Monday 31 December 2018

2019: I will Uphold The Values Of Hard Work, Love And Quality Lifestyle For Every Citizen Of Itesiwaju LGA - Adeagbo



The Chairman of Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State,  Hon Niyi Adeagbo has promised to continuously uphold the values of hard work, love and quality lifestyle for every citizen of Itesiwaju LGA, through the leadership of His Excellency, Sen. Isiaq Abiola Ajimobi.

In his New Year message to the good people of Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, Adeagbo promised to accelerate increase in his visions and foresight by keeping his 4Ds in high note. He also promised to uphold the performance of high standards the LGA has been known for and  vow to increase the numbers of commissioned projects better than the numbers in 2018. 

Below is the full statement from the Chairman:

Glory Be To Almighty Allah, I Welcome you all to 2019.

With love after a rewarding 2018, on behalf of the Great people of Itesiwaju, I welcome you to a prosperous 2019 under the mercy and grace of Almighty God. 

As we stepped therein into 2019, our goal and mission is to continuously uphold our values of hard work, love and quality lifestyle for every citizen of Itesiwaju LGA, through the leadership of His Excellency, Sen. Isiaq Abiola Ajimobi.

Our prayers is that we shall not be short of quality leadership and aspirations in this New Year. May the good  Lord continue to bless everyone with good health and loads of personal & collective achievements.

As your Head servant in Itesiwaju LGA, I reinstate my commitment to accelerated increase in our visions and foresight by keeping our 4Ds in high note. I promise to uphold the performance of high standards this LGA has been known for and  vow to increase the numbers of commissioned projects better than the numbers in 2018. 

As usual, we will be expecting our First Itesiwaju Child any moment from now, in order to provide him or her with prayers and gifts. 

The Inter-Faith Prayers shall be held at the Council Secretariat by 10am on Thursday 3rd January 2019. We enjoin everyone to be present. 

Education of our children is as important as life, On Friday the 4th January, we will be distributing Cash for the Purchase of JAMB Forms to the 100 qualified SSS 3 Students of Itesiwaju Local Government at the Secretariat by 9am. Also, our Free Exercise books are ready for distribution. 

On Wednesday 9th January we will be Commissioning two (2) renovated maternity buildings in Ibise Otu and Kabieyesi Area, Okaka and also distribution of our monthly drugs. 

We will continue to be Committed, Dedicated, Responsive and Responsible to our dear people of Itesiwaju at all times. 

Once again, I say congratulations us all for stepping into 2019. 

God bless you, 
God bless Governor Abiola Ajimobi,
God bless Itesiwaju LGA,
God bless Oyo State and
God bless Nigeria.

Signed, 

Niyi Adeagbo 

Executive Chairman Itesiwaju LG.

Al-habibbiyah Islamic Society Celebrates 16th Anniversary With Public Lecture And National Prayer

Imam Fuad Adeyemi

“Islam: Evolving purposeful Leadership through corruption free election”, is the theme of a public lecture to be delivered in Abuja on January 6, 2019, to commemorate the 16th anniversary of the Al-Habibbiyah Islamic Society.

The National Chief Imam of the Society Imam Fuad Adeyemi said the ceremony is part of the society’s efforts to give a voice to the clamour for free, fair and transparent elections necessary for sustainable national development.

He said the lecture, to be delivered by an erudite Islamic Scholar Ustaz Abubakar Siddeeq, would provide a framework for engagement and discussion by other scholars and members of the audience.

“Events leading up to the 2109 elections have clearly shown that we all need to collaborate to ensure that the exercises are not only free, fair and credible, but would be free of corrupt practices such as vote buying, alteration of results and the disenfranchisement of voters among other ills,’’ Imam Adeyemi said.

The lecture is billed to hold at the national headquarters of the society at Plot 753, Babagana Kingibe Street, Guzape District, Asokoro Extension, Abuja.

There will also be a second lecture on “Islam and Security,” to be delivered by a retired Commissioner of Police, Bashir Balogun who is currently SA to the Chairman of the Police Service Commission.
Other activities lined up to commemorate the 16th anniversary include a Special Jumaat service on January 4, 2019 as well as a special prayer for the nation also on Sunday, January 6, 2019. 

Al-Habibbiyyah Islamic Society, established in 2003, is an Islamic think-tank whose areas of activities cut across education (Islamic and Western), propagation of Islamic tennets, re-orientation toward national development and the encouragement of genuine leadership qualities in all faithful.

The society periodically engages in inter-religious dialogue, provides counselling and health care services, welfare assistance and advances Islamic Culture in all facets of human activities and coordinates the disbursement of Zakat to the needy. 

With funding support from an international donor agency the MacArthur Foundation, Al-Habibbiyah has also been in the vanguard of anti-corruption crusade through the training of Islamic scholars, freelance preachers and their followers on the need to shun corruption practices in religious houses and also for the Islamic leaders to lead the campaign against corrupt practices in the society.

Beneficiaries of Al-Habibbiyah’s anti- corruption programmes and trainings have included clerics in Kebbi, Lagos, Kogi, Kaduna, Osun states as well as in the FCT and their followers.

Shagari’s Death: Masari Visit Sokoto; Condole With Government, People And Shagari Family



The Katsina State Governor, Rt. Hon Aminu Bello Masari was in Sokoto this afternoon to condole with the government, people of Sokoto State as well as the family of Late Alh. Shehu Shagari over his death.

Shagari was 6th President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria between 1979 and 1983, he died on 28th December, 2018 after a brief illness in Abuja, at the age of 93.

According to Katsina Media and Publicity,  Late Shagari was buried according to Islamic rites in his country home Shagari, Sokoto State

It would be recalled the Katsina State Governor had prior to his condolence visit today described Shagari as an icon to reckon with in his condolence message.

