Oct 29 – Nov 1 News

October 29

President Buhari Task Cbn,itf To Raise Funds For Textile

Workers Training
At the opening of the 31st Annual National Education Conference of (NUTGTWN) in Abuja, President
Buhari, represented by the Registrar, Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, Prof. Josiah Ajiboye, on
Tuesday mandated the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Industrial Training Funds (ITF), to
partner in the provision of funds for the training of members of the National Union of Textile Garment
and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN), to sustain Executive Order 003.

According to the report of Tribune newspaper, President Buhari said: “The existing 40,000 garment and
textile workers must be trained and retrained, I will use this opportunity to call on the CBN to
collaborate with your union and the ITF to come in and encourage the union to provide funds to train
and retrain the textile workforce in Nigeria.”

He pointed out that the NUTGTWN has the capacity to transform Nigeria’s rural economy and revive
the sector to bring about industries by creating more than 2 million jobs, adding, “we are going to
ensure that the garment industry is expanded.”

He pointed out that in accordance with the Executive Order 003, the CBN had signed a Memorandum
of Understanding
(MoU) with the Service Chiefs and Chief Executives of Security Services to patronize locally made
fabrics, adding that the development was already yielding fruits.

The General Secretary, NUTGTWN, Comrade Issa Aremu, commended the Federal Government for
the closure of land borders towards ending smuggling of goods into the country; and pointed out that
the move was impressive, as it has aided local production and consumption of goods.

He said: “We will like to commend the efforts of the Federal Government in the closure of its land
borders, this has helped in total overhaul of the textile and garment industries in the country. It is
already on record that the textile industries are now making money, smugglers and importers have gone
into hiding, we should support the Nigeria Customs.

Aremu, however, advised the federal government, that the border closure should not be permanent, but
should be sustained for the main time.

Aremu has also called on the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) to increase its intervention on worker’s
training, retraining and skills development, as this has become imperative as the future of work was
being threatened by technology.
FG Gives Dangote Cement, NLNG Tax Credit Certificates
Federal government on Tuesday handed over the first batch of tax credit certificates to the
managements of Dangote Cement plc and Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG).

The certificates were presented to the companies in line with Executive Order #007 on the Road
Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme.

Business Post recalls that on January 25, 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari launched the scheme
under Executive Order #007 pursuant to which he approved the construction and rehabilitation of 19
Nigerian roads and bridges of 794.4km across 11 States.

The scheme is a move by the federal government of Nigeria to incentivize private investment of over
N205 billion into critical roads and bridges infrastructure, nationwide.

At the presentation ceremony today at the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning in Abuja,
the Permanent Secretary Finance, Mr Mahmud Isa-Dutse, commended the two firms for supporting
government to bridge the infrastructural deficit in the country.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) issued a tax credit certificate to NLNG for the construction
of the Bonny Bodo Road with bridges across the Opobo Channel in Rivers State.

Dangote Cement PLC got its for the rehabilitation of Phase II of the Lokoja-Obajana-Kabba-Ilorin
Road (Section II: Obajana-Kabba in Kogi/Kwara States).

Present at the ceremony were senior management staff of NLNG, Dangote Cement, ministry officials
and Special Advisers to the Minister, Mrs Zainab Ahmed.

APC Chieftain Calls On EFCC To Investigate Its Bayelsa

Governorship Candidate
Information Parrot Nigeria

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Bayelsa State, Felix Oboro, has called on the
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to investigate the Governorship Candidate of the
party, Chief David Lyon in the state.

Oboro who stated this in an interview with Premium Times queried how Chief Lyon got the money to
finance his emergence as APC Governorship Candidate in Bayelsa State.

"I think by now EFCC should have investigated Lyon to find out how he came about the money,” he
said.
He accused the APC national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, and Mr Timipre Sylva, Minister for State,
Petroleum of foisting Chief Lyon at the party primary because of personal interest.

The former Senator said the choice of David Lyon as the APC governorship candidate in Bayelsa has
not good for the party. He described Lyon has an obscure background. Nobody knows anything about
him, he said.

“I don’t think there is a single person in this country that can finance himself in an election; others must
support him. But there is no reasonable rich man who will like to support a person who is unknown to
them,” he added.

According to him, former Minsiter, Senator Heneiken Lokpobiri would have made a better
governorship candidate for the APC.

Speaking further  Senator Oboro who is a former Nigerian ambassador to Venezuela said:

“Heineken would have had the opportunity of getting the support of outsiders.

“What’s Lyon pedigree that they feel he can win election, other than the belief that he has money to
influence people to vote for him?

“What office has Lyon held before to convince anybody that he can be a good material for
governorship?

Information Parrot Nigeria recalls that Chief Lyon, a relatively unknown aspirant then, defeated five
other aspirants in the APC governorship primary in September, including Heineken Lokpobiri, a former
minister of state for agriculture and rural development, who was seen by many as a front-runner in the
race. Political Analysts traced Chief Lyon's victory to his endorsement by the Leader of the party in
Bayelsa State and his long standing Goodwill of philanthropy.

However, aggrieved members of the APC in Bayelsa State including Preye Aganaba and Senator
Lokpobiri are currently at various courts challenging  the emergence of Chief Lyon.

Tinubu: Why EFCC Planned Probe On Bullion Vans May Not

Come Anytime Soon
LAST Thursday 24th October, a coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) under the aegis of
Concerned Nigerians approached the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to submit a
petition against Bola Tinubu, National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The petition bothers on how two bullion vans, driven into Tinubu’s Ikoyi residence on the eve of the
2019 Presidential election reportedly transported cash for the purpose of vote-buying.
Yet, the anti-graft agency, since the February 23rd poll has remained silent on the incident until the
interest group led by Deji Adeyanju filed the petition.

Tinubu, who spoke shortly after casting his vote on the election day admitted in video footage that the
vans were conveying money. He thereafter described those complaining about the bullion vans driving
into his house as mischief-makers.

What is your headache? He asked journalists who queried him. “Are those ballot papers?” he said
referring to the van. “So, even if I have money to spend in my premises, what is your headache?” he
added.

“Excuse me, if I don’t represent any agency of government and if I have money to spend…., if I like, I
give it to the people free of charge, as long as is not to buy votes…..who are those watching my house
looking for bullion vans, they must be mischief-makers.”

Tinubu is a strong loyalist of President Muhammadu Buhari, and also a major political kingpin in the
ruling APC. In 2012, he conceived the merger of about four political parties to realise the APC, which
eventually became the ruling party since 2015 general election.

However, the EFCC on Monday told The ICIR it already acknowledged receipt of the petition. But
indication has shown that the petition may not get the desired attention anytime soon due to scores of
petitions the commission has received both at its physical offices and through its website.

“Once you submit a petition, there is a waiting time. We receive hundreds of petitions throughout the
country everyday,” says Wilson Uwujaren, the EFCC Head of Media and Publicity. “…Investigation
takes time. We are not police station where complaints come and we make an arrest. No, EFCC does
not work like that. As people submit petitions in our offices the same way they drop petitions online.”

The spokesperson said once a petition is received, it would undergo a review process; the evidences are
checked before the actual investigation commences if the claim has merit.

Governors Reject N162 Million Monthly Repayment Plan For

FG Budget Support Loan
State governors on Tuesday rejected the proposed plan by the Federal Government to extend the
repayment period of its budget support to state government from twenty years to thirty years.

Based on the extension, state government monthly repayment will reduce from N252 million monthly
to N162 million monthly.

The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, briefed State House
correspondents at the end of the National Economic Council meeting chaired by Vice President Yemi
Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

She was with Anambra State Governor, Willy Obiano, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, Nasarawa
State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, and Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire.

According to her, the Federal Government has made the first and second months, N252 million
monthly deductions, in September and October, based on the twenty years repayment period.

Following the outcry of state governors, another repayment schedule plan extending the year to thirty
years and monthly repayment of N162 million was presented to NEC on Tuesday.

But she said that the state governors were still not satisfied with the repayment extension to thirty
years.

She said “The budget support facility was initially for twenty years repayment period. And when we
made the first deduction in September, the states had complained that the amount deducted, which was
N252 million, was too harsh.

“So, since then, the Central Bank of Nigeria, who is the lender, has revised the condition to make the
repayment period longer. And so the new repayment period is thirty years. And this means that the
states will be paying monthly N162 million. But again today, the states still were not satisfied with the
condition.

“So, we are expecting that the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, CBN and
the states will engage again with the view of having the CBN further revise the condition to reduce the
monthly repayment burden.” she stated.

Since 1960: Nigeria To Review Her Foreign Policy – Minister

At the Maiden Annual Foreign Policy Public Lecture 2019 Organised by the Association of Retired
Career Ambassadors of Nigeria (ARCAN), In Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs states,
Amb. Zubairu Dada, gave an imminent hints about Nigeria’s plans to review her foreign policy hub.

Just as the Foreign Affairs minister for state hinted on this, earlier at the same event on Tuesday, the
former minister of foreign affairs, Amb. Ignatius Olisemeka warned against foreign policy that is been
run on a charitable basis.

The Nigerian Foreign policy was formulated in the first republic, in 1960 and signed by Nigeria’s
Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa with Jaja Wachuku as the first Minister of Foreign
Affairs, since then, Nigeria is yet to review her foreign policy hub.

This was today however acknowledged by the former Foreign Affairs Minister and the Present Minister
of foreign affairs, state. The Minister of state, Dada said on assumption of office, President Buhari gave
them a nine-point agenda to executed at the ministry, which include the review of the country’s foreign
policy.

Ambassador made it clear that the President Buhari administration has directed the ministry to work
upon the reviewing of the country’s foreign policy.

He added that the directive to review the country’s foreign policy was as a result of global dynamism,
and the need for the country to change with time.

Ambassador Olisemeka who was the guest Speaker noted that the country’s current foreign policy is
too foreign and has not sufficiently stressed the complementarity of domestic and foreign policies.

Ambassador Olisemeka, the Foreign Affairs minister to the Abubakar Abdulsalam military regime led
the team in that military regime to view “Africa as Centre piece of Nigeria foreign policy”, warned that
foreign policy should never be run on a charitable basis, which has not yielded any tangible benefit to
the country.

The nationonline reported that Olisemeka cited the incessant killings and destruction of Nigerian
businesses in South Africa and other places as indicative of the weakness in the country’s past foreign
policies.

He said, “One lesson that could be drawn from all of this is that Foreign policy should never be run on
a charitable basis. There must be a price-tag to every effort. That price, whether in goodwill, or in other
terms, must be carefully calculated beforehand, demanded and fully exerted when the mission is over
or when the time is ripe. It is not at all, as always been argued, a moral issue as to whether one should
or not expect appreciation from another country for a good turn done. It is more basic than that. It is
simply that one has the right to expect result from one’s own efforts. How that result is achieved is a
matter of planning. There is no doubt, that when policies are properly and carefully conceived and
planned, reward is inevitable. On the other hand, thoughtlessly and carelessly conceived and executed
programmes and engagements, yield no result.

“This, explains why we could invest so much effort, so much energy and so many resources (as we did
in Angola, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Other parts of
west Africa) and reap nothing positive from such effort. The reoccurring spate of xenophobic attacks
and killing of Nigerians in South Africa, are all indicative of the weakness in our perception of our real
interests, weakness in planning, weakness in our approach and style in the Southern Africa Liberation
Struggles. Simply put in one sentence: it was an abysmal weakness in our DIPLOMACY.”

The problem with Nigeria foreign policy according to Olisemeka in his presentation titled, “Nigeria’s
Foreign Policy: Evolution, trend and prospects since Independence. A personal perspective” is the lack
of complementarity with domestic policy.
He posited that the domestic and foreign policy are world apart, as they are oblivion of existence of one
another.
He said, “paradoxical as it may sound, our foreign policy is too “foreign”; far too unduly externally
focused and not sufficiently internally directed. This observation derives from a combination of the
point already made-our desperate search for identity and international recognition; our predilection to
run before we can crawl; and our search for a role to play.

“We are, therefore inclined to see foreign policy as a rather detached and abstract exercise, not
sufficiently related to tangible, concrete, internal domestic needs and objectives. To some, it is simply
an intellectual abstraction. Our military rulers, who have dominated the scene since independence, have
depended too much intellectuals as Foreign Ministers.

“Let me assert that the problem facing us in this type of approach to the conduct of foreign policy is the
failure to accord it full recognition, especially the development of foreign policy as an essential tool for
development.

“We talk so much about our foreign policy being the projection of our domestic realities, mirroring its
strengths and weaknesses.

“That is right. We so often talk about the inter-relationship, the nexus between Nigeria’s domestic and
foreign policies. This is equally correct. What, however, we have not sufficiently stressed is the
complementarity of domestic and foreign policies. More importantly, we have not adequate emphasized
the use of foreign policy as an effective instrument for strengthening and stabilizing the domestic base.

“We are yet to fully conceive of foreign policy as an instrument for national development, the way the
colonial rulers and most modern developed and developing nations have turned their external contacts
and affairs into national advantage.

“With us in Nigeria, it is as if the two most vital components of the nation’s activities the domestic
component and the external component are pulling apart, the one oblivious of the existence of the
other; at best , indifferent to it. Although we have come a long way, there has still not been sufficient
awareness of the inter-locking relationship in the activities of the two parts of our country’s national
enterprise.

“The picture that has emerged is that of rivalry, lack of systematic co-ordination of strategic efforts, and
a lack of harmonization of policies.

“The point I make here is that our foreign policy has not sufficiently, to the degree desirable, served
core internal needs, as it should or ought to have been doing. The fault lies not only in the lack of
sufficient awareness of the full potential of foreign policy as an instrument for national development,
but more in the absence of an over-bearing policy to attain these goals through diplomacy and foreign
policy engagements. This is clearly shown by the lack of an adequate and effective machinery to make
these happen (and not just ad hoc or perfunctory coordination of efforts) and the fact that various
Ministries and agencies of governments themselves tend to defend their various spheres of authorities
and assigned responsibilities.

“Foreign policy has not been consciously used as an instrument for forging and promoting national
unity; hence, our entrenched ethnic and religious productivities. We should, for instance, widen our
policy of naturalization in order to narrow and bridge our ethnic-religious differences by enhancing
healthy competition with other nationalities. “

Soldier Begs Churches To Pray For Soldiers Fighting Boko

Haram
Members of a church here in Nigeria were almost moved to tears recently after a soldier
who came there to testify of God's protection while serving in Maiduguri, the hotbed of
Boko Haram activities, went on his knees to beg them to pray for soldiers still serving in
Maiduguri, Borno state.

Maiduguri has been worst hit since Boko Haram started its attacks in the North.

The Nigerian soldier testified of how God saved him while he was out performing his
duties in the North. He told the church members that as much as it is important to pray for
prosperity, the church should also not forget to pray for soldiers in the North.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/B4M5zOBAe15/

Nanpon Sambo: IGP, Abba Kyari In Trouble Over Suspect Who

Died In Police Custody
A Federal High Court sitting in Jos on Tuesday ordered the Inspector-General of Police, IGP and
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr Abba Kyari, in charge of Intelligence Response Team (IRT), to
produce a suspect before it dead or alive.

Justice Dorcas Agishi of Federal High Court 1, gave the order in her ruling on two applications filed
before her by Mr D.G. Dashe, Counsel to the suspect, Mr Nanpon Sambo, who is alleged to have died
in police custody in Abuja.

The judge gave the police two weeks within which to produce the suspect or face the wrath of the law.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dashe had on Sept. 25 filed the two applications, praying
the court to order the I-GP and Kyari to produce Sambo, who is standing trial over alleged illegal
possession of fire arms.

The application followed an earlier claim by the police, through their Counsel, Mr Joshua Ayanna, that
the suspect died in their custody in July.

The judge held that: “this honorable court is of the view that if the defendant is dead as claimed by the
police, they should, within two weeks, produce his body at the Jos University Teaching Hospital
mortuary for positive identification by a licensed medical practitioner under the supervision of the
registrar federal high court Jos.

“Again, if the defendant has already been buried by the police, the police are hereby ordered to exhume
the corpse of the defendant and produce it at the Jos university teaching hospital for positive forensic
and DNA identification by a licensed medical practitioner.”

Agishi warned that failure to comply with the order within the stipulated time of two weeks would
attract dire consequences.

President Akufo-Addo Speaks On Nigeria Border Closure

Nigeria/Benin border closure big blow to regional integration – Ghanaian president

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo yesterday described the closure of the land border between
Nigeria and the Republic of Benin was a big blow to regional integration.

Commenting for the first time since the Nigerian government closed its border with the Republic of
Benin on August 20, Akufo-Addo said the move could negatively affect the regional integration
agenda.

Akufo-Addo, at a meeting with a delegation from the First Bank of Nigeria at the Jubilee House in
Accra, said: “We are about to enter a delicate period in the ECOWAS journey looking ahead of the
possibility of a single currency and trying to forge greater integration among our economies and at the
same time have important security and other issues which confront us.

“We have this business of the closure of the Benin Border, which seems to some people to be a big
blow to the ECOWAS project”.

Akufo-Addo argued that overall interest of member states should override individual national interest.
“I believe that there are other considerations that we have to look at and examine to find a way so that
we can live in this region in harmony and allow each one of us our national ambition to be fulfilled,” he
added. The chairman of the First Bank of Nigeria, Chief Oba Otudeko, affirmed that Akufo-Addo’s
government’s economic policies, particularly banking reforms, had made the Ghanaian economy
resilient.
Yahaya Bello And Edward Onoja Campaign In Kabba, Kogi
State
The town of Kabba in Kogi state was shut down for Governor Yahaya Bello and his deputy, Edward
Onoja as their campaign train hit the town.

The governor used the opportunity to sell his New Direction program to the people who welcomed him
and his entourage.

Music star, 9ice, performed to the admiration of the theming youths who wanted more.

Speaking at the rally, Governor Yahaya Bello said a second term is important for him to finish the civil
service reforms which will help the state save more funds and execute more meaningful projects for the
people of the state.

The governor opined that the region has benefitted mostly from the New Direction Government as it
was housing the Ejiba Rice milling factory which gulped over 4 billion naira and has the capacity to
employ about five thousand youths.

He however expressed optimism that his second term in office would further facilitate greater projects
which would be of immense benefit particularly with a focus on human capital development.

Earlier while the governor paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the Obaro of Kabba, HRM Oba
Solomon Owoniyi he canvassed support for the election of Senator Smart Adeyemi at the senatorial
rerun election slated for the same November 16

Equally, his deputy, Edward Onoja noted that despite paucity of funds, the state has paid salaries, and
carried out quality projects across the 3 senatorial district of the state.

He added that security in the state has improved from what it use to be before the coming of the Yahaya
Bello administration.

He urged the Okun nation to vote enmass for APC and Yahaya Bello at the November 16 gubernatorial
election.

Mr Wada is Yahaya Bello’s main challenger at the November 16 governorship election.

October 30

FG says Governors Opposed Bailout’s N162m Monthly

Repayment Plan
the Federal Government said the 36 state governors on Tuesday kicked against its plan to extend the
repayment period of its budget support to state governments from 20 to 30 years.
It explained that the monthly repayment had reduced from N 252m to N 162m based on the extension.
The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Hajiya Zainab Ahmed, briefed State House
correspondents at the end of the National Economic Council meeting chaired by Vice- President Yemi
Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja .
The minister was joined by governors Willy Obiano ( Anambra), Dapo Abiodun ( Ogun) , Abdullahi
Sule ( Nasarawa) and the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire at the briefing .
According to her, the state governors were still not satisfied with the repayment extension to 30 years.
She said the Federal Government had made the first and second months’ N252 m monthly deductions
in September and October , based on the 20 years repayment period .
Ahmed explained that following the outcry of state governors , another repayment schedule plan
extending the years to 30 and monthly repayment of N162 m was presented to NEC on Tuesday .
She said , “ The budget support facility was initially for 20 years repayment period . And when we
made the first deduction in September , the states had complained that the amount deducted, which was
N 252m , was too harsh .
“ So, since then, the Central Bank of Nigeria, who is the lender, has revised the condition to make the
repayment period longer. And so the new repayment period is 30 years. And this means that the states
will be paying N162 m monthly. But again today, the states still were not satisfied with the condition .
“ So, we are expecting that the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning , the CBN
and the states will engage again with the view of having the CBN further revise the condition to reduce
the monthly repayment burden. ”
The Federal Government had in August said a committee had been put in place to facilitate the
recovery of N 614bn given to 35 states.
A total of 35 states benefited from the facility and each state is expected to pay back the equivalent of
N17. 5bn .
The N 614bn was a conditional budget support provided by the CBN to help states pay salaries
gratuities and pensions .
Ahmed on Tuesday also said as at October 22 2019 , funds in the Excess Crude Account stood at $324,
035,696 .29 , while stabilisation fund account was in the margin of N 28, 560, 710, 627.55 and the
natural resources development fund account averaging N70 , 691 , 826 ,511. 84, respectively .
The Ogun State governor spoke on efforts by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation to check
theft of petroleum products in the country .
He said NEC resolved to group issues of smuggling of PMS under illicit trade which might attract
grave sanctions.
Abiodun said the report enabled government to arrive at a conclusion that the petroleum products
smuggling , oil theft and all other form of ITPP were fuelled by some factors.
He said , “ These include access to illegal markets , high concentration of filling stations at border
towns and lack of adoption of appropriate technology to monitor and track movement of assets .
“ The NNPC has proposed to the FG to set up a special task force on illicit trade in petroleum products
to compliment the NNPC initiative towards the mitigation of PMS diversion and smuggling . ”
Ehanire presented a status report of diseases taking its toll on Nigerians.

Snare Of Made-in Northern-Nigeria Igbo President

The sound of restructure or dissolve Nigeria has now become too loud for the core north to ignore. And
certainly they are not ignoring it. A digression must be created, they have reasoned, and a very suitable
one has emerged for that matter. A northern president of Nigeria emerging from 2023 election will set
their harvest field, Southern Nigeria, aflame.

They are now converging on option B – Igbo presidency, believing it to be an agenda that will put
Yorubas on high level of presidential pursuit and diminish their pursuit of Restructure or Dissolve
Nigeria agenda. While on the other hand, it will entice and persuade Igbos to abandon support for
separation and cause their leaders, who are already very hungry for the presidency, to become
subservient to northern leaders in exchange for support for Igbo president. In all, it will scatter the
Southern/ Middle Belt alliance and the struggle for a better and equitable Nigeria.

This is the northern leaders’ permutation.

In their calculation, a Yoruba president will be too independent and strong minded; will go for his
people and general interest of Nigerians without preference for the North; will command absolute
support and protection from his people. He will be a bad choice for the sustenance of a sectional
agenda.

Their game plan is to avoid the so-called full blooded Igbos and crown one of the feeble Igbo that have
demonstrated absolute loyalty and spirit of servitude to the northern leadership, as the president of
Nigeria come 2023. This is the option B the North is converging upon as alternative to remaining in
power beyond 2023. And such men abound in Igbo land. I don’t need to mention their names because
we all know them.

They have ruled and ruined their states.

They have represented their people in different capacity and denied them their rights and benefits.
Some of them have even started implementing the RUGA programme in their states as reported in
newspapers.

Northern Nigeria made Igbo president will come to hurt Nigerian masses worse than having an outright
northern president. The damage this presidency will bring to Southern Nigeria and Middle Belt, if
allowed to happen, will be worse than what was witnessed when Obasanjo’s regime wasted an
opportunity to reposition this country on the path of progress. Developing an escape roadmap from this
snare must start now and should involve all progressive Nigerians from both North and South. The
battle is not for or against the people of Southern or Northern Nigeria but against a cabal that has held
both the North and South down. A concrete strategy to counter this sinister ploy, that will give more
impetus to and concentration of resources on restructuring the country should be the ideal response
now.
Third term agenda was sold to Obasanjo by northern leaders as a way to delay his intended putting
Nigeria in a progressive mode which the northern leadership felt was detrimental and harmful to their
interest irrespective of how it would have benefited northern masses. With third term as an ambush, the
northern leadership lured Obasanjo into delaying his intention to return Nigeria to its former glory as it
could cost him the supposed third term ambition’s support from the North. When Obasanjo became
obsessed with the idea, the same northern leadership came to the southern leaders and reported against
Obasanjo’s ambition for third term and solicited support to kill it.

Obasanjo did not reposition Nigeria on the path of justices and equity nor place her in motion for
progress despite two terms as president because he was waiting for third term. He still did not get his
third term ambition and Nigeria continued to wobble to the detriment of the South, Middle Belt and
northern masses.

When Jonathan came to power, Obasanjo approached him with the truth over a second term ambition
that could derail his intention to strengthen up Nigeria, and asked him to do everything he has to do for
Nigeria to move forward in his first term and leave second term to providence. Jonathan and his
presidential team saw this advice as Obasanjo’s uninvited instruction to destroy Jonathan’s political
career, and cut him off from the president. And Jonathan did not reposition Nigeria for better nor did he
get a second term after pleasing the northern leadership with his first term to the detriment of the South,
Middle Belt, and northern masses.

These scenarios are most unlikely with a Yoruba president in 2023 with home support which Obasanjo
did not have. A home-boy Yoruba president will be more committed to protecting his name, family and
tribe more than personal wealth especially when he has the examples of Awolowo versus Akintola to
learn from. Therefore, he will enter Aso Rock with the zeal to make name as the liberator of Nigerian
masses from the oppression of a cabal that has held them hostage for decades. He will go for history to
recognize him as the father of Modern Nigeria and the one that created the march to progress of a new
Nigeria where all sectors of the country compete for better quality of life. He will go for a name for his
future generations. Above all he will have total and absolute support of his people that will become his
strength in achieving this noble objective.

As a precursor for the northern agenda of planting Igbo president of their choice in Aso Rock, the Igbo
leadership has been bullied into pouring abuses on their sons and daughters in the name of denying and
castigating IPOB because the northern leadership has demanded for such as prerequisite for giving any
consideration to Igbo presidency. Since the inception of OPC from far back Abacha’s time, no single
Yoruba leader has abused OPC leadership; rather their leader has been elevated to the highest military
title of the land.
But the Igbo leadership is very ready to sell her heritage in exchange for a pot of tuwo in other to gain
favour to produce Nigerian president. The northern leadership knows that for this country to take a
progressive march, a full blooded Igbo or Yoruba man or woman with full support of Nigerians needs
to take over Aso Rock and be fully in charge.
Before we can support Igbo presidency, we need to be sure that Igbo leaders have learned to respect
and carry leaders’ only legitimate and most reliable strength, the youth and masses, along. Otherwise
the Igbo leadership will end up producing an Okoro-Hausa president in 2023 that will finally halt
Nigeria’s search for progress and development. If Igbo leadership had respected and carried her youth
and masses along, the mistakes of IPOB that has become a threat to the Igbo nation’s integrity could
have been avoided. The Yoruba elders are in control and in full command of OPC from behind the
scene because the Yoruba leaders are carrying their youth and masses along. This is a lesson the Igbo
leadership must learn so that the East and West of Southern Nigerian leaders with the support of their
youths and masses can form a synergy to counter the East and West of Northern Nigerian’s leadership
supposed homogeneity that had sustained a Kaduna Mafia in the past and now sustains a cabal. This
homogeneity is not founded on any principles of equity and justice, but on common personal selfish
agenda that denies even their people basic qualities of life. Now is the time to evolve a simple strategy
that will bring about justice and equity in Nigeria for the benefits of Nigerians North and South. As it
stands today, every Nigerian is a loser and Okoro-Hausa president in 2023 will make Nigerian’s
situation to become irredeemable.

Okoroafor wrote this from New Jersey, USA.

Lauretta Onochie Tells Nnamdi Kanu To Apply For "Zoo Visa"

Lauretta Onochie, President Buhari’s special assistant on social media has reacted to calls from Igbo
monarch, appealing to the Federal Government to allow the leader of proscribed Indigenous People of
Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu to return to Nigeria for the burial his mother, Sally, without molestation.

Recall that monarchs in Orlu, Imo state, pleaded with the presidency to allow the leader of the
Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to return to the country to bury his late mum.

Presidency, while reacting to the plea, through Lauretta Onochie, directed Kanu to apply for a zoo visa
through the Nigerian High Commission in London and wait for approval.

Lauretta, who spoke via her Twitter handle, concluded by asking if Kanu was deported in the first
instance.

She wrote;
Monarchs in Orlu, Imo State have reportedly begged President Buhari to allow Nnamdi Kanu, to come
to Nigeria to bury his mother. He should go to the Nigerian High commission London Apply for a Zoo
Visa, And wait for approval Nonsense! Was he deported from Nigeria?

UN Sec-gen Appoints Nigeria’s Ogunbiyi As Special

Representative
The United Nations’ Secretary-General, António Guterres, on Tuesday 29 October announced the
appointment of the Managing Director, Nigerian Rural Electrification Agency, Damilola Ogunbiyi, as
his Special Representative for Sustainable Energy for All and Co-Chair of United Nations-Energy.

In a statement made available to journalists, Guterres also welcomed the announcement by the
Administrative Board of Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) that Ogunbiyi has been appointed
Chief Executive Officer of SEforALL. With the development, Ogunbiyi succeeds Rachel Kyte of the
United Kingdom as Special Representative, Co-Chair of United Nations-Energy, and CEO of
SEforALL.

The statement read, “The Secretary-General expresses his gratitude to Ms. Kyte for her dedication and
commitment to the United Nations, her achievements in accelerating universal energy access, and her
leadership in advancing sustainable energy transition in the context of the Paris Agreement.

“Ms. Ogunbiyi brings extensive leadership experience and a track record of supporting energy access in
Sub-Saharan Africa to these roles. She was the first woman to be appointed as Managing Director of
the Nigerian Rural Electrification Agency. She is also responsible for implementing the Nigerian Off
Grid Electrification Programme and successfully negotiating the Nigerian Electrification Project, to
rapidly construct solar mini-grids and deploy solar home systems across Nigeria.

“She also developed the Energising Economics Initiative and Energising Education Programme, which
provide sustainable and affordable off grid power solutions. Before joining the Federal Government of
Nigeria, Ms. Ogunbiyi was the first woman to be appointed as the General Manager of the Lagos State
Electricity Board, which is responsible for public lighting, independent power projects, and energy
development serving millions of people across the State.

“Prior to this, she consulted for the United Kingdom Department for International Development on
public-private partnerships.

PDP Crying Wolf On Bayelsa Gov’ship Poll – APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship
candidate, Douye Diri, is “crying wolf” over allegation that it influenced the list of Supervisory
Presiding Officers (SPOs) deployed for the Bayelsa State governorship election. Mr Yekini Nabena,
APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, has accused PDP and its candidate of doing everything
possible to intimidate the Resident Electoral Commission (REC) into doing their bidding.

Nabena, in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, said PDP and its governorship candidate were crying
wolf in the face of its imminent election defeat, come November 16.

Chong Dinh Hue Asks APC To Allow Vietnam Import Rice Into
Nigeria
The Socialist Republic of Vietnam yesterday begged the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to
appeal to the Federal Government to allow its country import rice to Nigeria at discounted rates. The
Deputy Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Vuong Dinh Hue, made the appeal in
Abuja when he led a five-man delegation to meet the Adams Oshiomshole-led National Working
Committee. He said the delegation would also meet Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to present similar
demands.

Reacting, Oshiomhole said Nigeria would not accept such demand from Vietnam, advising the country
to rather secure land and invest in rice production in Nigeria. He said Nigeria would no longer become
a dumping ground for unwanted chemicals and spoilt products among others, stressing that Nigeria’s
borders would remain closed until neighbouring countries learn to respect the rule of fair trade.

Textile Workers’ Training: Buhari Orders CBN, ITF To Provide

Funds
President Mohammadu Buhari yesterday directed the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Industrial
Training Fund to provide special funds for the training of members of the National Union of Textile
Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN). The president gave the directive in Abuja
yesterday when he declared open, the 31st annual national education conference of the NUTGTWN.

Buhari, represented by Registrar, Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria, Prof. Josiah Ajiboye, said
the CBN and ITF should provide the training required for textile members to meet up with the quality
and quantity required in the production of local fabrics expected by the implementation of the
Executive Order 003. A

“The existing 40,000 garment and textile workers must be trained and re-trained. I will use this
opportunity to call on the CBN to collaborate with your union and the ITF to come in and encourage
the union to provide funds to train and retrain the textile workforce in Nigeria,” the president said. He
said the union had the capacity to transform Nigeria’s rural economy and revive the sector by creating
more than 2 million jobs, assuring that “we are going to ensure that the garment industry is expanded.”

Buhari said the closure of Nigeria’s land borders and import restriction was to encourage local
production and benefit local industries. NUTGTWN General Secretary Comrade Issa Aremu, said the
borders’ closure had helped to overhaul the textile and garment industry in the country. He, however,
stressed that the border closure should not be permanent.

NASS Summons 17 Oil Companies Over N72bn, $273m Debts

The Joint National Assembly Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission yesterday
summoned 17 oil companies over alleged N72bn and $273m indebtedness to the commission. The joint
committee’s chairman, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, during interactive session with the officials of the
NDDC, the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Union Bank, named the companies as Shebah Express
Petroleum, Atlas Petroleum, Allied Energy, Frontier Oil, Seven Energy Limited, Belma Oil Producing
Limited, AITECO Exploration and Production, Dubri Oil, Conoil Producing, Continental Oil and Gas.

Others were Enageed Resources Limited, New Cross Exploration, and Production, Pan Ocean Oil
Corporation Nigeria Limited, Nigeria Petroleum Development Resources. Munipulo Petroleum
Development Company, Prime Exploration and Production Company and the Nigeria LNG Limited

How I Got $350m W/bank Loan To Fix Education – El-rufai

Governor Nasir El-Rufa’i of Kaduna State Monday night in Abuja explained how his administration
secured the $350 million loan currently being used to fix education from the World Bank. El-Rufai said
this at a send-forth for the outgoing Country Director of the World Bank, Dr Rachid Ben Massaoud,
organized by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. The governor said more than 200 schools in the state were
in disrepair when he assumed office in the middle of 2015.

He said: “I had a problem and I didn’t know what to do…and if I do nothing, the children of Kaduna
will be without a future. “I took pictures of all the schools and converted the images into an album.
Then, I approached Ben Massaoud who asked me what I wanted to do? “I need help,” El-Rufai said he
told the Country Director. The following day, Ben Massaoud called up the governor and the two finally
met and brainstormed on the solutions to Kaduna State’s education sector.”

ISIS' Hidden Treasure: Al-baghdad Closest Confidants Revealed

One of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's closest confidants revealed that ISIS terrorists buried $25 million in the
Iraqi desert which was later discovered by shepherds.
Mohammed Ali Sajet, who is related to Baghdadi via marriage and has been an ISIS member since
2015, was arrested by Iraqi officials two months ago near Baghdad.
He is said to have told Iraqi authorities about Baghdadi's possible location in Syriaand also gave up
details about a courier that was working for the ISIS leader.
In an interview with Saudi-owned Al Arabiya on Sunday, Sajet - who is in detention in Iraq - said that
ISIS leaders, including himself, would bury dollars, gold, and silver in the desert.
He claimed that $25 million was lost in al-Anbar desert and was later discovered by shepherds.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-ybGvN24ag
IPPIS: Zainab Ahmed Says No Going Back On Policy
The Federal Government on Tuesday said there was no going back on the October 31 deadline
President Muhammadu Buhari gave public servants to register for the Integrated Payroll and Personnel
Information System .

The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Plannning , Mrs Zainab Ahmed, who stated this while
briefing journalists after the National Economic Council meeting chaired by Vice President Yemi
Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, added that members of Academic Staff Union of Universities
must join the IPPIS .

She said , “ I didn ’t see the notice that ASUU is to go on strike if they are forced to be on the IPPIS .
The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has directed that every agency of government , every
worker must be on the IPPIS . And my job is to comply with the President’ s directive . That is what I
do and we are going to do that . ”
The minister, however , said there was still room for negotiation , adding , “ We will be engaging
ASUU ; we will be discussing with them. ”

ASUU threatens strike over FG payroll system

But ASUU members in Bauchi , Gombe and Plateau states said they would resist the IPPIS .
The Zonal Coordinator of ASUU , Prof. Lawan Abubakar, stated this while addressing journalists at a
press conference held at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University , Bauchi .
He said , “ We already have a standing order for our members that ‘if you are not paid, you don’ t work’
, as simple as that. In fact , if we don’ t get our salary, the next day of the new month , we will not
work.”

National Secretary, Congress of University Academics, Dr Henry Oripeloye, in an interview, said the
group would make its decision on the IPPIS known later in the week.

He said the OAU chapter of CONUA would hold its congress on Thursday, adding that other chapters
would deliberate on the issue during their meetings expected to hold before Friday this week.

“ We derive our powers from the congress. The OAU chapter will hold its congress on Thursday this
week and we expect that other chapters will hold their congresses this week. After that had been
completed, then the national body will look into the resolutions of the congresses and take position on
the issue of the IPPIS , ” Oripeloye said .

Buhari At The Future Investment Initiative (fii) Conference,

Saudi Arabia
President Buhari with some members of the Nigerian delegation arrive at Ritz Carlton Hotel, Riyadh,
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the three-day Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference. Tuesday,
October 29, 2019
President Buhari with Dr Mahamud Bawumia, Vice President, the Republic of Ghana, during a plenary
session at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference holding at Ritz Carlton Hotel, Riyadh, the
Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia. Tuesday, October 29, 2019.

Ambode Drags Lagos Assembly To Court Over Probe

Ambode fights back, drags Lagos Assembly to court over probe

Former Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has dragged the Lagos State House of Assembly to
court over its ongoing probe of the ex-governor for allegedly procuring 820 buses worth over N7
billion without budgetary approval.

Ambode is due to appear before the House Committee probing the allegation on Wednesday. The
House had placed adverts in some newspapers inviting the former governor to appear before it as he
was alleged to have previously failed to appear on two occasions when he was invited.

However, the former Governor had instituted a suit against the Assembly at the Lagos High Court in
Ikeja to contest the constitutionality of the probe of the buses which were procured by his
administration.

Based on the suit, the Lagos High Court in Ikeja on Tuesday ordered the Speaker of the State House of
Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa to appear before it in connection with the ongoing probe of procurement
of 820 buses by Ambode.

In an order dated 29th October, 2019 issued by Justice Y.A Adesanya after hearing a motion ex-parte
moved by Ambode’s lawyer, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), ordered the Speaker to appear before the court at by
9am on Wednesday October 30.

Others to appear before the court are the Clark of the House, Mr A.A Sanni; Chairman of the Ad hoc
Committee set up by the House to probe the procurement, Fatai Mojeed and members of the
Committee. They are Gbolahan Yishawu, A.A Yusuff, Yinka Ogundimu, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda,
M.L Makinde, Kehinde Joseph, T.A Adewale and O.S Afinni.

Justice Adesanya ordered the originating processes and all the accompanying processes filed by the
claimant (Ambode) to be served on the defendants and subsequently fixed Wednesday, October 30,
2019 for hearing of motion for interlocutory injunction.

According to his statement of claim before the court, Ambode said contrary to deliberate
misrepresentation of facts by the lawmakers, the procurement of the 820 buses was well captured in the
2018 Appropriation Law which was duly approved by the House.
“In section 1 of the Bill, the 1st Defendant (House of Assembly) authorized the total Budget for the
year 2018 to be One Trillion, Forty Six Billion, One Hundred and Twenty One Million, One Hundred
and Eighty-One Thousand, Six Hundred and Eighty Naira (N1,046,121,181,680.00) comprising the
sum of Three Hundred and Forty Seven Billion, Thirty-Eighty Million, Nine Hundred and Thirty-Eight
Thousand, Eight-Hundred and Seventy-Two Naira (N347,038,938,872.00) only and Six Hundred and
Ninety-Nine Billion, Eighty-Two Million, Two Hundred and Forty-Two Thousand, Eight Hundred and
Eighty Naira (N699,082,242,808.00) only as the Recurrent and Capital Expenditures respectively.

