₦airaland Forum

The All Progressives Congress, APC, in South West has said it cannot afford to lose any of the six states in the zone to the opposition. APC stated this at a caucus meeting by chieftains of the party in the zone, presided over by the National Vice Chairman, Pastor Bankole Oluwajana, APC APC is at present the ruling party in Lagos, Oyo, Ondo, Osun, Ogun and Ekiti States. A statement by the Zonal Secretary, Ayo Afolabi, said: “As far as the Southwest Caucus of the APC is concerned, we have a candidate for the election in Osun and we all have to rally round him to win the election.
“We cannot afford to drop any of our South west states to the opposition.” According to the statement, the party directed all state chairmen of the party within the zone to get involved directly in the electioneering process to ensure the party’s victory that started in Ekiti, with the recent election of Dr. Kayode Fayemi, is completed in Osun.
The party called on all stakeholders in the party to commence campaigns, adding that all stakeholders throughout the southwest region should be given access to play diverse roles. It therefore, appealed to aggrieved members of the party in Osun State to give room for internal reconciliation in accordance with party’s guidelines and ethos.
“Continuous effort should be made to reach out to those dissatisfied with the primaries in Osun to retrace their steps, sheathe their swords and work for the victory of our candidate, Gbenga Oyetola. “Problems in Oyo and some other states were reviewed and the caucus agreed to work with the respective state chapters to ensure that all grievances are addressed and resolved.”
“We recognize the need for regular meetings to resolve the internal issues across the region to ensure that we speak with one voice,” APC said. On the gale of defections across the country, it called for measures to be taken to prevent further defections from the party as much as it was possible.

http://www.vondanews.com/we-cant-afford-to-lose-any-swest-state-to-opposition-apc/

Justice Mohammed Idris of a Federal High Court in Lagos, yesterday sentenced 10 persons to a cumulative jail term of 120 years for dealing illegally in petroleum product.

The 10 convicts are James Abatan, Wasiu Abdul Owonikoko, Patrick Ameh, Johnson Ademola, Felix Otto, Chigozie Oguike, Olu Salisu, Jomo Gadagbe, Kunle Oba Saheed and Rasheed Adio.

They were arraigned before the court in 2016 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alongside a vessel, MT Peace, on a three-count charge bordering on the alleged offence.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was to read to them. Delivering judgement in the matter yesterday, Idris found all the defendants guilty of dealing in 200 metric tons of petroleum product without appropriate licence.

The court held, “From the evidence adduced by the prosecution, it was established that the accused persons indeed conspired among themselves to deal in petroleum product illegally. “Section 4 (1) of the Petroleum Act provides that no one shall deal in petroleum products without lawful and appropriate licence.”

“This offence is a strict liability offence for which no ‘mens rea’ is required,” the judge said.

Idris further noted that the defendants failed to adduce any evidence capable of puncturing the evidences of the prosecution while defending themselves. In sentencing the accused, the judge held: “The offence for which they were charged are strict liability offence.

“This crime is rampant and is almost crippling the economic survival of this nation. We would not standby and allow people destroy the nation’s economy.

“The second to 11th defendants are hereby sentenced to five years imprisonment each on count 1. They are also sentenced to five years imprisonment each on count 2 while they are sentenced to two years imprisonment each on count 3. The sentences are to run concurrently. The petroleum product and the vessel are to be forfeited to the Federal Government.”

In a charge marked FHC/ L/287C/2015, the defendants were accused of conspiring among themselves to deal in 200 metric tons of petroleum product without appropriate licence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 3 (6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and Section 4 of the Petroleum Act Cap P10, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. It is punishable under Section (1) (17) of the same Act.

http://www.vondanews.com/lagos-court-jails-10-nigerians-120-years-for-stealing-petroleum-product/

Pope Francis changed the Catholic Church's stance on the death penalty in a new policy published Thursday, saying that it is “inadmissible” because it “attacks” the inherent dignity of all humans.

The Vatican said the pontiff approved a change to the Catechism – the compilation of official Catholic Church teaching. Previously, the catechism said the church didn’t exclude recourse to capital punishment “if this is the only possible way of effectively defending human lives against the unjust aggressor.”

Francis announced his intention to change church teaching on capital punishment in October. The new text was approved in May and published Thursday.

The new text, contained in Catechism No. 2267, says the previous policy is outdated and that there are other ways to protect the common good.

It says: "Recourse to the death penalty on the part of legitimate authority, following a fair trial, was long considered an appropriate response to the gravity of certain crimes and an acceptable, albeit extreme, means of safeguarding the common good.

"Today, however, there is an increasing awareness that the dignity of the person is not lost even after the commission of very serious crimes. In addition, a new understanding has emerged of the significance of penal sanctions imposed by the state. Lastly, more effective systems of detention have been developed, which ensure the due protection of citizens but, at the same time, do not definitively deprive the guilty of the possibility of redemption.

"Consequently, the Church teaches, in the light of the Gospel, that “the death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person”, and she works with determination for its abolition worldwide."

The text is taken from Francis’s address to a meeting organized by the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization that took place on October 11 last year, the Catholic Herald reports.

In an accompanying letter explaining the change, the head of the Vatican’s doctrine office said the development of Catholic doctrine on capital punishment didn’t contradict prior teaching, but rather was an evolution of it.