@katgovmedia learns that Masari was accompanied by top echelon of the Katsina State Government and was welcomed by the Sokoto State Governor,  Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, former Governor of Sokoto State and one time Presidential aspirant, Alh. Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa.

Report: How The Buhari Administration Gained Control Of The Boko Haram Phenomena Since 2015



The sustained efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and as well as the political will exhibited by the President Muhammadu Buhari upon the assumption of office in 2015 was primarily responsible for the inroads the Nigeria military attained in the fight against Boko Haram in Nigeria. This was contained in a report by the Centre for International and Strategic Studies (CISS) titled “The Battle Against Terrorism in Nigeria 2013-2018) which was released by CISS in December as part of its annual research work on critical sectors in Nigeria. 

The report which was signed by Professor Ahmed Danfulani, stated that the CISS undertook the research with a view to dissecting the trend of insurgency in Nigeria, its dynamics and sophistication of its operations and how the apparent invincibility of the sect have raised fundamental questions not only about military roles on national security but also on governance issues as well as on Nigeria’s corporate existence. 

The report revealed that, in spite of the setbacks the Nigeria Military had experienced in the battlefield, the Nigeria Army had made a significant breakthrough in breaking the ranks of Boko Haram fighters from 2015 with the advent of the Muhammadu Buhari Administration. 

The report stated that “The Buhari led administration has shown tremendous political will towards protecting lives and properties in Nigeria. The Nigerian Military has engaged the Boko Haram Terrorists in a battle for the soul of Nigeria. In the process, phenomenal successes have been recorded as indicated in the Global Terrorism Index.  It is, therefore, sufficing to state that all the remarkable successes recorded by the Nigerian Army under Lt Gen TY Buratai occurred between 2015 to date.” 

The five themed report captures the emergence, activities, mode of operation, ideology and the international dimension of Boko Haram. It also focused on the counter-insurgency attempts of the Nigerian military under former President Goodluck Jonathan and President Muhammadu Buhari. Emphasis was on Civil-Military relations in Nigerians North East, as well as the response of Buhari led administration in curtailing the Boko Hara threat. 

“The state’s response to Boko Haram since 2009 has been characterized by extreme complexity, especially in regards to the relationship between federal, state, and local government levels, and the inevitable institutional tensions between security services – military, police, the State Security Service (SSS), and other governmental agencies – and civil society groups including traditional and religious institutions.” 

“The turning point of the Boko Haram insurgency occurred in 2009 after a four-day battle between Nigerian security forces and Boko Haram members in Bauchi, Kano, Yobe, and Borno state, all in northern Nigeria. The confrontation led to the death of over 800 suspected Boko Haram members including its leader Mohammed Yusuf and other high profile supporters of the sect including Alhaji Buji Foi, a former commissioner in Borno State, and Baba Fugu Mohammed, the 72-year-old father-in-law of Yusuf.” 

As regards government response to the Boko Haram threat under President Muhammadu Buhari, the report stated that “among his earliest acts in office was to replace the heads of the army, navy, and air force. The new army chief and the commanding officer in charge of operations against Boko Haram both hail from northern Nigeria, and by many accounts they have taken a more proactive approach than their predecessors toward countering the group. For example, they moved the army’s operational headquarters from Abuja to Maiduguri and had deployed more long-range patrols in the region. Experts suggest that the army is now conducting more strategically-focused operations, such as those that target Boko Haram’s logistics routes.” 

According to the report, morale within the army has improved under the new leadership, and suitable conditions for the safe return of the more than two million people displaced by Boko Haram’s violence has been ongoing since 2015. 

“the Muhammadu Buhari administration has achieved much when pitched in direct comparison with the efforts of the former regime to manage the insecurity menace in the North Eastern region of the country where the insurgency has thrived over the years.”

This is however in contrast to the defense and foreign affairs report published by the International Strategic Studies Association. The report blames “corruption among higher-ups in the military high command for the faltering war against Boko Haram, and also that the Nigerian government had completely and comprehensively lost control of the engagement with Boko Haram and could show no instance when the government presently had tactical, theatre, strategic, or information dominance of any aspect of the conflict.” 

However, the CISS report counters the position of the ISIS report, which appeared hastily put together due to some factual inaccuracies and illogical conclusions noticed in its analysis. This was the case as it is evident that the present government had responded to the overwhelming activities of insurgency through soliciting international assistance to get rid of the domestic terrorism posed by the sect. 

“President Buhari also sought for greater support from other friendly nations to combat the challenges posed by the sect and also calling for the support of developed countries to assist in the area of intelligence gathering on the sect’s movements, training and sources of arms and ammunition.” 

The CISS report further stated that President Muhammadu Buhari’s agenda against corruption has ultimately resulted in more transparency and accountability in the persecution of the War against the Boko Haram Insurgency. 

“The administration started by replacing the upper echelon of the military, investigated the misappropriation of security funds by 300 companies, military officers and security personnel and even individuals connected to corrupt practices during the former administration. This “crackdown” encouraged the US to offer military aid to the country amid reluctance due to fears of human right abuses and widespread mismanagement of the Jonathan administration. 

“In a bid to strengthen trust and transparency in executing the War against terrorism between the military and the general public, the command center of Operation Lafiya Dole conducts a media briefing on the progress and setbacks of the operation.” 

A top security officer who pleaded anonymity stated that ISIS report might have been a sponsored work done by some sympathizers of the terrorist network to smear the image of President Muhammadu Buhari and by extension the service chief so it can lose the international appeal it has garnered since 2015. 

“Interestingly, we know where the report emanated from.  For a start, the supposed organization is not based in Nigeria and could not have been privy to the details it claimed in its report. And you cannot use days to research and produce a report, as evident in the report that was supposedly released in 28th December and was quoting an incident that happened the previous day, 27th of December” the source stated. 

