₦airaland Forum

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/06/26/gtbank-to-close-for-business-earlier-than-usual-friday/

Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) Plc says its offices will close earlier than usual to the public on Friday, June 28, 2019, across the country.

The bank, in a notice to customers, explained that the closure is to allow it carry out its audit exercise in preparation of the release of its half-year results.

It therefore encouraged its customers to make use of alternative channels for their banking need.

The notice reads: “Dear customer, please be informed that on Friday, June 28, 2019, our branches in Lagos will close at 3pm and our branches outside Lagos will close at 2pm to enable us complete our half year audit exercise.”

“We encourage you to take advantage of our secure, convenient and always ON alternative channels for all your banking needs.”

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/06/26/taraba-5-persons-killed-houses-burnt-in-fresh-tiv-jukun-crisis/

Fresh crisis between the Tiv and Jukuns in Rafinkada Village of Wukari local government area of Taraba, on Tuesday left five persons dead and several houses burnt.

The Caretaker Committee Chairman of the Council, Mr. Daniel Adi, who confirmed the development in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Jalingo, alleged that gunmen in Army camouflage attacked Rafinkada and set several houses ablaze.

He disclosed that a soldier injured in the attack is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Wukari.

He said that the deployment of soldiers to the area has brought the situation under control.

The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, of the state police command, DSP David Missal, also confirmed the incident, but said only one person was killed

“The report I have indicated that armed militia youth crossed from Benue State and attacked a community in Wukari LGA and one person was killed and some houses burnt,” the PPRO said.

NAN recalls that the crisis between the Jukun and Tiv ethnic groups especially on the border villages between Benue and Taraba States has lingered since March 2019.

The rift had claimed hundreds of lives and led to the destruction of several property worth billions of naira.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/06/26/investigation-untold-story-of-atiku-abubakars-ancestry-links-with-sokoto-caliphate-part-i/

While former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was born in Jada, Adamawa State, his ancestry is rooted approximately 900 kilometres from the North-East state, The NEXT EDITION can authoritatively report today.

During weeks of investigation, which took our correspondent to Sokoto, Jigawa and Adamawa states, this newspaper traced the origin of the former Vice President to Sidingo village, Tonga Dankemu Ward in Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Reliable sources including the leadership of the Sokoto Caliphate as well as witnesses and relations all confirmed that Mr. Abubakar, who was named after his great grandfather, is originally from Sokoto State.

But how the former Vice President came to be identified with Jada, Adamawa State, is a complex story immersed in history and the triumph of human survival instinct.

How it all started

Historical records and oral accounts by several informed persons showed the Sokoto Caliphate was established at about 1804 as one of the largest empires in Africa.

Documents obtained from the Sokoto State History and Culture Bureau showed the Caliphate was created by Othman Dan Fodio, after the 1804 Jihad which he led across many parts of present Northern Nigeria and beyond.

By 1815 when Fodio and his armies ended their conquests, his religious empire covered not only most of what is now Northern Nigeria but also stretched across Northern Cameroon, Chad and the Niger Republic.

His expedition is also said to have triggered holy wars in nearby regions including Sudan, Senegal and Mali.

After consolidating his hold on the states under his new-found empire, Fodio settled and established his headquarters in Sokoto.

Sokoto thus became the centre of religion, politics, learning, commerce and industry and became very powerful and prosperous that early European explorers visited and carried out business with it.

However, records obtained by this newspaper showed that when Dan Fodio, who was the first Sultan of the Caliphate died in 1817, his son, Mohammed Bello took charge of the eastern part of the empire while his brother Abdullahi became the nominal ruler of the western section.

Later, Sheik Bello, who was the second Sultan of Sokoto extended his control across the entire Caliphate.

To consolidate his father’s power and also protect the Caliphate from external aggression, Sultan Bello reportedly established a garrison in Wurno and stationed troops to watch over the fringes of Sokoto.

Bello was said to have established the garrison town, while his father; Fodio reigned as the pioneer Sultan of the Sokoto Caliphate.

In an interview with The NEXT EDITION, Wazirin Sokoto and leading scholar, Sambo Wali Junaid, said Wurno served not only as a military base but also as the alternate seat of the Caliphate.

“It was Sultan Mohammed Bello who created Wurno as a garrison town and an alternate headquarters of the Sokoto Caliphate,” he told our correspondent at the Sultanate Council Hall in Sokoto.

“In fact, Sultan Bello lived in both Sokoto and Wurno during his reign. Wurno town is grafted in a valley surrounded by hills on every side.

“The terrain makes it easy for troops stationed across the borders of the town to spot any movement and readily mobilise to defend the seat of the Caliphate in Sokoto,” said Mr. Junaid.

By the end of Bello’s rule in 1837, the Sokoto Caliphate had become the most populous empire in West Africa.

At its height, the empire extended over 1,000 miles from current day Burkina Faso to Northern Cameroon.

To show the historical importance of Wurno to the growth of the Islamic religion in West Africa, four of the Sultans who ruled the Sokoto Caliphate were buried in the town.

These were Sultan Mohammed Bello, Sultan Aliyu Sani, Sultan Abubakar and Sultan Aliyu Al Lawal Hazida- Danbunwa.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/06/17/june-12-parade-your-performance-will-endear-ladies-to-join-military-aisha-buhari/

The First Lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, said the excellent display by female military and Police officers during the June 12 democracy day parade would endear many young ladies to join the military.

Buhari said this on Sunday when she hosted the female participants during the maiden edition of June 12 democracy day parade at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

“Let me say you have won the hearts of Nigerians including mine. You have also endeared many young ladies and even men to join the military service and contribute in the protection of our dear nation.

“As a champion for all Nigerian women, I am quick to note and appreciate women who have excelled in their different areas of specialisation and we need more women as role models to inspire the younger ones,” she said.

The first lady, Aisha Buhari commended the high sense of commitment, patriotism, professionalism and dedication exhibited by the officers during the parade.

She said the discipline and focus in which the officers carried out the assignment was an indication of their loyalty to their Nation.

“This is important knowing that some of you are wives and mothers who have broken the gender barriers to excel in what is generally believed to be a man’s world.

“As a champion for Nigerian women, I am quick to note and appreciate women who have excelled in their different areas of specialisation,” she said.

