₦airaland Forum

D man is trying in his state !

The governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako, has been endorsed by 21 youth groups across the state working under the aegis of Adamawa Integrated Youth Forum.

Mr Nyako is one of the governors whose tenures were truncated by election tribunals and had hoped to remain in office till 2012 but the Independent National Electoral Commission has announced elections will hold in such states along with other states in January 2011.

Although aides of the governor said they are preparing a legal challenge to INEC’s directive, they said they are still focused on the re-election of their principal next year.

The other affected governors of Kogi and Ekiti states have gone to court over the matter and Mr Nyako has also notified INEC of his willingness to challenge the decision in court, telling journalists in Yola that the law was belated and retrospective.

“We want to use this medium to call on our learned elders in the Supreme Court of Nigeria to deliver judgment with justice, considering the second oath of office given to Mr Nyako to serve a four year tenure, as we cannot take INEC recent decision to end his government in 2011,” the Integrated Youth Forum, drumming support for the governor’s re-election, stated through their spokesman, Desmond D. Minakaro.

He stated that youth groups in all the 21 local councils of the state recently came together to demonstrate their support for the programmes and policies of the Nyako administration, with particular emphasis on the achievement of the government in the educational sector and road construction .

“Time will not allow us to mention all the achievements recorded by this God-sent leader, but you will agree with me that our reasons for standing firm in his support is justifiable ,” Mr. Desmond said.

The Forum also denounced the Adamawa Elders’ Forum, a socio-political organization, which recently accused the Nyako administration of religious and ethnic chauvinism.

Support for Jonathan

The group also expressed support for President Goodluck Jonathan, saying they would work to ensure his victory at the polls.

The group stated that the country is now witnessing giant strides in human and infrastructural development under the president and vowed to support him.

“Our support for Nyako and President Jonathan is not borne out of any selfish interest, but due to records set by their purposeful leaderships,” Mr Desmond said.

http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/News/National/5619853-147/21_youth_groups_endorse_nyakos_re-election.csp

The Federal Government yesterday blamed former Central Bank Governor Professor Charles Soludo for the present problems facing the nation’s banking and financial sectors. Briefing State House Correspondents after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting yesterday, the Minister of State for Information and Communications, Labaran Maku, said Professor Soludo caused a lot of havoc to the sector before he left about two years ago.
“We hold Soludo, who was CBN governor until about two years ago, accountable for all that is happening in the banking and financial sectors,” Maku remarked, adding that in the last one year, Nigeria has been contending with the issues in the financial sector following the very difficult circumstances it inherited as a result of the misdirection and sometimes misapplication of the reforms in the banking sector.

“The government has struggled with some of these banks and as of today, we want to assure you that the establishment of the Assets Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) is to address some of the crises that we inherited.

Maku said that the report which the government got from the present CBN governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, on the state of the economy showed that the economy is due to grow by 7 per cent and that this projected growth will increase from year to year as the nation proceeded with the implementation of the programme.

Soludo had warned that if pre-emptive measures are not taken now, Nigeria’s economy is “doomed” to a worse form of structural adjustment programme (SAP). In an essay published in a national daily, Soludo, who ran for governorship election in Anambra State in March, expressed concern that the government had been piling up domestic and foreign debts with no improvement in the economy.

http://www.dailytrust.dailytrust.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2923:fg-blames-soludo-for-economic-recession&catid=2:lead-stories&Itemid=8

Kwara State Governor Bukola Saraki - will today declare his intention to run for the presidency in the 2011 general elections.

A statement signed by his media aide, Alhaji Ma’ud Adebimpe, said posters, banners and bill boards were ready for the take-off of the campaigns. A source close to government in Ilorin, who spoke to our correspondent, said all logistics have been provided to ensure the success of the event.

http://www.dailytrust.dailytrust.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2983:saraki-declares-for-presidency-today&catid=2:lead-stories&Itemid=8

Mr. President, like every Nigerians, has the right to contest for any eligible position of his choice, but hope this will not distract him from his official responsibilitie s to Nigerians. When an incumbent President or Governor decides to recontest so many things are put aside be it personal or official issues. For example, resources of the nation will definitely be used for personal struggle during campaign; attention diverted from projects that touches lives of the masses to projects geared towards campaign; lesser emphasy on official matters while more attention to campaign; government role in elections would be how to win rather than achieving a free and fair elections; more government officials go against their interest by supporting an unpopular government for personal and selfish reasons and many more that are detrimental to the nation’s growth and development. These are just my fears, outside this we all have our civic rights to contest or not to.

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday declared his intention to run in elections next year, using an announcement on social networking site Facebook to steal the thunder from campaign launch of rival aspirant General Ibrahim Babangida. The president also told ministers at the Federal Executive Council meeting yesterday that he would seek the ruling party’s presidential nomination, ending months of dithering.
A statement on Jonathan’s Facebook page posted at 11.44am confirmed his decision to stand. The timing was carefully calculated, because the news popped up unannounced on the president’s Facebook page just as thousands of people convened at the Eagle Square in Abuja to hear former military president Babangida announce his candidacy for the top job.

“Today, I confirm that after wide and thorough consultations spanning the six geo-political zones that make up Nigeria, with members of my family, my party, the opposition, civil society, the private sector, members of the labour unions, religious leaders, youths and student groups and our revered traditional institutions, I Goodluck Ebele Jonathan by the grace of God hereby offer myself and my services to the Nigerian people as a candidate for the office of President in the forth coming 2011 elections,” he said.

“In presenting myself for service, I make no pretense that I have a magic wand that will solve all of Nigeria’s problems or that I am the most intelligent Nigerian. Far from it.

“What I do promise is this – If I am elected President in 2011, I will make a covenant with you the Nigerian people to always do right by you, to tell you the truth at all times, to carry you along and most importantly to listen to you, fellow citizens in our communities and also those of you on this page.

“I do not want to win your affections by giving you promises of things I would do in the future which others before me have given and which have largely been unfulfilled. Rather, I would want you to judge me by my records. Since God Almighty and yourselves permitted me to serve you in the present capacity, I have busied myself with setting Nigeria on the path of peace and progress.”

Jonathan also announced that he would make a formal declaration at a rally on Saturday in Abuja.

A presidency spokesman confirmed the Facebook page was genuine, while Information Minister Dora Akunyili said Jonathan had also told the cabinet of his intention to run.

This will be the first time a major political decision of this magnitude is being made public through an online social networking medium in Nigeria and reflects the growing trend among Nigerian politicians to engage with people through the Internet.

The president’s Facebook page has 210, 524 fans. He has used the medium in recent times to address his audience on national issues such as security, economy, electoral reforms, power, Niger Delta and youth development.

Jonathan’s election bid is controversial because of an agreement in the People’s Democratic Party that power should rotate between the North and the South every two terms. Opponents yesterday criticised him for challenging the zoning agreement.

“The battle has now begun and there is no doubt the North will be united against him,” human rights activist Shehu Sani told Reuters news agency.

“Whatever is the outcome, there will be a price to be paid. The North will feel Jonathan is running a stolen presidency if he eventually wins the election. If he loses, the South-south will believe they were ganged up against,” he said.

Buba Galadima, an aide to former head of state and potential opposition candidate Muhammadu Buhari, agreed. “The articles in the PDP constitution clearly stipulated zoning for political positions. For the president to have jettisoned that is an act of bad faith which means as a leader he cannot be trusted,” he said.

By choosing the web for his declaration, Jonathan appeared to be taking a leaf from the book of his U.S. counterpart Barack Obama in using social networking site Facebook to communicate with voters.

The move may seem an incongruous gimmick in a nation of 150 million where many people have limited access to clean water, let alone the Internet, but his advisers hope it might signal a change in Nigeria’s old-school way of doing politics, Reuters reported.

Jonathan is not the only contender to use new media.

Babangida has a website providing links to his Facebook and Twitter accounts and allowing BlackBerry users to scan a barcode for updates on his campaign progress. (www.voteibb.org)

Former vice president Atiku Abubakar, who is also running against Jonathan, also has a Facebook page.

But not all politicians have met with success on the Web.