Another top military source who didn’t want his name in print gave credence to the report by The Centre for International and Strategic Studies (CISS). He stated that though there are a few noticeable lapses, in the long run, the report conveyed facts in a most professional manner worthy of commendation.

Vote All APC Candidates, Oshiomole Appeals To Voters In Funtua



The All Progressives Congress-APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has called on voters in Funtua, Katsina state to vote all the APC candidates in the forthcoming elections.

According to Katsina Media and Publicity,  Oshiomole made the call in his speech while flagging off the Gubernatorial, National and State Assemblies campaigns of the APC candidates in Funtua on Saturday.

“For the President to achieve his aim of delivering selfless service to the nation, which takes Nigeria to greater heights, APC needs to come out victorious from the bottom to the top in the coming 2019 elections".

“We have seen how the people of South–South have on Friday in Uyo attested that the 3 years of President Buhari administration is far more rewarding than the combined 16 years of the PDP leadership in the region and the country at large,” oshiomhole said.

He also commended the giant strides of governor Aminu Bello Masari in infrastructural development, agricultural and educational sectors adding that from what he saw and heard APC has no threat in the state, as most promises have been fulfilled.

In his speech, the State Governor and APC Gubernatorial candidate Rt. Hon. Dr.  Aminu Bello Masari said his administration would continue to invest in the core area of education, hence, the priority on which development.

“Among the promises we made in 2015, some have been fulfilled, some we have made an appreciable progress of delivering them while we are on our way to attending some of them and for the development of our people, Katsina state government will continue to invest in the core area of education,” Masari reiterated.

He enjoined the people of the state to vote APC from top to bottom adding that voting President Muhammad Buhari is voting for a brightest future of the country.

Earlier in his speech the Secretary to the  Government of the state, Alhaji Mustapha Inuwa said there was no local government area in the state that did not benefit from project(s) of the Masari administration.

“We have seen how this administration have insulated Hajj program and processes from politics and it is clear that governor Masari did remarkably well in construction of new roads, rehabilitation and construction of schools, distribution of fertilizer free to farmers among other things".

He said the state was among the few that have been paying salaries regularly, acute paucity of resources that bedeviled the Nation, which made some state technically insolvent.

In his address the state chairman of the APC Alhaji Shitu S Shitu said another vote for APC would see the transformation of the state with well laid infrastructure and services.

“In the next four years of APC leadership everything will be changed to the positive. The administrations of President and Governor Masari, if re-elected, will build Nigeria and Katsina state on a permanent platform of prudence, transparency and accountability in governance

It would be recalled that, Katsina media and Publicity had on Thursday reported that the Katsina APC will kick off it Campaigns for 2019 elections in Funtua Local Government Area.

Sunday 30 December 2018

'Police Operatives Deployed To Arrest Sen Dino Will Not Retreat Until He Surrenders For Arrest And Investigation' - Force PRO



The Nigeria Police has restated that Senator Dino Melaye is wanted by the Force for a case of criminal conspiracy and attempted culpable homicide, committed on 19th July, 2018, when he and his armed thugs attacked Police personnel; shot and wounded one Sgt. Danjuma Saliu, attached to 37 Police Mobile Force (PMF) on stop and search duty along Aiyetoro Gbede, Mopa Road in Kogi State.

According to a statement from the Force Public Relations Officer,  Ag DCP Jimoh Moshood, he said that the Police operatives with a duly obtained Warrant of Arrest deployed to arrest Senator Dino Melaye in his residence in Abuja will not retreat until Senator Dino Melaye surrenders himself for arrest and investigation.

"It is on record that the Police investigators submitted a Letter of Invitation dated 23rd July, 2018, signed by the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Police Command addressed to the Clerk, National Assembly, Abuja, inviting Senator Dino Melaye to report on 26th July, 2018 at 1100Hrs at the Kogi State Police Command, CIID, Lokoja to answer to a case of Criminal Conspiracy and Attempted Culpable Homicide against him under investigation in the Kogi State Police Command. The claim by the Senate President in the Media that the Police  did not submit a letter of invitation to the Clerk of the National Assembly is therefore incorrect as can be seen on attached letter with acknowledgment stamp of the Clerk, National Assembly, Abuja “24 JUL 2018“. Despite this, Senator Dino Melaye bluntly refused to report himself to the Police till date.

The Police Spokesman reiterated that the Police Officer, Sgt. Danjuma Saliu, is yet to recover from the gunshot injury he sustained during the attack and still under intensive medical care in the hospital.

"The Force will ensure a thorough investigation into this matter while making sure that the rule of law prevails and that no suspect no matter how highly placed, involved in any criminal matter escape Justice, the statement concluded. 




New Year: Ooni Charges Christians, Wants Government To End Boko Haram, Commiserates With Military & Families



Arole Oduduwa & Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II Has commiserated with Nigerian military command over the death of their gallant officers who lost their lives while defending the country against Boko haram attacks and other terrorist activities, saying  the Federal Government of Nigeria must in 2019 put a final end to the Boko Haram menace  which has ravaged Northern part of Nigeria, causing gruesome death of innocent citizens of the country. 

He also admonished Muslims and Christians to in the new year 2019 imbibe the spirit of humble repentance before God and mutual forgiveness within and between communities.

Ooni Ogunwusi said this in his end of the year message released to the press on Sunday by his Director of Media & Public Affairs, Comrade Moses Olafare wishing Christians in Nigeria a merry Christmas and charging them to continue upholding the Jesus Christ's legacy of peace and love for the enhancement  of national unity. 

He noted that Christians have remained spiritually steadfast in their determination for a greater Nigeria as they have through prayers and fellowships unarguably made colossal sacrifices to the nation building for political stability, national security and socio-economic development.

