about restoring hope, dignity, political and economic sanity to the state, welfare of the citizens and enhancing development in all facets of the state. The PDP mainly believes in CONTINUITY; Gov.Fayose good works must continue.
But at the end of the day, a winner will emerge; will it be the APC or the PDP or perhaps any other party through a surprise win, Suanu’s Blog in this piece examines why the APC stands a huge chance of emerging victorious.

1. To Restore The Dignity And Pride Of Ekiti State: The emergence of Gov.Fayose and is party, the PDP since 2014 has brought more shame and distain to the good people of Ekiti state. Good governance appears to have been completely thrown into the ocean while mediocrity continues to be celebrated. Gov.Fayose has brought governance to a humiliated and embarrassing him. More so to an extent that it becomes a national embarrassment with people from other places asking how come Ekiti people decided to settle for that kind of character despite the huge intellectual prowess and collection of responsible citizenry. Gov.Fayose has unfortunately also transferred that strange mentality to his learned deputy who could be better described as his puppet. Apart from those who share some toutish mentality with Gov.Fayose, many other Ekiti people are more concerned about seeing a generally responsible leadership in the state instead of the roadside-pomo-eating politics and other shameful unending dramatic episodes that have been emanating from Ekiti State so far.

2. Experience: Dr.Kayode Fayemi of the APC is not only learned but an astute administrator with sufficient experience to fast track development in Ekiti State and provide good governance to its people. He has been there before and some of his enduring policies and those whose lives were impacted positively still long for and are excited about his second coming. On the other hand, the PDP candidate has almost been deep in the pocket of Gov.Fayose that without the direct leadership and remoting of his boss may simply push the state off the leader.

3. The South-West Factor: The geo-political region has an enduring history with the progressives to a reasoning extent. And some political observers are of the opinion that regional socio-economic development will be better enhanced if all the states are under a singular political party aligned to the presidency. Interestingly, Ekiti State appears to be the only party in the entire South-West that isn’t experiencing the broom revolution. The South-West may simple deem it fit to completely align with the APC intoto in a bid to promote absolute brotherliness and even development across the region. This may eventually throw additional favours at the APC.

4. Federal Might And The Special Interest Of Buhari In Ekiti State: The use of so-called federal might isn’t new in the politics of Nigeria. It played a major role in the 2014 election in Ekiti State and is expected to repeat itself in 2018. Pushing aside all sentiments, many persons would agree that the emergence of Ayo Fayose as the Governor in 2014 was never because of his perceived or alleged popularity but the huge role the Jonathan presidency played. He was given almost everything he needed to seal his victory even ahead of the election. Fayose had the Central Bank of Nigeria in his pocket, He was the commander of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in Ekiti State then and the commander and dictator to the Independent National Electoral Commission in the said poll. It was on all these that he rode boastfully to victory. Expectedly, if the current presidency hands over all these to Dr.Fayemi, then the election is as good as being over. Many people believe that the battle ahead for Fayose is lost already, chiefly to natural law of justice, karma; whatever a man sows, that he shall reap. Many people believe that it is time for vengeance and Fayose will be served the same meal he enjoyed in 2014. If these perfectly play out, then the PDP will have to preserve more tears to cry, more strength to protest and increased mouth to complain. More so, a president Buhari that has previously shown not enough concerns in elections in some states previously has obviously expressed repeated interest in his party taking over Ekiti State. If you remember Fayose has been doing to Buhari, then you will perfectly understand Buhari’s special interest in snatching the state for his party.

5. Poor Development: Ekiti State has recorded a very low level of development in the past three years plus of the Fayose government. Gov.Fayose appears to have been running the state without any clearly mapped out plans or blue-print. He instead prefers and believes more in stomach infrastructure than physical infrastructure. He prefers to share 200 and a tablet of rice to the people than empower the people economically to a sustainable level or provide needed infrastructure that will support commerce, industry and enterprise in the state. Those who want to see a shift in focus from Gov.Fayose’s politics of massive under-development will certainly look elsewhere and may not support his preferred candidate. Without mincing words, Ekiti State seems to be the most infrastructurally deficient state in the entire South-West region and many concerned citizens of the state appears quiet interest in changing that narrative.