“Part of the items authorized by the Bill under Capital Expenditure was: “LAGBUS Public Transport
Infrastructure (MEPB); Part financing of 820 buses” which was item 8 under schedule 1- Part C of the
Bill,” he said.

He added that having prescribed the manner of withdrawal of funds in sections 3 and 4 of the 2018
Appropriation Law, it was unconstitutional for the House to attach another condition in section 9 of the
law for further approval to be sought before incurring any expenditure on the purchase of the buses.

Highlighting the specific breach of his constitutional rights to fair hearing by the House, the former
Governor said on August 27, 2019 during proceedings of the Assembly, some lawmakers thoroughly
vilified and disparaged him as having purchased the buses without budgetary approval and that the
procurement was a waste of public funds, while at the end of the proceedings, the House resolved to
constitute an Ad Hoc Committee to probe the procurement.

He said it was surprising that the very lawmakers who contributed actively in vilifying, disparaging and
denigrating him constituted the bulk of the members of the Committee, which was a clear derogation of
his right to fair hearing.

Ambode added that in continuation of deliberate misrepresentation of facts of the issue, the House
falsely claimed that an invitation had been extended to him to appear before the Committee but that he
failed to honour the said invitation.

“On Thursday 10th October, 2019, the 4th and 5th Defendants (Mojeed and Yishawu) who are
Chairman and member of the Committee respectively set up by the 1st Defendant pursuant to the
provisions of section 129 of the Constitution again raised on the floor of the House an allegation that
the Claimant (Ambode) was invited to appear before the Committee but that he failed to do so
whereupon the 2nd Defendant (Speaker) ruled that a warrant of arrest would be issued against the
Claimant if he refuses to appear before the Committee.

“The Claimant states that no letter of invitation was delivered to him before the 4th and 5th Defendants
made the false allegation against the Claimant which was widely reported by various national
Newspapers in the country.

“Further to the foregoing paragraphs, the 1st Defendant had also invited some of the former
Commissioners who served under my government to appear before the 1st Defendant on Tuesday 15th
October 2019. These included former Commissioners for Energy, Agriculture and Economic Planning
and Budget respectively among others.

“After the proceedings of the Committee on 15th October 2019, the 1st Defendant represented to the
public that the former Commissioners that appeared before it had indicted me in their testimonies. The
information was widely published by National newspapers on Wednesday 16th October 2019.

“Contrary to the information made to the public by the 1st Defendant, the said former Commissioners
for Energy and Economic Planning and Budget who were represented by the 1st Defendant to have
indicted me, made public statements on Thursday 17th October 2019 denying that they ever indicted
me in their testimonies before the Committee. The denials were widely published by online newspapers
on Thursday 17th October 2019 and national newspapers on Friday 18th October 2019.

“The 1st Defendant falsely represented to the public that the said Commissioners indicted me in their
testimonies before the Committee so as to justify my indictment by the 1st Defendant which indictment
members of the 1st Defendant had hitherto threatened to carry out,” Ambode averred.

He added that the House Committee and indeed the entire members of the House had already adjudged
him as having committed wastage of public fund by the procurement of the buses in question and had
also already determined that the procurement was done by him as opposed to the State Government.

He said it was obvious that the lawmakers were totally biased against him having regard to their
pronouncements on the floor of the House by reason of which he believes that his right to fair hearing
as guaranteed by the Constitution had been seriously compromised by the defendants.

He is, therefore, seeking among others, the court’s declaration that the power of the House to pass a
resolution under section 128(1) of the Constitution to cause an inquiry into his conduct as Governor is
subject to right to fair hearing as guaranteed by section 36(1) of the Constitution.

He also wants a declaration that the Resolution of the House setting up a 9-Man Committee comprising
of the 4th-12th Defendants to investigate all transactions in respect of the 820 Buses said by the
defendants to have been procured by him derogates from his right as guaranteed by section 36(1) of the
Constitution and therefore is unconstitutional, null and void.

Other claims are: “A DECLARATION that having regard to the provisions of sections 1, 2, 3 and 4 of
the Appropriation Law of Lagos State 2018, sections 8 and 9 of the Law which required the approval of
the House of Assembly of Lagos State before certain expenditure of money is incurred by the
Executive Branch of the State is not in accord with any provision of the Constitution and accordingly is
unconstitutional, null and void.

“A DECLARATION that it is not lawful for the Defendants to represent or continue to represent to the
Public that the Claimant, AKINWUNMI AMBODE, procured 820 buses in breach of budgetary
approval.

“A DECLARATION that the powers of the 1st Defendant under sections 103, 128 and 129 of the
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended does not include power to indict the
Claimant as contemplated by sections 66(1)(h), 137(1)i and 182(1)i of the Constitution of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended.

“AN INJUNCTION restraining the Defendants whether by themselves, their servants, agents and or
representatives from compelling the Claimant, in any manner whatsoever, to appear before the
Defendants pursuant to the Resolution passed by the Defendants on 27th August 2019 or any other
Resolution passed in respect of the subject matter of this Suit.

“AN INJUNCTION restraining the Defendants whether by themselves, their servants, agents and or
representatives from representing or continue to represent to the Public that the Claimant,
AKINWUNMI AMBODE, procured 820 buses in breach of budgetary approval.”

Anambra South: Uba’s dynasty shattered, says

Amachree, YPP chairman
National chairman of the Young People’s Party (YPP),  Emmanuel  Amachree, has expressed
satisfaction over Tuesday judgment of the Court of Appeal in Enugu which upheld the victory of his
party candidate in the last February national assembly election in Anambra south senatorial district,
Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. The appellate court dismissed the petition filed by Chief Chris Uba of PDP and
Senator Andy Uba. Speaking with newsmen in Abuja,  Amachree said the victory of Senator Ubah has
shattered what he described as the dynasty of the Uba brothers in Anambra south.
He said:”Before now, people believe that the Uba brothers are the only people that could win election
in the Anambra South senatorial district. The dynasty has been shattered. The Uba brothers are no
where to be found. If they are very popular Ifeanyi Ubah wouldn’t have enjoyed the landslide victory
with over 37, 000 votes ahead of them . How can you challenge such victory?  Their mentality of being
the owner of the game has been demystified.
They used to see it as their birthright but they have been proven wrong.”The YPP chairman further
noted that the victory of his party candidate confirmed by the judiciary has reinforced his conviction
that individuals, not big parties win elections” A precedent has been set with the electoral and judicial
victory recorded by our party. We should be departing from the mentality of the big wig parties
especially the APC and the PDP. It doesn’t matter the party you belong to,  you will win if your people
want you. This is a victory of the people.
READ ALSO: NSE Market indices dip 0.53%, amid profit-taking on blue chips
PA dynasty has been shattered in the Anambra Senatorial District. We started from the grassroots and
the Appeal Court confirmed it. Nobody can take this victory from us because we went to the election
with the best material and our people, the electorate, confirm this at the poll.”In his remarks,  Senator
Ubah said  the pronouncement of the Court of Appeal was a relief for his people who were
apprehensive that their mandate was about to be stolen by a particular they did not vote for.“This is a
victory for the entire people of the Anambra South senatorial district , my state and the nation in
general.
I thank my party for standing for me and giving me the necessary support.It was a contest and I know
my input in the state. I believe it is a case of no Victor, No Vanquish. I don’t think  I should be talking
of retiring anybody. The most important thing is that I have a strong edge over them in Anambra South
senatorial district. I want them to join me so that we would collectively give value to our people. We
are in politics to give value to our people. So, I’m extending my hands of fellowship to them.“My party
is behind me and I’m going nowhere. It is going to be a wonderful thing for Nigeria. I have tasted other
parties . I’m in YPP,  that is where we would take off from.”A precedent has been set with the electoral
and judicial victory recorded by our party.
We should departing from the mentality of the big wig parties especially the APC and the PDP. It
doesn’t matter the party you belong to,  you will win if your people want you. This is a victory of the
people.A dynasty has been shattered in the Anambra Senatorial District. We started from the grassroots
and the Appeal Court confirmed it. Nobody can take this victory from us because we went to the
election with the best material and our people, the electorate, confirm this at the poll.

Kwara Pdp, Let Me Teach You How To Play Opposition–by

Adetola Kehinde
Democracy gives room for citizens, civil society groups, NGOs, and opposition parties to challenge the
government i.e. the ruling party by putting ruling party to putting government on their toes to deliver
on their campaign manifestos, deliver good governance and ensuring that cases of corruption and abuse
of power by the government in power are revealed. However, it opposition party, PDP led by Bukola
Saraki whose political dynasty were unanimously ended by Kwarans in the last general elections are
ingnorance of their duty as opposition party in Kwara State.

Kwara PDP and their contracted media propagandists have been doing opposite of what the role of
opposition party entails as they have on several occasions caught in the web of fake news peddling and
defamation of characters of the Governor of Kwara state. The most recent act of their irresponsible was
demonstrated by the news report published by Nationa Pilot on Thursday 24th, October, 2019.
According to the said news report which was linked to a top opposition leader in the state Governor
AbdulRahaman allegedly acquires N480m 2 bullet-proof jeeps.

Thankfully, the news report has been denied by the Governor with request that the National Pilot
should retract the fake news on all platforms or media; apologise; give an assurance that they will
desist from publishing fake news against him or face legal consequences for the libelous report. This
was contained in the letter written by Governor AbdulRahman to the Editor of the National Pilot.
Also, in their new enterprise of irresponsibility, one of Bukola Saraki radio propagandists in Kwara
State, Mr. Tunji Moronfoye con his weekly radio programme on Albarka FM on Thursday 24th,
October, 2019 ignorantly criticized and ridiculed the nomination of women and young people as
commissioners in the state. The Governor of Kwara State had earlier sent the names of 9 women and 7
men to the Kwara State Assembly for confirmation as commissioners. According to Moronfoye, Saraki
media propagandist cum activist said I am surprised that the governor (AbdulRahman) is just
populating his cabinet with just women and young people. Moronfoye further said what experience do
women and young people have because ministries are supposed to be manned by people who are
consultants in their fields? However, callers on the show unanimously condemned Moronfoye for his
reckless discriminatory comments against women and young people on AbdulRahmans commissioner
nomination list.

In addition to the aforementioned, Kwara PDP have also been hiding behind some young guys in the
state to spread falsehood in an attempt to discredit the government of AbdulRahman whom has shown
commitment to fix the mess left behind by Kwara PDP. It is noteworthy that the government of
AbdulRAhman has been enjoying the support of Kwarans since it came to power due to its efficiency
in delivering good governance.

As a Kwaran who desire prosperity and progress of the state, I advise Kwara PDP to desist from fake
news peddling and work together with the ruling party by providing credible and responsible
opposition. It is obvious that Kwara PDP are not ready for their new role as opposition party because
one will be right to say Kwara PDP have adopted the template of their national party in fake news
peddling and the use of young Nigerians in propagating their fake news enterprise. As such, I urge
Kwara PDP to reach out to Kwara APC for free tutorial on how to play opposition the way it should be
played.

President Buhari Promotes Hajo Sani, Aisha’s Aide

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved a review of the appointment of Dr. Hajo Sani,
who was earlier appointed as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Administration
(Office of the First Lady), for a second term.

The Press release announcing it was titled, “Dr. Hajo Sani’s appointment reviewed,” and
signed by “Suleiman Haruna,

Office of the First Lady, Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The statement reads in part: “As indicated in a letter signed by the Secretary to the
Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustafa, Dr. Hajo Sani’s new appointment is
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Women Affairs and Administration (Office of
the First Lady).
Senator Sani Decries Poor Enlightenment, Weak Insurance
Regulation
The Senate has expressed its displeasure over the poor regulation of insurance companies in the
country, concerned about the low enlightenment of Nigerians on insurance policies.

This comes on the heels of comments by Senator Uba Sani, Chairman of the Senate Committee on
Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions, that lower class Nigerians are being shortchanged
by insurance companies due to non-moniroring of their activities by NAICOM.

Acting Managing Director of NAICOM Mr Thomas Sunday had appeared before the Senate
Committee led by Senator Sani and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.

Mr Sunday spoke of the challenges faced by the insurance regulator, saying that limited powers in
existing laws were responsible for “arm twisting” the Commission from carrying out its enforcement
and distress management duties of defaulting insurance companies.

He appeared to the 9th Assembly through the Committee to pass a pending insurance executive bill into
law in order to support the performance of the industry.

“It is a common statement of fact that we are performing below our potential. One of the major
challenge that we have has to do with trust and confidence; without trust and confidence it would be
difficult for us as a Commission,” the NAICOM Director told the Committee.

On the issue of enforcement, Mr Sunday stated that separate government organs had the responsibility
for enforcing different aspects of insurance, for example, Motor Insurance.

“The Commission engaged with the Federal Road Safety Corps and was able to develop what is now
known as the NID, in which if you take an insurance cover today you will receive a text message, and
if you don’t get that message then you should know that you have gotten your cover from a wrong
source. That is part of the measures to tackle the non compliance [of] motor vehicles [insurers],” he
explained.

“We have realized that at the federal level it would be difficult for proper enforcements to be carried
out. We need to work with the state governments, and that is why sometime two years ago we
attempted to reach out to the Governors’ Forum, but it was not quite successful.

“In 2020, we are going to work very hard with the states to ensure that they accommodate us as the
regulator in their programme. As a result of the Annuity Pension Reform Act of 2004, which was
amended in 2014, there has been massive growth in Annuity.
“In the 2018 data, Annuity is about 30% of the volume of transactions within the insurance sector; but
it is increasing by the day. We are talking of over 10 trillion contributions that have come into the
Annuity space,” he said.

“It is expected that with time, most of these funds will find their way into that sector. So we need to get
prepared for it by the recapitalisation exercise that was announced. We believe that the capital of the
insurance company, as it is, is grossly inadequate to take the insurance sector to the next level.”

Speaking further that it has increased the recapitalisation of insurance companies, the NAICOM
Director stated that “on May 20th, we released a circular to all the operators and we increased the
capital for life companies from 2 billion to 8 billion and general business from 8 billion to 10 billion.

“Currently, the dead line for the recapitalisation exercise has been put at June 2020. The insurance
consolidated bill set up in 2008 to consolidate all the laws that relates to insurance, unfortunately as we
speak, that is yet to see the light of the day. Managing distress in the insurance companies has become a
bit difficult because of the limited powers in our existing laws . It is, therefore, our plea to this
Committee to assist us.”

Committe Chairman Sani decried the lack of monitoring of insurance companies, saying that “the
Senate is not happy that a lot of Nigerians pay for insurance, particularly at the lower level, but they are
loosing everything. A lot of insurance companies are engaged in activities that are not been monitored
by your Commission. We need you to do the needed to come up with strict form of regulation and act
quickly. We are the National Assembly will give you all the necessary support.

Senator Onyewuchi Ezenwa (IMO East), on his part, expressed concern over perceived fraud by
insurance companies who renege on paying claims, especially on third party insurance schemes.

“The major problem of the sector is confidence and you need to instill confidence, and your duty is to
protect policy holders; and I want to say to you that the policy holders are not protected as we speak
today. As the Nigerian parliament, I would tell you how Nigerians feel about the insurance sector in
this country, especially the 3rd party insurance, which is the popular one. They think everything is
fraud, they think you people are perpetuating fraud, they don’t have confidence in the sector because
the insurance companies always have a way of wriggling out when it comes to paying claims,” Senator
Ezenwa said.

“I never seen one obligation being fulfilled to the 3rd party. Nigerians are only interested in it to avoid
police and road safety officer’s issues on the road, so that when they ask you for your particulars you
bring out your particulars; you show them and then you move on. I’m sure that Nigerians don’t realise
that they have an obligation to the 3rd party. In the case of any accident the insurance company is
supposed to fix the 3rd party’s vehicle, but Nigerians don’t know about that. You have enlightenment
and confidence building to do, so have to go back and restrategise.”
Responding to the Committee, Mr Sunday admitted that lack of public orientation on insurance rights
were responsible for the defaulting nature of insurance companies.

“As far as the issue of mushroom companies operating in the country, if a company takes premium and
refuses to pay claims, by the NAICOM Act of 1997 passed by this House, we were mandated to set up
what is called the Complaints Bureau. What has happened over time is lack of not publicising that
information to the public of their rights under an insurance transaction. Anyone that is not satisfied with
an insurance transaction can report to our complaints bureau,” he explained.

“I must say also that for those who collect premium and fail to pay claims, there is a whole directorate
that deals with that in the Commission when they complain. We have been able to resolve a lot of
claims in this respect. Part of what some of the operators are taking advantage of is the low reading rate
of Nigerians.

“Because some of these are clearly stated in those policies that they were given. Though there are
reports of non-response to claims payment, there are also some beneficiaries, those whose claims have
been adequately settled. I will say that the Commission has to stepped up its publicity of the rights of
the public as far the insurance contracts are concerned. We have made adequate provisions in our
budget for publicity. So that we shall engage the public from time to time.”

The Committee directed the Commission to make available its budget within 3 weeks.

New Ag. MD Of NDDC Arrives Commission With Dance Group

The newly inaugurated acting Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission, Barrister
Gnene Joi Nunieh has arrived the commission to take over fully.

Barr. Gnene Joi Nunieh who arrived with other members of her team was seen dancing and waving to
the tune of music display in the commission yard on Wednesday morning.

Accompanied by Dumo Lulu-Briggs and other dignitaries, the acting MD could not hold her joy over
her new position in the NDDC, rejoicing with friends and well wishers.

New NDDC Ag. MD Gnene Joi Nunieh & Others Arrives Commission With Dance Group

Senator Uba Visits, Donates Relief Materials Worth N2 Million

To Idps
Following the bandit invasion of about 18 villages in Birni Yero, in the Igabi local government area of
Kaduna State, and nd subsequent displacement of about 2,000 locals a few weeks ago, the Senator
representing Kaduna Central, Uba Sani, visited has the refugees with relief materials.
The lawmaker told reporters that his visit to the locals who are currently camping at LEA primary
school, Birni Yero, was out of concern of a potential humanitarian crisis that may occur as a result of
lack of food.

Items distributed include cash, rice, sphaghetti, sugar, rice, oil, satchet water, bread and milk worth N2
million, according to the relief needs of the displaced persons.

 Financial support was also extended to members of the civilian Joint Task Force that assist the security
agencies in curbing the activities of bandits in Kaduna State.

The displaced communities included Dallatu, Digani, Unguwan Audu, Bakin kasuwa, Jura, Un/Tofa,
Sauran Giwa, Kosau, Kajinjiri and Gidan Makeri.

Assessing the condition of the camp during the visit, Senator observed that, in addition to the previous
aid, the displaced persons may need health and/or medical assistance, especially the most vulnerable
groups of children, women and the elderly, as well as awareness on disease and epidemic prevention.

He called civil society and professional bodies to assist in providing services, social activities and
protection services to IDPs across the country in partnership with other operating international
organisations and in cooperation with the authorities in the communities where IDPs are located.

He pointed out the need for authorities and the public to contribute to support the stability of displaced
families affected by security incidents

“Such services should include vocational and professional training service aimed to build the capacity
of displaced family members and the host community and to empower them vocationally and
professionally to help them secure income for their families,” the Senator said

N-Power Is Buhari’s Gift To Nigerian Youths To Fight Poverty -

Sadiya Farouq
IgbereTV reports that the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social
Development, Hajiya Sadiya Farouq, says the N-Power Programme is a gift from President
Muhammadu Buhari to Nigerian youths to empower them to earn a decent living.

The minister made this known on Tuesday, during a visit to N-Power beneficiaries at the Public Service
Institute Abuja.

Represented by Mrs Hanatu Aliyu, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Farouq said: “This N-Power
training programme is President Muhammadu Buhari’s gift to you as Nigerian youths: this programme
is also to make you a global player as far as businesses, entrepreneurship and money making is
concern. You are not taught to go and do internet crime. The software development training is for you
to improve yourselves and capitalise on unlimited opportunities in the modern ICT world."

“As you are being trained to become software engineers, you can develop software on other spheres
like health, economic, agriculture and others to become a global players.

“This is a gift to you from President Buhari, because he says he want to lift 100 million Nigerians from
poverty. This is the beginning and I urge you to also train others in your remote areas.

“I learnt you are about 2,000; if each one of you pick and train one person, we will have 4,000 persons
and it continues; we can achieve it.

She said, "Let us have the passion that the President has to take Nigeria to the next level and beyond; it
is never too late.“Let us make it a collective responsibility to take Nigeria out of poverty.You can do
your business here without crossing the boarders or sea."

Buhari’s Photographer, Bayo Omoboriowo Renovates Ekiti

School
The Chief Official Photographer to President Muhammadu Buhari, Bayo Omoboriowo, in appreciation
of God’s blessings has started giving back to the society.

His state governor, Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, on Monday commissioned some blocks of
classrooms renovated and equipped by Omoboriowo at Ijero High School in Ekiti state.

The ceremony was attended by first-class traditional rulers, community and political leaders in the
state.

Speaking to newsmen at the commissioning, Omoboriowo said he was compelled to give back to the
society, especially students, because God had favoured him by giving him the privilege to work with
Mr. President.

Apart from the massive renovation he carried out through his Bayo Omoboriowo Foundation in Ijero
High School, he empowered students in his hometown with 1000 fully loaded school bags and writing
materials.

He said “Bayo Omoboriowo Foundation was birthed as a response to one man’s unwavering desire to
continually seek improvements in the general well-being of not just himself, but his immediate
environment and society at large.”

Fayemi, who is also the Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), called on all indigenes of the
state to emulate the philanthropic gestures of Omoboriowo.
He also urged those who are well to do in the state to join hands with his administration to develop
Ekiti, adding that the task of development can not be left to the government alone.

Fayemi said “This state belongs to all of us. You know what they say about a village bringing up a child
and taking a community to build a state.

Read Also: Buhari nominates Justice Tosho as Judge Federal High Court
“So what Bayo (Omoboriowo) has done is exemplary and I think that other public-spirited Ekiti sons
and daughters, Ekiti residence, Ekiti lovers should also consider and do within their own various areas
of jurisdictions.

“Bayo is not a school teacher but he was brought up by teachers and that is why he felt he needed to
give back and went to Kabiyesi to discuss the possibility of giving back to schools in the society.

“Look at what he has done. I encourage all Ekiti indigenes, wherever they may be based, you don’t
even have to have gone to school in Ekiti; those who have even gone to school in Ekiti are even more
compelled to do so.

“I see a lot of alumni association doing that; they are all contributing their quota. But individuals can
also adopt a school,” he stated

Nigeria’s Economic Growth Plan Has Suffered Serious

Deviations Since 2017
Zainab Ahmed, minister of finance, budget and national planning, says the implementation and targets
of the economic and recovery growth plan (ERGP) has been at risk since 2017 because of
underfunding.

Speaking on Tuesday at the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) peer-learning event, Ahmed said the
federal government had recorded 42% revenue shortfall as at June 30.

“Regarding the 2019 budget, as at 30th June, the actual aggregate revenue as per our fiscal accounts
was N2.04 trillion, indicating a revenue shortfall of 42%, due to underperformance of both oil and non-
oil revenue targets,” Ahmed, represented by Israel Igwe, a director in the ministry, said.

“Similar revenue shortfalls have been experienced since 2017, when the ERGP was launched, resulting
in serious deviations from our targeted revenue and expenditure projections.
“We currently have a pervasive revenue generation problem that must change to successfully finance
our development plans.

“Speaking to the facts, our current revenue to GDP of 8% is sub-optimal and a comparison of oil
revenue to oil GDP and non-oil revenue to non-oil GDP performance reveals the significant area that
requires immediate and dire intervention as the non-oil sector.”

Although the minister said there is a need to build fiscal buoyancy through domestic revenue, she
admitted that the incentives given to companies are constraining the fiscal space.

“Nigeria, when compared with peers, shows that we are lagging on most revenue streams including
VAT and excise revenues as we not only by far have, one of the lowest VAT rates in the world but weak
collection efficiencies”
“So also, do we have a lot of incentives and deductions that further constrain the fiscal space that is
given in the hope of stimulating the growth of our industries and to reduce hardship for the poor and
vuInerable”

“The key question is why do we keep performing poorly? And what can we do differently this time to
effectively turnaround without any relapse even in successive governments?

“Simply put, we have very low effective tax rates, archaic tax laws that are not evolving at
commensurate pace with businesses, leakages in our revenue collection systems, low tax compliance
rates and poor tax morale to mention a few.

“With numerous complex issues at hand, Nigeria must do things differently which requires robust,
tough, well-coordinated and multi-faceted reforms.”

Also speaking at the event, Shubham Chaudhuri, World Bank country director, urged the government to
invest in both human and infrastructural development, noting that the investments would require a lot
of revenue that Nigeria does not have enough of.

“Raising Nigeria’s GDP is important because it will ultimately lift Nigerians out of poverty,”
Chaudhuri said.

“The role of government is to do two things, invest in Nigeria people, that is the youths, the children,
health care, education, social protection and two is to invest in infrastructure which requires revenue.

“But right now, Nigeria does not have enough of it, most of the investments will come at the state level.
the best measure of development is of a country is not per capita GDP, but the quality of the services
that the sub national government provide.”

Chaudhuri stressed the need for sub-national government to deliver on its promises and expectations of
citizens.
Presidency To Spend N66.6bn On Rent, N45bn To Fuel
Generators
The Presidency will spend N66,669,945 on rent and N45,678,55 on fuelling generators and plant,
according to the 2020 budget proposal.

In addition, it will spend N132,199,558 on fuels and lubricants for the State House, while another
N67,950,392 will go into fuelling vehicles.

According to the budget proposal, the Presidency will also spend N274,798,446 on electricity and
N45,418,735 on sewage evacuation. It would equally pay a total of N67,128,117 as Internet access
charges, and N23,861,251 has been earmarked for telephone charges.

While water rate will take N65,684,953 in the State House, purchase of newspapers was allocated a
total of N26,432,346.

Also, N4,517,445 has been earmarked for refreshment for the Chief of Staff to the President,
N13,552,334 as honorarium and sitting allowance, N20,391,700 as overhead and N18,069,779 for
miscellaneous.

For the Office of Chief Security Officer to the President, N61,710,000 was allocated for fuel and
lubricants, and overheads will take N111,359,316.

The State House Medical Centre, which a section of Nigerians believes is a glorified drug dispensary,
will gulp N723,003,927, whereas the Federal Government will spend N208,350,424 to purchase drugs
for the clinic. Uniforms for medical staff will guzzle N14,250,663 and medical equipment
N215,259,549.
It set aside N93,072,847 for international travels and transport for Villa officials.

Foodstuff/catering materials supplies will take N145,143,963, while legal services will cost
N8,189,125. Similarly, the State House will spend N18,570,614 on cooking gas/fuel.

The budget, anchored on sustaining growth and job creation, is N10.330 trillion. The proposal
represents an 11 per cent increase compared to the 2019 appropriation of N9.12 trillion. The proposed
retained revenue is N8.155 trillion and a deficit of N2.18 trillion, which is 1.52 per cent of the gross
domestic product (GDP).

According to the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, the key
assumptions are the benchmark price of $57 per barrel of crude oil, daily oil production of 2.18 million
barrels per day (mbpd) and an exchange rate of N305 to a dollar. The real GDP is expected to grow at
2.93 per cent, while inflation rate is projected at 10.81 per cent.
Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Education has proposed to spend N6,235,432 on telephone calls in
the 2020 fiscal year.

This is in addition to N6,154,123 proposed for Internet charges. The ministry also requested that the
National Assembly approve N25,800,000 for refreshments and meals at its headquarters in Abuja.

According to the budget proposal, the ministers, Mallam Adamu Adamu and Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba,
would earn over N1.8 million as statutory ministerial allowance for featuring at events.

Other honorarium and sitting allowance took N15.8 million, while medical expenses, welfare packages
and courier services got N12.2 million, N33 million and N13 million, respectively.

According to the 2020 budget proposal submitted to the National Assembly by President Muhammadu
Buhari a few weeks ago, the ministry asked that it be allowed to purchase three Toyota Hilux vans at
N62.157 million, one ambulance at N58 million, one Coaster bus at N55 million and four other utility
vehicles that would cost N24.3 million.

In addition, the ministry requested that N28 million be approved to purchase elevators (lifts) for use at
its headquarters and annex buildings. It also asked that N24 million be approved in the 2020 budget as
fuel cost for generators.

According to the 2020 budget proposal, the Federal Ministry of Education was allocated N20.3 billion,
which includes N4.1 billion as total personnel cost, N1 billion as total overhead cost, N5.2 billion as
total recurrent cost and N15.1 billion as total capital cost.

Senator Akpabio Counters Presidency On NDDC Board

Inauguration
…Sets up 3-man Interim Management Committee

Less than 24 hours after the President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan read at the Senate plenary
session a letter from President Muhammadu Buhari requesting for the Senate to screen and confirm the
16-member NDDC Board, the Minister of Niger Delta, Senator Godswill Akpabio has also set-up an
Interim Management Committee to take-over from Mrs. Akwagaga’s interim management of NDDC,
which was constituted in August.

After reading the letter from President Buhari, the Senate President referred the names of the 16-
member NDDC Board to the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs to carry out the screening and
report back to plenary in one week.
Already, the Senate Committee on Niger Delta led by Senator Peter Nwaoboshi has invited the
nominated NDDC Board members to appear for screening on Thursday, October 31.

Not surprisingly stakeholders and experts have risen in unison to express shock at this development
which is likely to portray the country in bad light given the confusion already created by the Ministry
of Niger Delta’s conflicting directive.

A Port Harcourt based legal practitioner, Dr. Stanley Wali stated that Act No. 6 of 2000 which
establishes the NDDC clearly states that the Commission will be governed by a properly constituted
Board nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. In his view, it is an anomaly that nearly
after one year of dissolving the last Board, and appointment of an interim Management-led by
Professor Brambaifa, followed by a current Acting managing Director, Mrs Akwagaga, another interim
Management is being setup by the Minister of Niger Delta when a new Board has already been
announced by the President of the country and whose names have been submitted to the Senate for
confirmation.

In his reaction, the President of Ijaw Diaspora Coalition, Elder Johnson Ebibai recalls that on
assumption of duty as Acting Managing Director of NDDC in August, Mrs. Akwagaga stated that her
mandate was to oversee the smooth running of the NDDC until the substantive board is cleared to
assume office and therefore wonders what has changed to appoint another interim management by the
Ministry of Niger Delta in the middle of confirming a new board appointed by President Buhari.

He therefore called on the Senate to quickly confirm the new board so that the President can inaugurate
them to assume duty to save the nation from this travesty that portrays the country in very bad light and
detrimental to development of the Niger Delta region.

You Have Lost Your Political Grip On Edo State - Governor

Obaseki Tells Oshiomhole
Governor Obaseki of Edo State has said that his predecessor and National Chairman of the All
Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole has lost his political grip on the state, and now
resorts to deploying police operatives from Abuja to allegedly harass his aides.

The Governor, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media Strategy, Crusoe Osagie, added that
Oshiomhole’s intent was an “attempt to plunge the state into chaos and cause panic in [his] camp.”

He stated this in response to the arrest of his security adviser, Andrew Momodu, over the weekend by
operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) with the intent of whisking him to Abuja.
Osagie’s statement had alleged that Mr. Momodu was arrested in a gestapo style.

According to him, “When Momodu resisted the unlawful arrest by the security agents, he was taken to
the Police Headquarters in Benin, where he was held for an extended period until the Edo State Deputy
Governor, Philip Shaibu intervened.”

“Investigations revealed that the security from Abuja have orders from above to pick up not less than
50 persons loyal to Obaseki, in an attempt to plunge the state into chaos and cause panic in the
governor’s camp.

“Those penciled down for arrest, according to sources privy to the policemen’s modus operandi,
including Special Adviser (SA) to the Governor on Political Matters, Edo South, Hon. Osaigbovo
Iyoha. “Others on the list are Albert Obazee, Kelly Okungbowa (popularly known as Ebo Stone) and
Muktar-Osagie Muntari, who heads the state’s Public Works Volunteers (PUWOV).”

Obaseki and Oshiomhole have been at loggerheads over who controls the structure of the party in the
state.

LASG Set To Auction Vehicles Impounded For Violation Of

Traffic Law
LASG set to auction vehicles impounded for violation of traffic law

. . . As Taskforce Awaits Directives On 7350 Impounded Motorcycles

The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Taskforce) has concluded arrangements to
auction vehicles of 31 traffic offenders already convicted by the Court for driving against traffic as well
as 22 automobiles that were abandoned for over six months after the arrest of their riders.

Chairman of the Agency, CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi disclosed that the owners of the impounded vehicles
who abandoned their cars contravened the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law 2018, stating that
public notice had been issued for owners of both the court forfeited and abandoned cars to identify their
vehicles at the Agency's car parks in Ikorodu and Bolade-Oshodi.

"At the expiration of the one-month verification exercise the Agency shall apply to court for an order of
'Public Auction' where members of the public would have opportunity to buy any of these vehicles”,
the Chairman said.

Egbeyemi clarified that the owners of the vehicles forfeited to the government pleaded guilty before
Magistrate Omobola Salawu of the Lagos State Mobile Court at Oshodi after their arrest for driving
against traffic.

He affirmed that in addition to the forfeiture of the vehicles, each traffic offender was sentenced to 100
days 'Community Service' at any public institution of their choice.
The Chairman, however, maintained that with the State government’s zero-tolerance for violation of the
law, the Agency will continue to prosecute traffic offenders until sanity is restored on our roads and
law-abiding citizens are allowed to commute without being impeded by unlawful individuals.

Meanwhile, CSP Egbeyemi also confirmed that over 7350 impounded motorcycles are presently in
custody of the Agency for plying restricted routes, including highways and bridges across the State.

He stated that the Agency is awaiting further directives from the government in respect of the
impounded motorcycles, adding that the motorcyclists were apprehended around Agege, Pen-Cinema,
Apapa, Ikorodu, Mile 2, Obalende, Oyingbo, 2nd Rainbow, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Ojota,
Maryland, Yaba, Oshodi, Ikorodu Road, Apongbon, Ikeja and Iyana-Ipaja.

Appeal Court Sacks Abubakar Tambuwal, Aliyu Shehu

The Court of Appeal in Sokoto has sacked Senator representing Sokoto South, Abubakar Tambuwal
and Member representing Bodinga/Dange Shuni/Tureta Federal Constituency, Aliyu Shehu, both of the
All Progressives Congress.

It ordered the return of the PDP candidates Ibrahim Danbaba for senate and Balarabe Kakale for House
of Representatives.

The PDP candidates had filed the appeals against the judgment of the Election Petitions Tribunal which
had upheld the elections of Senator Tambuwal and House of Representatives member Aliyu Shehu.

Delivering the judgement Wednesday the judge Federich Oho, said Danbaba and Kakale’s appeals
succeeded.

UN: Damilola Ogunbiyi Appointed As Special Representative

For Sustainable Energy
The United Nations Secretary General António Guterres has appointed Mrs Damilola Ogunbiyi of
Nigeria as his Special Representative for Sustainable Energy for All and Co-Chair of United Nations-
Energy.

Her appointment came after her extensive leadership experience and a track record of supporting
energy access in Sub-Saharan Africa to these roles. She was the first woman to be appointed as
Managing Director of the Nigerian Rural Electrification Agency.

Ms Ogunbiyi succeeds Rachel Kyte of the United Kingdom as Special Representative, Co-Chair of
United Nations-Energy, and CEO of SEforALL.

However, Ms Damilola Ogunbiyi herself took to her twitter handle @DamilolaSDG7 to announce this
to the general populace. In the words of Mrs Damilola,
“I’m very proud to announce I have been appointed the new @SEforALLorg CEO and Special
Representative of the @UN SG for Sustainable Energy for All. As the world faces ongoing
development challenges, it’s a true honor to join SEforALL & lead #SDG7 efforts:
https://seforall.org/news/damilola-ogunbiyi-announced-as-new-ceo-of-sustainable-energy-for-all.”

Regional Development:south East Governors,igbo Leaders Meet

In Ebonyi State
The South East Governors’ Forum (Segf) Is Mobilising Other Political And Socio-cultural Leaders In
The Region For A Two-day Leadership Retreat In Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, In November, To Chart A
New Course For Ndigbo.

Organised in collaboration with Nzuko Ummuna, an Igbo Think Tank of committed professionals at
home and the Diaspora, the “Igboezue leadership retreat” is expected to attract National Assembly
members; members of the state Houses of Assembly, former top public officeholders; the Igbo
intelligentsia and captains of industry.

A statement by the Secretary of the Media and Publicity Committee, Collins Ugwu, said Governor
Umahi as the host, will roll out Ebonyi’s hospitality to welcome his brother governors to the epoch
retreat.

The statement indicated that the governors had all individually been engaged and they endorsed the
programme as timely and, one that should be supported to produce enduring outcomes.

It also said that former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Enwo Gary-Igariwey who is
chairman of the main organising committee, will next week fully unveil the concept of the retreat.

However, the statement quoted Igariwey to have “revealed that aside all the governors and all federal
legislators of Alaigbo expected, other critical stakeholders of the entire Igbo collectives are upbeat
about the prospects of this gathering, because they are being reached methodically and
comprehensively.”

Meanwhile, the Association of South East Town Unions (ASETU), a major Igbo grassroots umbrella
and advocate of regional development through economic integration, has queued behind the noble idea,
calling for all hands to be on deck to give it the success it deserved.

ASETU in its emphatic goodwill message to Nzuko Umunna, stated that the synergy being pioneered
by the retreat organisers was in tandem with their declared philosophy to accelerate the development of
South East region with a purpose-driven, think-home investment initiative otherwise called Aku ruo
ulo.
Breaking:atiku Vs Buhari: Supreme Court Delivers First Ruling
Against Atiku
BREAKING:Atiku vs Buhari: Supreme Court delivers first ruling against Atiku
The Supreme Court sitting in Abuja has delivered its first ruling against the Peoples Democratic Party
and its presidential candidate in the February 23, 2019 Election, Atiku Abubakar.
The Supreme Court began hearing on the appeal filed by PDP and Atiku challenging the election of
President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad, headed the seven-man panel of the court, in
the lead ruling consented to by other members, overruled Atiku’s request that their seven interlocutory
appeals be heard after the main one must have been argued.
The seven-man panel held that it would be unnecessary to hear the interlocutory appeals when a
judgment on the main appeal marked SC.1211/2019 would cover the field.
The names on the panel are:
1. CJN Tanko Mohammed
2. Rhodes-Vivour
3. Amiru Sanusi
4. Uwani Abaji
5. Ejembi Eko
6. John Inyang Okoro
7. Olukayode Ariwoola
Newsflash247 had earlier reported that the Supreme Court of Nigeria has scheduled to hear the
Appeal of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and its candidate in the February 23 election, Atiku
Abubakar, arising from the judgment of the Appeal Court, on Wednesday, October 30, 2019.
The PDP and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, said the Court of Appeal panel that heard their
petition erred in law when it ruled that President Buhari did not need to submit an actual certificate
before INEC as part of documents in his CF001.