Former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, portrayed as brooding and uncharismatic, was ridiculed last year for what many saw as inappropriate smiles in a video on a parliamentary expenses’ scandal.


http://www.dailytrust.dailytrust.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2930:i-will-run-jonathan-tells-ministers&catid=2:lead-stories&Itemid=8

The chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Mrs Farida Waziri, said the commission will work together with the INEC, the SSS, Police and political parties and advise parties on the candidates they are presenting. “We will advise the party leaders that based on the overwhelming evidence on the candidate you are presenting, why don’t you field another candidate? We can advise, we have other ways too that we can take,” she said yesterday while receiving officials of Women in the New Nigeria (WINN) who visited the commission in Abuja.
Farida vowed that no measure of threat will deter the commission from forging ahead in the investigation and prosecution of all graft charges being handled.

Speaking against the backdrop of rising threats and un-provoked violence against officials of the commission, the EFCC boss said, “Because I made a comment that people who care for Nigerians should be elected, not those who have corruption cases pending in court, I have been vilified, attacked with all manner of allegation that I am meddling in politics. We in this Commission have to work within the rule of law.”

Farida also condemned what she described as ‘sponsored protest’ against the works of the EFCC in Rivers State, saying that Governor Rotimi Amaechi has a penchant for making reckless statements.

She faulted the governor for insisting that none of his officials had a corruption case to be investigated. “How can he vouch for all his officials?”

She assured Nigerians that no antics of anyone would stop the EFCC from doing its job while insisting that the Commission was not under any pressure by anyone.

Farida also dismissed allegations that President Goodluck Jonathan is interfering in the works of the anti-graft commission. “I challenge anyone or any state we are investigating over fraud allegations to come out and say we don’t confront them with such allegations during interrogation. We can’t arrest anyone for interrogation if there is no basis for that,” she said.

Earlier, Dr. Esther Mangzha, chairman, National Planning Committee WINN, and leader of the six-member delegation, commended Waziri and the EFCC for their relentless efforts in moving the anti-graft war forward.


http://www.dailytrust.dailytrust.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2978:2011-efcc-will-advise-parties-on-candidates-says-farida&catid=2:lead-stories&Itemid=8

A former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), has said that the fate of one of his successors, General Badamosi Babangida, to run for presidency in 2011 election will be decided by Nigerians.

He said this at the official presentation of a book, entitleds. Lagos State-My Life of Service With Integrity, an autobiography by the first military governor of the state, Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson (rtd) at the City Hall, Lagos, on Thursday.

It is a 250 page-book, which captured every minute, hour and times of Johnson’s stewardship as governor of the state between 1967 and 1975.

According to Gowon, the constitution of the country and the democratic dispensation in the nation’s polity allows for every eligible candidate to contest the 2011 elections, adding that the fate of every aspirant, including that of Babangida lies in the hands of the electorates.

He said, “Those of us who had the opportunity to do it, we should look and set our minds to the future generation but if anyone has that ambition, they should let the public be the deciders for that particular person, they have the right to do so. Those who want to come back can come if they want to and let us practice democracy.”

http://www.tribune.com.ng/index.php/news/11203-nigerians-ll-determine-babangidas-fate-gowon

The coast is getting clearer.Certainly Ibb taking over again in Nigeria is very slim,but he should not be underrated.Nigerians should rally round to frustrate this guy because his coming is an evil omen.He should be stopped.certainly most of the people with him are itching for one role or the other to eat from his money.By the grace of God he will be stopped

Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, Nigeria’s former self-appointed president who wants to be popularly-elected president, yesterday in Abuja made a formal proclamation of his ambition.

But at the Eagle Square venue, observers noted he could only stand on one leg throughout his speech. Medical sources have confirmed to Saharareporters that his left leg may be cancerous and might need to be amputated in order to suppress the spread of cancerous cells and the pain associated with it.

It would be recalled that in early in 1987, nearly two years after assuming power, Babangida spent weeks in the American Hospital in Paris, France, obtaining treatment for a condition known as radiculopathy, a disease of the spinal nerve roots and spinal nerves. According to medicine.net, radiculopathy “is characterized by pain which seems to radiate from the spine to extend outward to cause symptoms away from the source of the spinal nerve root irritation.”

Babangida’s pain was said to be in one leg. it also affects the functioning of his left hand. Despite the surgery he had at that time, as well as treatment since then in some of the world’s best hospitals, the condition seems to have worsened, as Nigerians saw yesterday. Some of his aides also attest to the fact that the former general, who had to be forced of power in 1993 after annulling Nigeria's freest election in history, spends most of his time in a clinic in Abuja where he undergoes regular pain management, for a condition that has completely destroyed the nerves in the affected leg. One worry for his supporters is that they may face a Yar'Adua-like situation as the damaged leg might kill Babangida in a few years.

Several sources told Saharareporters that it is a well-known fact that Babangida, who turned 69 on August 27, is an invalid. Perhaps to make a point about his fragile health, the man regarded as one of Nigeria's most corrupt ex-dictator kept shouting that he only wants one term of four years in office. But that claim has been dismissed as one of his usual antics to fool some of the new recruits like former Senate president Ken Nnamani, who was seen in the company of IBB yesterday as he made his declaration amidst a coterie of discredited politicians and a rented crowd.

Also at the event yesterday, a tragedy almost befell the Babangida family as Aisha, his first daughter and wife of Zamfara State governor, slumped and nearly died as her father read his speech to the rented crowd.

It is not clear what ails Aisha, but sources told Saharareporters that she had been forced to the event by her husband. She fainted shortly after she arrived at the venue in a black SUV.

Last year, the matriarch of the Babangida family, Miriam, also made a public appearance at the wedding of Governor Isah Yuguda to Yar'Adua's daughter, but the Babangida family hid from the public the fact that she had reached the terminal stage of ovarian cancer until Saharareporters broke the story of her hospitalization in Los Angeles.
Even then, the Babangida family vigorously denied our story, particularly using the Lagos-based Vanguard newspaper, which claimed they spoke to Miriam and that she was coming home by Christmas of 2009. Myriam died in Los Angeles a day after Christmas in 2009, but Vanguard did not apologize to Nigerians.

A roll call of so-called "prominent Nigerians" who were rented to appear at Babangida declaration yesterday:

*Governor Aliyu Shinkafi, Zamfara State: Mr. Shinkafi is married to Aisha, Babangida's daughter. It is Aisha's second marriage

*Governor Murtala Nyako, Adamawa State: Super-corrupt retired naval general. Set up farms in Adamawa with funds stolen during Babangida's era

*Governor Babangida Aliyu, Niger State: The Governor of Niger State is lightly-regarded; he is likely not in true support of Babangida's ambition.

*Peter Odili, former Governor Rivers State: The most corrupt ex-governor of Rivers State has been touted as IBB's running mate. It will be the consolidation of corruption.

*Hon. Ghali Umar Na’Abba, former Speaker, House of Representatives: Considered to be "really broke,” a reporter who interviewed him recently in Kano said he couldn't afford diesel for his generators. He was fanning himself with is boubou (Babanriga).

*Former Governor Abdulkadir Kure, Niger State: The former governor was accused of corruption and stealing but Babangida intervened to save him. Described as a hustler, he is always in Abuja looking for contracts in federal ministries.

*Former Senate President, Ken Nnamani: The former Senate president is broke, according to his aides. Needs fresh lifeline.

*Former Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Adamu: Faces corruption charges at the Federal High Court In Lafia. EFCC charges state that he stole over N5 billion from Nassarawa State.

*Former Health Minister, Professor ABC Nwosu: Described as "very very broke" and totally irrelevant, politically. He lives in Enugu.

*Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, “Any Government In Power”: Last heard defending Umaru Yar’Adua’s refusal to hand over power.

*General Mohammed Magoro: Politically irrelevant. He is from Kaduna

*Alhaji Mohammed Abacha, son of former dictator Sanni Abacha accused of unprecedented looting, political manipulation, and the murder of opposition figures.

*Kazeem Afegbua- IBB's spokesperson, once seconded to Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, he was fired by Oshiomhole for insubordination. Lives off “settlement” that IBB offers compromised journalists, his asking price is 20% of all bribes given.