6. The Defections: Gov.Fayose’s high-handedness and exercise of supremacy against other members and chieftains of his party; especially in the state has swept off many of his loyalist, allies and party men and women into the APC. While PDP has recorded no major addition in terms of defection to its fold, the APC has harvested many key players from the Fayose camp and since politics is a game of number, no one can take those defections for granted. The more defections into the APC, the lesser the votes and supports for the PDP and this has been a major blow to the desperate plot of Gov.Fayose to have his stooge replace him.

7. Stomach politics: Before now, many persons have seen Dr.Fayemi as an elitist politician against the grassroots nature of Fayose. However, this seems to have changed after the 2014 election. Fayemi appears to have learnt some very important lessons and have followed suit in giving his people what they want and how they want it. He has been seen showing the queue of those who share food items, money and other items at various times to the People. And during the election this will play a key role. Ekiti people and their loyalty may just be for the highest bidder to a very large extent. It can be recalled that just few days ago, his campaign organization chose to provide free fuel to motorists in the state, an act that was later replicated by the PDP. In this election, the Fayemi now may be entirely different from the so-called Elitist Fayemi; if Fayose gives anybody N500 and a tablet of rice, Fayemi may give such a person N5000 and a full bag of rice. And if this plays out, your guess is as good as mine as to where the pendulum will finally swing.

8. The plight of workers: Workers have been the major victim of the Fayose government. It is alleged that throughout this year, no civil servant or pensioner has been paid in Ekiti State. This is despite the huge sums of money collected by the Fayose government in terms of Bailout Funds, Paris Club Refunds, Internally Generated Revenue and federal allocations. If Ekiti workers decide to reshape their career destinies and vex their anger on Gov.Fayose and his candidate, then it will go a long way in truncating the hopeful victory of the PDP.

9. The Dry Purse of The PDP: The loss of majority states by the PDP in the 2015 elections has hugely affected the exercise of financial might by the party. This will certainly have an effect on the availability of funds at the disposal of Fayose for the elections. Apart from Gov.Wike and few chieftains of the party especially those with presidential ambitions, the financial contributions other governors and leaders of the party may make towards the Ekiti polls for the PDP will never be as before. Add this to the fact that many of its governors are already saving money to execute their own elections next year. Many presidential aspirants may not even wholeheartedly support Fayose’s candidate because of the so-called presidential ambition of Fayose. To show how serious this is, this is the first time Nigerians saw an advert from the PDP not begging for votes but for money to support its candidate in Ekiti State. More worrisome is the fact that Gov.Fayose may not empty his personal funds to deliver Prof.Olusola as he recognizes that he has a life to live outside the Ekiti State Government House and more battles awaiting Him to lose his immunity.

10. Unity of the Party: The ability of the party to unite all the numerous aspirants that contested its governorship primary election is an indication of the possibility of clinching the state on Saturday. The PDP had just aspirants, yet they lost one and retained one. If all the aspirants work in support of Dr.Fayemi, then the victory will be facilitated and enhanced.
How all these will turn out to be on Saturday lies in the votes of the good people of Ekiti State.