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The PDP also said the presidential tribunal erred when it ruled that the PDP did not provide sufficient
evidence to back its claim that Mr Buhari did not attend a secondary school among other issues.
But in a counter application filed on Tuesday, the APC asked the Supreme Court to reconsider the
decision of the election tribunal to accept evidence proffered by the prosecution witness numbers 40,
59 and 60.
APC in Abuja filed a cross-appeal against admission of the report and evidence of the three data
analysts who testified for the petitioners at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal and whose
evidence was admitted by the tribunal in the interest of natural justice.
The party in the cross appeal filed by its lead counsel, Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi SAN, wants
the Supreme Court to expunge the evidence of the three Information Communication and Technology
(ICT) experts who testified on the existence of server allegedly used by the Independent National
Electoral Commission (INEC) to store results of the February 23 presidential election.
The three key witnesses are Segun Sowunmi, a Media Aide to Atiku, David Njoga, a Kenyan and
Joseph Gbenga who are famous data analysts and employed by Atiku to carry out forensic analysis of
the presidential election results.
They had in their testimony informed the tribunal that they analyzed presidential election results state
by state and found discrepancies in the results credited to Atiku and President Muhammadu Buhari.
Specifically the three data analysts alleged that in the results sheets they analyzed the votes of Atiku
were deliberately depleted while that of Buhari and APC were inflated.
The Kenyan expert in his evidence specifically insisted that INEC used the server which he claimed to
have penetrated to obtain the alleged authentic results of the February 23 presidential election which
ran counter to the one declared by the electoral body.
But Fagbemi in the cross appeal pleaded with the Supreme Court for an order setting aside the evidence
of the three witnesses and the documents including video clips tendered through them from the bar.
Fagbemi also wants the apex court to out rightly expunge their testimonies and documents from the
record of the court for being inadmissible in law.
The APC argued that the tribunal erred in law when it held that the evidence and the documents of the
three witnesses were considered in the interest of natural justice.
Fagbemi submitted that the decision of the tribunal on the point was untenable on the grounds that the
issue of admissibility or otherwise of a document is a point of law and not natural justice as erroneously
held by the tribunal.
Besides, the senior counsel also sought order of the apex court to strike out Atiku’s allegations of
electoral malpractices in 10 states of the federation on the grounds that the allegations of the electoral
fraud were vague and not specific as required by law.
The counsel said that the petitioners did not state the specific polling units were the alleged fraud were
committed, hence they must be expunged for lacking in merit that can warrant the tribunal to look into
them.
Atiku had on September 23 filed a 66 grounds of appeal upon which he predicated his prayers for
setting aside the whole decision of the presidential election petition tribunal which upheld the
declaration of Buhari as winner of the February 23 presidential election.
The PDP candidate specifically faulted the decision of the Justice Mohammed Garba led panel which
held that Buhari did not need to attach his academic certificates to the INEC’s form CF 001 before he
can stand for the presidential election.
Obiano Is An Igala Man From Ibaji LGA, Kogi State
BEHOLD THE ALLEGED IGALA GOVERNOR OF ANAMBRA STATE

Obiano Originally From Ibaji LGA, Kogi State — Ngige

Mr. Ngige Nwachukwu, the Media Aide to the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Chris
Nwabueze Ngige has stated that the governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano is from Odeke, a
community in Ibaji, Kogi State.

Our correspondent, Mr. Eneh Chigozie, quoted Mr. Ngige as rhetorically asking:

“Is Willie Obiano not originally from Odeke in Ibaji local government area of Kogi State?

“Is he not the Governor of Anambra State?”

In the words of Mr. Eneh, “while we are still trying to dig deep on who is Jubrin Al Sudan. The funny
guys are already in town with the news that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is from Cameroon.

“As doubts on Atiku’s parentage are yet to settle, Ngige Nwachukwu, the Media Aide to the Minister of
Labour and Productivity, Chief Chris Nwabueze, released another bomb.

“He said, gov Obiano is from Odeke, a community in Ibaji, Kogi state.”
Credit:Elombahnews.

Border Closure: 98 Firms Relocate, Others Lose Millions

LAGOS – As the impact of the closure of Nigerian land borders continues to bite, more than 98 firms
operating in the country have relocated to other countries in West Africa in the past three weeks, while
others have lost millions of naira and are near collapse.

Comrade Saviour Iche, the national president of the Association of Micro-Entrepreneurs of Nigeria
(AMEN), made the disclosure while speaking at a press conference in Lagos at the weekend.

He stated the said the companies moved to other countries because of the negative impact the border
closure was having on their businesses, adding that many others will follow suit if the situation persist.

He said that operating environment in other countries in west Africa are better, adding that
governments of other countries offer incentives and support to entrepreneurs.

He said the closure of the borders has had some positive effect like increased revenue for the
government, but argued that the negative impact was greater on the general economy.
According to him, there are many Nigerian businesses that export their goods and services across
Nigerian borders, adding that most of these companies are losing millions of naira on a daily basis.

Iche disclosed that many of them have reduced their operations and their number of workers, adding
that if the situation continues, many of them will close shop soon.

Atiku, PDP Loses Appeal At Supreme Court

Breaking News!

Updates from the Supreme Court:

The Supreme Court found no merit in the appeal of the PDP and Atiku/Obi.

The court has dismissed the appeal and reasons given later

BREAKING: Atiku, PDP Loses Appeal

Osinbajo Says, Nigerians Must Shun Unwholesome Practices

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday urged Nigerians, especially public officials, to shun what he
described as unwholesome and corrupt practices.

Osinbajo, who was represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Social Investments, Mrs
Maryam Uwais, spoke during the maiden edition of the International Ombud Expo held in Abuja.

“We need good governance in Nigeria. We need to depart from practices that are unwholesome, corrupt
practices, and practices that have public officials harassing, intimidating or extorting individuals,
whether male or female,” he said.

The vice-president said the Federal Government placed high premium on good governance anchored
on the building of strong institutions.

He added, “Besides the Public Complaints Commission, the Federal Government has put in place other
subject specific agencies such as the National Human Rights Commission, the Independent Corrupt
Practices and other related offences Commission, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the
Code of Conduct Bureau and the Code of Conduct Tribunal, to broaden the intensity of oversight with a
view to delivering good governance to both citizens and non-citizens resident within jurisdiction.

“While all these aforementioned agencies carry out oversight on governance externally, another agency,
Service Compact with All Nigerians, was again established in 2004 to ensure due diligence compliance
from within.
“This agency serves the purpose of internal service quality audit against public assessment and
concerns. It is expected that the collaborative operations of these agencies, together with the
Ombudsman, will deliver good governance to the people.”

The Chief Public Complaints Commissioner, Mr Chille Igbawua, said corruption and bad governance
were worrisome to the commission.

The Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Muhammad Bello, represented by an FCT official, Mr Yusuf
Mudi, said the theme of the expo was in tandem with the quest of the present administration for better
service delivery at all levels.

EFCC reportedly traces looted funds to Kwara

ex-First Lady's account
- The EFCC has traced some looted funds in Kwara state to the account of a former First Lady in
the state
- The First Lady has so far refunded N3million, but has refused to report to the anti-graft agency
for interrogation
- The ex-First Lady had illegally collected cash from the N2billion which she diverted to her
foundation
A report by The Nation indicates that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has
traced some of the looted N2billion for Small and Medium Enterprise Development (SMED) in Kwara
state to the account of a former First Lady in the state.
According to the report, the First Lady, who has so far refunded N3million, has refused to report to the
anti-graft agency for interrogation.
She reportedly told EFCC that she was indisposed but didn't give details on the nature of her illness.
She also has not presented any medical report. The commission might stop her from traveling abroad
under any guise.
Also, a royal father, who was said to have been given N78million out of the N2billion, might be
arrested for refusing to refund the slush funds.
The ex-First Lady had illegally collected cash from the N2billion which she diverted to her foundation.
A source quoted in the report, said: “Our detectives are on the trace of the ex-First Lady. We accorded
her much respect but she has been avoiding interrogation.
“Without honouring our invitation, she later sent the director of her foundation to refund N3million to
EFCC. But we need her to come for interaction on the looted funds traced to her. She is claiming to be
sick but no evidence of any medical report.
“If she does not appear before EFCC detectives, we are going to watch-list her and prevent her from
traveling abroad.”
Responding to a question, the source added: “Some of the suspects already quizzed have implicated the
ex-First Lady. There is also evidence of allocation of funds from the N billion for SMED to her
account.
“Selected and influential market men and women across the 16 local government areas of the state
received N5 million each as loans, but did not payback.
“One of the market women used a share of her illicit allocation to organise the disruption of
Tradermoni outing by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
“About 50 percent of the controversial loans were shared by highly placed individuals and selected
businessmen and women at the expense of other beneficiaries.”
The EFCC has so far arrested the director-general, Kwara state bureau of SMED, Segun Soewu, over
alleged N2billion fraud.
The EFCC began the probe of the N2 billion following intelligence reports alleging fraudulent
misappropriation and mismanagement of the cash to assist market men and women across the 16 local
government areas of the state.
Meanwhile, the re-nomination of Abubakar Malami, SAN as a minister in the cabinet of President
Muhammadu Buhari for a second term, has irked a coalition of civil society organisations.
Malami, 52, is the immediate past attorney general of the federation and minister of justice.
The coalition at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, July 29, described Malami as a major blight to
Nigeria's anti-corruption fight, waning that his return as a federal minister, “casts serious doubts on
President Muhammadu Buhari's anti-corruption posturing.”

What I Told Awoniyi, Daniyan About Okun Nation – Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described the quest by the Okun people, like the Yoruba in
Kwara State, to align with the South-West Yoruba people as the best thing that can happen to them
because of the overall benefits.
Obasanjo made this known when he received the leaders of the Okun people of Kogi State who were at
his residence in the Ogun State capital, Abeokuta, on Saturday, to invite him to the 2019 Okun Day
celebration.
He applauded the Okun people for their initiative, recalling that he advised two illustrious sons of the
state, the late Silas Bamidele Daniyan and the late Chief Sunday Bolorunduro Awoniyi, of the need to
properly situate the cultural identity of Okun people as main stakeholders in the country.
Stressing the need for the people to hold firmly to their roots, Obasanjo said the issue of cultural
identity remained paramount to encourage a sense of belonging among the diverse ethnic population.
Earlier, President of Kabba Development Union (KDU), Lagos branch, Princess Ladepe Omonale, in
her speech, complained about marginalisation and frustration of the Okun people in the scheme of
things because of being carved out of the South-West.
She restated the quest of the people to join their brethren in the South-West, stating that the
organisation was formed in 2017 to bring together the Yoruba-speaking minorities in Kogi State and
align themselves culturally with their brethren in the South-West.
She reminded the former president of the role of many illustrious sons of Okun nation that served under
his administration, including Chief Daniyan and Awoniyi, who Obasanjo said he was well acquainted
of the people mentioned and in fond memories of their association.
On the planned 2019 Okun Day cultural celebration, she said it had again received blessing of the Ooni
of Ife, and they deemed it proper and necessary the need to approach Obasanjo, who she described as
the father of modern Nigeria.
The delegation, which was jointly led by the president of the Lagos State chapter of the union, Princess
Ladepe Omonale, her Abeokuta branch counterpart, Joseph Santa and a member of the Lagos branch
executive of the union, Wole Hinmikaiye, comprised two consultants – Oluwaseun Ngonnase and
Shehu Bankole-Hameed, who is also an author.

Justice Mary Odili Is Conspicuously Missing

Okay the list is out.

Justice Mary Odili is conspicuously missing.

I dont want to imagine what an Onnoghen list would have looked like.

Buhari dodged a poisoned arrow.

You would expect Fani Kayode to say one or two things later.

Something about the death of the independence of the judiciary and the Amalekites

Timi Frank may call on the UN to dissolve the supreme court.

Justice Ngwuta is not there.

He is now innocent. But perhaps his sort of innocence disqualified him.

It’s also possible he checked his heart and found too much bias and opted out.

Good Judges and Justices do that.

The list is out.

We may get one or two tweets from Dubai.

In China , no one can question the integrity of such a panel and return to any platform for public
speaking.

Ask Peter Obi.

I had said it would take walking on water and turning water to wine at the shore for any Supreme court
panel to upturn the relevant findings of the court of Appeal.

The list is out. Odili and Ngwuta are out.

They will now have to raise the dead to win. Honestly facts dont lie.

An Onnoghen list would have had Onnoghen, Vivour, Odili, Ngwuta…..on a panel of seven.

That would have been quite interesting. Olorun!

Who knows if Atiku is still coming.

Since the appeal court judgment he has been chewing gworo and learning butterfly strokes in Dubai.
source :

http://www.statereporters.com/2019/10/30/justice-mary-odili-is-conspicuously-missing/

See List Of Supreme Court Judges Handpicked By CJN So

Buhari Can Win
There's a reason Onoghen was removed few months to election. Even Buhari's nephew from Katsina is
among the judges.

1. CJN Tanko Mohammed is from Bauchi

2. Bode Rhodes-Vivour is from Lagos
3. Amiru Sanusi is from Katsina
4. Uwani Abaji is from Yobe
5. Ejembi Eko is from Benue
6. John Inyang Okoro is from Akwa-Ibom
7. Ariwola Olukayode is from Southwest

None from s/east.

Supreme Court Ruling: Secondus Says Only God Can Bail Out
Nigeria
The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Uche Secondus, on Wednesday said though
the Supreme Court had dismissed the appeal of the party and its presidential candidate, Atiku
Abubakar, against the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari, the final judgement comes from God
almighty.

He stated that Nigeria is in such an untidy state that only God can
bail her out.

He spoke in a statement by his media aide, Ike Abonyi, while

responding to the judgement of the Supreme Court dismissing their
appeal against the victory of Buhari and the All Progressives Congress in the February 29 election.

He urged Nigerians to remain resolute in their prayers to God, adding that the country is in such “an
untidy state that only God can bail” her out.

Secondus commended Nigerians of all divide for their commitment and support to the party and to
democracy.

He said the commitment of Nigerians to democracy and its tenets,

“despite inhibiting factors,” is worthy of emulation and highly
commendable.

He said, “We thank you for your support for PDP, for your commitment to democracy.

“Nigerians know that you voted PDP, even APC knows that you rejected them on February 23, 2019.

“International community knows you voted for PDP. If Supreme Court of seven justices says otherwise,
leave it to God, the ultimate Judge.”

He also commended journalists for their commitment to democracy and good governance in Nigeria
and urged them not to relent in their
roles of holding politicians accountable to the people.

SERAP Writes Trump, Seeks Travel Ban For El-rufai, Ayade,

Ganduje, Others
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sent an open letter to the US
President Donald Trump asking him to exercise his constitutional powers “pursuant to the Presidential
Proclamations 7750 and 8697 to instruct the US Secretary of State and US Ambassador in Nigeria to
temporarily ban Nigerian state governors and other senior public officials misusing the criminal justice
system to jail journalists, bloggers and activists reporting on allegations of corruption from entering the
US.”
SERAP also urged Mr Trump to “use Presidential Proclamation 8697 (which allows the US Department
of State to deny visas to foreign officials, their families and friends) who participate in serious human
rights violations and other abuses such as misusing the criminal justice system to jail journalists,
bloggers and activists to prevent them from reporting on allegations of corruption and other related
cases.” The letter followed SERAP’s report titled “A Downward Spiral: How Federal and State
Authorities are Tightening the Screws on Media Freedom in Nigeria” and launched today in Lagos.

In the letter dated 30 October 2019 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the
organization said: “Democracy demands ‘maximum disclosure’ of all government held information,
and this won’t happen without respect for media freedom and the citizens’ rights to know. Undue
restrictions on media freedom and the right to know would imply nothing short of abrogation of the
ideals of democracy and good governance. Citizens’ right to know is vital for social welfare and other
human rights.” SERAP also said, “Media freedom and the right of citizens to know constitute a crucial
bulwark of democracy.

It is essential for the general progress of a democratic society if people are to effectively monitor their
government’s affairs and democratically participate in the running of society, they must have access to
government-held information, which the media should be allowed to freely report.” SERAP’s report
documents the increasing cases of harassment, intimidation, arbitrary arrests and detention and deaths
of journalists, bloggers and other media workers while carrying out their legitimate work.

SERAP’s letter read in part: “Specifically, the report documents cases of attacks on journalists,
bloggers and activists reporting on allegations of corruption and related matters in the following states
of Nigeria: Cross River state; Abia state; Ebonyi state; Kano state; Jigawa state; Bauchi state; and
Kaduna state.” The governors of the states mentioned are Ben Ayade (Cross River), Okezie
Ikpeazu(Abia), Dave Umahi (Ebonyi). The other governors are Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano), Mohammed
Badaru Abubakar (Jigawa), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi) and Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai (Kaduna). “Also, 109
journalists were attacked between 2010 and 2015, and several more journalists, bloggers, radio and TV
stations and activists have been targeted since 2015. At least 36 attacks on journalists were recorded
between January and July 2019 alone, 30 of the attacks happening during the 2019 general elections.”

“The attacks and harassment include arbitrary arrests and detention, physical attacks and even deaths.
In 2018, at least 45 radio and TV stations were sanctioned by the authorities on unfounded allegations
of breaching some codes of conduct.” “Proactive initiatives to protect media freedom and human rights
that would invariably contribute to transparency and accountability globally have always been in the
best long-term interests of the US.

Your application of targeted sanctions would reaffirm US commitments to human rights, and media
freedom and help to supplement the criminal justice in Nigeria and be entirely consistent with the US
international obligations.” “SERAP believes that your government’s imposition of targeted sanctions
against those accused of misusing the criminal justice system to attack, intimidate, harass and jail
journalists, bloggers and activists in Nigeria would help to deter other state governments, governors
and other senior public officials from limiting the enjoyment of Nigerians’ right to information about
what their government is doing in their names.”

“Such sanctions would not violate due process and presumption of innocence principles, as long as the
reasons for the sanctions are communicated to those that may be affected, as what is recommended is a
temporary travel ban. We argue that the imposition of temporary travel bans on public officials
complicit in violation of media freedom and preventing reporting of allegations of corruption is a
preventive and not punitive measure.”

“SERAP therefore urges you to apply the presidential proclamations 7750 and 8697 as instruments of
foreign policy to promote targeted sanctions against state governments, governors and other senior
public officials in Nigeria, just as the US has for many years applied targeted sanctions, including
imposing travel restrictions on systematic violations of human rights.” “SERAP believes that applying
presidential proclamations 7750 and 8697 as recommended would be very helpful to Nigeria’s efforts
to protect media freedom, improve transparency and accountability and generally ensure full respect for
the human rights of journalists, bloggers and activists across Nigeria.

It would also facilitate equivalent visa bans in other globally desirable locations as well.” “SERAP
hopes that you will exercise your constitutional powers to promote human rights, media freedom,
transparency and accountability in Nigeria.” “SERAP also notes that Presidential Proclamations 7750
and 8697 underscore the important role of the media in the establishment of legitimate and transparent
public institutions to world stability, peace, and development.”

“The proclamations note the US ‘enduring commitment to respect for human rights and humanitarian
law’, which requires that its Government be able to ensure that the US does not become a safe haven
for suspected violators of human rights and other abuses. They also aim to help the US authorities to
secure peace, promote the rule of law, combat crime and corruption, and strengthen democracies
around the globe.”

“Significantly, the Presidential Proclamations underscore that it is in the interests of the United States
to take action to restrict the international travel and to suspend the entry into the United States, as
immigrants or non-immigrants, of certain persons who are suspected to be involved in serious
violations of human rights, humanitarian law and other abuses.”

Sokoto Apc Punched As Court Sacks Sen. Tambuwal

An Appeal Court sitting in Sokoto Wednesday afternoon has sacked Senator Abubakar Shehu
Tambuwal of All Progress Congress (APC) representing Sokoto South Senatorial District.

The presiding judge Justice Frederick Oho has returned Senator Ibrahim Danbaba(PDP) to the House
of Senates thereby overturning the judgment of a Sokoto State Election Petition Tribunal on its
judgment declaring Abubakar Shehu Tambuwal as the Senator elect representing Sokoto South
Senatorial District in the 2019 election.

Senator Ibrahim Danbaba (PDP) had Appeal against declaration of Senator Tambuwal (APC) by INEC
and Sokoto State Petition Election Tribunal as senator elect to represent Sokoto South District in the
2019 National Assembly election.

Senator Danbaba had appeal on the ground that, Tambuwal did not score majority of lawful votes and
that he was not qualified to run for the election as his credentials bore Abubakar Shehu Arabu.

Tambuwal had told the lower court that he lost his original certificates and had to re-apply for them
from all the schools he attended.

He also said Arabu was his grandfather’s name, while he adopted Tambuwal because he is from the
town.

Delivering the judgment, Justice said senator Ibrahim Danbaba of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),
is duly elected and he’s hereby declared the Senator representing Sokoto South Senatorial District in
the 2019 National Assembly election.

Igbo Leaders To Meet In Abakaliki Over 2023 Presidency

The Ebonyi State capital, Abakaliki is set to host an Igbo leaders’ retreat from November 22 to
23, 2019.

Although the agenda of the gathering was not disclosed, an inside source revealed to Daily Trust that
how to produce a Nigerian President of Igbo origin in 2023 would be a key issue to be discussed.

Tagged “Igboezue Leadership Retreat”, a release from the Retreat Planning Sub-Committee on Media
and Publicity, signed by Collins Steve Ugwu, stated that the event is powered by Nzuko Ummuna -a
core Igbo Think Tank of committed professionals at home and the diaspora- in alliance with the South
East Governors’ Forum (SEGF), will hold at the ultramodern Ecumenical Centre in Abakaliki City.

The release stated that, Chairman of the SEGF, Engr David Umahi will be the host Governor and “will
roll out the new city’s hospitality to welcome all his brother Governors to this epoch retreat, as they
have all individually been engaged and endorsed it as timely and, one that should be supported to
produce enduring outcomes.”

The Chairman of the main Organizing Committee of the Retreat, a former President General of
Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Gary Enwo Igariwey, disclosed that “aside all the Governors and all federal
legislators of Igbo origin being expected, other critical stakeholders of the entire Igbo collectives are
upbeat about the prospects of this gathering, because they are being reached methodically and
comprehensively.” Igariwey equally promised to address a world press conference on November 4 at
the planning secretariat, Abakiliki, where “the meat of the meet will be wholesomely unveiled.”
Gombe Supports Fg's Drive To Revive Cotton, Textile Industries
Gombe state Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has expressed his administration's support
for the federal government's effort at resuscitating cotton, textile and garment industries in the country.

Governor Yahaya declared the support in a remark during the signing of memorandum of
understanding( MoU) between the armed forces, Nigerian police, paramilitary institutions, National
Youth Service Corps and other uniformed services and Nigerian Textile and Garment Manufacturers
Association as well as between the National Cotton Association of Nigeria and Ginners Association of
Nigeria held at the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN headquarters, Abuja.

The aim of the two MoU was to guarantee steady off-take and processing of cotton lint and cotton
seeds; facilitate long-term contracts with Textile and Garment companies to manufacture uniforms in
Nigeria for use by various arms of Nigeria’s Uniformed services.

Governor Yahaya who called for collective action and resolve at reviving the cotton value chain, said
Gombe state has since keyed into the federal government's initiatives aimed at boosting the production
of the commodity in the state.

While describing Gombe as one of the highest cotton producing states in the country, Governor Yahaya
said he will continue to encourage the people of the state to embrace cotton farming in order to reap the
benefits there in.

He said " as a farmer, ginner and Governor of an agrarian state, I must commend the determination of
CBN to revamp the cotton sub- sector ".

He lamented the collapse of textile industries in Nigeria, noting that "a continuous use of foreign
clothes by Nigerians means a continuous drain on the nation's economy".

He charged that " as a people, we must sit up, change our attitude, embrace and value our goods in
order to create more jobs, generate wealth and improve our economy".

CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele said the ceremony, was the result of almost two years of activities
and consultations with key stakeholders in the Cotton, Textile and Garment value chain.

Gombe state Governor and his counterparts from Kano, Katsina, Kaduna and Zamfara states were
members of Textile Revival Implementation Committee (TRIC) constituted by CBN which also had as
members, the Federal Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development, Water Resources, Industry,
Trade and Investment, the aim of which was to drive the initiative to achieve self-sufficiency in cotton
production and textile materials.

Ismaila Uba Misilli

Senior Special Assistant
( Media and Publicity)

Warri, Kaduna Refineries To Be Repaired In 2020

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, has said Warri and Kaduna
refineries will be revamped in the first half of next year.Sylva said on Monday in Lagos that the
rehabilitation of Port Harcourt refinery was ongoing.

The nation’s refineries have a combined installed capacity of 445,000 barrels per day but have
continued to operate far below the installed capacity for many years.

“Refurbishment of the existing refineries to achieve full capacity operations shall be fast-tracked: (Port
Harcourt ongoing, others to follow by Q1 and Q2 2020),” the minister said at the 13th Oil Trading and
Logistics Africa Downstream Week.

He said working with the private sector to aggressively increase domestic refinery capacity would be
paramount.

The minister, who was represented by his Senior Technical Adviser and Chief of Staff, Mr Moses
Olamide, said, “In order to have a robust, investor-friendly and stable downstream petroleum sector, the
government is currently finalising clearer & more transparent regulatory framework with well-
delineated activities to support the rapid infrastructural development in the sector including new
refining capacities emerging in the country.”

He said the government would aggressively promote the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, which
would engender a focused regulatory agency, regulated tariff and open access to pipeline and terminals,
and introduction of transportation network code, among others.

According to Sylva, appropriate framework is being built to encourage public-private partnership in the
downstream sector, especially in the areas of fixing and expansion of existing pipeline infrastructure &
depots.He said flare gas commercialisation would be aggressively pursued with foolproof framework.

PDP Expresses Shock Over Supreme Court Verdict

October 30, 2019

Press Statement

PDP Expresses Shock Over S/Court Verdict.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expresses shock at the judgment of the Supreme Court on the
Presidential election petition filed by the party and its Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
Indeed, what we witnessed today was not what majority of Nigerians, who participated and observed
the Presidential election expected; and this includes even members of the APC.

The PDP notes that it indeed made a solid case, with undisputable evidence, showing that Atiku
Abubakar won the Presidential election and as such is surprised that the justices of the Supreme Court
held otherwise; however, that is the highest court of the land.

Notwithstanding, the distinction of our case remains for Nigerians, including generations yet unborn, to
appreciate.

The PDP expresses gratitude to millions of Nigerians across board for voting Atiku Abubakar in the
election as well as for their unflinching support for our party during the election and throughout the
duration of court proceedings.

Nevertheless, our party, indeed the nation, awaits the justices of the Supreme Court to release their
reasons behind their verdict.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary

President Buhari Under Fire Over Plan To Regulate Social

Media In Nigeria
Presiding Pastor of the Awaiting The Second Coming Of Jesus Christ Gospel Church, Adewale Giwa,
has criticized President Muhammadu Buhari government’s plans to regulate the use of social media in
Nigeria.
Nigeria’s Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, on Tuesday, said the federal government is working
on regulating social media.
In a statement sent to DAILY POST on Wednesday, Giwa noted that criticism is a price of leadership
and any leader who does not want to be criticized cannot lead successfully.
He specifically reminded president Buhari that he came to power in 2015 through propaganda and
criticisms on social media.
“You can’t plan to regulate the powerful tool that brought you to power in 2015.
“Has he forgotten so soon that social media played a prominent role in electing him into the office in
2015?
“They first tried it through a Senator representing Kebbi South Senatorial District, Bala ibn Na’ Allah
but didn’t work. I can tell you that their plan won’t stand.
“If not social media, this government would have caged the people. Where would they start from?
“In America, people criticize Trump on a daily basis without intimidation. A good leader admits all
blame and looking for ways to make the people smile,” said Giwa.

Atiku's Reaction To Supreme Court Judgement

Following the Dismissal by the Supreme Court on the PDP's appeal against the February 23rd 2019
Elections that announced APC's Muhammadu Buhari as Winner, the flag Bearer for the PDP in that
election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has reacted.

In an Emotion laden tone, oma had followed closely with his facebook post and below are extracts.

"Supreme Court Judgement, Can Nigeria Continue Like This?

It is said that the Supreme Court is not final because it is infallible, but that it is infallible because it is
final. While I believe that only God is infallible everywhere, and only Nigerians are infallible in our
democracy, I must accept that the judicial route I chose to take, as a democrat, has come to a
conclusion.

Whether justice was done, is left to the Nigerian people to decide. As a democrat, I fought a good fight
for the Nigerian people. I will keep on fighting for Nigeria and for democracy, and also for justice.

I thank all Nigerians who have stayed the course since the commencement of trial in the petition on the
February 23 presidential election.

The judgement is part of democratic challenges we must face as a nation.

The Nigerian judiciary, just like every estate of our realm, has been sabotaged and undermined by an
overreaching and dictatorial cabal, who have undone almost all the democratic progress the Peoples
Democratic Party and its administrations nurtured for sixteen years, up until 2015.

Can Nigeria continue like this? Recently, former United States Assistant Secretary of State for Africa,
Linda Thomas-Greenfield, averred that Nigeria had rolled back the democratic gains she made in 2015.
When democracy is rolled back, the economy, the society and the judiciary will not be far behind.
Today, the nail has been put on the coffin and the gains we collectively made since 1999 are
evaporating, and a requiem is at hand.

In a democracy, you need a strong judiciary, a free press and an impartial electoral umpire. Nigeria has
none of those three elements as at today.

One man, one woman, one youth, one vote, should be the only way to make gains in a democracy. And
when that is thwarted, the clock starts to tick.
Two and a half millennia ago, Sophocles said “If we are to keep our democracy, there must be one
commandment: “Thou shalt not ration justice.” Nigeria will do well to observe this warning.

To those who think they have broken my spirit, I am sorry to disappoint you. I am too focused on
Nigeria to think about myself. I gave up that luxury twenty years ago. The question is not if I am
broken. The question is if Nigeria is whole?

This is not a time for too many words. It will suffice for me to remind Nigeria of this - we are an
independent nation and we are the architects of our fate. If we do not build a free Nigeria, we may end
up destroying her, and God forbid that that should be the case.

I was a democrat, I am a democrat, and I will always continue to be a democrat. May God bless
Nigeria".

Hotel demolition: Tony Kabaka Loses bid to extend restraining

order on Obaseki
Mr. Tony Kabaka Adun has lost bid to extend the initial 14-day restraining order on Governor Godwin
Obaseki planned demolition of his hotel.

Kabaķa’s hotel was marked for demolition earlier this month but he got a restraining order which
barred Governor Obaseki from carrying out the exercise.

In other parts of the state, illegal buildings and shanties were pulled down.

Kabaka had approached the court and got an order of interim injunction restraining the Commissioner,
the Governor, Attorney General and Edo Government from demolishing, removing, pulling down or
altering the building.

In his interlocutory application, Kabaka through his Counsel, U.L Osa-Uwagie argued that the State
Government did not declare the area, Ugbor, as a planning area and did not gazette it according to the
Town and Country Planning Law of Bendel State 1979, CAP 165, section 6.

He claimed that the state governor was witch-hunting his client as a result of their political differences.

At the resumed hearing of the suit on Wednesday, Justice D. I. Okungbowa refused to grant the prayer
of Kabaka who sought an extension of the 14-day restraining order, which temporarily stopped
demolition of his hotel.

The judge refused the prayer of Adun after Edo State Solicitor General, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), argued
that the order could not be extended beyond the 14 days lifespan.
Iyamu argued that “the deed of transfer attached to the motion by Mr. Kabaka and his lawyer was not
registered with the state government and that he doesn’t have an approved building plan for the hotel
building.

The entire Edo State is a Planning Area as declared and gazetted by the former governor Comr. Adams
Oshiomhole, with Gazette No 22, published 27th May, 2010. Hence, the entire Benin City is a planning
area, which affirms that the hotel is an illegal structure”.

He said it would be in the best interest of justice for the motion for injunction to be dismissed, adding
that Governor Obaseki does not have any sort of political differences with the claimant as alleged.

The court adjourned the case to November 5th November 2019 to hear further arguments on the motion
for interlocutory injunction.

Edo State Government had on 9th October, through the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban
Development, issued a seven-day notice to Tony Adun to remove his T. Latifah Hotel and Suites,
located at the Ugbor axis of the State capital.

PDP, Atiku Should Gracefully Accept Court Verdict, Says

Lawan
The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has asked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and its
presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, to gracefully accept the final verdict of the Supreme Court.

The apex court had on Wednesday, dismissed an appeal filed by the PDP and Atiku for lacking in merit
after challenging the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari in the presidential election of February
23, 2019.

Lawan in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Ola Awoniyi, said that after the end of
litigation, attention should be shifted to showing support to President Buhari as he hopes to build the
country.

“Now that the litigation is over, we should all rally as one people behind the President of Nigeria,
Muhammadu Buhari, in his commitment to building the great nation of our dream.

“The petitioners should gracefully accept the final verdict of our court of law while the winners should
demonstrate magnanimity by extending the hand of fellowship to the opposition with a view to
carrying all Nigerians along in the arduous task of nation-building,” Lawan said.

He urged President Buhari and his government to continue to focus on good governance so as to
deliver on the President’s agenda of improving the lives of Nigerians and putting the nation on the path
of sustainable development.

Lawan said the ninth National Assembly will continue to produce good legislation and pursue the
harmonious relationship between the organs of government and among Nigerians for the unity, peace,
and progress of our fatherland.

Fr. Arinze Madu Regains Freedom In Enugu

The Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Arinze Madu of Queen of Apostles Seminary, Imezi Owa in Ezeagu Local
Government Area, Enugu State, who was abducted on Monday at the gate of the institution by
unknown hoodlums has regained his freedom, Igbere TV has learnt.

This was made known by the State Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amaraizu.

He said “the priest was released unhurt, Wednesday afternoon”.

It would be recalled that the Enugu State Government had charged the security agencies to ensure the
rescue of the priest.

The state command of the Nigeria Police Force and other sister agencies had intensified efforts in the
manhunt for the freedom of the kidnapped priest.

The Catholic Diocese of Enugu in its official Facebook page, also confirmed the release of the priest,
stating that “Father Madu, the kidnapped priest of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu has been released”.

It added that Father Madu “was released this (Wednesday) afternoon from the kidnappers’ den.”

Sagay: Atiku's Lawyers Only Collected His Billions

Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN), Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption
(PACAC) has reacted to the Supreme Court judgment which validated President Muhammadu Buhari’s
election, saying the lawyers of Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party
(PDP) only collected hefty sums from him.

Speaking in a chat with Daily Independent, Sagay said any serious lawyer with hood good knowledge
of election laws would have known that there is no way Atiku could have won based on the two issues
he promised his appeal on.

The two issues according to him are Buhari’s certificate and INEC server.When I look at these two
major issues, i just wondered what the appeal was all about. For me it is about lawyers just making
millions, maybe billions, because any lawyer going to court on behalf of Atiku with all that legal
background has not done its duty as a lawyer”.
” I said so because when your client has no case, you should tell him. If he insists on going ahead
instead of ridiculing yourself, you can refuse to take up the case”.

“I have done that on several occasions. So I am not surprised but the speed shows how hopeless the
case was” he said.

Supreme Court Ruling: Accept Defeat Now, Okorocha Tells

Atiku
Former governor of Imo state, Rochas Owelle Okorocha, has urged the 2019 Peoples Democratic Party,
PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar to accept the ruling of the Supreme Court against him in
good fate.

Okorocha, who is the senator representing Imo West, said Atiku should “join hands with his brother to
move the country forward”.

He said the Presidential Petition Tribunal and the Supreme Court only authenticated President
Muhammadu Buhari’s victory.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Sam Onwuemeodo, Okorocha insisted that available
statistics proved that Buhari won the 2019 presidential election.

He, however, saluted Atiku for challenging the outcome of the election to a logical conclusion, adding
that his action will help to strengthen the nation’s democracy.

President Buhari Reacts To Victory At Supreme Court

President Muhammadu Buhari today welcomes the ruling of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, dismissing
the case brought before them by former vice-president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and his party, the
Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and again thanks the people of Nigeria for the mandate they gave to
him to run the affairs of the country for another four years.

“The Government – and people of Nigeria – have been aware that the result of the February 23, 2019,
presidential election has been settled now for some eight months.

‘‘President Buhari was re-elected by an absolute majority of 55.6 per cent of the national vote, with
Nigerians casting nearly 4 million more votes for President Buhari than his nearest challenger –
representing a margin close to 15 per cent of the total vote.

“The former Vice President and his political party exercised their rights, under the Nigerian
Constitution and electoral laws, to petition the courts and dispute this result.

‘‘They did so first at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal which ruled in September 2019 against
them. Now - following his appeal to the Supreme Court and its ruling to dismiss their case for “lacking
merit” – this matter is now closed.

“The President and Government of Nigeria do wish to extend our gratitude to former vice-president
and his party for undertaking their campaign through protestations to the courts.
‘‘In this regard they have conducted themselves in line with the laws of the country they sought to lead.

“Now, following this final legal bid before the highest court, it is time the country is afforded the right
to move on – in the interest of all Nigerians – regardless of how they voted.

“The elected President, and his Government now must be enabled to focus solely on addressing the
issues that concern the country.

‘‘From building economic empowerment and opportunities for the nearly 200 million Nigerians, 60
percent of whom are youths bubbling with energy, to defeating the twin ills of terrorism and corruption,
there is much work to do.

“So too must the opposition be afforded the right to focus directly on their vital role of holding the
administration to account for its decisions.

‘‘The governance of a democracy only functions as it should when those checks on the executive are in
place - and utilized.

“The opposition, as much as the government, must now move on - and without the need for further
distractions”.

Adams Oshiomhole: Obasanjo Travelled More Than Buhari

Following the allegation that President Muhammadu Buhari engages in frequent foreign trips, the
National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, has said that the
president was yet to match any of his predecessors in visiting foreign lands, especially former President
Olusegun Obasanjo.

Oshiomhole faulted the claims while fielding questions from journalists yesterday in Abuja.

He said that the late Gani Fawehinmi ín a book he wrote calculated the number of days Obasanjo spent
in foreign lands during his eight-year tenure as the president of the country.

Oshiomohle argued that “saying that President involves in frequent trips is not correct. I remember very
well, there is no President in recent Nigeria’s history, since 1999 till now, that travelled out of Nigeria
as much as former President Olusegun Okikiola Aremu Obasanjo did.

“If you check through your newspapers and play back some of your electronic coverages, you will find
where Gani Fawehinmi of blessed memory took time to calculate the number of days President
Obasanjo was out of Nigeria, visiting foreign countries.

“Reacting to a recent statement credited to the Chairman of Presidential Advisory Committee Against
Corruption (PACAC), Prof. Itse Sagay, accusing Oshiomhole of creating more problems for the party
with his aggressive attitude, the chairman of the ruling party said that he won’t reply through the media
over series of allegations levelled against him about crisis in the party and Edo State.

He said though he had not read what the PACAC chairman said, he added that even if he had read it, he
won’t reply through newspapers out of respect he has for him.

The national chairman said he remembered very well that Sagay was one of those who asked him to
contest for president, insisting that he would not reply him through the newspapers, but would find out
what he had said.

Buhari Participates At Plenary Session On ‘‘What’s Next For

Africa’’
President Muhammadu Buhari with President Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger and President Uhuru
Kenyatta of Kenya at plenary session on ‘‘What’s Next for Africa’’ on the second day of the Future
Investment Initiative in Riyadh, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

With them (far left) is the Moderator, Richard Attias, Executive Chairman of consulting firm Richard
Attias & Associates.

Buhari departed Abuja on Monday for Riyadh, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to attend the third edition
of the Future Investment Initiative (FII).

The event was organised by Saudi’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

The event themed, `What’s Next for Global Business?’ will hold from Oct. 29 to Oct. 31, and would
focus on three key pillars: Sustainable Future, Technology for Good and Advanced Society.

The three-day event would be held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques,
King Salman bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia and chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin
Abdulaziz.

N6bn Ondo Riverside Communities’ Power Project Ready Soon

– NNDC
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has said its N6 billion 132/33KV sub-station
designed to provide electricity for over 2, 000 riverside communities in Ondo state will be ready for use
soon.

Acting Managing Director of NDDC, Dr Akwagaga Enyia, gave this assurance while addressing
newsmen during an inspection of the project in Okitipupa on Monday.