“If, in fact the political and social situation of the past made the death penalty an acceptable means for the protection of the common good, today the increasing understanding that the dignity of a person is not lost even after committing the most serious crimes,” said Cardinal Luis Ladaria, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

Francis has long railed against the death penalty, insisting it can never be justified, no matter how heinous the crime. He has also long made prison ministry a mainstay of his vocation. On nearly every foreign trip, Francis has visited with inmates to offer words of solidarity and hope, and he still stays in touch with a group of Argentine inmates he ministered to during his years as archbishop of Buenos Aires.

http://www.vondanews.com/pope-changes-catholic-church-teaching-on-death-penalty-declares-it-inadmissible/

Chief Osiobe Okotie, a governorship aspirant in Delta State on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday said those that defected from the party to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other political parties, are “bound to fail”.

Addressing newsmen at Osubi Airport near Warri, where he was welcomed from vacation in America by his supporters, Okotie claimed that the defectors have skeletons in their cupboards.

“Anybody that is defecting from APC today does not mean well for Nigeria and is bound to fail.

“Integrity is what will deliver Nigeria. It is high time we stopped glorifying thieves. The future of Nigerians matters. Nigerians travel to Dubai, US, and Europe. Can’t we build Nigeria to look like Europe or America and people will come here to visit us and we would be making money the way these countries are doing?

“Those who are defecting today are people who have skeletons in their cupboards. Business is not done as usual, they are not comfortable, there are many blockages. We have the TSA account just one account, now a lot of wastage has been stopped, a lot of stealing has been stopped.

“Some people are into politics because of what they want to make, how they want to satisfy their individual needs and abandon the need of the people.

“This is a case of light and darkness and light will overwhelm darkness because there is light at the end of the tunnel,” he said

http://www.vondanews.com/2019-what-will-happen-to-those-who-have-dumped-apc-okotie/

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed says there is no going back on delivering Kwara to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.

The minister, in a statement he personally issued in Abuja on Monday, said the party would open its doors to hordes of those willing to join and reposition it ahead of the 2019 general elections.

Mohammed had demanded that the Balogun Fulani-led Kwara APC executive committee loyal to Senate President Bukola Saraki be dissolved.

In the new statement which responded to comments made by APC Kwara South senatorial chairman, Alhaji Jimoh Balogun, Mohammed said his new leadership of APC in Kwara would not cede the state to double agents.

He said the challenge by Balogun to his membership of and contributions to the APC was inconsequential.

“The issue of my membership of the APC, as well as my contributions to the growth of the party in Kwara and indeed in Nigeria as a whole, is settled and not subject to any contestation.

“For those who may be engaging in mischief over this, the massive turnout of APC members and supporters to welcome me during my trip home this past weekend for a stakeholders’ consultative meeting should serve as ample confirmation.

“The truth is that those who are making this allegation are the ones who need to validate their membership of our great party since they have left no one in any doubt about their status as ‘double agents’.

“Alhaji Balogun is one of the three Kwara Senatorial Chairmen who recently called on their leader to take them out of the APC.

“As far as our members are concerned, these Janus-faced people are just waiting to crash the APC in Kwara before they escape to the other side,” he said.

The minister said his critics were rattled because of the decision not to allow them to actualise their nefarious plan.

http://www.vondanews.com/lai-mohammed-fires-back-at-apc-insists-on-removal-of-sarakis-loyalists/

The Senator representing Kwara South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Rafiu Ibrahim, has said a team of senior legal experts will handle the allegation of complicity in the Offa robbery saga levelled against the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, by the police.

The police have insisted that Saraki is needed to make certain clarifications on the statement of the suspects arrested in connection with the robbery despite the legal advice from the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, which absolved the Senate President of any complicity in the act.

But Ibrahim, who is among the 14 senators, who defected from the All Progressives Congress on Tuesday, told our correspondent in a telephone interview that Saraki’s lawyers, who are mainly Senior Advocates of Nigeria, were already brainstorming on the case.

The Senator’s clarification appears to be an indication that the Senate President may not honour the police invitation and would rather ask his lawyers to handle the matter.

His declaration came on the heels of the insistence of the Force PRO, Moshood Jimoh, that Saraki still had a case to answer notwithstanding the fact that a team of investigators grilled the Senate President last week in his office.

Ibrahim said, “The Senate President has a very strong legal team of many senior advocates of Nigeria who are already working on the issue. He has a legal issue with the police and he will take the case up legally.”

He explained that the executive arm of government bungled a fresh strategy that was being coordinated by Saraki aimed at reconciling aggrieved federal lawmakers with the APC leadership when the police reportedly barricaded the Senate principal officers’ homes in Abuja.

He said, “As we were strategising on how to convince our members to let us reconsider our stand and shelve our plans to defect, the police brought a letter by 8pm on Monday, asking the Senate President to appear before them by 8am on Tuesday.

“The following day, very early in the morning, the EFCC went to the house of the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, blocked his house and successfully ensured that he did not go out.

“Simultaneously, some policemen were also at the home of the Senate President with a specific instruction to prevent him from leaving his house. Those who could carry out such actions could as well kill the principal officers or bomb their houses.

“My concern at the moment is to ensure that the Senate President is alive. The agents of government are getting desperate just to actualise their plans.”

Ibrahim added, “Their plan was to ensure that the two of them were not available for plenary on Tuesday so that some senators could remove Saraki and Ekweremadu as Senate President and Deputy Senate President, respectively.

“However, God, in his infinite mercies and powers, used some people to disorganise their plans by helping Saraki to preside over plenary on Tuesday. It was God, nothing else.

“We adjourned abruptly on Tuesday because the federal authorities deployed armed policemen who laid siege to the residences of our presiding officers.