*Abdulkadir Dantata: Politically irrelevant

*Gabriel Umoden- No constituency known in politics

*Alhaji S. Bakare (Oluwalogbon) - The biggest supplier of automobiles [Oluwalogbon Motors Chairman] is broke. Last year, it was revealed that Chief Bakare owed N800 million to Metropolitan Bank of Nigeria. Loan remains unpaid.

*Chief Kenny Martins- The ultra-corrupt chairman of the Police Equipment fund (PEF) fame faces trial for stealing, money laundering and dishonesty over his handling of police equipment funds.

*Chief Mrs. Remi Adiukwu-Bakare: Lagos-based politician is politically irrelevant even in her neighborhood, Remi Adiukwu cannot win a ward election.

*Hon. Awwal Tukur: Politically irrelevant

*Senator Zainabe Kure-Broke Senator

*Senator Nuhu Aliyu: Former police officer and eccentric Senator who makes bogus unsubstantiated "security" claims on the floor of the Nigerian Senate.

*Senator Awesu Kuta-Kuta: Politically irrelevant

*General Saliu Ibrahim, former Chief of Army Staff- Former Chief of Army Staff was IBB boy. He is last known occupation is 'farming.'

*Senator Kanti Bello: No viable political constituency but plenty of viable hunger for financial bailout

*Professor Sam Oyovbaire: Has always been an IBB lackey.

*Hon. Abdul Ningi: No political identity

*Democratic Party presidential aspirant, Chief Obinna Uzor: Politically irrelevant

*Chief Francis Ayegbeni: Politically irrelevant

*Representatives of the Yoruba Council of Elder: Politically irrelevant; does not even exist in Yorubaland

*Representatives of the South-South Youth Assembly: Remants of Raymond Dokpesi's “Odili For President” nonentities

*Dr. Mrs Gambo Zuweira: Politically irrelevant

*Hazim Gbolaranmi, Former Dep. Gov whose claim to fame is being nominated by Adedibu to become the deputy governor to Alao Akala.

*Magaret Udom: No political identity


*AVM Hamza Abdullahi: No political identity

*Deputy Gov of Kwara State: Represented Gov. Bukola Saraki, who is gunning for IBB's Chief of Staff position.

*Chief Alex Akinyele: Political liability, Ondo chief noted for sleeping with his son's wife; has made a career of kissing Babangida's behind.

*Mike Nwaukoni- Politically irrelevant

*Amb Leo Okogu: No Political identity

*Sunny Okogwu: Thelousy businessman and comedian best known as Maryam Babangida’s brother.

*Dr. Abiye Sekibo- An acolyte of Peter Odili known to be involved in arming cult gangs in the Niger delta region. Through him, Babangida allegedly passed N600 million to dreaded cult gangs in Port Harcourt to help in assassination of opponents and intimidation of voters in the Niger Delta region.

*Apollos Amadi: No political identity

*Murtala Aliyu: No political identity

*Dr. Bello Gusau: No Political identity

*Alhaji Sada Ilu: Politically irrelevant

*Shettima Mustapha: Politically irrelevant

*Alhaji Umar Abba Gana-Person of unknown and undefined pedigree.

*Sen Jibril Aminu: Former Minister of Education under Babangida who along with IBB ruined the Nigerian education system; involved in the Siemens Bribery Scam

*Sen. Sylvester Anyanwu: Politically irrelevant

*Chief Regal Ofomba: Politically irrelevant

*Dr. Tony Eze: No political identity

*Prince Arthur Eze (represented)- Known for running several failed businesses including the defunct Triax Airlines.

*Francis Ogboru: No political presence

*Alhaji Abbey Ibrahim: No political identity

*Keneth Kobani- A leading Ogoniman who help Sanni Abacha campaigned for the extra-judicial murder of environmentalist, Ken Saro -Wiwa and eight Ogoni activists.

*Hon. Bawa Buari, former Chief Whip, House of Reps-No plitical relevance.

*Alhaji Hassan Jalo: Politically irrelevant

*Alhaji Danjuma Hammed: Politically irrelevant

*Munir Jafar, former MD, NMA-Politically irrelevant

*Clem Ohameze: Politically irrelevant

*Dr. Junaid Mohammed

*Former Minister Musa Gwadabe: Politically irrelevant

*Alhaji Hamed Hassan: Politically irrelevant

*Hon. Shehu Sani

*Hon. Wadada: Politically irrelevant

*Hon. Mercy Almona-Isei: Politically irrelevant

*Hon. Linda Ikpeazu-Former Most Beautiful Girl In Nigeria and currently House of Representatives member is noted for high profile prostitution in political circles in Abuja.

*Princess Adama Dania: Politically absent
*Professor Mrs. Chinwe Obaji, former Minister: No political presence

*Alhaji Bello Bagudu

*Alhaji Umaru Ndanusa: No political presence

*Sen. Dangana Ndayako

*Sambo Dasuki: Politically irrelevant, father was dethroned by Abacha.

*Dr. Kunle Olajide: No political presence

*Colonel Bello Fadile: Former coup plotter, pardoned by Obasanjo in 1999, a lawyer since his return to civilian life, Bello has mostly managed as "election consultant" to Maurice Iwu, the disgraced INEC chairman.

http://www.saharareporters.com/news-page/acute-nerve-damage-babangida-has-one-leg-left-and-daughter-slumps-declaration

About 50 groups of youths yesterday gathered at the gate of the Niger State Gover-nment House to protest the alleged non-payment of allowances promised them by the state government to attend General Ibrahim Babangida’s presidential declaration two days ago in Abuja.

A representative of the groups, Yau Ibrahim of the Talba Vision 2011, who spoke to THISDAY in Minna said they were hired to go to Abuja for Babangida’s presidential declaration but were not paid.

Yau said more than 300 of them were deceived by Yahuza Abdullahi, Special Adviser on Mobilization to Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu, to believe that they would be paid N5,000 before they leave Minna for Abuja to attend the declaration.

He said: “We were deceived to go to Abuja for the declaration of IBB with the hope that we would be paid before we leave but they did not.

“When we asked for our money before the buses took off, the special adviser promised us that he will settle us when we get to Maje because where we boarded the buses was rowdy and we agreed.

“But when we got to Maje, instead of stopping, he sped off and we followed and luckily for us, we caught up with him at a hold-up in Gwarinpa and all he did was to abandon his car, get on a bike and went straight to the venue of the declaration.”
Yau added that when they met him at the venue of the declaration, he promised to see them after the programme, saying the venue was not an ideal place to share money.

According to him, the special adviser left the venue without informing any of them, adding that they arrived Minna at 3.00am and had to make their grievances known by protesting.

When THISDAY contacted, the special adviser in the middle of the controversy, he simply said: “We are about to send them off.”
But the Director of Media and Communications of the Babangida Campaign Organisation, Prince Kassim Afegbua, denied any knowledge of the allegedly rented crowd, saying Babangida’s campaign office was not at the Niger State Government House.



http://www.thisdayonline.com/

Ahead of the scheduled primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), former Vice President and presidential aspirant, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, today took the battle for the PDP presidential ticket to the door steps of delegates with an official letter to each of the statutory delegates across the country, including President Goodluck Jonathan.


The Turakin Adamawa was given a waiver yesterday at the 53rd meeting of National Executive Committee (PDP) of the PDP, to contest in the presidential primaries of the party following his return to the party early this year.


The official letters, according to a statement from his campaign office today in Abuja, were addressed to the President, Vice President, Governors, Deputy Governors, Senators, members of the House of Representatives, State Houses of Assembly, Local Government Council Chairmen, PDP Chairmen in the Local Government Councils and PDP state executive officers.


According him, delegates are strategic to the realization of his vision of a prosperous, secure, peaceful, democratic, caring and confident Nigeria.


"I am seeking the presidency of our great country to chart a new course for our beloved country and lead our people to their manifest destiny," Atiku said.


"We need to create millions of jobs to keep our youth gainfully employed and help to tackle the high level of insecurity in the country. We must invest in education, research and modern technology, and infrastructure so that our productivity can increase significantly. We have to improve on our healthcare delivery so that our people will no longer die needlessly.