Source: http://www.suanusblog.com/2018/07/ten-reasons-why-apc-may-win-ekiti.html

@SuanusBlog

Politicians will always be politicians. More worrisome is the breed of politicians will have in this part of the world and the type of politics we encourage and play. A politics based on no moral values, principles, philosophy and well-defined focus. We see them move from one political platform to the other with very flimsy excuses like those given by the military whenever they want to take over power.
As the General Elections year draw near, many of what is happening now and more yet to happen are common political possibilities. This removes the feeling of surprise regarding the recent action by some “aggrieved politicians” mainly from the ruling party to form a new group they called the R-APC.
Many political observers and analyst like I aren’t so much bothered about this action, after all like they say in the local market, “as you buy the goat, na so I take sell am too”.
Recall that some time in 2013, a group of political elements from about four political parties had united to form a new political party now known as the All Progressives Congress, APC. Let me leave the rest to history. But a key thing to recall from that action is that, these politicians were hungrier to snatch power from the Otueke man than they were ready to serve Nigeria. They forced a General Buhari into their tricky and selfish political mathematics even when the man was not ready at all to take up the hurdles of the Office of the number citizen of the most populous nation in Africa. And the consequences are common knowledge today.
Many of them were so much in a worry to achieve that and their immediate political agenda that they forgot what effects that act may pose to their political and other endeavours. As the Buhari presidency commenced, many things gradually began to be revealed that increased their political discomfort. All these culminated into what we are seeing today.
That the R-APC is formed by many politicians from the PDP elements that joined in the formation of APC still tells of the spiritual and historical ugly side of the name “PDP” and the characteristics of those who made or make up the party now. As it were before, when from nPDP, they joined APC, so it shall be now as from R-APC, they may be heading back to their old vomit. But how they will harmonise their various political interests concerning 2019 is a topic for another day and what time may perhaps help us to unravel.
More important now is what might have prompted their decision to dump the APC or form a new faction:
1. Buhari Did Not Die: I am one of those who believe that the serious unknown sickness that President Muhammadu Buhari suffered from was not normal. Recall that this strange sickness had kept him away for almost two years into his administration. This affected almost the smooth running of his government as even his Vice was not allowed the free hands to govern the country in the capacity of an Acting President. As a very strong and energetic General of the Nigerian Army even in advanced age, Buhari had expressed shock at his sudden sickness thus: “I have rested as much as humanly possible, I have received I think the best of treatment I could receive. I couldn’t recall being so sick since I was a young man, including the military with its ups and downs. Blood transfusion, going to the laboratories, and so on and so forth, but I am very pleased that we are trying to keep with technology. I couldn’t recall when last I had blood transfusion, I couldn’t recall honesty, I can say in my 70 years, I can’t remember this drug that Nigerians take so much, very common. I think one of our terrible things is self drug administration. We have to trust our doctors more and trust ourselves more, the places I visited they only take drugs when it is absolutely necessary, they don’t just swallow everything.”
As wicked and strange as this may sound, there were persons across board that never wished Buhari would survive that sudden ill-health. Their hope has been that Buhari would die so as to increase their chances of taking over his seat as president. I am of the strong opinion that the likes of former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso would never have dumped the APC should Buhari had died. So, the fact that Buhari survived the attacks shut them out completely and may have being a contributing factor to the factionalisation and expected defection by these elements from the APC.
2. Buhari Did Not Give Up On Re-Contesting: Just as it was in the days of former President Goodluck Jonathan, there are some members of the APC who claim that Buhari had promised to run for just a single term in office. Many of those who bring up this assertion are those mostly affected by the reelection decision of Mr.President sooner after his health stabilized. Although it is not clear if President Buhari actually made that single term promise, it is “unNigerian” and “unAfrican” to see Presidents run but for a single tenure and give up on their constitutional right to seek a second or other terms where such exist. However Buhari’s Minister of Women Affairs, Aisha Alhassan in an interview in 2017 had declared support for former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar insisting that Buhari promised to run for a single term. “In 2015 prior to the election, when Buhari decided to contest following intense pressure, he declared that he was going to serve one tenure that is four years” Alhassan claimed.
This claim was later debunked by Buhari’s spokesperson, Femi Adesina:
“No, that’s misquote, he was never, never quoted that way.
“If there is anything on record like that, it is a misquote because I was with him in South Africa when that issue came when he said, oh, he wished he had become president at the time he was a military governor that he would have done a lot for Nigeria.
“And the other happened in 2011. When he was running in 2011 he said, yes he would be a president for one term. But did he win in that year, no.
“The victory came in 2015. So, that being quoted in 2011 is not applicable again because he did not win that year,” he said.
I am of the strong opinion that if Buhari after surviving his health challenge had decided to return to Daura peacefully in 2019, many of those presidential hopefuls that have left or may leave the APC would not have parted ways with the party.
3. His Anti-Corruption War And His Refusal To Defend His Party Men: Regardless of the reservations of some Nigerians about the anti-corruption war of the Buhari government, some remarkable achievements are been made. It may not appear as holistic as everybody would have wanted, except for those with unrepentant sentiments but it is on course and concerned Nigerians can only but ask that it is carried about without any bias. Prior to now, people usually expect some presidential protection from the ruling government to save them from EFCC trials but this is to a comfortable different under the Buhari government. Except for the unpredictable forces of the law, all cases involving chieftains of the ruling APC and those who defected to the APC seems to be ongoing smoothly. Add this to the fact that new cases are continually instituted against chieftains of the APC at all levels subject to the final decision of the judiciary. This may of course have angered some highly placed party faithful who may have expected that no matter their alleged crimes, such legal steps weren’t taken against them. These ones often cry of victimization and political witch-hunt but the fact remains that if one is innocent or the prosecutors (EFCC and or Federal Government) fail to convince the courts regarding one’s guilt, they person becomes free. This is one of the beauties of democracy. So many of those in the now R-APC includes those who say “what’s the essence of being of the ruling party when my legal humiliations continue”.