The first lady also commended the commander, Guards Brigade for ensuring excellent performance exhibited by the Officers during the parade.

In his response, the Commander, Guards Brigade Brig Gen. Umar Musa, expressed appreciation to the first lady for appreciating the gallant display by the officers.

Musa said that the gesture was unprecedented and will spur the officers to do more in discharging their task.

On his part, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Mr. Boss Mustapha, urged the female Military and Police officers to use the event as a morale booster to contribute towards nation building.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/06/16/bandits-kill-34-in-fresh-attacks-on-zamfara-villages/

Thirty-four persons have again been killed by bandits who attacked Tungar Kafau and Gidan Wawa villages in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The bandits, according to the Zamfara State Police Public Relations Officer, Mohammed Shehu, invaded the two villages on motorbikes, around 5:00 pm on Friday and began shooting indiscriminately at anyone they could see.

Apart from the dead, several others were said to have sustained various degrees of injuries.

The Police PRO in a statement, however, said, “Normalcy has been restored in Tungar Kafau and Gidan wawa in the Shibkafi LGA following attacks by bandits where 34 people were killed by the bandits.

“In order to forestall future occurrence in any part of the state, the Zamfara State Police Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, have made adequate security arrangements to ensure adequate protection of all villages and communities in the state.

“Today, 15th June 2019, (Saturday), the Commissioner of Police, Zamfara State Command, CP Usman Nagogo, was in the state government’s delegation, led by the deputy governor, to the affected villages for the burial of the deceased.”

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/06/15/27-year-old-dyaku-cheme-others-emerge-leaders-of-benue-assembly/

The 9th Benue State House of Assembly on Friday elected Mr. Damian Tyoapine Cheme, representing Gwer West Constituency, as the Majority Leader, while Mr. Godwin Edo of Agatu Constituency was elected as Deputy Majority Leader.

Thomas Mlanga of Ukum emerged as the Chief Whip, while Peter Onche of Obi state constituency emerged as Deputy Chief Whip.

Their nomination, which took place during the plenary at the floor of the House followed a correspondence from the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the House which was read to members by the Speaker, Titus Uba.

According to the correspondence, the state working committee of PDP after its meeting approved their nomination for the various positions.

In the same vein, another correspondence from the state chapter of All Progressive Congress, APC, announced Mr. Bem Ngutyo of Tarka Constituency as the Minority Leader, while the House after its meeting unanimously approved the nomination of Cephas Dyako of Konshisha state Constituency as Minority Whip.

Speaking with newsmen after their election, Majority Leader, Mr. Cheme thanked God and the state working committee of PDP for finding him worthy of the position.

He pledged to be committed to the job and solicited the support and cooperation of the Benue people to enable him and his colleagues do well.

The Minority Leader, Mr. Bem Ngutyo promised to discharge his duties effectively without being confrontational, saying as the minority leader of the House, he would work to bring balance to the House, offer useful advice to the majority party for the overall interest of Benue people.

The Minority Whip, Cephas Dyako of Konshisha state Constituency, in his own remarks, said; “It feels really good emerging as one the principal officers of the Benue Assembly. I believe this office is going to provide me more and better opportunities to serve my people.”

Why People Close their Eyes when kissing

DETAILS>> https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/06/08/why-people-close-their-eyes-when-kissing/

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/06/15/senator-dino-malaye-trolls-senator-omo-agege-calls-him-a-mace-tief/

Dino Melaye, the controversial Senator from Kogi State has set the social media agog with a post referring to the newly elected Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, as a “Mace Thief.”

Melaye shares a funny photo of three principal officers of the Senate, President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, Omo-Agege, and the Clerk of the Senate with a funny, not-too-difficult to decipher description that matches his claim.

The first quote says, ” Oh boy, hold that mace with two hands ooo. I no trust this Omo Agege. Na tief ,” the Senate President appears to tell the Clerk.

In his response, the Clerk says, “Haha…Oga no worry. I don hold am well.”

Melaye in his characteristic manner captions the picture thus: “When you work with a mace thief.”

Recall that the Delta Central Senator, Omo-Agege, was alleged to have led thugs to the Senate chamber to “steal” the mace in 2018 during a misunderstanding with his colleagues.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/06/15/court-remands-fish-farmer-in-prison-for-cutting-off-boys-hand/

Sixty-seven-year-old fish farmer, Jeremiah Obrifor, has been remanded in prison custody for chopping off the right hand of an 11-year-old boy, Goodluck Amaechi.

His remand was ordered on Friday, by Mrs A.O. Komolafe of an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.

Obrifor, who resides in the Okokomaiko area of the state, allegedly cut off young Goodluck’s hand right with a machete on June 7, claiming that the lad was attempting to steal from his fish pond.

The fish farmer was arrested after the incident was report to the police.

Police prosecutor, Inspector Chinalu Uwadione, who brought Obrifor before the court on four counts bordering on attempted murder, grievous harm and unlawful assault, said the defendant committed the offences, around 8.40pm, at 14, Issa Ibrahim Street, Okokomaiko on the said day.

He said the offences contravened sections 173, 230, 245 and 246 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges and elected summary trial.

Chief Magistrate, Komolafe, granted him to bail in the sum of N1m with two sureties in like sum.

She said the sureties must be gainfully employed and must be blood relations of the defendant. They should also show evidence of three years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

Meanwhile, she ordered that Obrifor should be kept behind bars until he perfected his bail conditions and adjourned further hearing to July 31, 2019.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/06/15/ruggedman-assaulted-in-london-2/

Veteran Rapper, Michael Ugochukwu, popularly known as Ruggedman has been assaulted by some unidentified youths in London.
Ruggedman posted a video, which showed him being attacked by about four men who destroyed chairs and tables at the 805 London restaurant scene of the attack.

He, however, described his attackers as misguided youths, saying he would not stop fighting for the youth in spite of the attack.

“Being attacked by 4 misguided boys will not deter me from fighting for the youths, even though they blindly fight me” In another video, Ruggedman assured Nigerians that he was doing very well as the London Police had everything under control.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/06/12/june-12-never-to-be-wished-away-but-wheres-the-hope/

For any Nigerian who had attained the age of reason as at June 12, 1993, the day and the events that followed would remain indelible in their memory.

The day carries such significance that merely mentioning ‘June 12’ relays a message.