"With your support, we will put in place attractive incentives for people to invest in our economy and create well-paying jobs. We will fix our crumbling schools, roads, and hospitals. We will fix the electricity problem by taking advantage of the varying energy resources and needs in different parts of the country.


"We will address desertification, gully erosion and other lingering environmental challenges. We will wage a genuine war on corruption by instituting a better reward and punishment system, ensuring true independence of the anti-corruption agencies and the speedy trial of corruption cases.


"This is the time for an experienced, committed and visionary leader to rescue our country from imminent collapse. I am ready to lead. Together, we can make good things happen for our people and our country," he added.


To clinch the PDP presidential slot, Atiku will have to defeat top contenders like the incumbent Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan and former military dictator, General Ibrahim Babangida.

http://thewillnigeria.com/politics/5891-Atiku-Writes-PDP-Delegates-Primaries.html

Those Nigerians that attended ibb declaration yesterday are those Nigerians with short memory.have they forgotten that it was the same man that canceled one of most freest election ever conducted in Nigeria.how do you think that what ibb could not achieve in 8yrs can be achieve in just 4yrs?that man is a dictator and should be stopped now or we will all turn to slaves in this country.pls,presidential primaries should come first b4 the gubernatorial.

The stage was set today for one of the biggest political battles in Nigeria’s political history as the Peoples Democratic Party National Executive Committee (NEC) released guidelines for the party’s presidential primaries and others.

NEC announced today at the end of an emergency meeting at the party’s Wadata Plaza headquarters that the PDP presidential candidate in the 2011 presidential election will emerge on October 23, 2010.

The battle for the slot will be between incumbent president, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan; former military dictator, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida; former vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who was granted a waiver to contest by NEC; Mrs. Sarah Jubril and Kwara State Governor, Dr Bukola Saraki, who is believed to have informed party leaders of his presidential push but is yet to declare openly.

Also contenders for the office of the president will dole out a total of N11 million naira as nomination fee, that is, N1m for the expression of interest form, while N10 million will be fee for the nomination form itself. All female aspirants at all levels will however not pay a dime for nomination forms but will pay expression of interest fees at all levels. The NEC gave the concession.

In the same vein, Governorship aspirants will pay N5.5 million (N5m as nomination fee and N500, 000 as expression of interest fee). Governorship primaries will hold on October 6 and end on October 8 in all local government areas of the state.

Aspirants for the Senate will pat N2.2 million naira for their forms while the House of Representatives will pay N1.1 million naira.

Aspirants for State House of Assembly will pay N150, 000 naira as nomination fee.

PDP Chief Scribe, Professor Rufai Ahmed Alkali who briefed journalists after the epic emergency meeting also explained that the party would hold special conventions to choose a presidential candidate in all states of the federation including Abuja between October 18 and October 20, 2010. The party would thereafter hold a ratification convention in Abuja on October 23, 2010 to ratify the candidacy of the winner of the state conventions.

Part of the NEC resolution says: "For the purposes of nominating the Party’s candidates for the offices of Governor of a State, member of the National Assembly (Senate/House of Reps) and member of the State House of Assembly and National Delegate, each ward chapter of the Party shall elect three (3) ward Ad-Hoc delegates at a special ward congress at least one of whom shall be a woman.

"For the purpose of nominating the Party’s Presidential Candidate, each of the 774 Local Government Party Chapters shall produce one (1) National Delegate to the Special Conventions through a special Local Government Congress. The Party’s Executive at the ward, local government, State, zonal and National levels shall by virtue of their respective offices be automatic delegates to the Local Government, Special Congresses.

"Other automatic delegates include the LG Chairmen, Deputy Chairmen and Councilors, members of the National and State Assemblies members of the Board of Trustees, President/Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, State Governor and Deputy Governors who are members of the Party.

"On the mode of election of delegates for Congresses/Conventions, the guideline says delegates shall "Three Ward delegates at the ward congress shall emerge by direct voting by all card carrying members registered at the wards. One (1)National delegate shall emerge at the Local Government Congress and shall be voted by the 3 Ad-Hoc delegates and the various Local Government/Ward Executives.

"For the purpose of nominating a State Assembly Candidate, the Party shall hold a Special Congress at a designated Centre in the State Assembly Constituency. Delegates to a State Assembly Congress shall include National, Zonal or State Executive member of the Party from the State Constituency, all elected political office holders – President, Vice-President,National Assembly member, Governor, Deputy Governor from the State constituency, State assembly member from the State Constituency, Local Government Party Chairman or member of the LGA Executive Committee from the State Constituency, a member of the Board of Trustees from the State Constituency an Elected Local Government Council executive in the State Constituency, a Ward Executive Member from a Local Government Area in the state Constituency a Former Local Government Party Chairman or Secretary from the State Constituency, a former Local Government Council Chairman, Vice-Chairman or leader (Speaker) from the State Constituency and a Ward Ad-Hoc delegate from the State Constituency.

"For the governorship primary the delegates to Special State Congresses shall comprise National Chairman and Members of the National Executive Committee; elected office holders from the state; members of the Zonal and State Executive Committee; Local Government Party Secretary, Treasurer, Youth Leader and Woman Leader; Ad-Hoc delegates from each ward; Former members of state Working Committee; Former Governor and Deputy produced by the Party and Former Speakers & Deputy Speakers.

"Delegates for the Senatorial congress are National, Zonal or State Executive member of the Party from the Senatorial District; elected Political office holder – President, Vice President, National Assembly Member, Governor, Deputy Governor from the Senatorial District; State Assembly member from the Senatorial District; local Government Party Chairman or Member of the LGA Executive Committee from the Senatorial District; a member of the Board of Trustees from a Local Government Area in the Senatorial District; an Elected Local Government Council Chairman, Vice Chairman orCouncilor from the Senatorial District; a ward Executive member from the Senatorial District; former Local Government Party Chairman or Secretary from the; Senatorial District; former Local Government Council Chairman, Vice Chairman or Leader (Speaker) from the Senatorial District and Ward Ad-Hoc Delegate from the Senatorial District.

"Those to take part in the congress for House of Representative include National, Zonal or state Executive member of the Party from the Federal Constituency; Elected Political Office holder – President, Vice President, National Assembly member, Governor, Deputy Governor from the Federal Constituency; State Assembly member from the Federal Constituency; local Government Party Chairman or member of the LGA Executive committee from the Federal Constituency; a member of the Board of Trustees from a Local Government Area in the Federal Constituency; an elected Local Government Council Chairman, Vice-Chairman or Councilor from the Federal Constituency; a Ward Executive Member from a local Government Area in the Federal Constituency; a former Local Government Party Chairman or Secretary from the Federal Constituency; a former Local Government Council Chairman, Vice-Chairman or Leader (Speaker) from the Federal Constituency and aWard Ad-Hoc Delegate fro the Federal Constituency.

"Delegates to the National Convention are: "the National Chairman and members of the National Executive Committee; all elected Office Holders – President, Vice President, National Assembly Member, Governor, Deputy Governor, State Assembly member, member of Board of Trustees and Local Government Council Chairman; member of the Zonal Working Committee; State Party Chairman, State Secretary, State Youth Leader, State Woman Leader Local Government Party Chairmen; former members of National Working Committee; former President of Senate, Deputy President of Senate, Speaker and Deputy and One National Delegate.

"NEC also directed National Working Committee to constitute various Committees for the conduct of all congresses/conventions. They are: Screening Committees, Congress Electoral Committees and Appeal Committees. The National Working Committee shall be the appeal Committee for Presidential Primaries."

NEC said it received applications for waivers from various state Executive Committees and gave the following approvals:

Adamawa State: Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

Imo State: (Mrs.) Ada Okwuonu (Deputy Governor); Chief Chikwem Onuoha and Mrs. Ijeoma Nwafor.

Abia State: Rt. Hon. Charles Chinedum Elechi (Abia State House of Assembly); Hon. Prince N. Okoro and (Abia State House of Assembly).