Enyia, who was in company of the state deputy governor, Agboola Ajayi,
said she was excited that the commission was constructing “a huge power station” in the oil-producing
area of the state.

The project got stalled for over 10 months as a result of non-payment of the outstanding interim
payment certificate (IPC).

However, the NDDC met that obligation last week and work began in earnest as a target completion
period of first quarter of 2020 has been agreed between contractors and the commission.

“I was told that for some time, there was delay in the progress of work on site. When I came on board
as the Acting MD, I made sure that funds were released to put the project on fast-track. That is why
work is going on at a much faster pace now,” he said.

Enyia stated that it was one of the key projects with many months of outstanding interim payment
certificates, which the commission had cleared to pave the way for progress at the site.

Enyia assured that as more funds were made available to the commission, payment would be sustained
to guarantee early completion of the project, stating that the contractor had promised to complete the
project by the first quarter of 2020.

Also, the deputy governor said the commission had done well in spite of some challenges which were
expected in any organisation, especially in an interventionist agency such as the NDDC.

He expressed delight that over 2,000 oil-producing communities spread across five local government
areas of Ilaje, Ese-Odo, Okitipupa, Odigbo and Irele, all in Ondo South senatorial district, would
benefit from the sub-station.

“We must look at how we can strengthen the NDDC to enable it deliver on its mandate. We need to
encourage and support NDDC to do more for the people of the region.

Executive Director, Engineering and Technical Services, Niger Delta Power Holding Co Ltd., Ifeoluwa
Oyedele, said the inspection by NDDC was significant because it underscored the importance of
collaboration among agencies of government.

He said that the NDDC sub-station would be fed from NDPHC power station in Omotosho, which,
according to him, was grossly underutilised.
“We have four turbines at the station, but at the moment, we are firing only one while the rest are idle,”
he said.

A traditional ruler from Ilaje local government area, Oba Oluwashegun Akinyomi, commended NDDC
for the intervention, noting that all hands were on deck to deliver the project on time.

Imo: Why Ihedioha Cleared 80 Months Arrears Of 24,000

Pensioners
The Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha paid the backlog of 80 months pension arrears of 24, 409
pensioners to show how things can be done differently in the administration of the state, and not for
politics, the coalition for the Advancement of Good Governance (CAGG) has said. The National
Convener, CAGG, James Okoronkwo, said this on Wednesday in Abuja at a news conference.

He also said the 24, 409 pensioners paid were out of the 25, 430 total and that the remaining 340 are
yet to be paid because of invalid BVN, and another 286 because of wrong banking details.

“A summary of all pensioners of the 27 local governments shows that payments have started not only
for Imo State indigenes but also those that were seconded from their state, did a transfer, or were not
originally from Imo State but are employed by the Imo State Government,” Okoronkwo said. He said
the organisation was not unmindful of the impatience of Imolites to see immediate results from the
government they voted for, especially now that their mandate has further been affirmed by the Court of
Appeal.

Bola Tinubu Reacts To Supreme Court Dismissed Of Atik's

Appeal Against Buhari
Presidential Election: Supreme Court Affirms Will of The People

On February 23, the people tendered the foremost expression of their sovereign, democratic will by
voting for the reelection of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Today, the rule of law conclusively affirmed the collective voice of the people by dismissing the
petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and their presidential candidate, former Vice
President Atiku Abubakar.
The sun rose high in the Nigeria sky today to shine its light over the entire land.This decision and this
day will be recorded as important milestones on Nigeria’s insuperable march toward perfecting
democracy and the rule of law across our land.
Democracy has been affirmed and strengthened. By its ruling, the Supreme Court also affirmed that the
rule of law is paramount; that the law is to be applied objectively, without regard to fear, friend or foe.
The law is the law. Nothing is to be added to it and nothing subtracted from it. No one should enjoy
undue favor or suffer unjust prejudice from its application.
I thus commend the Supreme Court for its expeditious and highly competent treatment of this
important matter. In so doing, it undergirded its reputation as the highest court in the law and the
ultimate guardian of the rule of law in our nation.
By extension, I must recognize the vast majority of the judiciary for the impartial administration of
justice in electoral and other matters. Improvements are still needed in some areas but we have come
far and are faced in the right direction.
I congratulate President Buhari and the entire APC on a well-deserved legal affirmation of a hard-won
electoral victory. The victory is a result of the President’s hard work and of the trust the people have in
him as a committed leader.
With these electoral and legal victories now behind us, the APC must give due honor to the faith the
people have reposed in us. They expect us to govern in a way that produces the shared prosperity and
enlightened future they deserve.
We must commit ourselves fully to this profound and august task. I must also give due respect to the
PDP and former VP Atiku for the energetic electoral campaign they conducted and for their tenacious
pursuit of what they believed was their legal remedies.
Although they lost at the polls, they did not seek to overturn the system. Instead, they respected the
system that had so often decided in their favor in previous elections and judicial proceedings.
They behaved like good democrats by seeking redress through the courts as is their right. This was the
legal and moral thing to do. Although we are political opponents, I must commend them for following
the pathways of democracy and peaceful, legal resolution of their grievances. This is as it ought to be.
In an election, there can only be one winner. By conducting themselves as they have, the PDP may not
have gained the verdict they wanted in court.
However, the verdict of history will be that their comportment thus far has helped strengthen our
political democracy & its legal safeguards. I pray that they recognize the importance of this and that
this service to the nation provides them a degree of solace going forward.
I ask them to now channel the formidable energy and intellect they deployed in the electoral and legal
processes toward joining with us, to the extent possible, to move this nation more rapidly and assuredly
forward.
As I stated before, I know the magnanimity of President Buhari. His hand is extended to them in
friendship and cooperation. For the good of the nation, I urge them to take it.
Most importantly, it is fitting to commend the people of Nigeria. You are law-abiding and good people.
You voted in peace and good faith and you awaited the judicial process in like manner. You expect
nothing from the government but what it ought to do for you.

You are the backbone and best hope of our land. President Buhari and the APC shall work for your
benefit and on your behalf in order to realize our common dream of a better nation.

Today we moved a step closer to that dream.

GUTA Locks Up Nigerians’ Shops In Kumasi

Some persons associated with the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) have gone on rampage
closing shops belonging to foreigners in commercial hubs in Kumasi in the Ashanti region.
The closure that begun from Alarbar spread to Adhye and Kejetia Wednesday.

The Ashanti Regional President of the Nigerian Association of Traders Union told Ultimate News he
has asked his nationals not to retaliate when the errant people beseech their shops.

He pointed out that the faces of the GUTA members do not look familiar and wondered why they all
refused to show any identity.

He told reporter Ivan Heathcote – Fumador, “as we speak now, there are some of the guys here at
magazine closing shops belonging to foreigners.”

He however indicated that the Manhyia Divisional Commander ACP Kwaku Boah had deployed some
police personnel who had come to break the padlocks of some of the locked shops.

The executive of the Ashanti Region chapter of the Ghana Union of Traders Association who were
contacted insisted they will not speak to the media until they were done with a meeting they had
convened.

FG Lifts Suspension On Humanitarian NGOs In The Northeast

The federal government has temporarily lifted the suspension placed on two international humanitarian
organisations (NGOs) in the Northeast. The two humanitarian NGOs; Action Against Hunger and
Mercy Corps, were suspended by the “Operation Lafiya Dole” Theatre Command of the Nigerian
Army on September 19 and September 24, respectively, on the allegation that they were supplying
food, fuel and medicine to Boko Haram insurgents.

However, during a media briefing held Wednesday in Abuja, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster
Management and Social Development (MHADMSD), Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq, said that
government was concerned about counter terrorism efforts and that measures must be put in place to
support it. She said: “Based on the 7-point agenda proposed by the UN Resident and Humanitarian
Coordinator to strengthen coordination and partnership between the humanitarian community and the
government of Nigeria in the North East, and taking into consideration the planned civil military
coordination workshop in Maiduguri by the FMHADMSD, these issues will be addressed. “

Among others, they will be addressed through establishment of a high policy forum on humanitarian
assistance in Northeast by this ministry, vetting of all humanitarian vendors, clearance of all NGOs,
allocation of fuel to humanitarian actors, submission of monthly reports on humanitarian activities
through the FMHADMSD, review of civil-military coordination in Maiduguri and Abuja, development
and approval of a cash transfer policy for humanitarian assistance in Northeast.”
Governor Sacks His Technical Assistant On Social Media For
Misinformation
Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi on Wednesday October 30, sacked his Technical Assistant on
Social Media, Mr Ndubisi Itumo, for allegedly misinforming the public.

A statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kenneth Ugbala, said the termination
was with ilmmediate effect.
“The termination is on the grounds of misconduct bordering on misinforming the public" the statement
reads.
"Consequently, Mr. Itumo is directed to handover all government property in his possession to the
Principal Secretary to the Governor before the close of work on Tuesday 29th October, 2019."

The sacking of Mr Itumo is said to be connected to a report alleging that the Governor has travelled to
China and will be away for 23 days.

A statement signed by Francis Nwaze, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, said the report
is "in total contrast to the truth on ground and should be discarded as chaff as it doesn't stand and
equally not official"
"The Governor had on Saturday travelled outside the country for the betterment of Ebonyi State in
particular and the country in general. He duly announced a handover of the state government activities
to the Deputy Governor, Barr. Kelechi Igwe as the Acting Governor at Ebonyi State EXCO Chambers,
Abakaliki on Thursday 22nd October, 2019. He is not away for 23 days and the general public is to
take note of the above as those affected by the number of days he is to spend are already in the know"
said Mr Nwaze.

Festus Keyamo Reacts As Atiku Loses To Buhari At The

Supreme Court
DUBAI STRATEGY turned out to be the DUBAI TRAGEDY

A man who claims to be a democrat refuses to congratulate the winner of an election, even
after highest court affirmed it. Rather, he takes a swipe at ALL democratic institutions.
That’s the hallmark of a bad loser. It appears the DUBAI STRATEGY turned out to be the
DUBAI TRAGEDY

Twitter Bans Political Adverts Globally (see Jack Dorsey's

Tweets)
Twitter has banned all political advertising on its platforms globally. This was announced in a series of
tweets by Twitter’s CEO, Jack Dorsey. Here are the tweets below.
jack @jack

We’ve made the decision to stop all political advertising on Twitter globally. We believe
political message reach should be earned, not bought. Why? A few reasons…

A political message earns reach when people decide to follow an account or retweet. Paying
for reach removes that decision, forcing highly optimized and targeted political messages
on people. We believe this decision should not be compromised by money.

While internet advertising is incredibly powerful and very effective for commercial
advertisers, that power brings significant risks to politics, where it can be used to influence
votes to affect the lives of millions.

Internet political ads present entirely new challenges to civic discourse: machine learning-
based optimization of messaging and micro-targeting, unchecked misleading information,
and deep fakes. All at increasing velocity, sophistication, and overwhelming scale.

These challenges will affect ALL internet communication, not just political ads. Best to
focus our efforts on the root problems, without the additional burden and complexity taking
money brings. Trying to fix both means fixing neither well, and harms our credibility.

For instance, it‘s not credible for us to say: “We’re working hard to stop people from
gaming our systems to spread misleading info, buuut if someone pays us to target and force

people to see their political ad…well...they can say whatever they want!

We considered stopping only candidate ads, but issue ads present a way to circumvent.
Additionally, it isn’t fair for everyone but candidates to buy ads for issues they want to
push. So we're stopping these too.

We’re well aware we‘re a small part of a much larger political advertising ecosystem. Some
might argue our actions today could favor incumbents. But we have witnessed many social
movements reach massive scale without any political advertising. I trust this will only
grow.

In addition, we need more forward-looking political ad regulation (very difficult to do). Ad

transparency requirements are progress, but not enough. The internet provides entirely new
capabilities, and regulators need to think past the present day to ensure a level playing field.

We’ll share the final policy by 11/15, including a few exceptions (ads in support of voter
registration will still be allowed, for instance). We’ll start enforcing our new policy on
11/22 to provide current advertisers a notice period before this change goes into effect.

A final note. This isn’t about free expression. This is about paying for reach. And paying to
increase the reach of political speech has significant ramifications that today’s democratic
infrastructure may not be prepared to handle. It’s worth stepping back in order to address.
Mobolaji Johnson, The First Governor Of Lagos Is Dead
The first military governor of Lagos State, Brig-Gen. Mobolaji Olufunso Johnson, is dead, news9naija
reports.

Johnson's son, Deji, confirmed that the retired soldier who was aged 83, passed on in the late hours of
Wednesday, 30th Oct 2019.

Johnson was first appointed by Aguiyi-Ironsi as the administrator the former federal territory of Lagos
in 1966.

In May 1967, Lagos State was created and Johnson became the first governor of Lagos; the state was
now composed of the old Federal Territory of Victoria Island, Ikoyi and Lagos Island plus the additions
of Epe, Badagry, Ikorodu and Ikeja divisions.

Olufemi Michael Abikoye To Nigerians In Ghana: 'Go Back

Home'
The Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, His Excellency Ambassador Olufemi Michael Abikoye
has told their citizens particularly those doing businesses in Ghana to return home since the economy of
Nigeria is now in a good shape

"Things are getting better in Nigeria and I can assure you. ..And I don't see any reason why we should
not be proud of Nigeria", the High Commissioner admonished in a meeting with the members of the
Nigeria Union of Traders Association Ghana (NUTAG) in Kumasi over the weekend covered by the
reporter, Kwabena Danso-Dapaah.

Shops owned by Nigerians at Suame in Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti Region, were recently
ransacked by raucous Ghanaian youths in the early hours of Wednesday, 19 June 2019 by the locals to
register their displeasure against a decision by the Ghana Union Traders Association (GUTA) to reopen
closed Nigerian retail shops.

"Anywhere in the world when you hear any two Black Men making an achievement, it is either the two
are Nigerians or at least one other is Nigeria", Excellency Ambassador Olufemi Michael Abikoye are
Sensitization and Interactive Session with Ashanti Regional Security Council (RESEC) stated.

Nigerian traders closed their shops temporarily on Friday, 14 June 2019 over what they described as
attacks from their Ghanaian counterparts.

The Ghanaian traders argue that they are only enforcing the laws of Ghana which bar foreigners from
engaging in the retail sub-sector, a preserve of Ghanaians.
The rampaging youth, who wore red bands and attires, also lit car tyres as part of their protest.

The Ghanaians also expressed anger about the kidnapping scourge in the country which involves
Nigerian suspects.

They, therefore, resolved and threatened to deal with the Nigerians since the authorities have not been
able to intervene in the matter.

Source: Kwabena Danso-Dapaah

https://mobile.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Go-back-home-Nigerian-High-
Commissioner-tells-Nigerians-in-Ghana-794159

GUTA Locks Up Nigerians’ Shops In Kumasi

Some persons associated with the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) have gone on rampage
closing shops belonging to foreigners in commercial hubs in Kumasi in the Ashanti region.

The closure that begun from Alarbar spread to Adhye and Kejetia Wednesday.

The Ashanti Regional President of the Nigerian Association of Traders Union told Ultimate News he
has asked his nationals not to retaliate when the errant people beseech their shops.

He pointed out that the faces of the GUTA members do not look familiar and wondered why they all
refused to show any identity.

He told reporter Ivan Heathcote – Fumador, “as we speak now, there are some of the guys here at
magazine closing shops belonging to foreigners.”

He however indicated that the Manhyia Divisional Commander ACP Kwaku Boah had deployed some
police personnel who had come to break the padlocks of some of the locked shops.

The executive of the Ashanti Region chapter of the Ghana Union of Traders Association who were
contacted insisted they will not speak to the media until they were done with a meeting they had
convened.

Supreme Court Judgement: Governor Inuwa Yahaya Hails

Verdict
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe state has applauded the Supreme court judgement that
dismissed the appeal of the people's Democratic Party, PDP and its presidential candidate, Atiku
Abubakar and affirmed President Muhammadu Buhari as the duly elected president of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria.

Reacting to today's judgement, Governor Yahaya congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari and the
leadership of the Governing All Progressives Congress, APC as well as all Nigerians of goodwill,
observing that with the judgement, the apex court has now laid to rest all the legal tussles, paving the
way for the president to continue to face the task of building the nation and moving the country to the
next level of development and prosperity without any distraction.

The Governor hailed the ruling as affirmation of president Buhari's overwhelming victory and the
vindication of the people's massive support for the president and the APC at the February 23, 2019
general election.

He also applauded the judiciary for serving justice through a transparent delivery which he said will
help deepen the judicial process and dispensation of justice in Nigeria.

"On behalf of myself, the Government and people of Gombe state, I wish to join the APC family,
numerous well- wishers and lovers of democracy in Nigeria and the world over, to congratulate our
dear president and the leadership of our great party for the supreme court judgement".

"This is indeed a victory for democracy and for the overwhelming majority of Nigerians who stood
under the sun and in the rains and voted the president and his party, APC". He said.

Ismaila Uba Misilli

Senior Special Assistant
( Media and Publicity)

Nigeria Will Break Up Soon, FFK Predicts.

Former Aviation Minister, Femi-Kayode has said that the prediction that Nigeria would break up was
still going to come to pass.

He added that it was only a question of time before the prediction would be fulfilled.

However, the former aviation minister said that the conditions that would help Nigeria to continue to
exist as one country would be the restructuring of the country.

He was reacting to the warning on Wednesday in Abuja, by the former chairman of the Independent
National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega,who said that Nigeria would break up
in 2015 could become a reality if measures were not taken to avoid such happening.

But responding in a tweet on his verified Twitter account, @realFFK, Fani Kayode said, "Nothing can
stop it. It's only a question of time. If you want us to stay one then restructure the country and stop
treating southerners and Middle Belters like slaves.
October 31

‘soldiers Came To Kill Me:i’d Be Shot In The Head And

Dumped In A Shallow Grave'
]It was 14 September 2017. I woke up with a start. It was about 4pm. I was still recuperating, and I was
sleeping that afternoon in my room, and someone was shaking me and calling my name. I blinked. I
might have started involuntarily. I was in my old home in Umuahia. My parents and other members of
my family were there, brothers, nephews, nieces, cousins. We had friends and supporters outside and
inside. I had felt safe, secure.

Then I heard the gunfire and I understood what the man standing over me was trying to tell me. I had to
get up. I had to get out now. Soldiers had come. They were attacking the compound, shooting, killing
my friends and family.

But I refused to go. I suppose for a minute or so I refused to believe what they were telling me: that the
soldiers had come to kill me; I would be shot in the head, dumped among my dead companions in a
shallow grave on the side of some road. They would say I had resisted arrest. That we had opened fire
on the soldiers. That we were to blame. But we had no guns in the house. We only had our voices. And
my men had been telling the soldiers they had no right to enter.

My name is Nnamdi Kanu. I am the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). All my life my
colleagues and I have been working for Biafran self-determination, the right for the people of Biafra to
choose their own destiny, to be free from persecution. You may remember the Biafran war, 50 years
ago. In May 1967 Biafra was left with no choice but to secede from Nigeria only to face a vastly
superior invasion army and a blockade of food supplies supported by governments as diverse as the UK
and the Soviet Union.

You may remember those photographs of starving children, their bellies distended, crying with hunger,
crying without tears because their tear ducts had dried up. Dying mothers, Biafran youth dead on the
roads around Port Harcourt. How many Biafrans were killed because of this deliberate policy of
starvation has been argued ever since. But it is in the millions. We believe five million. Other estimates
are anything between one and eight million. But a handful of adults and children would have been too
many, never mind millions.

It was a terrible and inglorious beginning to post-colonial African history. But that was 50 years ago.
Now, today in 2019 the violent, brutal persecution of the Biafran people by the Nigerian state and their
supporters continues unabated. I will give you facts and figures. I will tell you about the murders, the
beatings, farmers driven from their land, young men unarmed except with the flag of our country, shot
dead in the streets by those ostensibly sent to ‘protect’ us. I will tell you all these things.
But first… My men began to drag me from the bedroom. I protested. I didn’t want to leave my home. I
wanted to confront the soldiers and ask them what they had come for. In just less than a month I had a
court hearing. I was determined to be there. My story would be told. The world would know how the
Nigerian Security Forces tried to keep me imprisoned without trial on trumped-up charges. How they
refused to bring me to court when a judge demanded it. How they ignored the bail that had been posted.
How there was still some faint ghost of independence among Nigeria’s judiciary. I would stay for that.

I was being bundled down the stairs and out into the compound at the back, away from the soldiers who
had forced their way into the front of the house. My men pushed and pulled me towards the high
perimeter wall

Overhead I could hear helicopter gunships, their propellers whirring with that sick, lazy beat they have
when they hover. More gunfire. Shouting. Soldiers shouting. My men shouting. I realised the soldiers
were not here to arrest me – they could have done that at any time. These were crack troops; they’d
called in the air force. They were not here to negotiate my surrender.

I was being bundled down the stairs and out into the compound at the back, away from the soldiers who
had forced their way into the front of the house. My men pushed and pulled me towards the high
perimeter wall which ran the full circumference of the compound. Ten feet high. Somehow, they man-
handled me to the top of this and I fell to the ground the other side.

A sharp, sharp pain literally took my breath away. My limbs flailed. My mouth opened but I couldn’t
take in air. I had fallen on my left rib cage. I gasped, convinced that I had punctured my lung in the fall.
I heard footsteps and people talking, more gunfire. And always the sound of helicopter blades ripping
up the air above me. Then I blanked out.

More than 28 of my fellow IPOB members were killed that day. They had tried to defend my home, my
family, without guns, without clubs, only with their bodies and their words. The soldiers even shot and
killed the family dog. Initially the Nigerian army denied the assault, but footage and photographs show
the attack as it happened and its aftermath.
Biafra war – in photos

I wish this had been an unusual day in Biafraland. Violence, harassment and persecution by the
Nigerian state and their unofficial militia are constant these days. Biafrans have been persecuted and
murdered since before I was born: from the killings of hundreds of Igbo people in Jos in 1945 to the
attempted extermination of Biafrans during the war of 1967-70 and modern-day pogroms such as the
on-going military attacks on Biafra by the Nigerian Army known as “Operation Python Dance”. Then
there is the systematic cleansing of whole areas by Fulani herdsmen from the north. Biafrans have been
butchered for reasons that range from religious intolerance, economic incompetence and xenophobic
warmongering on the part of a Nigerian state that can hardly keep itself together.
The case of the so-called Muslim Fulani herdsmen from the north of Nigeria, who have already been
recognized as terrorists by the international community, is a perfect example of this ongoing
persecution. Government policies intended to take land from Biafra and give it to Fulani from the north
are driven by a strong undertone of radical political Islam, their objective literally to change the
landscape by creating a homeland for the Fulani in the south in order to dominate Nigeria’s political
space indefinitely. The People of Biafra and the south of Nigeria are predominantly Christian and
Jewish. The Fulani and other people of the north are Muslim. I don’t wish to stoke religious tensions – I
am a man of faith and I respect the faith of others – but driving out Christian farmers to settle Muslim
herdsmen on their land is not only economic insanity, it is ethnic cleansing.

According to the most recent Global Index on Terror, the first and fourth most deadly Islamic Terrorist
organisations in the world operate in Nigeria. Boko Haram is first while the Fulani Herdsmen represent
the fourth. More than 1,700 deaths were attributed to the Fulani in the first nine months of 2018. Little
is done to stem the flow of violence from either group. The Nigerian army avoids confrontation with
Boko Haram and the Fulani enjoy the tacit support of the Nigerian government. Meanwhile, the army is
busy attacking peaceful Biafrans under the smoke screen of ‘military manoeuvres’.

What astonishes me, though, is the almost total silence from the world’s media, politicians and the
international community surrounding this horrible persecution. The use of Fulani herdsmen to drive
farmers from their land, with hundreds of men and women killed in peaceful farming communities in
Plateau State and Adamawa and Enugu, documented by the Global Index on Terror and confirmed by
Human Rights Watch, ought to be worthy enough of reporting. But we must add the killing and brutal
beating by the Nigerian army and police of anyone who supports the Indigenous People of Biafra or
calls for Biafran self-determination.

In 2017 Amnesty International recorded hundreds of killings of Biafrans by the Nigerian state. These
killings cannot be disputed. The numbers since have not been collated but will be equal. Bodies are
buried in shallow graves, thrown in the bush or left on the street. Since 2017 state oppression has
included: the beating of young men attending a relative’s funeral in Onitcha in 2019; in August 2018
the arrest and imprisonment in Owerri of 100 women protesting against violence carried out by the
security forces and specifically the attack on my home; in 2017 and 2018 brutal beatings given by
Nigerian soldiers and police to anyone wearing or carrying the Biafran flag, including a disabled man
in Onitsha; the indiscriminate burning down of houses by Nigerian Police in Abia State in October
2019, because their inhabitants support Biafran self-determination.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) that I lead, has one principal purpose: we call for the
recognition of the Biafran people’s right to self-determination. We pursue the right to self-
determination for Biafrans without the use of force. We uphold human rights. We reject violence. Our
successes are measured by peaceful protest, such as the stay-at-home day we have organised on 30 May
each year to commemorate the Biafran declaration of independence in 1967.
And yet, despite the violence meted out to us on such occasions, we are called ‘terrorists’ and
proscribed by the Nigerian government. No one else in the world has agreed with this move to ban our
movement.

In a letter to the president of Nigeria in March 2019, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’
Rights declared Nigeria’s proscription of IPOB as a terrorist group and attacks against its members as
prima facie violation of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights. The outlawing of IPOB has
given the Nigerian government an excuse to send in the army and provided impetus for Islamist militias
to drive us from our homes.

Biafra has always been wealthier, better endowed with natural resources and more creative with them
than the north of Nigeria. When Nigeria was created in 1914 the stated purpose by then Governor of
Britain’s West African colonies, Sir Frederick Lugard, was to marry the rich South to the Poor North
and even up the economics of both. It never worked. It only forced together unhappy and angry
bedfellows.

The outlawing of IPOB has given the Nigerian government an excuse to send in the army and provided
impetus for Islamist militias to drive us from our homes

Almost from the moment Nigeria’s independence was declared, the Biafran people wanted out, which
led to the bloody war of 1967-70. Now Nigeria’s government, dominated for so many years by
politicians and top brass from the north, has set itself to oppose with full military force peaceful calls
for Biafran self-determination. No doubt they hope to stave off the collapse of Nigeria, which
commentators from all regions have recognised in recent months.

I came back to my home country in October 2015 to try to help bring an end to the violence and
persecution by peaceful means. From London, where I had been living, I had set up Radio Biafra to
offer a platform for debate over the right to self-determination of the Biafran people. Because of my
activism and vocal criticism of the Nigerian government, I was arrested, demeaned, degraded and
treated atrociously and held without trial in an undisclosed location for 18 months.

I was accused of treason and belonging to an illegal organisation. I was denied the bail that had been
granted me. And when I was finally released on bail, less than a month before my court hearing, the
Nigerian army was sent to kill me as part of its ongoing activities against Biafrans known as Operation
Python Dance. So I wouldn’t have a judge decide on my case in a free and open hearing. I wouldn’t be
able to expose the attempts by the Department of State Security to silence me. I wouldn’t have the
chance to turn the spotlight of the media on to Nigeria itself.

After that terrible day in September 2017, I woke up in a safe house. I was in great pain. My left side
was swollen, and every breath was agonising. I had internal bleeding, a doctor told me, and I was
advised to rest before I could go anywhere. Then I remembered my parents, my family members who
had stayed in the house, young nephews and nieces. I was told they had all congregated in my mother’s
room when the soldiers broke in. The room was peppered with machine gun fire.

At the time I knew nothing more. Later on I discovered how, miraculously, no one was killed or badly
hurt and the Nigerian army let them be once they knew I was not in the house. But the attack took its
toll on my parents. My mother suffered heart complications as a result of the trauma and stress of the
Nigerian army’s invasion of my house. She became very ill and died earlier this year. It would not be
an overstatement to say that the primary cause of my mother's death was Operation Python Dance 2. I
have lost a mother. My father, a strong man, a chief among Biafrans, has lost his life’s companion.
Sadly, we have watched his own health decline since the attack on our home and my mother’s death.

I mourn my mother. I mourn all my IPOB family member who had given their lives to protect mine. All
those who have been killed since, protesting the actions of the Nigerian security forces in Biafraland.
They were brave, good people. They should not have been forced to make that sacrifice, but I will
honour them for it until my dying day.

All those who have been killed, protesting the actions of the Nigerian security forces in Biafraland,
were brave, good people. They should not have been forced to make that sacrifice

Eventually we were able to rent a boat on the coast. We left from a small town in Abia, Azumiri, an
unobtrusive place where the Nigerian authorities might not have thought to look. We planned to go to
the Republic of Benin, just west of Nigeria. For 14 days we travelled in dangerous seas in a small boat
with an outboard motor. The Atlantic off that coast is heavy, stormy, treacherous. On more than one
occasion waves threatened to swamp our little craft. I was still gravely injured and in need of constant
medical attention. At one point we put ashore to find ice to keep the medication I needed chilled. It was
a dangerous time. I stayed hidden in a room while my companions went foraging for supplies.

From Benin I travelled by road to Senegal, a distance of nearly 2,000 kilometres. Once in Senegal I
was able to make arrangements to travel to Israel. None of these journeys was easy. I was still in pain
and the threat from Nigerian agents abroad never went away. When we stopped to rest on the road, I
couldn’t go out. My world was shrunk to a room with a window, and sometimes not even that. I might
as well have been in prison.

Benin, Togo, Ghana, Ivory Coast, all the countries I had to pass through rely economically on Nigeria,
their governments corrupt enough to arrest me and send me back. I had to stay silent, unknown. I
couldn’t even tell my wife or family where I was, just in case they became targets. It was agonising to
realise that they didn’t know if I was dead or alive. Israel was a haven for me, but it took over a year to
get there, and only then did I feel confident enough to let my fellow IPOB family members and
immediate family know I was safe.
The men who came to my family home in September 2017, came to kill me. I have no doubt of this. If
they wanted to arrest me or question me, they would have sent the police or agents of the DSS. Why
send soldiers trained to kill, if not to kill? I had wanted my day in court in 2017, but the military
response tells me that the rule of law in Nigeria has collapsed. Government agents act with impunity,
and I include among them the Fulani terrorists who are doing the Nigerian government’s dirty work,
not one of whom has been brought to justice for the murders they’ve carried out.

It is a sign that Nigeria itself is imploding. The old order which has clung to power for decades can
only survive at the end of a gun. But even now, if a Nigerian government was willing to talk honestly
and openly about our demands and to consider a referendum on self-determination for the Biafran
people, in a neutral space provided by the United Nations, I would be there at the table.

Look around Africa today. There are some countries with a functioning democracy, where the rule of
law is respected, and free and fair elections allowed. But not Nigeria. Our struggle for self-
determination is the struggle of Africa's post-colonisation from Algeria to the Cape. If we can achieve
this, perhaps we can lead other African countries to bring democracy and respect for law and human
rights into the lives of African peoples.

Victor Mela Danzaria Appoints 36 Legislative Aides

The member representing Balanga/Billiri Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Victor Mela
Danzaria, has appointed 36 legislative aides. In a statement he issued to newsmen yesterday in Gombe,
the lawmaker said he appointed the legislative aides to help them put food on their tables. Danzaria said
all the people he appointed were those that supported him and worked for his victory during the
electioneering campaign, adding that they were carefully selected to ensure inclusion of the diverse
people in the constituency.

“It is unprecedented and record breaking to give 36 people means of livelihood. I will pay 80 percent of
them with my allowances, only few of them will be paid by the National Assembly. I tag the initiative
as ‘I will not eat alone’ to allow people that work for my victory the chance to put food on their table,”
he said. Our correspondent reports that one person was appointed as Senior Special Adviser, three as
Special Assistants, nine as Personal Assistants I and 23 others as Personal Assistants II.

2019 Polls: 87 Observer Groups Yet To Submit Report, 8 Months

After – INEC
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that 87 out of 159 observer groups
that participated in this year’s general elections are yet to submit their reports, eight months after the
poll was conducted. INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu said this on Wednesday in Abuja at the
commission’s quarterly consultative meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). He decried the
inability of registered CSOs to summit their election observation reports.
Prof. Yakubu said only 72 CSOs submitted their 2019 election observation reports out of over 159
groups accredited. “For the 2019 general elections, the commission accredited a total of 159 observer
groups out of which 120 were domestic and 39 foreign. Collectively, they proposed to deploy 73,562
observers: 71,256 domestic and 2,306 foreign. “However, seven months after the general elections, the
commission has so far received reports from only 72 observer groups out of 159, representing 45.2
percent.

“I wish to remind those that are yet to formally submit their reports to the commission to do so in
earnest in both hard and soft copies as required of them under their terms of accreditation,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the CSOs, the Executive Director, Inclusive Friends Association (IFA), Mrs
Grace Jerry, assured INEC of the organizations’ continued support towards improving the conduct of
elections in Nigeria.

The Genius Ambode Sacked Now The UN Sec Gen Special Rep
And CEO Seforall
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Nigeria’s Damilola Ogunbiyi as his
Special Representative for Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) and Co-Chairperson of United
Nations-Energy.

Spokesperson for the UN Mr Farhan Haq made the announcement during the organisation’s
daily news briefing in New York on Tuesday.

Haq also announced the appointment of Ogunbiyi as the Chief Executive Officer of SEforALL by
the agency’s Administrative Board, a choice he said the UN Chief welcomed.

She will take up the post in early 2020, and from 26-28 May 2020 she will welcome stakeholders
from across the SDG7 movement at the SEforALL Forum in Kigali, Rwanda.

The University of Brighton educated Ogunbiyi is the first female Managing Director of the Rural
Electrification Agency (REA). At Brighton, Ogunbiyi obtained a Bachelor’s degree in project
management with construction in 2001 and went on for a Masters degree also in project
management in 2002. In an interview, she said she started her career at age 21, meaning she must
be in her late 30s or early 40s.

She brings to the new posts “extensive leadership experience and a track record of supporting energy
access in Sub-Saharan Africa”.

A statement on the UN website said she was responsible for implementing the Nigerian Off-Grid
Electrification Programme.
Ogunbiyi also “successfully negotiated the Nigerian Electrification Project, to rapidly construct solar
mini-grids and deploy solar home systems across Nigeria,” according to the UN.

“She also developed the Energizing Economics Initiative and Energizing Education Programme, which
provide sustainable and affordable off grid power solutions.

“Before joining the Federal Government of Nigeria, Ogunbiyi was the first woman to be
appointed as the General Manager of the Lagos State Electricity Board.

“The Board is responsible for public lighting, independent power projects, and energy
development serving millions of people across the state.

“Prior to this, she consulted for the UK Department for International Development on public-
private partnerships,” the UN added.

[b]The UN also described the appointee as a globally respected leader with a broad and diverse
international network in the area of energy development.

It added that Ogunbiyi built key relationships with leading multilateral and bilateral partners and the
private sector.

She is also one of the commissioners for the Global Commission to End Energy Poverty[/b].

The appointment comes as the world is about to enter the final decade pursuing the Sustainable
Development Goal 7 (SDG7).

It centres on access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all by 2030.
Ogunbiyi will take over from Rachel Kyte of the UK as Special Representative, Co-Chair of
United Nations-Energy, and CEO of SEforALL.

Haq said the UN Chief expressed his gratitude to Kyte for her “dedication and commitment to the
United Nations.”

Guterres also praised her achievements in “accelerating universal energy access, and her
leadership in advancing sustainable energy transition in the context of the Paris Agreement”.

SEforALL is an international organisation headquartered in Vienna, Austria. It is dedicated to helping

the world achieve SDG7 and Paris Agreement targets.

It has continued to maintain close ties to the UN through an existing relationship agreement,
partnership with its agencies, and Ogunbiyi’s roles as Special Representative for SEforALL and Co-
Chairperson of UN-Energy.
Nigerians Eating Expired Rice – Customs
The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Services, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) has said that
Nigerians are eating expired foreign rice. Col. Ali, who spoke on Wednesday at the Custom Service,
Area 2 Onne, Rivers State, said those who brought such rice into the country re-bag it and sell to
unsuspecting consumers. He said smuggled goods being brought into the country are aimed at bringing
the Service to its knees, but that it will surely overcome the challenges. “We are consuming expired
rice. When it causes cancer we begin to find who to blame. All those things they are bringing into the
country are aimed at bringing us to our knees, but we will surely overcome them.

‘‘We must reach out to Nigerians through the Press to make them know the deadly effect of what they
consume. “Let me reiterate our concern and determination to do all it takes to protect the wellbeing and
safety of all citizens and residents by preventing the importation of smuggled items’’. Col. Hameed Ali
had earlier inspected 98 containers containing tomatoes, rice, vegetable oil, roofing tiles, machetes,
baby wipes, metal and other items valued at over N1bn at both Port Harcourt and Onne Ports.

Arik Not Qualified As National Carrier – FG

…as FEC okays N5.72 bn for NDIC offices

The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, says Arik Air is not qualified as national carrier. The minister
said this yesterday while briefing State House correspondents after a meeting of the Federal Executive
Council presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. “Arik, as presently constituted, is not in line
with the thinking of the ministry. It will not be able to give us that airline that we need. “However, Arik
as an entity, since it is private-sector driven, can either buy shares in the new ventures or invest in any
manner in the business as presently approved.

“The carrier that I intend to bring is such a carrier that will support national economy, with $450m GDP
for 200m people, very equipped to compete favourably. “We are not saying once we have a national
carrier, every other airline goes down. No. It is our duty to continue to support businesses,” Sirika said.
The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, said the FEC approved
N5.72bn for construction and consultancy services of the National Deposit Insurance Corporation
offices. The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, said the FEC approved N718m for
the supply of land mobile security scanner for Lagos Port.

Fmr Gov. Lateef Jakande On Deplorable Lagos Roads

When a former governor of Lagos State, Lateef Jakande, added his weighty voice to the agonised cries
of Lagosians over the “terrible” condition of the roads, he re-ignited complaints on the poor quality of
governance in Africa’s most populous city. In a marked departure from his accustomed reticence, the
first civilian governor of the state remarked on the potholed and cratered roads, the permanent traffic
logjam and their negative impact on the economy. His measured tone, despite the candour, still hardly
captured the magnitude of the chaos on highways that has laid the city low, discouraged investors and
fostered despair among residents.

Restoring confidence in governance and taking the coastal city back to its growth trajectory now fall on
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who has been denied the usual honeymoon with voters, five months in office as
governor. This is partly because of the dilapidated roads and the attendant misery of residents and
businesses. Jakande, aged 90, is celebrated for his development strides as the “Action Governor” of
Lagos, 1979-83, including the construction and rehabilitation of roads, multiple mass housing estates
and the country’s first mass transit rail project cavalierly abandoned by the succeeding military junta.
His intervention, therefore, adds to the pressure on Sanwo-Olu to act and make commuting on the roads
less excruciating. The governor is already feeling the pressure: shortly after meeting with eight major
road contractors last month, he declared a “state of emergency” on the roads, vowing to fix them.

Lagosians are blaming him for the mess, though it is an inherited problem compounded by his seeming
inaction. But governors are elected to fix problems they meet and Sanwo-Olu’s fitness for the job will
be sorely tested. Roads, says that World Economic Forum, “are arteries through which the economy
pulses.” With its economy adjudged to be Africa’s fifth largest at $131 billion and the country’s
financial and industrial nerve centre, the terrible roads simply cannot be tolerated as they help entrench
poverty. Most of Lagos State forms a rising “mega city,” hence the use of state and city
interchangeably.