June 12, 1993, was the day Nigerians, through the ballot box declared for democracy and one Nigeria. It was the day Nigerians hoped would free them from 10 years of military dictatorship and oppression.

In their numbers, from the North to the South, the West and the East, they trooped to the polling centres to cast their votes for civilians whom they wanted to run the affairs of the country.

On that day, they chose Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, popularly known as MKO, a 56-year-old renowned businessman and the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land, to be the president.

At least, he was widely believed to have won the election, which was also adjudged to be the freest and fairest election held in the country.

However, the expectation of the people was cut short by the then Military Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, who annulled the Presidential election claiming it was not as free as the people had believed.

This led to a civil uprising as Nigerians refused to sit down and take the decision. Following the chaos that took over the country, Babangida was forced to step aside and an interim government headed by Mr. Ernest Shonekan was put in place.

However, the government was toppled after a few months by Gen. Sani Abacha, who through a coup, took over power in November 1993.

That did not kill the struggle for the actualisation of the June 12 dream, but rather added more impetus to the struggle.

Sometime in 1994, things came to a head when Abiola declared himself President of Nigeria and was arrested by Abacha for treason. All hell was let loose and things went on a further downward spiral.

Unfortunately, Abiola, died in prison in 1998 without actualising his dream, but the struggle lived on long after he was committed to mother earth.

June 12, remained a day that could not and would not be wished away.
Leaders over the years struggled with the day, at a loss as to what to do with it. It was like the proverbial fly that perched on the scrotum, until June 8, 2018, when President Muhammadu Buhari proposed that the day be recognised as Nigeria’s Democracy Day.

June 10, 2019, he sealed the deal by signing into law the new Public Holidays Act (Amendment Bill) 2019, which officially recognised the day as the nation’s Democracy Day and a national public holiday.

Of course, long before Buhari’s decision to make June 12 a Democracy Day, Lagos State and some other South-West states had been observing the day as a public holiday and democracy day.

Still, Mr. Buchi Njere, a Public Relations practitioner, is not convinced that proclaiming June 12 Democracy Day makes any difference.

He said: “June 12 was a lost opportunity. You don't recover such with mere symbolism. The sudden discovery by the All Progressives Congress, APC, to honour the date is politics taken too low. If they recognise the date why run away from the event and the personality? Let them complete the circle and declare MKO Abiola president.

“I am not interested in this mockery. Let the President and his party show leadership. There is a failure everywhere.

“Is it a coincidence that on the eve of June 12 questionable characters were elected to lead the 9th Assembly?

Nigerians should not celebrate, but sit at home today, June 12, to mourn, yet again, the loss of vision to greatness.”

But Mr. Tony Opara, a media personality, is to an extent satisfied with the step.

“I support the naming of June 12 as Democracy day to the extent that it was Abiola's sacrifice that created May 29. It’s also important to note that Obasanjo refused to honour Abiola who was his kinsman.

However, the cabal in charge of the President saw the political capital in adopting June 12 as Democracy day.

My only point of departure is on the national award bestowed on Alhaji Babagana Kingibe who betrayed Abiola. I believe it was Kingibe that gave the advice that led to the adoption,” he said.

Mr. Toye Fawole, a Media Strategist, also supports the President’s move, but with some reservations.

His words: “It's so good that at last June 12 has been accorded its proper recognition in the nation's annual political calendar. Being involved in the June 12 struggles as a journalist, it is so highly gratifying. Kudos to President Muhammadu Buhari for signing the June 12 Bill into law, which means there's no more May 29, which means far less to Nigerians than June 12.

“One only wishes, however, that OBJ had done this and taken the glory.

"But then the situation on the ground in Nigeria today is a negation of the true spirit of June 12. What do we do with the official nepotism and one-sided favouritism? We've got it all wrong. If I may remind us all, Abiola's campaign slogan was HOPE '93. Where's the hope today?”

Indeed, where is the hope today? June 12 is bigger than the date as captured in the yearly calendar. It is not just a day out of 365 or 366 other days of a year. June 12 is about the expectation of Nigerians to have in place a government freely chosen by them through the ballot, a feat that has eluded the country 26 years after the 1993 election.

It represents the struggle of so many years that led to the eventual hand over to a civilian government on May 29, 1999.

June 12, represents all those who lost their lives in the struggle.

Nothing really could ever make up for what Nigeria and Nigerians lost to that annulment. Abiola can never be brought back to lead the nation even if he is posthumously recognised as president as some have suggested.

However, good governance by those who find themselves in authority would go a long way to offset the debt owed to the nation by those who aborted that dream.

Ramaz Naam, an American technologist and fiction writer, speaking on good governance said: “We’ve seen over time that countries that have the best economic growth are those that have good governance, and good governance comes from freedom of communication. It comes from ending corruption. It comes from a populace that can go online and say, ‘This politician is corrupt, this administrator or this public official is corrupt.’”

Many Nigerian’s have adjudged the 2019 elections midwived by the President Buhari-led administration as the worst in the history of the nation. Many have also bemoaned his four years in office.

Can Mr President, then, resolve that going forward, his administration would give Nigerians good governance as defined by Naam?

That indeed would be the best way to honour the memory of MKO and those who died that Nigeria may be.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/06/12/democracy-day-and-nigerias-dance-of-death/

Little did we know that in 1960 we had merely replaced our external British colonial masters with a new set of internal ones.

We locked ourselves into a strange and deceitful web and became enmeshed and entangled in a complex catalogue of self-induced and self-inflicted woes.

Today we are a people under occupation and our land has been desecrated by the presence of hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of extremely violent, dangerous, well-armed, blood-lusting, blood-crazed and blood-frenzied terrorists and killer herdsmen who are just waiting for the signal from their masters before they unleash unimaginable horror, terror and hell on our people.

Must we wait until we are slaughtered like flies and buried in mass graves, like the Biafrans, the Bosnians, the Tutsis, the Jews, the Congolese, the Armenians, the Red Indians of North America, the Aborigines of Australia, the Incas and Aztecs of South America, the Ouigas of Mynmar, the Yazidis of Syria and Iraq and countless others, before our eyes open and we demand to leave this tinderbox?

Can anyone blame Prince Adekunle Odunmorayo when he said,

“The demand for restructuring is cowardly, useless and unachievable. Damn any restructuring. We want out of this charade. We want a new nation: we want Oduduwa”.