Edo State: Dr. David Imuse

Anambra State: Senator Alphonsus Igbeke

Kogi State: Chief Olusola Akanmode; Sen. Mohammed Salami Ohiare; Sen. Salihu Otaru Ohize; Hon. Abdulkareem Saliu; Hon. Suleiman Kokori Abdul; Arc. Abdulmumeen Ahmed Okaraand Hon. Momoh Jimoh Anda.

In view of time and tight election schedules NEC mandated the National Working Committee to treat all future applications for waivers for the 2011 General Elections.

On the midterm Conference and Special Convention, NEC resolved to put it on hold in view of limited time available for the conduct of Congresses and Convention.

Finally, NEC admonished all Party members to give maximum cooperation to officers sent to conduct the various exercises and conduct themselves peacefully.

Vice President Namadi Sambo who represented President Goodluck Jonathan at the meeting said the president was away on official visit to Sokoto and Kebbi States to commiserate with the people of the states over the recent floor disaster as well as obtain first hand information on the disaster.

National Chairman of the party, Dr. Okesilieze Nwodo in his opening address said the timetable for the primaries was done in compliance with the electoral act and electoral timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission [INEC] as well as the ‘PDP tradition.’

The changes introduced by the 2010 Electoral Act included the abolition of automatic delegates, staggered primaries and substitution of candidates.

He reiterated that most of the reforms being proposed by the party would be implemented before its flag bearer emerges in order to provide the necessary level playing field for all aspirants on the platform of the party and instill internal democracy.

Governors of Niger, Ekiti, Delta, Plateau, Abia, Enugu, Bayelsa, Zamfara, Nasarawa States attended the emergency which kicked off at about 2:45 pm. Other governor s in attendance included those of Kaduna, Adamawa, Cross River, Jigawa, Kwara and Akwa Ibom.

The roll call also included the Senate President, Senator David Mark, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Dimeji Bankole, former National Chairmen of PDP, Chief Solomon Lar, Engineer Barnabas Gemade, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor, Col. Amodu Ali [retd] and former Chairmen of PDP Board of Trustees, Dr Alex Ekwueme and Chief Anenih.

http://thewillnigeria.com/politics/5881-2011-PDP-Presidential-Flag-bearer-Emerge-Oct-NEC.html

As the 2011 presidential race gets hotter, former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon today asked ex-generals who had once governed Nigeria to quit the stage of political governance for the younger generation.

Gowon gave the advice inside City Hall, Lagos, at the public presentation of a book; Lagos State: My Life of Service with Integrity by the first Governor of the state, Brigadier General Mobolaji Johnson, who turned 74 today.

Such personalities as former Head of Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Theophilus Danjuma, former Governor of South-West Region, General Adeyinka Adebayo was among others who commended the author for an exemplary life and meritorious service.

Gowon explained said those (apparently referring to former military heads of state currently contesting the 2011 presidential election) who had opportunity to rule before should make way for the younger generation.

"Those of us who had the opportunity to do it before should look and set our minds to the future generation. But if anyone has that ambition to contest, such person should let the public be the deciders. They have the right to do so. Those who want to come back can come if they want to. But let us practice democracy. At least, Nigeria is still together. Whatever the deficiencies we have simply shows we can work hard and do away with the deficiencies. The most important thing is that this nation has remained one and united. It is true despite whatever problem that we may have," General Gowon said.

"So I wish Nigeria well as she turns 50. I am delighted that we have been able to keep this nation together as one and being able to celebrate 50. On the leadership problems we have, every country has leadership problem. Nigeria is not different as long as we are able to resolve it," Gowon added.

Speaking at the presentation, Shonekan acknowledged that the country was faced with a myriad of challenges ranging from politics to economy, infrastructure, security, education and other critical sectors.

"As a country, we have had so many challenges. But we have been able to surmount them on our own, so we need to thank God for that," Shonekan said.

He therefore suggested that the present leadership of the country should learn from the mistakes of the past and prepare the present and prospective generation for the upcoming challenges.

On his part, Governor Fashola said the occasion was more than a book presentation, saying the presentation was part of nation building considering the significance of Brigadier General Mobolaji Johnson’s book.

Fashola added that there was a bid vacuum of how Nigeria was built and how Lagos State was built, saying the book would fill a major lacuna in the history of Lagos State because General Johnson explained how the building of Lagos started.

Brigadier Johnson thanked God for sparing his life and giving him the privilege to make substantial input into the process of political governance and nation building.

Johnson said he was lucky to be alive considering different challenges he had faced after the military government took over in 1975. He said he did not have a house of his own then, but Messrs Julius Berger came to his rescue when nearly everyone had gone away.

He expressed profound gratitude to his wife, Funmilayo Mobolaji-Johnson, his children and Julius Berger family for significant support he said they gave him at different critical times of his life.

Other personalities at the book presentation were former international jurist, Prince Bola Ajibola, former Lagos State Governor, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, former Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji M.D. Yusuf, former Chief of Defence State, Vice Admiral Mike Okai Akhigbe and Ambassador Segun Olusola.

http://thewillnigeria.com/politics/5898-Retired-Generals-Should-Allow-Young-Generation-Rule---Gowon.html

Thank you, our courageos Mr Nuhu Ribadu, my advise is that you kindly support, allign with, and or serve now under our own Goodluck Jonathan. You are not the person to rule Nigeria in her year of Jubilee. The one man and person that qualifies is the incumbent, President
Please listen to your spirit, and if you can hear from God, take it so. God will give you a chance if He has destined you to rule in Nigeria. Or else find grace to serve Him. Dont force your self, of course you cannot. Maradona and co, did so by the barrel of the gun, through coup(s). I know you are wise. This is the prophetic voice to you my dear brother beloved. Only believe, please dont waiste your money this year. Please hands to provide educational facilities. Human capital development is our greatest challenge. You can help. Use your present contacts to do something. Not justling for power at the level of presidency. Join the NASS to make laws. To build institutions and ensure enforcement of law and order. For example we would want all past and present leaders to declare their assets. And show proof of how they amassed all these wealth they are now throwing to our faces to mock us. IBB and all these other politicians should prove source of their wealth. God bless you, Amen. God bless Nigeria. Happy Jubilee.

DOUBTS over former anti-graft agency chief Nuhu Ribadu’s interest in politics were cleared Thursrday.

"I’II contest for President to remake Nigeria," Ribadu said in Abuja.

He is coming into a race in which President Goodluck Jonathan, former Military President Gen. Babangida, former Head of State Gen. Muhamadu Buhari and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar are contesting.

"I’m not afraid of them," Ribadu said at a breakfast with journalists in Abuja.

The former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chair did not reveal the party on whose platform he is running.

But he ruled out the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

On his credentials, he said: "I have always been a federal person. I have the experience in public service. I have put 25 years of my life into the service of the Federal Government of Nigeria in the Executive capacity. After that, of course, I served outside Nigeria. I have worked and acquired international experience."

He added: "I had the chance to set up an agency (EFCC); I ran it for five years. I was in an Economic Team. I was a Federal Prosecutor, probably more than any other person in that capacity.

I was a police officer, a community worker, I put all my life into public service at the Federal Government level. It is only natural for you to really put that into where the experience can best count."

Asked why he was reluctant on the platform, he said: "I am still consulting, but it is going to be very soon because there is no time. It is going to be very soon for us to make a decision on that.

"Like I said, my belief is that the possibility of all of us coming together must be exhausted full blast to see the chance for us to give our country a platform that is going to be national.

Asked if he got any offer from the PDP, Ribadu replied: "Never, never. We will educate Nigerians about PDP and what I consider the future of our country."

Ribadu said he was not afraid of big names (Goliaths) in the presidential race and corrupt elements that might gang up against him.

He said: "But David defeated Goliath eventually. Pray that I will be the David.

"I have always been fighting in my life. When I was in the Police Force, I fought armed robbers, I survived. I fought gangsters, I fought 419 fraudsters, big time corrupt people and I have survived. I am still standing as Nuhu Ribadu; I believe I will also survive this."

Ribadu denied ever investigating First Lady Patience Jonathan over allegations of laundering N70million during his tenure at the EFCC.