“If they can put the SP and the DSP under house arrest, what stopped them from arresting senators on the streets of Abuja and institute frivolous litigation against them?”

The senator added that members’ defection on the floor of the National Assembly chambers would be in phases.”

http://www.vondanews.com/saraki-assembles-sans-to-battle-police-over-invitation/

Super Falcons of Nigeria forward and Dalian Quanjian FC footballer, Asisat Oshoala, has bought her parents a house in Lagos.

The football star took to Instagram to show off the house and wrote: 'Small girl Big God ??…Alhamdulillah, parent first. '

Asisat also took to her Instagram Story to advice people to let the happiness of their parents be a priority.

She wrote: 'Don’t be a selfish child… let the happiness of your parent be your priority… Take very good care of your family before impressing the street. My little token, invest wisely cuz deez things don’t last forever.. don’t go around buying shits that are barely necessary.'

See photos below:

http://www.vondanews.com/super-falcons-star-asisat-oshoala-shows-off-the-house-she-bought-for-her-parents/

Renowned Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is the Cover Star for the July edition of French magazine M Lemonde.

The author talks about feminism, Beyonce featuring her “We should All be Feminist” speech, and fashion in the issue which rightly captions her as “Une Femme Puissante’- “Powerful Woman”. The magazine titled the piece about the author:

See photos below:

Love so cool, this means you can love and find love no matter the way you are or what people think about you.

For every man there’s a woman, or so they say, and for the King of Thieves actor, Benson Okonkwo, who’s single and searching, there’s only one woman who has captured his heart – Cossy Ojiakor! The actor confessed to Potpourri in a private chat that of all the women in Nollywood, if he has to settle down with any woman, it would definitely be the Nollywood’s boobs blazing Nutty Queen, Cossy Ojiakor.

“ I have many girlfriends but I am taking my time to settle down. When I find the right woman I will settle down. I know I’m not getting any younger but age is nothing but a number.

Marriage is a full time thing and you have to be very cautious before you dabble into it or you would be making the biggest mistake of your life,” he mused, when asked why he has not yet settled down. “When it comes to women, there are always complications.

I don’t want to marry now and divorce soon after. But very soon something will happen. I need someone controversial; someone who will understand me, I mean the real Benson inside. If I’m to pick a Nollywood actress I can marry I will pick Cossy Ojiakor.

She’s my ideal woman. Forget the Genevieves, the Angela Okories, Rita Dominics or anyone, the woman for me in Nollywood is Cossy Ojiakor. I believe she’s a kind of woman who can understand me,”he quipped Benson Okonwo who told Potpourri he doesn’t want to be controversial anymore, started his journey in Nollywood with controversies on his wings.

He has once been accused of being gay following his exploits in the film that brought him to public reckoning ‘One Dollar’. He also ran into muddy waters of criticism after publicly announcing that Nollywood should embrace pornography to make sensual scenes more believable. Nonetheless, Benson Okonkwo has come a long way and he is a proud recipient of many awards, both as an actor and a model.

In Reply, here's what Cossy has to say:

Sensing love in the air after Benson Okonkwo’s open confession of love that the only woman he can marry if asked to pick any of his colleagues in Nollywood is Cossy Ojiakor, Potpourri went after the courted bride.

Cossy Ojiakor Like a woman to whom the big question has been popped, the mammary wonder on two legs purred, “Wow,” and dropped the call, perhaps, to take in the full weight of the onslaught. When she returned, she was all cozy Cossy, amiable, and almost gleeful, like a girl who has truly found love. “He is a very cute man.

Hmm but any man that wants me should be able to give and take. What you give you will receive double. If you give slap you will receive double slaps. If you give love you will receive it in manifold and we, women, are natural spies.
There’s no place to hide and live double life. He is so cute and will make very lovely babies,” she said beaming with smiles. She said she had paused to respond because she wanted to find out from Benson if it was true he had said what he said and to prove she actually asked him, she sent screen shot of their chat.

Though most of it wasn’t discernible but what was clear is that this could be a start of some romance. In the chat history, Benson said , “my everyday crush,” addressing Cossy, and she answered with emojis of smiles and kisses Then, he said, “ Yes, that’s what I said, no time to check time.

You have got a beautiful heart and always happy, that’s why I like you,” and yet again Cossy replied with an emoji of a kiss, adding, “Kisses and hugs” If this is not a start of a romance, then what is? What Potpourri has joined together let no man put asunder.

http://www.vondanews.com/cossy-is-the-only-woman-i-can-marry-in-nollywood-benson-okonkwo-cossy-replies/

Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed has hailed the elevation of the Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki from the title of Turaki of Ilorin to Waziri of Ilorin by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari.

The Governor said this in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Abdulwahab Oba on Sunday in Ilorin.

Ahmed described the elevation as well-deserved, considering the contributions of the Senate President to the development of the Emirate in particular and the entire state at large.

“The announcement of the elevation to the prestigious title of Waziri by the Emir was a pleasant but fitting surprise to cap our joy over the exoneration by the Supreme Court from the Code of Conduct Tribunal trial.

“It is fitting that you have stepped into the traditional shoes of your father and our great mentor, Dr Abubakar Olusola Saraki.

“The time is apt, the occasion is unique and your profile is most fitting for this honour,” Ahmed said.

The governor observed that the elevation would no doubt serve as morale booster for the Senate President to continue to do more for the emirate and the entire state.

Ahmed enjoined the new Waziri Ngeri of Ilorin not to relent on his oars to attract development and growth to the state and empowerment for its people.