The Prince, who is my kinsman and a proud son of Ile-Ife, has spoken the minds of millions.

Yet it does not stop there. Permit me to add the words of one of the greatest, most moderate, most conservative and most respected leaders of our nation who fought to keep Nigeria together during the civil war, who has dedicated his entire life to that cause and who has had the privilege of leading the country on at least two separate occasions.

On 11th June 2019 former President Olusegun Obasanjo said the following to Premium Times:

“Now you have a situation where three top officials of Government will be from only two northern zones. Ahmed Lawan (who has been penciled down as Senate President) is from the North-East, the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria is from the north-east and the President of the country is from the north-west. They are all from what we call the core north. How can you have that kind of arrangement and then be absolutely insensitive to it?”

For a moderate and conservative man like Obasanjo to express his legitimate concerns in this way and for him, at an earlier date, to have confirmed the existence of the Fulanisation and Islamisation agenda, is noteworthy, significant and telling.

Given this only a compound fool, a village idiot or a delusional simpleton will dispute the fact that Nigeria is in trouble and that we are sitting on a time-bomb.

Frankly in my view the time for long debates and discussions about our sorry plight and deep afflictions are long over. And neither do I believe that our debilitating problems can still be fixed or rectified.

To those that still share the erroneous belief that we ought to remain in Nigeria I urge and challenge you to consider the following and reflect on our trying predicament.

Those that believe that they own this nation and that they were born to rule it have been insensitive, savage and unrelenting in their quest to conquer our space and they have boxed us in a suffocating and murderous corner.

Every attempt to build bridges with them and reach out to them in love and friendship has failed due to their insufferable arrogance, rapacious thirst for power and unquenchable desire to dominate every sphere of our existence and aspect of our lives. And this applies to every single ethnic nationality in Nigeria who they believe must bow and tremble before them.

What more do we need to see? What more do we need to hear? What more do we need to say?

From a great nation that was once blessed with so much potential, hope and promise we are now nothing but a blood-soaked and demon-infested enclave of sociopaths, megalomaniacs, power-crazed savages, godless barbarians, callous cow-worshippers and bestial cow-lovers. It is only in Nigeria that the life of a cow is more important than the life of a human being!

This begs the question: are we under some strange, inexplicable, mysterious, ancient and binding Luciferean spell?

Is this the work of Satan? Have the conjurers of the dark path been at work? Has the Queen of the Coast done her worse? Have they taken us to the forest in the dark caves of the village?

Are voodoo and magic at play here? Have we been enchanted by the Army of the Dead? Have we been bound by the Whitewalkers that reside beyond the great icy northern wall?

Have we been cursed by the wizards, witches, goblins and orcs of Mordor? Have we been jinxed and hexed by the dark winter forces of the evil Nightking?

Yet spell or no spell, what exactly are we still waiting for in this land of blood, carnage and shattered dreams that is known as Nigeria?

READ ALSO One Out of Five Individuals Vulnerable to Mental Illness – Experts
Will inspirational words of faith and hope about a better tomorrow and the gentle expression of lofty ideals about the beauty and power of national unity stop the southern march of the terrorists, herdsmen and hegemonists?

They have already conquered, occupied, pacified and enslaved the entire Middle Belt and the rest of the north. They are now well on their way to “dipping the Koran in the Atlantic ocean” whilst flying the flag of their great patriarch and forefather Usman Dan Fodio and galloping with fury on his ancient white warhorse. Must we wait for them to arrive before taking our leave?

The solution to our problem is to chart one of two courses: to either roll over in submission and let them sodomise and enslave us until kingdom come or to dig deep, find our courage, stand up boldly, hold our heads up high, say “no more” and break out of this godforsaken gilded golden cage.

There is absolutely nothing sacrosanct about this godless and inequitable union and entity. The truth is that time is running out for Nigeria and there may no longer be any alternative to a break up.

They say where there is no justice, there can be no peace. How can there be peace and peaceful co-existence in Nigeria when there is no justice or equity?

What we have is the peace of the graveyard where everyone speaks in whispered tones or is too scared to speak at all.

What we have is the silence of two mighty armies facing and sizing up one another in the field of battle minutes before the onslaught begins and the chaos, turmoil, carnage, madness, savagery, butchery and barbarity unfolds.

What we have is the awkward and eerie silence, fueled by years of latent hate and resentment, that reigns when brother is about to slaughter brother. These are indeed truly dangerous times as the clock silently ticks and d-day approaches.

Unless there is a divine intervention, at some point the break up that everybody fears is inevitable. And sadly, because no-one is ready to be reasonable and to talk, it is likely to be a very bloody one indeed. May God grant us peace and may He guide and help us all.

Happy Democracy Day!

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/06/11/breaking-omo-agege-defeats-ekweremadu-to-emerge-deputy-president/

Senator Ovie Omo-Agege of the ruling party, has become the Deputy Senate President in the 9th National Assembly, polling 68 votes to defeat his counterpart, Mr. Ike Ekweremadu.

Breaking: Ahmed Lawan becomes Senate President

Details>> https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/06/11/breaking-ahmed-lawan-becomes-senate-president/

Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan of Yobe State has defeated his Borno State counterpart, Ali Ndume by 79 votes to emerge the Senate President.

Ndume scored a total of 28 votes.

Lawan represents the All Progressive Congress in the Yobe North Constituency of Yobe State.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/06/10/breaking-apc-nwc-announces-omo-agege-as-its-candidate-for-deputy-senate-president/

Breaking: The All Progressives Congress, APC, National Working Committee, NWC, has announced Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege as its candidate for the position of Deputy Senate President of the 9th National Assembly.

The announcement of his adoption by the party was made on Monday by APC's National Publicity Secretary, Lanre Issa-Onilu, in a statement in Abuja.

According to him, the decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the NWC held in Abuja, which also endorsed Muhammed Wase as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

He also said the decision was taken after consultations with President Muhammadu Buhari, party stakeholders, and APC State Governors.

The statement said: “All elected APC members in the Senate and House of Representatives are hereby directed to fully mobilise as a united force behind the party’s choice.

“Members who have earlier signified interests in these positions are urged to support the party’s decisions as loyal and committed members.”