Describing many of the state’s 9,100 roads as decrepit is an understatement: some have been rendered
impassable, potholes have given way to craters and a few have been cut in places. This has been
compounded by unremitting rainfall from early in the year and still ongoing, the culmination of
changes in the seasons. Even at the best of times, the notorious traffic “go-slow” defines Lagos, but a
relaxation of traffic law enforcement re-energised the penchant of Lagos drivers for lawlessness on the
highways. Officials, including law enforcement and security personnel, commercial vehicle operators,
individuals and politicians, have taken impunity on the roads to new levels. All rules are routinely
broken, including driving against traffic, on the kerbs, forming multiple lanes, breaking traffic lights
and illegal parking. Between them, the yellow-painted minibuses, commercial tricycle (Keke Napep)
and commercial motorcycle (Okada) operators have made the roads a daily living hell for commuters
and pedestrians alike. Added to this, bad roads, therefore, turn journeys of 30 minutes into several
hours, damage vehicles, force higher spending on transport and take a toll on health. Criminals taking
advantage of the crawling traffic add to commuters’ misery.

Some of the major reconstruction works on some federal highways in the state have either been
inexplicably suspended or are going on at a snail’s pace, while the inner arteries have suffered for some
years. The state’s economy is taking a battering. About N6 trillion is lost by various sectors as a result
of the failed Apapa Ports access roads and gridlock, says the Nigeria Employers Consultative
Association. Sixty-five per cent of the country’s maritime trade comes through the Apapa and Tin Can
Ports, and the Dangote Group says its salt and sugar subsidiaries lose N2 billion monthly to the
gridlock, while manufacturers put their annual losses from the bad roads at N20 billion. With 45 per
cent of Nigeria’s skilled labour force in Lagos, the impact on productivity is also obvious. Notably, the
20 per cent of the average resident’s income spent on transport has gone up, adding to poverty levels.

Sanwo-Olu needs to work harder to rejuvenate, fund and motivate the Lagos State Public Works
Corporation to undertake emergency road works throughout the state. A report found that many roads
fail as a result of poor design, construction and maintenance and host too many heavy duty trucks far
heavier than the capacity of the roads. The 20 local government areas and 37 local council development
areas should also undertake simultaneous emergency repairs and reconstruction of roads in
coordination with the state government. The wasteful, idle LGAs should do their part too. As military
administrator in 1996-99, Mohammed Marwa worked out a collaborative programme where the state
and the LGs repaired roads and concurrently constructed new ones, a synergy the governor needs to
embrace. Lagos should have a holistic highway maintenance template by categorising road
maintenance into three; routine, periodic and special/emergency works.

Sanwo-Olu should also revive the state’s once lauded drainage maintenance programme and enforce
sanitation laws; neglect of both leads to flooding, damage the roads and hamper movement. Resuming
work and at a faster pace should be integral to the emergency. Urgency and total commitment by the
governor and officials are required to achieve quick results. It requires hands-on supervision, effective
monitoring and funding.

Lagos, with 22 million residents and a relatively small land area, must key in to the vision articulated
since Jakande’s tenure and ongoing for an inter-modal transport system featuring roads, water, rail and
air transport within the shortest possible time and reduce the excessive pressure on the roads.

Nigeria’s Unity: FG Needs To Address Perceived

Marginalisation —study
A new study has revealed that Nigerians still find it hard to cooperate and work with each other for the
good of the nation.

The study titled Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey report which was released on Tuesday was conducted
by the African Polling Institute, Abuja.

The report, which is available on the website of the institute amongst other findings revealed that
Nigeria is not a socially cohesive country; and more needs to be done by the government to promote
oneness, trust, equity, inclusion and hope for the future.

The report signed by Dr Bell Ihua, Executive Director, APIpartly read, “The nationwide survey was
conducted by Africa Polling Institute (API) to measure social cohesion in Nigeria. A total of 7,901
respondents were contacted, with 5,019 interviews completed to a response rate of 63.5 per cent of
respondents who were 18 years and above.”

Social cohesion refers to the willingness of citizens of a country to cooperate and work together
towards ensuring the survival and prosperity of the country.

Based on the report, five key components were used to measure social cohesion in Nigeria. They
include, identity, trust, equity and social justice, patriotism, and self-worth and future expectation.

Results from one of the key components of the study, identity’ showed that “82 per cent of Nigerians
prefer to identify themselves equally as Nigerian and from an ethnic group; including 25 per cent who
prefer to identify more from an ethnic group, than being Nigerian. Yet, about 1 in 10 Nigerians (10 per
cent) were found to prefer identifying themselves as only from their ethnic group, and not Nigerians.”

In addition, the study said that 45 per cent of Nigerians say the country is much more divided today
than it was four years ago; compared to only 26 per cent who said it is much more united and 29 per
cent who said the country has remained the same.

Interestingly, further analysis revealed that the South-East (70 per cent), South-South (59 per cent) and
North-Central (47 per cent) regions had the highest proportion of respondents who thought the country
is much more divided today, compared to the North-West (35 per cent), South-West (29 per cent) and
North-East (29 per cent) regions.

Nigerians were also asked about their current feeling of the nation. From the result, 55 per cent said
they feel truly proud of the nation; while 30 per cent said they feel really disappointed and 13 per cent
said they feel indifferent.

API said that all interviews were conducted between April and May 20, 2019, via face-to-face
household interviews, using stratified random sampling technique in five major languages of English,
Pidgin, Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba.

Geographic quotas were also assigned to ensure the selection of a nationally representative sample
proportionately covering all senatorial districts and states, including the FCT.

Igbo Leaders To Meet In Ebonyi Over 2023 Presidency

The Ebonyi State capital, Abakaliki is set to host an Igbo leaders’ retreat from November 22 to 23,
2019. Although the agenda of the gathering was not disclosed, an inside source revealed to Daily Trust
that how to produce a Nigerian President of Igbo origin in 2023 would be a key issue to be discussed.

Tagged “Igboezue Leadership Retreat”, a release from the Retreat Planning Sub-Committee on Media
and Publicity, signed by Collins Steve Ugwu, stated that the event is powered by Nzuko Ummuna -a
core Igbo Think Tank of committed professionals at home and the diaspora- in alliance with the South
East Governors’ Forum (SEGF), will hold at the ultramodern Ecumenical Centre in Abakaliki City.

The release stated that, Chairman of the SEGF, Engr David Umahi will be the host Governor and “will
roll out the new city’s hospitality to welcome all his brother Governors to this epoch retreat, as they
have all individually been engaged and endorsed it as timely and, one that should be supported to
produce enduring outcomes.”

The Chairman of the main Organizing Committee of the Retreat, a former President General of
Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Gary Enwo Igariwey, disclosed that “aside all the Governors and all federal
legislators of Igbo origin being expected, other critical stakeholders of the entire Igbo collectives are
upbeat about the prospects of this gathering, because they are being reached methodically and
comprehensively.” Igariwey equally promised to address a world press conference on November 4 at
the planning secretariat, Abakiliki, where “the meat of the meet will be wholesomely unveiled.”

Border Closure: Nigeria Rejects Vietnam’s Rice Importation

Plea
The Federal Government (FG) has rejected plea by Vietnam that its rice should be allowed into Nigeria.

Instead, the FG asked Vietnamese investors to build rice processing mills in Nigeria, given the
country’s large arable lands and potentials in rice farming.

Speaking at the Nigeria-Vietnam Trade and Investment Forum (NVTIF) in Abuja yesterday, the
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Sunday Akpan, told the
gathering that Vietnam was among the top five rice producers in the world.

Akpan said Nigeria would welcome collaboration with Vietnamese government and investors in the
area of building rice processing mills in Nigeria given their vast experience in rice production.

The permanent secretary’s position appears to be a rejection of the appeal of the Vietnamese
government that the Federal Government should allow it to export rice to Nigeria at discounted rates.

The Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam, Vuong Dinh Hue, had on Tuesday made the appeal through the
ruling APC when he led a five-man delegation to meet the Adams Oshiomshole-led National Working
Committee (NWC) of the party.
The appeal may not be unconnected with the biting effect of Nigeria’s recent border closure and ban on
rice importation through the land borders.

Rejecting the appeal, the APC Chairman, Oshiomhole, had told the visiting deputy prime minister that
Nigeria would not accept such demand from Vietnam, advising the country to rather secure land and
invest in rice production in Nigeria.

Oshiomhole said, “If government allows importation of food, our youths will become idle; that will
lead to unemployment. We want to promote food security. Rather than importing rice from Vietnam,
your (Vietnam) farmers can take advantage of our arable land. We have to do that not only to protect
farmers, but to tackle food security,” he said.

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) President, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, in
2017, said the trade volume between the countries was $303.83m, out of which Nigeria’s export to
Vietnam was $232.65m and imports from Vietnam was $71.18m.

Kayode said Nigeria’s exports to Vietnam were mainly raw materials, especially cashew nuts, while
imports were mainly mobile phones, electronics, textiles, plastics, chemicals and machinery parts.

He said, “Nigeria and Vietnam must devise more areas of economic cooperation in important sectors
like oil and gas, maritime, mining, construction, power, agriculture, cement, transportation,
engineering, telecommunication and education. This is in order to add maximal value to our economies
on a win-win basis and to ensure mutual prosperity.”

Timi Frank Reacts As Atiku Loses At Supreme Court

Atiku Vs Buhari: Supreme Court Displayed Show Of Shame -frank

...Says hailers today may become victims tomorrow

A political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress
(APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has reacted to the Supreme Court judgement which upheld the victory of
General Muhammadu Bubari, discribing the decision as "a show of shame by the judiciary."

Frank also warned the few beneficiaries who were hailing the outcome of the apex court to be careful
not to fall victims in the near future.

The political activist in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday, declared that the
Waziri Adamawa Atiku Abubakar, will remain a true hero of democracy in Nigeria despite the ruling.

The Bayelsa born activist described the ruling as not only the worst but a daylight robbery in the
history of Nigeria.It is an embarrassment and a total show of shame as other countries will be laughing
at our judiciary.

Frank, who thanked Atiku's supporters at home and abroad, believe that what transpired at the Supreme
Court was a coup against democracy.

"It was a well scripted drama. The evil agenda was perfected before General Buhari left the country in
pretence. It was a collaboration between the presidency and the Supreme Court. Most Nigerians were
shock at the speed at which the panel dismissed the case because the judgement came as a surprise to
them.

"Nigerians will recall that I exposed the handpicked names of the panel members two days before
Justice Tanko made it public. But surprisingly and shamelessly, the anti-democratic forces, despite the
exposure still went ahead with the handpicked list. They have sold their consciences to the devil.

"The current apex court has taken the country far backward in the justice administration and it will take
the mercy of God for all the actors in this sham to escape the hottest part of hell.

"This is a judgement that posterity will never forgive all those who sat on it and allowed themselves to
be compromised. All those who allowed themselves to be used shall fully received their reward.

"It will be on record that certain Justices had opportunity to right the wrong but decided otherwise."

Frank, who expressed joy in the law of posterity, said unavoidably all those who are gloating today in
the injustice done to Atiku Abubakar, will have their days with posterity in near future.

"It is not all about Atiku Abubakar, he can not go hungry.It is about the future of young Nigerians. If
Nigerians will continue to seat back and refuse to fight for their rights, the obvious hunger, poverty,
insecurity, unemployment, incompetence hands in government and all other problems facing the
country will not voluntarily disappear," Timi Frank warned.

He, however, called on Nigerians not to fold their hands any longer, adding that "all democratic
institutions like National Assembly, Judiciary and others built by former leaders have been destroyed
under the current administration of General Muhammadu Buhari."

Signed:
Comrade Timi Frank
Political activist
Abuja.

Fashola: FG To Begin Sale Of New Houses Soon Nationwide

The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, on Wednesday said that the ministry would
soon commence the sale of housing units built under the National Housing Programme nationwide.

He said that this would be done through an online subscription to allow for transparency and reduce
human interference to the barest in the allocation process.

Mr Fashola said this at a one-day stakeholders engagement forum organised by the Lagos State Real
Estate Transactions Department with the theme: “Lagos Real Estate: Achieving 21st Century
Compliance”

Represented by Sarah Alawode, Controller, Federal Ministry of Housing, Mr Fashola said that housing,
apart from being one of the major needs of a man, holds great potential for the economic well being of
Lagos State and Nigeria at large.

“It therefore behoves on us all to ensure that the art and practice of housing delivery in all ramifications
are advanced for the benefit of the country and teeming population seeking shelter on a daily basis,” he
said.

According to him, more states need to play a more active role to ensure a better experience for citizens
in the area of land and security of land transaction, thereby attracting investment.

How I Opened Several Bank Accounts For Maina – Witness

The trial of former Pension Reform Task Team chairman, Abdulrasheed Maina, commenced on
Wednesday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, before Justice Okon Abang with the first prosecution
witness, Mairo Bashir of United Bank for Africa, UBA, revealing how she opened several bank
accounts for the defendant.

Led in evidence by prosecution counsel, M. S. Abubakar, Mr Bashir informed the court that she is the
business manager of United Bank for Africa (UBA) and oversees the affairs of the Business Section of
the bank, including sales, operations, generation of deposits, giving of loans to individuals and
corporate bodies.

She revealed that sometime in 2011, she solicited for fund from the defendant while he was the
chairman of Pension Reforms Task Team and that Mr Maina made a deposit of N3 billion in the UBA
which she said, was later transferred to the Treasury Single Account, TSA with CBN around 2012.

To further grow the bank’s deposit base, the witness said she approached Mr Maina for more deposits,
prompting the defendant to open 12 accounts for himself and his immediate family members, which
included two accounts for the defendant-one in Naira and another in United State Dollars. Also two
accounts for the defendant’s wife and accounts for his daughters: Fauzial Abdlrasheed Maina, Fareeda
Abdlrasheed Maina and Fadeela Abdlrasheed Maina.

Tesifying further, the witness told the court that she also opened accounts for the defendant’s
companies which include: Faizal Farm (i), Faizal Farm (ii) and Common Input Investment Property
Ltd, which were also in Naira and Dollar denominations, adding that the defendant was signatory to
those companies’ accounts.

The prosecution tendered the account opening packages, and they were admitted in evidence, marked
as exhibits A1-30.
Meanwhile, Mr Maina has sacked the team of his defence lawyers, which he presented upon his
arraignment, last week, replacing it with a new team, led by Joe-kyari Gadzama, SAN.

Mr Gadzama informed the court that he was not ready to proceed with trial, having only been briefed
the night before by Mr Maina’s previous legal team, adding that he was meeting Mr Maina, for the first
time in court.

Mr Gadzama pleaded with the court for time to enable him go through the files and get a proper
handover from the previous defence team.

He sought for an adjournment, which the prosecution counsel opposed on the ground that it was
frivolous.

With Justice Abang, ruling in favour of the prosecution, the court proceeded with the matter, resulting
in the evidence of prosecution witness.

The matter was adjourned to November 4, 5, 6 and 7 for continuation of trial.

Mr Maina is being prosecuted on a 12-count charge that borders on money laundering, fraud and
operating fictitious bank accounts.

Why We Didn’t Disqualify Yahaya Bello for Double Registration

-INEC
No amount of falsehood will distract us, says Bayelsa REC

Sodiq Omolaoye (Abuja) and Julius Osahon (Yenagoa)

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared that it would amount to
contravening the Electoral Act if it disqualified Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello from participating in
the November 16 ballot due to alleged double registration.
According to the electoral umpire, the Electoral Act does not provide for disqualification as a penalty
for committing such an offence. Recall that the commission had, in 2017, accused Governor Bello of
double voter registration and said he would have been prosecuted but for his immunity.

INEC had also dismissed two of its officials for alleged roles in the electoral scandal. But clarifying
why Mr. Bello is allowed to contest the election, having been indicted, INEC chairman, Mahmood
Yakubu, during a quarterly consultative meeting with the media in Abuja, Wednesday stated: “Under
the Electoral Act, double registration is not a condition to disqualify a candidate. In any case, the action
we took on the part of the officials that were indicted were administrative based on the terms and
conditions of service.
“The action we need to take on non-staff of the commission is to prosecute and we cannot prosecute
someone with constitutional immunity. We can only prosecute based on the provision of the Electoral
Act.”

Yakubu also dismissed the allegation by the Bayelsa State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
governorship candidate, Senator Douye Diri, that the commission was conniving with the All
Progressives Congress (APC) to influence the list of Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs) deployed
for the poll. He described the allegations as baseless and hearsay, adding that the PDP should come
forward with evidence if it had any.

Meanwhile, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in charge of Bayelsa, Monday Tom, has
declared that no amount of falsehood against his person and INEC would distract him and the
commission from conducting a credible election in the state.The REC, who was addressing the media
at the commission’s state headquarters in Yenagoa yesterday, said he remained focused on achieving
the commission’s mandate and would not join issues with ‘persons who want to win election at all costs
by running other persons down.”

He was reacting to accusation by the PDP Campaign Organisation in the state, that he was colluding
with APC to rig the November 16 election in the state.The PDP had, in a statement, called on the INEC
chairman to prevail on Tom not to give the commission a bad name.

What Next For Atiku? By Emmanuel Oladesu, Deputy Editor,

The Nation Newspaper
After five futile attempts, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s bid for President suffered another
defeat yesterday. The Supreme Court ruled his appeal as lacking merit. What next for the Waziri
Adamawa? Deputy Editor Emmanuel Oladesu examines the political career of the eminent politician,
his battles and his camps’ projections for the future

He came, he saw, but he could not conquer on the slippery political field. A long distant runner, he
failed to breast the tape. Both at the level of ballot box and the temple of justice, his ambition to rule
the country finally clashed – at least for now. What next for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the Waziri
Adamawa and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the February 23 presidential election?

A major tragedy has befallen the main opposition party. Since 2015, it has been left in the cold. The
party and its leadership appear to be politically maladjusted. It has not done well as a federal opposition
party. Now that it has failed to bounce back through the judicial process, what is its next agenda?

Atiku has been the party’s main hope for this season. His defeat is therefore, a major setback despite
PDP’s successes during the last governorship polls.

At the historic PDP convention held at the Adokie Amiesimeka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State,
almost two years ago, Atiku dwarfed his rivals. He had 1,537 delegate votes, beating Sokoto State
Governor Aminu Tambuwal, who got 693 votes. Atiku peeped into the future with optimism. The bid
for the presidential ticket was not a child’s play. He triumphed.

The former vice president also mended fences with old detractors. He was made to visit the United
States to prove that the country had nothing against him. His former boss, oppressor and tormentor,
former President Olusegun Obasanjo, became his chief image launder, sponsor, promoter and grand
campaign manager.

Money was not Atiku’s problem. He deployed his resources and held a largely successful nation- wide
campaign. Obasanjo’s letter was to prepare the ground. On the podium, the PDP candidate promised an
alternative route to good governance. But, there was no display of ideological superiority.

However, the general election was a greater hurdle. There was a huge gap between expectation and
reality. Atiku had a high expectation. It was the tonic that sustained him during the electioneering. But,
voters disappointed him, as it were. According to the Chairman of the Independent Electoral
Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmud Yakubu, who was the Chief Returning Officer, President Buhari
got 15,191,847 votes while Atiku got 11, 262, 978 votes.

Atiku cried foul. He refused to concede defeat to his more formidable opponent, President
Muhammadu Buhari. Having rejected the umpire’s verdict, the battle shifted to the court. At the
tribunal, he failed to get victory, despite his counsel’s frantic efforts. Yesterday, the apex court also
rejected his major prayer. It was final.

Atiku is a courageous politician endowed with audacity of hope, which has served as the elixir of
political life

Between 1991 and now, he had contested five times for the presidential ticket on different platforms.
Yet, the driver’s seat has always eluded him.

Atiku’s political life is full of ups and downs. But, his ability to quickly put the past behind him, strive
to rise after each electoral fall and forge ahead with optimism underscores a sort of “audacity of hope.”

During the election, be called for power shift as the APC pushed for continuity.

Both party fired salvos. In the last 19 years of stable civil rule, many gladiators from both sides have
cohabitated during the alignment and re-alignment of forces. They are not oblivious of their strengths
and weaknesses. All these were exploited by the two parties.

It was Atiku’s fifth attempt at the presidency. At 73, he is not a young man. Many thought that time was
running out. Yet, for him, the attainment of the presidency is a critical factor in self-actualisation.
In the aborted Third Republic, Atiku challenged the late Moshood Abiola to a duel at the historic Jos
convention of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP). According to observers, he was running for
the highest office by proxy. The main issue at that time was his political mentor, the late Gen. Shehu
Yar’Adua, who later asked him to step down for Abiola during that tensed moment of horse trading,
wheeling and dealing.

Having placed his hands on the plough, Atiku has not looked back. Although he was elected governor
of Adamawa State, fate catapulted him to the position of number two citizen at the federal level.

His second attempt was in 2003 when he made a feeble attempt to contest against Obasanjo. Atiku was
said to have the backing of many governors, including Orji Kalu (Abia) and James Ibori (Delta). It was
a risky venture. The president was said to have knelt down for his deputy as he implored him to opt out
of the race. If he had contested at the convention, may be, he would have won the ticket. That episode
marked the parting of ways between the former numbers one and two citizens.

Henceforth, the presidency and the PDP became hot for him. He was de-robed as deputy president. He
became a proper spare tyre. Even, an administrative panel headed by Mallam Nasir el- Rufai indicted
him. He was in court six times fighting the threat to his ambition.

When he defected from the PDP in 2007, he sought refuge in the defunct Action Congress (AC). He ran
for the president, but without success. He was defeated by the younger brother of his mentor, the late
President Umaru Yar’Adua. Atiku’s runnning mate was Senator Ben Obi.

After the unsuccessful attempt, he retraced his steps to the PDP. Later, Obi followed suit. The AC
family felt betrayed. They complained that he jumped ship without informing party leaders. He lost the
confidence of a political family that tried to salvage his career when the hand of Obassnjo was heavy
on him.

In 2011, Atiku threw his hat into the ring again. At the regional selection process, he defeated former
President Ibrahim Babangida. But, he could not cross the next hurdle. At the PDP primary in Abuja, the
Federal Capital Territory (FCT), he was defeated by President Goodluck Jonathan, who had the
backing of Obasanjo, the political coach-in-chief.

A serial defector, Atiku later left for the APC after the formation of the party by the legacy platforms –
the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), the Congres for
Progressive Change (CPC), a faction of the PDP and All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA). During
the 2015 primary, he contested along with President Buhari, Senator Rabiu Kwakwanso, Owelle
Rochas Okorocha and Sam Nda Isaiah, publisher of Leadership newspaper. He came third, trailing
Kwakwanso. Gen. Buhari was elected as candidate.

Two years ago, the former vice president parted way with the APC. His foes chided him for impatience
and political harlotry. He unfolded his presidential ambition, thereby drawing attention to himself as an
opposition leader. By the time he returned to the PDP, he had revived his old structures and networks
across the six geo-political zones.

To warm himself to the politically conscious and highly enlightened people of the Southwest, he
campaigned to them on the borrowed platform of restructuring. His campaign manager was former
Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel. But, already a household name in Nigeria, Atiku needed no
introduction.

The eminent politician displayed a wider experience mobilisation during the primary and general
election. His ambition polarised the polity. He succeeded in moderating the public perception of his
personality and Political career. He maintained that he has never been tried and convicted for
corruption.

What also worked for Atiku during the poll was that he had tentacles across the zones. He gave a good
fight.

Party elders from the Southwest confided that Atiku will not go into oblivion. “We will draft him to the
2023 race,” said a party elder and former minister from Osun State, who added: “PDP will still zone the
presidential ticket to the North.”

Many supporters doubted that Atiku will be discouraged by the verdict. According to them, he has a
great deal of resilience. They believe that he will return to the drawing board. Others said the belief in
the prediction of marabouts has not waned. But, if he contests, he will be challenged by other
formidable aspirants during the shadow poll.

The PDP cannot be ruled out in the scheme of things. Although it has lot federal power, it has
governors in more than 16 states.

As from today, Atiku can play the role of an “opposition leader.” The onus is on him to unite the main
opposition party, ahead of future elections.

By 2023, the former vice president will be 77. Will he run or sponsor a candidate? Time will tell.

Nigerian Senate Summons Buratai Over 'Operation Positive

Identification'
“We will not support any action or policy that would either cause inconveniences for Nigerians or
tamper with their fundamental human rights which include freedom of movement."

The Senate has rejected the controversial ‘Operation Positive Identification’ exercise being
planned across the country planned by the Nigerian Army.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Ali Ndume, on Wednesday, told
 journalists in his office that such exercise was not acceptable to the federal lawmakers
being the true representatives of the people.

Ndume said, “Although the Chief of Army Staff had described the alert as fake as
representatives of the people, we have summoned him to come and clarify it to Nigerians.

“We will not support any action or policy that would either cause inconveniences for
Nigerians or tamper with their fundamental human rights which include freedom of
movement.

“A similar exercise was done in the North-East and the people did not complain simply
because the area is suffering great insurgency. It is not the case with other parts of the
country.

The House of Representatives on Tuesday also rejected the operation and called on
President Muhammadu Buhari to stop the planned Operation Positive Identification by the
military.

Patriotic Nigerian Woman Donates Salary To South Africa

Returnees
IgbereTV reports that a Nigerian woman and two-time cancer survivor has displayed the spirit of
benevolence by donating her one month salary to the children of Nigerians who returned from
xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

The lady, who pleaded anonymity, said she had been in the hospital for 18 months, and vowed that if
she survives her medical ordeal, she will put smiles in the faces of the less privileged in the society.

The inspiration, however, got to her when some Nigerians were reportedly evacuated from xenophobic
attacks in South African to Nigeria with their children, losing all their means of livelihood.

Said she “while I was at the hospital,I made a covenant with God that if I survive cancer, I will put little
smiles on the faces of people”

“I then promised myself to help the needy,especially the children of the returnees, hence my donating
the sum of five hundred thousand naira, as my own contribution’’, She said.

The middle-aged patriotic woman implored other well-meaning Nigerians to contribute to the oneness
and unity of the country by helping their fellow Nigerians in distress.

While in South Africa, “the returnees didn’t see themselves as Igbos, Yorubas, Hausas or Fulanis but as
Nigerians. This is the spirit we should all imbibe in our daily interactions’’, she counseled.

Receiving the woman in her office on Wednesday, the Chairman/CEO of Nigerians In Diaspora
Commission (NIDCOM) Hon. Abike Dabiri Erewa thanked the woman for her kind gesture.

The NIDCOM boss who was touched by the kind act of the woman was eager to know why she
decided to give out her salary for charity purpose.

The elated Chairman used the opportunity to call on other well-meaning Nigerians to come to the aid of
their fellow countrymen in dire need of reintegration, re-orientation and empowerment.

Festus Keyamo Slammed For Saying Atiku Didn't Congratulate

Buhari
Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, has come under attack on social media
over his condemning statement directed at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Atiku and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lost at the Supreme Court on Wednesday after their
petition against the election of President Muhammadu Buhari was dismissed.

Keyamo tweeted saying Atiku was a bad loser.

“A man who claims to be a democrat refuses to congratulate the winner of an election, even
after highest court affirmed it. Rather, he takes a swipe at all democratic institutions. That’s
the hallmark of a bad loser. It appears the Dubai strategy turned out to be the Dubai
tragedy,”

he wrote.

https://mobile.twitter.com/fkeyamo/status/1189617465136955394

Nigerians on Twitter have attacked Keyamo over his comments which they say should not be coming
from a minister regarded as a public servant.

APC Calls For Calm Over Loss Of NASS Seats To PDP

The Sokoto State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on its supporters to
remain calm over the loss of two National Assembly seats to the PDP. A statement issued by APC State
Chairman, Alhaji Sadiq Achida on Wedndesday in Sokoto said the party would study the Court of
Appeal verdicts on the cases and respond appropriately. ” The judgements in respect of Sokoto North
and South Federal Constituency, as well as those in respect of Sokoto South Senatorial District and
Bodinga Dange/Shuni Tureta Federal Constituency appeared to be clear miscarriage of justice.

”APC appeals to all our supporters to continue to remain calm and law abiding, these are virtues known
to be in our character,” “The APC is examining the judgements and will leave no stone unturned to
ensure that we defend all the seats won by our party through votes freely cast by Sokoto people,” he
added. It could be recalled that Senator Abubakar Tambuwal representing Sokoto South and member
representing DangeShuni/Bodinga/Tureta Aliyu Shehu lost their seats to PDP’s Ibrahim Danbaba and
Balarabe Kakale respectively following the Appeal Court court judgement that upheld the latter’s
appeals. Also,the court had ordered the fresh election for Sokoto North/ Sokoto South constituency.

BREAKING: EFCC Invites Foreign Auctioneers To Sell

Diezani’s N14.4bn Jewelery
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has contacted ‘internationally certified’
auctioneers overseas to auction off the $40 million (about N14.4 billion) jewelry, recovered from a
former Petroleum Resources Minister, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke.

EFCC acting Chairman Ibrahim Magu said 242 trailers and tankers recovered from internet scammers
will also be auctioned off.

Magu spoke at the commission’s Lagos Office at the ongoing EFCC stakeholders conference on
crusade against cybercrime fraudsters.

Details shortly…

Group Opens El-Rufai Campaign Office In Plateau Ahead Of

2023 Presidency
Nasiriyya Organisation Support Group, NOSG, a political group claiming to be supporting Governor
Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State for the 2023 Presidency, has opened a campaign office in Jos, Plateau
State.

While inaugurating the executive members, as well as Plateau chapter office of the group in Jos, the
NOSG’s national chairman, Ibrahim Garkuwan-Rijau, said they decided to commence putting
structures across Nigeria at an early stage to enable them fully drive their quest to success.

“In the North we have started late. If in Lagos State people started calling and supporting Malam
Nasiru to contest, why can’t we do it here?,” he queried.

Mr Garkuwan-Rijau, who is also the North West zonal deputy chairman of the All Progressives
Congress, APC, said Governor El-Rufai’s administrative and political antecedents were enough points
to support his quest to becoming the next President of Nigeria.

According to him, El-Rufai is the leader Nigeria desired to have in 2023, adding that the group is for all
Nigerians, irrespective of political party affiliation.

Also speaking, the Plateau State chairperson of the group, Nafisatu Omar, described Mr El-Rufai as a
detribalised and non-religious bigot suitable for the Nigeria’s number one job.
She said; “Malam Nasir El-Rufai is the best person for Nigeria in 2023 because he is not corrupt, he is
not a religious bigot, not tribalistic as seen in his governance of Kaduna State, embracing everybody.”

'Nnamdi Kanu Will Return To Nigeria To Face Trial If His

Safety Is Guaranteed'
Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Thursday, told the Federal High
Court, Abuja, that he was ready to face trial if his safety would be guaranteed by the court.

Kanu told the presiding judge, Justice Binta Nyako, through his counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor.

Ejiofor told the court that the application to restore the IPOB leader’s bail so that he could face his trial
was filed on April 1.

“We have an application for bail filed on April 1, 2019, the application was served on the prosecution
and it is ripped for hearing.

“We urge the court to restore his bail on the ground that the court will guarantee his safety when he
comes back to the country to continue his trial,” he said.

On his part, counsel to the Federal Government, Labaran Shuaibu, who told the court that he was just
seeing the process, opposed to the application.

Shuaibu urged the court to adjourn the matter to enable them filed the necessary processes.

Delivering the ruling, Justice Nyako, who adjourned the matter till Jan. 16, said the only way he could
guarantee Kanu’s safety was to keep him in the prison.

She said even judges no longer safe in the country.

“Even judges are being abducted in the country. So prison is the only safest place for him,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Nyako had ordered the re-arrest of the self-
proclaimed leader of IPOB, Kanu.

The judge gave the order in a ruling after revoking the bail granted to Kanu.

She explained that the court gave the order because Kanu had failed to appear in court after his bail was
granted in April 2017.

The judge also ordered that trial would continue in the absence of the IPOB leader and directed that a
bench warrant be issued for his arrest.

NAN reports that Justice Nyako had granted Kanu bail on health grounds on April 25, 2017, and asked
him to present three sureties, one of whom must be a serving senator, a Jewish religious leader and a
highly respected person who must own a landed property in Abuja.

The judge warned the IPOB leader against granting press interviews, holding rallies or being in a
gathering of more than 10 persons while on bail.

She had also warned him that the bail would be revoked if he flouts any of the conditions.

Malabu Oil Scandal: Italian Judge Says Corrupt Companies

Destroy Nations
The Chief prosecutor at the ongoing trial of criminal suspects associated with the controversial Malabo
oil deal, Francesco Greco, opened up a can of warms this week when he blasted corporate organisations
including those in Nigeria of investing in corruption to cripple local economy fueling poverty and
chaos. The report was made available to Irohinoodua.
Said Greco “In Milan we are full of proceedings for international corruption and we see the negative
effects, both against the victim states and against our companies that instead of investing in innovation,
invest in bribes”. Many see the judge’s statement as an open indictment of the oil companies involved
in the Malabo oil deal,
Greco who spoke in Milanat the presentation of the 2018 social responsibility balance sheet of the
judicial offices of the Lombard capitalsaid corrupt corporate organisations now invest heavily in
corruption in order to cover up their ugly tracks.
Greco is leading the prosecution of Shell and Eni, the two oil giants said to have played leading roles in
the fleecing of Nigeria millions of dollars in the Mabalu OPL 25 deal.
The Judge said “Companies invest more in bribes than innovation” exposing what he called the ‘occult
contract’ that binds corrupt representatives of governments and managers of international companies.
The radical statement of the Judge has been received by several anti-corruption groups across the
world.
Reacting to Greco’s statement Chairman, Human Environmental Development Agenda, (HEDA
Resource Centre) MrOlanrewajuSuraju, the Nigerian anti-corruption group pushing the prosecution of
the suspects in the grand crime said the position of the Judge exposes the “ignoble chain of corruption
and the global conspiracy of local and international officials whose shameful conducts” continues to
keep Nigerians at the backbench of economic and industrial transformation.
Foreign anti-corruption experts currently in Nigeria, Christian Erickson, Nick Hildyard and Lionel
Faull  have praised the courage of the judge. The three are currently in Nigeria training selected
Community Based Organisations, (CBOs), journalists and representatives of anti-corruption agencies
on strategies for tracing illicit funds and assets.
The Judge had said “In other words, this system is not limited to damaging their business or reputation,
but constitutes a consolidated mechanism that directly or indirectly affects the population of the
countries involved, plundering the resources necessary for socio-economic development and
consequently worsening their living conditions”. According to him the “vicious circle, which the
activity of the Public Prosecutor’s Office is committed, within its own sphere of competence, to fight is
referred to by the so-called ‘curse of resources’”. 
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo had revoked the OPL 245, granted by late dictator, Sanni Abacha
to Dan Etete, former Nigerian Petroleum.  Etete had reassigned it to Shell Nigeria Exploration and
Production Company which he later reclaimed through Etete’sMalabu Oil and Gas, in 2006 through the
court. Shell rejected the decision, but the Government of former President Goodluck Jonathan ensured
Shell and Eni boughtthe OPL 245 in the sum of $1.1billion.
The EFCC investigation had held many Nigerian topshots for complicit in corruption and double-
dealing in the implementation of the settlement and resolution of agreements on Oil Prospecting
License OPL 245 and OPL214 between Malabu Oil and Gas Ltd, belonging to former Petroleum
Minister, Dan Etete and the federal government of Nigeria in 2010.
EFCC investigations indicated that over $1.2 billion was laundered in a series of criminal plots
involving corruption and bribery all of which are linked to Malabu Oil and Gas Ltd, Shell Nigeria Ultra
deep (SNUD) Nigeria Agip Exploration (NAE) and other Nigerian officials.
The investigation was launched in Italy where some Nigerian officials and their foreign collaborators
are facing criminal charges.

Mobolaji Johnson: Achievements Of The First Governor Of

Lagos State
Mobolaji Olufunso Johnson was the first Governor of Lagos State. He was the governor from 1960 to
1975. He is regarded as the architect of modern Lagos.

Within one year, the Johnson administration built the 5 Government Colleges in the State. His
administration established its very first housing estate. He also established an industrial estate.

His administration gave the city of Lagos a new international look through the construction of
highways, bridges, and other modern infrastructure.

Brigadier-General Johnson was renowned as a symbol of integrity, uprightness, and honesty in

government.

Following the Coup d’état of July 1975, the administration of Murtala Mohammed commissioned a 3-
man probe panel to investigate the various allegations of corruption against all the State Governors.

Moboloji Johnson was one of the 2 state Governors (along Brig-Gen Oluwole Rotimi) found not guilty
of corruption.
Mobalaji Johnson died on October 30, 2019, at the age of 83 in his home.

Autojosh.com, in celebration of the life and times of the first Governor of Lagos state, highlights some
key achievements in the road/transport sector of the Mobolaji Johnson administration.

Lagos–Badagry Expressway

During his 9 years stint as the Governor of Lagos State, Johnson constructed the 60.7-kilometer Lagos–
Badagry Expressway.

The expressway links Nigeria with the neighbouring countries like Benin, Ghana, and Togo. Work
commenced on the road in 1969 work commenced on . The Lagos – Badagry highway, and it was
originally meant to be a single carriageway but was expanded to a double dual carriageway. It was
completed and commissioned in 1973.

First Double Dual Carriage Way In Nigeria

In 1969, work commenced on the Lagos-Badagry expressway. The expressway was originally meant to
be a single carriageway. However, when Brigadier-General Johnson visited the United States later that
year, he came back with the inspiration to make Lagos – Badagry highway a double carriageway. The
expressway was officially declared open by General Yakubu in 1973. It became the first-ever double
carriageway in Nigeria.

A big display board was conspicuously positioned which dedicated the road to Lagos taxpayers, in
order to encourage citizens to pay their taxes.

Ito-Ikin Bridge

In 1968, Brigadier-General Johnson built and commissioned the Ito-Ikin Bridge. The bridge links Epe
to Ikorodu in Lagos State. This made it possible for people to travel from one part of Lagos state to the
other without having to pass through a neighbouring Ogun State.

Also, people visiting Lagos from the South and Eastern states needed not to go through Sagamu
anymore. Instead, they can come in through Ito-Ikin Bridge from Ibeju-Ede and straight to Lagos.
Marina waterfront Reclamation

The Mobolaji Johnson administration initiated the reclamation of the Marina waterfront when he sand-
filled several meters into the shoreline.

This was necessary in order to build a public car park where people can park and take Ferry rides. Due
to the exploding population, it was designed to make allowances for people who would ride in cars,
park on the mainland and come by ferry into Lagos.

Eko Bridge

Mobolaji Johnson became governor after construction work had commenced on the Eko Bridge. But to
his credit, he supervised and contributed to the conclusion of the Eko Bridge. Eko Bridge is one of
three bridges connecting Lagos Island to the mainland, the other is the Third Mainland and Carter
bridges. Eko bridge was built by Julius Berger Nigeria PLC. Incidentally, Mobolaji Johnson would later
become the Chairman of Julius Berger PLC, a position he assumed in 1996.

Third Mainland Bridge

Mobolaji Johnson was a visionary that contributed to the idea of a bridge that connects Lagos Island
and the Mainland. But the idea did not materialize during his reign as governor. The Thirdmainland
bridge has constructed and completed during the Gen. Babangida-led Federal government and the Raji-
Rasaki-led Lagos state government.

Nigerians Would Have Been Jubilating If Supreme Court Had

Sacked Buhari --galadima
The spokesman for the presidential campaign council of the Peoples Democratic Party Buba Galadima
has said that Nigerians would have been jubilating if the Supreme Court had sacked President
Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday.

A Supreme Court panel on Wednesday dismissed the appeal of PDP and its presidential candidate,
Atiku Abubakar challenging the verdict of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, which affirmed
the victory of Buhari in the February election.

Speaking on Channels Television on Wednesday, Galadima said, “If this judgment today had been that
Buhari was removed from office, I’m sure that by now, there would have been fireworks all over this
country.
“People would have been jubilating, pouring water on the streets and celebrating. But have you seen
any individual who has demonstrated that he is happy with this judgment?” he asked.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party and its
presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad, who led six other members of the apex court’s
panel, delivered the three-sentence judgment which put paid to the legal dispute over the poll.