The governor prayed God to guide the new Waziri and grant him wisdom to pilot the affairs of the new traditional office.

http://www.vondanews.com/gov-ahmed-reacts-to-sarakis-new-appointment/

Following reports that the premises of the Nigerian Immigration at Ikoyi has been taken over by religious zealots who compel staffers and applicants to join them in morning devotions, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has cried out to immigration authorities and the Federal Government to save the department from religious crisis.

In a statement on Monday signed by its director, Ishaq Akintola, MURIC complained that its headquarters had been inundated with reports that Nigerians who visit the immigration office in Ikoyi, Lagos early in the mornings, were being made to partake in Christian prayers and evangelical devotion without any regard for their religious leaning.

According to Akintola, “The Ikoyi office of immigrations has been taken over by Christian fanatics who force everyone who arrives early to join in Christian prayers. They insist that there must be morning devotion before starting work every morning. The fact that they have Muslims among their staff and applicants means nothing to them. They invoke spirits and imaginary angels. They shout and scream at the top of their voices. It is madness in official quarters.

“Muslims need protection in this country. We cannot just stand by watching as Muslims are embarrassed and denigrated by overzealous Christian officials in immigration office. It is not only ridiculous but also unacceptable. It is hard to believe that Ikoyi immigration office is owned by the Nigerian government. It looks more like a Christian evangelical office.

“When did Nigeria descend to this level? How can a government department of such high status become a tool in the hands of gymnastic crusaders? We are demanding immediate cessation of this rubbish. It must also be investigated. All government offices are there for staffers to work and for visitors to receive quality service.

“How can we get that quality service when you force us to go down on our knees contrary to our belief? By the way, how can we allow civil servants to mess up tax payers for crying out loud? No serious nation will allow its work force to descend into the labyrinths of mythical religiousity and Treasure Island miracle mentality.”

MURIC affirmed that Nigerian Muslims were tax payers and major stakeholders who deserved quality service.

The Muslim human rights outfit decried the compulsion of applicants to join in morning devotion of any kind in Ikoyi immigration office in particular and any other government department for that matter.

“This phenomenon is now common in many ministries, parastatals, hospitals, clinics, market places, etc. Some Christian extremists just assume that they own this country. They arrogantly ask everyone to close their eyes in government offices every morning. They ask them to kneel down and pray.

“They should be told that Muslims pray in their homes every morning before going to work. So what is the essence of forcing us to pray in the office in Christian fashion? This ignoble practice is common where Christians are heads of department. It happens where Christians are directors. This bedlam must be brought under control.

“If anybody wants to pray in the office, let him or her pray silently and privately. It is an infringement on Allah-given fundamental rights of Muslims to compel them to kneel down and pray in Christian manner just because the boss in that office is a Christian. This is something Muslim bosses will never do and we are demanding immediate stoppage.

“It is paradoxical that the same Christian bosses and directors who force Muslims to join them in prayer are the same people who spread the misleading propaganda that Nigeria is being Islamised. This new revelation proves that they are the ones Christianising Nigeria but accusing the Muslims in order to deceive Nigerians. Our neighbours are adept at deception, outright lies and fake news.

“It may be argued that Muslims also pray at work but while that is true they never drag non-Muslims to join their prayer. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees freedom of religion and that is why whoever wants to worship should do so briefly without compelling others to join him or her. MURIC will continue to expose those who tramp upon Allah-given fundamental rights of Muslims”, he said.

The Muslim group lamented the Nigerian irony where there is excessive show of religious devotion without a commensurate level of transparency and accountability in public office.

“Our advice is that Nigerians should stop this hypocritical show of piety in criminality. How can we spend hours on our knees yet we are ‘fantastically corrupt’?

How can we compel people to join in morning devotion but demand bribes from the same people minutes later? Those who waste so much time kneeling down in prayer during working hours do not deserve full salary because they did not render full service to their country. They are cheating on government”, he added.

http://www.vondanews.com/immigration-under-fire-for-forcing-staff-applicants-to-observe-christian-prayers/

Workers in Ekiti State have issued a fourteen-day ultimatum to Governor Ayo Fayose to pay all arrears of salaries and pension of retirees.

Acting under the aegis of Ekiti State Organized Labour, they said the Fayose government must clear all arrears of workers’ entitlements before a new government takes office on October 16.

The workers’ demand were contained in a bulletin issued on Saturday which was seen by Dailypost on Sunday.

Their demands also include payment of over seven months deduction, payment nine month arrears to local government workers and primary school teachers.

They also advocated payment of eleven months and six months pensions to local government pensioners and state government pensioners respectively.

The bulletin reads: “Workers in the public service of Ekiti State have been suffering over the years with nobody to rescue them in relation to payment of salaries, pensions and other benefits.

“The import of this is that the condition of service of an average worker in Ekiti is deplorable or poor despite the huge funds allocated to Ekiti State from the Federation Account between 2014 to date.

“In view of the present development in the state occasioned by the result of the governorship election, it has become necessary to assess the implication on welfare of workers vis-à-vis the arrears of unpaid salaries.

“In order to avoid a situation whereby the incoming government may wish to foot drag on the payment of the arrears of salaries on the premise that the organized labour was inept to the payment of same by the outgoing government thus amounting t a huge financial burden on the new government.

“The state government is hereby given a 14-day ultimatum to meet these demands.”

http://www.vondanews.com/ekiti-workers-give-fayose-14-day-ultimatum-to-clear-unpaid-salaries/

Charly boy’s lesbian daughter, Dewy Oputa has called him out for turning into a gay rights activist despite blocking her.