He expressed hopes that they will keep upholding the national patriotism and peaceful coexistence with practitioners of other religious doctrines as human beings serve the same God, even though through different doctrines.

"Arole Oodua'Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II says Merry Christmas to all the Christians globally, he gives glory to the Almighty Olodumare (God)  for the successful end of year 2018 and he enjoins Muslims and Christians in the country to in the new year 2019 imbibe the spirit of humble repentance before God and mutual forgiveness between one another and amongst different tendencies"

"Baba Ooni is very unhappy about the wanton killings of innocent Nigerians and destruction of properties especially perpetrated by Boko Haram insurgents and other enemies of peaceful coexistence in the country. He hereby calls on the Federal Government of Nigeria to make 2019 a remarkable year which sees to the final end of this ugly menace"

"He sends his commiseration to the military command on their gallant officers who fell at the battle fields against the insurgents who are bent on destroying the country. He prays particularly for their departed souls and wishes their respective families fortitude to bear the aftermath." 

Ooni, the Co-Chairman of National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria  also in the statement paid tributes to the late Former President of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu Shagari and late  Professor Sophie Oluwole, describing them as great assets to the country and Africa.

"We should rather celebrate their glorious exit because they both lived for the people.

"The late President Shehu Shagari was a foremost Nationalist, detribalized elder statesman and an epitome of commitment in the public service who had meritoriously served this country in various capacities from 1954 either as a parliamentarian or cabinet minister before eventually serving as the first executive president of Nigeria between 1979 and 1983." Ooni said.

"Professor Sophie Oluwole was the first female doctorate degree holder in philosophy in Nigeria and a practitioner of Yoruba philosophy

"She was on my entourage to Brazil  about six months ago to hold meetings with several Afro-Brazilian groups with a view to connecting them with their African roots.

"She will be greatly missed by the Yoruba race and all the indigenous Africans who have immensely benefitted from her selfless service in promoting African Philosophy Yoruba Traditional arts." Ooni said.

He concluded his message praying for a New Year(2019) of peaceful elections, more dividends of democracy, greater socio-economic stability and a more peaceful society in which the sanctity and dignity of human life is upheld by all.

Delta PDP Campaign Itinerary For The 2019 General Elections (Second Leg)



The Campaign Organization of the Delta State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has released the SECOND LEG of its campaign itinerary. The schedule endorsed by the Director-General, Rt. Hon. (Chief) Funkekeme Solomon are as follows:

(1). DATE: TUESDAY, 15/01/2019. 

       ◼  ISSELE-UKU, ANIOCHA NORTH LGA. 

       TIME: 10AM.

       ◼   AKWUKWU-IGBO, OSHIMILI NORTH LGA

       TIME: 12NOON

       ◼  ASABA, OSHIMILI SOUTH LGA.

      TIME: 2PM

(2).  DATE: WEDNESDAY, 16/01/2019. 

       ◼  ABOH, NDOKWA EAST LGA. 

       TIME: 10AM.

       ◼   KWALE, NDOKWA WEST LGA

       TIME: 12NOON

       ◼  OGWASHI-UKU, ANIOCHA SOUTH LGA.

      TIME: 2PM

(3). DATE: THURSDAY, 17/01/2019. 

       ◼  OBIARUKU,  UKWUANI LGA. 

       TIME: 10AM.

       ◼   AGBOR, IKA SOUTH LGA

       TIME: 12NOON 

       ◼  OWA-OYIBU, IKA NORTH EAST LGA.

      TIME: 2PM

(4). DATE: TUESDAY, 22/01/2019. 

       ◼  OGBE-IJOH, WARRI SOUTH WEST LGA. 

       TIME: 12NOON 

       ◼   OTOR-UDU, UDU LGA

       TIME: 3PM

(5). DATE: WEDNESDAY, 23/01/2019. 

       ◼  BOMADI, BOMADI LGA. 

       TIME: 11AM

       ◼   PATANI, PATANI LGA

       TIME: 1PM

(6). DATE: TUESDAY, 29/01/2019. 

       ◼  ISIOKOLO, ETHIOPE EAST LGA. 

       TIME: 11AM

       ◼   OTU-JEREMI, UGHELLI SOUTH LGA

       TIME: 2PM

(7). DATE: WEDNESDAY, 30/01/2019. 

       ◼  BURUTU, BURUTU LGA. 

       TIME: 11AM

      
The above is for the information of Deltans, especially our teeming supporters.


Signed:

DR. IFEANYI .M. OSUOZA
DIRECTOR, 
DIRECTORATE OF PUBLICITY, 
DELTA STATE PDP CAMPAIGN ORGANIZATION.

How Much Pound Of Flesh Really Does Senator Abe Want From APC



By Achi William-Wobodo

BE NOT DECEIVED: THE ROTIMI AMAECHI SCENARIO OF 2007 IN RIVERS STATE WILL NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN IN NIGERIA

In the past weeks, several insinuations and arguments have dominated the air about a possible repeat of the Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi scenario of 2007 in Rivers State, where he became Governor of the State without participating fully in the Governorship General Election. Senator Magnus Ngei Abe, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State is challenging the nomination of Arch Tonye Cole as the candidate of the APC. Senator Abe wants the Federal High Court to declare him candidate of the APC for 2019 Governorship Election in the State.

Apart from the manifest dissimilarity in the facts and circumstances of both cases, the Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi situation is such that can never happen again, having been prohibited by Constitutional Amendment. After the Supreme Court in 2007 declared Rt. Hon. Amaechi Governor of Rivers State relying mainly on the principle; “ubi jus ubi remedium”, the National Assembly felt it was a rather too benevolent remedy to allow a person become a Governor who did not fully take part in the rigors of an election. Therefore, in the Fourth Alteration cited as Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Fourth Alteration No.21), 2017, the National Assembly amended the Constitution.