Shortly after the Supreme Court delivered the judgment, Atiku, the APC, the Senate President, Dr
Ahmed Lawan and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, reacted.

Atiku said although the Nigerian judiciary had been sabotaged by a dictatorial cabal, his spirit was not
broken by the judgment. The APC advised the former vice-president to stop what it called destructive
agenda.

Prison Safest Place For Nnamdi Kanu – Justice Nyako

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, on Thursday, told the Federal
High Court, Abuja, that he was ready to face trial if his safety would be guaranteed by the court.

Kanu told the presiding judge, Justice Binta Nyako, through his counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor.

Ejiofor told the court that the application to restore the IPOB leader’s bail so that he could face his trial
was filed on April 1.

“We have an application for bail filed on April 1, 2019, the application was served on the prosecution
and it is ripe for hearing.

“We urge the court to restore his bail on the grounds that the court will guarantee his safety when he
comes back to the country to continue his trial,” he said.

On his part, counsel for the Federal Government, Labaran Shuaibu, who told the court that he was just
seeing the process, opposed to the application.

READ ALSO: Mothers of Yahoo boys now forming association – Magu

Shuaibu urged the court to adjourn the matter to enable them file the necessary processes.

Delivering the ruling, Justice Nyako, who adjourned the matter till Jan. 16, said the only way he could
guarantee Kanu’s safety was to keep him in the prison.

She said even judges no longer safe in the country.

“Even judges are being abducted in the country. So prison is the only safest place for him,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Justice Nyako had ordered the re-arrest of the self-proclaimed
leader of IPOB, Kanu

Gov. Ihedioha Approves Reconstruction, Rehabilitation Of

Critical Roads In Imo
–Approves Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Maintenance of Critical Roads in Imo

The government of Imo State led by His Excellency, Hon Emeka Ihedioha, has responded quickly to
public outcry by addressing the dilapidated and decayed road infrastructure inherited from the past
Okorocha’s administration in Imo state.

At today's State Executive Council meeting, October 30th, 2019, the governor took further bold steps
to approve for rehabilitation, Reconstruction and maintenance, Five ( 5 ) critical Imo gateways cutting
across Okigwe, Owerri and Orlu Zones.

To reduce road hazards faced by Imo citizens and residents, and bring easy movement to the people,
the following roads has been approved for reconstruction, rehabilitation and maintenance.

1. Maintenance of the failed section of the 52 km Owerri-Egbu-Mbaise-Obowo Road.

2. Maintenance of failed section of Owerri- Njaba- Orlu 32km road.

3. Maintenance of failed section of Owerri-Amaraku-Anara--Onuimo-Umunna-Okigwe 51 km road.

4. Reconstruction / Rehabilitation of Aboh-Itu Ezinihitte Mbaise 7.1 km road.

5. Reconstruction of Achingali-Onicha-Udo na Obizi 14 km road.

The works will involve scarification, rebuilding of the sub-base, provision of stone base, overlay with
asphalt concrete, rebuilding of corresponding shoulders, desilting of blocked drainages, construction of
new drainages, and replacement of median kerbs where necessary. Etc.
Buhari Begs Saudi Aramco To Come Invest In Nigeria's
Petroleum Industry
Less than a week after making an appeal to Russia-based Lukoil to bring its expertise and funding into
the entire facet of Nigeria’s fossil fuel industry, President Muhammadu Buhari has made a similar plea
to Saudi Arabia’s Aramco.

The President and his entourage made the request at the future Investment Initiative in the Asian
country.

Speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Buhari said,
“Nigerian officials are ready to collaborate with you, they will identify their priorities and invite you
for a meeting in the country so that you can go round to inspect the refineries and other oil facilities.”

Shehu disclosed that President Buhari directed some of his ministers and head of the Nigeria National
Petroleum Corporation to work with the Saudis to expedite modalities for the investment.

Buhari has since August made landings at investment summits in Japan, Russia and Saudi Arabia.

The mantra has been for investors in these countries to come make more money in Nigeria and help
build its sickly infrastructure as well.

Nigeria ‘ll Overcome Its Security Challenges – Lawmaker

Nigeria will overcome its security challenges, Sen. Emmanuel Bwacha, President, Christian Legislators
Fellowship of Nigeria (CLFN) has said.

He stated this during the 10th Anniversary of the National Prayer Breakfast organised by the fellowship
in Abuja on Thursday.

Bwacha who represents Taraba South Senatorial District said that the country would overcome its
security challenges if the citizens took to prayer.

“With the security, leadership and economic challenges confronting the country, we shall overcome. It
requires our prayers” he said.

Nigeria N Vietnam Approve Visa Waiver Amidst Rice And

Border Closure Controversy
Nigeria and Vietnam have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on waiver of visa
requirements to encourage business trade. The agreement on visa waiver comes amidst Vietnam’s plea
that Nigeria should open its borders for Vietnamese rice, leather shoes, textiles, and other products.
The Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam, Vuong Hue had met with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo
during his recent visit to Nigeria. The meeting led to both countries strengthening their diplomatic
relations and business ties by agreeing to a visa waiver for holders of valid diplomatic and official
passports.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Zubairu Dada, disclosed that Vietnam and Nigeria had
“signed an agreement on waiving visa for people carrying diplomatic passports,”. Dada added that the
Vietnam delegation also met with individuals in trade, commerce and investment in Nigeria.

Nigeria, Vietnam to set up bilateral commission

In order to cement talks held during the Vietnam delegates’ visit to Nigeria, Osinbajo said a bilateral
commission would be established for Nigeria and Vietnam. He, however, did not disclose when the
commission will be set up.
Both Hue and Osinbajo agreed on boosting cooperation in business, trade and investment and many
other factors that ties both countries together. According to Osinbajo, “This visit is very significant
because we will be looking at the possibility of setting up a bilateral commission between Vietnam and
Nigeria so that we can concretise the existing areas of cooperation that we discussed.”

Rice talk threatens business ties

Despite the MOU signed to approve visa waiver, the countries’ business ties seem to be in a dicey
situation. Nigeria’s border closure is affecting Vietnam, and this is one of the reasons for Hue’s visit to
Nigeria.

Benin is one of Vietnam’s rice market

If Nigeria continues to close its borders against Benin, Vietnam rice won’t be able to enter the
Nigerian market. More so, if the Federal Government takes the path of the ruling party, All Progressive
Congress (APC) Chairman’s statement, who rejected Vietnam’s plea, the cocoa and cashew exporters in
Nigeria might likely bear the brunt as previously reported by Nairametrics.
According to NBS data, Nigeria exported N13 billion worth of cashew nuts and raw cocoa beans to
Vietnam in just three months (April – June 2019). If Nigeria insists on shutting its land border, this
could lead to an imbalanced trade, provoking Vietnam to prevent Nigeria’s cocoa and cashew from
entering its country. That means exporters could lose about N13 billion or more in trade to the border
issue.

BREAKING: Death Penalty For Kidnappers In Kano

Kano Governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has directed the Ministry of Justice to amend the panel
code to death penalty for kidnappers in the state.
Ganduje dropped the hint on Thursday during the inauguration of a 16- man commission of enquiry
headed on Kano 9 children kidnapped and sold in Onitsha, Anambra state .

Presidential Election Appeal: Issues Beyond The Verdict Of The

Supreme Court
Wednesday, October 30, 2019, the Supreme Court of Nigeria, in a unanimous decision, dismissed the
appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar,
challenging the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressive Congress in the
February 23, 2019 presidential election.

The seven-member panel justices that gave the judgement was led by the Honorable Chief Justice of
the federation, Justice Muhammed Tanko with honourable Justices, Rhodes-Vivour, Amiru Sanusi,
Uwani Abaji, Ejembi Eko, John Inyang Okoro and Olukayode Ariwoola making up its members.

The apex court did not state reasons for the judgement, it however left the camp of the president and
ruling party in celebratory mode, while members of the camp of the appellants left the court room
sadder than when they came for hearing.

Notwithstanding of the feelings of the interested parties, there are some issues that need to be
discussed, these issues bothers on discarding traditions of the court by the CJN Justice Muhammed
Tanko.

Firstly, the noninclusion of honorable justice Mary Odili and honorable justice Sylvester Ngwuta as
members of the panel of justices that heard the appeal raised concern as both justices are senior
members of the Supreme court bench, and the CJN, by so doing, discarded the age long tradition of
having the most senior seven justices to hear presidential petition appeals at the Supreme court.

Secondly, composition of members of panel that heard the appeal did not reflect national spread as it
excluded justices from the southeast geopolitical zone in the seven justices that heard the appeal. The
panel has two justices each from the northwest and southwest geopolitical zones, one each from
northcentral, northeast and south south zones and zero from the southeast zone. This is also against the
age-long tradition of the apex court. More worrisome is the fact that justice Sylvester Ngwuta, a senior
jurist at the apex court from the southeast zone was excluded.

Thirdly, the speed at which the appeal was heard and discarded left observers worried. This is because
the names of the seven-member jurists that heard the appeal were only unveiled few minutes before
commencement of hearing and the verdict was given less than thirty minutes after conclusion of
hearing- all these happened same day and it is unprecedented in the history of presidential appeals in
Nigeria. This left Nigerians to wonder whether the whole process was mere academic exercise as the
court seemed to have reached a verdict even before parties argued their briefs.
Though the public await the reasons for the decision of the apex court, the question on the lips is of
everyone is whether justice was dispensed or miscarried. This can only be answered by the conscience
of the seven justices that heard the appeal.

May God Bless Us All and Bless Nigeria

Falana Sues Army, Asks Court To Stop Positive Identification

Operation
Human rights lawyer , Mr . Femi Falana ( SAN ) , has sued the Nigerian Army , it’ s Chief of Army
Staff and the Attorney- General of the Federation, praying for an order stopping the planned Operation
Positive Identification by the army .
The suit marked FHC /L / CS /1939 /2019 was filed before the Federal High Court in Lagos on October
25 , but a copy of it was seen by The PUNCH on Thursday .

According to Falana , the planned nationwide operation scheduled for November 1 , to December 23 ,
2019 , by which Nigerian citizens would be required to move about with means of identification is
unconstitutional, illegal , null and void .

He argued that the planned operation violates his right and that of other Nigerian citizens to liberty , “
as encapsulated in Section 35 respectively of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria , 1999
as Amended and Article 6 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights ( Ratification and
Enforcement ) Act , ( Cap A 10 ) Laws of the Federation of Nigeria , 2004 . ”

He filed along with the suit an order seeking an interim injunction restraining the three defendants from
going on with the plan pending the hearing of the substantive suit .

In a supporting affidavit filed along with the suit , Falana recalled that on October 8 , 2019 the Chief of
Army Staff , Lt . - Gen. Tukur Buratai disclosed that the Operation Positive Identification , said to be
ongoing in the North East theatre of Boko Haram insurgency would be extended to cover the entire
nation .

He said the operation required Nigerian citizens to move about with legitimate means of identification
such as the National Identification Card , Voters Registration Card , Drivers ’ Licence and passports or
other valid official identification .
He noted that the increase in deployment of security forces nationwide would be with potential of
movement disruption , and the army had thus advised Nigerians to ensure that they always carry valid
means of identification .
Falana argued, through his lawyers, Mrs. Funmi Falana and Taiwo Olawanle , who filed the suit on his
behalf , that by virtue of Section 215 ( 3 ) of the Constitution , the Nigeria police force “ has the
exclusive power to maintain law and order and secure public safety and public order in the country”
and not the army .
He contended that going by section 217 ( 1 ) of the Constitution , the Nigerian President of could only
deploy the armed forces for the suppression of insurrection and acting in aid of civil authorities to
restore law and order .

But he said , “There is no insurrection in every part of the country which the Nigeria police cannot
contain to warrant the deployment of armed troops all over the country from November 1 , 2019 to
December 23 , 2019 .

“ Neither the Constitution nor the Armed Forces Act Cap A20 LFN , 2004 has empowered the Nigeria
Army to arrest any citizen who is not subject to service law .

“ The 1 st respondent (the Nigerian Army ) under the leadership of the 2 nd respondent is not
empowered to take over police duties and the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces
lacks the power to deploy members of the armed forces in the maintenance of internal security in any
part of the country by virtue of Section 217 (a ) ( b) and ( c ) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended . ”

Ghana Plan To Ban Rice Importation

Rice importers would be ordered to cease their trade in three years if everything goes as planned,
Ghana’s Agriculture Minister, Dr. Owusu Afriyie-Akoto, has said.

The same applies to persons who import poultry products.

The policy, if implemented would also be similar to the situation with Nigeria, its neighboring country.

Afriyie-Akoto said the government was working fervently to “establish the local capacity” to meet
demand.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express programme on Wednesday, he said this should be completed in the
next three years.

After that, merchants would be expected to trade with local farmers.

Currently, most of the rice consumed locally comes from overseas.

Deputy Trades Minister, Robert Ahomka Lindsay, had previously said rice importation alone takes 82
per cent of all imports into the country.

This cost more than $1 billion, almost two per cent of the country’s GDP in 2018.
This must stop, the Agriculture Minister said.

The government intends, with the help of its flagship planting for food and jobs programme, to increase
the yield of farmers.

This, Afriyie-Akoto said should be achieved in three years, paving way for the order to stop imports.

He said this is not over-ambition, neither does it violate WTO protocol.

The government has been selling fertilisers to farmers at subsidised rates as part of the planting for
food and jobs programme.

The Minister says with 50 per cent government subsidy on fertilisers for smallholder farmers, a farmer
who was previously producing three bags of rice per acre was now producing 10 bags.

This has massively increased jobs since more hands are needed to harvest the produce and process
same for the market.

The minister put the figure of jobs created at 745,000 in 2017 but that number has gone up to 900,000;
he says.

Meanwhile, the government has introduced a spinoff of the programme, rearing for food and jobs, as a
result of the success chalked from the original policy.

Makinde Orders Contractor Handling Over N65billion Ibadan

Circular Road To Stop
Governor Seyi Makinde has ordered the contractor handling over N65 billion Naira Construction of
Ibadan Circular road to stop work at the site with immediate effect.

The Governor gave the order this Thursday after paying on-the-spot inspection to the ongoing
construction of the Ibadan Circular road.

Makinde Orders Contractor Handling Over N65Billion Ibadan Circular Road To Stop
Governor Makinde expressed his displeasure over the level of work done at the site despite the huge
amount vested into the project by the last administration.

He stressed that the road was approved to the contractor two years ago by the immediate administration
but no tangible construction has been carried since awarded
According to him, Government under his watch will not tolerate any forms of contract delay and that
Road construction work given to contractor must done within the stipulated time.

Kwara Assembly Confirms 16 Commissioner-nominees

Kwara Assembly has confirmed the 16 commissioner- nominees forwarded to it by Governor
AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

This was after the screening of the last batch of four nominees by the House in plenary.

The four nominees screened are Mrs. Oyedun Juliana Funke(Isin), Agbaje Wahab Femi (Offa), Arinola
Fatimoh Lawal and Joana Nnazua Kole

Others earlier screened are: Ayinla Jawondo Salman (Asa), Engr. Suleiman Rotimi Iliasu(Moro),Arc.
Aliyu Mohammed Saifudeen (Kaiama) and Harriet Adenike Afolabi-Oshatimejin (Ifelodun).

Others are Sa’adatu Modibo Kawu (Ilorin South), Dr. Raji Rasaq (Ekiti); Alhaji Muritala Olarewaju
(Oyun)
( Aremu Abosede Deborah (Irepodun) and Aisha Ahman Patigi.

Also confirmed commissioners are: Oyeyemi Olasunbo Florence (Oke-Ero), Lafia Aliyu Kora Sabi
(Baruten),Ahmed Fatima Bisola (Ilorin West), Oyedun Juliana Funke (Isin), Agbaje Wahab Femi
(Offa), Joanna Nnazua Kolo (Edu) and Arinola Fatima Lawal (Ilorin East).

During the screening, members eulogised a former Governor Mohammed Lawal for his tremendous
efforts in ensuring the survival of democracy in Kwara State.

The House, being satisfied with all the nominees, asked each of them to take a bow and leave.

UPDATE: Dog Sniffs Out Fleeing Onitsha Tanker Driver

A dog on Thursday reportedly sniffed out the driver who drove the fuel tanker that fell in Onitsha.

He driver reportedly fled the scene of the accident and hid in a culvert.

A resident who spoke with our correspondent in Onitsha said the driver went into hiding after the
accident but was sniffed out of his hiding place by a dog.

"The driver ran away after the incident; he was nowhere to be found. But after a while, a dog started
barking near a culvert close to the scene of the accident.
"The noise attracted many people and after a search, a man who acknowledged that he was the driver of
the truck was found and brought out. The police later came and took him away," the source stated.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Haruna Mohammed, confirmed that the driver had been identified
and arrested.

He said, "The driver of the tanker has been arrested by Awada division. NUPENG is on the ground and
making efforts to transload the product."
He said the tanker crashed into a gutter due to brake failure.

"The tanker was coming from Benin and travelling to Enugu," Mohammed said.

This would be the third time that a tanker would be falling in the commercial city in two weeks.

The first two accidents claimed no fewer than five lives, including a woman and her 10 month- old
child.

No fewer than 22 vehicles and about 500 shops were reportedly destroyed in the two incidents.

The Thursday incident, it was gathered occurred around 1:00 p.m. on the Onitsha/Enugu Expressway.

An eyewitness told our correspondent that the content of the tanker was spilling out after it fell, causing
residents to scamper for safety.
The incident caused gridlock in the area for close to three hours.

The Anambra State Police Command in a statement directed commuters to use other routes.
The statement said, "A tanker loaded with PMS just fell into a ditch along Onitsha/Enugu Expressway
by Chipex Filling station.

"The PMS is spilling out as of the time of making this report. It is highly advisable you alert residents
in the area to stay clear from the premises in order to prevent any disaster.

"Police patrol teams have cordoned off the area and fire service department has equally been contacted
to be on standby in order to prevent fire incident."
Trade Ministry Condemns GUTA For Closure Of Foreign Retail
Shops In Kumasi
The government has condemned the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) for encouraging
their members to close shops that belong to Nigerian nationals in Kumasi, as a retaliation to the closure
of the Nigeria-Benin border.
In a radio interview on Accra based Starr FM on Thursday, the Deputy Minister of Trade, Mr Carlos
Ahenkorah said unlawful act by GUTA members could trigger a bigger trade impasse between Ghana
and Nigeria.

He said the sheer size of Nigeria’s economy requires that some amount of tact is applied when
dealing with their citizens in Ghana.

“Their economy is six times ours, why go fighting them? When you need to appeal for their
support. I want GUTA to understand that whether they like it or not, we need other economies to
support what we do here. I’m pleading with GUTA, just take your time and let’s find a way to
resolve the issue. They don’t need to go trading blows. If you trade blows, you only get the bigger
guys to outsmart you,” Mr Ahenkorah said.

GUTA members in Kumasi on Wednesday went round and closed some shops which belong to
Nigerian nationals.

The incident happened at Alarbar, the Adehyeman Gardens area and Kejetia.

In reacting to the Deputy Minister’s comment in the radio interview, the GUTA Financial Secretary in
the Ashanti Region, Maxwell Bamfoh said their members will return to the markets in Kumasi to
continue the closure of retail shops, which belong to foreigners.

He said they were doing that in reaction to government's failure to enforce the law which bans
foreigners from engaging in retail trade.

He added that he was disappointed at the comment of the Deputy Minister of Trade.

But, Mr Ahenkorah said shutting down the shops is not the appropriate means of redress.

On his part, the Manhyia Divisional Police Commander, ACP Kwaku Boah advised GUTA members
not to take the law into their own hands.
He urged them to use the appropriate means to address their grievances.

Background

The association has for some time now waged war on foreigners doing retail business in the country.

According to the group, they have been left with no choice than to move into the markets and lock the
shops up themselves because the law enforcement agencies fail to do their work
.
GUTA has backed its decision on section 27 of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Act
865 which frowns on foreigners in engaging in retail trades.

Senate Summons Adebayo Over N15bn In Private Firm

Accounts
The Senate on Thursday summoned the Minister of Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, and
the Acting, Managing Director of Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, Terhembe Nongo, over
N15 billion allocated to a private company in the ministry’s budget.

The Senate Committee on Appropriations issued the summons following the presentation of the report
of Senate Committee on Trade and Investment by Senator Rose Oko.

Oko had informed the Committee that, during the budget defence of the Ministry, she asked the
Minister and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry on the purpose of the N15bn in the budget but that
the two of them were unable to explain.

Oko said, “When they came for budget defence, the Minister and the Permanent Secretary said they
didn’t know anything about the issue as it is between Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority and
the company.

She said that the Committee had asked for the shareholding structure from the Attorney General of the
Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami.

She said the documents provided did not reveal the identity of the shareholders.

Oko informed the Senate Committee on Appropriation that her Committee had requested the Nigeria
Export Processing Zones Authority, to provide details of the allocated funds.

She said, “We have requested the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority to give details of what
happened and their response was the money was allocated to them in 2017 and as of then the company
was not in existence.”
Oko said the money was released in 2017 to the company when it had not been registered at the
Corporate Affairs Commission

She said, “The company was registered in 2018. Meanwhile, the money was already allocated in 2017
and domiciled in CBN. More so, N15bn was released two days ago to the same company.”

The Chairman of the Appropriation Committee, Jibrin Barau, however, said that the Committee
directed the NEPZA MD, Minister and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry to appear on Monday to
correct the anomaly.

Barau said, “We will create time for you (Oko) come with the Minister and the Permanent Secretary
alongside the MD of Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority on Monday by 11:00 a.m. to correct
this anomaly.”

It will be recalled that the 8th Senate had directed the acting MD of NEPZA to return N14.3bn to the
purse of the Federal Government.

It claimed that the money was diverted from the 2017 budget of NEPZA.

Innoson: Anambra Based Auto Manufacturer Signs Partnership

With Shell
Today, Oct 30th 2019, the Chairman/CEO of Innoson Vehicles, Chief Dr Innocent Chukwuma OFR
signed a Contract Purchase Agreement with ED Ubong, the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas
Ltd. The signing of the agreement will see the supply of Innoson Vehicles to Shell Nigeria for its official
and operational uses.

In his brief address, Chief Chukwuma stated that Innoson Vehicles being the first wholly indigenous
and leading vehicle manufacturing company in Nigeria has established themselves as the leaders in
major markets across Nigeria and West Africa due to its high safety standards, dynamic and
exhilarating performance, ruggedness, durability, absolute reliability and affordable prices.

Today in Africa, we are witnessing a revolution in car manufacturing led by Innoson, to produce the
best vehicles that meet International and Standard Organization of Nigeria standards.

In his speech, ED Ubong said Shell Nigeria over the years has shown the lead among its
contemporaries on the patronage of local content. The MD futher recalled that this year, Shell emerged
the International Oil Company with the most impactful Local Content Initiatives in the upstream
category at the 2019 edition of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunity Fair (NOGOF) held in Yenagoa,
Bayelsa State on April 4, 2019.
The Shell Nigeria Gas MD also stated that the company will not just patronize Innoson Vehicles but
also help it to improve its quality and standard by constantly recommending areas for improvement.

The event also witnessed the cutting of tape which signifies the introduction of Innoson Vehicles as a
vehicle supplier to Shell Nigeria Gas Ltd.

Cornel Osigwe
Head, Corporate Communications
Innoson Group

9 Rescued Kano Children: CAN Weeps As Ganduje Inaugurates

16-man Commission
The Kano State chapter chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Adeolu Adeyemo on
Thursday wept over the nine rescued children, just as Governor Abdullahi Ganduje inaugurated the 16-
man Commission of Inquiry to unravel the mystery behind the tragedy.

DAILY NIGERIAN reports that after establishing protocol, the CAN chairman could not speak further
as he was beside himself with emotions.

Our reporter, who was at the venue of the inauguration, reports that the Master of The Ceremony had to
collect the microphone from the emotional CAN leader and comforted him back to his seat.

However, after a while ago, the CAN chair indicated his readiness to carry on with the speech.

In his speech, Mr Adeyemo said, “today I see the gravity of cruelty done to parents and children. This
is a crime against humanity that God in the heaven condemns.

“I am touched. The church does not in any way and by any means support this act. Bible says, a child
can never leave his parents until he reaches 13 years,” he stressed.

READ ALSO: Kano man found after ‘drowning’ 30 years ago

The CAN leader added: “This is indeed an evil deed that is punishable on the side of God. These
people are not Christians because they do not represent the tenets of Christianity.”

The CAN chairman also expressed delight that the incident did not cause a crisis in the state, stressing
that nobody kidnaps for Christ as He (Christ) does not recognize such.
Recall that on Friday, October 11, the Kano State Police Command had paraded a gang of six
kidnappers for allegedly abducting, selling and forceful conversion to Christianity of nine children in
Onitsha, Anambra State.

Amaechi Says Made-In-Nigeria Trains To Be Launched Soon

The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, on Monday said insecurity along the Abuja-
Kaduna road has increased the passenger traffic on the Abuja-Kaduna rail service by 270 per cent. The
route, which has a carrying capacity of 1,000 daily passengers, now ferries 3,700 passengers daily.

Amaechi also revealed that more coaches would soon be added on the route to cater for the high
passenger volume. This will also stop the passengers from standing on the coaches while travelling.

Amaechi said,

“The reason why we allowed standing on the Abuja-Kaduna train is the insecurity that has
made it unbearable to insist on sitting.

“But once we get the next 10 coaches we are sending to Abuja-Kaduna, the situation where
passengers stand inside our coaches will be reduced. Although it will not solve the problem
of the 3,700 passengers, at least it will reduce the number of those who stand.”

He also added that ,

“The actual number of passengers that the service can take for the sitting capacity is about
1,000 plus, but we are carrying 3,700 people daily. So if you add 10 coaches of 84
passengers per coach, you will know that we are under pressure. We know that when the
coaches come and we make it more regular the pressure will be reduced.”

The Minister also revealed plans to start making Made-In-Nigeria Trains.  He said that on November 8,
2019, the Federal Government would lay the foundation for the Kajola factory in Ogun State where
locomotives, wagons and coaches would be constructed by Chinese firms at no cost to Nigeria.

Amaechi also announced plans to commence a trial run of trains on the Lagos-Ibadan railway service in
December. He said passengers will get free train rides during the Yuletide period.
“Our target is to start by November 30 this year, specifically from Ebute-Meta in Lagos to
Ibadan in Oyo State.”

He urged the contractor handling the project, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, to
complete the minor stations on the Lagos-Ibadan railway before November 25.
“If I spend sleepless nights to sign approvals for you, I don’t want to hear you use rain as an
excuse why you can’t deliver your job as engineers,”
 “I will struggle to make sure that before Christmas it happens,”

Sagay: "I Asked Oshiomhole To Contest Presidency Against

OBJ In 2003, Not 2023"
Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN), Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption
(PACAC) on Thursday said some mischievous persons are trying to misinterpret what Comrade Adams
Oshiomhole, national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) said about him as
regards running for the presidency.

Oshimohole, while addressing journalists in Abuja had said Sagay was one of those who encouraged
him to run for the presidency.

“All I can tell you is that, I have a lot of respect for Professor Itse Sagay. I do remember very well that
he was one of those who said I should contest for President. I respect him, he’s a very consistent fellow.
He believes in what he believed in and he pays the price for it” he said.

Following Oshiomhole’s comment, many online platform reported that Sagay, who is also one of the
leaders of the APC is encouraging Oshiomhole to contest the 2023 presidency when it is zoned to the
South. Others also reported that he asked him to contest against President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.

However, making the clarification in a chat with Daily Independent, Sagay said he once encouraged
Oshiomhole to contest the 2003 presidential election when former President Olusegun Obasanjo was
seeking a second term in office.

“Many mischievous people, particularly in social media are attempting to distort what Adams
Oshiomhole, APC national chairman said about me that I encouraged him to contest for the Presidency.
I wish to confirm with all my vigour that I encouraged him to contest in 2003 against former president
Olusegun Obasanjo”.

“I remembered that we were on our way from Uyo after a meeting of Niger Delta people. Definitely,
that issue could not have arisen again for two reasons. One, after our discussion, he contested for
governorship election in Edo state. Two, Buhari himself came on the scene as a major figure whom we
all supported with all our minds”.

“So, the issue doesn’t arise at all. There is a difference between 2003 and 2023. They are not related. I
asked Oshiomhole to contest in 2003 and I became a strong Buhari supporter in 2014. So, there is 11
years distance between when I encouraged Oshiomhole to contest for presidency in 2003 and I was
disappointed that eventually, he went for governorship”.

“ By the time, I supported Buhari in 2014, Oshiomhole did not cross my mind at all. So, I don’t think
he could have deliberately made that statement because it is so untrue and dishonest and I think he is
not that sort of person”.

“I may accuse him of being aggressive but he is not a dishonest man. Some mischievous people are just
trying to misinterpret what he said”.

Petition Against Tinubu “lying Fallow” In Our Office –EFCC

Source
A petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to investigate two bullion vans allegedly
stashed with cash driving into the residence of the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress,
Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, at Burdillion, Ikoyi, Lagos, on the eve of the February 2019 presidential election,
is currently “lying fallow” at the office of the anti-graft agency, a reliable source in the commission has
told SaharaReporters.

The source, who disclosed that the petition is “just hanging somewhere”, added that there is no effort or
desire by the leadership of the commission to consider the petition for its merit or lack of it at the
moment.

Rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, had filed a formal petition demanding an investigation into the bullion
vans in Tinubu’s house following claims by the commission that it could not act without a formal
petition over the issue.

Adeyanju’s petition dated October 25, 2019, was addressed to the Acting Chairman of the anti-graft
agency, Ibrahim Magu.

In the petition, he had reminded the commission of Section 7 (1) (b) of the EFCC Establishment Act,
2004, which empowered it to investigate properties of any person whose lifestyle and extent of the
properties are not justified by his source of income.

Adeyanju urged the anti-graft agency to accord the petition priority and begin an investigation into the
appearance of those bullion vans in Tinubu’s house on the eve of the election.

But five days after the petition was received by the EFCC, SaharaReporters has now learnt that the
commission has no interest in pursuing the investigation.

The source said, “There is a petition but it is just somewhere lying fallow. Maybe tomorrow it will be
picked up but right now, there is nothing on it.”

Tinubu had moments after the bullion vans were seen entering his house told journalists that he can
spend his wealth as he pleases, adding that he could dole out cash if he wanted to so long as it was not
for vote inducement.

The All Progressives Congress had also dismissed the petition, demanding evidence to prove that the
money was meant to induce voters.

The APC said, “Let them come up with the proof. The man is a private citizen and he has been out of
government for the past 12 years.

“If he has decided to spend his money on his party, how is that a problem? Let them come up with a
proof that somebody’s money is missing.”

The Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act (2003) law of Nigeria does not quite agree with the argument
of the APC, however.

Section 1 (a) of the act clearly states that a private citizen can only have a maximum N5m at hand.

Following its failure to enforce this law against the high and mighty in the society, many Nigerians
have accused the EFCC of selective prosecution.

Boko Haram Members Invade Ondo State

There was tension in Akure, Owo and other major towns in Ondo State as members of the dreaded
Boko Haram sect allegedly planned to attack some banks in the state on Friday.

The planned attack was quoted in a document purportedly addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Mr
Undie Adie by a security agency.

The document is presently being circulated on various social media

Adie urged the police to be proactive on the threat.

The letter dated 29th October was entitled “Planned Robbery Attacks on some commercial banks in
Ondo State by suspected Book Haram elements”.

It reads: “Intelligence availed the command revealed planned armed robbery attacks on some
commercial banks in the state by suspected Boko Haram elements any moment from now.

“The group also plan to engage in kidnapping and car snatching along major routes in the state,
including Owo/Benin axis, Isua/Ikare and Auge/Ayire in order to raise funds for its terrorist/insurgency
campaign in the country.

Read Also: 16 Boko Haram commanders captured in Borno

“It was further learnt that the insurgents/terrorists hibernating between Kogi and Ondo States have
concluded plans to carry out a major armed robbery operation in Owo Local Government Area, Ondo
State on 1st November 2019 being the market day”

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for command, Femi Joseph, said the police did not receive
any letter from any sister security agency on the said matter.

According to him: “The command is not aware of any letter to the effect of planned attack by Boko
Haram or any other group. The command, however is working round the clock to provide adequate
security for lives and property of the residents of the state.

“The command is very much prepared to ensure adequate security in this ember months both in flash
points and other areas,”

"Buhari: A Public Servant On A Private Visit With Public

Money"
I was somewhere and we were discussing on some issues bedeviling us as a nation and when we got to
the issue of baba being fond of traveling out of Nigeria like the “Ajala” of old, I told them humorously,
“Next time, you would not make a Fulani man your president.

You know “Fulani” people do not stay at a place…” And we all did burst into laughter. Baba is very
nomadic and it is understandable!

In 2015, we were told that there were ten (10) aircraft in Nigeria’s fleet! And in 2016, we were told that
Nigeria would sell two (2) presidential jets to cut waste and reduce unnecessary luxuries.

Till this moment, we are still keeping all of them, maintaining unnecessary luxuries while our
economy drowns in the ocean of waste and mismanagement.

A broke nation, keeping ten (10) aircraft in her fleet! Does this make any sense? You be the
judge.On the condition that Buhari does not frequently jet out as he does since he came to power,
the ten (10) aircraft in Nigeria’s fleet will be useless and baba does not want this to happen to
Nigeria.

Those who are complaining should be thanking him for doing us a huge favor, flying almost
everywhere.You know it’s not easy to fly out of Nigeria as he does.

You know this is what baba’s blind followers say; each time you want to complain on some of the
things baba isn’t doing right.Even for keeping ten (10) aircraft in Nigeria’s fleet, baba is doing us
a huge favor! Let us keep fooling ourselves

How can a nation that is said to be broke be keeping ten (10) aircrafts for two people (baba and
Osinbajo)? Remember, to exhaust the budgeted 3.3 billion naira for their trips in 2020, expect
many more unnecessary trips!

I call them unnecessary trips, because Buhari and Osinbajo are fond of making trips that can be
delegated to some of their team members, making use of commercial airlines, reducing our current
worthless cost of governance.
I am of the opinions that it is going to take a very long time before we can become a first world
country. How do I mean? No nation wastes resources as we do and truly become great.

How can a 3rd world country like Nigeria be keeping ten (10) aircraft in its fleet? A developed country
like America only keeps two (2) aircraft in its fleet! The way our political leaders are running Nigeria is
not the way they are running their private businesses.

On the condition that Nigeria is truly a place to live in and enjoy as we are being told by our
politicians, president Buhari would not have been running out of here as he consistently does
since he found his way into Aso Rock. Even when his wife wanted to rest, she couldn’t find a
suitable place to do so in Nigeria.

There is hardly one politician who rests in Nigeria.Each time our politicians want to rest and
enjoy their money, they jet out of here. In other words, you hardly can rest in Nigeria, no matter
how rich you are.

Apart from when he travels to the United Kingdom, Nigerians are usually informed about baba’s
reasons for traveling to other places. Even the common man knows that Buhari is currently on an
official assignment in Saudi Arabia.

After the business conference he sent to attend ends, he creases to be on an official assignment. Today,
he proceeds to Makkah for a two-day personal religious act. Who pays for the extra two days he spends
in Makkah?

If His Excellency, Professor Yemi Osinbajo decides to go to Jerusalem in office as a Christian, he is

supposed to pay for his own trip out of his own pocket, because when it comes to religion, it is a
personal thing, not a State thing. Remember, Nigeria is a secular country, not a religious one!

Baba’s coming private visit to the United Kingdom is the second this year alone! And I am sure he is
going to embark on more private visits to the United Kingdom before his tenure in office fizzles out.

On the condition that the rate at which he goes on vacation is the rate at which presidents before him
went on vacation, we would have no country today.

And his present level of commitment to serving Nigerians does not reflect the man who was weeping
before he was in the long run voted into power about five (5) years ago.

The yardstick His Excellency, President Buhari uses for others is quite different from the one he
uses for himself. He wants to reduce the rate at which other public servants travel, but maintains
his own frequent and pointless trips.

When he finishes in 2023, we would know how much Nigeria has expended on his many trips to
different parts of the world and especially, his private visits to the United Kingdom.

Many partisan and hypocritical citizens of Nigeria are quiet now, because it is not Goodluck
Ebele Jonathan, who is in power.They would have screamed to high-heaven if what’s happening
now did happen when he was in power.

They would have called him different names. But now that baba is the one in power, they do not
mind if he moves the seat of power to London, governing from there. Our major problem in
Nigeria is not corruption, but hypocrisy!

Lawmaker Suspended By APC For Absenteeism

The All Progressives Congress in Okada East local government area of Edo State has suspended
Mr. Vincent Uwadiae from the party for his continued absence from sittings at the Edo State
House of Assembly.
Uwadiae was elected to represent Ovia North East Constituency II in the Edo State House of Assembly
and he is among the 14 lawmakers-elect that refused to present themselves for inauguration.
He has since joined others to remain in Abuja.
The suspension of Uwadiae was contained in a letter addressed to State Chairman of the APC, Barr.
Anselm Ojezua and signed by Chairman of APC in Ovia North East, Chief Etinosa Ighodaro and other
party executives.
In the letter, Uwadiae was accused of making the people lose adequate representation during plenary
session at the Assembly.
According to the letter, “We reject the continued absence of Mr. Vincent Uwadiae from the Edo State
House of Assembly.
“The refusal of Mr. Vincent Uwadiae to attend the meeting of October 15 to appeal to him and direct
him to resume sitting is an expression of intolerance that are contrary to the values that define Ovia
people.
“We call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to commence the process of recall
of Mr. Uwadiae as elected members representing Ovia North East.
Last week, the embattled lawmaker was arraigned in absentia on six count charges bothering on forgery
and impersonation.
Justice Oviagele who adjourned the case to November 1 asked the Inspector General of Police to
produce Hon Uwadiae.
"We Will Do Things Differently To Accommodate All" - Gov
Abdulrazaq
The Kwara State government says it is poised and determined to do things differently in its bid to
rewrite the story of the State.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq stated this at the conferment of the ‘He for She Award of
Excellence’ on him by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development as a worthy
champion of Nigerian women in Akure, at the 19th Regular National Council Meeting on Women
Affairs and Social Development.

Governor AbdulRazaq noted that the margin of the victory recorded at the last poll thrown at the
Government the unique challenge to rewrite the story of Kwara State.

The Governor explained that the interest and welfare of the womenfolk and all categories of people are
paramount to the government.

"Let me begin by thanking the Nigerian women through the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and
Social Development for this honour. My team and I do not take it for granted. Instead, we see it as a
tonic to do more to champion the cause of not just women and the girl child but also the cause of every
disadvantaged group in our community" he added.

AbdulRazaq who was represented by his Deputy, Mr Kayode Alabi stressed that nine out of the 16
commissioner-designates are women is a step in that direction stating that many of these nominees are
below 40 years is another deliberate step in the same direction.

The Governor stated further that the State Government can’t continue to mouth inclusive or
participatory governance while those who constitute the bulk of the population suffer the most when
the chips are down and are never involved in decision making.

He advanced reasons for the appointment of more women in his cabinet "at the conclusion of the last
general election, it became clear to us that not a single woman made it to the decision making table in a
state where they possibly constitute the largest voting bloc. Men cleared all the elective positions. I was
not proud of that development. I was not glad because it goes against natural justice. I was not glad
because it runs afoul of international efforts to deepen women empowerment and inclusion in
governance. I was not happy because the women who are often the first victims of poverty and other
downturns were completely shut out of the space and position where they can explain how it feels to be
women and offer the best way out of the many quagmires confronting the society".