According to her, she hasn't spoken to him for months and he blocked her on every social media platform only for him to be typing 'paragraphs for the gram'.

Charly boy in an earlier post said, 'now I reactivate my fight in defence of the LGBT community. You know something? Openness may not completely disarm prejudice but is a good place to start. I am hoping that my support will be a show of strength to the Nigerian LGBT community'.

http://www.vondanews.com/charly-boys-lesbian-daughter-calls-him-out-for-turning-into-a-gay-rights-activist/

A leader of the New Peoples Democratic Party, nPDP, Alhaji Kawu Baraje, has kicked as President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress have allegedly offered the aggrieved National Assembly members led by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, automatic tickets in their constituencies ahead of the 2019 general elections.

President Buhari on Thursday held a closed-door meeting with Senate President, Bukola Saraki

Another meeting was held between the Presidency and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara.

It had been reported that the meetings were part of moves to stop the lawmakers and other aggrieved members of the APC from defecting to other political parties.

The APC and President Buhari allegedly assured the aggrieved members of the National Assembly automatic return ticket to the 2019 election, according to Punch.

But reacting to the develpoment, Baraje, told the newspaper that there was no offer from Buhari to Saraki that could atone for what he called the embarrassment the Senate president allegedly suffered in the last three years.
Baraje stated that even if the Senate President is going to waiver, his loyalists and supporters in Kwara State had taken a decision that with or without Saraki, they no longer want to continue being members of the APC.

Baraje said, “I am not concerned with the offer reportedly made by the Presidency to the Senate President. I do not see how that concerns me. As far
as I am concerned and as far as our supporters and followers are concerned, they have taken a decision.

“If the Senate President is going to waiver, all well and good. The followers have indicated that with or without him, they are going out of APC. So, it is left
for him to take a decision.

“As far as I know, there is no recent decision that can replace the kind of embarrassment, debasement and horrifying experiences that the Senate President had gone through in the past. It is unfortunate

http://www.vondanews.com/2019-npdp-kicks-as-buhari-apc-allegedly-offer-saraki-dogara-others-automatic-ticket/

Bishop Taiwo Akinola, of the Rhema Christian Church, has spoken about the alleged plans by the government to Islamize Nigeria.

He spoke on Saturday at a conference organised the Christ Global Network, CGN.

Akinola who spoke with reporters after the programme stressed that fresh people with fresh ideas and innovations should be encouraged to participate in politics.

He said, “Younger people must be encouraged to get involved in governance to inject new thoughts, new ideas, new sensibility into our polity. We have been having recycled beings
all these while. ”

Asked if he believed that killings in different states of the federation mostly in the Middle Belt, were geared towards Islamising the country, he said, “I don’t like using that word. It has been bastardised.

“This is my conviction, Jesus said I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. So my position on that is that
even if it’s, at the last minute, heaven will sound and rescue its people because Jesus said the gates of hell SHALL NOT.

“So no matter the pessimism anybody can nurse, the devil cannot win. So nobody can islamise this country. There can only be a better tomorrow for Nigeria. That’s part of the game plan of our shouting and involvement, it’s to sensitize everybody that nobody can Islamize Nigeria,” he stated.

“The younger people are better than us in exposure and the rest. I think that it can go a long way if it is properly articulated but I also must remember that the President said the people should not contest against him in 2019.”

Talking about the President’s integrity, he added that some people fake integrity, arguing that, “Integrity which says you don’t steal money but you steal opportunities is fake integrity but a Christian won’t do that because the Bible says the Lord our God is one.

“Integrity is rooted in God. I believe children of God are the people who can really, truly, sincerely and honestly do that.

“I don’t believe that if a Christian goes into politics, he will be acting like a professional politician who will do all the things that politicians are known for but rather they will stand for the truth and their word will be their bond. So I think it’s high time that Christians get there,” he noted.

http://www.vondanews.com/why-nobody-can-islamise-nigeria-bishop-akinola/

The Borno State Police Command on Friday said it arrested a governorship aspirant in Borno State, Alhaji Grema Terrab, over allegations of murder and inciting disturbances.

It had been reported that Terrab was apprehended on Tuesday by SARS personnel at an event attended by former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.

However, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Damian Chukwu, in a statement obtained by NAN on Friday in Maiduguri, said the arrest was necessitated by the murder and other allegations against the politician.

Chukwu said “The command wishes to state categorically that while it is true that one Alhaji Grema Terrab has been arrested over his role in the offences of culpable homicide, inciting disturbances and sundry other offences, which occurred at his residence on 15th April, 2018, most of the claims in the report under reference are false in its entirety.

“It is worthy of note that Terrab, on 15th April, 2018, organised a political event at his residential quarters, contrary to security advice by the police.

“Expectedly, the meeting attracted large crowd of people. In the course of the event, and right inside his residential premises, one Maina Mustapha Babagana, a 20-year-old welder, was stabbed to death by persons present at the event,” he said.

Chukwu explained that contrary to speculations, Terrab did not present himself to the police to report the incident.

He said that the politician also refused to honour series of invitations extended to him by the police, but went into hiding.

The commissioner added that the police subsequently declared the politician wanted after due processes.

According to him, the police evacuated the corpse at the politician’s resident and invited those present at the scene of the crime for questioning.

Chukwu confirmed that Terrab was arrested by the police on July 17, during a political visit by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in Maiduguri.