Recall that the APC had earlier announced Senators Ahmed Lawan and Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila as its candidates for the positions of Senate President and Speaker of House Representatives.

Recall also that APC governors under the aegis of Progressives Governors Forum, after a meeting on Sunday night at the Kebbi Governor’s Lodge, Abuja, announced their support for the party’s choice of candidates for principal offices in the soon-to-be inaugurated 9th National Assembly.

Omo-Agege, a lawyer from Orogun in Ughelli North Local Government Area (LGA) represents Delta Central District in the Senate.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/06/08/no-more-war-drums-as-ganduje-sanusi-reconcile/

The crisis between Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State and the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi ll has finally been resolved following a reconciliatory meeting between the two in Abuja.

This is contained in a statement by Mr. Abba Anwar, the Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Ganduje and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano on Saturday.

According to Anwar, the reconciliatory meeting was initiated by the Kano-born business mogul Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the Chairman of Nigeria’s Governors’ Forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

He said after the meeting, the duo exchanged pleasantries with each other in Abuja on Friday.

“As the two leaders met, they congratulated each other for the successful completion of the Ramadan Fast and the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

“Both leaders spoke and urged all Muslims to continue with the good teachings and spirit of the Fasting period of the Month of Ramadan.

Emir Sanusi seized the opportunity to congratulate Gov. Ganduje for the victory in his second term in office. He also wished the governor successful tenure in office.”

He said: “For a healthier relationship between the two institutions of government and Kano Emirate Council, the dialogues will continue.”

NAN recalls that the Kano State Government on Thursday queried the Sanusi over alleged misappropriation of N3.4bn by the Kano Emirate Council.

The state government had also created four emirates out of Kano.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/06/08/tension-in-nbc-as-modibbo-approves-16-illegal-radio-licenses-for-himself-kingibe-children/

The Chairman of CACOBAG, Toyin Raheem, said in Abuja that independent findings revealed that Alhaji Babagana Kingibe, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and his family were among the 10 beneficiaries of the radio licenses recently dolled out by NBC.

He demanded that the Federal Government should direct anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other-Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the allegation.

The organisation threatened that should the Federal Government and its anti-graft agencies fail to act by probing the allegations, it would “be left with no other option but to approach the court to seek an order of mandamus to compel them to do their duty as conferred on them by the laws of the land.”

Raheem said, “We are again compelled to draw the attention of President Buhari and indeed the Nigerian public to another finding, which indicates that one of the 10 illegal radio licenses dolled out by the leadership of NBC is owned by the family of Alhaji Babagana Kingibe.

“The 10 companies that did not apply or bided for any radio license were smuggled into a list already approved by President Buhari.

“Our findings at relevant quarters show that one of the beneficiaries of the doctored license list is Oracle Exclusive Services and Consult Ltd, with its registered address as 20 Monrovia Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja.

“Further investigations also reveal that the company has only two directors/shareholders, who are both children of Mr. Kingibe, namely; Abdulkabir Kingibe and Zara Aminu Deribe, who both gave the same address as 59, Nelson Mandela Crescent, Asokoro, Abuja.

“This is obviously another confirmation of one of the ways the deadly cabal around President Buhari operates by circumventing due process and manipulating his approvals for personal benefits.

“We believe this is unacceptable in a country governed by rules and regulations. This is an abuse of office and a display of sheer greed.”

The CSO urged Buhari and the anti-graft agencies that had been petitioned on this matter to move swiftly and probe its allegation against NBC and its leadership.

“We reiterate our earlier call on President Buhari to immediately direct the EFCC and ICPC to launch an investigation into this embarrassing development to protect the integrity of the administration, which

professes zero tolerance for corruption as one of its cardinal pillars. We equally assure the public of our commitment to expose corruption anywhere we find any,” Raheem stated.

In 1 Week, I’ ve Lost Weight Governing Lagos--Sanwo –Olu

Details> https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/06/08/in-1-week-i-ve-lost-weight-governing-lagos-sanwo-olu/

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/06/08/why-people-close-their-eyes-when-kissing/

Have you ever found yourself closing your eyes when leaning in for a kiss? Of course, the answer is YES with capital letters.

You know how it feels, gazing into your partner’s, those little smooches and then the sparks, the leaning in, the sensations that come with the coming together of the lips - the closing of the eyes. Who can explain why that happens? Well, science has an answer as to why.

No matter the level of passion involved in the kiss, most people find that leaning in for a kiss involves closing eyes, puckering your lips and touching down! Was everyone taught to close their eyes? Why does it happen so instinctively?

According to a study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance, performing a challenging visual task could reduce your ability to comprehend stimuli associated with other senses in this case touch. In general, human beings are unable to use all their senses at the same time. This, therefore, explains why you lower the volume of your car stereo when you’re looking for directions while driving.

Psychologists at the Royal Holloway University in London also demonstrated that completing a demanding visual task reduces people’s ability to comprehend touch.

The study, which was carried out without actual people kissing, suggested that people might instinctually close their eyes to focus on a tactile sensation such as kissing. This could also be why people close their eyes when doing other activities that involve touching like reading braille, making love or dancing.

What the study proves is that the brain can interpret messages sent to it by the coming together of lips of two people in love and the best way to enjoy the sensuous moment is to shut other senses down. With your eyes closed, your brain has less to focus on. No distractions! Your brain understands that feeling and enjoying the kiss is more important than seeing it. It’s a spiritual journey. This is why we also tend to close our eyes when savoring a delicious meal. Like hmmm, yummy, yummy!

Scientists also believe the art of closing one’s eyes may have begun centuries ago when kissing was a prelude to the reproductive process. Closing one’s eyes then ensured that nothing interfered with that very important cloud 9 journey.

Another reason why eyes are closed during kissing, according to Relationship experts, is simply the Trust element. Closing your eyes instinctively shows your partner you trust him and you are willing to enjoy the process with him.

So, when next you find yourself closing your eyes when leaning in for a kiss, know that Science’s got your back.