"I never handled a case against Patience Jonathan; never, it’s a lie. You know it is so sad because in our country this is how we go about maligning people. But today thank God I am not in his government. So, I can open up and talk. If I were to say it earlier people would have thought that I was looking for job from President Goodluck Jonathan. I am not looking for anything. But the truth must be told."

He explained: "at the time the matter came up, we were investigating a case involving one Igbo lady who was reported by a bank through suspicious transaction report. I think there was a lodgment of about N70million into a bank and then they reported.

"Of course, we found out that she did a contract in Bayelsa State and then we followed it.

We did a thorough investigation involving that woman. But they were all money that they earned from contracts which we did not have any difficulty or have issues with."

Ribadu, who spoke glowingly about his dream to remake Nigeria , said he could make a difference within two years.

He added: "I have a dream of a new Nigeria; I have the dream of a changed Nigeria. I want to see if there is a possibility of opening a new chapter for the country. And those who are in charge somehow certainly need to give chance for the country to move forward.

"My coming is going to be like the best Nigerian should come forward, whether you are old or new or woman or man. It has to be all of us and I want to be part of that team that would certainly save our country and give it a new lease of life.

"I want to see the possibility of capturing the vision of majority of Nigerians who today are the young ones. And I certainly belong to that."

Ribadu listed his priorities as security; effective power supply; free education; sound medical facilities; and collective leadership.

He said: "I want to immediately provide those basic things. They are so important to us. I must insist that we must have security immediately, instantly; there is no time to waste on that. I want to see that we can immediately solve the problem of power.

"I will do it (power); I will come out with my programme and policy. It is not something you can give in one word. I want to make a full stop to corruption finally.

"I want to ensure from now on that Nigerians are going to enjoy free and fair education. I want to ensure that we will have good and decent hospitals. We will have hospitals, we don’t have to go out of the country and spend our money to build others like in India, Egypt and Ghana. Time has come for us to build our own.

"I want to see a Nigeria that will give justice to its own people; justice across; justice that can give a chance to us to have peace and stability for us to grow.

"I want to see the possibility of giving our country opportunity of equal treatment, fairness, respect for people. I want to see if it is possible for us to give a leadership that can listen; leadership that can take advice; leadership that is going to be collective," Ribadu said.

He promised to make available "a detailed, precise and very clear programmes and policies on how to go about it."

"The intention is there. Something is burning in all of us to save our country. We love our country, we must fight for our country, we must work for our country.

"We want to bring out the energy in all of us and see if we can make a country that all of us will be proud of; a Nigeria that will be respected by the world, a Nigeria that will have a voice."


http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/13500.html

This is an indication that we are not liable to get desired leaders from the next election as the man that even suppose to conduct credible election and take the pride is already also on the race to run for another term. We don’t breed but metamorphose. May God deliver us all.

It was a protest galore in Minna, Niger State, on Thursday after the former dictator, Ibrahim Babangida, declared his intention to contest the presidential election in a ceremony at the Eagle Square, Abuja.



Hundreds of youths, including women, mobilised to attend the Abuja declaration stormed the Government House, Minna to register their grievances over non-payment of promised allowances for attending the event.



It was gathered that the youths were hired by the Special Assistant to the State Government on Mobilisation, Mr. Yahuza Abdullahi, with a promise that they would be paid fees ranging from N3000 to N5000 to enable them attend the ceremony.



However, our correspondent learnt that despite participating in the ceremony, the youths, numbering about 2000, were not paid.



It was further gathered that the youths were transported to the venue of the event in 41 coaster and five luxury buses.



Based on the monetary inducement and other promised welfare packages, the youths were said to have agreed to travel from Minna to the Eagle Square, Abuja, where Babangida declared his intention to run for the presidency on Wednesday.



But trouble started when Abdullahi who was supposed to pay them was nowhere to be found.



The angry youths who looked pugnacious throughout the ceremony returned home at about 3am, disappointed, especially as it was gathered that they had skirmishes with rival youths on their way home.



Following the development, the hungry youths who felt cheated stormed the Government House in Minna to lodge their complaints.



The youths who chanted solidarity songs said they were hired in groups of 50 for the ceremony but were abandoned by the organiser on getting to the venue of the event.



The irate groups, including IBB Support Group and TJ Movement group threatened to cause trouble unless they were paid as agreed.



The groups who were led to Government House by Mr. Yau Ibrahim, Mr. Musa Rabo, Mr. Tijani Umaru and Mr. Abdullahi Yahaya, said they were unfairly treated.



One of the aggrieved youths who refused to mention his name because of the sensitive nature of the matter blamed the protest on the organiser.


Link;http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201009170395940

In d good old days,the evil that men did lived after them,nowadays the evil they do live with them,we hv seen it with this minna glutton.IBB, u will nt rule us again.For ur info credible pple like Dele Momodu re coming out and the youths hv hope in him.So go and spend the rest of ur days pressing ur rosary and chant astagafrulai for the rest of ur life.

Scores of tertiary institution students and human rights activists marched through the streets of Abuja and stopped at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Abuja, in protest against the presidential ambition of military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida on Thursday.



The development came barely 24 hours after the former military leader declared his ambition to contest the 2011 presidential election under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party.



The protesters also queried the rationale behind the exclusion of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo from those slated to stand trial for the $180m Halliburton bribery scandal saga.



A statement by the anti-IBB protesters, under the umbrella of National Association of Nigerian Students, Joint Campus Committee, Ondo/Ekiti axis, said that the general was not the answer to the country’s problems.



The statement by the Chairman, Gbenga Oyebode, and Secretary, Adebayo Olumide, said students were concerned about what would be their fate in the event that Babangida became the country’s president.



The group itemised alleged infractions committed against the country during the eight-year regime of the former leader.



Some of these were alleged bastardisation of the economy, political destabilisation, corruption, human rights abuse and illegal closure of tertiary institutions.



The statement reads in part, “On this ground, Nigerian students of JCC, Ondo/Ekiti states axis, call on President Goodluck Jonathan to set up another sincere and transparent panel that will see to the allegations against IBB.



“If found guilty, he should be penalised according to the law. We shall organise ourselves (in protest), even in the South-West in general, to drive home our position on his ambition if the Presidency refuses to do something to probe IBB.



“We want to ask, if he has no skeleton in his cupboard, why he refused to appear before the Justice Chukwudifu Oputa panel to defend the entire allegations levelled against him.”



The arrowhead of the joint protest, Legal Practitioners and Anti-corruption Crusaders wants the FG to compel the EFCC to bring those connected with the Halliburton scandal to justice, including Obasanjo.



Addressing a joint press conference with the students’ leaders, the group issued a 14-day ultimatum to the FG to start the trial of the Halliburton suspect or face their wrath.



It threatened to embark on a nationwide comprehensive campaign for a mass boycott of the 2011 election, as well as to call on the international community to cease all anti-corruption collaborations with the country after the expiration.



The group said, “Jonathan, in a bid to shore up his wanting anti-corruption profile decided to arraign few scapegoats among those alleged to have benefitted from the $180m Halliburton bribe.



“It is, therefore, a matter of concern that the President keeps shielding Obasanjo and his co-beneficiaries even after the United States has said the FG has enough information to act on.”



The group said it had initiated a legal action at a Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking an order to compel the EFCC to commence the process for the prosecution of all those named in the Halliburton scandal.











In a leaflet circulated by another group of students claiming to come from Bwari campus of Nigerian Law School, under the aegis of Arewa Students Forum and Arewa Citizens Action for Change also want Obasanjo probed.



It reads, “$130m Halliburton scandal: Why is Obasanjo excluded? Who are the real culprits; tell the children the truth now. Impoverishing the nation through outright stealing by leaders must stop.



“We have a life to live, but they say only the rouge shall survive and EFCC turns the other way. Government war on corruption will remain elusive until criminal justice is made equitable.”



“Following persistent call by the civil society organisation for his prosecution over the Halliburton matter, Obasanjo had on May 29 written Jonathan, asking him to unmask the suspects in the matter.



He also denied the allegation that he benefitted from the slush fund.



Obasanjo had said, “Except for the payment of $2.5m to Chief Dan Etete, under the false identity of ‘Omoni Amafegha,’ allegedly in the context of the purchase of five per cent of the shares in Malabu, no payment to high (ranking) Nigerian official has been identified yet.