AbdulRazaq said the State governmemt have taken concrete steps to not only reverse that injustice but
to also emerge as the state with the largest percentage (56.25%) of women cabinet members in the
entire Africa.
According to him, women were in fact wired to be kind, compassionate, and good managers of
resources and made to endure hardships just to make their family comfortable.

The Governor expressed the belief that the decision to bring as many women as possible to the decision
making table will not be misplaced as Kwara is in dire strait and it needs a huge dose of sacrifice and
compassion to get through.

"And I’m glad to have heard a number of the nominees say this is a rare opportunity to prove just once
again how women are always at the forefront of national development and can always be trusted to
deliver" he noted.

Abdulrazaq assured that the government would do everything within available resources to build a
Kwara where nobody will be left behind on account of their gender, creed, or disability.

To the nominees, the Governor said Kwarans want to see how the decision, which is a fulfilment of
Goal 5 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), would help engender good
governance, probity, and turn things around for the better.

The Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe who represented Governor Nasir El-Rufia
said the State would continue to accord due recognition to women in its drive ensure the development
of the State.

Declaring the meeting open, the Ondo State Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu who was represented by
his Deputy, Mr Agboola Ajayi called on women holding political and elected offices to reciprocate the
gesture by rendering selfless service to the people.

Mr Akeredolu highlighted some of the steps taken by his administration to improve the welfare of
women.

In her speech, the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen noted that Kwara State is the Star
State of the 19th National Council Meeting calling on other States to emulate the gesture by giving
women due recognition and appointments.

Mrs Tallen who condemned discrimination against women commended Kwara and Kaduna State
governments for promoting the womenfolk among others.

Other speakers at the meeting include Speaker of the National Children Parliament, National Council
for Women Societies, representatives of United Nations Organisations, NGOs and financial institutions.

Six States Kwara, Lagos, Kaduna, Ekiti, Sokoto and Akwa Ibom as well as the Chief of Air Staff
received award at the ceremony.
The Council Meeting themed "gender equality and Social inclusion: a panacea for peace, security and
sustainable development in Nigeria was attended by women from the 36 States of the Federation
including two Commissioner-designates from Kwara State Hajia Aisha Ahman Pategi and Mrs
Florence Olasumbo Oyeyemi.

Amaechi, Attah, Demand Constitution Change

First Republic Minister, Chief Mbazuluike Amechi and a former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong
Victor Attah on Thursday faulted the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.
They declared that the Constitution was imposed on the country by the military hence the mistrust
among the different peoples of Nigeria.
The elder statesmen, who spoke separately at the 20thAnniversary of the Elliot Uko led Igbo Youth
Movement held yesterday in Enugu with the theme “How to make Nigeria work,” called for a change
of the current Constitution being used to run the country.
Amechi, who just clocked 90 years said: “Today we are living in a country that is full of danger. We are
living in a country where there is no peace; today we living in a country where the majority live in fear.
“We are riding in a ship that may tip over and sink any day. Today, we are living in a country where the
rulers refuse to listen to the loud cries of the ruled; today we are living in a country where the rich are
getting richer and the poor getting poorer; today we are living in a country where the corrupt and
criminal elements are in control; today we are living in a country that is ruled with a Constitution that is
not the Peoples’ Constitution.
“In 1978 the military appointed a Constituent Assembly under the chairmanship of Chief Rotimi
Williams. The Assembly produced a Draft Constitution, sent it to the military government and they
edited it, removed what they did not like, added what thewy wanted and published the Draft
Constitution as a Decree, by an illegal government that was never elected instead of putting the Draft to
Nigerians for plebiscite.
“Again in 1998, the military appointed another Constituent Assembly and when they produced their
result in 1999, the military edited it and published as a Decree. So the Constitution of 1979 and 1999
are not the Constitutions of the people of Nigeria. So I say it loud and clear that Nigeria is today ruled
as an elected illegality.”
He suggested that for there to be permanent peace, the country must meet to renegotiate the basis of the
union in a fraternal way.
“Those in authority are reluctant or unwilling to meet and find solution. The Afenifere, Ohanaeze,
Niger Delta and Middle Belt organisations along with Southern Nigeria Peoples Union have all met
and been demanding a restructuring of of the country. These elitist organisations cannot force or
compel the powers that be to agree to restructuring, when the present position designed and crafted by
their military leaders and handed over to them suits their purpose,” the nonegenarian posited.
On his part, Obong Victor Attah in his submission said that the greatest danger in the country today is
the danger the country’s Constitution poses to it, adding that the Constitution has put us in a state of
hopelessnes of which we must find a way out of it.
Attah frowned at the break up of the country but enthronement of a Constitution to would reflect true
fedwralism.
According to him, such a constitution must adequately treat the issue of resource control, security (state
police) and youth development.
The former governor made a strong case against regionalism, saying that we “should leave the states as
the federating units. He as well disagreed with the view that only four states are viable in the country
and insisted that all the states are viable.
“I don’t know how they arrived at that. There are countries in the world that any state in Nigeria is
better than. The only problem is misplaced priorities where one person in government will haver over
35 paid assistants.”
Attah advocated for a new Constitution that has nothing to do with religion, and say no to unified
salary structure because “standard of living is not the same all over the country.”
At the event were a delegation from Odua Peoples Congress (OPC) led by Alhaji Abdulsalam Ambani.

Gov Polls: INEC Distributes 2.4m Pvcs In Bayelsa, Kogi

The Independent National Electoral Commission has said that it has so far distributed 2,485136
Permanent Voters’ Cards to the electorate in Bayelsa and Kogi States ahead of the November 16,
Governorship Poll.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu disclosed this at a quarterly consultative meeting of the
Commission with Civil Society Organisations in Abuja on Wednesday.

APC Governors Says Tinubu And El-rufai Has

Rights To Aspire For 2023 Presidency
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governors under the auspices of Progressives Governors
Forum (PGF) have defended groups drumming support for Aiwaju Bola Tinubu, Governor
Ahmed El-rufai and others ahead of 2023 elections.
Responding to questions in Abuja, after a meeting between governors and Commissioners for
Information of APC states, on activities of groups opening offices for some members of the ruling party
ahead 2023, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the campaigners were entitled to their
fundamental human right to back anybody.
“It is everybody’s dream and it is also okay to dream. The reality is that INEC will have to come with
timetable and schedule of activities first. What these people are doing does not mean it will work. I
have not seen any campaign office in Lagos and I do not know whether there is also in Kaduna. I have
never seen it but that doesn’t mean it does not exist. It is the essence of democracy.
“We all signed up for constitutional democracy and I have the right to bring anybody together and say I
want to be president. So, whatever I do as long as its does not negatively affect any human being is
okay.
“We all say we want democracy and if some people gather and say they want to be president in 2040, I
will say good luck but we must first of all pray that God preserves their alive.
“For me, I will not worry about it, so long as the gathering is not negative to the development of
Nigeria. It is part of democracy, I won’t worry about it.”
He also defended President Muhammadu Buhari’s two weeks private mission to London.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his deputy, Kadiri Hamzat, argued that it should be the least
worries for Nigerians
“First of all, I think we should understand one thing; that Mr. President is a human being. Part of the
problems we have is that we place our leaders as if they are super human when they are human being.
“They have legs, they have pains. For instance, I was in pains at my back after flying from Lagos to
Abuja; does it mean I cannot go through pains as a human being? So, Mr. President is a human being,
he has a wife, he has children, he has brothers and sisters and he also has personal needs.
“That you are the president does not mean that you should not be a human being. Part of the problems
is that as a people we try to elevate our leaders as if they are not human being. They are. The moment
we understand that, we will be able to manage our thoughts and actions.
“Mr. President went for a conference in Saudi Arabia and he went to visit London on a private visit, he
is a human being. May be he wants to see his cousin.
“Does it mean that if you are in office your family should go and perish? No. For me, I don’t think we
should worry about the visit and such things. They are mundane issues. We should rather look at
policies and what he is doing to affect the lives of citizens of this country,” he argued.
He said the meeting between governors and commissioners was to create synergy to be able to deliver
on their promises to the electorate.
“The essences of our deliberation is for us know how we can continue to deliver services to the citizens
of our states and by extension our country. How do we get better in what we do as a government and
how do we communicate and expand horizon to all the states in Nigeria? And how do we represent our
country to outside world so that it will not just be negative that is portrayed. We have to project the
good things we do in this country.”
BREAKING: Another Petrol Tanker Falls In Onitsha, Residents
Flee
Another Tanker Falls in Anambra.

A Tanker loaded with PMS just fell into a ditch along Onitsha/Enugu expressway by Chipex Filling
station.

The PMS is spilling out at the time of making this report. It is highly advisable you alert residents in
the Area through your medium to stay clear from the premises in order to prevent any disaster.

Meanwhile, Police patrol teams have cordoned off the Area and fire Service department are on ground
to prevent fire incident.

November 1

Governor Obiano Restricts Movement Of Tankers Carrying

Petrol From 8pm To 5am
Following the recent spate of mishaps arising from accidents involving tankers carrying petroleum
products in Onitsha, Anambra State government has placed an embargo restricting the movement of
tankers carrying petroleum products in the state from 8pm to 5am, with effect from 2nd of November
2019.

This directive was shared on messaging platform, facebook by Special Assistant to Governor Willie
Obiano on social media, Ifeanyi Aniagor.

Benue Governor Ortom Runs Into 150 Cows, Arrests Them For
Wandering
The governor of Benue, Samuel Ortom, has decided to personally implement the state’s anti-grazing
law by arresting 150 cows accused of roaming the streets.

Legit.ng understands that the governor, who was on an inspection tour, personally arrested the cows
after running into them at Iniongun, Wadata area of Makurdi, the capital of the state.

Vanguard reports that the visibly angry governor asked the livestock guards in the area to arrest the
roaming cows for onward journey to a unit of the government.

The law concerning ranching in the state states that the animals would be auctioned if the owner cannot
meet the fines that would be imposed for violation within seven days.
The governor, who warned livestock owners in the state against violation of the laws, added: “The
Benue open grazing prohibition and ranches establishment law, 2017 is no respecter of persons and
does not accord preferences to any individual or group, whether or not they are Benue indigenes.”

He said the Benue people should be made to pay more fines if they are found to have violated the law
they made to foster peace between them and the herders.

“Any herder whether from within or outside who refuse to keep their livestock in ranches would be
prosecuted in accordance with provisions of the law,” the governor stressed.

He also urged the people of the state to send useful information to those in charge of implementing the
law to make it effective.

Legit.ng earlier reported that the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, representative of herders across Nigeria,
recently apologised to Governor Ortom over the clashes between farmers and herdsmen in the state.

In a statement on Saturday, October 26, the government said the group issued the apology through its
national secretary, Saleh Alhassan, on Friday, October 25.

Over 14 Million Nigerians Are On Drugs – World Drug Report

IgbereTV reports that The World Drug Report of 2019 has put drug use prevalence in Nigeria at 14.4
percent of the population, representing 14.4 million Nigerians aged 15 to 64 years.

Elisha Mohammed, Registrar of Pharmarcists Council of Nigeria (PCN), on Thursday, October 31st in
Kaduna made this known, when critical stakeholders gathered to brainstorm on alarming statistics on
drug use prevalence in Nigeria and the way forward. Mohammed said curiosity and peer pressure were
major factors pushing people especially school children and young persons into non-medical drug use.

The seminar which was organised by the PCN and Codeine Control and other Related Matters Working
Group, was about drugs and substances abuse in Northwest. It was to provide a platform of interaction
to increase awareness on effects of illicit drugs in the zone.

Mohammed said the Council was pained by the development, as it affected the country’s productive
population. According to her, the use of illicit drugs have led to brain damage which is quite expensive
to manage at rehabilitation centres. She appealed passionately to children steer clear of drug abuse,
warning that it truncates life.

She said, “You have a great future. God has deposited a lot of potentials in you. Drug abuse affect the
way your body performs. It affect important part of your body. It changes your brain chemistry. It takes
control of your brain because it has affected the brain, some will become depressed. They look unkept.
They engage in strange behaviour. “The issue of drug abuse is a a big problem in Nigeria and all of us
must come together to come up with the way forward."
12 Rescued, Pastor Arrested From Lagos Rehab Centre
The Lagos State Police Command yesterday raided a rehabilitation centre, rescued 12 chained inmates
and arrested a pastor, Joesph Ojo, who was allegedly using his church for rehabilitation activities.
Pastor Ojo was said to have been arrested sequel to a tip-off by the president of a non-government
organisation, Eagle Crime Awareness and Prevention Initiative, by Samuel Adam. The spokesman of
the state police command, Bala Elkana, was quoted as saying that an investigation had commenced.

“We have rescued 12 victims so far. They are 15 victims in number, but three couldn’t move when we
got there. We are bringing the remaining three. Some of them were chained. We have commenced an
investigation,” Elkana was quoted to have confirmed.

Obiano Procures 315 Drums Chemical Foam AFFF Tridol For

State Fire Service
His Excellency Chief Dr. Willie Obiano for the procurement of more 315 Drums Chemical Foam
Compound AFFF Tridol for Anambra State, which will aid in easy extinguishing and combatting of
Fire especially Class B fires which are flammable liquid (petrol, diesel, kerosene etc). These are part of
the promises of His Excellency to Anambra State and to Ndi Anambra.

The arrival of other approvals made by His Excellency are on the way.

God bless Anambra State Fire Service

God bless Firefighters across the the nation

PDP: Atiku’s Defeat Sparks Agitation Over 2023 Presidential

Ticket
Barely two days after the Supreme Court struck out the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party
(PDP) and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, challenging the emergence of President
Muhammadu Buhari as winner of the February 23, 2019 election, agitation for the 2023 presidential
ticket has commenced. Credible sources told our correspondent yesterday in Abuja that some power
brokers in the party were already planning how to field another candidate in 2023.

It was gathered that high ranking members of the PDP, including some serving governors were plotting
to field a northern candidate in 2023, while some party bigwigs from the South felt cheated by such
arrangement and are challenging the move.

A Board of Trustees (BoT) member from the South who spoke with our correspondent on condition of
anonymity said: “It is true that some power brokers in the PDP were not comfortable with the
emergence of Atiku but we supported him as our candidate.” “So now that our case has been thrown
out, there are pockets of agitations regarding which zone should produce the presidential candidate in
2023. “But I think the party also needs to handle this matter with caution because, already, many of our
members are likely to jump ship to the APC. I’m also considering that option so I don’t want to
comment on the matter anymore,” he said.

But PDP National Publicity Secretary Kola Ologbondiyan told our correspondent yesterday in a
telephone chat that the party has not taken a decision on its 2023 presidential ticket. “There is no
agitation within the PDP over the 2023 presidential ticket. It’s even too early to talk about 2023, but I
can assure you that the future of the PDP is very bright. “We have not even seen the reasons they
(Supreme Court) advanced for their judgement. So we have not reached discussion on that yet,” he
said.

Fashola: FG Is Constructing Low-Cost Houses In 34 States

IgbereTV reports that the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola has said that the Federal
Government is currently constructing affordable homes in 34 states of the federation.

The Minister revealed this in Abuja on Thursday. He also announced that at least one federal road
project was being constructed in each of the 36 states of Nigeria. He said that many of the roads had
been completed already while plans are currently made to build others.

He said, “We are delivering on our agenda for housing provision by aggressively and sustainably
pursuing the model National Housing Programme, which will turn out acceptable and affordable
houses for Nigerians, and with a lot of associated economic opportunities. Construction is ongoing in
34 states, most of which are largely completed, and will soon be offered for sale to the public, while
also simultaneously planning the second phase in those states that have provided us with land.”

Speaking through the Minister of State for Works and Housing, Abubakar Aliyu, Fashola said that in
the works sector, the Federal Government had also started rehabilitating roads across the country.

He said, “The effective, efficient and timely movement of people, goods and delivery of services are
imperative for socio-economic growth and sustainable development. I am pleased to report in this
regard that there is at least one federal road under construction in each of the 36 states and the FCT."

“While many have been completed, others are still under construction and new ones being planned. We
are also repairing, building and rehabilitating many other roads under our Federal Road Maintenance
Agency.”

He said that a lot of potentials abound in urban settlements and that it was only proper planning that
can make those potentials to materialise.

Inec To Create More Polling Units In 2020

On Thursday, the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) has made it public to Nigerian
electorates that the commission will create more polling units by the first quarter of year 2020.
Gearing for the Kogi and Bayelsa states governorship elections, the Commission through its National
Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Festus Okoye, at a
dialogue session organised by the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (Situation Room), in Abuja,
revealed this information at press time.

The prospective Creation of additional polling units come 2020 is to add to the 119973 polling units in
the country. The creation of additional polling units is to put an end to the continue use of ad hoc
procedure of creating Voting Points and Voting Point Settlements.

Taraba: Local Hunters Onslaught On Bandits Yielding Results –

Gov Ishaku
Gov. Darius Ishaku of Taraba said that ongoing onslaught against banditry in some parts of the state
was yielding good results. Ishaku made the statement on Thursday at the Galla Night organised by the
state government for both Federal and States Security administrators in Jalingo.

The governor, who was represented by Anthony Jellason, Secretary to the State Government (SSG)
also commended the military and other security agencies for their efforts in containing the bandits.

He however, noted that the local hunters do not have the legal mandate to carry out such an operations.
He said that the level of kidnappings and other crimes became worrisome to all and sundry, leading to
the acceptance of local hunters for the job. He expressed the determination of the state government in
supporting any initiative aimed at addressing the security challenges in the state. He also commended
the Federal Government for its support in talking insecurity in the state. “Let me acknowledge the
efforts of our local hunters in engaging the bandits into fierce battle”.

“Their operation is yielding results and very soon, the menace will be brought under control.’ “Though,
the local hunters do not have the legal authority to carry out such operation.” “That doesn’t mean that
other security agencies did not do their best but in situations of despair, one is likely to subscribe to
every suggestion available.” “On our part, we are in support of every initiative that will bring an end to
this security challenges,” Ishaku said.

In her remarks, Dr Amina Shamaki, Permanent Secretary, Special Services, Office of the Secretary to
the Government of the Federation (SGF) said that the government would support the state in ensuring
that the security challenges were brought under control. Shamaki commended both Taraba and Benue
governments in their efforts to resolve the lingering Tiv/Jukun crisis in Taraba.

She gave assurance that most of the security challenges would become a thing of the past as the Federal
Government was having sleplslee nights to ensure that the life of a Nigerian is better protected. The
Federal and states security administration’s meeting had in attendance security managers major
stakeholders. (NAN)
Police Parade 6 Suspected Killers Of PDP Chieftain In Rivers
State
Rivers State Police Command says its Operatives from the Criminal Investigation Department (SCID)
have arrested the killers of a PDP Chieftain, Chief Nwozuruaka Anele.

Anele was murdered in the presence of his wife and children at his residence in Alakahia, Obio/Akpor
LGA of Rivers State on September 21.

Police on Thursday paraded six suspects in connection with the Murder.

Among those paraded are Bright Wali ‘m’ 21yrs from Alakahia Community, Blessing Ogbuagu ‘f’
23yrs from Abia State, Chineme Wemeh ‘m’ 26yrs from Alakahia Community, Stanley Levi ‘m’ 19yrs
from Alakahia Community, Nnamdi Emenike ‘m’ 35yrs from Alakahia Community and Sunday Bright
‘m’ 35yrs from Alakahia.

Nnamdi Omoni, the public relations officer of the command said the suspects were arrested at different
times.

Omoni said the suspects confessed to belonging to Iceland Cult group terrorizing Alakahia and Choba
Communities in Obio/Akpor LGA of the State.

The police spokesman said one of the Suspects, Bright Wali ‘m’ confessed to having led his gang on
that fateful day, to the house of the deceased, where they shot him to death.

“His confession led to the arrest of others who have also confessed their complicity in the Murder.

” The Homicide Section of the State CID having concluded Investigation and established a prima facie
case against them will arraign them in Court on Friday,” he said

Man Steals, Sells Judge’s N2.5m Property For N56,000

A 37-year-old man, Abdulganiyu Awoyemi, has been arraigned for stealing angle iron (construction
material consisting of pieces of iron or steel with an L-shaped cross section, able to be bolted together)
worth N2.5m belonging to a judge with the Osun State Judiciary, Justice A. B. Abdulkareem.

The suspect, who was arraigned before an Osogbo Chief Magistrates’ Court, was said to have sold the
items for N56,000.
woyemi, according to the police, sold the items to one Mutiu Oyeyemi, 35, for N56,000.

Both men were arraigned before Magistrate Risikat Olayemi on Thursday on two counts of conspiracy
and stealing.
Awoyemi and Oyeyemi allegedly committed the offences on Wednesday, October 30, 2019, around
2am at Oke-Odo, Okuku.

Oyeyemi was separately arraigned on two counts of conspiracy and theft for receiving 155 pieces of
angle iron valued at N2.5m in Oke-Odo, Oyan.

Before ruling on the matter, Magistrate Olayemi said the two cases should be merged since they were
related.

She remanded the accused in the Ilesha Correctional Centre and transferred the matter to a magistrates’
court in Okuku for mention on November 11, 2019.

Meet Otobong Ndem Who Finished HND Before Secondary

School
There was mild drama on the floor of the Senate on Thursday as senators as on of the persons
nominated by President Muhammadu Buhari for the board of the Niger Delta Development
Commission, Otobong Ndem (Akwa Ibom) had his Higher National Diploma before possessing his
Ordinary level certificate.

A member of the Senate committee on the NDDC, Senator Matthew Urhoghide from Edo State, called
the attention of his colleagues to the inconsistency in the curriculum vitae of Ndem, nominated for
director of projects.

He wondered why the nominee would claim he sat for his school certificate examination in 2007
whereas he obtained his Higher National Diploma certificate in 2002.

Urhoghide said, “From the CV before me, the nominee had school certificate in 2007, National
Diploma in 1999 and Higher National Diploma in 2002.”

Senator George Sekibo added that Ndem claimed to have obtained his master’s degree in 2012 and
Bachelor of Science degree in 2019.

The nominee admitted that there was an omission in his CV and clarified that he first obtained his first
Ordinary Level Certificate in 1995 which was omitted in his CV.

The nominee also stated that he sat for another WASC examination in 2007 to enable him to study law
after his HND programme.

He promised to avail the committee with the 1995 certificate before he was asked to take a bow and go.

Another drama ensued when Senator Rochas Okorocha said since Ndem had served in the Akwa Ibom
State House of Assembly, he should be asked ‘to take bow and go’.

He said the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, being a former member of the Rivers State
House of Assembly, was accorded a similar courtesy during his screening by the Senate but his
colleagues opposed to it.

Julius Berger Adopts New Design For Lagos-Ibadan Projects

Nigerian construction giant, Julius Berger Plc, has changed its design for the Lagos – Ibadan
Expressway and plans to construct service lanes, bus stops and lay bays on the built-up areas along the
express road.
The new features, it was learned, are part of the new design approved by the Federal Government to nip
in the bud traffic congestions on the stretch of the road, which is the busiest road in Africa.
Apart from the service lanes, bus stops, and laybys, The Guardian learned that the interchange planned
for Lotto area of the road was part of efforts to decongest the road.
Before now, there have been concerns over lack of bus stops and lay bays on the finished section with
residents and commuters fearing that it might not solve traffic bottleneck associated with the road.
The project supervisor for Julius Berger Construction Plc, Solace Orlu, an engineer, confirmed the
development. He told The Guardian that the additions were included in the new design for the road.
Orlu, who is also the Traffic Coordinator for Julius Berger Plc, explained that there are going to be
service lanes in the built-up areas, like Ibafo, Arepo, Mowe, Aseese, Magboro where commuters could
alight from buses.
He said: “ The projects have been redesigned. The ones completed are the main carriageways, vehicles
are not supposed to park on these carriageways.

“There will be additional lanes added to the expressway so that if you are going through that area, you
drive on the service lane”, he said.
Orlu stressed further that the road is now designed in such a way that motorists would not stop on the
main carriageway, you but to keep driving to ensure a free flow of traffic.
He explained that the bus stops and lay bays would be on both sides of the service lanes.
On the proposed Interchange at Lotto, he promised that works would soon start, stressing that the
project is being delayed due to the compensation issue.
“ The Ministry of Power, Works and Housing are sorting that out with residents and relevant religious
bodies that are protesting against the project. We are not involved in that, the ministry is working on
them but works will soon start on the project”, he added.
According to him, it is a normal thing that when you are doing construction works, some houses will be
affected but they are resolving the issues.
Edo: Apc’s DENCO Floors Esama’s Daughter, Omosede In
Appeal Court
The Court of Appeal sitting in Benin City on Friday, upheld the election of Hon. Denis Idahosa
(DENCO), as All Progressives Congress (APC) member representing Ovia Federal Constituency of
Edo State.

Igbere TV reports that the three-man appellate court dismissed the appeal filed by Ms. Omosede
Igbinedion of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who lost her reelection bid to Idahosa.

Igbinedion, daughter of the Esama of Benin, had appealed the verdict of the Election Petitions Tribunal
that upheld INEC’s declaration of Idahosa as winner of the Feb. 23 National Assembly election.

Delivering judgment on the case filed against Idahosa, on Friday, the Court said the PDP candidate,
Igbinedion, failed to prove her allegations beyond all reasonable doubt.

The Court, therefore, dismissed the appeal of the PDP candidate for lacking in merit and substance.

Nigeria-saudi Council To Be Established Early 2020

A council for Nigerian and Saudi affairs has been agreed by the governments of the two countries to be
established in the next two months.
This agreement was made when President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Riyadh held a bilateral
meeting with the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, on the margins of the Future
Investment Initiative (FII) conference.
The council is aimed at promoting investments and enhancing relations between both countries.
A statement by Malam Garba Shehu, the President’s spokesman in Abuja, said meeting was initially
scheduled to hold in the office of the Crown Prince but out of courtesy and respect for the Nigerian
leader, Prince Salman insisted that he would meet with President Buhari in his hotel room at The Ritz
Carlton, Riyadh.
The presidential aide said the Council would be made up of government officials and business leaders
from both countries and the areas of focus are: economic growth and development, investments in oil
and non-oil sectors, and security cooperation.
”President Buhari and the Crown Prince agreed that the first assignment for the Council is to establish a
legal and operational framework that will facilitate investments beneficial to both countries.
”The Council will be established in the next two months while meetings will be held twice every year.
”To ensure that relations between both countries remain active, it was also agreed that leaders of both
countries, at the highest level, will meet at least once every year to review the progress of the joint
council and ensure closer collaboration on issues of mutual interest,” Mr Shehu said.
Mr Buhari thanked the Crown Prince for the Kingdom’s interest in investing in Nigeria and the
initiative to establish the Council which would form the foundation for a stronger Nigeria-Saudi
relationship.
‘‘Nigeria has a large population mainly made up of dynamic, young people and partnerships of this
type will help them to be productive and prosperous,’’ he added.
He also assured that his government would continue to provide the enabling environment for
businesses to thrive in the country.

Why The Rich Live Longer With Less Kids As Poor Multiply &
Die Early
The question most people do not want to ask or answer: who is going to feed or care for the poor
population explosion in Africa? Rich countries employ a great deal of research in sciences to prevent,
cure diseases and live longer. Such as drugs that prolong life; CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced
short palindromic repeats) or gene reorientation and therapy; feeding on laboratory meat without killing
animals; Beyond Meat or genetically modified agricultural grains to increase production of wheat, rice,
vegetables etc.

Africa account for 15% of the global population but carry 25% of the disease burden. Though African
genes are more diverse, only 2% of genetic materials used for pharmaceutical research come from
Africa while others make up the rest because most of the research is outside Africa. We are not
competing with the best of our potential that we are capable of and can do better.

We have what it takes in talents, blessed with fertile arable land and forest begging for exploration and
discoveries. But we lack the discipline to pursue more productive values. Indeed, there are some
discoveries going on right now all over the Continent but not enough to meet our needs compared to
the rest of the world or take care of our population that is increasing while the rest of the world exert
birth control and live longer.

If you want to see the future of a people, look at how well they take care of all children, not just their
own. How we educate and train our children cannot be overemphasized. Idle hands are susceptible to
mischievous and degenerative behaviors. Good schools are not just for the rich and powerful; it is
where poor children are turned into productive adults that may save the rest of Africa in Africa. God
gave everyone of us a role and talent to explore.

Charles Ofori Antipem in Ghana innovated Science Set textbook small enough to fit on a student’s desk
and capable of over 26 experiments. It got the interests and excited Ghanaian school children. Professor
Kelly Chibale, Director and founder of Drug Discovery and Development at the University of Cape
Town , South Africa is customizing drugs to the needs of Africans. Abasi Ene-Obong, the founder of
54gene in Nigeria goal is to build the first and largest biobank of African DNA genetic pool for drug
research in Africa. Wow, “O Pataricious”!

Unfortunately, African countries funding for both agricultural research and biomedical cure for human
diseases have been meagre and less productive. Since the average reason Africans want to be rich is to
be able to acquire more wives, children and import vanities. We cannot expect others whose dedication
is beyond money to take care of us. Indeed, the number of Africans at home or in Diaspora
participating in these research are sparse.

The likes of Dangote and Mo Ibrahim are not enough to complement the humanitarian support of Bill
Gates, Rockefeller Foundation or Albright in research and scholarships for Africans in Africa. Indeed,
we have more looters of Africa’s rich resources from Equatorial Guinea to Nigeria that have never
appeared on the Forbes list of Billionaires but display personal planes, exotic automobiles, Bullion Van
and wake up the dead ostentatiously. Colo-mentality directed our consciousness to the pursuit of
money, refocused our wants to import not Africa’s goodwill.

While the Asians are increasingly visible in technological research, discovery and business, there are
only few Africans in those fields. Yet, those few that are barely tolerated in foreign lands, are used for
chest beating and celebrations in a few African countries. These are Africans that have to kiss up, are
disrespected but succeed against all odds. If they are so good, as often told, why are they abroad?
Otherwise their countries would not be ruled by renegade politicians.

It is ironic that when some African countries were getting most of their foreign income from Cocoa,
they were better managers of their people. By the time some of the same African countries started
making money from diamond, uranium, cobalt and oil; they started wars and their countries and people
got poorer. Many of the institutions built with Cocoa money are languishing for lack of nurturing,
maintenance and funding. What is obvious is that the more money African countries make, the poorer
our corrupt politicians make the masses.

If we can remember how Nkrumah in Ghana and Awolowo in Nigeria spent cocoa money on education
compared to how the following leaders spend oil money, we have to feel remorse without feeling sorry
for ourselves. We must pick up the pieces from where we fell off the cliff! We have to stop looking into
the mirror hoping we would suddenly turn into their image. We can improve on their technologies, the
way they improve on Lower and Upper Egypt (Sudan).

Unfortunately, Africa’s economic colonization is now a competition between the Chinese or Asians and
the Western worlds. The pitiable meagre amount of returns we get from the End products of Cocoa
today, has not taught us any lesson. The same is true of all the mineral resources Eastern and Western
world are competing for in Africa. How long can we keep up selling our products for pennies while
buying backs plastics in US dollars, Euro, Pounds and Yen?

Education still remains one of the greatest determinants of life expectancy. The more informed we are,
the better our health habits. It does not have to be in the sciences alone since we tend to read more and
be broad minded on all subjects as we acquire more knowledge. Knowledge also steer us away from
bad and expensive habits of smoking, drinking and drugs that are injurious to our health. It might stop
us from just being consumers and producers of nothing!

Most Africans have no control over their locations or environment. Actually, many live in areas not
suitable for health because of cheaper rent and travel many miles to get to work. So when they escape
polluted areas during the day, they go back home at night. By the time they get home, they are too
exhausted to try any exercise to keep the body in shape. Yet, the right exercise and good diet are
important for good health and longer life.

We are still fighting for economic independence after 60 years and wondering which technology to buy
at a cost beyond our means from the Western and Eastern powers to destroy or boast to one another;
while we leave our children brains untapped. Even worse, is the inability to copy, steal, pirate or
improve technology like the Greeks and Romans did from Sudan, Egypt and Zimbabwe, as the
Europeans stole from Greeks. Just as the Americans, Japanese, Chinese or Indians stole technologies
from Europeans.

Nnamdi Kanu: Umahi Will Pay For Brutalisation Of IPOB

Members In Ebonyi
Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has threatened the governor of
Ebonyi State, David Umahi, over alleged brutalisation of the group’s members in the state by security
operatives.

Mr Kanu had on October 27 posted a video on Twitter showing a group of people whom he referred to
as IPOB members scampering for safety.

According to him, security operatives invaded the venue of IPOB gathering in Ebonyi and shot at them.

However, in a tweet on Thursday, Kanu threatened Mr Umahi and Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders
Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) saying they would account for the treatment of every Biafran,
Igbere TV reports.

“The brutalisation of our people in Ebonyi will surely be avenged. This is a formal notice to all,
including Miyetti Allah and Dave Umahi that sooner than later, they will account for every injury,
torture, and death of every Biafran. How, when and where is left for us to determine,” he wrote.

Kanu recently told the Federal High Court, Abuja, through his lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, that he was
willing to return to the country to continue his trial if his safety would be guaranteed.

Justice Binta Nyako, who adjourned the case till January 16, said the only way she could guarantee
Kanu’s safety was to keep him in prison.

She said that even judges are no longer safe in the country.
I’m Daniel In The Lions’ Den – Senator Dino Melaye
Senator Dino Melaye has likened himself to the biblical Daniel who was thrown into the lions’ den and
was taken out unscathed.

Melaye, in a tweet late Thursday, shared a campaign poster which read: “Lions can’t consume Daniel.”

He captioned the picture: “I am Daniel.”

Melaye will on November 16 re-contest Kogi West Senatorial election with his main challenger, Smart
Adeyemi of the All Progressives Congress (APC), after the Court of Appeal on October 11 upheld the
ruling of the tribunal which nullified Melaye’s election following a suit filed by Adeyemi, Igbere TV
reports.

The court ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh election
within 90 days from the date of judgement with all those who participated in it as eligible candidates.

Melaye had in the past boasted that he would defeat Adeyemi at any time or day in an election.
Tinubu Ask Atiku To Join APC, Channel Energy, Intellect To
Move Nation Forward
Following the Supreme Court ruling on Wednesday, the All Progressives Congress (APC) National
Leader, Sen. Bola Tinubu, has urged the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to join hands
with the ruling party in moving the nation more assuredly forward.

The APC national leader said this in a statement he signed Wednesday, on Supreme Court’s affirmation
of President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election, Tinubu commended PDP and Atiku for their tenacious
pursuit of what was their legal remedies

The statement is entitled: “Presidential Election: Supreme Court Affirms Will of The People”, Tinubu
also congratulated President Buhari and the APC on a well-deserved legal affirmation of a hard-won
electoral victory.

“The rule of law conclusively affirmed the collective voice of the people by dismissing the petition
filed by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and their presidential candidate, former Vice President
Atiku Abubakar.

“The sun rose high in the Nigeria sky today to shine its light over the entire land.
“Atiku should now channel the energy and intellect deployed in the electoral and legal processes
toward joining APC “to move this nation more rapidly and assuredly forward.”
“On February 23, the people tendered the foremost expression of their sovereign, democratic will by
voting for the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari.
“This decision and this day will be recorded as important milestones on Nigeria’s inseparable march
toward perfecting democracy and the rule of law across our land,” he said.
The APC national leader commended the Supreme Court for its expeditious and highly competent
treatment of this important matter.
“Democracy has been affirmed and strengthened. By its ruling, the Supreme Court also affirmed that
the rule of law is paramount; that the law is to be applied objectively, without regard to fear, friend or
foe.

“The law is the law. Nothing is to be added to it and nothing subtracted from it. No one should enjoy
undue favor or suffer unjust prejudice from its application.
“ In so doing, it undergirded its reputation as the highest court in the law and the ultimate guardian of
the rule of law in our nation,” Tinubu said.
The APC leader extolled the virtues of the judiciary for the impartial administration of justice in
electoral and other matters, adding that improvements were still needed in some areas.
Ebonyi To Import Electric Powered Automobiles As Umahi
Meets MD Of Simba
Governor David Nweze Umahi of Ebonyi State is reportedly set to break another record in the history
of Nigeria as he is at the finishing stage of the arrangement to import electric vehicles and charging
points in the state.

Igbere TV reports that Umahi is presently meeting with that Umahi is currently meeting with the
Managing Director of Simba Group, Mr. Vinay Grover; TVS Company Leaders, Marketer of Electric
Tricycles/Vehicles etc at Bangalore, India.

Igbere TV recalls that on Wednesday, 16th October, 2019, the Governor presented a hand of partnership
to India Government through the Indian High Commissioner, His Excellency, Mr. Abhay Thakur where
he enumerated establishment of Electric Automobile Assembling Plant, Importation of Sample electric
powered Tricycles, Buses, Motorcycles and cars etc. as few of the areas of partnership.

Others include; Agriculture where poultry, piggery and food processing top in his presentation.

Governor Umahi had earlier stated that the use of electric mode automobiles is not only a technology of
tomorrow but a technology that cuts cost.

Speaking with Igbere TV correspondent, the Special Assistant on Media to Umahi, Mr. Francis Nwaze
noted that the Governor recently presented a public lecture at University of Nigeria Nsukka on the
topic, “Preparing Ebonyi State for a Zero Oil Economy”.

According to him, “He is the first governor in Nigeria to think outside the box on ways of sustaining
her state when the Oil might have gone.”

He added that “Umahi’s passion is on developing Ebonyi State to the amazement of the general public
and he is on top of his aim.”

Operation Positive Identification: Buratai Explains Reasons For

Drill
The Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Tukur Buratai, said on Thursday the Operation Positive Identification
(OPI) would not hinder the day-to-day activities of Nigerians.

He stated this while fielding questions from the House of Representatives Committee on Army in
Abuja. Buratai, who was represented at the forum by the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Maj.-Gen.
Usman Muhammed said the army had submitted a detailed report on the OPI to the Committee. He said
the military is involved in ‘Operation Lafia Dole’ in the North East and that are other subsidiary
operations within the major operation. The army chief said the OPI is one of the subsidiary operations
taking place in the North-East zone.

According to him, based on credible intelligence on Boko Haram terrorists, they are no longer in their
enclaves. He said the OPI which started on September 22 in the North East was based on intelligence.
Buratai said the military has a tradition of initiating operations towards the end of the year to reduce
crime during the Yuletide. He said: “We have exercise Ayama Kpatuma in the North Central, Atilogwu
Udor in the South East and Crocodile Smile in the South-South and these are aimed at addressing the
security challenges in those zones. “It is a training exercise and at the same time, it is a true operation
whereby we use the opportunity to carry out activities to checkmate criminality and crime within those
areas. “This time around, we feel that we can extend the OPI to some of these areas where we are going
to conduct some of these exercises.” (NAN)

Abdulmumin Jibrin Sues Segalink, Demands N3bn

Compensation For 'Defamation'
A member of the House of Representatives, Abdulmumin Jibrin has sued human rights activist and
social media influencer Segalinks with real names as Segun Awosanya over defamation of character.

According to the lawmaker, Segalink had tweeted about him having foreign accounts and hiding it.

Jibrin through his lawyers have asked Segalink to publicly apologise for the statement and pay a sum of
N3,000,000,000 as damages, else they would be heading to court.

Segalinks To Abdulmumin Jibrin: "Your Lawyers Have Been

Served"
Human rights activist and social media influencer Segalinks with real names as Segun Awosanya has
reacted to the report that Abdulmumin Jibrin demanding N3bn compensation for ‘defamation’

He tweets;

"In the exaggerated valuation of self, the personal ego (hubris) of people drowning in impunity is
sawing off the branch on which he is sitting, and then getting more anxious about the impending crash!
You need to first have a positive reputation before suing for defamation.
Your lawyers have been served. You see, I don't need to send emissaries to bully anyone when I can
serve you directly myself. Public officers must be accountable to the people and not attempt to
intimidate ordinary citizens asking critical questions."