Comedian, I Go Dye, Gifts His Son Mansion to Celebrate His 9th Birthday

GISTS> https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/06/08/comedian-i-go-dye-gifts-his-son-mansion-to-celebrate-his-9th-birthday/

EFCC withdraws from Goje’s ‘N25bn fraud’ case

Details>> https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/06/07/efcc-withdraws-from-gojes-n25bn-fraud-case/

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/06/07/oshiomhole-apc-sets-up-committee-to-investigate-allegations/

The All Progressives Congress, APC’s National Working Committee, NWC has set up a five-man disciplinary committee to investigate allegations against Mr. Adams Oshiomole, the party’s National Chairman by Sen. Lawal Shuaibu, the party’s Deputy National Chairman North.

Malam Lanre Isa-Onilu, the party’s National Publicity Secretary made this known in a statement issued on Thursday night in Abuja.

He said that the five-man committee would particularly investigate Shuaibu’s allegation against Oshiomole on issues involving the collective decisions of the NWC.

Issa-Onilu added that the APC NWC which passed a vote of confidence on Oshiomhole took the decision at the end of its 38th regular meeting.

He said the committee would also investigate alleged instigation of senators and members of House of Representatives by Sen. Shuaibu against the decision of the party on the choice of presiding officers for the National Assembly.

This, he called, happened at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, even when the issues were discussed and agreed on by members of the NWC.

He said Shuaibu’s action was particularly embarrassing as he was seen moving around senators and members of the House of Representatives allegedly instigating them to revolt.

Issa-Onilu said Shuaibu did this, while President Muhammadu Buhari was making his concluding remarks on the need for APC to present one candidate to avoid a divided house.

The APC spokesman said the committee which would be headed by Otunba Niyi Adebayo is mandated to submit its report to the party’s NWC within seven days.

Shuaibu, had in a six-page letter dated May 27 and addressed to Oshiomhole, accused him of incompetence and high handedness in his handling of the party’s affairs. He added that the APC had lost control of seven states under Oshiomhole.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/06/06/nge-demands-revocation-of-suspension-order-of-daar-licences/

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has demanded immediate revocation of the suspension order of the licenses of DAAR Communication Plc, owners of AIT, Ray Power, and Faaji FM.

According to the Guild, the suspension order “runs contrary to the ideals of free speech and the fine tenets of press freedom.”

In a statement signed by its President, Mrs. Funke Egbemode, and General Secretary, Mrs. Mary Atolagbe, the Guild described the action of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) as a “case of Executive highhandedness,” adding “it paints our dear country in the darkest tar of dictatorship.”

The statement reads: “The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) hereby condemns in very strong terms the indefinite suspension of the licenses of the African Independent Television, AIT, Ray Power by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

“The Guild demands in clear terms the revocation of the suspension order as it runs contrary to the ideals of free speech and the fine tenets of press freedom. This is a case of Executive highhandedness and it paints our dear country in the darkest tar of dictatorship.

“The Fourth Estate of the Realm remains the watchdog of society and any attempt to gag it in any guise is an affront on democracy and the people. The NBC must and should rescind this ignoble and despicable decision.
“The Guild strongly believes the NBC action is a draconian form of regulation, being out of tune with democratic principles.
The Guild is concerned about the violation of the constitutional rights of DAAR Communications and the absence of media freedom, independence and the stifling of operations of media outfits which are performing their roles as the watchdog of the Nigerian society.

“The NGE condemns in strong terms the barbaric crackdown on the broadcast outfit and demands the immediate cessation of this atrocious repression and excessive show of power by the NBC, whose duty is to regulate and not kill the media.

“Muzzling the media and throwing thousands of Nigerians into the already saturated labor market should not be the trophy for good corporate governance of a regulator; it is something to be ashamed of and NBC should be ashamed at its action in a fledgling democracy in the 21st Century.

“The Guild is strongly of the opinion that the NBC, in exercising its regulatory powers, should concentrate on implementing policies that will position Nigeria’s broadcasting to compete in the global spheres, rather than engage in witch-hunting and unnecessary show of excessive force.
The Guild hereby expresses its solidarity with the AIT/Raypower family, urging the staff and management to remain calm as the Guild liaises with and other media professionals as well as well meaning Nigerians to get justice.

“The NGE appeals to President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, to use his good offices to call NBC to order.

“It is to be recalled that NBC had, before the 2019 general election, shut down Joy FM in Jos for violations of the broadcasting code. Last year, the NBC shut down Ekiti Radio/TV station. Shutting down stations and withdrawing licences are too extreme in the circumstance. There must be humane and saner ways to resolve disputes bordering on violation of the Broadcasting Code.”

BREAKING: AIT, Raypower Still on Air despite License withdrawal by NBC

DETAILS>> https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/06/06/breaking-ait-raypower-still-on-air-despite-license-withdrawal-by-nbc/

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/06/06/kofi-bartels-attack-nuj-ihrhl-demand-apology-from-nigeria-police/

The Rivers State Police command has been asked to apologize for the Tuesday attack on a Port Harcourt-based journalist, Kofi Bartels, by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

The police unit, notorious for extrajudicial killings and serial violation of human rights had beaten up, arrested and detained Mr. Bartels for capturing the brutal treatment of a young boy.

But the River State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Institute for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (IHRHL) have demanded apologies from the state police command.

In separate statements, the two bodies have called on the Police to fish out and punish the SARS operatives who brutalized the journalist.

In a statement signed by the Secretary-General of the NUJ in Rivers State, Ike Wigodo, the union condemned in strong terms, the inhuman treatment meted out to Mr. Bartels.

The union deplored how the operatives beat up, handcuffed and arrested the journalist, regretting that a security agency paid to protect lives and property could turn itself into a monster to terrorize innocent citizens.

The union, therefore, demanded an unreserved apology from the Rivers State Police Command within 14 days or risk its activities boycotted by its members.

The Council also demanded that all the SARS officials involved in the brutal act be brought to book, while the agency foots the hospital bill of Mr. Bartels, who is currently receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital

The statement further warned that further assault on journalists in the state would be vehemently resisted by the NUJ.

“NUJ as a watchdog of the society will not fold its arms and watch any arm of security agencies in the State descend to barbarism and brutalization of innocent citizens, let alone media practitioners. Enough is enough,” the statement warned.

On its part, the IHRHL in a statement signed by its Acting Director, Mennenga King, said it received the news on the attack on Mr. Bartels with utter consternation.

The group described SARS operatives as, “The most odious species of law enforcement,” and called on the relevant authorities to fish out the criminal police officers and punish them based on the provisions of the law.