“Nor has examination of bank accounts (of suspects) shown any important cash withdrawal.



“Unless such elements are found, it will be impossible to obtain the conviction of Mr. Jeffrey Tesler and forfeiture of the frozen monies in favour of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.



“It is my hope that the content of this letter would bring about a decision of the FG to make available to the public the full details of the circumstances surrounding the Halliburton bribe scandal and who, if anybody, are the culprits.”



Asked to react to the protest of the group on the Halliburton matter, the Chairman of the EFCC, Mrs. Farida Waziri, said, “The protesters should know that it is the office of the attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice that is now in charge. We have done our own aspect.”





http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201009172205715

President Goodluck carry Go ,God Amighty is beside you and He has clear D way for you and to the entire Nigeria,to be free from D Evil,wicked and sinful men,that want to put Nigeria into their pocket Again.forget about their BARKING around you as Dogs,from North,East,West and South.Just follow the leading of the ALMIGHTY GOD,WHO’S SIGNATURE IS ALREADY UPON YOU.Gods Support is better than that of men.My advise for North,allow D ALMIGHTY GOD TO RULE THIS COUNTRY.30YRS+ LEADERSHIP IN NORTH,WITH NO

Ahead of Saturday’s public declaration of President Goodluck Jonathan for the 2011 presidential election, leaders of a coalition of Ijaw youths and political groups have arrived in Abuja for the event.



The coalition comprises the national leadership of the Ijaw Youth Council, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, and a prominent ex-militant, Chief Government Ekpemupolo (a.k.aTompolo).



Other members of the coalition are the spokesperson of the Ijaw Republican Assembly, Mrs. Ann Kio Briggs, and a member of the Presidential Committee on Amnesty, Mr. Kingsley Kuku.



The political groups whose members have taken over most hotel rooms in Abuja include Goodluck Jonathan Presidential Worldwide, Goodluck Support Group, Goodluck Nakowa, Builder Builders Front, Move Nigeria Forward, Goodluck Nigeria and Grassroots for Jonathan and Sambo.



The public declaration ceremony which will begin at the Eagle Square, Abuja at 10am, is expected to be attended by the Peoples Democratic Party governors as well as the national and state officers of the party.



THE PUNCH gathered that people that would deliver goodwill messages included a former Peoples Democratic Party chairman, Chief Barnabas Gemade; Senator Ibrahim Idah; a former governor of the defunct Bendel State, Chief Samuel Ogbemudia, and a former Governor of Ondo State, Chief Olusegun Agagu.



Also a group, Naija Artistes for Jonathan, is expected at the event. A popular artiste, Francis Duru, is scheduled to speak on behalf of the group.



One of our correspondents who visited the local wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja reported that there was high volume of traffic.



Some of those seen at the airport wore tags with Jonathan’s photograph on their shirt pockets.



Traffic was also high on major streets in the city.



At one of the hotels in the Central Business District, an attendant told one of our correspondents that their rooms had been fully booked.



The Special Adviser on National Assembly Matters to Jonathan, Senator Mohammed Abba-Aji, assured on Thursday that finishing touches were being put to the declaration.



He said the national coordinators of the President’s campaign in the six geo-political zones of the country would meet in Abuja on Thursday (today) night.



One of the coordinators, Governor Gbenga Daniel, assured that the South-West would put up a spectacular show on Saturday.



Daniel, who is co-ordinating the campaign in the zone, spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Adegbenro Adebanjo.



Before Abba-Aji and the governor spoke with one of our correspondents on the telephone, the Coalition of Ijaw Youth Leaders had told journalists that its members were in Abuja to support Jonathan because he had displayed “quality leadership” in office.



The coalition comprises the national leadership of the Ijaw Youth Council, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, the spokesperson of the Ijaw Republican Assembly, Mrs. Ann Kio Briggs, and a member of the Presidential Committee on Amnesty, Mr. Kingsley Kuku.



At a pre-declaration news conference on Thursday, the coalition dismissed media reports that some of its members were backing a former military dictator, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.



Their spokesman, Mr. Abioye Kuromiema, added that all the youth organisations in the Ijaw speaking of the Niger Delta took the decision to back Jonathan due to their conviction that his leadership style had very great potential to move the country forward.



Kuromiema, who is also the IYC president, warned Babangida, who publicly declared his intent to run for the Presidency in Abuja on Wednesday, against taking Nigerians for granted.



The coalition’s spokesman pointed out that apart from the fact that a prominent journalist, Dele Giwa, was killed with a letter bomb during Babangida regime, “his government symbolised corruption, insincerity and insensitivity through the Structural Adjustment Programme.”



The coalition also dismissed claims by the Chairman of the Babangida’s Campaign Organisation, Dr. Raymond Dokpesi, of plans to kidnap him and members of his family as lies designed to scuttle “a smooth process that is emerging.”



He said that the Niger Delta youths would not have come out to declare support for Jonathan if he had been found wanting in the performance of the sacred duty of giving a deserved leadership to the country.



Kuromiema said, “The leaders express absolute confidence in the exemplary and courageous leadership style of Jonathan/Sambo Presidency so far. To us, it is a clear departure from the old attitudes of our leaders. It demonstrates sound, maturity, tact and balance with a lot of potentials.



Also, the Ekiti State chapter of the GSG said that it had mobilised over its 2,000 supporters for Jonathan’s declaratation.



The Coordinator of the group, Mr. Femi Akinyemi, who made this known in a statement on Thursday, said, “Ekiti people’s support for President Jonathan’s presidential ambition is total. Therefore, about 2,000 of us are moving to Abuja in thousands to support him.”



In Bayelsa State, government activities have been paralysed as the state executive council relocated to Abuja.



THE PUNCH gathered that the state Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva, had been in Abuja for the past two weeks, but it was not clear on Thursday what his mission in the FCT was.



It was further learnt that the weekly executive council meeting of the state was moved to Abuja for yet-to-be announced reasons.



The state Commissioner for Information, Strategy and Orientation, Mr. Nathan Egba, confirmed that members of the state executive council were in Abuja.



Egba, who spoke with one of our correspondents on the telephone, did not give any reasons for the Abuja venue of the state’s executive council meeting. But a source claimed that the members were in Abuja to back the President’s declaration.



The Anambra State chapter of the GSG said it had mobilised about 3,000 people to attend the declaration.



The group, which met at the Holiday Resort Hotel, Onitsha, on Thursday to finalise arrangements for the Abuja trip, said it intended to prove to the world that the people of Anambra State were fully in support of Jonathan.



The spokesman for the group , who is also its Legal Adviser, Mr. Azubuike Uzorachuike, said the cap fit Jonathan the most.






http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201009173362737

Oh sorry i am DOUBLE not SINGLE

[quote author=--190-- link=topic=513686.msg6756703#msg6756703 date=1284542099]Signs of the end times

Jesus is coming soon,

This puberty sign is just part of the end times!! [/quote]Is this one of the signs Jesus told you to look out for? Not End Time it's Beginning Time

Former deputy governor of Edo State and state Co-ordinator for Jonathan for President, Mr. Lucky Imasuen has adduced reasons why former military president Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida is not fit to be elected Nigerian president in 2011.

Reacting to media reports credited to former deputy senate president, Albert Legogie to the effect that former president Babangida laid the foundation for Nigeria’s democracy and more experienced than President Jonathan, Imasuen, while conceding that Legogie had the right to speak in favour of Babangida, said he didn’t have the right to distort the facts.

The former deputy governor who spoke to Daily Sun during an interview, pointed out that Babangida annulled the freest election conducted in the country and won by the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola for some strange personal reasons, adding that it was during his regime that the country witnessed some high level of indiscipline, introduction of “419 trade” and Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), which he, noted, pushed the country back several years.

Observing that the trend the world over was for democratic and progressive nations to direct their attention to the younger generation to pilot the affairs of their nations as president, he described the younger generation as “computer leaders” and “those who know what to do”, expressing surprise that Babangida, after leaving Aso Rock for close to 20 years, wanted to come back to power.
“So for us to be looking back at a man who governed this country for eight years and brought us misery and discomfort and left power close to 20 years ago, is not only surprising, it’s insulting,” the former Edo State deputy said.