Previous thread: https://www.nairaland.com/5504959/abdulmumin-jibrin-sues-segalink-demands

Governorship Elections: INEC Raises Alarm Over Influx Of
Thugs In Kogi, Bayelsa
THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says there has been mobilisation of thugs
from within Kogi and Bayelsa states ahead of governorship elections fixed for November 16.

“We are also concerned that thugs have been mobilised from within and outside the States with the aim
of either influencing the elections or disrupting the process on behalf of partisan sponsors,” said
Mahmood Yakub, INEC chairman on Friday at a meeting with Inter Agency Consultative Committee
on Election Security (ICCES) held at INEC Headquarters, Abuja.

Yakubu noted that “There are already warning signals in the two states,” adding that “Both are
politically volatile. Elections have been severally disrupted by violence in the past.”

A total of 46 candidates are contesting in the Kogi State election, according to a final list of candidates
published by INEC on its official website. There are 90 candidates contesting in the Bayelsa
governorship election.

The INEC chairman disclosed that a risk assessment by the Commission has already identified some
flash points.

“Our own risk assessment which will be shared with the security agencies at this meeting has identified
some flash points,” he said.

“This calls for a robust response before the elections, on Election Day and during the process of
collation and declaration of results.”

He emphasised that Nigerians expect that by now the nation has learnt enough lessons from previous
elections to ensure a swift security response to the increasing desperation by political actors to disrupt
elections and subvert the will of the electorate.

“If that happens, many Nigerians will blame the electoral umpire and the security agencies. We must
continue to rise to this challenge,” Yakubu said.

He however expressed optimism in the ability of the security agencies to provide adequate security
during the elections.

“We are equally confident that with the sheer number of personnel the security agencies are deploying
in the two states, there can be no excuse for the processes to be undermined by anti-democratic
elements,” he said.
"Tinubu's Bullion Vans": Magu Shuns Question On Petition
The acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, on
Friday refused to answer a question regarding a petition submitted against All Progressives Congress
chieftain, Bola Tinubu.

Magu, who held a press conference in Abuja, had lamented the high rate of corruption in the country
especially among the youths who perpetrate internet fraud.

The EFCC boss had also stated that many non-governmental organisations operating in the North-East
were being used for money laundering.

However, when The PUNCH asked Magu to give an update on the petition submitted against Tinubu,
Magu, who appeared agitated, said, “You want me to talk about a petition here? Next question please.”

The PUNCH reports that the Convener, Concerned Nigerians, Deji Adeyanju, had last week submitted
a petition against Tinubu for having two cash-laden bullion vans in his compound on the eve of the
presidential elections in February.

Tinubu had stated during an interview that the money belonged to him and he was free to distribute it to
his supporters since he was not a government official.

Incidentally, the EFCC is currently prosecuting the son-in-law of the presidential candidate of the
Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, for attempting to distribute money ahead of the same
election.

Meanwhile, Adeyanju said in a Facebook post that he had not been contacted by the EFCC since he
submitted the petition.

Niger State Expresses Willingness To Enter Bilateral Agreement

With Vietnam
The Niger State Government and the Nghe An Province of Vietnam have commenced discussions
aimed at engaging in a mutual-benefitting bi-lateral relationship.

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello,and the Alternate Member of the Party's Committee of the People's
Committee of Nghe An Province, Thai Thanh Quy met on the sidelines events, after the opening
ceremony of the Nigeria- Vietnam Trade and Investment forum in Abuja.

Igbere TV gathered that the two leaders, while opening up discussions on how to go about the bilateral
relationship, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, disclosed that the state possessed enormous potential,
especially in the areas of Agriculture, solid minerals and infrastructural development which he believes
Vietnam can add value to through technical support.

Governor Sani further directed that two working teams be set up and come up with a Memorandum of
Understanding(MOU) draft, and also look at likely areas that the bilateral relationship would be
beneficial to both parties.

Sani pointed out that the basic issue centred on ensuring that both parties establish strong contacts and
communications for further deliberations.

He added that Nigeria as an emerging economy with Niger state strategically positioned in the middle
of the country was surrounded with abundant agriculture potentials and the largest landmass that
requires partnerships that would provide such technical partners to boost her agricultural sector.

He continued stating that when the agreement on the bilateral relationship is reached, both parties
would benefit from the arrangement.

He enumerated that there was a need to establish the relationship as it would strengthen the relationship
between the state and the province as well as Vietnam and Nigeria.

Chairman of Nghe An Province, Thai Thanh Quy on his part , expressed that Niger State possesed
potential with a comparative advantage. Quy said that due to the potentials of the state that was what
attracted his province to partner with it for mutual economic benefits.

He said that his province had a population of a little above Three million and a GDP of $2000.

According to him, they have a developed agricultural sector, tourism, oriental pharmaceuticals,
transportation system, a deep seaport amongst others. He assured the Niger State Government that the
partnership will be of great advantage to both states.

Earlier Sani Bako, Chairman, Nigeria-Vietnam Trade and Investment Forum explained that Niger State
had a lot to gain from the partnership.
Bako said that the state had so many similarities with the province and that the technical expertise of
the Vietnamese Province of Nghe An is a worthy venture for the state to enter into.

Teenager In Court For Refusing To Pay Bill For 31 Bottles Of

Wine
A 19-year-old man, Stanley Paul, who allegedly consumed 31 bottles of ”Andre Wine” with friends in a
Lagos Hotel and refused to pay, on Friday appeared in a Magistrate Court in Ojo, Lagos. The police
charged Paul with three counts of conspiracy, breach of the peace and theft, punishable under the
Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The Prosecutor, Insp. Simon Uche, told the court that the defendant in company of his friends, now at
large committed the offence on Oct. 13.

He alleged that the defendant and his friends drank 31 bottles of wine at the Regional Hotel Bar,
located in the Ojo Magisterial district and refused to pay N93,000. Uche said that the complainant ,
Odjeba Washington, who is also the bartender, alleged that the the defendant who was in the company
of his friends, had initially called for 40 bottles of the wine.

The offence, he said, contravened the provisions of sections 168, 285 and 411 of the Criminal Laws of
Lagos State 2015. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge which was read to him in pidgin
English. Magistrate A.A. Adesanya, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N200,000 with two
sureties in like sum. Adesanya adjourned the case until Dec. 17, for mention. (NAN)

Court Acquits Deji Adeyanju Of Murder

The Kano State High Court on Friday discharged and acquitted activist, Deji Adeyanju, of murder
charges.

Mr Adeyanju was arrested on December 13 over allegations he was involved in a murder in Kano in
2005 of which his lawyers said he was acquitted of in 2009.

Justice Rabiu Sadiq ruled on Friday morning that the case contained exactly the same grounds for
which Adeyanju was discharged and acquitted 10 years ago.

The judge, however, did not award any damage to Adeyanju as none was sought by his lawyers.

The activist spent 78 days at Kano Central Prison between the day of his arrest until March 1, 2019,
when he was released on bail, Igbere TV reports.

Throughout the trial, Adeyanju insisted that the police were victimising him for criticising President
Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
The police, however, denied the allegation.

Uche Ekwunife Of Pdp Floors Victor Umeh Of Apga At Appeal

Court
BREAKING: Court of Appeal delivers Final Judgment on Anambra Central Senatorial Seat

- Affirms Senator Uche Ekwunife's election

- Dismisses Victor Umeh's Appeal for lack of merit

The Court of Appeal, Enugu division on Friday, at about 2.30pm delivered judgment on the Appeal
filed by Chief Victor Umeh and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), seeking to set aside the
judgment of the Tribunal which earlier affirmed Senator Uche Ekwunife's election.

Justice Ignatius Igwe Agube while reading the Judgment signed by two other Justices, dismissed the
Appeal filed by Chief Victor Umeh and his party, APGA for lack of merit.

While agreeing with the judgment of the Tribunal delivered on the 9th of September, 2019, Justice
Agube stated that the Appellant while challenging the nomination of Senator Uche Ekwunife as the
Candidate of PDP wrongly relied on Section 285 (13) of the 1999 constitution as amended.

Justice Agube also stated that the nomination of candidates is a pre-election matter which is outside the
mandate of the Election Petition Tribunal, hence the appellant has no business bringing the matter to
the Tribunal in the first place.

In dismissing 15 ground Appeal, Justice Agube stated that Substitution is nomination, therefore the
Senator Uche Ekwunife was duly nominated as provided by the electoral act. He held that the
Appellant being a member of another political party had no business challenging the nomination of
Senator Uche Ekwunife as PDP Candidate.

Justice Agube also held that the Appellant failed to prove their allegations of non-compliance.

Recall that Senator Uche Ekwunife emerged victorious in the February 23rd Anambra Central
Senatorial Election, defeating her closest rival, Chief Victor Umeh in the entire Seven Local
Governments of the Senatorial district.

The judgment which affirmed Senator Ekwunife's election as the Senator representing Anambra Central
Senatorial District brings to an end the contest for the Senate seat of Anambra Central.

Kingsley Ubani
Court of Appeal,
Enugu, Enugu State.

Ajaokuta Steel Company To Become Operational In 2021 — FG

Olamilekan Adegbite, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development says the Federal Government is
leaving no stone unturned to ensure that Ajaokuta Steel Company becomes fully operational in the next
two years.
Mr Adegbite said this on Friday in Ajaokuta during a tour of the steel complex.
The minister commended the staff of the company for ensuring the security and maintenance of the
facilities.
“The plants are there and some of them are fully functional, the only reason Ajaokuta is still here, is
because the staff are being paid salaries over the years.
“They have not only ensured that the plants are here, they ensured their maintenance and functionality,”
he said.
According to Adegbite, though the workshops are functioning, the desire of the Federal Government is
to upgrade the facility to manufacturing and production of materials for possible export.
He said that the Federal Government would collaborate with the African Export-Import Bank and the
Russia Export Centre to ensure that the steel plant was rehabilitated for full capacity operations.
News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Federal Government had allocated N3.796 billion to the Steel
Plant in the 2020 Budget and was counting on Russia to get the complex running optimally.
An accord to revive the Ajaokuta project was reached at a meeting between President Muhammadu
Buhari and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russia in October.

Nnamdi Kanu Replies Justice Binta Nyako Suggesting Prison To

Be Safest For Him
IgbereTV reports that Nnamdi kanu, leader of the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB), has replied
Justice Binta Nyako, the judge presiding over his trial.

Recall that Kanu, who was based in London, UK, was arrested alongside three others on October 14,
2015, in Lagos. The federal government had charged him with treason but Binta Nyako, a judge of the
federal high court in Abuja, on May 5, 2017, granted him bail after 18 months in detention on health
grounds and adjourned the matter to November.

However, before the adjourned date arrived, Nigerian security forces and Kanu-led IPOB had engaged
in various clashes, leading to the disappearance of the group’s leader in September, 2017, after an
alleged attack by Nigeria soldiers at his family house in Abia State.

The Nigerian government labelled IPOB a terrorist organization, a tag the U.S, Germany and other
countries flawed. The judge has since frowned at Kanu’s disappearance and blamed his sureties for Mr.
Kanu jumping bail.
Later pictures of Kanu praying in Israel appeared on social media on October, 2018. The judge who
ordered his re-arrested by revoking his bail, said the trial must continue whether he is present or not.

At the resumed hearing on Thursday, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, lawyer to kanu notified of his client’s intention to
return back to the country for his trial.

Mr Ejiofor who said an application to that effect was filed in April and his ripe for hearing, urged the
court to restore the revoked bail condition of the IPOB leader to enable him return to the country for
the continuation of his trial.

The lawyer also said his client will return immediately if the court could guarantee his safety.

The presiding judge, Justice Nyako, said the court can only guarantee the safety of the IPOB leader if
only he is kept in prison.

“Even judges are being abducted in the country. So prison is the only safest place for him,” she said.

Replying, Mr kanu, in turn recommended a prison for the judge and her family members since no
where is safe any longer.

He said on Twitter:

“According to Justice Binta Nyako, “Nigeria is NOT safe for anyone, including judges,” Mr kanu said
in a tweet Friday afternoon.

“If in her view prison is the safest place to live for Nigerians, I suggest her family move into the nearest
one to avoid being abducted. Nigeria is lawless, confirmed!” the secessionist leader added.

Over 200 Yahoo Boys Arrested In October – EFCC Boss, Magu

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), said it recorded no fewer than 200 arrests of
Internet fraud suspects, popularly known as ‘Yahoo Boys’, in Oct. alone.

The Acting Chairman of the commission, Mr Ibrahim Magu, stated this at an interactive session with
newsmen on Friday in Abuja.

According to Magu, the biggest catch of the commission is Instagram celebrity Ismaila Mustapha a.k.a
Mompha, and his Lebanese accomplice Hamza Koudeih.

He said the suspects, who were “kingpins of an Organised Cyber Syndicate Network (OCSN)”,
allegedly laundered a total of N33 billion.

Magu said: “Five wristwatches valued at over N60 million were recovered from Mompha at the point
of arrest.

“Investigation has also revealed that he operates 51 bank accounts in Nigeria with which he acquired
properties in Dubai and had laundered about N14 billion through Ismalob Global Investments Limited.

“His accomplice, Koudeih, also has two firms namely: THK Services Limited and CHK properties
Limited with which he has allegedly laundered about N19 billion.

“Koudeih lives in a five million dollar per annum suite at the Eko Atlantic Pearl Tower, Victoria Island
Lagos.’’

The EFCC boss said the arrests underscored the agency’s commitment to the fight against corruption
and economic crime.

He added that there were also clear messages to “high end fraudsters that they can only run, but cannot
hide, sooner than later, we will get them”.

“The effort to flush out all fraudsters continues. At the same time, we will sustain the tempo of
vigorous prosecution of fraud cases in court.

“Indeed, fraudsters account for a huge percentage of the 890 convictions that has been recorded by the
commission this year.

“A number of assets have been seized, while victims have also enjoyed restitution by order of court,”
he said.

While noting that the battle “is far from being won”, the anti-corruption czar renewed his appeal for the
support of stakeholders, especially the media, for the commission.

Magu said the youths, who were mostly involved in cyber fraud, needed sensitisation to the
consequences of their actions not only to their future but to the nation’s image and economy.

He restated the commission’s resolve to rehabilitate those ready to turn a new leaf, and help them to put
their skills to good use.

“The youth must learn the virtues of integrity and hard work as the path to sustainable wealth.

“They must realise that crime does not pay; rather it will destroy their prospects and ruin their chances
of decent living.

“For those who are remorseful and prepared to turn a new leaf, the commission is fully disposed to help
in channeling their energies and cyber skills to positive venture.
“We are considering a policy that will help in the rehabilitation of convicted, but repentant Internet
fraudsters.

“This is to ensure that their skills are positively applied in helping to build a better Nigerian society,”
Magu.

Gov. Makinde Commissions Digital Satelite Audio Network In

Oyo
The Oyo State Government led by Engr Seyi Makinde on Friday commissioned the Broadcasting
Corporation of Oyo State because Digital Satellite Audio Network.

This latest project according to the Governor will help in the effective communication and feedback
channel mechanisms.

Gov. Seyi Makinde explained that the new network will help get clear services to every part of the state
and as such bring the government closer to the people.

He said, “ I also urged the management of because to continue with the work of informing and
entertaining the people of Oyo State .”

FG To Auction Diezani’s $40m Jewellery And Houses At Actual

Price
Magu: We’ll auction Diezani’s $40m jewellery at actual price

Ibrahim Magu, acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), says the
$40 million worth of jewellery seized from the residence of Diezani Alison-Madueke, former minister
of petroleum resources, will be auctioned by its actual value.

Magu disclosed this on Thursday while briefing stakeholders on the crusade against cybercrime and
fraudsters.

In September, a federal high court in Lagos ordered the permanent forfeiture of the jewellery to the
federal government.

Magu said the auctioneers would also sell off the luxury houses recovered from the former minister and
other fraud suspects.

“We want to make sure that there’s transparency in the process. Like what we’re doing now in Port
Harcourt. There are about 242 trailers and tankers that we are about auctioning. In fact, in the next two
weeks, we will auction them. We will advertise, you will see it very clearly,” he said.

“The idea of selling recovered proceed of crime for peanuts is bad. This time around, we are not going
to tolerate it.

“The era of auctioning forfeited properties at gross devalued prices is gone. We are going to do
everything possible to know the real value of any forfeited property and we will invite professionals
and merchants in the area to tell us the actual prices and the current worth and go back to the court to
give reasonable price for every forfeited property before auctioning it.

“I want us to involve everybody…we have to involve the courts, the Federal Ministry of Justice,
Department of Petroleum Resources and maybe the army, in whose premises these things are kept. We
have to be very transparent.

“Even the houses, there are auctioneers coming from outside the country who are internationally
acclaimed and accredited auctioneers. For instance, the jewellery we recovered from Diezani, we need
to bring in international auctioneers because these are things that are bought from abroad. We’ll get in
touch with the manufacturers, with people who are in charge of these things.”

Magu appealed to the mothers of internet fraudsters referred to as “Yahoo boys”, who he said have now
formed associations, to desist from supporting them.

“We are looking at how we can rehabilitate the Yahoo Boys; these are young boys, who have
graduated, who are in the university. We want to see how we can sensitise them; how we can make
them know that the Yahoo Yahoo business is wrong,” he said.

“And we are also appealing to their mothers. The parents of these children, they have actually formed
an association of Yahoo Yahoo Mothers’ Association – Yes; they are there – Association of Mothers of
Yahoo Yahoo Boys.

“Some of them will say the father did not do anything; these boys came, demolished the house and put
up a new structure. If you see the cars that we have recovered, you will think that we are in car
business. These are all Yahoo Yahoo. All brands of cars – Jaguar, Rolls Royce.”

Army Begins Operation Identification Nationwide Today

Members of the House of Representatives Committee on Army yesterday expressed reservations about
the Operation Positive Identification which the military begins nationwide today.

The lawmakers had earlier called on President Muhammadu Buhari to prevail on the army not to
embark on the exercise by which Nigerians are required to move about with means of identification.

But the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-General Tukur Buratai, yesterday told the lawmakers that Buhari and
the Minister of Defence, Bashir Magashi, were in support of the operation.

He said first launched in the northeast in September, would be conducted nationwide to intercept Boko
Haram insurgents who had relocated from their enclaves to other parts of the country.

Buratai, represented by the Head of Civil-Military Affairs, Army Headquarters, Major-General U.S
Usman, noted that the exercise would not involve movement of troops or their presence in
communities. Rather, he emphasised, it is a special operation fused into ongoing operations.

He repeated that the operation did not involve mounting of checkpoints or military incursions into
communities.

According to him, it is an intelligence-based operation to intercept insurgents and other criminal

elements relocating from the army’s theatres of operations to other parts of the country.

He said the precarious situation of the nation prompted the army to initiate various operations to tackle
the security challenges facing the country.

He said soldiers had been deployed to 34 states of the federation owing to the spate of insurgency,
banditry, kidnapping and other crimes.

He noted that the army does not operate in isolation, but always works with other security agencies in
its operations.

According to him, if the army arrests criminals, it hands them over to the police except for insurgents
detained and profiled by the army depending on the situation.

The committee chairman, Abdulrazak Namdaz, said the House was concerned with the issue of
identification during the operations which, he said, was not in the purview of the army but should have
been left for the police, the Nigerian Immigration Service and other security agencies.

“It cannot take effect from tomorrow (today). We have actually told them that this thing requires
sensitisation, will require a lot of media work, press conferences and Nigerians need to be fully
informed; we will talk to relevant authorities to see that this thing is shifted in terms of identification,”
he said.

A member of the committee, Ahmed Jaha, said though the need for the operation was understandable,
its concept and approach should be adjusted since it was being extended to other areas outside the main
theatres of operations.

Meanwhile, human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has sued the army and the Attorney-General of
the Federation over the army’s planned Operation Positive Identification (OPI) across the nation.
In the suit, which also joined the Chief of Army Staff as respondent and filed before the Federal High
Court in Lagos on October 25, Falana prayed for an order of the court stopping the army from going
ahead with the OPI.

He told the court that the planned nationwide operation scheduled for November 1 to December 23,
2019, “is unconstitutional, illegal, null and void.”

He argued that going by Section 217(1) of the Constitution, the Nigerian President could only deploy
the armed forces for the suppression of insurrection and acting in aid of civil authorities to restore law
and order. But that “There is no insurrection in every part of the country which the Nigeria police
cannot contain to warrant the deployment of armed troops all over the country from November 1, 2019
to December 23, 2019.”

Falana therefore urged the court to declare that the army is not empowered to take over police duties.

Also reacting yesterday, a former Deputy Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Olabode George,
described the operation as “totally wrong footed, dangerous, unprecedented, a flagrant assault upon
constitutional democracy.”

Ajaokuta: Global Steel, FG Prepare For Fresh Legal Battle

There were indications on Thursday that Global Steel Holdings Limited, the company involved in the
botched concession of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited, was preparing for a fresh legal battle with the
Federal Government over the control of the Nigeria’s steel mill.

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Olamilekan Adegbite, dropped the hint of the
impending legal battle while inspecting the National Iron Ore Mining Company at Itakpe, Kogi State.

NIOMCO was reportedly ceded to the GSHL after the breakdown of the concession of Ajaokuta Steel
to the Indian company for a 10-year period.

There are signs that the Federal Government has also backed out of the renegotiated concession
agreement which allowed the GSHL to retain NIOMCO, as provisions were made for the iron ore
mining company in the 2020 budget.

Also, Adegbite inspected NIOMCO and Ajaokuta Steel Complex on Thursday as part of plans by the
Federal Government to revive the two long abandoned national assets.

The Federal Government recently entered a fresh agreement with Russia for the completion of
Ajaokuta and stakeholders in the steel industry believe that the steel complex cannot function without
NIOMCO.
Speaking during the inspection on Thursday, the minister declared that the ‘concession modification
agreement’ with the GSHL did not make any sense, and vowed that Nigeria would keep both Ajaokuta
Steel and NIOMCO.

He insisted that Nigeria would not surrender her sovereignty to ‘individuals’.

Although he did not mention the GSHL, he said the company did not want Nigeria to produce steel.

Disclosing that the company was preparing for another legal battle with Nigeria in a foreign court, he
said the Federal Government was prepared for the fight.

The minister said, “As it where, Aladja (steel mill) has already been privatised and sold but
Ajaokuta and Itakpe are still in government hands and will produce to the benefit of the people
of Nigeria, no matter whose ox is gored.

“These people (GSHL), they are not our friends, they don’t want Nigeria to produce steel and
they have successfully done it over the years.

“As it where, they are preparing to go back to some court abroad to embarrass Nigeria but I’m
sure the country is capable of meeting them at this point and we will not surrender our
sovereignty to some individuals.”

It would be recalled that Global Steel Holdings Limited, an Indian company, won the concession of the
Ajaokuta steel mill for 10 years but the agreement was revoked when the Federal Government accused
the firm of asset stripping, a development that led to a court case between the two parties.

To resolve the matter, NIOMCO was reportedly ceded to the GSHL for the remaining period of the
concession in line with an agreement reached during mediation talks.

It is not yet clear whether a fresh legal battle would affect the new agreement entered between the
Federal Government and Russia for the completion of Ajaokuta.

Earlier on Thursday, while showing the ministers of Mines and Steel Development around the
company’s facilities, the acting Sole Administrator of NIOMCO, Augustus Nkechika, had
stressed that Ajaokuta could not work without the iron ore mining company.

#AbujaRaid: FG Investigates Raid On Women In Nightclubs

The Federal Government has commenced investigation into allegations of harassment of women during
raids on several nightclubs in Abuja.

In one of the raids, the FCTA Joint Task Team, comprising the Department of Development Control,
Abuja Environmental Protection Board and the Social Development Secretariat, invaded Caramelo
Night Club in Abuja on April 26 and arrested about 70 women.

The ladies were held in custody at Utako Police Division before being granted bail and arraigned at a
mobile court on April 29, Igbere TV reports.

The women alleged that they were sexually assaulted at the police station; some even said that officers
used sachet water nylon as condoms in the assault.

In a statement on Friday, the Federal Government said it had taken action on the matter, Igbere TV
reports.

“Under the direction of the Presidency, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has
constituted a special panel of investigation to look into these issues not just in Abuja but in other parts
of the country.

“The panel will be sitting in the 6 geo-political zones as scheduled below:

Abuja – 14-16 Nov 2019

Lagos – 20-22 Nov 2019

Kaduna – 2-4 Dec 2019

Owerri- 13-14 Jan 2020

P/H- 16-17 Jan 2020

Gombe- 27- 29 Jan 2020

“Interested members of the public are advised to submit memoranda to NHRC.”

It also advised Nigerians to ignore the recirculation of an “old video” in which the Acting Secretary to
the FCT Social Development Secretariat, Safiya Umar, is seen reproaching women who wear skimpy
clothes in the full glare of clothed men.

Ghana Begs Buhari To Open Closed Border

Nigeria’s West African neighbour, Ghana, has again begged the government of President Muhammadu
Buhari to rescind its decision on the closure of the country’s land border as the effect of the border
closure bites harder for Ghana and other West African neighbours.

Reports say that Charles Owiredu, Ghana’s deputy minister of foreign affairs, made the plea when he
met with Ambassador Zubairu Dada in charge of foreign affairs in Nigeria.
It was learnt that at the meeting, the Ghanaian and Nigerian officials discussed strategies to ease the
challenges faced by Ghana over the border closure by Nigeria.

The Ghanaian minister said the meeting was a follow-up to the previous one held with Nigeria and
argued that the policy by Buhari’s government went against the Economic Community of West African
States (ECOWAS) protocol of free movement of goods.

But the Nigerian minister of state told the Ghanaian delegation that their country was not the target of
the border closure.

He explained that the decision of the federal government to close the borders was to discourage the
movement of illicit goods into the country.

He also said the government’s action was temporary. He also said the government took the decision to
tackle the nation’s insecurity.

“The meeting agreed that in order to address the concerns raised by the Republic of Ghana, a census of
vehicles coming into Nigeria from Ghana will be conducted to ascertain facts and collectively device
means of giving them access into the country,” a statement from Dada’s office read.

Appeal Court In Kaduna Sacks Abdulmumin Jibrin Of Apc

The Court of Appeal sitting in Kaduna, has ordered fresh election into Kiru/Bebeji Constituency
Federal Constituency seat of Kano State. Former chairman of the House of Representatives Committee
on Appropriations, Abdulmumin Jibrin was declared winner of the election for the seat in February but
the results was challenged by Aliyu Datti Yako , the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party,PDP.

The petition of the PDP candidate was dismissed at the election petition but he appealed the judgment .

Justice Ajoke Adepoju who delivered the judgment said the entire election conducted in the two local
governments of Kiru and Bebeji could not stand as the final result contained in Form ECE for the
election was mutilated.

EFCC Detains 16 Kwara LG Chairmen Over Misappropriation

Of Public Funds
IgbereTV reports that sixteen local councils chairmen are currently under interrogation by the anti-graft
agency for alleged misappropriation of part of the N4b loan and ten percent of the state internally
generated revenue.

The local councils chairmen are in Kwara State Zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission facing interrogation and may likely spend the weekend there.

The local government chairmen included: Risikat Opakunle, Saidu Yaru Musa, Umar Belle, Ayeni
Dallas, Fatai Adeniyi Garba, Lah Abdulmimeen, Raliat Funmi Salau, Aminat Omodara, Muyiwa
Oladipo.

Others are, Oladipo Omole, Abdullahi Abubakar Bata, Saka Eleyele, Lateef Gbadamosi, Oni Adebayo
Joseph,Omokanye Joshua Olatunji and Jibril Salihu.

IgbereTV gathered that the councils chiefs after securing the controversial loans, allegedly held a
meeting and decided that one hundred million naira be shared among themselves.

On February 7, 2018, the chairmen wrote a four billion naira loan request to the Ilorin Sterling bank
manager in order to pay the salary arrears of the state Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB,
teachers, local government staff and the local government pensioners while the provisions for one
hundred million naira was not appropriated in the loan request.

The chairmen were accused of diverting monthly ten percent of the internally generated revenue for
their personal use which was paid directly into their personal accounts against the financial regulations.
All the suspects while undergoing interrogation by the operatives of the commission, admitted that the
one hundred million naira was shared from the loan and also received ten percent of the internally
generated revenue.

The chairmen pleaded with the commission to give them time to pay back what they benefitted from
government’s money.
https://twitter.com/officialEFCC/status/1190320468659785737?s=19

PDP Lawmaker, Ikengboju Gboluga, In Ondo Appoints 60 Aides

A member of the House of Representatives representing Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency of Ondo
State, Ikengboju Gboluga, has appointed 60 political and legislative aides.

In a statement on Friday by his media consultant, Israel Fagbemigun, the appointments take effect on
November 1 (today).

The appointments include chief of staff, senior legislative aide, legislative aides, personal assistant,
secretary, senior special advisers and special advisers, Igbere TV reports.

The statement said Mr Gboluga’s decision to appoint the “unprecedented high number of aides” was in
recognition of their contributions during the elections and to give them a sense of belonging and
“financial appreciation.”
Those who did not make the list, he said, would be “equally appreciated and rewarded in the upcoming
empowerment programmes,” one of which is scheduled for Monday to cover 600 persons.

Ajimobi Loses Appeal Against Balogun

A former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi on Friday lost his appeal against the Senator
representing Oyo South Senatorial district, Senator Kola Balogun in February 23, 2019 National
Assembly election. The Federal Appeal Court sitting in Ibadan affirmed the decision of the National
Assembly Election Petition Tribunal which threw out the petition of Senator Abiola Ajimobi against the
victory of Senator Dr. Kola Balogun.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) and Ajimobi had approached the Appeal Court asking that the
victory of Balogun of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by the Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC) be quashed on grounds including non-qualification for the election and that the
election results declared by the electoral body was invalid. The INEC had declared that PDP candidate
scored 105,720 votes to defeat the APC candidate who garnered 92,217 votes.

The appellants led by Chief Akin Olujinmi (SAN) had claimed that the election tribunal did not
properly evaluate the evidence brought before it before delivering judgment in the petition. The
respondents led by Mr Olalekan Ojo (SAN) however claimed that the tribunal through due diligence
examined all evidence tendered before it. Justice Haruna Samani who delivered the unanimous
judgment on behalf of the two other Justices (Okoronkwo and Ojo) who were not present, said that
going by section 138 (1) (a), once the INEC has decided that a candidate has been validly nominated by
the party, the issue of non-qualification would not arise.

“The issue cannot be raised now. It is certainly settled that the ground for disqualification for
nomination is a matter for the Constitution. Anyone who is not an interested party will be considered an
interloper. Once a candidate is nominated by a party, he cannot be disqualified by any other party”,
stressing that the appellant ought to have challenged the non-qualification of the respondent at the High
Court. On the issue of the tribunal not given any probative value to the evidence of the appellant’s
witnesses as canvassed by the petitioners, the Appeal Court Justice found that all the witnesses
presented were not qualified to testify at the tribunal. They were not polling agents but only collation
agents.

They did not have any credible evidence before the tribunal and that was why their case failed. “The
appellants failed to adduce reasons why the collation agents could not give evidence before the
tribunal. All the oral evidence given by the witnesses were rightly discountenanced by the tribunal, I do
hold”. In the 33 minutes judgment, Justice Samani eventually said that, “This appeal has no merit and
so it is hereby dismissed. The judgment of the National Assembly Election Tribunal is hereby
affirmed”, he submitted.
Buhari Doesn’t Know Nigeria’s Problems Can’t Be Solved
Abroad- Afenifere
Pan- Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere on Friday lent its voice to those criticising President
Muhammadu Buhari’s frequent foreign trips, saying the president is behaving as if he doesn’t know
that Nigeria’s problems can’t be solved abroad.

A lot of Nigerians have spoken against the President’s incessant trips abroad while a lot of problems
ranging from security, economy and numerous other challenges are bedeviling the nation.

However, the national chairman of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole,
berated the critics of President Muhammadu Buhari’s constant trips abroad saying that a former
President, Olusegun Obasanjo travelled more frequently that Buhari when he was in office.

“Saying Mr. President is involved in frequent trips is not correct. I remember very well, there is no
president in recent Nigeria’s history, since 1999 till now, that travelled out of Nigeria as much as
former President Olusegun Okikiola Aremu Obasanjo did.
However, speaking with Daily Independent yesterday, Yinka Odumakin, National Publicity Secretary
of Afenifere said: “The rate at which the President travels suggests he is acquiring miles for post -office
life”.

“But on a serious note, he is doing as if he doesn’t know that the problems of Nigeria will not be solved
abroad”.

CBN Governor: Border Closure Will End Boko Haram,

Kidnapping, Yahoo-Yahoo
IgbereTV reports that Mr Godwin Emefiele, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), says
if border closure is continued for the next two years, issue of insurgency, banditry and kidnapping will
be totally eradicated.

Emefiele made this statement at the first Convocation Lecture of Edo University, Iyamho, Auchi on
Friday.

When interviewed after his lecture entitled “The Role of Monetary Policy towards Economic Growth in
Nigeria,” he said the border closure was capable of tackling all security challenges currently being
experienced in the country.

He said that if the youth, who were in these vices were gainfully engaged in meaningful activities, the
insecurity would reduce to the barest minimum.

He said, “I can tell you that if our borders remain closed for two years, the issue of ‘Boko Haram’,
Kidnapping, Banditry and ‘Yahoo-Yahoo’ will stop. CBN will promote this policy by making sure that
we produce what we consume and eat what we produce."

He maintained that the apex bank would not allow the country to be used as a dumping ground for
smuggling goods.

Emefiele, however, decried the actions of some neighbouring countries which he said was not helping
matters.

Emefiele explained that some neighbouring countries are hampering the development of the Nigerian
economy. He said when Nigeria as a country increased import duty on rice to discourage importation,
those neighbouring countries reduced their own duties to get rice importation to be smuggled to the
country.

He said, “we no longer want what they are importing to our country because we can produce them and
CBN will do everything possible to promote domestic products."

Emefiele urged the youth and old to take agriculture serious as it will help in the economic
development of the country.

APC Chiefs Ask Buhari To Sack Akpabio For Constituting

NDDC Committee
State chairmen of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) on Friday described the decision of the
Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, to set up an Interim Management Committee for
the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), despite the appointment of a substantive board by
the President Muhammadu Buhari as a national embarrassment and asked the President to sack him
without delay.

The APC chairmen in a statement issued by their chairman and Secretary, Ali Bukar Dolari and Ben
Nwoye, respectively, said: “We see the minister as a clog in the wheel of progress. He has a vested
interest to annex the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) as a unit of the Niger Delta
Ministry where he is the minister.

“We query the rationale behind Akpabio’s hastened moves to impose an illegal Interim Management
Committee in breach of the NDDC act.

“What does Akpabio intend to achieve by hurriedly appointing the committee whereas, Akpabio is
aware of President Muhammadu Buhari’s appointment of a substantive board who are currently
undergoing confirmation screening by the Senate?

“We view a situation where a minister exhibits crass insubordination to the office and person of the
President, who appointed him as a minister, as a national embarrassment.

“We are irked by the conflicting orders one exercised by the President and Commander in Chief who
effectively discharged his powers in accordance with the provisions of section 2(2)(a) of the Niger
Delta Development Commission,(NDDC) ( Establishment) Act, 2000 by appointing eminent Nigerians
into the governing board of the NDDC as read by the President of Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan in plenary
only for Godswill Akpabio to appear on a national television in the evening of same day to announce a
three-man committee to run the affairs of the NDDC which President Buhari has earlier appointed
qualified Nigerians to oversee via his executive communication to the Senate seeking for confirmation
of the nominees.

“We call on the President to sack Senator Godswill Akpabio without delay before he causes more
embarrassment to this government and malign his hard-earned reputation with his uncommon
illegalities.

“We call on President Buhari to reverse the order delegating his statutory regulatory powers of the
NDDC to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. The minister’s conducts so far show that the NDDC
under the supervision of the ministry will be counter-productive as such, the supervision of the NDDC
should be returned back to the Presidency as it was before now.

“We call on the leadership of the National Assembly to exercise its constitutional powers to correct the
lawlessness of the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and ensure the immediate inauguration of the board
upon confirmation by the Senate so as to curb the arbitrariness of a power-drunk uncommon minister
and uphold the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Border Closure Has N’assembly’s Backing, Says Omo-agege

The Border Closure Has N’Assembly’s Backing, Says Omo-Agegelosure of the nation’s borders by the
federal government has the backing of the National Assembly, the Deputy Senate President, Senator
Ovie Omo-Agege, has said.

Omo-Agege, who made this disclosure in his keynote address at the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung
conference Friday, stressed that current restrictions in the movement of goods across Nigeria’s borders
are in national interest and enjoys the backing of federal lawmakers.

Kaduna Dry Port: Nigeria Losing 100,000TEUs Cargo To Benin

Annually
Though it is more economical for Nigeria’s neighbouring landlocked country, Niger Republic to be
transiting her imports through the Kaduna Dry Port or Kano Inland Container Terminal (ICD), the
country has continued to patronise the Benin seaport which is over 1500 kilometers to Maradi, Niger’s
southern Commercial hub.
This development, President of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Hon Iju
Nwabunike disclosed, is costing the country loss of over 100,000TEUs (Twenty-foot equivalent unit)of
container traffic annually (67,000 twenty foot containers and 18,000 forty foot containers).

He disclosed that the revenue loss to Nigeria as a result is heavy because Benin is paying huge
transport cost for transporting her transit cargoes from the Cotonue Port to Maradi.

Nwabunike, who spoke in a recent interactive session with maritime journalists in Lagos tagged:
‘AMJON Monthly  Roundtable’, organised by the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria,
disclosed that it will be extremely cheaper for Niger to transit her cargoes from the Kaduna Dry Port
(about 250 kilometers to Mardi) or Kano ICD (about 150 kilometers to Maradi); than from the Cotonue
Seaport which is over 1,500 kilometers to Maradi.

Nwabunike, who is also a Director of ICNL, operators of the Kaduna Dry Port, regretted that since the
Dry Port was inaugurated with much fanfare by President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2018, it has
been confronted with several challenges including ineffective rail transporting system and poor state of
the roads from Lagos to Kaduna.

He, however, said that the most daunting challenge is the failure of the Shipping Companies to in line
with global standards, start to send cargoes directly to the Dry Port and add the cost of land
transportation from Lagos to the Dry Port, in the tariff chargeable on the cargo. He expressed fears that
the action of the Shipping Companies might be aimed at sabotaging the success of the Dry Port.

Meanwhile, the Kaduna Dry Port is a port of origin and port of destination with full paraphernalia of all
government agencies involved in the cargo import and export processes.   

Nwabunike further warned that unless the Kaduna Dry Port is up and running effectively soonest,
Nigeria would lose forever the over 100,000TEUs Niger’s transit cargoes as Benin Republic has
already commenced construction of 1500 kilometers Standard Gauge rail line from Cotonue Port to
Maradi, Niger Republic.

According to him, over 800 kilometers of the new Cotonue-Maradi rail line has been completed. 

“When that rail line is completed, it will reduce the cost of transportation of cargoes from Cotonue to
Maradi.” He said the only advantage we have over Benin is to snatch the Niger transit cargo traffic
from them is the low cost of transportation we offer to Niger Shippers. “Otherwise, they are more
emotionally attached to Benin which is their fellow French speaking nation than to us.”

He added that to make the bad situation worse: “Our recent closure of our borders with them, has
turned them against us. Infact they almost mobbed us during our recent visit to that country to explain
to them why they should use the Kaduna Dry Port.”