The IHRHL said the attack on Mr. Bartels narrowed the basis of his freedom and negates the principles of law enforcement and security.

In a bombastic style, the IHRHL indicated, “We have today, under SARS, a handful of men, free themselves, who execute the most base and abominable despotism over hundreds of their fellow creatures in Rivers State; that innocence should be the victim of oppression, that industry should toil for rapine, that the harmless citizens should suffer for crimes they did not commit, for failing to deliver extortions to gun-toting law enforcement officials.

“In other words, hundreds of fellow creatures should sweat, not for their own benefit but for the luxury and rapacity of tyrannical depredation - that indeed, these ordinary creatures gifted by Providence with the ordinary endowment of humanity should groan under a system of despotism unmatched in recent histories of law enforcement in the country.”

The group insisted that SARS must not be allowed to become “a mighty fabric of human bondage in Rivers State and Nigeria,” and prayed that the repressive reign of law enforcement would give way to responsible policing.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/06/05/outrage-as-sars-operatives-brutalise-arrest-journalist-in-port-harcourt/

Barely two days after President Muhammadu Buhari received the report of the panel on the reform of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police, the notorious operatives have recorded another low.

The Police “killer” squad on Tuesday barred its ugly fangs against a Port Harcourt-based-journalist, Kofi Bartels, for daring to capture them while brutalizing a young man.

Recounting his ordeal, Mr. Bartels, a staff of Info FM, Port Harcourt said he was driving within his neighbourhood when he spotted SARS operatives beating up a boy.

According to him, the boy must have been manhandled because of the boy’s inability to settle the errant officers.

“His mum fries "akara" (bean cake) for a living and I knew immediately that they wouldn't be able to 'settle' the officers,” Mr. Bartels stated.

“He (boy) kept shouting ‘what have I done,’ while they tried to force him into their bus. They were beating the hell out of him and I don't know if he would have survived.

“I made to go plead with them but hesitated and rather decided to take a shot of the bus and number plate.

“I was given the beating of my life right on the road. They started by smashing my knees repeatedly with wooden bars. As I type this, my left knee is swollen and my right knee seriously bruised. I have pains on my head, neck and back.

“I was handcuffed like a common criminal and shots were fired to disperse a small crowd that had gathered.”

After the second round of beating, Mr. Bartels said he was taken to SARS headquarters in Port Harcourt where the operatives subjected him to another round of beatings.

Narrating his ordeal at the SARS headquarters, Mr. Bartels said three more operatives joined the others and together, they took turns, slapping, punching and kicking him inside the facility.

“They took turns to slap, punch, kick me all over my body in a detention room, while I was struggling with a swollen knee. At least six officers attacked me, one at a time. One swore he would have wasted (kill) me if his team were the one who picked me up.

“I was told to get ready to be thrown into their cell where I would receive the worst torture, including sexual abuse by male inmates.


“A couple of them told me to watch my back, saying this is my end in Rivers State due to the human rights issues we treat on radio involving SARS and the police generally.

“My phones were seized and I had no way of communicating with anyone. I was saved at the last minute when words got to their former boss and they were ordered to release me unconditionally,” Mr. Bartels said.

The attack on Mr. Bartels has triggered outrage in Rivers State as journalists and rights activists have called for justice from the police.

Already, the Chairman of the State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Stanley Job, condemned the attack, adding that the body will soon release a statement in the matter.

“I have just been informed of the attack on one of our colleagues and we will soon issue a statement on the matter. The NUJ will not allow anybody to violate the right of any of its members and this would not be an exception,” Mr. Job told our correspondent.

Also, the Executive Director of the Institute for Human Rights and Humanitarian Justice (IHRHJ), Anyakwee Nsirimovu, said Mr. Bartels has been involved in human rights advocacy in the state.

Mr. Nsirimovu condemned the attack on the journalist and said his organisation would initiate action to ensure that those involved in the criminal violation of the rights of the journalist, are brought to justice.

“I know Bartels very well and he has been involved in human rights advocacy programmes. It is sad to hear how he was maltreated by the police” said the rights activist.

When contacted on the telephone, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed the attack, adding that the journalist was released unconditionally on Tuesday.

He argued that the rights of suspects are guaranteed under the law, saying that the police are expected to treat people with decorum even while arresting them.

“I tried to get in touch with the officers who arrested him on phone as soon as I was told about it but the line didn’t connect. But he was later freed unconditionally.

“The commissioner of police has ordered an investigation into the matter and if it is found that the officers breached the code of conduct in the course of their operations, they will be punished based on the provisions of the law,” said Mr. Omoni.

SOURCE: https:///2JYYXjd

Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, Chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC, has fallen out of favour with some stakeholders of the ruling party, hence, the need to go the extra mile in the struggle to retain his position.

As more people are embracing the Oshiomhole-must-resign campaign, which was launched recently by the party’s Deputy National Chairman North, Sen. Lawal Shuaibu, the future of the Chairman’s position in the party remains uncertain.

Moreover, Chairman’s effort to counter calls for his resignation has suffered a setback when his predecessor, Mr. John Oyegun, joined the anti-Oshiomhole’s forces and described him as an incompetent leader and agent of destabilization in the ruling party.

The erstwhile Chairman also urged his successor to take the blame for the APC’s electoral misfortune and other problems currently bedeviling the party, adding that he was unfit to remain in office as the party’s Chairman.
Oyegun joined the fray when the National Chairman’s allies accused him of hatching the plot for Oshiomhole’s downfall and laying landmines on his path.

The Chairman’s current predicament is the repercussion of the defeat, which the ruling party suffered in some states in the last general elections.

Zamfara and six other states under the ruling party’s control before the general elections were taken by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, which triggered the calls for Oshiomhole’s resignation.

APC, under Oshiomhole lost Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Imo, Sokoto and Oyo states respectively; and suffered disqualification in Rivers and Zamfara States, which was blamed on ego as well as the inability of the party’s leadership to halt the internal crisis in the affected states at its early stage.

A source revealed that some aggrieved members of the ruling party faulted Oshiomhole’s dictatorial style of leadership, blaming him for the calamity that befell the party in the affected states.

This allegation was on Sunday confirmed by Oyegun, “Oshiomhole fails because he lacks the temperament required to run a political party. He lacks the capacity to manage different interests and tendencies that constitute a political party. He engages his mouth before engaging his mind, so he offends party members.”