He noted that the suspect had been charged to court, and assured of police commitment to be non-partisan, neutral, fair and just in the discharge of their duties.

http://www.vondanews.com/why-we-arrested-borno-guber-aspirant-at-atikus-event-police/

A board of Trustees (BoT) member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, General JOJ Okoloagu, retd, has revealed what he and other leaders of the party in the South-East told President Muhammadu Buhari concerning Igbo presidency.

The APC chieftain also maintained that Buhari will defeat those ganging up against him (Buhari) in 2019.

Okoloagu, a three-time senatorial candidate in Enugu State and member of the Buhari Support Group in the South East, said that the President did not say no when they told him that Igbo man will take over from him in 2023.

He said this in an interview with Daily Trust, where he also insisted that the shortest route to Igbo presidency was through the APC.

He said, “So, for the Igbos, they must embrace the APC because there is an understanding. I am a chieftain of the APC, in January this year, we met with Mr President and expressed our desire to take over from him and he never said no

“The shortest route to Igbo presidency in Nigeria is through the APC. I saw a coalition of political parties.

“I have equally seen the number of people who are indicating interest to challenge Buhari come 2019. By political birth right, it is the turn of the Southeast.

“Any sensible Southeast man will not gang up against the APC when you know that the APC by our zoning will be beaming its searchlight on the Southeast come 2023.

“Whoever engages in any gang up will be deceiving himself. You don’t give power on the basis of tribal or ethnic nationality.

“If a political party has overwhelming majority and all of them come from the same tribe, they will govern the country. The constitution is there.

“That is why I am calling on my brothers from the south-east zone to see reasons with me in this regard. Forget about religious sentiment.

“There is no religion there. The situation in Sokoto and Zamfara has provided light to what some people have been calling the killing of Christians in other states of the country.

“What is going on is the killing of Nigerians! In fact, most of the victims in the North now are Muslims. If you do a census of the dead, you will discover that more Muslims have died.

“So it is not religious killings. It is also instructive to state that anybody taking over from President Buhari will do eight years. So any sensible politician should know that the shortest cut for him is the APC.

“But tragically, so many Igbos are in the PDP today and no amount of gang up against President Buhari will work. He will win the presidency again in 2019.

“The problem is that when you get much money in this country today, you underrate the intelligence of the poor man. Yes, there is money in the hands of the PDP, but Nigerians cannot forget in a hurry what they did while in power.

“They messed up the entire country in every ramification. The point is that President Muhammadu Buhari or any other person the APC fields for the presidency in 2019 will win the election.

“But you cannot take over just because you are Igbo, you can only take over if you belong to the party, the APC.”

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomole has said the September 22 Osun State governorship election, will be a “walk-over” for the party.

Oshiohmole stated this while speaking to State House correspondents, after a closed-door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday.

He explained that APC had no political challenges in Osun, as the state governor, Rauf Aregbesola, was at home with the people.

“As for Osun State, we are even much more confident because we have a governor who is at home with his people, a mobiliser, an organiser and an astute politician.

“We have also decided that in order to give people a more sense of ownership in the electoral process, we will use direct primaries, which means that every card-carrying member of APC will participate in choosing who should fly the party’s flag.

“The method will give more people a sense of ownership and a sense of commitment to the candidate that they have all chosen.

“It will also return the party to the grassroots so it can have new sense of renewed ownership, renewed sense of participation and inclusion by itself and a value that will make the actual election easier.

“So, we are confident that the great people of Osun State will vote for our party because the candidate that will emerge will be the candidate chosen by the party members and not the party oligarchy. That makes a lot of difference,” Oshiomhole said.

http://www.vondanews.com/osun-guber-oshiomhole-reveals-why-apc-will-win/

labake1:
Send the address

Lol

You can never overemphasize the power of words in a relationship, sweet and romantic words that touch the hearts; even the hardest of hearts. We often say that action speaks louder than words but when you come to relating to women, word indeed plays a major role. A lady likes to hear words like “baby you are beautiful,” “baby you are my heart desire” etc. Funny enough, most men shy away from saying these words or probably they think it doesn’t matter, but the fact is that it does. The earlier you start using these words the better for your relationship. Here are some of the romantic things to say to your girlfriend.


Romantic Things To Say To Your Girlfriend In A Text


1. I plan on being with you until forever ends.
2. I saw you were perfect and so I loved you. Then I saw that you were not perfect and I loved you even more.
3. I don’t think you understand how important it is for me to hear the sound of your voice every day.
4. My thoughts are free to go anywhere, but it’s surprising how often they head in your direction.
5. To have you as my girl is my honour. Be with me always!
6. They say love hurts, but I’m ready to take that risk, if I’m going to be with you.
7. I would climb a thousand mountains to see you smile.
8. I’d like to wake up next to you every morning!
9. Life is beautiful because of you
10. For you I may be just one person, but for me you are the world.
11. I can’t live without you.
12. Thank you for supporting me today. If it wasn’t for you, I’d be lost.
13. When words aren’t enough to tell you how great you’ve been, remind me to come and kiss you.
14. Loving you is like breathing. I can’t stop and it’s necessary for my survival.
15. Words aren’t enough to tell you how wonderful you are. I love you.
16. You make my heart melt!
17. Life has never been better, thanks to you, sweetheart!
18. I miss you, we should get together soon!
19. If I had to, I would wait for an eternity to be with you.
20. I’ve fallen in love many times… always with you.
21. You are my perfect soul mate who brings the very best out of me.
22. My heart began a journey the first time I looked into your eyes.
23. I love the way you understand my thoughts before I voice them.
24. I’ve waited my entire life to find you. You are the desire of my soul.
25. I sometimes think of you when you’re away and smile away to myself. People think I’m nuts.