Imasuen, after x-raying Goodluck Jonathan’s antecedent as a worker in the private sector, deputy governor, governor of Bayelsa State, vice-president, acting president and as president of Nigeria, described Senator Albert Legogie’s claim that Babangida was more experienced than Jonathan as “sickening”.
“In my own humble opinion, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is the most experienced person to ever ask for the position of presidency in this country. So, for Legogie to say that Babangida is more experienced is not only laughable, it’s unbelievable”, the former Deputy Governor said and listed President Jonathan’s achievement to include improvement in the power sector, attention to roads, agriculture, education and on-going effort to address the Niger Delta crisis.
While also attacking Dr. Raymond Dokpesi for claiming that President Jonathan was after his life, Mr. Imasuen said the Chief Executive of DAAR Communication was just crying wolf as he was in a sinking political ship and short of ideas.

He denounced the duo of Senator Albert Legogie and Dr. Dokpesi as members of the PDP in Edo State, alleging that they were being funded by the Edo State ACN led Government to act out comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s script who he claimed was supporting Babangida against President Jonathan’s presidential ambition.





http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2010/sept/15/national-15-09-2010-003.htm

A former Secretary to the Federal Government and Leader, Social Democratic Mega Party, Chief Olu Falae, has said interim government should be allowed to conduct the 2011 presidential election.



He also said the election timetable as released by the Independent National Electoral Commission was too clumsy and was designed to fail.



Falae, who spoke in Abuja at a press briefing organised by the leadership of the newly registered Social Democratic Mega Party, said Nigeria should borrow a leaf from Bangladesh where, he said, the ruling party was not empowered to conduct elections.



He said, “We are calling for the shifting of the election from January. The INEC timetable as released is designed to fail.



“But while we are calling for a shift of the date, we are not calling for the elongation of tenure of the present government.



“What we are saying is that if the doctrine of necessity could be used when our late president, Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua was sick, then there is nothing wrong if we could also adopt it now.



“The members of the National Assembly should design a way whereby we will adopt the Bangladesh method whereby government in power is not allowed to conduct election.



“Then we could then have government of eminent Nigerians at the helm of affairs who will then conduct the 2011 elections.



He said while the 1999 elections were bad, the 2003 poll was worse while that of 2007 was the worst.



“We cannot continue like that. If we fail again in 2011, I don’t know what will happen,” he added.



Falae also said it would be difficult for INEC to register all Nigerian voters in just 14 days.



He accused the Peoples Democratic Party of designing the timetable in such a way that would make rigging easy for the ruling party.


http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art2010091612451662

Super Eagles' left full back, Taiye Taiwo, has come out to tell the whole truth about Nigeria's woeful outing at the last World Cup in South Africa. He said that Nigeria's inability to qualify for the group stage must not be blamed on Sani Keita's red card; instead, every member of the squad must accept responsibility for failing the nation.

He further revealed that Coach Lars Lagerback could have done better with the team if he had proper knowledge of the players he invited for the tournament and advised that any coach that would be contracted to coach the Eagles must have knowledge of African football.

Taiwo also appealed to the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) to consider Coach Samson Siasia as Super Eagles' coach since he has proved himself with age grade teams in the country.
"It would be stupid to think that Nigeria was knocked out (of the 2010 World Cup) because of Sani Keita's red card against Greece. What makes us regret it most is that our group wasn't that tough.

"It was a huge disappointment because we had very good players and we could have done a lot better. But you can't pull a miracle when you have a coach who was just appointed few months before the tournament.
“Lars Lagerback just knew the main players in the team, but it takes time to get to know all the players, understand the system they feel more comfortable with, how to position them, who plays well with who and how to get the best mix between experience and youth.

“The appointment of Samson Siasia will undoubtedly be good for us. He knows the team better and he is very familiar with the players.
“After our failure to qualify for Germany 2006 and our early exit from the South Africa 2010 World Cup, I usually have the feeling that Nigeria has stopped to progress in football. We lack patience. When we are winning, everybody would want a piece of the victory. But when we lose, everything will change automatically.
“We can only progress in football when the football authorities in the country will learn to be patient and have a programme for our football development. We have to take the Ghanaian example. Ghana kept the same coach for a long time, he had time enough time to work and understand terrain and the players.

The players were together for a long time and so could play for each other. It wasn't a thing of surprise that they became Africa's best representatives at the 2010 World Cup.”
“We need to follow their examples. Ghana arrived in South Africa without big names and when they performed, it was for their country, whereas other teams were putting the best individual performances. The Ghanaians were organised, disciplined, and they were able to combine well because they had the time to learn how to play together under their coach. Theirs was an excellent youth team,” he continued.

“Last May, we won the French League and League Cup, the club's first silverware in 17 years. Obviously, that was an unforgettable time and for me, what I love most is winning. My family in Nigeria was in tears. It was also a big reward for the club, which has worked very hard and had continued to progress ever since I arrived.
“We had come close to the titles in the two previous seasons and maybe the arrival of Didier Deschamps brought us the little extra we were lacking to take the next step.

“It was also a fantastic reward for the supporters. They always follow us wherever we go. They give their time and money to follow us by coach, train or plane. We were very happy to thank them for their support with those trophies.
"I still feel happy in my club. I arrived here very young, straight from Nigeria, quite a long away from my family and friends. But, right from the start, I was made to feel at home in this beautiful city and great club," said Taiwo told fifa.com.

"They've made it possible for me to develop my game and play at the highest level. It's not impossible that I might spend the rest of my career here, but if I have to leave one day, I know Marseille will always have a place in my heart. For the moment, though, I'm here and I'm happy to be here.
“Since last year, I have been handed more responsibilities, including penalty duties and the captain's armband on some occasions. I'm not one of the oldest players in my club, but I'm one of the most senior ones.

“It's a pleasure and honour to see that the coach and my teammates have faith in me. They're the ones who decide who takes the penalties, as it happened towards the end of last season at Boulogne. It was a difficult match and we won a penalty in the last minute. They said: 'Taiye will take it.' When people show that they're counting on you, you can't betray their confidence. I had to bury it and the (2-1) win was very important in our title race.

“For the Super Eagles, we need a coach who has time, that's all. Time to familiarise himself with the African mentality in general and that of Nigerians in particular; time to get to know each player's strengths and weaknesses; time to find the best system for the players available and time to improve what's working after a win and correct mistakes after a loss.

“The appointment of Samson Siasia will undoubtedly be good for us. He knows all that already, and he's very familiar with the players and their working methods. He was my coach at the Under-20 level and I would be pleased to work with him again,” the Nigerian and Marseille defender concluded.




http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/sports/2010/sept/15/sports-15-09-2010-001.htm

Who is this man called AA? if not becos there is systemic failure through which he syphoned Nigeria money at the borders as a custom officer.unfortunately his wife that would have counselled him aright have spent all her time bleaching and toning her body. so why will her husband not be a political prostitute. like wife like husband.AA YOU NEED TO REPENT AND RESTITUTE ALL THAT YOU STOLE AND ACQUIRED ILLEGALLY IN NIGERIA CUSTOM. GOD’S JUDGEMENT IS IMMINENT!!!

Former vice-president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has described the granting of a waiver to him to contest the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential primaries as a ‘victory for democracy.’



In a statement by his campaign organisation on Wednesday, he said, “It is time to chart a new course for the PDP by entrenching true democracy and the rule of law. It is not about me.



“It is about ensuring that we deepen our democracy by entrenching inclusiveness in our party’s quest to usher in a new order.”



He extended a hand of friendship to all members of the PDP and Nigerians in general and called on his supporters join hands with him in his quest to rule the country.

http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art2010091612454918

The protesters were plain mischievous trying to drag former president Obasanjo into a matter in which they the wrong party. The land in question was acquired by LUTH over thirty years and has its College of Primary Health situated and functioning for about twenty five years.These protesters just bought into a fenced up expance of land and demolished the fence to build their houses. They jumped into this with eyes open. So they shouldn’t blame anyone for their woes.