Section 285(13) of the Constitution (as amended) provided thus: “An election tribunal or court shall not declare any person a winner at an election in which such a person has not fully participated in all stages of the election”. This section should put that speculation to rest.

The next few points that Senator Abe’s legal and media team have deliberately hidden from their supporter and the public are the issues of the timing of the case and jurisdiction of the Federal High Court to entertain same. My arguments here are made without prejudice to the various submissions that have been canvassed at the Federal High Court.

The best way to drive home my position is to take a liberal stand point that tilts the facts to the side of Senator Abe. In other words, assume all the facts are true from Senator Abe’s stand point. Having said that, it is as important to also assume and highlight that Senator Abe’s case is a Pre-election matter which has been regulated by time in the same Fourth Alteration. Section 285(9) of the Constitution. The section says that such matters (pre-election matter) must be commenced not later than 14days from the event, decision or action complained about.

Firstly, if Senator Abe insists that his “parallel primary” is the correct one, then his cause of action arose against APC the day following the primary where a APC recognized Tonye Cole’s primary election instead of his; Senator Abe’s cause of action against INEC arose the day APC submitted Tonye Cole’s name to INEC and INEC received it. The question you should ask and answer yourself is whether Senator Abe’s case was within 14days from these dates? The limitation of time in pre-election matter in not just create by an ordinary statute but by the Constitution itself.

Secondly, if Senator Abe in his case, made a slip by mentioning Tonye Cole’s name as he actually did, he puts his case into a tighter legal corner. It becomes obvious that he was aware of the Primary election that produced Tonye Cole, especially in view of the fact that his name featured also as an aspirant in that primary election. So, his 14days within which to challenge the outcome of that primary began to run from that day. Again, ask and answer it yourself, did Senator Abe file his case within 14days from that day?

Where he fails to make reference to Tonye Cole or the primary that produced Tonye Cole, he raises an obstacle of locus standi for himself. By reason of Section 87(9) of the Electoral Act, only an aspirant who participated in a primary election can question the outcome. Can he actually and legally speaking pray the court to displace Tonye Cole as candidate of the APC without mentioning Tonye Cole’s name, even in a single paragraph?

On jurisdiction: does the Federal High Court really have the jurisdiction to entertain that matter in view of the fact that: (1) Senator Abe is challenging APC refusal to recognize him as the candidate, and where the only relief against INCE is ancillary? This is having regards to the recent decision of the Supreme Court in Suit No. SC/384/2017: Stella Oduah vs. Senator Margery Chuba Okadigbo & Ors (judgement delivered on 01/06/2018); and (2) more so where Senator Abe is not challenging “any primary election of the APC” for noncompliance with the provision of the Electoral Act. It is only a challenge of noncompliance that confers jurisdiction on the Federal High under Section 87(9) of the Electoral Act to hear a pre-election matter bothering on Primary election. See the Oduah vs Okadigbo’s case cited above. 

If he is challenging noncompliance, is it possible that he could successfully concluded that case without mentioning to the court which primary election exactly that did not comply with the Electoral Act or any other prescribed guideline? If he does, it brings his cause of action again to the date of the indirect primary that produced Arch Tonye Cole. It is indeed a vicious circle that cannot be corrected or avoided.

Ask and answer for yourself if Senator Abe’s case passed  these unassailable and established tests and positions of the law. The answers are not inside of or cannot be obliterated by a joke of the question: “which court do they want us to go to”. Your facts and the circumstances of your case should tell you  which court to go, not your defendants.

From all legal indications, Senator Abe is no longer fighting to become Governor in this dispensation, after all he is a lawyer and legislator who should have full understanding of the development and reforms in the Nigerian Electoral Laws. I therefore tend to agree with the school of thought that argues that Senator Abe is only working to scuttle the chance of the APC, to enable Governor Wike return. That way, there will be a third chance for him (Senator Abe) to attempt again in 2023. The argument is that should Tonye Cole win and probably run for a second term, Senator Abe would have been out of political scene long enough to make him lose supporters and political relevance. For them, Senator Abe is merely playing a spoiler role.

Although this alleged plot may not be far from the truth but it certainly has not taken into consideration the unseen factor (God) and the lessons of yesteryear. In 2015, it was the same agenda and plot: “if Dakuku Peterside fails, then there will be 2019 for Senator Abe to attempt again”. Guess what, that hour planned and hoped for is here with us, but has it brought the expected fortune; the answer is in the negative. It did not, instead it threw up Tonye Cole. So, when planning to repeat the same thing in 2019, hoping that 2023 will bring you another fortune and opportunity, have you spoken to God or have you assumed or written off his position in the affairs of men. Let us always bear in mind that God gives power. He lifts one up and another he brings down. Let us think.

In conclusion, let no man be deceived. The Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi situation WILL NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN IN NIGERIA, given the present provisions of the Nigerian Constitution. Let us all remember that the Peace of God takes away every pain and it is incomprehensible. Let us always seek that profound peace, it makes light our burden and gives joy and happiness.

Nothing Ventured. Nothing Lost. 
...and because we have won some, we should give up some.

Achi William-Wobodo
#Achisbullet

Northern Peace Foundation Delegation Honours Alh Musa Maikaya



Alh Maikaya the true son of the fountain is as strong as the unicorn, energetic, untiring, relentless, to bond better with his major Nigerian Youths both at home and Diaspora - 'the masses'. 

Even his vilest critics cannot deny him epithets like the 'friend of the Nigerian Youths' and whose prime sterling trait is the The with which he reinvents himself when the chips seem to be down. 

Before now Alh Maikaya has demonstrated time and again that hr has what it takes to navigate his ship through turbulent waves of thunderstorm with a distinct nerve for calmness as an effective leader with a forthright conscience and a subliminal sense of compassion for his people, especially the downtrodden pedestrians.