See all >>http://www.vondanews.com/55-romantic-lines-to-say-to-your-girlfriend/

Hassan Sherriff, the Sarkin Arewa of Bauchi State, has berated the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for allegedly trying to woo former President, Olusegun Obasanjo back into the party.

The PDP’s National Working Committee, NWC, led by the party’s National Chairman, Uche Secondus, had recently met with the former President.

PDP reportedly begged Obasanjo for forgiveness.

But speaking during a briefing in Bauchi, Sherriff said the move would relegate the party to the background.

He noted that there was no sense in PDP begging the former President to return to the party as Obasanjo had publicly denounced the party by tearing his membership card.

He said: “What is PDP National Working Committee looking for from Obasanjo, who only a few years ago threw the party into the dustbin by tearing his membership card?

“I think this is the big question the entire membership of the PDP and its supporters ought to be asking themselves.

“I have decided to quit the PDP after serving the party for over 10 years because of all these anomalies in the party. The deliberate delay of the passage of the 2018 budget by the National Assembly members for seven months put a cog on the wheels of national development.”

http://www.vondanews.com/2019-sheriff-faults-pdp-for-begging-obasanjo-to-return-to-party/

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Paul Arkwright has expressed the commitment of the UK to support football development in Nigeria.

The ambassador made this known in Abuja on Wednesday as he played host to former Super Eagles and Everton Captain Joseph Yobo who is set to launch a sports academy in Lagos this year. Mr. Arkwright who pledged his support for the Joseph Yobo Sports Academy, described it as “a good cause” that he would personally advocate for.

He acknowledged the role of football in peace building and development and acknowledged the cultural ties between both countries in respect to the global sports. Briefing the Ambassador on his plans earlier, Yobo noted that his sports academy was focused on the comprehensive development of the human capital.

He said that the project goes beyond raising the next generation of Nigerian football talent but also providing academic and professional opportunities for those who might not make the cut.

Yobo said; “I was fortunate to have left Nigeria at the age of 17. I do not necessarily believe I was the best among the people I was playing around back then but I surpassed them because of opportunity.” The former captain said he often imagines what he would have become if he was not given the opportunity.

He attributed this as his motivation for pursuing the project as against other career options after his retirement. Yobo said that the academy will provide high quality education and ethical training to raise disciplined and well grounded sportsmen.

The former Super Eagles Captain and the High Commissioner also discussed the just concluded FIFA World Cup and the lessons for both countries.

http://www.vondanews.com/uk-pledges-support-as-joseph-yobo-set-to-launch-sports-academy/

Oka

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, Mohamed Ibn Chambas, says the conflicts between herdsmen and farmers in Nigeria are becoming more sophisticated and deadlier.

Chambas, who is Head, UN Office for West African and the Sahel (UNOWAS), in a report presented to the UN Security Council, said the violence was a major security threat in the region, warning that it risks changing into terrorist attacks.

“Violence between farmers and herders is increasingly a major security threat in the region and risks morphing into the terrorist attacks that have defined the security landscape.

“Farmer-herder conflicts are becoming more sophisticated and deadlier, especially in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.

“During four days in June, new spates of attacks and retribution killings between herders and farmers in this region resulted in scores of deaths,” the UN envoy for said.

In the Lake Chad Basin, Chambas said in spite of gains made by the Nigerian armed forces and the Multinational Joint Task Force, Boko Haram remained active.

He added: “The trend of Boko Haram, using female suicide bombers continues, and reportedly almost one in five suicide bombers is a child.

“The most recent attacks on a Nigerian military garrison in Yobe and the ambush of a military convoy in Borno are the latest manifestations of the threats still posed by Boko Haram.

“There is a need for increased support to diplomatic, security and humanitarian responses to Boko Haram, in a holistic manner.

“To this end, UNOWAS is providing technical support for a joint summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), on July 30, as called for by Security Council resolution 2349 (2017).

“Let me stress that any military response to security challenges in the region needs to be matched by the implementation of comprehensive strategies linking security and humanitarian interventions to development and human rights initiatives.

“There is also need to increase our collective efforts to address the challenges facing the Sahel region with actions that combine politics, security and development,” Chambas stressed.

http://www.vondanews.com/un-raises-alarm-over-herdsmen-killings-warns-nigeria/

The Government Girls Secondary School, Sarkin Noma and Lokongoma Secondary School in Lokoja LGA which were due for commissioning this morning have been razed down and vandalized by yet to be identified hoodlums.

The renovation of the schools was facilitated by Senator Dino Melaye.

The schools were razed down and vandalized by the suspected hoodlums Tuesday night.

The girls schools were among the sixty-nine projects the Senator had arranged for inauguration as part of his three-year stewardship.

It was reported on Tuesday that some thugs had issued a statement threatening to stop the commissioning of the school, warning the senator not to come to Kogi.

Senator Melaye has been in a running battle with the State Governor, Yahaya Bello, a Crisis that led to his failed recall process.

http://www.vondanews.com/breaking-hoodlums-burn-down-2-schools-to-be-commissioned-by-dino-melaye-in-kogi/

President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has called on the Government of the United States (U.S.) to take its rightful place in trade and investment relationship with the country.

Saraki made the call while addressing the United States Chamber of Commerce on ‘Doing Business and Opportunities in Nigeria’, as part of a parliamentary visit to Washington DC by a National Assembly delegation at the weekend.