Those in the know argue that rather than toe the path of justice and fairness, the Chairman allowed his former colleagues (ex- governors) in some states to disregard due process in selecting the candidates for the various elective positions.

Analysts are of the opinion that the leadership of the incoming National Assembly is another reason for the current campaign to unseat Oshiomhole.

His opponents are not happy with the zoning arrangement as announced by the party’s chair, which zoned the offices of Senate President and Speaker, House of Representatives to individuals instead of allowing the aspirants to test their popularity among their colleagues when the 9th National Assembly is proclaimed this month.

Apart from Shuaibu, other stakeholders that want the Chairman to vacate his seat are former governor of Sokoto State, Yahaya Abdulkarim and the immediate past Minister of Communication, Mr. Adebayo Shittu.
Shuaibu, had in a letter to Oshiomhole berated him for creating the problem that led to the painful loss of a sitting APC Government in Zamfara State. His claim was contained in a letter entitled, “APC: It’s Fortunes Vs Misfortunes, Time To Act!”

He said, “In advanced democracies, people who fail to add value or build over and above what they met on assumption of duty show some civilized examples, they honourably bow out.

“In that connection, therefore, I want to advise you to take the path of honour, to step aside and allow the party to embark on the onerous task of reconstruction and rehabilitation.”

“You cannot exonerate yourself from blame on what happened to APC, Zamfara State, thereby destroying the hopes and aspirations of 534,541 APC members and supporters,” he said.

In the same way, Abdulkarim agreed with Shuaibu, saying that the Chairman has, indeed, failed in the task of leading the party.

Abdulkarim said, “I am 100 per cent in support of the call for Oshiomhole to step down for the party to have good leadership that will lead it to its progress.The party’s national Chairman is supposed to lead the party to capture more states, give it right leadership and direction. The essence of politics and political party is to win elections; if it fails then it is not a party.”

According to Abdulkarim, Oshiohmole had met APC leading in 26 states, but ended up losing many of the states to the opposition. “Losing control in six states is too much a blow for members to bear. If Oshiomhole does not quit, the APC will be dead by 2023,” he said.

Shittu, on his part, endorsed the call for the resignation of the Chairman, stressing that allowing him to remain in office would mark the end of the party before the next general elections.

He said, “I endorse it. The truth is that with Oshiomhole, this party would go down by the time President Muhammadu Buhari finishes.

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/06/05/dokpesi-embarks-of-one-man-protest-against-fg-plot-to-gag-press/

Founder of DAAR Communications Plc, Raymond Dokpesi, has said he would stage a protest against “plots by the All Progressives Congress- led Federal Government” to gag the media and suppress free speech.

A statement from his office in Abuja on Tuesday stated that Dokpesi would be embarking on a “one-man demonstration” to the National Assembly on Thursday, June 6, 2019, after addressing a world press conference at the AIT Complex, Asokoro, Abuja.

The protest is in response to some letters written by the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, to Daar Communications Group, owner of African Independent Television, AIT and Raypower FM over some reports it felt were unprofessional.

In the two letters, dated May 27, 2019, signed by its Director of Broadcast Monitoring, Prof. Armstrong Idachaba, the commission, accused the stations, AIT and Raypower FM, of airing “offensive, unfair and unprofessional” content in violation of rules.

He therefore asked both stations to explain why they should not be sanctioned.

In his statement in response to NBC’s letters, Dokpesi said: “We invite all Nigerians and the international community to note this obvious act of brigandage against freedom of speech and association as clearly expressed in our Constitution.

“AIT and Raypower have not violated any code of broadcasting as alleged by the NBC. The NBC and the government in power are not comfortable with the broadcast industry because of its courageous and dogged stance in informing Nigerians on happenings in the country.

“We are in a Democracy and must all rise to defend Nigeria from anti democratic forces.”

Thisday Newspaper’s MD Loses Wife

details(> https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/06/04/thisday-newspaper-md-loses-wife/

https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/06/04/atiku-felicitates-with-nigerians-on-eid-el-fitri-calls-for-justice-for-the-downtrodden/

Former Vice President of Nigeria and Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has felicitated with Nigerians and the global Ummah on the celebration of Eid-El-Fitri.

Atiku, in a press statement made available to the Next Edition, urged all faithful to do justice to one another particularly to the downtrodden.

“As we celebrate the end of Ramadan, it is important that we understand that the Holy Month was meant to transform us by taking our attention from ourselves and focusing it on to others,” he said.

He recalled that during Ramadan, they all fasted so that they might better be able to empathise with the hungry, the poor and the downtrodden adding, “After the fast, we must face the grim reality that Nigeria is now the world headquarters for extreme poverty and the global capital for out of school children population.

“We must also face the sober truth that our country faces a bleak harvest because farmers in our food basket regions cannot go to farms due to the spiralling insecurity in those geopolitical zones.

“The piety that we have just built up, after a month of fasting, puts us in a unique position to make the personal and group sacrifices that will usher in justice, unity, peace and prosperity back in our land, if we remember that Ramadan is a process, not an event.

READ ALSO: ‘You’re the Most Financially Reckless, Profligate Governor,’ Bauchi Gov Tells Predecessor

“A process that refines us to live, and be on our best behaviour for eleven months until the next Ramadan.

“A process that prepares us to ensure justice in our communities for everyone, irrespective of their religion, region or inclination. We must not forget the millions of our brothers and sisters that have been displaced by terrorists, bandits and kidnappers. Theirs is a present suffering that can only be dealt with when we have justice in our land.

“That is why the Quran says “O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both.”

“I especially commend this surah to the 29 newly sworn in governors and to those God has placed in leadership positions in the three arms of government at all levels. We must do justice here on earth, because we expect God to do justice to us when we meet with our Maker.

“And it is on this basis that I greet all Nigerians and the global Ummah. At the beginning of this most important month, I wished you Ramadan Kareem. Now, I wish you “Eid Mubarak,”” Atiku said.

He prayed God to bless all Nigerians and bring peace back to the nation.

Nigeria’s Muhammad-Bande Emerges UNGA President

GISTS>> https://nextedition.com.ng/2019/06/04/nigerias-muhammad-bande-emerges-unga-president/