The natural ability to identify with the Youths who are clearly in the majority has always been the source of his inexplicable
endearment to the people. 

He equally has the effortless capacity to steer their energies in one conscious direction.

It is in-line of his Philanthropic gesture thar the  Northern Peace Foundation conferred on him a medal of Honor when he was presented with an Award of SIR AHMADU BELLO SARDAUNA PEACE AMBASSADORS AWARD. as an ICON OF PEACE AND UNITY IN NIGERIA.

Maikaya for the Nigerian Youths and the Nigerian Youths for Maikaya.

Saturday 29 December 2018

It's Tonye Cole, Not Abe



The Campaign Organisation of Tonye Cole has reacted to a newspaper publication which erroneously referred to Senator Magnus Abe as the gubernatorial candidate of the APC in Rivers State.

A statement issued by Chief Ogbonna Nwuke, the Spokesman of the campaign team said it was obvious who the candidate of the APC is.

"For the avoidance of doubt, the candidate of the APC in Rivers State is Tonye Cole. It is no longer a matter of speculation",  Nwuke noted.

"Tonye Cole in full public glare was presented with the APC flag in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. It is possible that the erreneous impression contained in the report of the Punch may have been as a result of the printer's devil.

"While we hope that the Punch newspaper would take steps to correct the error, we urge all Nigerians,  Rivers people inclusive, to take note that the APC has spoken clearly. Tonye Cole is the preferred candidate of the party. Nothing can change that."

Nwuke said the attention of the APC and the Tonye Cole Campaign Organisation, TCCO, has turned away from controversy.

'What is critical for us is to do things right and our candidate, Tonye  Cole is doing everything in his power to build a strong foundation for meaninful cooperation, enduring unity and understanding within the party.

"We are focused on the task ahead. We want to assure all and sundry that we are determined to bring the benefits of democracy to our people. By the grace of God, we shall not be distracted", Nwuke emphasised.

Shehu Shagari's Death, A Major Loss - Gov. Dickson




...urges Nigerians to emulate Shagari’s  simple lifestyle


The Governor of Bayelsa State, the Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson, has described the death of former President Shehu Shagari, as a major loss to the country.

The Governor who expressed shock and his heartfelt condolences over the death of Nigeria’s first elected President described Shagari as a compassionate leader and decent politician who was considerate  of the peculiar challenges of the Niger Delta and the Ijaw Nation in particular.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media Relations, Mr Fidelis Soriwei, the governor said that Shagari passed on at a critical time his vast experience and wise counsel was needed in the country.

Governor Dickson urged Nigerians to learn from and emulate the simple, decent and peaceful lifestyle the former President lived.

He condoled with the Shagari family, Alhaji Muktar Shagari, former Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Hon. Aminu Shagari, a former member of the Federal House of Representatives, the Governor of Sokoto State and others on the sad occurrence.

'He said, “Our country will miss Alhaji Shehu Shagari dearly as his passing came at such a critical time when his wise counsel, extensive historical knowledge and vast experience of the Nigerian polity would have served all of us.

“On behalf of my family, the good people of Bayelsa State and the Ijaw nation, I express my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family, community, Sokoto State and indeed all of Nigeria on this irreparable loss.

“My specific condolences goes to Alhaji Muktar Shagari former Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, and Hon. Aminu Shagari, my former colleague in the Federal House of Representatives.”

The governor prayed to God to grant the departed eternal repose and the family, community and entire nation the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

Wike's 2019 Budget of Fraudulent Impulse – Alamboye Igonikon




A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress Alabo, Alamboye Igonikon, has described the 2019 budget of Rivers State Government recently presented to the Rivers State House of Assembly as mere document of impulse by governor Wike tailored to pursue the governor's personal fancy and agenda.

Alabo Igonikon, stated this Wednesday while speaking with journalists in Port Harcourt.

"The entire budget does not represent what a thorough budget should be. Instead of capturing the essential areas of need of the people, instead of making provision for the even and equitable development of every area of the State, what Gov. Wike presented as a budget to the Assembly is sheer wishful thinking based on his brain wave; not well thought through programmes and plans that will grow the economy of Rivers State and give jobs to the youths.

"The governor's claim that the 2018 budget achieved 80 percent implementation is manifestly false and perhaps the biggest lie taken from the very abyss of hell. How could he have achieved 80 percent implementation when he managed to fund only three ministries out of the rest in the state civil service?"

"Apart from Ministry of Works and two others, Wike blatantly refused to fund capital budgets of the rest of the ministries since he became governor. The civil servants and commissioners can attest to this fact; not even  ancillary services at the State Secretariat are funded leading to the sorry state of hygiene and sanitation at the complex," Alabo Igonikon stated.

Continuing, the Party Chieftain wondered why Gov. Wike refused to promote civil servants, assembly and other workers in the state public service.

"As I speak, Gov. Wike is close to spending four years in office as governor. He has not promoted a single civil servant in the State public service. The reason is that he doesn't want to pay them their rightful earnings that will emanate from such promotions. All the governor does is to fund only the few ministries where he personally awarded the contracts.

"In 2017, he handpicked PDP members of the Rivers State House of Assembly whom he funded their Constituency Projects; he brazenly left out the APC members of the State Assembly. He refused to realise that he is governor of the entire Rivers State and not governor for only PDP. He ignored the fact that those APC assembly members represent various areas and constituencies of Rivers State. What he did was to levy collective punishment on the entire constituents of those areas represented by APC lawmakers. Is this not the height of callousness?"

"The only evidence of budget implementation we have seen is that the governor operates the state budget in line with his whimsical and capricious bent. He moves funds without appropriate legislative averment from one head to another as it suits his fancy," Igonikon charged.

Alabo Igonikon, challenged the governor to invite commissioners and heads of parastatals and agencies to individually come forward to defend their budgets before the assembly.