The President of the Senate, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sanni Onogu, stated that huge investment opportunities exist in Agriculture, Financial Technology (Fintech), Infrastructure, Health and oil and gas in the country that promise huge return on investment for any investor.



Saraki said: “The unique history of Nigeria and the United States, make it imperative that she should remain by far our biggest and closest trade and investment partner. The evolving new vision for the Nigeria economy is within this context of our relationship matrix with the United States as we share similar and converging values.

“However, in recent times, it would appear that China has been the more willing and enthusiastic partner for business and investment. China has already invested or financed a total number of $22billion projects $45bn in Nigeria with another $40b ready for the next phase of infrastructure financing and investments.

“China is approaching Nigeria and the African continent as an investment destination and offering very soft loans to the continent. We are indeed happy. But we are also aware that this is the primary place reserved for our core allies like the United States. We want to see the united States and investors like you here, to development a new lens for assessing Africa.

“We appreciate the aids and humanitarian gestures we receive, but it is no longer enough and in our mutual best interest to continue to ignore the vast opportunity for trade and investment on the continent particularly in Nigeria. We want to see the United States successful with Nigeria diplomatically and economically,” he stated.

He noted that while Nigeria is one of the Sub-Saharan countries eligible for preferential trade agreements under the African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA) of the U.S. Congress, but going forward, the country intends to exit AGOA at some point into a full fledged trade agreement based trade relations.

“Thus, I urge you to take away from our conversations today to better harness the potentials of our investments, your approach to doing business with us has to be strategic and purposeful. We are opening up avenues for private sector to come in and play their own part,” he stated.

He further stated that the present leadership of the country is not unmindful of the security challenges confronting the nation as it has since commenced action to reform its security architecture in order to boost security for everyone in Nigeria.

He said: “Indeed, we see the challenges as underscoring the urgent need for radical action on our part as Nigerian leaders. We are determined to bridge the gap of economic disparity in Nigerian society, so as to lift 87 million people out of poverty while creating opportunities and prosperity across board.

“To do this successfully requires you, our partners, and investors, to join hands with us to build viable cooperation and partnership that will be of benefit to our two nations. Nigeria’ success holds the key to the success of Africa.

“Our vision is to ensure that we form the nucleus upon which Africa can attain collective and sustained development. In order to do this, Africa needs you and we look forward to working with you,” he stated.

http://www.vondanews.com/what-saraki-told-us-government-about-nigeria/

The  Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria on Wednesday described the rejection of ranches by South-East governors as shocking and lack of discretion.

The South-East leader of the group, Alhaji Gidado Siddiki, stated this in a press statement in Awka, Anambra State.

He said the group least expected such decision from the Igbo who he described as  “the major bonding elements among the people of Nigeria.”

He added, “It was surprising to us considering the cordial relationship that had existed in the zone between us and the state governments.”

Siddiki said Miyetti Allah had never failed to appreciate the commitment of the host governors in ensuring the safety of his members.

The South-East Governors’ Forum had at a meeting in Enugu on Sunday unanimously agreed not to donate land for ranching in the zone.

But Siddiki in his statement said the governors’ decision did not show exemplary leadership.

He said,”It is our candid view that the South-East whose citizens are the major bonding elements among the people of Nigeria would provide exemplary leadership in accommodating other Nigerians in their midst.

“It is evident that our organisation’s advocacy for peaceful coexistence among indigenous farmers and herdsmen is increasingly making successes in the South-East.

“This explains our surprise at the latest stand of the governors which would not only frustrate our people from carrying out our legitimate livestock rearing business in this part but might be suggestive of a kind of suspicion that might undermine the mutuality of the claim of brotherhood.

“We are mindful of the various negotiations and consultations still going on in respect of the contentious issues of ranching, colonies and grazing areas across the country, we are hopeful that these issues are considered dispassionately in the interest of Nigeria and the generality of its citizens.

http://www.vondanews.com/miyetti-allah-tackles-south-east-govs-for-rejecting-ranching/

Members of the House of Representatives at Wednesday plenary shut down President Muhammad Buhari’s Executive Order by a unanimous voice vote.

Buhari had last week Thursday signed an Executive Order to improve his administration’s fight against corruption.
The Order is to give his government power to confiscate stolen assets of suspected individuals believed to have richly corrupted themselves via public funds.

However, contributing to a motion sponsored by 25 persons and moved by Hon. Nicholas Ossai (Delta State) on the issue, the lawmakers said that the Order was against the tenets of democracy.
According to the House, the President cannot approbate and reprobate unilaterally without the inputs of the legislature and the judiciary which made up the pillars of democracy in the country.
They also said it is the usurpation of legislative powers constitutionally inherent in the National Assembly to make laws for the country

http://www.vondanews.com/reps-reject-president-buharis-executive-order/


Cardi B's a new mama after delivering a beautiful baby girl into the world.

Cardi had her daughter, Kulture Kiari Cephus Tuesday night in an Atlanta hospital with her husband, Offset, at her side.

TMZ broke the story in February ... members of Cardi's team were telling people she was pregnant during Super Bowl weekend, but the rapper went to ridiculously great lengths to keep her growing bump under wraps.

She finally made the big reveal during her performance on 'SNL' in April. Cardi was determined to keep working as long as possible, and followed through by rocking the Coachella stage while very preggo.

This is Cardi B's first child, and Offset's fourth.

Cardi and the Migos rapper were secretly married back in September, but they're still planning to throw a wedding party later this year.

Congrats!!

http://www.vondanews.com/cardi-b-gives-birth-to-a-baby-girl/