4. Personal Greed: One key thing that defines and unites most politicians is greed. They want it all or want it more. They are less concerned about good governance or service to the people but can alter any law, go any length to bring up policies that they will hugely reap from. This cut across the executive, the legislature and to some bad eggs even in the judiciary. In this government particularly, we have seen lawmakers go to war against Nigerians when any of them is perceived touched but are usually less concerned about the welfare of Nigerians. The cases of Dino, Saraki, Ekweremadu, Nwaboshi etc are very fresh examples. Those leaving the APC to form R-APC or enroute to join another party are doing that not because of Nigerians. They are taking that move not because they want a better Nigeria. All they want is to succinctly secure their political greed so that they can continue to milk out our common treasury. Imagine the so-called nPDP members complaining of marginalization in a government where their members control the leadership of the national assembly hold key positions in the executive and are given other appointments in various federal agencies. One begins to wonder the basis of such flimsy excuses if not for greed. And this is why Nigerians must be cautious with these elements. We as a people must refuse to be tossed along the same coast with these guys who were hell bent in our impoverishment.

5. The Oyegun Factor: For me, the former National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie Oyegun was the architect of what appears to have escalated the crises in the APC. Oyegun simply came at a time when everything was juicy and smooth. He made no concrete contributions that favoured the votes garnered by the party in elections conducted at all levels during his tenure. He lacked that political doggedness, sagacity and electoral influence and value. He was simply an opportunistic National Chairman. His exit from the APC is its saving grace. Oyegun’s continuous stay in the APC as its National Chairman would have worsened the crises in the party and would contributed to the party losing in some states and even the presidency. For me, Oyegun is never a good crises manager. He completely mismanaged the affairs of the party under his leadership. Imagine handing over the party to Oshiomhole with crises in almost all the state chapters of the party; that was nothing but an evidence of his poor leadership at the party levy. This singular factor is an increased excuse given by many who have or are planning to dump the party. It was same thing that Senator Shehu Sani said about Oshiomhole coming late because so many things have gone wrong under the Oyegun leadership. Worse still was the fact that the President cared less absolutely in the midst of all these crises from their initial stage to the uncontrollable stage. If only Oyegun had provided a leadership that ensures fairness, equity, justice and internal democracy in the APC, some of those leaving the party wouldn’t have taken that course of action. Sad enough, the party has to face this challenge and bear the consequences.