"Rivers people are challenging Gov. Wike to allow commissioners and heads of agencies and parastatals to appear and defend their specific components of the the budget as is the usual practice. He will not let that happen to avoid them opening a major Pandora box on the fraud which this budget is.

"Where did the governor get the money with which he is using to sponsor the weddings of children of selected judicial officers in the Rivers State judiciary as he is doing now instead of funding the judiciary adequately devoid of favouritism?" the party stalwart queried. 


Omoyele Sowore: My Person Of The Year



By Bayo Oluwasanmi 

My person of the year is the person that had the greatest impact on Nigeria in 2018 for good or ill. The year 2018 provides a marvelous opportunity to choose our next president who will cast or catch  vision for leadership in 2019.

For leadership to exist, a leader must cross paths with crisis. An exemplary leader must meet his “sinister” mate. Imagine Lincoln without the Civil War. Imagine FDR without the Depression. Imagine Mandela without Apartheid. Imagine Awolowo without the Old Wild West. Imagine Lech Walesa without Solidarity Trade Union Movement.

No one of his generation like Sowore has given so much even at the risk of his own life. He has been consistent, constant, dogged, resolute, loud, unfettered, unbought, uncowered, and in the forefront of a political and social revolution to reshape and remake Nigeria and take back Nigeria.

I choose Sowore as my person of the year because  of the following reasons:
1. He has the clairvoyance and perceptivity to look into any troubled situation, discern the problem, and do whatever it takes to remedy the situation.

2. For Nigeria to grow, develop, and be a prosperous and healthy nation, we need a troubleshooter not problem manufacturer. We need a president that recognizes and understands the sufferings of our people. Soworehas consistently championed a better Nigeria.

3. Going by his activism, his sacrifice and service to Nigeria, I’m convinced that he’s a leader that will hold up and not fold up. A leader who would face and work through trials and difficulties. Nigeria needs such a president.

4. From his campaigns, speeches, interviews, discussions, Sowore has proven over and over again that he knows what kind of “workout” he needs in order to turn Nigeria around. The seemingly insurmountable myriad of problems facing Nigeria will be part of his “workout.” He’ll be a president with connected brains.

5. Visions make presidents passionate, thorns keep  them authentic. All his life, thorns have kept him authentic and kept him going. His passion for Nigeria is contagious.

6. As an activist, humanist, and crusader for freedom, equality, and justice, Sowore as president will not administer justice selectively. He’ll not protect his own by all means necessary. Sowore is intellectually and spiritually gifted to see a dramatic contrast between the vessel and the contents whether the container exists for the sake of the treasure or not.

7. Sowore has demonstrated the urgency and immediacy of courage in crisis a necessary  leadership quality that would help him to bear the weight of over size expectations of Nigerians in solving our ancient problems. 

When Sowore heard the sound of the canons, he walked toward them. His fearless ideas have sparked quiet revolution by disrupting the political space of Nigeria. He has done what Napoleon could not do!



Shagari: He Will Be Remembered For His Contributions To Democracy - Okiro



By Joseph Edeh

A former Inspector-General of Police, Mr Mike Okiro, said that the death of former President Shehu Shagari was a monumental loss to Nigeria.

Okiro stated this in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity , Mr Supreme Ibitomi on Saturday in Abuja.
He said that Shagari would be remembered for his contribution as a bastion of democracy in Nigeria.

Okiro condoled with his family, people of Sokoto state and Nigeria as a whole. 

He  prayed to God to give the family and entire Nigerians the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN ) reports that Shagari was the country's civilian president on the platform of the defunct National Party of Nigeria ( NPN) from 1979 to 1983.( NAN)

Governor Masari Mourns Shagari



Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State has expressed profound sadness over the death of former (Second Republic) President and Turakin Sokoto, Alhaji Shehu Usman Shagari, saying that Nigeria has lost one of its last standing great statesmen.

In a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Abdu Labaran Malumfashi, Governor Masari described the late leader as one of the leading conscience of the nation, who lived an exemplary life defined by uncommon simplicity, in the tradition of the late Premier of the North and Sardaunan Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello.

"Former President Shehu Shagari was a rare gem, and his death has created a wide leadership chasm that may take a long time to fill.

"His death is particularly devastating coming at a time when our nation, buffeted by multifaceted challenges, requires his wise counsel".

Extending condolences to President Muhammadu on behalf of himself, the government and people of Katsina state, Governor Masari called on Nigerians to borrow a leaf from the deceased and lead a simple life devoted to the service of the people in whatever station they find themselves.

The Governor also condoled the immediate family of the former President and urged them to take consolation in the fact that he had lived a fulfilled live free of blemish, even as he prayed to Allah to forgive him all his shortcomings and make paradise his final resting place.

Principal Security Officer To Governor Excites Peretorugbene Community With Football Tourney



The Principal Security Officer to Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, Mr. Ebi Okoyen (CSP) excites people of Peretorugbene and its neighbouring communities with a 5-Aside football tournament to further attract tourism to the community in the Yuletide season.

Mr. Ebi Okoyen who hails from Peretorugbene Community in Bayelsa State described the   football tourney as “ intriguing and unifying” noted that the 5-Aside football competition amongst teams in the competition is hosted to further push the frontiers of peace and unity amongst members of the community.

Mr. Ebi Okoyen who is the sponsor of the competition has used the tourney to caution youths of Peretorugbene community to shun violence, crime, criminality and the use of illicit drugs that will endanger their well-being.

Mr. Okoyen said that the game is designed basically for amateur players and not different from futsal game. 

“Not every footballer will play at the professional level and not every player will dorn the colours of the national team. That is why five-a-side football is here to give opportunity for more youths in my community to play football and excite themselves in these Yuletide season”.

The Principal Security Officer while admonishing members of Peretorugbene community to be selfless in the discharge of their duties in the community , also charged them to play politics with all sense of responsibility and not to indulge in carrying of arms, ammunition and brigandage.

While throwing more light on the importance and role education play in the development of a community, Mr. Okoyen added that youths should mobilise themselves and forge ahead to involve in entrepreneurial skill acquisition and human capacity development programs that will make them self-employed and employers of labour.

Mr. Ebi Okoyen who in his years of service as a police officer has used his network to employ and engaged most youths into the various categories of security forces and public service from his community and beyond, has encouraged leaders and elites of the community to always strife to draw development programs that will add value to the youths and not only to milk their accounts with the resources from the community and to further to engage the youths positively as against making them political weapons only in times of elections.

Friday 28 December 2018

You Have A Case Of Attempted Culpable Homicide On The Shooting Of A Police Officer; Police Tells Dino




The Nigeria Police has said that Senator Dino Melaye has a case of attempted culpable homicide on the shooting of a Police Officer, Sgt Danjuma Saliu while on duty by in Kogi State on 19th July, 2018.

While responding to a tweet from Senator Dino Melaye that his residence has been surrounded by the Police, the Force Public Relations Officer, Ag DCP Jimoh Moshood, said that the Police operatives currently in the residence of Senator Dino Melaye are to effect his arrest to answer to the case of attempted culpable homicide.

DCP Moshood said that the offence was committed by Senator Dino Melaye and his armed thugs in Kogi State on the 19th July, 2018 when they shot and wounded a police officer, Sgt Danjuma Saliu, attached to 37 Police Mobile Force (PMF) while on duty at a stop and search point along Aiyetoro Gbede, Mopa Road in Kogi State.

He further said that the Police Officer is yet to recover from the gunshot injury he sustained during the attack and still under intensive medical care.

“The Police investigators have written the Clerk of the National Assembly for Senator Dino Melaye to report at Kogi State Police Command, CIID, Lokoja for him to answer to these offences against him under investigation in Kogi State Police Command but he has bluntly refused to report himself to the Police.

“The Police operatives will continue to be in wait at the residence of Senator Dino Melaye until he surrenders himself for arrest. The offence for which Senator Dino Melaye is being investigated is capital in nature and not compoundable.

“The Force will not tolerate attack on his personnel by any individual no matter how highly placed. The law must take its course.

He promised to keep public informed on further development in the investigation of the matter. 



Nigerians Should Hold Mansur Dan Ali And The Presidency Responsible For the Wanton Killings In Zamfara State - CDWN




Nigerians Should Hold Mansur Dan Ali And The Presidency Responsible For the Wanton Killings In Zamfara State - CDWN

The Coalition of Democratic Watchdogs of Nigeria has asked Nigerians to hold the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan Ali and the Presidency responsible for the wanton and continuing killings in Zamfara State.

While addressing the media on Wednesday in Abuja, Comrade Yunusa Idris who spoke on behalf of the Coalition said that President Mohammadu Buhari as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces should be reminded that the security apparatus of the Nigerian state is commanded by him and not the Local Government Chairmen or the Governors as the case may be.
Excerpt is the full text of the press briefing:

A PRESS BRIEFING BY THE COALITION OF DEMOCRATIC WATCHDOGS OF NIGERIA ON THE WANTON AND CONTINUING KILLINGS IN ZAMFARA STATE

Good afternoon Gentlemen of the Press.
On Wednesday 26th December, 2018, suspected bandits struck yet again in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area of Zamfara State, killing scores of Nigerians who were murdered in cold blood in their farms while harvesting sweet potatoes. This murder is one too many of such series of murder in Zamfara State especially when the government is encouraging Nigerians to invest in Agriculture. Now, the farms are far from being safe.
The bandits made a return in the evening of Wednesday, 2018 and ransacked some villages around, unmolested and unperturbed. Most of the villages surrounding Birnin Magaji Local Government Area such as Ballaka, Tsalle, Gidan Kare, Katsinawa, Garin Boka and Garin Kaka are deserted due to repeated attacks by the bandits. Persons residing in such villages are now seeking refuge at the council headquarters and some other places.
Some of the LGAs mostly affected by armed bandits and cattle rustlers in Zamfara state includes; Tsafe, Zurmi, Shankafi, Maradun, Maru and Birnin Magaji Local Government Areas.
Ironically, the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan Ali is from Birnin Magaji, One of the areas mostly ravaged by these unending attacks.
Now, the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is unambiguous and clear that the primary responsibility of Government is to protect lives and property of her citizens.
We may wish to ask what could be happening in the case of Nigerian citizens resident in Zamfara State?
For how long would this level of unprecedented carnage continue unabated?
Mr. Mansur Dan Ali, who is the current Minister of Defence needs to provide answers to these unending killings in Zamfara state.
The Presidency must tell Nigerians why these mindless killings cannot be stopped and perpetrators made to face the full wrath of the law. This is no time for blame game as Nigerians are murdered in scores daily. Nigerians therefore require answers. Quick one at that.
Nigerians Minister of Interior, Rtd Lt-Gen Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau needs to explain why the continuing killings in Zamfara state.
President Mohammadu Buhari as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces is by this medium reminded that the security apparatus of the Nigerian state is commanded by him and not the Local Government Chairmen or the Governors as the case may be. The 2015 election victory of President Buhari was also premised on security. But very saddening, this security has consistently eluded the average Nigerian citizen.
As patriotic Nigerian citizens, the Coalition of Democratic Watchdogs of Nigeria therefore demand for answers to these very germane and pertinent questions as our right in not more than a fortnight of this press briefing. This is consequent to our mandate as Civil Society Organizations in furtherance to the sanctity of human life en route an enduring democratic ethos of the Nigerian state.
Thank you.
Comrade Yunusa Idris,
For the Coalition.