6. Buhari’s Poor Performance: Like President Goodluck Jonathan, Muhammadu Buhari is another man I consider as lucky to have got to the presidency of this country. Jonathan is lucky considering his minority status and the circumstances that had brought him into power. With all that and his background, many Nigerians have expected that he will get things right in this country but he failed abysmally and he paid dearly by losing the election in 2015. Buhari having being a serial presidential contestant and even a former head of state was one person that Nigerians believed should vividly understand the common challenges facing us as a country and set the ball rolling as soon as he takes the oath of office. But he has turned out to be the most unprepared for the job with Nigeria even facing increased challenges under his leadership. No matter what we think, depending on our sentiments, tribe, religion and political affiliations, the ugly fact is that President Buhari has failed to a very uncomfortable extent against public expectations. There are very deep holes in all areas of his electoral promises; from security to the economy, provision of basic infrastructure and even to the anti-corruption war. If only President Buhari had performed creditably well, those defecting to other political platforms with hopes to contest against him wouldn’t have had such audacities because his shining performance would have intimidated them to a very large extent.

7. Over-Zealous Attitudes Of Some APC Leaders: The autocratic and despotic attitude of some APC leaders in some if not all states of the federal was a huge contribution to the current crises that have pushed or lured some members out of the party. Many Governors, Former Governors, Ministers, and party leaders have chosen to monopolise the party and its structures. They have become a god over the affairs of the party. They have claimed to be more pro-Buhari than any other. In some cases, they turned the affairs of the party into a family affair. They hare dissenting voices and naysayers. They want to reign supreme in all decisions of the matter. This attitude has succeeded in creating more acrimony and tension in most states and pushed the party into disunity. States like Rivers with Amaechi, Kogi with Gov.Bello, Kaduna with Gov.Elrufai, Imo with Gov.Okorocha, Enugu with Minister Onyema are just few instances among many others. If only these over-zealous lords have exercised caution and were more concerned about having a peaceful and united party and considered mutual compromises where necessary in the interest of the party, some of these defections would perhaps been avoided.

8. Those Who Left Are Fully Aware That They Won’t Get The Reelection Ticket Of The APC: Politics no doubt is a game of interest. No politician would love to stay in a political party where his/her interest is greatly threatened. Many of those leaving the APC fully understand that their antagonists in their various states would do everything possible to deny them reelection ticket. Therefore, it may be in their best interest to perhaps dump the party. Take for instance, the likes of speaker Dogara, Senators Dino Melaye, Shehu Sani and many others. Even others seeking higher offices may have their ambitions truncated, hence their exit from the party.
While I agree to their constitutional right of association, many a times some concerned Nigerians get worried at the pace with which these politicians jump ship from one party to another. We need more stable and principled politicians. How far they can go and whether the various political plots will succeed lie in the unpredictable hands of 2019.
While it is expected that the APC addresses the remnants of these challenges that she can handle, it is also hoped that the PDP and other opposition parties will good of the impending opportunities that lie ahead to give Nigerians informed choices to make in the 2019 General Elections.

Culled From: http://www.suanusblog.com/2018/07/r-apc-issues-reasons-and-implications.html

Gov.Ayodele Fayose has given a strict warning to anyone planning to rig the upcoming governorship election in the state.

Without mincing words, Gov.Fayose said those with plot to rig will be buried.
He stated this on saturday during a visit to Rivers State.

Fayose also alleged that there were plans to de-activate the voter cards of members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, ahead of this Saturday’s governorship election in the state so as to frustrate members of the PDP and stop them from voting on election day.

“Their only strategy is how to rig, how to use police and how to use army but very soon they will wait in vain. On Saturday, we will bury them.
“Somebody just told me as I was coming here that they are trying to deactivate voter cards of PDP members from the system. May God help them. We are waiting for them.
“It is insane for anybody to want to rig election where you are not popular. If you try it, you should be ready to accept anything that happens to you,” he said.

Source: http://www.suanusblog.com/2018/07/if-you-rig-in-ekiti-we-will-bury-you.html?m=1

@SuanusBlog

An umbrella body of Muslims, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has accused the National Christian Elders Forum of “attempting to set the country ablaze with dangerous distortions, spurious claims and outright lies.”
The council in a statement signed by its deputy secretary-general, Salisu Shehu, said “the strategy of the Christian Elders Forum is to stir the emotions of the unwary majority and appeal to the primordial sentiments of their religious followers”.
According to the Council, the Christian group is on a desperate mission to set Nigerians against each other by circulating hate messages.
“Many people can recollect the passionate falsehoods and concocted videos produced, mass circulated and presented by Bosun Emmanuel to several churches just to incite Christians and thwart the electoral victory of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2014”.
“Among what he said then was that General Sani Abacha was the best president Nigeria ever had. His reason for reaching that conclusion was simply that General Abacha deposed a sultan. Having failed in his mission to divide Nigerians across religious lines preparatory to the 2015 elections, he has sought fellow lslamophobes and ethnic bigots to drive the same cause.
“The mission is evil and the method is despicable; set Nigerians against one another by circulating hate messages,” the statement read
NSCIA also said contrary to the impression being created by “those who are paid to misinform the public”, Muslims were the targeted victims of the killings allegedly carried out by herdsmen.
“There is abundant evidence of many Muslims who were slaughtered, particularly those who were stopped on the blocked highway, identified as Muslims and gruesomely killed by the same elements that are quick to blame their crime on others,” it said.
“The truth is that the same cannibals who waylaid Muslims on Sallah day few years ago, roasted and ate them (the video of which went viral and is available) are still active in their systematic campaign of terror in the middle belt.”

(C) http://www.suanusblog.com/2018/07/christian-leaders-want-to-set-nigeria.html

In a sudden change of its earlier decision, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has had called off its nationwide protest.

Suanu's Blog recalls that protest was earlier scheduled to hold July 11. However, CAN's President Rev. Samson Olasupo on Friday suspended the planned protest over what he termed "circumstances beyond CAN’s control".

Meanwhile CAN in a statement urged Christians to fast and pray for 3 days. The days are July 9-11, 2018 and its supposed to hold in all churches and state chapters of the association.

The prayers and fasting over the state of Nigeria, are particularly due to the failure of the federal government to end killings by herdsmen in the country.

Source:http://www.suanusblog.com/2018/07/herdsmen-killings-can-makes-u-turn.html

Inspector Benjamin Peters, the trigger- happy cop who killed a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Angela Igwetu, in Abuja on Wednesday has been sacked by Police authorities.

This was disclosed by the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Federal Capital Territory, Sadiq Bello on Friday.

“Police have taken necessary measures; the policeman that opened fire has been arrested, necessary disciplinary procedures have been concluded”.

“He has been dismissed from the Force and arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction and he is currently on remand awaiting commencement of trial, ” he said.

Suanu's Blog recalls that Igwetu, who was billed to pass out of the compulsory one-year national service programme, was shot dead by the trigger-happy policeman in the morning of Wednesday.

Source: http://www.suanusblog.com/2018/07/police-sacks-officer-who-killed-abuja.html?m=1

@SuanusBlog

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr.Boss Mustapha, has advised the people of the South-East to vote enmass for President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019 so as to increase their chances of producing the president at the end of Buhari’s expected second tenure.

Mr. Mustapha stated this on Tuesday while representing President Buhari at the All Progressives Congress (APC) South-East Mega Rally which held in Owerri, Imo state capital.

Addressing the crowd, Mr. Mustapha said: “The people of the south-east have the right to make a claim to the rulership of this country”.
“2019 will make or mar the aspiration of Igbo nation. I am calling on the Igbo to make a paradigm shift and think seriously of their position.
“The presidency of Nigeria is negotiable and can only be done on position of strength and the strength of the Igbo will be determined by 2019 support for Buhari.
“You are important in this nation, you control industries, you control trade and commerce, you control every process of our entrepreneurship. I appeal to you, the skills you’ve used in the past to be prominent in this area, bring it to bear in the political arena so that you can navigate your way to the presidency of this country after the second tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari.”

Suanu’s Blog recalls that since the return of democracy in 1999, Nigeria is yet to have a president of Igbo extraction.

(c) http://www.suanusblog.com/2018/07/if-you-want-to-produce-president-in.html